Page 38 of That Rush

“I won’t.”

“And ask her properly.”

I keep walking toward my truck. This time, I’m going to the library without Josie, without a family invitation, and without anyone else to hide behind.

The library is quieter than it was Saturday, which means Paige looks up the instant the door closes behind me.

Her gaze drops to my empty hands, then slides past me.

“Did you forget someone?”

“Good afternoon to you too.”

“Where’s Josie?”

“With my parents.”

She rests one hand on the cart of returned books beside her. “So you came to the children’s library without a child.”

“There are books here for adults.”

“I’m aware. I’ve read several.”

Her mouth curves, and my gaze lands there before I force it back to her eyes.

“I need a trail guide.”

“A trail guide.”

“For Colorado.”

She stares at me.

I wait.

“You grew up here.”

“I spent a long time in Texas.”

“Did Texas erase your knowledge of mountains?”

“Gradually.”

Paige presses her lips together, but a laugh escapes anyway. “You own enough land to wander around for days without seeing another person.”

“That’s how I’d prefer to hike.”

“You also have a phone.”

“I’m trying to reduce my screen time.”

“You looked up my book.”

I should have known she’d make the connection that fast.

“Research doesn’t count.”

“Of course it doesn’t.” She steps around the desk and gestures toward the nonfiction section. “Come on. Let’s find you a completely necessary guide to the state where you were raised.”