"Why is the hill last if it's the hardest?" Cadence couldn't help but think this was Aaron's own special form of torture. "Because you're tired, probably more than a little angry with me for pushing you so hard, and I want to see what you've got when there's not much left in the reserves." "Have I been acting like I'm angry with you?" she asked, a bit surprised to hear that. She wiped her forehead on her sleeve for the hundredth time. "Actually, no. You've kept a good attitude the entire time even though I've demanded a lot of you. I'm incredibly proud of you." Cadence didn't know what to say to that. She knew he was speaking to her like a coach to a pupil, but still, it was nice to hear. "Thanks," she said with a self-conscious smile. As if he wanted to change the subject, he returne