Page 35 of Just Friends

“Oh, I know,” she says, sounding a little winded as we make our way up the sharp incline. “But hiking The Mountain in the dark is suicide.”

A little chuckle escapes me. “It’s not that bad of a hike.” So far, the trail has been far from easy, going steadily uphill the entire way, but it’s been manageable.

Her gaze cuts to mine. “This is the easy part.”

A niggle of worry starts beneath my breastbone, remembering my strategizing session with Lucy before we left Nashville. She suggested a nature date, which Hazel planned without my prompting, which worked out in my favor. While her hometown is surrounded by mountains, this particular one is known for its challenging hike and unreal views. Hazel says it’s a Fontana Ridge must-see.

But now that we’re here, the other part of Lucy’s plan is haunting me. Under no circumstances am I going to orchestrate an accident so that I have to carry her back, but looking around at my surroundings—the sharp cliffs to my right, the rocky terrain up ahead, the uneven trail below my feet—I’m worried I won’t be able to stop it if somethingdoesgo wrong on this hike.

The trail slowly gets harder and harder to traverse, growing thinner and more craggy until we can no longer walk side by side. With each step, the pack on my back bounces between my shoulder blades, and sweat gathers on my skin, equally from nerves and exertion. I can’t even appreciate the view of Hazel in front of me in billowing cotton joggers and the teeniest cropped tank because I’m so sick to my stomach at the thought of her slipping and falling off the side of the mountain.

I’m so wrapped in my thoughts that I don’t hear what Hazel says as we near the summit. She spins around, eyeing me with concern. “Alex?”

My hand finds her waist on instinct, pulling her away from the edge. Her skin is warm and damp with sweat beneath my fingertips, setting my blood on fire.

Hazel’s palm lands on my bicep, fingers flexing. “Alex, what’s wrong?” Her delicate face is etched with worry, and her lips form a slight frown. I have to hold myself back from running my thumb across them until that frown disappears.

I let go of her waist like she’s burned me, my hand clenching and unclenching at my side. When her gaze tracks down and fixes on the movement, I freeze, realizing what I’ve done. The hopeless British sap gesture that Lucy was telling me about.

“Nothing,” I grit out. “What were you trying to say?”

Her eyes hold on my hand for a moment longer before swinging up to mine. “I was saying the fire tower is right around the bend.”

I mean this in the kindest way possible—I couldn’t care less about this fire tower at this point. All I want is to get off this mountain and go back to Hazel’s tiny childhood bedroom and try to piece myself back together. I’ve never felt anxiety like this before. I’ve never felt less in control than I do at this moment, and Ihateit.

“Alex, are you okay?” Hazel’s voice is soft, concerned.

My chest constricts in a deep breath. “Yeah, come on.” I force a smile, knowing she can see right through it. “Let’s see this fire tower.”

Hazel gives me one last searching look before spinning around and heading back up the trail. It’s starting to level out now that we’re nearing the top, and some of my anxiety disappears, melting like snow in the sun. With the cinch around my chest loosening, I can finally start to admire the view. Golden brown hair, soft, smooth curves, a butterfly tattoo peeking out with each swing of her arm.

Hazel glances at me over her shoulder, eyebrows bunched together. “What are you looking at?”

Maybe it’s the anxiety coursing through my body and numbing my brain, but I speak truthfully and without thinking. “Your ass.”

Hazel barks a laugh, spinning around to face me, still walking backward. “You’re the worst.”

When she gets too close to the edge, my hand finds her hip, guiding her back onto the trail.

Her eyebrows raise at the gesture, and she says, “You’re very handsy today.”

“I’ll keep my hands to myself when you stop trying to walk off cliffs.”

A grin lights her face, slow and dazzling. I want to feel it against my skin, taste it and see if it’s as sweet as it looks.

She takes a step to the left, coming closer to the edge. “Does itscareyou, Alex?” she asks, drawing out the words in a taunt.

My fingers circle her elbow, tugging her back. “Yes,” I say through gritted teeth.

A giggle escapes her. “I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not really a fan of it, so let’s just be safe.” I spin her back around so she’s facing forward again. The look she shoots me over her shoulder is saucy, and I feel a lightning bolt of desire down my spine. I scrub a palm over my face. This trip is going to be the death of me.

Dirt and rocks scuff under our shoes as we round the last bend and the fire tower comes into view, jutting high above the mountains. Early morning sunshine glints off the windows, sending shafts of light refracting across the hills. The view is…breathtaking. It’s like standing on top of the world.

“Beautiful, right?” Hazel asks, slightly out of breath beside me. Sweat glistens on her skin, making her shimmer.

“Yeah,” I breathe, trying to take it all in.

---