Page 84 of Let Me Love You

“Yay! We’re about to have breakfast, then go hiking!”

“Can’t wait,” I grind out between my teeth.

After we eat and get dressed, Annie takes us to one of her favorite trails that’s close by.

“When we get to the top, make sure to get out your camera,” Annie says. “You’ll wanna take pics of the view.”

“If I make it up there, I’m jumping off,” I mutter, huffing and out of breath. Between the altitude difference and the cold, I’m dying.

Archer chuckles as he moves in front of me and bends down. “C’mon, hop on.”

“What? No, I can’t let a five-year-old beat me.”

Annie snickers. “To be fair, she has better hiking shoes than you.”

I grin. “You have a valid point.”

Deciding to take Archer up on his offer, I jump on his back and tightly hang onto him. “Alright, now this is what I call hiking.”

Eventually, we make it to the top, and I’m blown away by the view. White powder lightly dusts the surrounding trees, and down below, there’s a lake with bluish-green water. Being able to see the mountain peaks in the distance from up here was worth all the work. After we eat a quick snack and drink lots of water, we make our way back down.

“The descent is always easier,” Archer says as I pass him on the trail.

At the bottom, we stretch, then get into Annie’s car. Once we’re back at her place and I take a hot shower, the soreness comes. My calf muscles feel as though they’ve been twisted and stretched, and it’s the first time I’ve ever used them.

“Doing okay?” Archer asks when I collapse on the couch.

“I-I think so.”

Annie sits and meets Archer’s eyes. “So, any big plans for your birthday?”

“Wait. When’s your birthday?” I nearly jump up. “You didn’t say anything about it!”

“Because it’s not a big deal.” He tries waving me off.

“It’s February third,” Annie confirms.

My mouth drops open. “That’s like two weeks away! Oh my gosh, we need to throw a party!”

“No, I’m good,” he deadpans.

“Nice try.” I pat his leg. “I’m planning one.”

Archer shoots Annie a look, and she glances away innocently.

“Gonna be the best birthday ever,” I tell him. “You only turn thirty-four once.”

He shrugs, then blows out a deep breath. “Don’t go crazy.”

“Excuse me, have you met me?”

“Yes, and that’s why I’m afraid.”

I create a new note in my phone.

“Archer’s Birthday Bonanza,” I say aloud as I type. “I assume you’ll wanna invite all of your gym co-workers. Anyone else?”

“If you’re inviting all of them, you gotta invite my cougar clients too,” Archer drawls with a cocky grin.