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He names a well-known surgeon from one of the rival orthopedic groups back in my hometown.
“I know of him,” I say. “He’s supposed to be good.”
“He’s supposed to be the best,” Zane amends. “But not even he could get me back into competition.” That last statement is murmured, and he seems to be speaking more to himself than to me. His tone reeks of disappointment.
“Surgeons are good, but they aren’t miracle workers,” I admit. He stays quiet. “I bet that was a long rehab …”
“Yep,” he says, suddenly rising and treading closer to the entrance, like he’s done with this conversation. He doesn’t stop until the waterfall is cascading down his body like a rainfall showerhead.
Soon, all of us are beneath the falls. The water is cooler here, but it still feels refreshingly good. I tilt my head back and let it cascade down my face and body. One of the guys shoves me playfully from behind. Chelsea plunges into the water after me, and then it’s on.
We spend the next hour or two splashing and roughhousing in the water. We eat the snacks the guys brought and drink beer, though Zane doesn’t have another since he drove. We have the oasis to ourselves most of the time with only a few tourists venturing in to take pictures of the falls. But they leave as fast asthey came. The sun is starting to set by the time we lug all the supplies and coolers and our tired bodies back to the vehicle.
I’m quiet on the trip back home, content to watch the sun lower behind the mountains and to watch for animals. We don’t see any tonight along the road, but sunrise and sunset are the best times to spot them. I’m spent by the time we pull into my driveway. Zane dropped Chelsea off first, so it’s just me and the guys.
“You’re staying here all alone?” Benji asks from beside me in the back seat as I’m gathering my things.
“That makes you sound like a creeper, asking that,” Wyatt says to his friend.
I nod at Benji. “It’s not so bad. I kind of like the quiet for once.”
“If you get scared or lonely,” Wyatt says, “I’d be happy to keep you company.”
Benji laughs. “Now, who sounds like the creeper? But for the record, I would also volunteer as tribute.”
“You guys are saints,” I deadpan, “so willing to sacrifice yourself for my well-being.”
“That’s just the kind of guys we are,” Benji answers solemnly with a palm on his chest.
“I didn’t hear you volunteer, Zane,” I say, though I don’t know where my boldness is coming from.
“I’ll wait until you invite me in,” is his response.
I meet his gaze in the rearview mirror. He isn’t smiling, but there’s mischief in his eyes.
“What makes you so sure that’s going to happen?”
“I’m not sure,” he admits. “But that’s part of the fun … the not knowing.”
“I don’t need the mystery, personally,” Wyatt jokes. “All you have to do is say the word, and I’m all yours.”
“Good to know.” I snicker. I pop the door open. “Thanks for a great day, guys. I’ll try to contribute some food and drinks next time.”
“What makes you think there’s going to be a next time?” Zane quips.
“I’m not sure there will be. But that’s part of the fun, right?” I wink at him and say goodbye to all three before making my way inside the house.
CHAPTER FOUR
WILLOW
I wake early the next day and decide to go for a run. The road in front of the house is about a mile and a half in distance if you go in the opposite direction from town, and it ends at a private property right at the base of the mountains. It’s a run I’ve made almost daily on past trips to Sullivan’s Way. I like the solitude and the crisp temperature. I’m usually the only one out here. It’s quiet and peaceful, and it helps me clear my head. I strap on a pair of sneakers and my earbuds and take off down the road.
I can see my breath evaporating in the cold morning air. I pull the sleeves of my thermal running top over my hands and focus on the music until my legs are steadily pumping and my body starts to warm up. My mind drifts back to work—to when it all started. I remember the first day I met Dr. Cooper like it was yesterday. It was the easiest job interview I’d ever had. And the most laid-back.
I checked the address again to make sure I was in the correct spot as I drove into the upscale neighborhood. The houses were a few acres apart in a heavily wooded area on the outskirts of the city. The navigation led me into a long driveway, andI parked to the side of the large home to stay out of the way should someone else try to leave or arrive while I was there.
I examined my reflection in the lit mirror in the visor and nervously ran my fingers through my hair.
