The meeting adjourned, and they prepared for the hike. They needed enough supplies to see them through a few days in the forest, just in case. First, they headed to the lodge storage room in hopes of finding better outdoor gear. They traded out their bigger, car camping tent for a small, lightweight four-season backpacking tent.

“We should probably trade out our sleeping bags too. Get mummy bags that pack really small.”

“No,” Xavier said without hesitation. “I don’t care that they’re bigger and heavier. If we have to camp out another night or two, I’m holding you while you sleep.”

She felt a little flutter at the intensity of his eyes.

“To be clear, I’m not talking about fooling around. Dropping my guard like that could be a monumental mistake, but I will hold you close, feel your heartbeat, and know you’re safe.”

Since there was no one around, she rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Okay, then.”

He smiled and reached for ultrathin sleeping pads. “Unfortunately, we should trade out for these.”

She nodded even as she grimaced. The larger, thicker pads they’d used yesterday were comfortable, but far too bulky. The pads he’d selected would do little more than provide a thermal barrier from the cold ground. She was a fan of comfort, but understood the need. The sleeping bags would be their only extravagance comfortwise.

But given that they could only afford one extravagance, she was glad that was the one he chose. She wanted to be held as much as he wanted to hold.

Being pressed close to his warm, muscled body as they made love, then slept had been glorious. His body was a masterpiece, and she’d loved exploring every inch of him. Of kissing his scars. Bringing him to pleasure.

Camping gear set, next they raided the food supplies and loaded up on protein bars and trail mix in addition to Meals Ready to Eat and more cooked chicken and cheese.

Between the cold and the exertion of the hike, they’d need a lot of fuel, so they packed far more than Audrey would normally eat. They weren’t going to take chances, even though it meant more pounds on their backs. That part of the load would get lighter at least as they continued.

Packed and ready, the team members who weren’t guarding the perimeter or searching for the missing men all gathered. Even George was present.

He surprised her by giving her a full hug. “Roy Heller would be damned impressed by all you’ve done here these last days. Jeb too. Not to mention, I’m impressed, Audrey, and damn proud to call you my friend.”

She blinked back tears. It was incredible praise from a man who rarely gave it. “While I’m in awe of what you managed here. We wouldn’t be in the lodge right now if it weren’t for you.”