Ginny didn’t move an inch. Her fingers were practically part of the rock, her grip was that tight, and her boots were wedged into small crevasses.
Will carefully lowered himself over the edge, knowing full well how dangerous it was without a safety harness, but he couldn’t think about that. Ginny couldn’t fall.
Each slow and steady move brought him closer to her shaking body. He could hear she was crying, but he had to stay focused on where to place his hands and feet next. He was so pleased the cliff had many nooks and crannies, making a rock climber’s life so much easier. Any other time, he’d be in his element.
‘Hey, love, you come here often?’ he joked, reaching her side.
‘Will?’ It was as though she’d only just realized he was there.
‘I don’t know about you, but I’m freezing my arse off on this rock. How about we go home and make some hot chocolate?’
Ginny’s breathing was shallow and her lips blue. It wasn’t good. Will knew he had to move fast.
Shaun called over the edge. ‘Will, I’m throwing some ropes down. They’re secured this end.’ And with that, two sturdy ropes came tumbling his way.
‘Ginny, I want you to use one hand to hold the rope.’
Her head moved the tiniest bit.
Will had strong upper-body strength. Years of training had served him well. With his feet secure and a good grip with one hand, he used the other to tie the rope around his waist, then he moved so his body was touching hers.
‘I can’t move,’ she mumbled. ‘Please, don’t touch me.’
‘It’s okay, love. I’ve got you. You’re not going anywhere but up.’
‘We’re going to fall.’
Will started to loop the second rope around her arm, as that was the only gap he could see. It would have to do. ‘I happen to be a skilled rock climber, thank you very much. No one falls on my watch.’
‘Will . . . I can’t . . .’
‘It’s okay. What I want you to do is look at your right hand.’
That slight shake of the head was back.
‘Come on, Ginny. You can do it. Just look up at your right hand.’
It took a second, but she looked up.
‘That’s great. Now, you see that dip in the rock just above it? I want you to place your hand there.’
‘I can’t.’
‘You can. It’s called rock climbing. All you have to do is find the gaps.’ He placed one arm around her back, leaning in as if to hold her up.
‘What about my feet?’
‘Once you have a good grip with your hands, you can slide one foot up and feel for something you can use as a ledge.’
Ginny started to cry again. ‘I can’t move.’
‘Okay. It’s okay. How about you let me slide this rope under your other arm? It’ll make a good harness.’ Before she could respond, he started to move into her, working slowly while she shook on his body. ‘Here we go. Nice and secure you are now.’
‘I don’t feel it.’
‘Did you just laugh? I heard a chuckle. You’re just messing with me, aren’t you, love? I bet you have a rock climber’s badge tucked away indoors with all your other adventure awards. I know your type. Adrenaline junkies.’
‘Will, I want to go home.’
