Page 35 of Wild Tangled Hearts

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Chapter15

Alex

DECISIONS AND DEPARTURES

Iwake up in Alex's tent, the warmth of the morning sun seeping through the fabric. My heart sinks as I realize he's not here beside me. The faint echoes of our passionate night linger in my memory, but doubt begins to creep in.

Did I make the wrong decision last night?

With a sigh, I drag my fingers through my hair, trying to untangle it from the disarray of sleep and desire. The lingering traces of his woodsy, masculine scent still permeate the tent, and I could easily fall back against the sleeping bag and let dreams of him replace the reality of whatever awaits me today.

But I can hear voices outside, a chorus of conversations and laughter pulling me from my cocoon. I realize I can't linger here, hiding from Alex. It's time to face the day and whatever it may bring.

Leaving the tent, I step outside, and the world comes alive around me. The campsite is buzzing with activity. The other hikers have already started their day, and the aroma of coffee, pancakes, and maple syrup fills the air. It's a heady mix that both comforts and distracts.

I spot Alex by the campfire, his back to me as he expertly prepares food. Our eyes meet, and he nods at me, a silent greeting that leaves my stomach in knots.

As I take a tentative step closer to the campfire, one of the hikers, Kurt, a tall and handsome guy with tattoos and smoldering dark brown eyes, offers me a cup of coffee. The rich, aromatic scent envelops me, and I gratefully accept the cup, allowing its warmth to seep into my hands.

“Thanks for this,” I say, sipping the coffee.

“Ready for the hike back?” Kurt leans against a nearby log, a cocky grin tugging at his lips. His eyes roam over me, and I recognize that all-too-familiar look I've encountered from guys in the past. It feels intrusive. And unwelcome.

“Yeah, I guess.” My gaze drifts to Alex, who’s engrossed in conversation with some of the other campers.

Kurt's tone drips with arrogance. "I've hiked these trails countless times. I practically know them like the back of my hand."

I nod politely, not wanting to engage in a conversation that might encourage him.

"You know," Kurt continues. Undeterred, he moves closer and rests a palm on my knee. "if you ever want to go on a real adventure, I'd be happy to take you."

I stand quickly so that his hand falls away. I’m about to tell him I’m not interested when I glimpse Alex watching me with a furrowed brow.

Those hazel eyes flash with vulnerability, and I can’t figure out what he’s thinking, but I swear I see a myriad of emotions there: hurt, suspicion, resignation. Then he looks away, masking his feelings, and then he turns his attention back to the conversation with one of the hikers. The unspoken tension between us hangs heavy in the air, leaving me with a sinking feeling of regret.

Despite the uncertainty that races through my mind, the atmosphere is lively as we pack our gear and work together to clean up the campsite, gather trash, and dousing the campfire. The group's chatter and laughter serve as a happy backdrop, but the distance between Alex and me remains palpable. He doesn’t talk to me except to bark orders, and whenever I catch his gaze, he frowns and looks away.

By the time we’re about to leave, I’m as irritable as Alex seems.

“Stupid,” I mutter, struggling with my backpack.

It’s Kurt who races to my side, helping me with it. He grins at me, “If it’s too heavy, I’ll carry it for you.”

“I’m fine.” I give him a polite smile, annoyed by his helpfulness and flirting.

Kurt moves closer. “If I adjust the straps—”

"We've got a long hike ahead.” Alex interrupts, his voice gruff and distant, and his jaw clenches, looking between Kurt and me. “If you can’t carry your gear, let me know now, and we’ll leave it in storage."

“I said I’m fine.”

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