Page 81 of Tracking Wolfe

And there it was.

It had been a long time since I’d been in this position, but I remembered my body’s reaction well. My chest constricted, and my skin felt both cold and sweaty.

I hugged the daypack in my lap and inhaled. “I’d like you to take me back to the campground, please.”

Jake’s face fell. “Why? Because I asked for your help?”

“Honestly? Yes. You said it must be wild growing up with Jude Marian? Well, it was. But it’s pretty hurtful when the only thing anyone wants from you is a connection to your dad.”

Jake let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. You’re right. That probably sucked. It’s just…” His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “You don’t get a lot of opportunities in a place like Hush. At least I don’t.”

His voice was pleading and sincere, and… well, musical talent wasn’t the only thing I’d inherited from Jude Marian. I’d gotten his bleeding heart, too.

“I’m sorry,” I began, laying a hand on his forearm.

“No, I am,” Jake interrupted suddenly, laying his free hand over mine. “Really. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Wolfe. It’s just… I love my sister. Shay’s all I’ve got. I’m all she’s got, too. I know you feel like I overstepped.” He turned his head and gave me puppy dog eyes that begged for understanding. “But what wouldn’t you do to make someone you love happy? To make sure they have the bright future they deserve?”

I bit my lip. I had no interest in helping someone who wanted to use me for my connections. Especially when it would benefit someone who’d just stolen something precious from me.

But I understood Jake’s desire to help his sister. I couldn’t entirely fault him for that.

He spoke again, soft and careful. “Anyway, my timing’s shitty. I wanted to show you the overlook, have a nice picnic. Be friends, like you said.” He gave me a hopeful smile. “So let’s forget this for now and go hike, okay? If you’re leaving soon, this might be our only chance.”

An uncomfortable mix of guilt and lingering resentment made my chest tight.

I wanted nothing more than to be back in the van, in Trace’s arms. He’d listen while I poured out this whole story, make an insightful comment here or there, and make me feel better immediately. Then I’d kiss his gorgeous mouth and feel even better.

But I felt bad for Jake. And while I wasn’t going to launch his sister’s music career for him, the least I could do was follow through on our hike.

“Okay,” I agreed, opening the truck door and hopping out.

Jake grabbed his own pack and followed me to the trailhead, immediately moving into easier conversation about all the trails in the area, one of the things he loved most about growing up around here.

It took a few minutes before my shoulders came down from around my ears, but then I began to enjoy myself. It was a beautiful day, and just like yesterday, I was enjoying the chance to stretch and move my body. The hike was as incredible as Jake had promised, too, winding up through Black Canyon and past a pretty waterfall.

Pretty soon, I was rolling my eyes at myself for my earlier concerns. Jake was friendly, apologetic, gentle, and interested. He hadn’t mentioned my father again or said a single word about my journal.

It turned out I was a naive, trusting idiot.

When we finally stopped for lunch at the overlook, I was tired. The trail was much longer than Jake had said—three hours up, which meant it’d be nearly three more hours back.

The food was amazing, though, and the conversation continued. Jake asked about my life in California, and I did my best to avoid any identifying information that wasn’t already out there in public spaces. I also told Jake about some of the hikes I’d done at previous stops on my road trip.

But when he asked what had led me to doing the vanlife thing, I kept it vague. “Just wanted an adventure.”

“I’d love to do that someday,” Jake said. “Soon, I think.”

“Yeah?” I glanced over at him. “What about Jake’s Place?”

My real question was about the debt. Hadn’t he said he was in money trouble?

He gave me a small smile. “I’ve got a plan for that.”

“I’m glad. But I bet you’ll miss Colorado if you leave.” I leaned back on the towel and gazed up at the clouds. “The sky is insane.”

I was starting to feel dozy, like the sun was working its magic on me, leaving me feeling slightly drugged and warm. My mind drifted, and I let it for just a few moments.

This was what I’d come on this trip for, after all. Moments where I could relax and think big thoughts.