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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.
CHAPTER EIGHT
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?”
“Uh-huh. And I made it there all by myself this morning.”
There’s a challenge to her words, but also a hint of teasing I’m relieved to hear. I know I was overprotective last night. Just like I know letting her walk off alone in the dark wasn’t an option.
Since it’s still light out, I don’t insist on going with her this time. I trust she’d tell me if that’s what she wanted.
I nod and then head for the campfire, only pausing to grab a beer out of the cooler.
I take a seat next to Finn and crack the cold can open.
“How did it go?” He doesn’t bother with any small talk. Or keeping his voice down.
I smile before I sip. “Great.”
Finn’s exhale is overdone and dramatic. “Thank fuck.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m still smiling. “How was fishing?”
