Page 58 of Love is a Game

“Relax, Pen. I’ve got the ladder.”

A wave of relief rushes through me. “Oh,finally.Maybe you could have led with that instead of playing peeping Tom.”

“I was appreciating the view. Sue me.”

“You’re theworst.”

A chuckle, then the scrape of the ladder being positioned against the tree.

“Okay, I’m coming up.”

I cling tighter to the rough bark. “Hurry up.”

“Bossy,” he mutters, climbing. “I miss the good old days when this could be considered a gallant act.”

“Oh, I would totally swoon, Tuck, if it didn’t end with me plummeting to my death.”

There’s a creak as he steps higher. Then suddenly, he’s right below me.

“All right,” he says, voice calm. “You’re gonna have to let go.”

My stomach lurches. “What?”

“You’re wedged in that fork. You need to loosen up and let me help you onto the ladder.”

“I—I can’t.”

“Hey.” His voice is lower now, steadier. “I’ve got you, Pen. I won’t let you fall.”

I swallow hard. The reality of how precarious this position is suddenly really sets in.

“Pen.” His hands brush against my thigh. “Trust me.”

I let out a shaky breath. “Ihatethis.”

“I know.” He wraps an arm around my hips.

I tense in panic. “Oh, god—”

“Relax. You’re going to slide toward me, it’s less than a foot to the first step. Now, swing your hips this way. I’ll make sure you keep your balance.”

I try. My foot hits empty air. I yelp.

His handscatchme—firm, steady.

“Easy.” His grip tightens, warm and reassuring. “Ihaveyou.”

My heart is pounding. I’m breathing way too fast.

“I won’t let you fall.” His voice is so damnsure.Like there’s no universe where he wouldn’t catch me.

Something in me unknots. I shift my weight, letting him take it, and suddenly—I have contact with the ladder. I’mmoving.

He guides me down, one slow step at a time.

Until, miraculously, my foot hits solid ground.

I sag against him, his arms surrounding me.

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