You've Got This

YOU’VE GOT THIS MAXINE MORREY CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Epilogue Acknowledgments More from Maxine Morrey About the Author About Boldwood Books For D, Thanks, buddy ;) 1 So this was how it would end. Plummeting to my death from a Welsh mountain. I knew this was a bad idea. Terrible. Quite possibly the worst ever, in fact. Jasper, of course, disagreed. Jasper thought it was one of his most brilliant ideas yet. An idea he’d had after a client he was currently schmoozing was marvelling over the amazing views on his recent trip to Snowdonia, thanks to being lucky with the weather. ‘Have you ever been?’ he’d asked. ‘Oh God, yeah, but it was ages ago now.’ Jasper had replied. ‘Before it became so touristy. Be good to go back though.’ I’d kept my eyes fixed on the bone china plate in front of me, knowing he was lying – Jasper wasn’t exactly what you’d call the outdoorsy type. But the more I’d come to know him, the more I’d realised this was his modus operandi. The thought that someone might have done something that he hadn’t bothered him way more than it should, and he’d immediately begin rectifying the situation. Sometimes I didn’t mind. The trip to Capri was pretty nice and I certainly wasn’t going to complain about the holiday to Mustique. Although the ban on cocktails because they weren’t included in the deal he’d swung was a bit of a downer. As a hedge-fund manager, Jasper had plenty of money, but he wasn’t always keen on spending it on anyone other than himself. I’d tried to argue that I objected to him dictating what I could spend my own money on, but he’d gone into a huff and dropped a hint about as subtle as a tsunami that I was being ungrateful as he’d paid for the rest of the trip. I’d have happily paid my way, but as he didn’t offer the best salaries in the sector that ruled out that option. As usual he’d missed the point entirely and I’d dropped my objection. I didn’t expect anyone to pay for me and I’d done OK until I met him. It had been his idea for me to move into his place and to leave my long-standing coffee-shop job and take a position at his company. I’d known from day one that particular decision was a mistake but, by then, it was too late. But Jasper had really outdone himself this time. His never-ending obsession with one-upmanship had reached new heights – quite literally – with this latest endeavour. I looked up at the looming mountain in front of me and felt my stomach swirl, the delicious home-cooked breakfast I’d wolfed down this morning threatening a swift reappearance. My eyes drifted up to the jagged ridge at the top. Oh God. This was such a bad idea. Thankfully I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Jasper was currently in deep… let’s call it ‘discussion’, with the climbing guide he’d hired for the hike. ‘I’m sorry you feel that way,’ Matt replied. ‘But it’s my job to keep people safe and, as much as I’d like to, I can’t control the weather. Getting to the top today is out of the question. The cloud is too low and visibility will be poor to non-existent.’ ‘I hired you to take us to the top, not give up halfway! The word is you’re one of the best guides around but I’m beginning to question the validity of your reputation.’ ‘Jasper!’ ‘What?’ he snapped. ‘I suppose this works out just perfectly for you. You were against this trip from the start.’ Oh good. And now we were going to have an argument in front of a stranger. Again. ‘Never a great idea to piss off your significant other on the side of a mountain, mate.’ A giggle snuck out from under my defences and Matt shot me a momentary grin, which neutralised the dagger Jasper sent. ‘Oh. Hilarious. I hope you’re not charging extra for your “humorous” advice.’ Matt blew out a sigh through his teeth. ‘Nope. Free of charge.’ ‘Good. And just to let you know, I’ll be demanding a full refund for this so-called service anyway. Trade descriptions.’ Matt’s reply was patient, his gravel-edged voice even as he spoke again. ‘As I mentioned, unfortunately none of us have control over the weather. That point is stated in the booking details.’ ‘In the tiniest print possible, I suppose?’ Jasper sneered. ‘No. Same size. Actually, now you mention it, possibly a bit larger.’ I turned away, ostensibly to admire the view but in reality to hide a smirk. ‘Oh, quite the joker, aren’t you?’ ‘Nope. You asked a question. I assumed you wanted a reply.’ Jasper’s face was thunderous, his high colouring beginning to turn an interesting shade of purple. He wasn’t used to people questioning him. He was always the one in charge. The one throwing his weight around. Not that Matt was throwing weight around, which, by the size of him, was probably just as well. Had his trekking gear been white I reckon there’d be a spike in sightings of Yeti on the Welsh mountains. ‘Look, I don’t want to fall out with anyone. I love this area and I love getting to share it with other people too, but my first job is to keep clients, and myself, safe. I’m afraid it’s just too dangerous to go to the top today for anyone, especially novices.’ ‘I’m not a novice! I’ve climbed plenty of mountains before.’ I glanced at Jasper’s backside. Apparently the