Page 40 of North

“That’s really high,” she says, her voice wavering slightly. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“You never know until you try,” I say, stepping closer. “I’ll guide you the whole way. You trust me, right?”

She glances at me, her expression guarded, but after a moment, she nods. “Yeah, I trust you. I just don’t trust myself.”

“Well, lucky for you, I’ve got your back,” I say with a reassuring grin. “One step at a time, Farren. That’s all itis.”

“I’m scared,” she admits, averting her eyes. “I mean, that’s really tall.”

I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “I said I’ve got your back. Always.”

She exhales slowly and nods again, determination flickering in her eyes. “All right. Let’s do it.”

I double-check her harness and knots, making sure everything is secure. “You’ve got this,” I say, giving her shoulder a quick squeeze. “Take your time and don’t overthink it. Just focus on the next hold.”

She steps up to the wall, her fingers testing the first few holds before she begins her climb. Her movements are slow and deliberate, every step calculated. I keep the rope taut, my gaze locked on her as she makes her way up.

“You’re doing great,” I call as she clears the first third of the wall. “Keep your weight close to the wall—don’t let your hips drift back.”

“Easier said than done,” she yells, but there’s a hint of humor in her voice.

She continues upward, her confidence growing with each successful move. When she reaches the first overhang, she pauses, looking down at me. “What the hell do I do here?”

“Lean back slightly and shift your weight onto your feet,” I instruct. “Use your legs to push up and grab thehold above you with your right hand. It’s solid.”

She hesitates then does as I say, her movements tentative but steady. When she clears the overhang, she lets out a breathless laugh. “Holy shit, that worked.”

“Told you,” I reply, grinning. “You’re a natural.”

Her progress slows as the holds become smaller and farther apart. I can see the strain in her muscles, the concentration etched on her face. Sweat beads on her forehead, and she pauses to shake out her hands.

“You’re almost there,” I encourage. “Just a few more moves.”

But then it happens. Her foot slips off a hold, and she lets out a startled yelp, her body jerking to the side. My heart lurches but the rope is secure and she’s not going anywhere.

“You’re okay!” I say calmly. “You’re not going anywhere.”

She clings to the wall, her chest heaving as she catches her breath. “Shit,” she exclaims, looking down at me with wide eyes. “I thought I was going to fall.”

“You’re safe,” I say firmly. “You’re not going anywhere. Just take a moment and breathe.”

She nods, her knuckles white as she grips the holds. After a few deep breaths, she steadies herself and looks up at the next hold. “Okay. I’m good.”

“All right,” I say, my voice calm. “You’re doing great. Just take it slow. One hold at a time.”

She starts moving again, her movements more cautious but no less determined. Every inch she climbs higher, I swell with pride. I don’t know what demons she’s running from, but she’s clearly strong and brave enough to overcome her fears. She’s resilient and works hard, and I respect the fuck out of that.

When Farren finally reaches the top, she slaps the edge of the wall and lets out a triumphant shout. “I did it!”

“Hell yeah, you did!” I call up, grinning from ear to ear.

She sits at the top for a moment, looking out over the gym, her expression a mix of exhilaration and disbelief. Her eyes meet mine and the sparkle of mischief has me bracing. “Can we go have sex now?” she calls down.

I groan in embarrassment and start to help her with her descent. She rappels slowly with controlled movements, and when her feet barely touch the ground, I’m taken aback when she throws her arms around my shoulders. “That was amazing! Thank you for pushing me to do that.”

“You killed it,” I say, unable to hide the admiration in my voice as I squeeze her. “That was all you.”

“Not all me,” she counters softly, and it feels like the rest of the noisy gym fades away. It’s just us, standing on solid ground after climbing higher than I think either ofus expected. “Team effort.”

---