Page 35 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

“My alarm didn’t go off, so I didn’t get the early start I wanted. Then, Lisa failed to tell me that her car was practically on E, and to top it off, I hit a bunch of construction traffic at the interstate junction. I’m sure you saw it, too.”

He nods, his smile growing in self-content. “I did, but I also checked the state website for possible congestion areas last night. I knew the construction would be bad, so I left early.” His chin lifts triumphantly. “Made it here with plenty of time to spare.”

I fight the sneer crawling across my face and bite out, “Well, sorry to have kept you waiting, your majesty.”

His shoulders bob with a chuckle like he finds my frustration amusing. “My time is important, you know. I’ll have to notate this lack of punctuality in my report.”

My whole face scrunches up as I scrutinize Sam, trying to read him. Is he seriously going to dock me points for being six minutes late? I wouldn’t put it past him, but that’s pretty damn low.

It’s best if I don’t think about it too hard. Easier said than done. “Let’s get this over with,” I say curtly and turn toward the trail, with Sam following.

“Hiking guide was less than friendly,” Sam says quietly, but not so quiet that I don’t hear him.

I turn my chin over my shoulder, giving him a fierce glare.

He puts his hands up. “Hey, I’m just trying to give the most honest report I can. It’s not my fault you’re grumpy.”

“I’m not grumpy.” I focus back on the trail.

“Then what would you call your cloudy demeanor?”

“Determined to get this hike finished.”

“Have we even started?” he asks, as if he’s not walking the dirt path with me.

I let out an exasperated breath. “Yes, Sam. Did you not see the sign at the trailhead? Do you not notice your feet moving? That means you’re hiking.”

“Okay, but you didn’t give me any details about the hike. Didn’t tell me what to expect, or how long it would be. You haven’t exactly informed me on what we’re doing out here.”

I groan, letting my head fall back. As if struggling through my morning and dealing with Sam’s teasing wasn’t bad enough, now I have to listen to his valid points about how I’m sucking at this hike. I should have gone down my checklist after getting out of the car. He’s right, but I refuse to let him know.

“Fine. I can see you’re not going to make this easy.” I turn my chin over my shoulder slightly, but not enough that I have to look at him. “There’s a clearing up ahead. When we get there, I’ll go over everything.”

“Thank you. See? Was that so hard?”

I grit my teeth as I will my feet to keep moving. All I want to do is spin around and hightail it out of here. I want to leave Sam behind and forget this day has even begun.

But I can’t. My GPA depends on it. So, I keep going.

When we reach the clearing, I slide off my backpack and kneel next to it on the ground. Sam follows suit. I don’t want to look at him, but I do. And what do I see? Not the smug expression of the jerk I know him to be, but a sweet, attentive anticipation instead.

My whole body sags. “This is Dream Lake Trail. It’s only about two miles, one way.”

“So, you’re going easy on me. Is that what you’re saying?”

“I didn’t know who I was going to get as a partner, so I chose a trail that’s fairly easy to complete. It’s supposed to take a little over an hour to hike, but I’ve done it in less with my friends.”

“Overachiever.”

I want to be offended, but his wink disarms my anger immediately, and I can’t help but laugh. “Wouldn’t be me if I didn’t overachieve.”

“Okay, what else do I need to know?”

Feeling my anger ebb, I take a moment to study his clothes. He’s wearing good hiking boots and long pants. I can’t tell if he’s wearing a long-sleeve shirt or not, but the jacket he has on will be warm enough either way. Sunglasses hang from his jacket collar, but he already has on a hat, so those won’t be needed. It’s nice that he’s prepared, though.

I reach up, tapping the brim of his hat. “I see you at least read my email.”

“Oh, ha. Yeah.” He takes off the hat to run a hand through his hair. “Sorry I never responded.”

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