Page 28 of Fade With Me

I reached for my backpack, but before I could sling it over my shoulder, his hand shot out and gripped my arm, freezing me in place. He leaned in, his breath warm against my cheek. Without thinking, I kissed him—light, quick, more out of obligation than affection.His hand slid into my hair, his fingers lingering a moment too long. The touch was oddly gentle, but it carried a weight, like he was trying to tether me to him, unwilling to let go.

I had just turned toward the door when Reggie called after me, his tone laced with that familiar edge of condescension. “Oh, and Brynie…”

I paused, glancing back. He was already scrutinizing me.

“Be home by 8:00,” he said, polite on the surface, but the command pulsed underneath.

“Sure,” I replied, nodding before stepping outside and shutting the door behind me.

The walk to the trailhead felt endless, my anticipation building with every step. I needed someone to lift my spirits, and I knew exactly who thatsomeonewas.

When I reached the meeting spot, Zeke’s car was already parked, and he was standing beside it, fully geared up. His backpack rested snug against his shoulders, and he radiated confidence.

I jogged up, calling out, “Sorry I’m late!”

He turned, his face brightening with a gentle smile. “No problem. I was just soaking up the sunshine.”

By the time I reached him, I was a little out of breath. “Hope you haven’t been waiting long,” I said, guilt tugging at me.

I couldn’t ignore how the golden light clung to him, bringing out every sharp line of his face. He looked like he belonged in it, like the sun had claimed him.

“Speaking of the sun, I wish it had the same effect on my skin,” I said, glancing at his complexion, half-teasing, half-envious. “I’d kill for a tan like that.”

I placed my arm beside his, and the contrast was jarring. My pale, almost translucent skin seemed to glow next to his bronzed flesh. I quickly pulled my arm back, laughing. “Okay, that’s just embarrassing.”

Zeke’s eyes held mine, unmoving, as the breeze threaded through his hair. “Nonsense,” he said with conviction, his words carrying a quiet sincerity. “Your skin’s like moonlight. Soft, radiant…beautiful.”

My heart stuttered. Warmth spread across my cheeks as I smiled, unexpectedly flattered. “Thanks,” I mumbled, feeling, just for a moment, a little more seen. “That was really sweet.”

He nodded, acknowledging my thanks with a quiet smile, and we began the hike, our steps falling into an easy rhythm.

At the trail’s entrance, Zeke glanced ahead, pleasantly surprised. The path, though rough, was far better defined than I’d feared, a clear improvement over the overgrown mess of Dead Man’s Trail.

“I don’t know what you were so worried about,” he teased, tilting his head with a reassuring smile. “This trail looks great. We’ll be fine.”

I shot him a skeptical look. “Yeah—guess we’ll see.”

The first stretch of the trail turned out to be much easier than I’d expected. The ground was mostly flat, and the path well-marked, making it a breeze to follow. As we walked, I found myself struck by how breathtaking the scenery was, even more beautiful than I remembered.

Zeke’s curiosity was obvious as he leaned in, hands clasped in a playful gesture. “Alright, spill. What’s the deal with Sally?”

I froze mid-step, a laugh escaping as I doubled over. “Sally? That’s genius. I love it.”

He shrugged, lips twitching. “Feels like the perfect name for him, don’t you think?”

“Yeah,” I said, still laughing. “It really does.”

His head tilted slightly, a brow raised in warning. “Just…maybe don’t say it to his face.”

“Trust me, I’m not looking to start another fight,” I said lightly. Then, in an attempt to steer the conversation away, I added, “Anyway...”

But he didn’t budge. His grin remained, his gaze locked on mine—expectant, waiting, silently urging me to continue.

I sighed, frustration edging into my voice. “It’s just Sal being Sal, you know? He gets these wild ideas and takesthem out on me. This time, he called me manipulative and accused me of hiding something from him. It’s…absurd.”

Zeke’s expression shifted, his gaze steady and sincere. “That’s not right,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry he said those things.”

I waved it off, trying to brush away the irritation. “Thanks for understanding. Honestly, I’m used to it by now. He’s said plenty of crazy stuff before, and I doubt this’ll be the last time.”

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