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I scoff, and he suddenly turns.
“You trust me, Cassia?”
Maybe I should hesitate, after all that we’ve been through. But it’s also why I don’t. “Yes.”
A small smile touches his lips. “Good.” Then he turns around and keeps walking.
The trail is well-maintained but narrow. We walk single file across the leaf litter and pine needles scattered along the ground, shaded by the broad branches above. Small patches of sunlight permeate the canopy above, but the rest of the path is shaded, the fresh air damp and cool.
I inhale deeply, especially once the incline starts. Holden doesn’t glance back once.
He’s obviously paying attention to me, though, because he slows after I slip on a stray rock. I catch my balance, rubbing my palm against my shorts to wipe away the dirt before continuing to trek.
It’s a peaceful, comfortable kind of silence, permeated by the occasional bird call or twig snap. The kind I wasn’t sure we were still capable of. The kind that reminds me how tightly woven Holden Adams is in my life. That I’m not just attracted to him or in love with him, but I also consider him a best friend.
I feel more myself around him than I do when I’m alone.
And it’s the reminder of the friendship that predated our relationship that makes me decide to strike up a conversation. “So was camp really that terrible, or were you just being dramatic?”
He huffs a laugh. “Both.”
“Same guys as last year?”
“Yeah, for the most part. I hung out with the same crew, at least. Coach Jackson was there.”
I nod, then realize he can’t tell. “Nice.”
A pause, before he asks, “Everything okay at the shelter?”
“Yeah. It’s been busy. We’re almost to capacity, which sucks.”
“Isn’t Eileen putting in a new kennel?”
“I thought so, but she’s changed the subject every time it’s come up. Guessing there’s a money concern. She’s paying me more than minimum wage and wants to start compensating Jackie for her time too.”
“Did you know she’s friends with Harrison’s sister?”
“Um, yeah.” I battle curiosity and lose. “She told you that?”
“No, he did.”
“What? Why?”
“He was giving me some shit for showing up there yesterday.”
My stomach jolts uncomfortably. Unfortunately, Harrison has always been a touchy subject between us. It explains some of the tension last night. “I didn’t ask him to do that.”
“I know.”
“I’d rather you show up more, not less.” It’s easier to admit that while staring at Holden’s back instead of his face.
His steps seem to falter for a half-second. “I thought it was the opposite. Your place where you didn’t want distractions.”
“I never said that. You used to come by and help out. Then you just…stopped. We never discussed it.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
I blink rapidly. Apologizing is not Holden’s typical response.
