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Chapter Three
Strangers
“Why are you hiking alone?” I parroted.
“It’s for work. I don’t have much of a choice,” he said gruffly.
“That sounds like a great career choice. What do you do that takes you out here, alone, off the proverbial trail?”
“I’m a geoscientist,” he said as he sauntered behind me.
“So, you study rocks all day?” I said, without turning my head.
“Yes, I take rock samples and study certain geological formations.” He sighed. “Actually, my job is kind of a long story, and I can tell you probably aren’t in the mood to hear about ground-penetrating radar.”
I nodded. “Probably not in the mood to hear about penetrating, yes, you are correct.”
His boots slipped over gravel, and I smirked as he stumbled over a few pebbles and then regained his balance.
That’s right… keep him distracted. Only four more miles to go.
“But really, haven’t you ever heard about having a hiking buddy?” he asked.
“I think that’s swimming, not hiking,” I muttered over my shoulder.
A sly grin crossed his lips, and I knew this wasn’t the end of the conversation. I sighed and dragged my feet faster across the rocks. I didn’t want to explain to a stranger that the last couple of heartbreaking years had turned me into an antisocial recluse. He didn’t need to know that there wasn’t someone available to ask, even if I wanted to. If only we could hike in silence.
“What made you choose this trail today?” His nonchalant tone caressed the back of my head. I liked his voice a little too much. It was low and gravelly, a little rough, like the calluses on his hands. Stop thinking about the calluses on his hands and focus on the question.
The pictures of the auburn and crimson mountains jutting into the sky was too much to resist. It was also a little bit of sleep deprivation that encouraged my poor decision making, per usual.
“The views seemed too good to pass up.” I shrugged. “And people rated it as a moderate out-and-back path with decent mileage.” Technically, the previous hikers had been right. The vistas were breathtaking, but they’d also forgotten to mention that it was difficult to know where the designated trail ended.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a beautiful sunset tonight.”
“You’re welcome to go on ahead. I’m doing fine now.” I gestured down at my legs. “And I don’t want to hold you up.”
Please just go. I can’t handle any more questions because I might blurt out that I was attacked by a decaying half-man, and then you’ll drive me straight to the loony bin.
“Hey, wait.” A warm hand rested on my shoulder. He released his hold and stepped in front of me, turning to meet my stare.
I paused and craned my neck up to meet his dark green eyes. It was such an interesting shade of green, I couldn’t pull my eyes away. His eyes were so serious. Slightly overwhelming when they were fully focused on me. They matched his personality.
“Did I say something to offend you?”
His imposing frame was blocking my way around the next boulder.
Damn it.
I absently rubbed my head and then quickly pulled away when I felt the crust of dried blood.
I was being a complete ass to the guy. He was only trying to be a good person and make sure I didn’t die on this freaking mountain. The least I could do was pretend to be appreciative of his help.
“No, you didn’t. I don’t want you to feel obligated to stay with me. I’m grateful, really, for the assistance over the ledge, and your concern,” I said.
“I feel like there is a but coming,” he said, squinting down into my eyes.
“But… I don’t enjoy the game of twenty-one questions,” I stated flatly, trying not to offend him with my sheer hatred of all personal examination. I now more than ever had to figure out what was going on with me. Before someone else did.
