Page 23 of His North Star
“We’ll have to go sometime. It’s a lot of fun.”
“Maybe,” I muttered. “I’m sure Ty would go with you. Despite our bad experience, it hasn’t stopped him. He’s fearless. Something it seems the two of you have in common.”
He grabbed my forearm, and I held his gaze. “It’s okay if you’re scared. I’ll help you through it.”
The only way I’d go was if Ty went with as well. If I had a panic attack, Ty would calm me and wouldn’t make fun of me for it afterward like Blake would have. Since I didn’t know James well enough to know how he’d react to my anxiety, I didn’t want to take that risk without my best friend by my side.
“And if I don’t care to take my chances dying so young?” I asked. “What then, adrenaline junkie?”
His lips twitched.
“Don’t laugh at me,” I chided. “Not everyone is like you.”
He sealed his lips and shook his head. “I would never laugh at you. You’d probably enjoy rafting if you had someone, I don’t know”—he flashed me a smoldering look—“like me, who knew what they were doing, there with you.”
Someone was extra confident in himself. All I needed was Ty.
“Possibly.” I nodded.
He smiled. “I would love to plan another non-date with you. On the river.”
My stomach leaped to my throat. “Maybe when it warms up.” Lame excuse, but at least it brushed off a full-on commitment. “And if we invite Ty.”
“Want to head to Glacier in a few weeks?” he asked. “I’m free after one on Saturdays. I’ve been dying to hike Avalanche Lake. Don’t worry, I’ll invite Ty and Alyssa as well.”
Sheesh. Did he try to plan this manydateswith every girl he met? Granted, inviting Ty and Lys landed in friend territory. But, come on. No one planned three more outings after knowing someone a few hours. Unless he really was just looking for a friend. Had I read everything wrong?
“There might be snow up there still,” I said. “As long as you don’t mind that, and Ty and Lys agree, I’m game.”
“That’s what sturdy hiking boots are for.” He winked.
After chatting a few more minutes, he walked me back to my car. “I’m glad we did this tonight.” James smiled. “I have a feeling I’m going to love living here.” He winked.
I didn’t peg him as captain of the Frequent Winker Club, but after witnessing it multiple times, I’d say I discovered histhing. The one that would either become adorable or extremely annoying.
“It’ll be fun having another friend around. Ty certainly needs some more testosterone in his life.”
He laughed. “Happy to help. I’ll see you soon, yeah?”
I nodded. “Yep. See you.”
There was no denying James was nice. I got into my SUV and sent Ty a text because I was dying to know if Ty meant it when he said our introduction wasn’t meant as a date.
Me:When you set up the evening with James last weekend, did you really mean it as a friends’ get-together? Or was it a date, and you lied to me about it because you knew I wouldn’t go?
CHAPTER 7
Abedofpineneedles carpeted my feet as Lys, Ty, James, and I hiked through the Rocky Mountains. The rush of water and songs of birds soothed my ears. The melting snow enhanced the aroma of pine and soil. I deeply inhaled, letting the cool mountain air fill my lungs. I’d been here countless times throughout my life, and it never disappointed.
Lys and Ty were slightly ahead on the trail, while James and I walked behind. We’d flirted for a while, but at the moment, the scenery distracted me and I couldn’t keep up with a long conversation.
James thankfully didn’t mind the quiet. His head swiveled around as much as mine did. Between the ridiculously tall mountain peaks and giant pine trees lining the trail, I had a hard time walking when all I wanted to do was stare at the beauty engulfing me. I’d never tire of Glacier National Park.
As we rounded the last corner on the trail, a small, crystal clear lake reflected the snow-covered mountains that towered above us. My breath caught in my throat. Was this what ants felt like? The world around them so gigantic and overwhelming? In this bowl, surrounded by majestic peaks and a beautiful lake nestled at the bottom, I too felt little. Almost inconsequential, as if I were nothing in this world compared to Mother Nature.
Ty was like the magnificent peaks. So big and awe-inspiring. Then there was me. No wonder he never loved me as more than a sister. What did I have to offer him?
I slipped my pack off, letting it fall on the rocky shore, and with it my melancholy thoughts. For now, I’d enjoy the beauty before me and stop dwelling on negativity. I bent as close as possible to the edge of the water without getting my shoes wet and swirled my fingers around the arctic water. Ripples spread slowly to the center of the lake.
