Page 57 of Ice To Meet You

"Good," he said, stepping around to face me, his hands grazing the rope just beside mine. “Now, tell me this—why’d you say yes to coming here?”

I let out a shaky laugh. “Because you asked. Because you saved me with the great pasta disaster and now I owe you a favour.”

“Exactly.” His lips bowed. “And although we’ve only just met, I know you a little more than you think, Es. You’re stubborn. Just like with the pasta, you’ll only admit you need help in an emergency. You're busy running the show. Being calm and in control all the time. And doing this—facing your biggest fear—it’s scary. But you’re braver than you think. And Iwouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t know you could do this.”

His words made my bottom lip wobble. “What if I fall?”

“You won’t.” His tone was firm but kind. “But even if you did, I’m right here. I’d catch you. I promise.”

A chilly breeze whistled through the trees and my breath hitched. After a moment of hesitation, I raised my foot to the first rung and climbed.

Matteo reached out and took the ropes at the edge of the ladder, to steady it. “There you go,” he said. “Just like that. Now, let’s try one more.”

I glanced at him, focusing on the softness in his eyes. “Okay,” I murmured.

“Okay,” Matteo echoed, bracing to hold the ladder still.

I made my ascent slowly. With each step, his words kept me grounded. Every time the ladder swung, and I clung to the rope for dear life, he repeated his advice.

“Eyes on the ladder, nothing else.”

Every time I took another step, he offered encouragement. “You’re doing so well. Keep going. I’ve got you.”

Through the smokescreen of my fear, his words reached me.“He had me.”

I swallowed. What would that even look like?

By the time I reached the platform, my breath came in ragged gasps. But I couldn’t suppress my triumphant grin, or the swell of warmth in my chest. I made it.

The ladder wobbled under me, and I grabbed for the solid bar of wood acting as a railing on the platform. With shaky legs, I stepped across, finding stability.

“I’m coming up.” Matteo’s voice reached my ears, and my heart skipped a little as he hurried up the ladder to join me on the platform. My hugging the nearest tree trunk for dear life didn’t stop him from wrapping an arm around my shoulders and kissing the top of my helmet like a proud parent.

“See? You made it,” he whispered against my ear.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” It was true. His words and his faith had driven me to climb.

“Sure, you could’ve,” Matteo replied, his hand lingering on my shoulder. “You just needed someone to remind you what you’re capable of. How amazing you are.”

I swallowed the shaky breath threatening to unleash at his words.

“But that climb was only the first challenge.”

I scowled. “What do you mean?” Was there another level? Another ladder?

He smiled, stepping away towards the edge of the platform. Taking one of the carabiners attached to his harness, he clipped onto a thick metal cord. “Come here,” he beckoned.

Was he kidding? Joining him meant releasing the tree. It was the only thing around us solidly anchored to the ground. I gripped the bark harder.

Matteo waited for what felt like an eon before speaking. “If you don’t let go of the tree and join me, I don’t know how long you’ll survive.”

My heart skipped. “Sorry?”

“The park closes at sundown. When it does, I won’t be able to bring you food or drink for at least twelve hours, and I’m not sure your shorts will keep you warm overnight.”

I aimed a dagger-sharp stare over my shoulder, but the faint curve of his lips softened my response to an eye roll.

“I can’t come to you because I’m clipped in,” he said.

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