Page 44 of Return to Me Always

"I know you'll sort this mess too."

The confidence in his voice surprised me. "You think so?"

"I know so. I don't know how. But I just know you will."

His reassurances somehow succeeded in making me feel better. "Thanks, Ben."

Breaking eye contact, he looked down at his feet and nodded. "You ready for that hot chocolate?"

"Absolutely."

Together, we left the shores of Loch Lochy and walked back to the campsite. As we approached, Tyler's gaze went back and forth between us, and I wondered what he was thinking.

Reclaiming my previous perch on a boulder, Tyler handed me that cup of hot chocolate. "Hopefully, it's still warm."

I smiled at him, not even caring about that, warmed by the gesture alone. "Thank you."

Sipping on my drink, I watched as Tyler and Ben began to clean up, getting us ready for bed, and it occurred to me that maybe our nighttime arrangements would be different.

"So, guys, where exactly am I sleeping? Are you two together and I get my own tent tonight?" I asked. "Or, Tyler, do you want the whole tent to yourself and I'm with Ben?"

"You're with me," said Tyler, his tone gruff.

Okay then.

Ben soon said good night and headed to his tent a short distance away. Once Tyler and I were settled in our cozy sleeping bags, an awkward feeling swept into my belly. This was the first time we had been alone since that kiss.Thekiss.

In the darkness, I remembered the feel of his lips on mine. For all of his maleness and hard edges, his lips had been so soft, so full, rough yet gentle at the same time. And his strong body against mine had been pure heaven, nothing like I'd ever experienced before. Was he thinking about it too?

Then I heard it… the soft sound of his steady breathing.

Damn it.

He was already asleep, and there was my clue. That kiss had meantnothingto Tyler.

Chapter Thirteen

In the morning, I woke up in the same mood I had fallen asleep in—pissed off. The glorious sunshine outside the tent only annoyed me more because I knew it would be in my eyes while we hiked. Not even the stunning view of the lake cheered me up.

Tyler seemed to sense my mood as he handed me a steaming mug, whispering to Ben, "She gets cranky if she doesn't have her hot chocolate in the morning."

I gave him my best smart-ass smile. "Thanks. Thanks a lot."

Ben had that scared rabbit look again as he offered me some food. "I tried to change it up for you. I know brekky isn't exactly Tyler's specialty."

"You can say that again." I was getting pretty sick of protein bars and Belvita.

Tyler shot me a glare as we all dug into our breakfast which was actually delicious—a blend of eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheese. "Ben, can I just say how glad I am that you came along with us?"

Ben beamed with pride while I thought for the millionth time about how happy I was that he had joined us because things were definitely awkward between Tyler and me. And having Ben as a buffer made things somewhat bearable.

After that breakfast, my mood improved, and walking along a beautiful path with colorful fall foliage on one side and a stunning loch on the other certainly helped—although I did keep an eye out for Lizzie.

Just like yesterday, Tyler led the way and Ben chatted with me, pointing out the variety of trees and telling me to keep watch for pine martens.

"You feeling better today?" Ben asked.

"Much, much better. Thank you." Shooting him a quick glance, I appreciated his easy smile. "I hope you're not regretting coming along with us."

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