But for now, he decided, there was no rush. He'd take things one day at a time, enjoying the thrill of discovery as he went.
Meanwhile, Hazel's confrontation, though bold, was already fading into the background of his thoughts.
While Ross was lost in his pleasant musings, Hazel remained rooted in place, her mind racing.
She hadn't come all this way to leave without achieving her goal.
Her determination was a force to be reckoned with, and though her options were limited, she refused to give up without a fight.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she weighed her choices, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior.
Finally, practicality won out.
If Ross wouldn't yield to reason, then she'd have to find another way to get what she wanted.
Hazel was nothing if not stubborn, and the thought of backing down was simply not an option.
With a deep breath, she steeled herself, her resolve solidifying.
