Stars Over Alaska (Wild River #4) - Jennifer Snow Page 0,13
“I won’t say a word.”
CHAPTER FOUR
“I REALLY DON’T think it’s necessary to go to the hospital,” Leslie argued in the back of Levi’s truck as they passed the Welcome to Wild River sign a few hours later. Already, six smoke jumpers and rescuers knew Selena was there... She wanted to trust that none of them would go spreading the gossip, after she’d explained the situation, but the more people who knew, the riskier it was.
“Better to be safe than sorry,” Levi said. He glanced at her bandaged hand. “And a real doctor should check that out.”
She barely even noticed the painful tingling under the bandages. She swallowed hard but no matter how many times she did, she couldn’t get rid of the lump in her throat. Emotions she was usually so in control of were now close to the surface.
Her family cabin was gone. Despite not having used it much in the last ten years, she’d always liked knowing it was still there. A standing memory of good times when her father was alive. Before everything changed, started to fall apart. Now it was gone. And she was to blame.
Would she always be the one responsible for tearing her family apart?
This entire situation was made a million times worse because Levi was a part of it. She could hold things together when she was surrounded by strangers but her estranged best friend, a person she could trust if she needed to give in to her exhaustion and stress—was weakening her when she needed her strength the most.
He had seemed surprised, but happy to see her, which made her cool exterior that much harder. It was obvious which of the two of them had essentially walked away from the friendship.
As they pulled up in front of the hospital, he opened the doors to help them out. Selena was more than willing to accept any and all attention after her “ordeal,” but Leslie refused his hand when he extended it to her.
If he noticed, he didn’t show it as he closed the truck door behind her. “Do you want me to come in?” he asked.
“No...no need.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you for your assistance.”
He nodded. “Of course, Leslie. Anytime.”
The words weren’t casual. They were full of feeling—compassionate, kind and slightly questioning. She knew he had to be wondering why she’d basically disappeared from his life, but right now wasn’t the time.
She caught Selena staring at them. Better wrap this up. “So, remember, tell my family...”
His disappointment about her asking him to lie was clear as he said, “We aren’t sure yet how the fire started.” He nodded. “I got it, but we can only keep that up for about twenty-four hours.”
He’d have to file his report with the details...the truth. Her family would know she was in town soon enough. But she appreciated the twenty-four hour reprieve. The head start. Time to process being in Wild River without having to face them. She would have to eventually. She owed them an apology for the fire. Her gut tightened at the thought. “That’s great. Thanks again,” she said.
Levi turned to Selena. “Pleasure meeting you, Ms. Hudson. Enjoy your time in Wild River,” he said before climbing into the truck.
Leslie turned to head into the hospital.
Shit, she was still wearing his jacket.
She turned back and tapped on the window.
Levi’s hopeful expression was too much as he rolled it down. “Yeah?”
“Your jacket...”
“Keep it until you can get some clothes.”
She wanted it off as fast as possible. Seeing him was like seeing a ghost from her past. Having his familiar smell wrapped around her just confirmed he was definitely real...and so were the memories threatening to destroy her. “Okay, I’ll get it back to you somehow.”
He hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want me to call Katherine or Eddie...or your mom or grandma? They could bring you some clothes.” He reached for his phone.
“No!”
Selena turned to look at her.
“No,” she repeated more quietly. “No. It’s okay. I’ll figure something out.” Her grandma would be the person she’d call if she needed to...but everyone else was going to be devastated when they heard about the cabin and more than likely pissed off at her. Especially her sister, who now wouldn’t be able to use the cabin for her yearly solitary retreats.
“You sure?” Levi asked.
“Yes.” Guilt wrapped around her, but she fought it. She’d face them all soon enough. Just not yet.
“Okay.” Levi put the phone away.
“Thank you...again. I’ll be sure to send your jacket back.”