Page 24 of Hearts Don't Lie
Mac woke to the raucous chattering of birds. She sat up, disoriented, not remembering having fallen asleep. Something thumped to the ground.
“Shit!”
Apparently Hardin was having a challenge. Mac unzipped the tent flaps and stuck her head out. The air was crisp and the sun sparkled in a cloudless sky, a promise they were going to see some spectacular views on their hike. Already shadows and light accentuated the soaring, craggy peaks in the distance. The highest of them—Devil’s Brow—speared through a halo of snow, its twin hornlike formations drenched in brilliant light.
“What’s going on?” she called, slipping into her boots, noticing he was holding his hand and a pot was on its side at his feet. “How bad is it?”
“Ugh. You made this look easy. I grabbed it wrong. It slipped. I let go or it would have been worse.”
“I told you I make kick-ass camp coffee. That means me, not you. Let me see.”
He flashed her a look of thanks and came toward her.
“It doesn’t look bad at all. Get your water. I’ll get a clean bandanna.”
Mac went into her tent for the first aid kit and her toothbrush. She applied the cool, wet cloth after instructing him to sit on one of the large boulders around the stove, then started the coffee. “I’ll be back soon,” she said and turned toward the water, intent on addressing her morning routine.
“I’m good,” he said behind her.
She kept walking, calling out, “Yes, you are. Wait until I return to play with the stove again, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Hardin held his coffee with both hands. “You weren’t kidding about making kick-ass coffee. Hits the spot.” He took another long sip. “You were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you. Last night you listened to me. Really listened. No one listens like you, Mac. You didn’t share your side of things before you fell asleep. I was trying to be considerate.”
“I appreciate the effort, but I’m your guide, so I do everything unless I ask or direct you to do otherwise. Got it?” She stared at him, then drained her first cup and started making breakfast. “Hungry?”
“Like a bear.” He stood and looked over her shoulder. “What’re you making?”
“Pancakes and eggs with vegetables.”
“Damn. Sounds good.”
“It’s prepared ahead of time mostly.”
“Can I help?”
“You can. Just sit there.”
“I feel funny, Mac, just sitting here, having you wait on me.”
She whipped around and gave him a hard stare. “You helped last night, more than I should have let you. Did you or did you not hire Intrepid Adventures, specifically me, to guide you on the trip?”
“Uh, yes.” He tried to look sheepish but failed miserably and ended up with a stubborn expression. “But come on. It’s you and me.”
“I’m in my element. You are not.”
“Fine. I’ll empty my tent and pack it. How’s that?”
“Think you can?”
“I’m not an imbecile. I paid attention to Chase’s demonstration.”
“Go for it.” She waved her hand at him, then poured herself more coffee, watching as his confident, easy stride ate up the distance to his tent. Electricity zinged though her. Hardin still had his charm and that swagger. She blew into her coffee and took another sip, raising her eyes to peer through its steam. He gazed back at her and winked before disappearing into the tent.
Mac changed clothes and repacked her gear and the first aid kit. While she cleaned up after breakfast, Hardin packed the tents. Despite sleeping in, they were ready to resume their hike earlier than she had expected. They’d be able to take a break and snack in one of her favorite spots.
“Well done. You get a gold star,” she said, impressed with his effort.
