Out of the Shadows by Christina Sol

Author:Christina Sol [Sol, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sol Media LLC
Published: 2025-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“Ready?” Gavin asked, releasing a deep breath. It was as if he were trying to clear his head, which considering the hectic morning Bean knew he’d had, wouldn’t be a surprise.

Following his lead, she took in the crisp air, and the forest’s earthy scents filled her nose. Was she ready?

Before they’d left the office, she’d changed out of her pencil skirt and sweater set and into leggings, a half-zip fleece top, and a down vest. She wiggled her toes, glanced down at her new hiking boots, and then up at Gavin. Seeing the tension he carried in his posture and the dark circles shadowing his eyes, she aimed for light. “The boots are comfy.”

He grinned as he took her hand and led them toward the trailhead. “Nice nonanswer.”

She snickered, surprised by how things weren’t awkward between them after they’d crossed a huge line the night before. Granted, she’d done everything she could to play things casually, like her mind hadn’t been completely blown by being with Gavin that way. Once she’d gotten home, she’d stayed up half the night overanalyzing every minute detail and trying to figure out what it all meant. Obviously, he was attracted to her. But did he want more? Did it mean more? Or was it casual? Were they fuck buddies?

In the wee hours of the morning, she’d finally admitted to herself that she hoped things between them could maybe possibly hopefully—no, not hopefully, just maybe and possibly—be more than something casual. Not that she expected any kind of forever. Not at all. She just thought that given their history as friends and all, it could mean . . . more.

Clearing her throat, she aimed to focus on the now. The last thing she needed was to spiral down the overanalyzing rabbit hole while the man was literally holding her hand. “You know I’m not much of a hiker, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” He chuckled. “Pretty sure everyone who knows you knows that.”

“Does that mean you’ll take it easy on me?”

“Oh come on, B. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

She rolled her eyes. “I do have to be back by two, so with travel time, we have just under two hours.”

“I know, honey.” He pointed to a trail to the left. “That’s an easy trail too. More of a gradual elevation change. It has some nice streams and a waterfall farther in. A few difficult trails branch off it, but the main trail is a five-mile loop.”

“We should do that one, then.” She frowned when he tugged her past it.

“Next time.” He led her toward a narrow trail to the right. “This one is also fairly moderate, but it has great views of the water.”

The trail narrowed, and she released his hand, gesturing ahead of her. “Lead the way.” Her eyebrow arched when the trail grew steeper within seconds. “Hate to break it to you, boss man, but I think your definition of ‘fairly moderate’ is different from mine.”

Her breaths came in huffs as she focused on the uneven path before her.

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