Elena hesitated, her pulse quickening as she opened her mouth to speak. Before she could get the words out, Adam’s phone buzzed loudly in his pocket, breaking the serene quiet of the moment.
He frowned slightly and pulled it out, glancing at the screen. “It’s Steve,” he said, showing her the caller ID before answering. “Hey, Steve. What’s up?”
Elena tried to steady her breathing, staring out over the endless expanse of snowy hills while Adam listened to the voice on the other end of the line. His face grew serious, and she could hear faint, hurried words from Steve, though she couldn’t make them out.
Adam nodded, his jaw tightening. “Alright, I’ll head back right now.” He ended the call and slid his phone back into his pocket, his expression apologetic as he turned to Elena.
“I’m reall
