Chapter 13

Sophie’s POV

I stare at the GPS on my phone with wide eyes. How did I get so far out from the hotel? With a sigh, I pack up my stuff and start jogging. I would never make it back in time if I walked.

Nothing is familiar to me on the way back until I get to where I originally wanted to practice boulder climbing. How did I not take notice to anything past that point?

I finally make my way back to the hotel with only 35 minutes to spare. The lady at the desk makes a weird face when I walk in, which I can only assume is because I’m drenched in sweat from head to toe. I try to hide my blush and head straight into the shower.

With no time to spare, I clean myself with the cheap hotel soaps, not wanting to waste time looking for mine. As I step out on the cold tile floor, I notice my light brown hair is almost the same color as Simon’s when they are wet.

I thank my past self for planning out my outfit ahead of time and slip it on in seconds. I plug in the hotel hair dryer to try to dry them before I have to head out. I quickly pass a brush through them before looking at the time.

I let out a sigh of relief: with five minutes to spare, I throw on lip balm and mascara. As I let myself fall back on the bed, I hear my phone ring. My heart skips a beat at the name on the screen: Nick is calling me.

My head feels almost as cloudy as when I was climbing the cliff. Unsure if it’s the right thing to do, I answer the phone and bring it to my ear.

“Hello?’’ I ask, trying to sound detached, but somewhat failing.

“Hey, Sophie,’’ he says softly and I feel my heart ripping.

I was so mad at him, yet... Now I just wanted him to be here with me. Of course, I would never say that out loud. I stay silent, waiting for him to say something to start the conversation.

“Listen, Soph, I feel so bad about what happened.’’

I place a hand on my mouth to hold back a sob, but I still feel my shoulder shaking. I really want to say it’s fine and act like our fight never happened. I think back to the word he said to try and bring back the anger, but I just feel sad now. I don’t know why I suddenly feel so emotionally weak.

“Okay,’’ I finally let out in a tone I hope is neutral.

“Soph, please... I know I was a total asshole, but I really do love you. I wish I hadn’t left you alone.’’

“It’s a little late for that, isn’t it?’’ I say almost as harshly as I wanted.

He sighs and somewhere inside of me, I hope he’s just as broken as I am.

“Baby, please...’’

“Don’t call me baby, Nick. You said we were over. And then you left.’’

I put my microphone on mute to let out a sob. I crawl into a ball in the bed.

“No, baby, please... Please don’t do this to me, I made a mistake...’’

I can hear the emotion in his voice as he whispers he loves me over and over again. My heart throbs painfully and I shove my nails into my palm before un-muting myself.

“It’s too soon, Nick. And you fucked up real bad.’’

“I know! You said you need time and that’s okay, I’ll give you time, I promise. I just need you to know that I regret what happened and that I love you.’’

I jump at the sound of a knock at the door.

“One minute, please,’’ I shout, looking at the time.

The powerful tug in my stomach and the fact that it’s a couple minutes past 6pm inform me that Simon is at the door.

“Is your diner at the door?’’ Nick asks before clearing his throat.

“Yeah, kind of,’’ I say, figuring that it’s just a white lie.

“Okay, then, I’ll let you eat in peace... I love you Sophie.’’ Then after a couple of seconds of silence, he adds: “Text me later?’’

“I will. Bye, Nick...’’

I hang up before he can respond and try to calm my nerves. I fix my mascara and take a deep breath. I open the door with a smile and feel that breath escape my lungs.

In the short time we were apart, I had forgotten how attractive Simon was. His dark hair falls elegantly in soft waves and his beautiful earthy golden eyes light up when they meet mine. I see concern flash in his gaze, but it quickly fades.

“I thought you had left when you weren’t in the lobby,’’ he says flatly.

“Sorry, I was on the phone with Nick,’’ I say without thinking and I can almost feel the hurt and anger he exudes. “But I’m ready to leave now.’’ I add, smiling.

I fight to not let my own hurt overcome me as I step out of the room and lock the door behind me. I’m grateful for his silence as I try to push down my feelings. As we walk out of the lobby, I notice once again the curious glances we get from just about anyone.

Simon opens the door of the hotel for me and I can’t hold back the small smile that forms on my face. As we walk side by side, I can feel the tug in my stomach pulling me closer to him. I’m standing so close to him I can feel the heat of his muscular arm as it brushes against mine.

“Do you mind telling me where we’re going?’’ I ask with a laugh as I follow him on the sidewalk.

“I’m hoping you haven’t eaten yet,’’ he says, looking back at me and I can feel my cheek heat up.

Relief floods through me as he turns back to lead me unto a path in the woods. I had never felt this safe and self-conscious at the same time. We continue to chat as I follow him on the path, and I start to feel more and more like I’m on my second hike of the day.

At the base of a pretty steep slope, Simon holds out his hand to me. I let him help me up the rise, avoiding his intense golden gaze and ignoring the pounding in my chest.

“I’m really glad you decided to stay,’’ he says at the top.

I notice he hasn’t let go of my hand and try to ignore the guilt building up in my chest. I still don’t want to betray Nick, but I can’t find the will to ask Simon to let go of me.

As we get to a clearing in the woods, I feel my jaw drop. A covered wooden platform stands on the edge of a downward slope, offering a beautiful view of the forest. Simon leads me to the candle-lit table and pulls out a chair for me.

‘This can’t be happening’ I think, sitting down. Nobody had ever done something like that for me, not even Nick in the beginning, when he was the sweetest with me. I fight back tears at how unfair the situation is. I really want to give in and enjoy this.

‘Nick left me this morning. I’m technically not in a relationship.’ I try to convince myself, but I feel guilty just at the thought. Simon sits down and I meet his earthy golden eyes.

“I’m sorry,’’ he smirks, “I know this is a lot. I guess I couldn’t help myself.’’