Just as it always seemed to happen, hearing Link’s deep voice caused butterflies to take flight in Ezra’s belly.He could seriously listen to the man talk all day.Unfortunately, as seen from their abysmal date, Link didn’t talk much.

After that disaster of a lunch, Ezra hadn’t thought Link would really follow through and call him.Curious about what he could possibly want—if it’s a booty call, I’ll have to decline, which would really suck.I bet he’s hung—he opened his center console and grabbed hisBluetoothearpiece.After slipping it on his ear, Ezra connected to his phone.

“Okay, Link,” Ezra stated into the speaker.“I can talk now.”

“Glad to hear you’re being safe while driving.”Link’s voice rumbled through Ezra’s ear.“Like knowing you’re playin’ it safe.”

Ezra smirked, feeling a flutter of warmth within his chest...and his groin.“Well, Iwasa Boy Scout,” he admitted.“Be prepared.”

“Really?”Link paused, and Ezra thought that would be it...just like at the restaurant.Mostly one-word comments.Except, a few seconds later, Link cleared his throat and stated, “So, uh, I know lunch was a little rough.I haven’t dated in...a long damn time.”A deep sigh sounded through the line.“I’m a hacker, mostly a loner, but we have chemistry, you and I.I’m not stupid enough to pass that up just because I’m uncomfortable.”

A bit impressed with Link’s candor, Ezra let out an admission of his own.“In the parking lot, when you leaned in to kiss me, and I pulled away, it wasn’t you, it was me.”

Link grunted before asking, “What do you mean?”

“I mean, PDAs make me feel very uncomfortable,” Ezra admitted.“Even when I’ve dated women, I don’t kiss them in public.”

“You’re bi?”

Ezra could hear the incredulity in Link’s voice...or perhaps worry or concern.He didn’t know the man well enough, yet.

If I end up knowing him much at all.

“Yeah, I’m bi,” Ezra confirmed.He’d never denied how he identified, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to start now.“But if I’m with someone, man or woman, I’m faithful.”

Huh.Why did I feel the need to reassure him?

Plus, Ezra had only ever been in a relationship with a man once...and it had lasted all of two weeks.Still, what he said was true.He’d been faithful during that time.

“Okay,” Link responded simply.“Uh, can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?”

As tempting as it was to sayyesand turn his vehicle around, Ezra decided not to.He’d been planning his excursion for months.Ezra wanted to get out and commune with nature.It always helped him think, and Ezra really needed to think about his body’s crazy responses to Link.

The big guy was the exact opposite of his type, so why did he respond so viscerally to him?

Ezra hoped the two weeks of hiking and camping would help him understand.

“I’m sorry, Link,” Ezra replied, doing his best to keep his voice soft and soothing.“I’m actually headed out of town.I have the next two weeks off work, and I’m headed into the mountains.”

“The mountains?”Link repeated.“Like, camping?”A second later, he murmured, “Oh, you said you enjoyed hiking at lunch today.”

“Yeah, I did.”Ezra smiled, pleased that Link had caught that.“And I’m heading to Springer Mountain to start the Appalachian Trail.I want to see how far I get and test my physical fitness.”As Ezra spoke, he couldn’t help how animated his voice became.“Been planning it for months.Someday, I hope to hike the entire trail.It spans fourteen states, ending in Maine.”Talking faster, Ezra rambled, “This is my first time on the trail, and I’m hoping it’ll give me an idea of just how long it could take me.Average is five to seven months, and I need to know how much more prep I’ll need before planning a leave of absence from work.Definitely not during tax season.Good thing that’s in the winter, right?”Ezra finished with a laugh.

The line remained quiet for a moment, and Ezra felt his cheeks begin to heat as embarrassment started to fill him.He couldn’t believe he’d blurted all that out.What a moment to totally geek-out about his dream of hiking the whole trail.

Finally, Link responded.“I like listening to you talk about your plans.You’re passionate.”His deep voice sounded full of warmth.“I look forward to hearing more.”

“Really?”Ezra didn’t bother trying to fight his pleased grin.

“Yeah,” Link instantly replied.“I like the sound of your voice.”

Ezra felt his cheeks heat for a whole new reason.No one had ever offered such blunt admissions before.Clearing his throat, he struggled with what to say.

That time, Link beat him to it.“Do you have a satellite phone?”

“Yeah, absolutely,” Ezra confirmed.“I’ve done several overnight hiking trips before.Solo and with friends.”He smiled, pleased at the idea that Link worried about him.“Got all the necessities.Food for days, water filtration device, first aid kit, pup tent, and GPS maps, and more.”Ezra forced himself to shut up.

“Good,” Link replied softly.“Will you give me your satellite number, Ezra?”