Page 104 of Shadowing You

He liked to believe he was in control. China had torn that fantasy to shreds.

He bent and kissed Mei Lin on the cheek, receiving a surprised look in return.

“Thanks for getting us out of that.”

“Eh, it is, as you Americans say, another day at the office.”

Laughing, he followed his wife deeper into the forest.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The trail flattened where the woods opened up, then climbed a small rise and dropped. Water burbled somewhere ahead, its scent clean and wild.

Mei Lin led the way along the narrow path until they reached a footbridge that looked older than her grandmother. Gray, slatted planks, two fraying ropes for handrails, the whole thing suspended between two trees that looked like they’d been standing up for a long time and were ready for a break.

The stream beneath ran clear and fast over pale rocks. It wasn’t a far drop, but far enough to hurt if the bridge didn’t last.

It was either the footbridge or the water, and Mei Lin wasn’t in the mood to get wet. She continued toward the bridge until Ethan gripped her upper arm.

“Wait.” He stopped beside her and considered it.

“I’m sure it’s fine.” They hadn’t run into anyone else along this trail, but it had been cleared enough that people must use it.

“Let me go first.” He stepped past her and onto the first plank. It creaked under his weight, but held. He took another step, and another, hands sliding along the rope. The bridge swayed, but only a little. In the middle, he looked back over his shoulder and smiled at her before continuing to the other side.

He turned and called, “It’s fine.”

It must be, considering it’d held his weight, which was probably twice hers. She crossed after him, gripping the rope and marveling at the man who’d insisted on testing it first. That he had set himself between her and the drop shouldn’t have surprised her. He’d set himself between her and every other danger he’d seen coming. Even now, he was watching her closely, making sure she didn’t have any trouble, looking like he was ready to lunge if the bridge creaked wrong.

Warmth rose in her chest.

She reached the other side safely, stopping a foot from her husband, who was giving her the oddest look.

“What?”

His eyes narrowed the slightest bit. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that you are overprotective.”

“You’re welcome.” He grinned and stepped aside, swinging his arm to present the trail. “After you, milady.”

“Such a gentleman.” She continued past him and into the woods. The trail was narrower now, threading between ferns. She yawned. Then yawned again.

Behind her, Ethan chuckled. “Shall I carry you?”

“That’s very chivalrous.”

“I’m serious. You want a piggy-back ride?”

She glanced over her shoulder. “You are calling me a pig?”

“No, I didn’t mean…” He seemed to realize she was joking and shook his head. “You’re impossible.”

They walked a few yards, and then she couldn’t help it. She yawned again. “I’m getting plenty of sleep. I don’t know why I’m so tired.”

“You’re getting sleep, but it’s not very restful.”

They reached more trees, and she was sorry to say goodbye to the sunshine, though every step took them closer to Gavin’s contacts and, hopefully, rest. “What do you mean?”