“I haven’t noticed an overabundance of that no matter what the conversation.” She smiled when she said it. Chase had unfailingly given her space, while managing to let her know at every opportunity exactly what she wanted. She wanted Lily. Being wanted had never been a major motivator in her relationships—the absence of drama, now that she looked back at her short-term liaisons, had been the important component. Her daily life had always been so filled with demands and stress, she’d wanted the opposite in her personal life. Chase shattered that mold, and to her surprise, she didn’t mind a bit.

“You have no idea how hard it is for me not to touch you.”

Actually, she did. Keeping a professional distance while tending to Chase’s injury wasn’t hard, but every other time she was near her, not touching her was a conscious act of will. If she didn’t know one touch would lead to another kiss, one she was absolutely certain would end them up in bed, she wouldn’t have resisted this long. She’d never in her life been so attracted to a woman. Hadn’t even realized she could be so primally driven. Her body had become a stranger to her.

She handed Chase her shirt. “I’ve seen today’s schedule. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Chase studied her gravely. “I won’t take any risks. No matter what you might have heard about me.”

Lily touched her fingertips softly to Chase’s jaw. “I don’t listen to anyone but you. But I will worry, because I care.”

Chase turned her head and brushed a kiss against Lily’s palm. “So I’ll be extra careful, because I do too.”

* * *

Marty had been looking forward to this since the first day of camp. They weren’t the only experienced wilderness enthusiast in camp, but the skill levels varied so much that the first few weeks of camp had been a little basic. Today might be an intro climb, but every climb was a challenge. They were almost the first to arrive at the meet point, but finally everyone assembled. Ford showed up alone, something that seemed to be happening more often lately.

“All right,” Chase called, “everyone line up for gear check.”

When the check was done and the group set off up the trail, Ford fell into step beside Marty. “This is a skill I can’t imagine I’ll need very often. Like never.”

“Would be helpful if your car went off the road and you had to climb out of a ravine,” Marty said helpfully.

Ford rolled her eyes. “Charming.”

“Think of it as an excellent upper body workout. That has to be helpful when you’re sailing.”

“Yes,” Ford said. “And I could get that while actually sailing, dimwit.”

Marty laughed and so did Ford.