She was flying toward Sasha at what felt like 200 miles an hour, when she finally unfroze her fingers enough to move her right hand up to the cable. As Sasha’s gestures grew more frantic, Katie pulled down hard with her right hand, the cable whizzing past her glove at a speed that would’ve torn her hand to pieces without the protection of the heavy leather glove. She slowed as she reached the platform, but not quite enough. Sasha caught her harness and flung her weight back, slamming Katie to a rather abrupt stop, though she didn’t have any injury as a result. Her heart, however, would probably never recover. It still throbbed, like it was the size of an elephant, and she pressed her hand against her chest to slow it.
“Good job!” From the ground below the platform, Steven gave an enthusiastic yell. “You did it! How do you feel?”
Sasha guided her to step up on the box, and she stood with trembling legs that seemed about to collapse at any moment, while Sasha disconnected the harness. “I feel like someone threw me out of an airplane without a parachute.”
Steven laughed. “I have to admit, I never thought you’d go through with it, Katie. I’m really impressed.”
She couldn’t help feeling proud with his praise. “Thanks. I decided to try as many new things as possible during this trip. But fair warning, when we get back to New York, I’m back to my old safe self.”
“That suits me just fine,” said Steven. “I like you just the way you are. Not everyone likes jumping out of airplanes, although I’ll be glad to take you if you ever change your mind.”
Still wobbling, Katie climbed down the ladder and waited on the ground for Gary to come zipping across. He flew fast and smooth, like Steven, his tight t-shirt accentuating his well-formed muscles. She watched him use his brake hand and come to a smooth stop, determined to copy his technique on the next one. The next one? Was she really going to do it again?
I guess I am.
Gary caught up with Katie on the hike to the last zip line tower.
“Slow down a minute.”
“Okay,” she said, letting him move beside her. “What’s up?”
“You keep racing ahead. Are you avoiding me?”
She hesitated, her eyes on the rocky trail. “Maybe a little.”
His stomach felt like he’d swallowed mud. “Why?”
She motioned ahead with her chin. “If Steven sees us together, he’ll get suspicious.”
Gary clamped his jaw tight. “So what?”
“He’s my boss. He has certain expectations, and I owe him a lot.”
“I owe Steven more than you do. He saved my life. Literally. But that doesn’t give him a say over my personal life. Or yours.”
They took a few steps in silence. “Maybe not, but I can’t help feeling uncomfortable. He’s giving me a weird vibe, like he doesn’t want us to be together.”
Gary battled with himself. How could he put her at ease?
“I’m sure Steven would be really happy if he found out we were together.”
Her lips twisted to one side. “Is that the truth?”
Heat suffused his face. “Not exactly.”
“Yes or no? That’s the deal.”
He kicked a rock off the trail, sending it flying down the hill. “Fine! The truth is he’s not keen on the idea. But that’s because he thinks I’m going to love you and leave you, like I usually do. But we’ve been really upfront with each other.”
“You mean, he’s trying to protect me?” At the wonder and adoration on her face, he kicked another rock, pretending it was Steven’s foot.
“Maybe he’s trying to protect his investment. He thinks you’re the best executive assistant he’s ever had.”
She made a grimace. “Not this week. I haven’t done a speck of work. In fact, I don’t even know why I’m here.”
“I think you’re here because Steven’s become dependent on you.” The moment the words left Gary’s lips, he realized they couldn’t be true. Steven had never been dependent on anyone his entire life. He could accomplish any goal he set his mind too. Hadn’t he proven that many times over? So why was he acting so dependent on Katie? Was it possible the man was truly in love with Katie, not recognizing his own feelings?
Of course! He doesn’t show his emotions because he doesn’t know what they are.