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“Mount Agamenticus,” she read off the sign.
“It’s got a great view of the White Mountains and the ocean at the top.” He pulled the backpack from his truck bed and slung it over his shoulders before leading her towards the trail.
They walked in silence at first, passing other hikers every now and then. It wasn’t too busy this time of year. Most of the leaves had already fallen, covering the floor of the forest in the bright yellows, reds, and oranges. The trail was steep in many places. He slowed to stay in pace with Belle.
The farther they hiked, the closer she got to him. “Are you sure we won’t run into any bears?” Her hands touched his arm, and instinctively he wrapped his palm around hers and squeezed.
“No, we’ll be fine. This is a well-traveled area. I’ve hiked this mountain hundreds of times and never seen more than a squirrel or chipmunk.”
“Okay.” She seemed to breathe a little easier, but she didn’t let his hand go.
He’d protect her, even if it meant risking his life. That was part of his job—every day there was a risk he might not make it home because he’d sworn to protect and serve. But nothing about the softness of her hand entrusted in his felt like just another day. The ache in his chest at the fear in her eyes told him that whether he was a cop or not, it was more important to protect this woman than the next beat of his heart.
He was the one in danger.
Chapter 15
Bently
They were out of breath by the time they reached the summit. He led her to a wooden lookout, his leg muscles aching with every step. When he guided her to the top, he pointed out in the distance. “There are the White Mountains.”
“Where?” she asked.
He stepped behind her, one hand on her shoulder as he leaned in and pointed with the other one. “They’re easier to see when they have snow caps on them.”
She turned to face him. “And that other side is the ocean?”
He nodded, not taking his gaze off her. He leaned the tiniest bit forward, testing the waters.
Her stomach grumbled.
He chuckled. “Guess we better eat.”
She smiled bashfully. “I skipped breakfast.”
“You should have said something. We could have stopped for food.”
She shrugged as he led her towards a picnic table. “I just got busy and forgot. It’s not a big deal.”
“Do you do that a lot?”
“Skip breakfast?” she asked.
“Forget to take care of yourself?”
She opened her mouth to say something and then closed it. Belle remained silent as he pulled out the water bottles and handed her one.
“So glad we could make the reservations.” She cast him a skeptical look and twisted off the cap before taking a long gulp of water.
He smirked. “Wouldn’t want to miss the best seats in the house.” He laid out the sandwiches and fruit and veggie platter he’d packed on the wooden picnic table.
“Wow. You’ve really outdone yourself,” she said, unwrapping one of the sandwiches.
He shrugged. “Didn’t know what you’d like.”
“This is perfect,” she said before biting into the turkey sandwich.
After they’d finished eating, Belle said, “Tell me about yourself.”
