32
“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’RE going back up there,” Paul says, flabbergasted and more than a little afraid. Alex is laying out plans for the next route he wants to try, his tablet and a tattered book of local trails open on the kitchen island next to whatever he’d made himself for dinner. “Can you even climb, with your shoulder?” It’s been a couple of weeks, but Alex’s back can’t possibly be better yet.
“It’s better than it was. Besides, I know what not to do now. I will never go climbing after I try to punch Victor again,” Alex says solemnly.
“Famous last words.” Paul tries not to laugh. “At least tell me you aren’t going to try this alone.”
“Well, actually.” Alex looks up from his planning to catch Paul’s eye with a gaze that’s intense enough to make Paul’s breath catch. Alex wanting so
