“Not much of a hiker, huh?”
“I think I wore the wrong shoes,” she said, trying to find the part of her that saw the good. But that part of her did not like being sweaty.
Beckett looked down at her expensive (even with the sale she’d found) hiking shoes. “Please tell me you’ve worn them before.”
She shook her head. Not exactly something she’d wear to work, shopping, or on a stroll through the park by her apartment. Strolling—another sweet spot.
He winced. “We’ll wind it up after everyone has a snack.”
Presley leaned closer. “Do not end this early because of me.”
Beckett smiled at her, like they were old friends. “I’ll take the blame. I actually have to work on one of the cabins today, so I’d like to get back.”
“I can hack it.” She sat up straighter. She wasn’t a wimp. She was just out of her comfort zone.
“Did you get your selfie?” He grinned in a sweetly teasing way that reminded her he’d woken to her taking a picture of herself.
“No. I’m a mess.” She started to put her hand up to her face but he stopped her.
“You’re beautiful. Your cheeks are flushed like you’re happy,” he said, leaning in close enough to speed up her pulse. That was saying something, since her heart was already beating like a hopped-up humming bird. This close, she saw flecks of green in his dark gaze. “Even though you’re secretly miserable.”
She laughed, her lungs slowly beginning to function again. “It’s not horrible, I guess. I think I just need less of an incline and some athletic clothing.” Maybe more breaks.
He held out his hand. “Phone.”
“Beckett.”
He shook his head. “Come on. Give it up. You’ll want evidence you did it.”
Presley shook her head and dug her phone out of the side pocket of her pants. Beckett pressed the camera and held it up. In the view, she saw the sparkle in his gaze and the hint of one in her own. Shewasflushed, her cheeks a rosy pink, but he was right about it making her look happy.
“Okay if I’m in it with you?”
When she turned her head to answer, it brought their faces close. Really close. She heard the click but it didn’t register. She was too busy trying to breathe while her heart flip-flopped.
Their gazes stayed locked and Presley felt her heartbeat in the base of her throat. His eyes were every bit as captivating as the view.
“Presley?” he whispered.
Right. Picture.“Absolutely. I’ll tag you when I post it,” she said, hoping her voice wasn’t all breathy.
He laughed, turned toward the camera. “I’m not on social media. The last thing I need is to have more people to answer to.”
Presley turned her head to face the camera, butterflies fluttering. She smiled, her gaze glued to his in the reflection of the screen.
When he pressed the button, the moment was captured. She wouldn’t need the photo to remember it though. Beckett Keller was quickly etching himself into her life in ways she wouldn’t soon forget.
“Aren’t you two the cutest. I was so worried about you yesterday,” Mel said, adjusting her wide-brimmed hat as she came over. Her dark skin showed a subtle sheen, but her clothes didn’t look wet or uncomfortable. Her selfie would be gorgeous. It was clear from her smile down to her well-worn shoes that she’d done this before.
“I’m doing better today,” Presley said.
“Looks like you are, too, son,” another gentleman said.
Presley didn’t know his name, but he’d chatted with Beckett, oratBeckett, for most of the hike.
He winked at Presley, then looked at Beckett. “Guess when you saidthere were no women here it’s because you were keeping the good ones for yourself.”
Beckett fumbled the phone, nearly dropping it before passing it back to Presley. “We should get back. Jilly and Ollie will have an afternoon snack and drinks waiting for all of you.”
