Bridger looked to Avalyn. She was watching him with that hero worship look she sometimes got, but there was fear in her eyes too.
“Thanks,” she murmured. She turned and strode into the bathroom.
Bridger pushed a hand through his hair. Today looked to be the worst day yet. At least on the other days he’d felt like Avalyn wanted to be with him. He should’ve gotten the memo that she didn’t on Christmas Eve in Cancun when he’d kissed her and she rejected him. Then he’d sappily followed her to Long Island, and she’d rejected him yet again. Apparently, he was dense when it came to this woman. He knew she didn’t want Ramsey, but it hurt that she didn’t want him either.
* * *
The helicopter ride was excruciatingly long. Avalyn tried to eat some of the breakfast burritos and juices they’d brought with them and look around at the scenery, but it was nothing but ocean for a good portion of the ride. Her rear hurt from sitting, but her heart hurt worse from wanting to be closer to Bridger and knowing she’d messed it all up.
They left the ocean behind and flew over stretches of beaches and lush greenery until they approached a massive black mountain that she was pretty sure was an inactive volcano—at least, there wasn’t visible lava. They landed next to the mountain, which looked to be thousands of feet tall, made up of tiny black rocks.
Ramsey had kept up a steady stream of conversation with Bridger, reminiscing about different competitions between the two of them over the years. Bridger talked with him, but his voice was tight, and whenever Avalyn glanced his way, he was looking at her, not Ramsey.
Avalyn tried to hide her worry over what the contest might be today and her longing for Bridger. The combination gave her a huge headache, and the ride in the chopper didn’t help anything.
They all exited the chopper and Ramsey gestured around at the mountain covered in tiny black rock. “I rented out the volcano for the day.”
There was no one around but them, but there was a stack of weird wooden sled-like things close by.
“Everybody grab one.” Ramsey picked a sled up and gestured for them to follow.
Avalyn picked one up also. It wasn’t terribly heavy. Maybe today they wouldn’t just throw her down the volcano without anything but Bridger to save her.
“I’m glad you like to hike,” Ramsey said. “Let’s go.” He started up the hill. Bridger and Avalyn fell into step next to him. It was a decent hike and the sun was already hot, even though it couldn’t have been much past ten a.m.
They hiked quietly, the sound of the volcanic rock sliding under their shoes their only accompaniment. Avalyn’s throat was dry and her legs burned. The incline continued on and on. When they finally reached the top, they were all dripping sweat. Avalyn glanced at the flatter top surface that sloped down into a crater. They weren’t close to it, but she was still afraid Ramsey would shove her down the hole.
“Today won’t be near as bad as the other days,” Ramsey said to Avalyn.
“So you’re not going to try to kill me today?” She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him.
He chuckled. “I hope not. I really want my chance to stay with you.” He winked.
Bridger growled low in his throat, “Ramsey.” It was a warning that would terrify most men.
Ramsey simply laughed. “Man, I like you two. But I sense some tension today. I take it the kiss under the waterfall wasn’t as romantic as you’d hoped?”
Avalyn felt heat flush her face. She glanced down the mountain. “So what’s the challenge?” The anticipation was torture, and she just wanted it to be over.
“Ooh, so quick to change the subject.” Ramsey whistled. “Sorry, brother. I guess she’s gunning for me to win today.”
Avalyn spun to glare at him. “You stay away from me.”
Ramsey roared with laughter. “We’ll see, sweetheart. We’ll see.” He pointed down the slope. “Have you done this before Bridge?”
Bridger shook his head.
“Not a lot of skill to it, but it’s dangerous and fun. They usually wear protective gear, but we don’t care about that. More dangerous the better, right?”
Avalyn rolled her eyes at him, wishing she could slug him again, but she felt the least fear she’d had since this crazy competition had started. She’d ridden plenty of sleds down snowy slopes. This was steep, but even if they went faster than she’d ever gone on a snow sled, it was nothing compared to being drowned or thrown from an airplane. The chances of survival were infinitely higher, especially if she had her own sled.
“Now you sit or lie on the sled,” Ramsey continued, pointing back down the slope they’d climbed up. “The lower you get your body, the faster you’ll go. If you want to slow down, just put your feet down—but not too hard, or you’ll flip yourself, and this volcanic rock can leave a mark.” He pointed to a scar on his chin.
Avalyn waited for the punch line. “That’s it? I just have to ride this sled down the volcano? You’re not going to drown me or sacrifice me in the volcano?”
“Not today, sweetheart.” He winked, then gestured. “You go first. We’ll be catching you soon.”
Avalyn glanced at Bridger. He gripped the sled tightly, staring at her. There was something in his eyes she didn’t like. This wasn’t his usual event, and Ramsey had done it before. Would this be the day Ramsey won? She couldn’t let herself think that. At the moment, she was simply relieved this didn’t seem as bad as the past two days.