Ethan refused to slow down. He was afraid that if he did, Natalie would overtake him, and that would be way too embarrassing.
Determined to keep up, he matched her pace.
He didn't realize that he, someone who had always been emotionally steady, hadn't had such an intense reaction because of someone in a long time.
Jessica, on the other hand, was exhausted. But stopping wasn't an option—if she did, Ethan and Natalie would end up ahead together, and she couldn't accept that. Especially in the misty, drizzling weather, watching the two of them hike side by side… she hated to admit it, but they looked perfect together.
Jessica pouted. "Ethan, can we slow down a little? I'm so tired."
Ethan had no choice but to pause. Instinctively, he glanced at Natalie, only to see that she didn't even l
