Page 38 of Nothing But Air

She offered a quick hug—brief, careful. “Trey. Thanks for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” His voice was deeper than Landon’s, but the warmth was achingly familiar. “Besides, Sierra said you needed the best.” He spread his arms wide, grinning. “And we all know that’s me.”

“Please.” Sierra shoved his shoulder. “You’re barely top five.”

For a moment, it almost felt like old times.

Almost.

The ranger-station door opened. Liam and Noah emerged, followed by Xander and Virgil.

Teague continued unloading gear, his attention clearly elsewhere. His eyes tracked Kyle—the way Kyle kept finding reasons to stand close to her, to angle his body toward hers.

Yeah. She’d noticed too.

Virgil extended his hand to Sierra. “Virgil Jones, park superintendent. Appreciate you folks coming on short notice.”

Introductions. Explanations. The cache, the cryptic poem, the technical climbs required.

Finally, he nodded toward the station door. “Let’s move inside. Maps and gear lists to review.”

The conference room was crowded with ten people filling the space. Maps covered every surface. The air smelled of stale coffee and old paper.

Marcus stood near the window, his usual guarded expression in place. Dark hair immaculate, expensive hiking clothes pristine. His gaze tracked the new members, a smile not fully reaching his eyes.

Teague leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, gaze moving between the maps and the newcomers.

Specifically Kyle.

“Team One, led by me, will include Marcus, Xander, and Eden.” Teague’s eyes met hers briefly. “Team Two will be led by Liam and will include Sierra, Trey, and Kyle.”

Kyle leaned forward, studying the map. “Eden and I should be on the same team.” His tone was reasonable. Almost casual. “We’ve climbed together for years. We know each other’s signals, each other’s rhythms.” He looked up, eyes finding Teague’s. “You’d want to keep that kind of partnership intact. For efficiency.”

Teague stepped away from the wall. His expression remained neutral, but his gaze held like steel. “The teams are balanced as they are.”

“I’m not questioning the balance.” Kyle’s voice was smooth. “I’m thinking about what’s best for Eden.”

Oh, here we go.

The two men stared at each other across the table. The air thickened.

“Put Eden on Team Two with me, Sierra, and Trey,” Kyle continued. “We’ve all climbed together for years. Tell him, Eden.”

Eden opened her mouth—this had been her decision, not Teague’s—but Teague spoke first.

“Team composition is my decision. Eden’s on Team One.”

“Then let me trade with Xander.” Kyle straightened, his friendly expression cooling. “She’s getting back on the rock after a long hiatus. Might be easier with someone she knows well. Someone who understands her climbing style.” A pause. Heavy. “Someone she trusts.”

“The decision stands.” Teague’s voice was flat. Final.

Kyle’s jaw tightened. “I only want to make sure she’s taken care of.”

Like she was fragile. Like she needed handling.

Kyle’s protectiveness used to feel comforting. A safety net. Now it pressed against her spine. A hand nudging her toward the past.

“Eden doesn’t need to be taken care of.” Teague’s tone cut through the room. “She’s strong and capable. And if I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t have her on either team.”