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As I take in the magnificent mountain views, I find myself wondering what David’s reactions to the landscape are. Does his breath catch when he gazes out at the mountains? Does he smile at the wildlife?

I want to know it all.

There’s something intriguing about the broody, handsome, accountant that I can’t quite get out of my head. Especially after he looked at me so sweetly this morning when I was scared over llamapocalypse.

What would it be like to have the affection of a man who’s so hard to win over? Someone who isn’t even capable of useless flattery, but is always brutally honest to a fault?

“Wow, Isabella. The way you climb these rocks is impressive! You’re in great shape,” Chris tells me from a foot away.

I sigh, getting annoyed with his constant and ridiculous compliments. I’m not in that great of shape, and there’s nothing special about the way I’m climbing these rocks. If David were up here with us, he’d probably explain what type of rocks they are and how many kilometers we have left to hike today. I smile to myself and glance over my shoulder once more.

This time, David meets my gaze and I smile at him. He looks serious, as usual, but one corner of his mouth turns up in a little smirk.

Hannah, who’s beside me, clears her throat dramatically.

“What?” I ask.

She scoffs. “You know what.”

I shrug. “Oh, stop. Our near-death experience this morning bonded us.”

“I don’t think having a llama in your tent constitutes a near-death experience,” Anthony argues.

“Anthony’s right.”

“Thanks, babe,” he says, giving her a smack on the bottom.

Hannah eyes Chris, who’s a few paces ahead and lowers her voice to a whisper, “You like David. Just admit it.”

With a groan, I admit, “I do not like him. But why does he have to be so handsome? That does make it a little more difficult to hate him.”

She laughs. “Why do you need to hate him? He seems like a great guy. Smart, dependable, can defend you from evil llamas." She holds up a finger for each quality she lists.

“And he also smells really good… like insanely good. But what about how grouchy and serious he is?” I worry my bottom lip. “Back home we drive each other bonkers. You probably couldn’t find two people more opposite than me and David.”

“You might have more in common than you think. Try to get to know him.” She stops and grabs her water bottle from her backpack and takes a long swig.

I rest my hands on my hips for a moment, feeling amused and a little annoyed by her comment. “You think David and I could have things in common?”

“Wouldn’t hurt to find out,” she says with a wink, then pockets her water bottle and jogs to catch up to her husband.

Instead of catching up with them, I purposefully slow my steps. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to take it easier today. And if I end up hiking with David, then so be it.

Might as well have a positive relationship with my tent mate.

That night when I get done with my bucket bath for the night, I head to our tent to sleep. I think of my conversation with Hannah again. My mind has flitted back and forth about David all day, wondering if we actually do have similarities. Perhaps I’ve always focused on our differences instead of looking for things that might connect us.

When I slip inside the tent, David isn’t inside yet. I place my backpack neatly at the end of my pallet, the way David does, hoping to start things off right tonight.

Rocco warned us there’s a chance of rain tonight. I’ve always been scared of storms, which is stupid since I live in Tornado Alley. But I can handle some light rain. I dress warm in some grey leggings, thick socks, and a black long-sleeved, moisture-wicking top.

I hear the zipper to the tent and David steps inside after carefully taking his shoes off outside the tent first. He’s dressed for a chilly night as well, with black sweats and a red hoodie.

He zips the tent door once he’s inside and glances at my backpack stowed at the foot of my bed. He looks up at me through his dark eyelashes and smirks.

Pretending not to notice, I slide further down into my covers.

A light tapping sound fills our small tent and David looks up like he can see the sky. “I guess Rocco was correct about the rain.”