But spending time with Ben isn’t a hassle. More like a vacation I never want to return from. And the idea of someone else taking a vacation with Ben makes my face hot and my chest ache. Annabelle, the girl who so clearly wants to book a trip, shoves her way into my head.

And why in the world am I thinking about Ben’s ex-girlfriend?

Stupid question. I know why.

I want to be his current girlfriend. I might even want to be his forever girlfriend.

Ben’s the kind of guy who makes me ponder the future, not just the next hook-up. Not that we’ve had any hook-ups.

Sometimes, I get the sense that he’s flirting with me, but then he’s back to joking just as quickly.

In Ben’s mind, we’re just friends, which is how it should be.

My brain finishes its annoying loop of finding myself attracted to Ben, imagining being with Ben, remembering he sees me as a friend, and deciding it’s best we stay that way. Every time, the realization hurts like little paper cuts on my insides.

It’s a matter of minutes before the cycle starts again.

“How’re you doing back there, princess? You’ve been pretty quiet.”

The nickname sends those bastard butterflies ricocheting through my stomach.

“Just enjoying the view.” No need to point out his firm butt is what I’ve been staring at for the past fifteen minutes. “And trying not to hold you back.”

He’s been good about taking breaks regularly, reminding me to drink while taking sips from his own water bottle.

Ben stops and faces me. “If anyone is slowing us down, it’s me. Not really at peak condition anymore.” His comment comes out strained, as if he’s trying for a humorous tone but failing.

“Could have fooled me. If I knew where we were headed, I’d offer to walk in front of you. Keep you at a gentle stroll the whole way.”

He gives me one of those genuinely devastating smiles, like he thinks I’m the most amusing person in the world. “Believe me, I would love to follow behind you.” A flash of something in his eyes causes my butterflies to riot. “But there’s no real map, so I guess I’m the leader.” He focuses a searching gaze on me. “But, seriously, tell me to slow down or stop at any time. You’d probably be doing me a favor.”

My skin tingles as I take in his flushed face and crinkling green eyes. The sight of him is too much to deal with. I need more vigorous walking to calm down my clamoring hormones, which are currently demanding I shove him up against a tree and make out with his enticing mouth.

Where’s a spin bike when you need one?

“Will do, oh fearless leader!” I mask my horniness with enthusiastic comments. “We must forge ahead. I want to see this glorious place of wonder!”

Before we left this morning, Ben claimed our hike would result in a beautiful view, making the two-hour trek there worth it.