Ryan held Charlotte’s hand as they walked back to the lodge. There was only a muted glow from the moon lighting the path. He didn’t want her to fall. That was his excuse anyway. Her delicate hand fit perfectly in his. He weaved his fingers through hers. “We made it.” He glanced at her as they reached the bottom of the steps leading up to the lodge.

Though her teeth were chattering, she smiled and his heart melted a little more. “I thought we would.”

He laughed. “You’re an eternal optimist.”

Instead of laughing with him as he’d expected, she looked away, her expression serious. Her chin trembled just a little.

“Hey.” He squeezed her hand.

She bit her lip, then looked at him and smiled. But she looked tired.

“Let’s get some dinner and then some sleep.” He swept a lock of hair from her cheek.

She nodded. “Sounds good.”

Before they reached the restaurant, she stopped and pulled her hand from his. “I need to make a phone call before it gets too late.”

“Sure. I’ll get us a table.”

Charlotte went into the lobby and sat on one of the couches, her cell phone pressed to her ear. Even from here, he could tell that her conversation looked serious. She held one hand over her eyes as she talked.

Maybe she had a boyfriend. Or even a husband. They thought hadn’t occurred to Ryan before. She didn’t have a ring on her finger, but that probably didn’t necessarily mean she was available.

Perhaps he’d been presumptuous and maybe a little unthoughtful by assuming she’d want to hang out with him all day. Just because his own relationship was in a state of flux didn’t necessarily mean that hers was.

He would have to tread more carefully.

And behave.

He ordered a martini and drank it while he watched Charlotte talk on the phone. He told himself he had no right to be jealous.

But he could tell himself that all day long. Truth was, he was jealous. He liked Charlotte. A lot. And the thought of her heart belonging to someone else left an ache in his own heart.

This was a time to back off from her. His relationship was uncertain and he had no clue about hers.

Unfortunately, he didn’t feel like he could ask.

Her brow was furrowed when she came back to the table.

‘’Everything okay?” He made a concerted effort to keep his hands to himself.

She sighed. Her smile was tight. “I think everything is okay.”

“Good. If there’s anything you need to talk about, I’m here.” So much for his resolve to back off. He kicked himself for saying the words that had just naturally slipped out. Just when he’d resolved to stay out of her personal business.

“Thank you. That means a lot.” But she didn’t elaborate as she picked up the menu.

I should be relieved. Not disappointed.