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“This is the first time it’s felt like it in a while.”
“Tell me that, then. Don’t act like everything is fine and then suddenly say you need some time, and we should take a break.”
“It was hard to tell you when I barely saw you.” My voice is soft. I’m trying to explain, not to pick a fight.
Holden exhales. “This year is going to be even busier than last year was.”
“I know.”
“If you need more time or space or a break or whatever this summer was, that’s okay.”
“Uh…okay.” I chew on the inside of my cheek. Something about him being understanding and accommodating more grating than any disagreement. Better than the way he shut down before, I guess. That stung.
“I’ll wait, no matter how long it takes.”
My inhale is sharp and surprised, but Holden’s eyes don’t waver. He stares at me, his attention consuming. Warmth blossoms inside of me, separate from the lust humming in my veins as our slick bodies rub against each other.
I love him.
Part of me hoped—feared—this summer apart would change that. Change us.
Now, I wonder how I ever thought we’d end up anywhere but here.
I decided he wasita long time ago.
And some things don’t change.
CHAPTEREIGHT
HOLDEN
We’re the last ones back at the campsite. Unsurprising, considering we covered about eleven miles and the spot where Finn was planning on fishing is only a half-mile away.
My skin is sticky from salt and sweat.
My shoulders ache from carrying a backpack all day.
My entire body is sore, actually. The weights and cardio routine I’m used to don’t utilize the same muscles as hiking.
But I feel better than I have in weeks. The rock that’s been sitting in my gut ever since I heard the wordbreakhas shrunken up and disappeared.
Things between me and Cassia aren’t perfect, but they’re a hell of a lot better than they were.
It casts a warmer, more positive glow over everything. I’m no longer pissed at Harrison’s interference or irritated simply by the sight of Brooks’s face.
Igrinas we walk into the clearing. “We made it.”
“Thank God.” Cassia exhales dramatically, but she’s smiling too.
Everyone else is gathered around the campfire. Tonight’s dinner is hot dogs, because meal options are pretty limited when you’re cooking on a grill for a large group.
At this point, I’m hungry enough to eat just about anything.
I drop my backpack outside the tent and stretch. It wasn’tthatheavy but carry anything all day and it starts to feel like a burden.
“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Cassia says, leaning down to dig through her duffel bag.
“Okay.” I should probably shower too, but a cold beer and sitting down feels like more of a priority right now. “You remember the way to the bathrooms?”
