They continued their hike, maneuvering around the remnants of a dank, crumbling log. Fallen leaves carpeted the earth, their crunch seeming to get louder as darkness fell.

“We’ll need to pick up the pace if we’re going to make it to the campsite before the sun goes down,” Taylor said.

“Tell me,” Jamar called from just behind her. “Did you consider how cold it would be before you decided to do this?”

Taylor raised her voice to be heard above the crunching pine needles underfoot. “Survivalists don’t get to pick the weather on the night they get stranded. The point of this exercise is endurance. I’m building this for those people who want to put themselves to the test. Who want to see just how far they can push themselves, and then push a little more. And have fun while doing it.”

“Maybe I should pull up my Dictionary app and show you the definition of fun. Something tells me you still don’t know what that word means.”

“And something tells me that you’re still a crappy comedian.”

“Admit it. My jokes are growing on you.”

“I will not admit to any such thing,” she said, unable to mask the amusement in her voice.

The fact is, he was growing on her.

For the hundredth time, she fought the urge to suggest they end this ridiculous game where they pretended they didn’t want each other. She only had to say the word. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that Jamar would be ready, willing, and able to pick up where they’d left off on Mount Bonnell.

She wouldn’t have to rely on her vibrator and the memories of that afternoon for relief. He would give her the release her body so desperately craved.

She ignored the hot, growing ache in her belly and continued on their hike.

Using the compass, she navigated them to the spot she’d picked out to spend the night. Because of an ongoing drought, they were not allowed to use the fire rings, so they would have to make do with thermal blankets and their sleeping bags.

Taylor unrolled the blankets from her backpack, then unhooked the bag that held her tent, which Jamar had carried strapped to his back. When he tried to help her, she shooed him away.

“I appreciate the chivalry, but I want to prove that I can do this.”

“You plan on getting lost in the woods?”

“Does anyone ever plan on getting lost in the woods?” She looked back at him over her shoulder. “You are not getting into the spirit of this. I’m extremely disappointed.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said. She thought he was sincere until he added, “Should I go chew on some tree bark or find some bugs for dinner? That’s the kind of stuff they eat on Survivor, right?”

She pitched a skinny tree branch at him. “Smart-ass.”