Beautiful slowed at the top of the stairs, chest heaving. She grinned as he lagged behind. Maybe next time he’d think twice before underestimating her.
The top step was slick. Her foot slipped suddenly, and she pitched forward. She flung out a hand, grasping for anything. He caught her. She shot him a sheepish grin. It really was a long way down.
He was stronger than he looked. But the way he held her hand—so gentle. She started to pull away, but he didn’t let go. Good. Not that she was going to admit she needed her hand held for the way down. Like a baby.
As they made their way down, with his steady grip keeping her steps sure, she could actually take in the view. This was a side of the valley she’d never seen—wild and green, with waterfalls crashing and water slipping down delicate cascades. It danced over the rocks, clear and careless.
She sighed. What an adventure today was turning out to be.
