It was possible he might have failed to mention to Imogen that their site was so remote it wasn’t drive-up. They had to hike several miles from the car to get there. “We just need to go off-road a bit here to get to the site.” He tried to downplay it as he opened his door. “So maybe boots would be a better choice.”

Ty got out of the car before he could see her expression. If she was irritated, frankly he didn’t want to see it. He had packed light, since it was only an overnight, but between water and food and all the necessities like a sleeping bag, bug spray, and a flashlight, he was loaded heavily on his back when Imogen stepped out of the car wearing different shoes. Which, while technically could be called boots, weren’t any hardier than the little flats she’d had on. These were shiny black ankle boots and looked to cost somewhere in the hundred-dollar range. At least they were flat and appeared to have a tread.

“These were the only boots I had,” she said apologetically. “Other than my fur-lined snow boots, and I thought that was perhaps overkill.”

Ty grinned. He liked the way Imogen figured out the score immediately. She was definitely trying, despite not really knowing a damn thing about camping, and he really appreciated it. “Probably snow boots would be overkill. But I’m sorry, babe, I should have picked you up some hiking boots or given you better suggestions on packing. I hope your feet don’t start to hurt.”

“They shouldn’t.” She smoothed back her ponytail. “I wore these tromping all over the Village when I was in school.”

“Alright, well, if they do, you let me know.” Ty winked. “I’ll carry you.”

She laughed. “I think that will be completely unnecessary, but thank you. Do you need me to help with anything? You have a lot of . . . stuff on your back.”

“Could you grab that little cooler? Then just your backpack and we’re good to go.” Ty started down the path to the site. “So you went to college in New York, too?”

“Yes. NYU. I probably should have gone away from home for school to assert my independence, but it seemed a little ridiculous when there were so many quality schools to choose from in New York. I did live in the dorm, so that helped, but this little adventure in Charlotte is my first time living out of New York.”

“Do you like it here?” he asked, aware that the answer actually really mattered to him. He’d hate to think that she was going to skip out of town in a couple of months.

“I do,” she said thoughtfully. “More than I thought I would. I like the people and the slower pace. I like the trees.” She stumbled on the rough trail and grinned. “Well, I like looking at the green trees from afar and I like the idea of a tree in the yard of a pretty little house. I’m not sure how I feel about the forest here swallowing me whole. The verdict is still out on that one.”