Chapter 66

"I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"True, but I promise this will be nothing like what happened last month. You have me, and I'll ensure you are ready by then."

I couldn't help but smile shyly at his words; that little phrase, "you have me"—oh, how I wished I truly did.

Xavier exited the car and walked around to open the door for me. As I got out and stretched, he popped open the trunk and began pulling out our gear. He had a backpack for each of us, although it seemed that his was considerably larger and overflowing with supplies.

He took my hand in his, and a delightful tingling sensation coursed through my fingers, up my wrist, and through my arm. I cherished that physical connection between us, secretly hoping he wouldn't release my hand anytime soon.

We walked about a mile on an out-and-back trail. Normally, I prided myself on being very attuned to the beauty of nature and my surroundings, but