Chapter 29 They handed out the tent assignments after luncht . A staff member read off names from a clipboard , calling each pair and pointing toward their sections . I didn't even hear mine . I yanked my hand free from Rick's grip the moment I could and walked straight toward the gathering group near the fire pit . I spotted Andrew near the back , leaned casually against a low wooden post , arms crossed , smirking at something one of the other leads said . The second he saw me , his smile widened . " Well , " he said , pushing off the post and walking toward me , " look who's back . You always seem to find me in the woods . " I laughed softly and stepped closer . " I could say the same to you . " " You alright ? " " Better now ," I said , and I meant it . There was something easy about being near him . Familiar , even if everything else felt tense . He leaned in slightly . " Looks like your husband doesn't like our conversation much . " I blinked and glanced over my shoulder . Rick was standing a few feet away , still talking to one of the guides - but his eyes were locked on us. Cold and sharp . Like they were sending warning shots across the field . " Sorry ," I said quickly , facing Andrew again . " I didn't mean for … well , for how everything ended . " " He tilted his head . " You mean the articles ? " " Yeah , " I said , embarrassed . " The photo . The way it all blew up . I didn't expect it " He studied my face for a second . " I knew it was bullshit the second I saw it . We weren't even close to kissing . " " Thank you , " I said , breathing a little easier . " I just wasn't trying to ruin anything , or drag you into this media circus " " I can handle it , " he said . " But it's nice to hear it wasn't just for show . " I hesitated before speaking , eyes on the trees in front of us instead of his face . " Andrew , " I said quietly , " I really hope you don't hate me for everything that happened … with the photo , the article . You didn't ask to be dragged into this , and L … " " Hey , " he cut in , nudging my arm lightly y with his elbow . " I could never hate you . 1 looked at him then . His smile was soft , real . * Worst case , I got free publicity and a chance to see you again , " he added , grinning . " Kind of feels like I came out ahead ." I laughed under my breath , and for a moment , the world felt a little lighter Before I could respond , a staff member clapped loudly and called everyone's attention " We'll be doing a light warm - up hike before dinner , " she said . " Nothing too long . Groups will be split randomly , just to mix both companies together " One of the assistants began drawing colored bands from a small box and handing them out . I got blue . Andrew got the same . I felt a strange little thrill of relief 10:10 Wed , 27 AugC V Chapter 29 Then Benita held up her arm . Blue . Of course . I bit the inside of my cheek and took a slow breath The guide nodded at our group , then started checking off names . Rick wasn't on the list . ** But as the group started moving , he stepped forward casually . " I'll be joining this group , " he said . Several heads turned . A few people looked confused . Benita looked pleased . My stomach tightened . Ifolded my arms and leaned closer to Andrew . " I'm guessing he's not here for me " Andrew chuckled . " Well , he's not here for me either " As we started walking , I focused on anything that wasn't Rick or Benita , Andrew asked questions about my role at the company . I told him about the abrupt switch . He listened , nodded , and explained more about the partnership deal . His voice was steady and patient , houd motioning calmly as he explained the logistics work they were merging with Rick's side . The path was uphill in some places , uneven in others . My legs burned by the time we reached the halfway point . Sweat was starting to along my spine . I slowed my pace . " You okay ? " Andrew asked . His hand brushed the middle of my back . Not in a sleazy way just a light , steady touch , like he was making sure i didn't slip . " I'm fine . " I said , breathless . " Just need to rest a second " We stopped near a wide boulder . I sat down on the rock , pressing my hand to my chest . My breath was uneven , legs aching from the incline . Andrew crouched in front of me , concern all over his face . " You sure you're okay ? " he asked . " I just need a minute . " He stood , looked around , then leaned down again . " Alright , come here , I'll carry you the rest of the way . " My eyes widened . " What ? 7 No , I'm fine . " " Fiona , you're pale ," he said . His hands hovered near my waist , waiting for permission , " just let me help . " He was already reaching for me when a shadow fell over us .. That's when it happened Rick stepped forward without warning and shoved Andrew aside . Not hard , but enough to make a point . Andrew raised his hands like he wasn't about to cause a scene , then stepped back with a slight shake of his head . 2/3 10:10 Wed , 27 Aug 6 W Chapter 29 Rick looked down at me . His expression was unreadable , but I could feel the tension coming off him like heat . " She's fine , " Andrew said quietly , Rick didn't answer . He turned to the group and his voice cut clean through the trees . " The hike is over , " he said . " We're heading back . " People turned , surprised . One of the staff started to speak , but Rick's voice was louder . " My wife is tired ," Then , without another word , he bent down and lifted me into his arms . Bridal style . My breath caught . " Rick- " He didn't respond . Just looked ahead and started walking , the others too stunned to move . I clutched his shirt without thinking , heart racing , trying to ignore how close his face was to mine or how strong his arms felt around me . Behind us , no one spoke . Even Benita was silent . I didn't know what shocked me more that he had done it in front of everyone or that part of me didn't want him to let go . AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!