Page 44 of The Kiss Countdown

I tie my shoes and stand in front of the dresser mirror. I have on black joggers, a long-sleeve blue shirt, and a fleece jacket. After putting my hair in a high puff and covering my ears with a white knitted headband my mom made, I put my gloves on.

Vincent wears khaki cargo pants with a long-sleeve shirt, a vest, and a gray scarf. He kneels on the ground next to his open backpack, filling it with two large canteens of water that add to the reservoir in the front pocket, a first aid kit, granola bars, apples, rain ponchos, sunscreen, and a pocketknife.

“How long do you think we’ll be gone?” I ask, looking at everything.

“Better to be prepared than be sorry.”

I shrug. He must know what he’s talking about, and he’s carrying everything, so I won’t complain.

When Vincent stands up, he inspects my outfit, starting at my head and going all the way down to my toes, and frowns.

I place my hands on my hips. “What?”

“Where are your hiking boots?”

Vincent told me to get some shoes specifically made for hiking. Or should I say,suggested. I considered his suggestion, but ultimately couldn’t justify the expense when Iwon’t be wearing them on a daily basis. It’s not like we’ll be climbing up those large hills. I made Vincent promise me that.

I look down at my old arch-supporting walking shoes and wiggle my toes. “These are all I have.”

“What size do you wear?”

“My size,” I say, laughing when Vincent’s jaw ticks. “Okay, fine. I wear an eight and a half.”

Vincent shakes his head and picks up his backpack, swinging it on. It should look ridiculous, him wearing the large pack. No doubtIwould look like Frodo about to embark on a grand adventure if I had my own. Instead, Vincent looks large and in charge. A man on a mission.

Am I really going weak at the knees over Vincent right now?

Blessedly unaware of my thoughts, Vincent frowns. “Your feet are too big to fit my mom’s or sisters’ shoes.”

“My feet are average size.”

He smirks. “I didn’t state otherwise.”

“It was implied by your tone.”

“Just watch your step out there. We’re taking a pretty easy trail today, but some of the inclines and declines can be steep, with loose rocks.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

He looks at my feet skeptically but doesn’t argue. “Let’s go wait for everyone outside.”

I suck in a lungful of the cold, crisp air. Everyone except Vincent’s parents is outside on the back deck. Even Sheba is here, sniffing as far as her leash will allow.

“Have you done much hiking before, Amerie?” Camille asks as Vincent and I approach.

“I can’t say that I have. Back home I like to walk in the mornings, but always on sidewalks.”

“Welcome to your first Rogers Family Hike,” Lance says with a resigned sigh.

“Look at my tough man.” Camille squeezes Lance’s arms. “He’s sailed oceans and seen combat, but the thought of crossing paths with a wild hog terrifies him.”

I make no attempt to erase the accusation from my tone as I glare at Vincent. “Y’all have wild hogs out here?” Nope. I want to go back to Houston.

“Don’t worry,” Brianna says. “Vincent and Sheba will protect us.”

“There are wild hogs, but attacks on humans are uncommon,” Vincent says with a pointed look at Camille. He looks at me and huffs before removing his scarf to instead wrap it around me in two loops. “But Bri’s right. I’ll protect you. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

This must be part of the show. Fawn on me in front of the family like any other boyfriend would, especially when their girlfriend is under duress. Should his gentle shoulder kneading and calm aura help dull the rising panic at the thought of coming in contact with an animal the size of a boulder? Hell, no. But somehow, here I am, breathing steadily and not racing to the guesthouse to pack my bags.

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