Page 22 of Return to Me Always

Chapter Seven

After a quiet, short lunch and an afternoon snack on the trail, I was so glad to see the sun disappear over the horizon. But Tyler only dug through the bags and pulled out headlamps for us to continue on.

Was he kidding right now? Would we ever break for the night?

I could barely form a sentence in my mind by the time we stopped. Tyler was focused on setting up the camp, and I tried to help, but he told me—or ordered me, actually—to sit.

So I did, numbly watching as he started a campfire and put together a small tent. I wondered if we'd both sleep in there. Next, he brought out a small tank of something, most likely propane gas, along with a little skillet.

"Can I help?" I asked.

Tyler glanced up, looking almost startled that I was there. "I got it."

"You know, I'm a pretty decent cook."

He raised a brow. "You are?"

"Yeah. And maybe it's time you actually took a break for once."

He flashed me a slight smile. "All right. Go for it."

I realized then that I didn't even know what food we had. Maybe my offer had been premature. But I was surprised when Tyler pulled out two patties from the bag.

"Burgers? How on earth did you manage that?" I asked.

"They were frozen in the backroom freezer. Always a crowd-pleaser on night one."

"I'm seriously impressed."

While they were sizzling on the pan, it occurred to me that this wasn't Tyler's first time on this trail.

"How many times have you done this hike exactly?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I don't know. I've lost track."

"Really? Like with your friends? Your family?"

"Nah. I used to lead tours," he admitted.

Now, that surprised me. He led tours? Were they silent tours? "Did you actually have to talk to people?" I couldn't resist teasing.

"Aye, unfortunately."

I almost choked as I busted out laughing, Tyler joining in. Some of my tension that I'd been holding left my body, and I felt a little more relaxed despite the craziness that my life had suddenly become.

While the burgers cooked, I glanced over at Tyler who was now busy stoking up the fire. My breath caught in my chest as the flickering light enhanced his already gorgeous face.

The firelight made his eyes appear larger and his cheekbones more prominent. His chiseled jaw was somehow even more defined by sexy stubble while the light glinted off his hair. The air in my lungs escaped in a loud whoosh, making Tyler look at me.

"So do we have any ketchup?" I asked, hoping to cover up my moment of gawking.

He brought out a small plastic bag with condiments, complete with tiny ketchup and mustard packs. And to my amazement, he also took out two hamburger buns.

"Wow," I said, "I can tell you've definitely done this a few times."

"Yeah."

Yet another one-word answer. I decided after we ate, Tyler and I were going to have a little discussion.

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