Page 28 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

Trevor dug into his backpack like Mary Poppins into her carpet bag, pulling out container after container. "I hope you're hungry," he grinned, handing me a sandwich that looked like it belonged in a food magazine.

I unwrapped it, my stomach doing the rumba in anticipation. I took a bite and realized this wasn't just any sandwich. It was my favorite bread, with the perfect ratio of fillings and... "Are these my favorite chips?" I asked, holding up the familiar blue bag like it was the Holy Grail.

Trevor ducked his head, looking almost bashful. It was adorable. "I might have a good memory for important details."

I nudged him playfully. "Well, aren't you full of surprises, Mr. Firefighter Florist."

We munched in companionable silence for a few minutes, savoring the food and the view. But my mind kept drifting back to our earlier conversation about the shop.

I glanced at Trevor, who was finishing his sandwich with impressive speed. "So, about this firefighter calendar idea. Were you serious, or was that just a ploy to get me up this mountain?"

He leaned back on his elbows, looking like a rugged model for Outdoor Monthly. "Absolutely serious. The guys would be up for it, especially for a good cause. Plus, it gives them an excuse to show off."

I raised an eyebrow, fighting a smirk. "And what's in it for them besides the chance to flex for the camera?"

Trevor's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, I was thinking... What if we sweeten the deal with a paintball battle in that field behind your garden?"

I nearly inhaled a chip. "A paintball battle? Near my precious plants? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Not IN your garden," he clarified, chuckling at my horrified expression. "BEHIND it. We could set up obstacles and make it a real challenge. Think of it as team-building with a side of controlled chaos."

I had to admit, it was a tempting offer. The guys would love it, and it could drum up more interest in the calendar than my flyers ever could.

"Alright, you've got a deal, Rambo," I held my hand. "But if a single paintball even looks at my petunias funny, you'll be on weeding duty for a month."

Trevor grasped my hand, his smile widening. "Don't worry, I'll keep them in line. Firefighter's honor."

As we shook on it, a low rumble of thunder crashed overhead like the world's grumpiest stomach. We glanced up to see the sky had turned an ominous shade of gray, looking about as friendly as a wet cat.

"Uh oh," I said, frantically packing our lunch. "Looks like Mother Nature's about to throw a tantrum."

Trevor stood, hauling me to my feet with ease. "We better get moving. It's a long hike back, and I don't fancy becoming human lightning rods."

We set off down the trail at a brisk pace, trading quips about my uncanny ability to attract bad weather like a magnet.

"Of course, this would happen on my first hike," I grumbled, stumbling over a root for the umpteenth time. "And, of course, my legs would choose now to turn into overcooked spaghetti."

Trevor glanced back at me, his expression a mix of amusement and concern. "You doing okay back there, Bambi?"

I stuck my tongue out at him, real mature-like. "Just peachy. Remind me again why I let you talk me into this death march?"

He slowed down, falling into step beside me. "Because deep down, you love a challenge."

As Trevor finished speaking, the sky opened, pelting us with heavy raindrops. We exchanged a worried glance as the downpour intensified.

"We need to move faster," Trevor said, his voice firm.

I tried to keep up with his pace, but my foot caught on something. Pain shot through my ankle as I tumbled to the ground, a cry escaping my lips. Hero barked anxiously, tugging at his leash.

Trevor was at my side instantly, his hands gentle as he examined my rapidly swelling ankle. "Amelia, what happened?"

I gritted my teeth against the throbbing pain. "I think I twisted it. I can't put any weight on it."

His brow furrowed with concern as he glanced at the darkening sky. The gravity of the situation hit me - I couldn't walk, and we were far from safety.

"It's okay," Trevor said, his voice steady and reassuring. "I can carry you. We'll get through this."

Despite the pain, I couldn't help but quip, "My knight in shining armor. Just don't drop me, okay?"