the eyes of Nurse Barbara, True, and Levi.
He looked far less comfortable here. Sitting stiffly on the bench by the wall, his hands were clenched into fists, and his jaw was locked. When our eyes met, his darted away, and his scowl deepened.
Flush with indignation, I said the first thing that came to my mind. “Levi should go next.”
His eyes shot back to me, narrowing with anger.
This time, I glared right back.
“Good idea. Levi, let’s see if you remember what you’re doing. Piper certainly did.” Nurse Barbara gestured Levi toward the dummy.
He got up, tugging on his clothes as if he were suddenly uncomfortable, despite the cool breeze of the air conditioner. When he knelt beside the dummy, he dwarfed it by comparison, reminding me once again of his size. He took his time scrubbing the face with an alcohol wipe like I carried the bubonic plague or something.
Part of me wanted to see him screw up and get chastised by Nurse Barbara, but the CPR was flawless. Of course it was. Mr. Perfect strikes again.
After True completed her CPR, Nurse Barbara brought out a large plastic kit with a large red cross on the front. “After hydration and making sure campers keep their shoes on, sprains and small cuts are the biggest complaints seen here at the nurse’s station. You can help with minor first aid by learning how to wrap joints and safely administer a Band-Aid.”
She handed out latex gloves, bandages, and elastic wrap. “Who wants to go first?”
My hand shot up. Badass Piper really was a go-getter.
“Fine. Camper Levi has a sprained wrist. Please show us how it’s done.”
My head buzzed. Me. Touching Levi.
It was fine. I could do this. I smoothed out my face and approached him like it was the most common thing in the world.
I sat on the bench beside him and smiled gently. “I hear you’re hurt. Can I see your hand, please?”
Cautiously, his arm extended. I took his hand in mine, ignoring the tingle that fluttered like butterflies in my stomach the moment our skin touched.
I gently turned it over until his palm was facing up. I expected callouses on a hand so well used, but his skin was smooth and soft. Getting distracted, I pretended this was a scared, injured camper who needed my help instead of the guy who made my heart race like a thoroughbred any time he was near.
“It’s going to be okay,” I murmured, keeping the hand steady while reaching for the bandage behind me. I kept talking in soothing tones as I placed his upturned hand on my knee and unwound the bandage. I kept up the reassurance as I twisted the bandage around his wrist, finally fastening it.
“There,” I said. “All better.” I smiled at a job well done and let my eyes travel up to the recipient.
Levi’s expression was one I’d never seen him wear before. His dark eyebrows were up, his gray-green eyes wide as if I’d surprised him in a way that pleased him instead of repulsed him.
He almost smiled at me.
Then a voice cut through the moment.
“Very nice,” Nurse Barbara said behind me. “You have a way with a patient, Piper. He is thoroughly comforted.”
Yet, her voice had an underlying tone that didn’t seem to match her words. When I glanced back, her gaze was locked on Levi, hard and disapproving.
He pulled his hand back, cradling it against his chest like it really was injured. His eyes went to it like it had betrayed him.
God, why did I never understand what was happening here?!
“Thank you, ladies,” Nurse Barbara said. “You’ve done well.”
“But I didn’t go,” True said, lifting her hand to volunteer.
“You were here last year. I assure you, it’s fine. You can head to lunch early.” She got up, ushering us to the door.
“But what about Levi?” True asked, glancing over Barbara’s shoulder.
“He’ll be along shortly. I need him to help me with something.” Her smile was tight, and her posture said there would be no discussion. She hustled us to the door and closed it, leaving us alone on the porch.
“What the hell was that?” True whispered, glancing at the door.
“She acted like he did something wrong.”
True put her hand on her hip and cocked her head. “All he did was appreciate your attention.”
I shook my head as the banished tingles returned. “I just did what I would do for anybody.”
True laughed. “Then you better be careful with those pre-teen boys! Come on. Lunch is calling my name.” She