Page 21 of Wild About the Mountain Guide
Knox is already gearing up, pulling on his waterproof boots and checking the rope system. “Remember, if anyone loses their footing, don’t panic. The rope will hold you, and I’ll get you to the other side. And make sure to open your pack’s hip belt. If you do fall, your pack could sweep you away. It’s better to lose your gear than your life.”
He steps into the water first, moving slowly and deliberately, testing each step before committing his full weight. Watchinghim work with such confidence has my stomach doing somersaults. When he reaches the middle of the creek, he turns back to us.
“Okay, Peyton. Your turn.”
My heart hammers as I step into the icy water, but I focus on Knox’s voice guiding me. “That’s it. Small steps. Feel for the solid spots before you commit.”
The current is stronger than I expected, and it tugs at my legs, but I keep my eyes on Knox and trust his instructions. When I slip slightly on a mossy rock, his hand is immediately there, steadying me.
“I’ve got you,” he says, and something in his voice makes me believe he’s talking about more than crossing this creek.
Once we’re all safely on the other side, Knox helps me wring out my socks, his fingers brushing against mine as he hands them back.
“You did great. You’re getting the hang of this.”
“I have a good teacher,” I reply, and the look he gives me makes my insides go all fluttery again.
Back on the trail, Harmony falls into step beside me. She’s been quiet this morning, which is unusual for her.
“You know, I’ve been doing some energy work while we walk,” she says.
“Energy work?”
“Chakra alignment, aura reading, that sort of thing.” She glances ahead at Knox.” And I have to say, your energy and Knox’s are starting to harmonize beautifully.”
I nearly trip over a root. “They’re what?”
“Harmonizing. Synchronizing. However you want to put it.” She smiles at me. “Your chakras are aligning, babe. I can practically see the golden threads connecting your heart centers.”
“Harmony, I don’t think—”
“Oh, I know it sounds woo-woo,” she interrupts cheerfully. “But I’ve been doing this for ten years, and I know what I’m seeing. You two have a real connection. Something genuine and beautiful.”
I look at Knox, who’s pointing out some kind of bird to Christine, his face animated as he explains something about migrating patterns.
“It’s complicated,” I say finally.
“The best things usually are.” Harmony reaches over and squeezes my arm. “But don’t let fear keep you from something real, okay? The universe doesn’t give us gifts like this very often. You should grab this opportunity with both hands.”
I want to tell her she’s being ridiculous, that Knox and I barely know each other, that he’s just being professional, and I’m reading way too much into every smile and casual touch. But then I remember the feeling of his fingers against mine in the darkness, the way he looked at me this morning, and the gentle way he said “I’ve got you” at the creek.
Maybe Harmony’s right. Maybe our chakrasarealigning, no matter how out there it sounds.
Knox drops back to check on the group, falling into step on my other side. “Everything okay back here?”
“Just enjoying the scenery,” I say, which isn’t entirely a lie. The mountain views are spectacular, but mostly I’m enjoying watchinghimand the way he seems to genuinely care about each of us.
As we continue up the trail, I find myself walking between Knox and Harmony, listening to their conversation about local wildlife and hiking trails. Every so often, Knox points out something interesting like a hawk circling overhead, a patch of wildflowers that won’t bloom for another month, or the peak of Mount Hartley in the distance.
And every so often, our hands brush as we navigate a narrow section of trail, or he steadies me with a touch to my elbow, and I feel that same electric spark from last night.
Maybe Harmony’s chakra talk is nonsense, but she’s not wrong about one thing: something is happening between Knox and me.
The question is, what am I going to do about it?
Chapter Ten
Knox
