Page 49 of Line of Resistance
Ten years ago it might not have been too rough of a trek. That was back when camping and hiking were part of her regular activities. But the past ten years hadn’t afforded her many opportunities to get back to the things she used to love. By the time the sun started to set and Nate’s steps began to slow, her feet were aching, her legs were burning, and her whole body was worn out and weak.
Nate scanned the densely wooded area around them. “I think this is a good place to stop.”
Eloise blinked, trying to get a better look at their surroundings in the dim light. They’d been in the never-ending wooded area most of the day, and while the trees provided an amount of cover from the wind and the snow while they hiked, it was still freezing cold and exposed to the elements. Not terrible for traveling, but not great for sleeping. “Here?”
“Not here.” Nate lifted one arm, pointing a few yards ahead. “There.”
She squinted, peering through the fir trees until she saw what he was pointing to. “Is that a lean-to?”
“That’s what it looks like to me.” Nate reached out, taking her hand in his. “It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing.”
She let him drag her along, appreciative his steps were coming a little slower than before. Once they reached the small, surprisingly well-made structure, Nate slid the backpack off her shoulders and dropped it in one corner. “You sit down. I’ll get everything set up.”
Eloise swallowed hard as she settled onto the bag, unable to miss what was happening. Again.
He was taking care of her.
Had been all day.
From making her coffee, to getting her dressed, to bundling her up and cutting a path through the snow, Nate had been making sure she was cared for every step of the way. She was the first one to eat. The first one to drink. He helped her cross ravines and cleared her path through thickets.
It was something she’d decided not to want and definitely not to expect. It felt like a way to honor the memory of her father. He would forever be the only man who’d ever taken care of her.
It was always his number one priority. The most important thing in his life. It was also what led to his downfall.
That’s why she wanted to reserve a place for only him. He’d been so much more than her father. He’d been her best friend. The only person who knew her as she really was.
And as she watched Nate sweep away the debris before carefully spreading out both her blankets and the ones he’d stolen from the hunting cabin, it was impossible not to admit her father probably would have liked him.
In spite of all his back-and-forth tendencies.
Nate finished laying everything out and turned to her. “Hungry?”
She nodded, throat too tight to offer anything more.
Nate’s eyes searched her face, full of concern as he shifted closer. One big hand came up to ease back a tangle of her messy hair. “Did I push you too hard today? I just wanted to get us as far away as I could.”
She swallowed at the lump trapped beneath her vocal cords, managing to ease it the tiniest bit. “I’m okay. Just tired.” Her eyes started to burn, forcing her to blink.
She needed a minute.
Eloise pushed up from where she sat on the backpack, hating that she felt the loss of his touch as she stood. “I need to go to the bathroom.”
“I’ll come with you.” Nate tried to stand, making it about halfway up before she stopped him.
Eloise held out a hand. “I’m okay.” She forced on a smile, hoping it would ease the concern pinching his brow. “I’ve done this before.”
Nate’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. “Okay.” He caught her hand as she turned away, waiting for her eyes to meet his. “I’ll be right here if you need me.”
“Thanks.” She pulled her hand from his, rushing through the trees, desperate for a lungful of air that didn’t smell like him.
Let me take care of you.
I’ll be here if you need me.
She’d expected being trapped with Nate to be miserable. That he would only continue making her hate him more and more.
But none of this was what she thought it would be.