Page 132 of Hidden Ascent

She sighed. “Sorry, it’s these emails. I thought we were done cleaning up the mess, but it just keeps going and going. All I want is to move on with life.”

“Good. And I’m not here to annoy you. I came over to get a kiss before I miss out.”

“Why will you miss out?”

“We can’t do it over there. I won’t hear the end of it for weeks. Last time you came, they saw us holding hands and I couldn’t get them to shut up about it. Imagine if they saw us kiss.”

“Okay, but make it quick. I’ve got to finish this email.”

“Sheesh.” He rolled his eyes, then ducked inside, lingering. “It’s nice and cool in here,” he said against her lips.

“Is that the real reason for the affection? So you can steal my air conditioning?”

“Nope, just a perk.”

She pushed him back, but kept her hand on his chest. It was coming up on a year since everything came out about the loss of her team, and being with Jay for most of that time had been a greater comfort than she could have ever imagined. It was so easy to spend time with him now that she was willing to open up.

She bit her lip. “I love you.”

“I know. I’ll see you over there.”

The air conditioning didn’t seem to matter so much anymore, and she quickly ended her email and joined the group in the park.

* * *

“You guys remember Isla?” Jay said to the teens, who were lounging in the shade. A few offered affirmative responses, then Jay said, “Today is all about learning some practical skills. She’s going to show us some easy self-defense moves that will give you more confidence in going out into the world. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use them, but it’s good information to have.”

“What do I need to know about self-defense?” one of the group said. “I already know how to punch anyone who gives me trouble.”

A few guys around the teen laughed in agreement.

“What’s your name?” Isla asked.

“Ryan.”

“Well, Ryan, it takes more than muscles to protect yourself. If you don’t want to learn, that’s fine. Girls, what I’m here to show you today is how you can take down a guy like Ryan and teach him a lesson.”

The girls looked impressed. Ryan and his friends were skeptical. “Why don’t you come up here, Ryan, so I can demonstrate.”

He stood, cocky, and strutted up to her, pushing his shoulders back so he was the full foot taller than her. He looked at Jay. “Are you going to be okay if I knock out your girlfriend?”

Jay crossed his arms and snickered. “Go ahead. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

“Don’t hold back on my account,” Isla said, stepping her feet apart to shoulder width.

“You sure?” Ryan bounced on his toes and shook out his arms.

“I’m sure. Go ahead. Hit me.”

He took a swing, and she blocked it. The other kids hooted.

He bounced again and went for another swing. This time Isla dodged, but grabbed his arm on the follow-through and yanked him forward. He tripped and nearly fell.

When he faced her again, his face was red. He didn’t like being shown up.

She lifted an eyebrow to egg him on.

He charged her and she bent, taking his weight on her shoulder and using his momentum to throw him down to the ground. She added enough extra force to knock a little of the wind out of him.

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