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“A duckling and a puppy.”

“So, we should probably…”

“Stop.”

How could he ever stop? Desperate measures. He ducked them under the stream of the waterfall, dousing them in freezing water.

Fee squealed, breaking from his hold, sputtering and laughing.

“You asshole!”

He laughed, splashing more water at her. She splashed him back, and even though they were both smiling and laughing, he knew they were still wondering what would have happened, what could have happened if they just gave in.

Chapter Fifteen

The vibe of this waterfall was quite a bit different than the last one she’d led Theo to. It hadn’t been cold enough to freeze entirely, but icicles hung all along the rocky wall. The water looked dark and uninviting and even the snowflakes landing in Theo’s hair couldn’t shift the mood.

“I guess she’s not here,” Phoebe said, tucking her face down further into Theo’s old jacket.

“I guess not.” He was staring into the water, and she wondered if he was picturing them swimming there, mostly naked and pressed together.

She’d always regretted that day.

Regretted that they hadn’t done more.

Regretted that she let Theo convince her he needed to stay away.

It was the last time she saw him for two whole years.

She grabbed his hand, pressing her palm to his, assuring herself of his presence.

“We should head back. The snow’s getting worse.” Snowflakes were clumped on his eyelashes when he looked down at her.

He held onto her hand as they followed the short trail back to the cabins. Fee felt tired and guilty; she was tempted to just tell Theo the truth.

Until a bright color off the trail caught her attention.

A big orange X was spray painted on several of the trees. Her heart sank.

“What’s that?” she asked, tugging on Theo’s hand, pulling him off the path. “Are they going to take all these down?” It seemed like the Xs were multiplying the further they walked off the trail.

“Fuck,” Theo muttered. “Probably.”

“Why?” It was a stupid question that she should already know the answer to, but she asked it every damn time anyway. Why were they cutting down more trees? Why were they building another store, another mall, another block of condos?

Her stomach hurt.

Theo spun her to face him, lifting her chin with his thumb and forefinger.

He held her gaze but the look in his eyes was just as helpless as she felt.

“We’re far from your grove, Fee. It’ll be okay.”

“For now.”

“Yeah.” He breathed. “For now.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead and started walking back to the trail.