Page 131 of Come to Me

Really?

"Fuck, Alyssa. You're not talking to me."

"I was not in the bathroom throwing up. That's what you wanted to hear, isn't it?"

"Stop projecting." I take a deep breath. I can stay calm here.

She didn't sleep last night. She's tired.

"If I didn't trust you, I'd be chewing your ass out about that phone call."

She bites her lip. She knows I'm right.

She packs her purse and takes one last sip of coffee, dropping the subject like it's caught fire in her hands. "Let's go."

I nod. Hiking while exhausted seems like a terrible idea, but if that's what she wants to do, fine.

If at any point she looks like she can't handle it, I'll just drag her ass back to the room.

* * *

Our morning hikeis supposed to be difficult. It's 2.5 very steep miles. I explain the path to Alyssa on the drive, but she doesn't balk.

She rolls her eyes at me. "I thought you were in shape with all that tactical body weight training." It's my turn to give her a look. "You look like you're about to jump off a bridge." Alyssa pokes my shoulder. "I really am okay."

"Alright."

She shifts, pulling her legs to her seat and crossing them. "It doesn't seem like you believe me."

I focus on the narrow road. We're almost there. "I do. I'm just... I worry about you."

She says nothing, but I can feel her reaction. She hates that I'm worried about her. She hates when anyone is worried about her.

"People worry about each other, Ally. It's normal."

"I didn't say anything."

"I know what you were thinking."

I pull into the parking area of the hiking trail. This whole place is beautiful--lush green everywhere and a view of the ocean for miles. There's no reason why this won't be a nice morning.

"Do you know what I'm thinking right now?" It's a challenge, her irritation clear.

I park the car, unbuckle my seatbelt, and turn to Alyssa. "Knowing you, it's probably NC-17."

"Very funny."

"You have to admit I look sexy as hell in my shorts."

She shakes her head, but she's grinning despite herself. "I care about things besides fucking you senselessly."

"Fucking me sense-fully?"

"Smug bastard." She laughs, shaking her head. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little cranky."

"It's alright. You're cute cranky."

She leans towards me until she's only a few inches away. Her eyes find mine. Damn, those are such gorgeous eyes.