“Do not make this into a metaphor about my life,” she told him, her voice sounding determined.

He saw her tense, then she stretched out toward the green hold. And promptly slipped. She reached again, lost her footing and fell toward the mat-covered floor. Her belayer held the rope, then slowly lowered her down until she was standing.

Thaddeus moved next to her. “You okay?”

She was pale, but she straightened and squared her shoulders. “I can do this.”

“I know you can.”

Thirty minutes later, Thaddeus had to admit that while Unity had grit and a strong will, she had zero rock climbing skills. She didn’t want to let go of the holds she had and she couldn’t seem to keep her feet from slipping.

“But I’m athletic,” she said on her fifth tumble. “I’m strong. Some old lady told me I was a big, strapping girl.”

“Maybe you’d do better at golf,” he teased.

“I need to be better at something.”

“Do you still swim?”

“No.”

“Then how about that?”

She looked at the wall and sighed before taking off her helmet. “I can wait while you scamper up to the top.”

“I don’t scamper.”

“But you can get to the top.”

He glanced up at the wall. “Not a problem. Do you need to see it to believe me?”

“No.” She sounded glum. “I thought I’d be good at this.”

“It takes practice.”

“I didn’t get above eight feet. That’s pathetic.”

“How about I buy you a burger to make up for it?”

“I could eat a burger.”

He helped her out of the harness, then waited while she collected her bag. Unity paused to study the bulletin board where they offered classes.

“Maybe I should try a beginner session,” she said. “A lesson might help.”

“I’m thinking the swimming is a better option. Is there a club in town?”

“Uh-huh. I’ve never joined but I should look into it for sure. At least there I know what I’m doing.” She paused by his car. “First the tattoo incident and now this. What if I’m a loser?”

He stared into her blue eyes and fought the need to kiss her. Just one over-the-top, on-the-mouth kiss. But it would only be good if she kissed him back and he had no idea if she would.

“You’re not a loser. You’re challenged.”

She glared at him, then got in the car.

“We are so not speaking,” she grumbled when he settled in beside her.

“Is this where I remind you of the burger I offered?”

“I can’t be bought.”

“Want to bet?”

She laughed. “Okay, I can be but I don’t want to talk about it.”

He drove them to the local burger place. They went inside and claimed a table. Unity flipped through the menu before glancing at him.

“May I order a chocolate shake?” she asked.

“Yes. You have to keep up your big, strapping girl strength.”

She put her arms on the table and dropped her head to them. “I’m a disaster,” she groaned.