Page 71 of Guarded Love

"I know that." It takes everything in me to not touch her. "Look, I would have said something even if Knox hadn't asked me to watch out for you. David was crossing a line."

She's quiet for a long moment, and I wonder if I've completely destroyed whatever fragile peace we'd established. "You're right," she finally says. "He was being pushy."

Well that went better than I expected.

"But," she continues, "I don't need you or Knox running interference for me. I've handled worse than David Miller."

I immediately think of Leo. I don’t have the full story, but I know enough to understand that whatever happened wasn't good. "Fair enough," I concede but I stop just short of saying I’ll back off. Because that would be one of the biggest lies I’ve ever told.

Silence stretches between us and I’m not sure how to label it. I don’t think she’s angry anymore, but I could be reading the tension between us wrong. What I do know is I need to speak up.

“I wasn’t trying to rescue you,” I say. “I just...couldn’t not say something.”

Willow turns her head and stares at me for several seconds before she asks, “Why?”

My throat tightens. “Because I saw your face. And I knew you were uncomfortable. That’s it.”

She doesn’t speak right away again but adjusts herself so she’s looking at her laptop. “I’m used to handling things alone,” she says eventually. “Mostly because I don’t tell Knox everythingbecause I know he would freak. Plus, most guys don’t care enough to notice.”

I hate that that’s true.

“I’m not most guys,” I say before I can stop myself.

Her mouth twitches and a small smile forms. “Yeah. I’m starting to get that.”

I can’t let on how I’m affected by her comment. Instead I wait a few seconds and then clear my throat. “You want me to walk you back to your room?”

She glances at me, but this time it’s not with anger or suspicion. She looks surprised by the offer. Then she nods. “Yeah. Sure.”

And just like that, we stand without another word. I can confidently say that now we’re not friends but also not enemies. Hopefully it’s the start of something shifting into place. Whether I’m ready for anything that entails is another matter entirely.

22

WILLOW

“Is it weird that I’m actually excited about today?” I ask Madison as it becomes very obvious we’re close to our destination. It feels silly to ask her that since we only just met on this trip, but I can’t contain my excitement. Hiking is my jam and the thought of hiking through a rainforest is what dreams are made of.

Madison looks over at me with a grin. "Not weird at all. El Yunque is supposed to be incredible."

She's not wrong. I’m sure the photos I've seen won't do it justice. I’m already bouncing a little in my seat as I take in the scenery around me. There’s greenery everywhere you turn to the point where if I didn’t know I was actually in Puerto Rico, I would be questioning if this was reality.

"El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System," Professor Wallace announces from the front of the shuttle as we pull into the parking area. "We'll be hiking one of the moderate trails today. Remember to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen before we start."

I shift in my seat because it’s getting harder to keep still. This is the kind of adventure I live for and another reason I decided tojoin this trip at the last minute. When we come to a stop and the shuttle door slides open, I'm out of my seat before most people have registered we’ve arrived. When I step out of the vehicle, I immediately feel the difference in the air quality.

"Someone's eager." Madison laughs, following me down the steps of the shuttle.

"I've been dreaming about this since I saw the itinerary," I admit, adjusting my backpack straps. "I can’t believe we are finally here."

"It's truly looks like something out of a movie," she says.

I can only nod in agreement.

"Alright everyone, gather around!" Professor Wallace waves us toward a small, covered area where a park ranger waits. "This is Angel, he'll be our guide today."

"Buenos días and good morning! Welcome to El Yunque. Before we begin, a few safety rules..." Angel says.

I’m doing my best to pay attention but it’s hard. His voice fades into the background as I try to take in everything around me. My senses are overwhelmed, but I don’t hate it. It must have something to do with me being here in this fresh air and being able to check something I’ve always wanted to do off my list.

---