“Okay,” I whispered.
Calder’s hands came up, framing my face. “There is nothing between Jackie and me. There never will be.”
Air seemed to stall in my lungs. What was happening right now? Calder was close. Too close. It would only take inches, and his lips could be on mine. I jerked back. “That’s your business. But for the sake of the girls, I’m glad that’s your choice.”
Calder scowled at my retreat.
“I’ll see you this afternoon.” I darted out the door before he had a chance to say another word and then practically ran to my SUV. It was cowardly, and I knew it. But I didn’t trust myself around Calder. He would forever be my weakness, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My only safety measure was distance.
I beeped my locks and climbed behind the wheel, starting her up. I didn’t take a full breath until I was blocks away.
The drive to the trailhead went by in a blur. As I pulled into an open parking spot, I realized that I couldn’t remember making a single turn, let alone stopping at a traffic light. I was lucky I hadn’t caused a wreck.
I pushed open my door and climbed out of my SUV. I let my eyes fall closed for a moment, inhaling the fresh pine scent. It calmed the worst of my frayed edges. I hoped a long ride would ease the rest.
A whistle split the air, and I opened my eyes. Amusement lit Toby’s features. “Whatcha doing?”
I scowled at him. “Mentally preparing for dealing with you.”
Jinx let out a snorting laugh. “Maybe you should teach classes on that technique.”
“You’re both assholes, you know that, right?”
Calla slipped under Toby’s arm and patted his chest. “I think you’ll survive.”
“Only if you kiss it better.”
I turned back to my SUV as the two lovebirds made out. Pulling open my trunk, I moved to grab my bike.
“I’ll help,” Jinx said, coming up beside me.
“I think you know I can get my gear, but since you’re probably trying to avoid your own private porn show, I’ll let you help.”
Jinx grinned down at me. “You’re so kind.”
I snorted. By the time my bike was out and checked over, Calla and Toby had come up for air.
“A-plus performance,” Jinx shouted.
Calla’s cheeks heated, and I smacked Jinx’s stomach. “Don’t be an ass.”
“If they don’t want me to comment on it, then they shouldn’t be going at it against a tree.”
I bit my lip to keep from laughing.
Toby sauntered over. “I brought the GoPros. Thought we might make a cool vid out of the ride.”
His words had pressure forming behind my eyes. “Can’t we just do this one for fun?”
“It’ll be fun, but why not get some cash out of it, too?”
“Because I don’t want to, all right?” My words had more of a snap to them than I’d intended. “Sorry.”
Jinx leaned into me. “What’s going on with you?”
I sighed and rested against my bumper. I needed to tell them. I was honestly surprised that Toby hadn’t mentioned the uptick in troll comments on the channel page. “I’ve got a creeper who has been emailing and texting. A phone call, too.”
Calla’s mouth went slack. “But your phone number isn’t on anything public.”