Page 42 of The Heart Remembers

“I’m so glad you’re okay and back,” he says, leaning in to speak directly to me over the music and then closing the distance to press a kiss to my neck. It’s sweet and touchy-feeling and something I’m not used to in public. Derek was more private in his physical affections, and I didn’t mind. I just didn’t realize how nice it felt to have someone want to touch you so much.

“I’m okay,” I say for the hundredth time. “And I don’t want to keep talking about the accident.” My voice turns edgy because I’m tired of the subject. I’ve lost hours with Levi, and I sense the end coming in less than twelve hours.

I open my mouth to tell him we should talk about last night when he speaks at the same time. “Let’s dance.”

He reaches for my hand, tugging me forward before I even agree, and leading me to the dance floor. He pulls us into the middle of everyone, swaying and grooving to a popular country love song about longing and distance. Levi wraps an arm around my lower back while lifting our combined hands to his chest. He moves like he . . . does other things, and my hips follow suit. Our eyes hold, the motion reminding us both of last night.

“We should talk,” I say, swallowing a lump in my throat as an overwhelming sense of future rejection fills me. Though I was confident last night, I’m concerned tonight that our time together in my bed did not mean to him what it meant to me. Despite our connection. Despite the sweet words.

“Later,” he says, bringing me closer to him and my eyes begin to prickle. I want to dismiss the burning sensation and threat of tears to the accident catching up to me. Perhaps it’s dancing in Levi’s arms that I sense how much worse the accident could have been, and I fight to remind myself it wasn’t bad. I’m not really hurt. My car is just an object that can be replaced. My heart, however, cannot take the impending crash I feel from the man holding me tight.

“Tell me more about this VetGym,” he asks while he holds me, his lips close to my ear. Blinking rapidly to rid the tears, I speak.

“It’s a nonprofit organization for veterans. The group helps veterans find jobs and educate them in a skill, but it’s more about finding others to connect with, who might understand their circumstances. We host gatherings like sporting events for the veterans themselves and fundraisers to keep the doors open. In fact, that’s what Maxwell, the director, is currently working on. A fundraiser for the fall, hoping to attract new donors with big checks.”

Levi pulls back to look at me. “Why would you volunteer to work there?”

I shrug. “It’s a good place for me to practice my ASL, and I offer free physical therapy to some of the veterans in need.”

Levi’s eyes narrow. “But why?” I don’t know what he’s asking as I’m answering him, but the longer his eyes hold mine, I find I need to give him the deep-rooted reason.

“I met a man who was going to be a hero by going off to fight wars, and I wanted to do my part. I thought my random acts of kindness might trickle out into the universe and help him find his way home.”

Levi continues to stare at me, and I swallow back more of that nagging fear. Feeling like I’m already out on a ledge, I decide to jump.

“Ironically, the director of the place is looking for someone with computer experience and needs marketing assistance. It’s a full-time paying job. A veteran is the ideal person to apply for the position. Do you know anyone who might be interested?” I weakly smile at him, hoping he’ll offer himself.

“Katie,” Levi whispers, looking away from me, and I have my answer. He isn’t interested in the job because he isn’t interested in moving here. He isn’t interested in more with me.

As the song draws to an end, an arm slips around my waist.

“Dance with me,” Gavin’s son Gee says to me over my shoulder, and I squeal at his appearance. We didn’t get to talk much at the family baseball game the other day as Gee flew in and flew out for his own professional games. He’s got this crazy relationship with his agent, who happens to be one of my best friends, and I want to know where they stand with each other.

“How’s Kentucky?” I tease as soon as Levi releases me, and Gee pulls me in for a dance. Gee is the spitting image of his father with thick dark hair, short on the sides and fuller on top. At five years older than me, his dark eyes and heavy facial scruff add to his devilish good looks.

“We are not discussing her,” he mocks, dragging out the words.

“Maybe we should discuss her,” I retort, knowing these two need to admit how they feel about each other.

“What I want to discuss is how Levi Walker looks like he wants to skewer me over a pit for stealing you away from him?” Gee arches one brow. “Saw how you two were acting with each other at the game the other day. Seemed pretty cozy.” Both brows suggestively wiggle.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” However, Gee spins me in a way I catch a glimpse of Levi, and he does not look pleased that Gee has cut in on our dance. If only that displeasure means he might be jealous and want all my attention like I want all of his. If only he lived here instead of Florida.

“Sure you don’t, Katie bug,” he calls me by my childhood nickname.

“Whatever. As soon as you admit how you feel about Kentucky, then we can talk about Levi.”

Gee gives a roaring laugh, tipping back his head before spinning me again in a circle. We dance for the remainder of the song, nodding to family and friends as they shift around us. Recognizing the song, I know it’s near ending when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I grin up at Gee, shaking my head at the revolving door of dance partners. Assuming it’s Levi, I’m ready to make a comment about needing a dance card as I turn away from Gee.

“Derek?” My smile falls as my eyes shift to Levi on the edge of the crowd.

“Hey, babe,” he says, his voice a little tight. Derek has been to family functions before, but he’s always awkward in them. I attribute it to his fancy education, socialite parents, and general doctor ways. His bedside manner makes him passive outside his practice sometimes.

Sensing Levi’s approach before I see him, his hand comes to my lower back, and Derek’s eyes track the motion. His expression tightens.

“You okay?” Levi asks.

“I’m good,” I say, looking over at Levi with all the longing I have for him. However, I need to address Derek’s sudden appearance.