Page 46 of Just Act Natural

“We hope you had a good time with us this trip. I know it’s not your usual type of outing, but it’s a thrill to have had you with us.”

I laugh. “I’m not sure I deserve that, but I had the best time.”

In spite of what Mitchell seems to believe, I’m still fully an amateur. I climb because I love it, but nobody’s paying attention to what I do. I don’t think I would enjoy it as much if they did.

“We mostly get young families, and we love them, but it might be a little light for someone who’s not a first-timer. We’d like to offer more adventurous hikes, but we’re still working on expanding our crew.”

“This was exactly what I needed this time around.”

“Glad to hear it. Well, enjoy the rest of your vacation.”

I say goodbye and turn to find Lila standing still as a statue not far from me, staring at the car at the curb in front of her. She looks like someone just offered to take her fishing.A man dressed in tan slacks and a white polo gets out of the car and rounds it until they’re face to face. He slides his aviator sunglasses off and flashes a wide smile like he thinks someone’s taking pictures.

“Josh?” Shock and disgust fill her single syllable.

So. This is the ex-fiancé. Even if she hadn’t told me enough to hate this guy on sight, I’d be halfway there already. He oozes arrogance and unearned superiority.

“Lila. I didn’t expect to see you as soon as I pulled into town. The stars must be in my favor.”

“What are you doing here?”

She doesn’t sound happy to see him. I have no right to care either way, but it’s still satisfying.

“We always talked about me buying property in town—let’s say I’m here on a shopping spree.” His gaze slowly drops from her head to her toes and back. Somewhere on the journey, it turns from lascivious to something less appreciative. “You don’t look so good, Lilabird. Are you sick?”

Lilabird? I’m ready to grab this guy by his tiny collar and haul him against his car. What kind of pet name is that? There’s some small chance he doesn’t know about her phobia, but watching him for two minutes has me convinced he specifically chose it because he does.

She smooths out the clothes she’s been wearing off and on for days. “I feel great.”

He lifts a skeptical eyebrow. “I heard things have been rough for you since you gave up on us, but I didn’t think it was this bad.”

I’m ready for her to lay into him and shred this guy’s pride, but she doesn’t say anything. She just stares open-mouthed, like she’s at a total loss how to react. She jumped to my defense at the smallest slight back on the trail but can’t seem to find the same grit for herself whenfaced with her ex?

Apparently, her defensive streak has rubbed off on me. What I’m about to do is massively stupid and ill-advised, but the second it comes to mind, my feet start moving.

When I reach her, I slip an arm around her waist and kiss her temple, nuzzling in. She blinks up at me as if I woke her from a daze.

“Hey, princess.”

Rhett would be so proud.

FOURTEEN

LILA

I stare at Grant.We’re apparently on two very different pages in our flirtationship right now. Not that I mind the contents of his page—I’m a big fan of having his arm around me. It’s just that my body’s in a little bit of turmoil, considering the big swing from folding in on itself after being confronted with Josh, to bubbling with fizzy excitement when Grant purred the word “princess” in my ear.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Josh. He stands there looking increasingly disgruntled, like when he’s not recognized right away by the maitre d’ at a restaurant and it’s suggested he might have to wait for a table.

Grant looks over and notices him. “Hey, man.”

It’s only two words, but that greeting is the least friendly thing I’ve heard him say. I finally catch up to the idea this might be more than spontaneous affection. This might be Superman flying in to rescue me.

“Lila, who is this?” Josh’s question carries an undercurrent of demand, as though he has a right to know anything about me at all.

“This is Grant, my…” My what, exactly? Stargazing friend? Snack supplier? Man I’ve known for all of five days? He squeezes me tighter against him, and my hands automatically go around him.

Dang. He doesn’t mess around on ab day.

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