Page 61 of Missed Steps

“I’m hungry.”

Mark rolls his eyes. “Eat something.”

“I want pizza.”

“So order yourself a pizza.”

Sebastian glares at Mark. Just as I think he’s about to throw something, he springs up instead and stalks out of the room. I gaze anxiously between the two of them, and Mark notices my expression. He grins. “Don’t worry. He’s only sulking because he wanted to eat with us.”

“You two are close.”

“We’ve known each other since we were small,” Mark says. “I told you about him before. The neighbour with all the cats. Our dads are brothers, and they moved next to us when Sebastian was born.”

Once we’re done eating, Mark drives me home. I insist on catching the bus; Mark’s insistence on driving me is much more persistent. He wins because he won’t take no for an answer. Outside my front door, he catches my sides and turns me to face him. He presses a quick kiss to my mouth but retreats when I lean in for more.

“See you tomorrow?” he asks.

“Tomorrow.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

I glance over my shoulder, scanning the parking lot again but there’s no sign of Mark. Only Chris with a collection of hard-core climbers surrounding him in a ring, firing questions at him. I grumble under my breath at the small crowd in the lot. The smallhiking group had become the busiest one of the year all thanks to Chris contacting the club and offering to come in for a few guided hikes and talks.

I adjust my position, checking the lot again as I tighten my crossed arms. Standing still in the wintery chill leaves me shivering.

Mark’s car finally pulls into the lot.

I watch in surprise as Mark gets out, followed by Bethany and Louis. Louis and Mark chat by the bonnet as Mark swivels his head, looking around. His gaze lingers on Chris and his group, raking over each member before continuing on. His eyes meet mine and he lifts his hand to wave. Mark glances back at Louis, says something, and then trots across the lot to my spot.

My stomach tightens in unease and I frown when he reaches me. “Mark, it’s icy.”

“The city salt parking lots,” Mark says.

“They clearly didn’t do this one,” I reply.

Mark’s gaze darts down to my hands. I have them tucked into my armpits for warmth. “Here.” He shrugs off his windbreaker.

“No, you’ll need it.”

“I’m fine,” he insists. “I don’t have to wait in the cold for my late boyfriend to show up. Sorry about that. With Bethany and Eddie bickering at the apartment, I’m surprised we made it at all.” Mark glances around. “Where’s Tommy? I figured he’d want to tag along.”

“Someone called in sick at work this morning, so he’s covering for them.” I keep my hands securely tucked away as Mark tries to get me into the windbreaker. He’s undaunted by my objections.

“It’ll look ridiculous on me,” I finally say.

“It’ll look like you’re wearing your boyfriend’s clothes. It’ll be cute and sexy.”

I stare up at Mark, not able to feel my nose because of the cold, and my arms loosen.

Mark grins victoriously as he helps me into the jacket. “When are we starting?” he asks, eyeing the group by Chris.

“Most of the group has started already. I was waiting for you.”

“And Chris was waiting for you,” Mark finishes, understanding. “Shall we head off then?”

As he asks, the two he’d left behind at the car join us, equipped with trail maps. Louis offers one to Mark, and Bethany leans against the post next to me and holds hers out for me to see. There are a few different trails marked out, all varying in incline and distance.

“Which one are we doing?” she asks. Despite being bundled up in fluffy sweaters and jackets, her nose is bright pink. I glance sideways at Mark, appreciating how good he looks in a simple fleece and cargo pants. The cold doesn’t seem to bother him at all.