Page 171 of Rush

“Anytime.”

The four of us walk toward a lookout point, boots crunching over gravel and sand. Our hands brush once. Then again. And again. I know he’s itching to hold mine—I think. Or maybe I’m projecting. Either way, makes me nervous.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket. Riley.

She’s video calling. I swipe to answer and lift the camera, giving her a panoramic sweep of the canyon.

“Hi, Riley.” Her face lights up on screen.

“Hi, babes!” she says.

“Hi, guys—say hi!” I turn the phone to the group.

Ava and Broderick wave enthusiastically. Luca stands still, hands shoved in his pockets.

“Say hi, Luca, or I’ll push you off the ledge,” I tease.

He sighs, deadpan, “Hi, Luca.”

We all crack up—a joke. Miraclesdohappen.

I glance at Riley’s expression on screen. Her eyes are locked on Luca, widening slightly.

She’s got it bad for him.

I turn the camera back to myself. “I miss you, babes. I wish you were here.”

“We’ll go next time,” she says. “You can show me all the trouble you got up to while you’re there.”

“Oh,you bet.It’s not the same without you.”

“Of course it’s not.” She smirks. “But I’m glad you’re having a good time. It’s good for you.”

“If you say so.”

“Iknowso. I wanted to check in—and let you know, the photos look amazing. I’m heading out to dinner, but I’ll see you tomorrow when you’re back.”

“I love you, Riley.”

“Love youmost.”

The call ends. I lower the phone slowly, tucking it away, but the soft warmth of Riley’s voice lingers in my chest.

Behind me, I can feel Broderick watching.

“You’re staring,” I say, not turning around. “Enjoy the view.” I spread my arms toward the canyon, letting the wind pull at my shirt, my hair.

“I am.”

I glance back—and he’s not looking at the canyon.

There’s a flutter deep in my chest, in the way his gaze settles in the cracks of my heartache.

Every fiber of my being pulls toward him like gravity.

Even when my brain is unsure.

My heart seems to have other ideas.