Seven Nights With Her Ex. Louisa Heaton

others were experienced walkers, though, used to long treks and mileage, so she hoped they could all learn something from each other.

      At one o’clock precisely Mack came back into the room, followed by another ranger. ‘Right, everyone, gather round. I’m going to issue the buddy list. Now, remember, your buddy is more than just your friend. They’re your safety net, your lookout, your second brain. You don’t go anywhere without your buddy, okay?’

      He awaited assent from the group.

      ‘Now, we’ve tried to divvy everyone up equally and pair people with similar interests, so here goes.’ Mack picked up his list. ‘Okay, let’s see who we have here. Conrad and Barb—you guys are married, so it makes sense to buddy you guys up... Leo and Jack—you guys are both from Texas... Justin and Claire—you guys mentioned you’ve met before, walking the Great Wall of China... Toby and Allan, both ex-Forces personnel...’

      Beau shifted in her seat. There were only four of them left to name: her and three guys, one of whom was Gray.

      Please don’t pair me with Gray!

      But what did she have in common with the other two? They were brothers, and surely Mack was going to pair brothers. Which meant... Her heart sank and she began to feel very sick.

      ‘Dean and Rick—brothers from Seattle, which leaves our UK doctors, Beau and Gray. Welcome to America, guys!’

      Beau couldn’t look at Gray. If she looked at him, she’d see that he was just as horrified as she was about this.

      Was it too late to change her mind and go home? Go back to the hotel in Bozeman and stay there for a week?

      No! You’ve never backed away from anything!

      Looking around the small room, she saw that everyone was pairing with their buddy, shaking hands and grinning at each other. Reluctantly she let her gaze trickle around the room until she locked eyes with Gray. He looked just as disturbed as she was—uncomfortable and agonised—but he seemed to be hiding it slightly better. She watched as he hitched his backpack onto his back and came across the room to her, looking every inch the condemned man.

      Staring at him, she waited for him to speak, but instead he held out his hand. ‘Let’s just agree to disagree for the next week. It should make this easier.’

      Easier, huh? He had no idea.

      She ignored his outstretched hand. ‘Like I said, let’s just agree not to talk to each other at all. Not unless we have to.’ Her voice sounded shaky, even to her own ears.

      ‘That might make things difficult.’

      ‘You have no idea what difficult means.’ She hoisted her own backpack onto her shoulders and tightened the straps, turning away from the muscle tightening in Gray’s jaw.

      ‘I think I do, my lass.’

      Her head whipped round and she glared at him. ‘Don’t call me that. I am not your lass. You know nothing about me now.’

      ‘You want me to talk to you like you’re a stranger?’

      ‘I don’t want you to talk to me at all.’

      ‘I’m not going to be silent for a week. I’m not a monk.’

      ‘Shame.’

      ‘Beau—’

      She glared at him. Don’t say another word! ‘Let’s get going...buddy.’

      He took a step back, sweeping his hand out before him. ‘Ladies first.’

      Beau hoped her stare would turn him into stone. Then she followed Mack and the others out of the ranger station.