Page 5 of Make It Last

“Oh yeah?”

“Absolutely. I’m a city girl, born and raised in Seattle.” Another sigh. This one sounded tired. “I don’t want to go back. Because my ex is there, and my whole life feels like a hot fucking mess. I have to figure out if I’m going to keep my job, and it just sucks.” She was quiet for a second before adding, “But Alaska is beautiful. I love it. And this little town, Willow Brook, is adorable, practically storybook cute.”

“Storybook cute,” I repeated with a chuckle. “I happen to love it too.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Well, I grew up here.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“So you’re like a small-town guy?”

“Yes and no. I went away for college.”

“Where?”

“Actually, Seattle.”

“No shit!” She gave me a light punch on the shoulder, and I laughed.

“That’s where I went. So I’ve done the city. Love Seattle. It’s a nice place, and there’s great food.”

“True story.” She shifted a little on my back, and I adjusted her carefully, making sure the harness was still snug.

“Anyway,” she said, “so far my trip’s been fun. My friend Amy—she’s behind us—organized the trip. By the way, you walk fast even with me on your back.”

“You’re not that heavy,” I said.

Her laughter vibrated against my back again. “Wow. You really know how to compliment a girl.”

“In this case, I’m being honest. You’re not that heavy. I’m literally carrying you on my back, so I’d know. How’s your pain, though?”

“I’m feeling okay. Lacey gave me some ibuprofen.”

“Oh, she didn’t give you the good stuff?”

“No, people can’t just carry the good stuff around,” she said with a snort.

With every step down the trail, I was acutely aware of Ava. We fell quiet for a stretch before she pressed, “Are you sure I’m not too heavy?”

“You didn’t suddenly gain weight mid-hike.”

“Well, I know when I’m carrying something for a long time, it gets heavier as I go,” she pointed out, shifting slightly against my back.

“This is true. But carrying someone like this is probably the easiest way to do it.”

“Am I lightweight?” she asked dryly before she burst out laughing. “There’s no way I’m lightweight. If you say I am, I will instantly know you’re lying.”

A chuckle rustled in my throat. I wasn’t the most serious guy, but I wasn’t someone who relaxed easily either. Not with new people, and definitely not during rescue missions. But Ava cracked me up. There was something about her—a lightness and a spark. Even without seeing her face, I could picture her eyes dancing with humor and self-deprecation.

I glanced over my shoulder. That was when I realized just how close her face was to mine. If I turned a little more, her pink bow-shaped lips would be right there.

I whipped my head forward again. The last thing I needed was to fall while carrying an already injured woman I was supposed to be helping.

“You’re moving,” she added suddenly.