Page 5 of Fumbling for Affection

Lucas grinned. “I know Maggie could have done it. Remember the mud run challenge during our sophomore year? The way you pulled yourself up and over the wall and then attacked the rope course. You are a mighty fierce competitor.”

“Maggie? Competitive? Only if there’s sugar involved,” Cal joked as he led them along the last section of the trail. Maggie tripped on a root and Lucas shot his out hand to steady her.

“We must know different Maggies then,” Lucas said as the group stopped. No one spoke as they looked at Bigger Falls in front of them. To the west was a glimpse of Biggest Falls and to the east was the dense forest.

“Where’s the other falls? Big Falls?” Bash asked.

“Tucked behind us. My dad always said we were in an alcove,” Cal explained.

“I forgot how spectacular this was,” Lucas said.

“You have waterfalls in the valley.”

“But not like this. Nothing as tall or grand. Or as beautiful.” Lucas looked at her, and Maggie’s heart tripped. He’s messing with you, she reminded herself. Just like in school. Each time she thought they’d come to a truce, he’d ruin it. What’s he after?

“Well, it’s not Niagara Falls or Yosemite, but it’s charming. Do we go back the same way?” Bash asked.

“Is Mother Nature making you itchy?” Penny asked.

“No, just asking a question. I like it up here. Mother Nature doesn’t make me itchy.” Bash sat, draping his legs over the ledge.

“There’s an easier trail to the left we take going back. As hard as the rocks are to get up, they’re even tougher to get down.” Maggie joined him on the ground, but not close to the ledge. Lucas sat next to her and the others next to Bash.

They drank in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains while the quiet roar of the falls surrounding them. Maggie closed her eyes, feeling the light, moist breeze on her face. Between the long day at work, the hike, and maintaining a friendly facade with Lucas, she was beat. She closed her eyes and dreamed of an early escape. “Now that I’m living with Cal, I’ll be seeing you more often. I hope,” Lucas murmured.

Maggie’s eyes flew open. Had her friendly facade worked too well, and he thought they’d crossed the line from borderline friendly to pals? “I’m sure you’ll be plenty busy with football,” she said, hoping it would deter him. He stared at her as if figuring out his next move. His stomach growled, and they both chuckled. “It sounds like Lucas needs feeding. We should head back.” Maggie stood quickly and swayed slightly. Lucas steadied her—a simple task, since he wouldn’t leave her side.

“Lucas always needs feeding,” Bash said, as Penny brushed aside his attempts to help her stand. “The curse of being a center.”

“No, the curse of being a center is having your freakishly large hands between my legs all the time.” Maggie and Penny led the way back while the men bickered like siblings on who had it worse as a professional athlete.

“Should we disabuse them of their perceived suffering?” Penny asked, linking her arm through Maggie’s.

“No. They’re amusing themselves. Let’s enjoy the peace while we can.”

“What are your thoughts on dinner?” Cal called up to them as the parking lot came into sight.

“Some place with frightfully expensive desserts,” Penny replied, and Cal groaned, remembering their earlier bet. Remember, it is your right to say no and not give a reason.

“I need to beg off. Penny, can I take the car home and Cal will give you a lift?”

“Are you not feeling well?”

“No.” Wait, that was a double negative, right? “I mean, yes, I’m not feeling well. I’ve got a headache coming on.”

“Really? You’ve never had a headache in your life.” Cal looked at her as if she’d sprouted two heads. This is why you don’t give a reason.

“Probably allergy induced.” She shrugged helplessly.

“You don’t have allergies, either.” Cal leaned against his truck and crossed his arms, clearly not impressed with her lies. She wasn’t either. I just want to go home. “But you do look tired.” She grabbed his insult and used it as a lifeline.

“Maybe that’s it. I’ve been up early all week practicing my recipe for the competition.”

“I’ll go with you,” Penny said. “Bash and Lucas, it was nice meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see you again.” Penny pulled Maggie toward the car. “But not if we can help it,” she muttered, and Maggie snorted behind her.

Chapter 3

Lucas checked his reflection in Get Lost’s window, smoothing his hair and hanging his sunglasses off the collar of his Tetons polo shirt. They’d had an early morning in the gym, and he was grateful he was done for the day. Sticking around for hydrotherapy would have been better for his back, but he wanted to see Maggie.

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