Page 55 of Nothing But Air

“It’s a masterpiece when someone who can sing performs it.” Sierra patted his arm. “When you do it, it’s a crime against music.”

“Rude.” Trey let out a laugh. “Accurate, but rude.”

Eden glanced toward Teague’s table again—couldn’t help it—and found him listening to Noah, his expression serious. The lamplight cast shadows across his jaw.

As if sensing her attention, his gaze shifted to hers and held.

He didn’t smile. Didn’t wave. But something passed between them—recognition, connection, a current that seemed to hum through the air.

Then Xander said something that made the whole table laugh, and Teague’s attention shifted back. But not before Eden caught the hint of a smile tugging at his mouth.

“Earth to Eden.” Sierra’s voice was singsong. “You gonna eat that food or just stare at Hamilton all night?”

“I wasn’t staring.” She let out a long breath.

“Uh-huh.” Sierra’s expression turned far too knowing. “And you definitely haven’t been tracking him since he walked in.”

Trey glanced toward Teague’s table, then back, with raised eyebrows. “So it’s like that?”

“It’s not like anything.” Eden forced herself to take a bite of chicken. Barely tasted it. “We’re teammates. That’s all.”

“Right.” Sierra leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “Because teammates sneak glances at each other when they think no one’s watching. Teammates bring out that cute little blush on your cheeks.”

“I’m not blushing?—”

“You are.” Sierra reached over and gently patted her cheek. “And it’s kind of adorable.”

Trey’s expression softened. He was quiet for a moment, gaze moving between Eden and Teague. When he spoke, his voice was gentle. “Landon would like him, you know.”

Eden’s hands stilled. “What?”

“Teague.” Trey’s brown eyes—Landon’s eyes—held hers. “Landon would respect him. The way he admits when he needs help instead of letting pride get someone hurt. The way he protects you but doesn’t smother.” A pause. “That’s the kind of guy Landon would want for you.”

Eden’s throat went tight. “Trey?—”

“I mean it, E.” Soft but firm. “You’re allowed to be interested in someone. Landon would hate knowing you were alone because of him.”

Kyle’s jaw tightened, fingers drumming against the table. “Speaking of tomorrow—we should probably talk about coordination between teams.”

Subtle, Kyle. Really subtle.

Everyone stared at him. The silence stretched, awkward.

“Liam and Teague are handling that.” Eden kept her voice even.

“Right. You think they can handle it?” He lifted one brow.

Was he serious? This was what they did for a living.

Her frustration must have shown because Sierra jumped in, too bright. “I, for one, am glad about that. It’s been a while since I could just focus on the climbs and not the logistics. Which means more focus for karaoke. I’d rather not think about routes while I’m butchering Adele.”

“I suppose.” Kyle’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Maybe we can do a duet tonight, Eden? Like old times?”

The suggestion was loaded. Heavy with subtext.

Before she could respond, Trey stood. “Actually, I should go prep my gear. Sierra, want to help me organize the rack?”

“What? But we haven’t—” Sierra caught Trey’s meaningful look and stood quickly. “Right. Yes. The rack. Very important…rack organizing. And you had that thing, right, Eden?”