She let out a dry scoff. I get the distinct impression he wont be pleased.
Probably not, but hell do it. Ill make sure of it.
What does he have against reporters?
Gordon sighed. After the way the media smeared Codys reputation with nasty accusations about drugs and alcohol usage causing his death, Nicks not too trusting of the press.
A twinge of unease twisted her tummy.
She hadnt believed the reports of drug use leading to the accident that took Codys life and had thought the media storm had been unfair to a man who wasnt there to defend himself.
It was important she convince Nick not to paint her with the same brush. Her promotion, her career, rode on his cooperation.
But did she have the skills necessary to succeed?
TWO
The doctor returned without Nick. Julies heart leaped to her throat. Is Nick okay?
Nodding, the doctor said, Theres no fracture. Only a bruise, but that will heal over time. The transports here. The ski patrol is getting him onboard. Are either of you going with him?
I am, Gordon stated.
Seeing an opportunity for a moment alone with Nick to pursue her story, Julie tapped Gordon on the shoulder. Your other skiers need you.
Gordon hesitated, clearly torn between his duty to Nick and his duty to his other clients.
Ill go with Nick, she offered. You come to the hospital as soon as you can. Theres nothing you can do for him right now anyway. Right?
Clearly relieved, Gordon said, Id appreciate it. Ill okay it with the EMTs. If Nick gives you any hassle, you tell him I said dont.
After hastily explaining to Bob where she was going and having his assurance hed follow in the news van, Julie rushed to the ambulance. Since Nick wasnt critical, only one EMT was present for the drive to the hospital. She climbed into the bay of the ambulance and sat on the metal bench.
The big guy in black stopped in the doorway. Hey, what are you doing?
Nick lay on the gurney. He blinked at her. Yeah, what are you doing?
Filling in for Gordon. He needs to stay for your buddies. She directed her answer to Nick rather than to the security guard.
Mr. Walsh? Big guys tone held a note of displeasure.
Its fine. Sit up front, Ted.
Ted gave her a censuring look before closing the back bay doors.
Why is event security going to the hospital with you? Julie asked.
Hes not with the event. Hes my personal security, Nick answered.
Her interest piqued, she asked, Personal security? Like a bodyguard?
Yes. Lots of athletes hire personal protection. Fans, you know. He slanted her a glance. Im sure hes not happy with you back here.
You dont need to worry, I wont bite, Julie teased.
One corner of Nicks mouth twitched. I might.
I dont think youre in any shape to be a threat to me.
You never know. He closed his eyes for a moment. His jaw tensed. I wish the doc could have given me something for the pain.
He didnt because they need to know if youre loopy because you smacked your head, not because of meds. She couldnt resist smoothing back a lock of his dark hair from his forehead.
His eyes popped opened, his expression inscrutable.
Afraid of making the wrong move and messing up this opportunity, she tucked her hands into the pockets of her pink ski jacket. Your arms not broken, which is good.
As if shed picked back up some sort of gauntlet shed thrown down between them, he closed his eyes again and sighed. Hmm, hmm.
For a long moment, the sound of the ambulances tires crunching over the gravel put down on the roads to provide traction filled the bay. Julie was content to look at him. She hadnt seen him in the flesh since high school graduation. And even then it had been from a distance.
You look good, he said, startling her. Great smile. No more braces.
I havent had braces since I was fifteen. Was that how he remembered her?
Hmm. Long time ago.
When she didnt respond, he opened one eye. Youre still here.
Im not going anywhere.
He smiled and closed his eyes. I meant Bend.
Yeah, well
Hey! Watch out! Ted yelled from the front of the ambulance.
The ambulance veered sharply. The tires squealed. Julie yelped as the force of the sudden swerve pitched her forward. She landed sprawled across Nicks chest.
His uninjured arm came around her back, holding her tight. Steady now.
Gripping the sides of the gurney, Julie lifted her head, her face inches from his. What was
Hang on! the EMT driver shouted.
The vehicle decelerated rapidly.
The force of the unexpected speed change threw Julie forward again until her face was buried in the crook of Nicks neck. His good arm pinned her to his chest. The ambulance came to a sudden halt, the sound of crunching metal echoing in her ears. The contents of the ambulance rained down on them.
Mr. Walsh! Teds frantic cry pierced through the echo of the crash ringing in Julies ears.
She lifted her head and stared at a wide-eyed Nick. You okay?
Yes. You?
I think so.
Every point of contact between her and his muscled chest and strong arm registered in her stunned brain. Warmth crept up her neck and flooded her face.
You sure? You look a little rattled, Nick said. Like you could use some reassurance.
Yes. What? No, I
The back bay doors flew open. Julie jerked upright, pushing herself off Nick.
Ted loomed in the doorway. Mr. Walsh?
Nick lifted his head. Were good in here. His gaze narrowed with a hard glint. What happened?
Idiot driver cut us off. We hit a patch of ice and slammed into a telephone pole.
You think it was an accident? Nick asked.
Julie slanted Nick a curious glance. Why would he think it wasnt?
Cant be sure. Guy didnt stop.
Nick dropped his head back. Get us out of here.
On it, sir, Ted said and closed the doors.
Whats going on? Julie asked, feeling as though shed somehow stepped in the middle of a scene without a script.
Nick closed his eyes. Ill explain later. Provided I make it to the hospital in one piece.
You will, she promised and pushed his hair off his forehead again, feeling protective and attracted all at the same time. And why not? The man was gorgeous.
Granted, as a kid hed always been cute, with his hair flopped over his forehead in a sort of roguish way that had made more than one young girls heart flutter.
Okay, her young heart.
The man before her was even more handsome than the boy hed been. Time and years spent outdoors had etched lines on his face that enhanced his rugged good looks, making him appear mature and wild at the same time.
And yes, sent her adult womans heart pounding.
So not the appropriate reaction to be having for the subject of the story she wanted to tell. She would not, could not, let the attraction flaring within her have any room. He was so far from the type of man she needed in her life. Most important, if she wanted that promotion, she needed to put anything other than professionalism in a tight box and stuff it deep down in a place where it wouldnt interfere with her career goal.
Only trouble was she had a feeling being the perfect professional would be easier said than done.
A second ambulance arrived and Nick was transferred to the back. At the hospital, Nick and his guard went with the medical personnel. Julie was stopped at the swinging doors.
Are you his wife? a nurse asked. Or sister?
Friend.
Sorry, family only, the nurse said, giving her a sympathetic smile. You can go to admitting and they can let the patient know youre here.
Waiting wasnt Julies biggest strong suit, but she had no choice. She quietly prayed that the tests would come back negative. It would be a horrible shame if he wasnt fit to compete in three weeks.
Bob appeared at her side and took the seat next to her. Are you okay? I was following the ambulance when it crashed.
A little shaken up, she replied. Did you see what happened?
Yeah, that car passed me and then cut in front of the ambulance. Next thing I know the ambulance is swerving and bam, into the pole. I got some footage of the banged-up ambulance and of them transferring Nick to the second ambulance.
She bit her lip. Knowing how Nick felt about the press, she doubted hed be okay with them airing the videotape. But it would add so much to the feature. Injured skiers ambulance crashes. The public would go nuts for it. Especially with the film of Nicks ski accident and him getting to his feet to walk away from the crash. It would build him up even more as a legend and hero to the American people. And ifwhenhe won gold next month, it would be even better.
Deciding whether to use the film or not would be a bridge shed have to cross eventually, but for now shed say a prayer for Nicks health and hope that when the time came to make that decision it would be easy.
Bob chitchatted with her about mundane matters as they waited. She appreciated his calming presence. Ten years older than she, Bob had taken her under his wing when he found out she had aspirations of being on camera. Hed worked with her, getting her comfortable in front of the lens.
Hed become a good friend. They made a good team.
An hour later, Gordon joined them in the waiting area.
Julie set down the magazine she was reading and stood. Have you seen him?
Looking tired and worn, Gordon said, Yes. The docs are done. There was no sign of a brain injury.
Julie let out a little sigh of relief. Have you contacted his parents?
Yes. I let them know hes fine.
Im sure theyre relieved. Can I see him?
As soon as the neurologist cleared him, they gave him something for the pain. Hes a bit groggy. Theyll release him in a bit.
Julie glanced at Bob. He pointed to his camera. She read his message clearly. He wanted to film Nick in his room. It would add a nice dimension to what they already had on tape. She turned her attention back to Gordon. Could we get a little footage of him in his hospital bed?
Gordon frowned. Not right now. Maybe when he wakes.
Ill be here. Resigning herself to waiting, she sat back down as Gordon returned to Nicks room.
Im going for coffee, Bob said. Want some?
Please. She settled back to look through another magazine. If Im not here, come find me in Nicks room.
He saluted and sauntered off with his camera, which he never let out of his sight.
A few minutes later a woman took a seat a couple chairs away from Julie. She was pretty with dark hair and dark eyes and held a gift-wrapped box in her hands. Something about her seemed familiar, but Julie couldnt place from where. She exchanged a smile with her and went back to reading.
A nurse stepped into the waiting area.
Are you here to see Nick Walsh?
Yes, Julie said.
Yes, the brunette said at the same time.
The nurse looked as confused as Julie felt. Eyeing the brunette closely, Julie realized why shed recognized her. Shed been the one calling out to Nick after his crash.
Uh, tell me your names and Ill let him know youre both here, the nurse said, clearly uncomfortable letting two women in to see Nick when he was only expecting one.
Julie Frost.
Kitty Rogers, the brunette stated. Hell see me.
Julie arched an eyebrow at the womans certainty. Clearly she had some claim on Nick. Something unpleasant stirred in Julies tummy. She mentally stopped herself in her tracks. She needed to remain professional. Knowing he had a girlfriend would help to keep her own feelings in check. She would never poach another womans man.
Even if that man had had the starring role in her girlhood daydreams.
* * *
Nick shifted uncomfortably on the hospital bed. Though he appreciated the excellent medical care he was receiving from Bends premier medical center, he wanted to be back on the slopes hitting the kicker, not confined to an eight-by-ten room with linoleum floors, stucco walls and the smell of antiseptics filling his head.
The memory of the fresh floral scent of Julies perfume tightened his gut. Shed smelled like a warm, sunny spring day.
Julie.
The image of a pretty blonde danced through Nicks mind. Shed been Julie Tipton when hed known her. Man, shed blossomed, becoming a beautiful woman sans the glasses or the braces he remembered. Shed always been the quiet, studious type. Not the kind to go into show business.
Shed saved his bacon a few times in high school when hed asked her for help with his English assignments and his math homework. The girl had been wicked smart. Now she was a newshound. A reporter. Go figure.
Distaste coated his mouth. He didnt like the press. Didnt like the way they sensationalized or capitalized on every aspect of his and his fellow athletes lives, the good and the bad. Whatever would generate ratings was fair game.
Just look at the way theyd sensationalized Codys death.
Familiar pain and grief welled until he thought hed drown.
Gordon entered his hospital room. Tight lines of concern bracketed his eyes and mouth. Doc says youre A-OK. Theyll release you in few hours.
Sweet.
We have a lot riding on you being fine, Gordon reminded him.
We being Gordon and the sponsors backing Nick. The biggest of which was an international company with its headquarters in Bend and named after one of the runs on Mt. Bachelor. The CEO of Thunderbird had supported Nick even after Codys death last year and had continued to provide financial support during the weeks when Nick was too grief stricken to train, let alone compete.
Nick owed them big-time.
And he always repaid his debts.
Ted tell you about the ambulance ride? His heart thumped remembering the chaos. And Jules. The smell of her hair, the way her bright blue eyes had flared with first shock, then concern and finally awareness before shed shot away as though shed been burned.
He did. He gave the police a good description of the car. Worry darkened Gordons hazel eyes. I dont like this.
You and me both. Whoever sent that threatening note is going to a lot of trouble to hurt me.
Thats why its important Ted stay close, Gordon said. And that you cooperate and let him do his job keeping you safe.
Nick had every intention of staying safe and alive.