Stars Over Alaska (Wild River #4) - Jennifer Snow Page 0,25

voice to a conspirator’s level. If Kaia was part of the plan to keep Selena safe, she’d cherish that more than a photo anyway. The kid was already a self-appointed unofficial, junior member of the search and rescue crew and taught outback safety courses to kids in the town. “Selena is here in Wild River hiding out. So, we need to keep her presence here low-key to keep her safe. That means, unfortunately, no photos.”

As predicted, Kaia immediately looked serious and determined. “Absolutely.” To Selena she said, “You’re safe here.”

Leslie winked at her.

But then Kaia frowned, glancing at Selena’s drink. “Hey, is that alcohol?”

“Yes.”

“Are you even old enough to drink?”

Tank reached for the glass but Selena pulled it away. “Yes, I’m twenty-four. I was twenty-one acting like a seventeen-year-old in High School Romance,” she told Kaia.

“Wow. Really?” Kaia put down the ice buckets and climbed up onto the bar stool next to Selena.

Tank sighed, coming around the bar to retrieve the buckets. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the ice,” he said loudly, but Kaia wasn’t listening. She was enamored by the star.

“Hey, you’re super cute,” Selena said, pushing Kaia’s dark, messy hair away from her face. “Have you ever thought about acting? I could hook you up with my agent’s email...”

“She’s all set,” Tank said quickly. “School, sports... She’s busy.”

Kaia laughed. “Chill, Dad. I have no interest in Hollywood.” She paused. “Though I did just get the lead in the spring play at school. Maybe you could help me with my lines sometime?” she asked Selena. “If you’re not busy,” she added quickly.

Selena shot Leslie a look. “Believe me, that would be the highlight of my time here.” Turning back to Kaia, she smiled. “I’d love to help if I’m in town long enough.”

Kaia beamed. “Awesome.”

Huh, so maybe the star wasn’t all bad. Leslie knew Selena did actually care about her fans. She had several charities focused on children’s needs in LA and she was an active participant, volunteering her time as well as donating money.

“Great, but right now, you have homework,” Tank told Kaia.

The girl looked disappointed, but she climbed off the bar stool. “I gotta go, but it was really awesome to meet you and if you need anything...”

Selena reached for her coaster and a pen on the bar and signed it. “Here you go, and we’ll find a way to sneak a selfie before I leave town, I promise,” she said.

Kaia hugged the coaster to her chest as she headed into the back room. “I can’t believe I can’t tell my friends about this,” they heard her mumble.

Leslie knew she wouldn’t. They took care of one another in Wild River. Subconsciously, maybe that was why she’d come.

And at least Selena looked happier. Being away from her life couldn’t be easy on her either. “What a cutie,” she said as her gaze drifted toward the door. “And speaking of cuties...”

Leslie followed her gaze and almost choked on her drink, seeing Levi enter the bar. What the hell was he still doing in town? Didn’t he have a forest to protect?

“So there is a history,” Selena said, eyeing her.

“Nope. There isn’t.”

“Well, why does your face look simultaneously pale and flushed?”

“Just surprised to see him here,” she mumbled.

“So, you’d be cool with me buying him a drink then? For saving my life?” Selena baited her.

Technically, Leslie had saved Selena’s life. Levi had saved hers. “He’s probably meeting people...”

Or not. Levi spotted them and headed their way. “Hey.”

“What are you still doing here?” Leslie asked before she could stop herself.

Levi looked uncomfortable and Leslie immediately turned her attention back to the melting ice in her glass. This awkwardness would only get worse the more time they were together. Didn’t he realize that as well? No real contact in years had already made their previous, necessary encounter tense.

“Be more rude,” Selena said to her, before turning a warm smile in Levi’s direction. “I think what she meant to say was, have a seat—I’ll buy you a drink. With Leslie’s money.” The smile might have made up for Leslie’s coolness if Levi had seen it, but his gaze was still locked on Leslie. She could see his reflection in the mirror behind the bar, but she didn’t need to. She could feel his gaze burning into her.

“Come on, join us,” Selena said when Levi hesitated.

“I’ll sit, but ladies don’t buy the drinks,” Levi said, climbing onto the bar stool next to her.

“They do when they’re rich,” Selena said, reaching for Leslie’s wallet.