Page 130 of Seale the Deal

It’s eye-opening, I say finally.

Ruger steps closer, brushing my cheek with his thumb and letting it linger. My stomach does that familiar lurch, the one that comes every time he’s near. He pulls me into his chest, and I wrap my arms around his waist as we look out at the view together.

Eventually, we start back down the trail, and I look over my shoulder one last time and know I’ll remember this moment forever.

Back at the parking lot, the guys load the backpacks while Remi and I wait for them.

I guess I promised food, Ruger says, looking at Remi.

You did, she says.

Fine. Dinner at my place, Ruger says. Lab meat included.

Remi rolls her eyes.

That was a beautiful hike, Brandt says, stretching.

So beautiful you read a book? I ask.

This is my first time spending any real time with Brandt. Between him being Ruger’s friend and Remi’s… whatever he is to her… I kind of want to get to know the guy.

He shrugs. Look, when you grow up on a ranch with little to no electronics, you gotta get your kicks from somewhere. Mine was books.

But isn’t a book a little cumbersome? I ask. You could get an e-reader.

He makes a face. Absolutely not.

He has a cute little reading lamp he attaches to his book at night, Ruger teases.

Brandt gives him a playful punch.

I think reading is sexy, Remi says.

The sudden declaration hangs in the air. Even the caw of a raven seems to pause.

In general, she clarifies. I’m an author. What do you expect me to say? Books are stupid?

True, I say, stepping in, assuming she’s still trying to keep Ruger from knowing they’re doing anything, like showing up in the same vehicle isn’t suspicious as hell.

Brandt presses his lips together, but not before I catch the corner of his mouth twitching up.

Besides, Remi continues, crossing her arms, men who read tend to be more curious and intellectual.

Pretty sure that’s not why you called it sexy, Ruger says.

Remi points at him. You trap tourists in the wilderness for a living. Don’t judge my career.

I wasn’t?

I look down at the ground, fighting back a smile. Remi is really failing at hiding this.

Meanwhile, Brandt lets out a small snort.

Thank you, Remi says. I’m glad someone sees the humour in all this.

Okay, okay, I step in. Let’s focus on what’s important. That’s food. I’m hungry.

Agreed, Brandt says. We’ll meet you guys at your place.