Page 38 of The Mountains Edge

She doesn't buy it. "You've been avoiding me."

"Been busy."

"For six weeks?"

Marcus and Daisy aren't even trying to hide their amusement from across the room. Traitors.

"Look," Chloe steps closer, "I need to understand your rescue procedures if I'm going to be effective here. That means we have to work together."

She smells like cinnamon and antiseptic. It's disturbingly appealing.

"Fine." I grab a napkin, scrawling my number. "Call when you want to review protocols."

Her smile is dangerous. "Oh, I will."

I escape before I do something stupid like notice how her lips curve up at the corners.

Cole appears at my elbow. "Smooth."

"Shut up."

"Just saying." He grins. "She’s been climbing a bit lately. Alone.”

My heart stops.

"She shouldn't climb alone."

"Probably needs a guide." Cole's voice is too innocent. "Someone who knows the mountain."

Damn it.

Chapter 20: Chloe

Jake Harrison is infuriating.

He's also gorgeous, competent, and watching me when he thinks I'm not looking.

"He'll crack soon," Daisy assures me, passing a coffee. "Marcus did."

I watch Jake talking to Cole. “How’d you manage that?"

"Persistence." She grins. "And lots of strategic outfits."

"I'm not trying to—"

"Sure, you're not." But she winks. "Just like I wasn't trying to seduce Marcus with his own furniture."

I laugh despite myself. "Any other tips?"

"He likes sunrise hikes to Eagle Point." Her eyes sparkle. "Just saying."

Across the room, Jake glances our way again. Our eyes meet briefly before he looks away.

But not fast enough to hide the heat in his gaze.

Interesting.

Chapter 21: Marcus

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