Page 38 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Retrieving a small compact mirror from my belongings, I inspect my reflection and notice streaks of dirt on my cheek. With a quick swipe, I clean away the remnants of yesterday’s adventures, determined to face the day with a fresh start.

I sigh, unzip the tent, and step outside. The fresh mountain air greets me with a gentle embrace, and the early morning light bathes the surroundings in a soft glow.

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.”

He gives a stern nod, then glares at Kurt. “Your water canteen is empty. Fill it up before we leave.”

The two men hold each other's gazes until Kurt finally sighs and walks away.

“Alex,” I say, reaching for his hand.

He flinches and pulls back, his gaze dark, before he scrubs his hands over his face and exhales heavily. “Let's talk when we get back to headquarters. Okay?”

I nod, not knowing what else to say. He’s clearly having second thoughts about us, and I feel like an idiot.

The hike is long and arduous, a trail that winds through dense woods and rugged terrain, demanding our full attention. It seems even more treacherous and demanding than the day before. Alex remains ahead of us, his back rigid as he forges ahead. The silence between us is like an unspoken chasm, and I can't help but feel a growing sense of unease.

Despite the physical challenge, Kurt's relentless attempts at conversation persist.

"You know,” Kurt says, walking beside me even though the path is narrow and meant to be hiked single file. “There's something incredibly sexy about a woman who can handle herself in the wilderness."

I don’t answer him because I’m too worried about the cliff to my left to try and bait off his advances.

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