Page 69 of Nothing But Air

“Admiring.”

“Same thing.”

“Admiring implies appreciation. Staring implies creepiness. I prefer to think I’m on the appreciation end of the spectrum.”

She tossed a sling at him. “Climb now. Flirt later.”

“Is that a promise?”

“It’s a command.” But her cheeks had gone slightly pink. “Move it, Hamilton.”

He tied into the sharp end and started up.

The limestone was cool under his fingertips, textured just enough for good friction. He found the crack system he’d spotted from below and worked his way up. The familiar rhythm settled into his bones—reach, test, commit. Weight through his feet. Trust the rubber.

Every eight to ten feet, he placed gear. Solid placements that seated with satisfying clicks.

About forty feet up, he built an anchor on a natural ledge and clipped in. The sun warmed the stone against his back. Below, three upturned faces watched his progress.

“Safe! Send Marcus up.”

Marcus checked his harness twice, nodded to himself, then started climbing. Careful, deliberate movements. Testing each hold before committing his weight.

Good technique. Textbook, actually.

But tension locked his shoulders rigid, and his wiry frame worked too hard against the vertical stone. His breathing grew heavier as he climbed higher.

C’mon, man. Relax.

Marcus reached for a hold, pulled up—and his foot skated off the rock. He caught himself, but fear flashed across his face.

“Weight your feet more!” Xander called from belay. “Let your legs do the work!”

Marcus reset and pushed up another few moves. But now he was climbing scared. Overgripping. Burning through his forearm strength.

He reached the anchor breathing hard, arms shaking. “Man. That’s harder than it looks.”

“You did good.” Teague clipped him in. “Catch your breath.”

Eden arrived smooth and controlled, barely winded. She flashed Teague a quick grin that did something inconvenient to his chest.

Focus.

Xander followed, and they clustered on the ledge—four bodies in a space meant for two. A raven called from somewhere in the distance.

Teague studied the wall above. The second pitch looked more moderate—wider crack, better holds, a diagonal traverse toward a natural ledge system.

“We’ll follow this crack for about thirty feet, then traverse right to that ledge. Marcus, this section’s easier. More positive holds, better feet.”

Xander leaned out to examine the route. “What about going left instead? There’s a chimney over there—slower but way easier for someone still getting comfortable with exposure.”

Teague looked where Xander pointed. The chimney would be more secure. It would add maybe ten minutes to the pitch.

But it would be safer.

“Good call. We’ll take the chimney.”

He glanced at Eden. She offered a slight nod.