There were footsteps on the stairs, and I leaned against my desk. From the sound of it, Dad was coming to say hi. A few second later, he appeared in the doorway, wearing a huge smile. Kane and I favored our dad in coloring. Hayden was blond like my mom. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. Amie mentioned you were coming.”
Lex smiled at Dad and hugged him. “Hey, good lookin’. How are you?”
Dad chuckled and hugged her back fiercely. Lex’s and my separation had been hard on all of us. Mom and Dad’s relationship reminded me of Lex and me. We never fought much. Yeah, we disagreed, but we worked it out.
Dad patted Lex on the back as he released her. “I’m good. Glad you’re back in town, kid. Drake told us what you were doing. Mighty proud of you. Your dad would be proud of you, too. He was always telling me how you were going to make a difference with your fancy degree.”
Lex blinked a few times to keep the tears away; it was clear my dad’s words had touched her deeply. “Thanks. That means a lot. Hopefully, you can stop by the clinic sometime to meet Hollis. Skagway is lucky to have him as a doctor.”
“I’ll be sure to stop by soon.” He gave a wink. “And I’ve heard the Twiner sisters think mighty highly of him, too… so it must be true.” There was a pause, and Dad smiled as Lex shook her head. “They had a juicy excerpt on you two, as well.”
Lex blew out a breath and threw her head back with a groan. “I swear they are part bloodhound.”
Dad and I chuckled. Everyone loved those stupid newsletters. But it was a pain in the ass when you were the subject matter.
Dad gave Lex another hug and walked to the door. “I’m going to see if your mom needs any help. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes.”
When Dad left, the room grew silent again. I opened the dresser drawer Lex had claimed once upon a time, and just as I’d expected, her stuff was still there. Mom probably hadn’t been able to bring herself to throw it out. It had been so long since I lived there I couldn’t say what was in most of the drawers. I found a pair of her pajamas and placed them on the bed. “Looks like you’re in luck. Mom never throws anything out.”
Lex played with a stray thread on my bedspread, and it was clear there was something on her mind. Let her work it out. My nerves were frayed after the day I’d had, waiting and wondering where her mind was. It took everything in me not to demand she tell me what she was thinking.
After a few more seconds, which felt like a lifetime, she softly asked, “Did you date anyone while I was gone?”
I tilted my head and watched her closely. When I closed the bedroom door, she looked up, her expression stiff and filled with dread. My parents weren’t nosy, but some things needed to remain private between a man and his woman. I needed Lex to see my face. Really see me when I answered her. Words alone might get misconstrued. “I tried—once. But I stopped it before it went anywhere. She was a random tourist who came to the Red Onion. But I knew it would be a mistake. So I dropped her off at the ship and went home.”
Relief flashed across her face followed by hope. “Really? You didn’t sleep with her?”
I took a step forward. “No, I didn’t. It’s been only you since the flat tire.”
After I changed Lex’s tire on the side of the road, I canceled the date I’d had planned for that night. It had taken me a while to convince her my sleeping-around days were over and to give me a chance. To be fair, I had earned the reputation. But after I saw Lex, I knew I would only ever want her.
She released a breath with a shake of her head. That wasn’t a good sign. I thought she’d be glad I hadn’t fucked another girl. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m so sorry for what I did. I nearly ruined us. If you had… I just… I…”
I knelt in front of Lex, resting my hands on her knees. “No more sorrys. Let’s just move forward and see where it takes us. I wish I’d talked to you when I came to New York. There’s a lot I wish I’d done. But we’ve found our way back to each other. That’s what counts.”
“You came? To New York?”
I nodded. “Two months after it ended. When I realized you weren’t going to reach out, I got on the first plane. When I got there, I saw you run into Hollis’s arms. I hated the son of a bitch. I turned around, got on a plane, and left. Never told anyone but Mom and Dad what I saw.”
Adamantly, Lex shook her head. “Oh no. We’re just friends. Always been just friends. I promise. Nothing has ever even gotten weird between us.”
It was good to have the reassurance. As long as he kept his interest away from my girl, we’d get along great. “We good?”
“We are. More than good. But, Drake, I still don’t understand why someone would want to do that to us. Write a letter from my dad. That seems so cruel. And I don’t understand why. It makes no sense.”
“No, it doesn’t.” But, baby, I’m going to find out who. Stay calm. Don’t get worked up right now. I took a deep breath. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Whoever it was would pay for nearly ruining our lives.
Chapter Seven
Alexa
I wiped my brow before I began to scrub another window. At least the weather was mild today. Since most Alaskan homes didn’t have air conditioners because of the permafrost, hot days were hell. For the tenth time, I checked my phone to see if Teagan had texted back about me getting my clothes. But there was nothing. What’s wrong with her? When she gave me the key to the place, it had been as if she couldn’t leave fast enough. And she hadn’t asked about my encounter with Drake. It made me wonder if she’d been holding the keys hostage to force me to see him. Or is it something else?
I sprayed more cleaner on the glass and started scrubbing again. Hollis was upstairs, attempting to sweep. I didn’t think he’d ever held a broom before in his life. After I showed him, he walked upstairs with pep in his step, twirling it about. He was such a goof. But he was a brilliant doctor. New York-Presbyterian Hospital had all but begged Hollis to come work for them. The hospital ranked number eight in the nation.
I stepped back and surveyed the window. The windowsill was slightly askew. Oh man, this place needs a lot of work. I was handy, but this would take me months by myself. We were going to have to postpone the opening, which was disappointing.
There was some sort of cry of pain. I called upstairs, “Hollis?”
There was cursing before he yelled, “Coming!” He came trudging down the stairs. “I swear that broom is out to kill me.”
On the opposite side of his face from his bruised jaw was a red welt.
“What happened to your face?”
He pointed to his jaw. “Crazy Alaskan.” Then pointed his cheek. “Crazy Alaskan broom. Apparently, Alaskan things and I are not getting along.”
I put my hand to my mouth, trying not to laugh. Hollis pointed to me with a glare. “Don’t you dare.” He tipped his head to the left and then the right, cracking his neck. “Surgery is easier than this wilderness.”
Shaking my head, I tried to control my giggles. Sweeping was hardly wilderness. “I think we’re going to need to hire this project out. I don’t know how we can open on time if the contractor can’t fit us in.”
Throwing his head back, he dramatically whispered, “There is a God. Finally, my friend has come to her senses. No more manual labor.”
I punched his shoulder. “It wasn’t that bad. And you wanted to be Mr. Fix-It.”
With a raised eyebrow, he looked me square in the face. “Not that bad? Have you seen my face? I might have misjudged the situation.”
That made me giggle at the angry red mark all over again. How in the world did he manage that? Hollis tossed the broom like it was on fire. “I won’t be needing that anymore.”
I blew out a breath. There was so much to do, and we were in over our heads. “I should have asked someone else to come look at the place. I’m sorry, Hollis.”
We leaned against the wall and took in the room
. The place smelled a little better today, at least. A mixture of Pine-Sol and Dusty Old Room. I noticed some of the spindles were missing from the second-floor railing. Ugh. Just great. I nudged Hollis’s shoulder. How is he so easygoing about this? Medical equipment would be here before we knew it, and we were far from ready.
“Listen, Alexa, I saw the pictures, too. I agreed on the place. Yes, it’s rougher than either of us thought. But once we get it fixed, it’ll be great. The location is key, the layout is great, and the property is large enough for expansion. Plus, I can have a residence here, which will be helpful. I’m not worried.”
Of course he wasn’t. Hollis never worried. But I had a mortgage to pay and needed the income from the clinic. Though Hollis had offered to buy the property, I’d insisted. It was important for him to know I was all in.
More for myself, I said, “We’ll figure this out. I can start calling around to see if anyone can fit us in their schedule. It might be a bit before they can.”
I wanted the clinic to be spruced up and perfect before we had our first patient. Having a doctor here was more important than all the rest. It would come. But I wanted Hollis to be happy with his decision. In New York, he wouldn’t have to look at broken spindles on a railing.
“Are you listening?”
I focused back on Hollis. “Sorry. What did you say?”
“I think you should let me buy this place. I do want to live here. It’ll be easier, and I like it.” I was quiet for a second, unsure what to say, and Hollis continued. “Just think about it. I know you want to show you’re invested in this. I already know you are. And I know you can afford this place. But it makes more sense. Otherwise, I’m going to pay you an obscene amount of rent.”
Oh, Hollis knew how to push my buttons. “You wouldn’t.”
He winked. “Just think about it. It honestly makes more sense. And I want to make this place a home. My home.”
I hadn’t thought about it like that. As a kid, Hollis had grown up in mansions, not regular homes. And I knew he desperately wanted a place filled with love. This was something he needed.
“Okay.”
“Okay… I can buy it? Or okay, you’ll think about it?”
“You can buy it.”
A genuine smile spread across his face. “Thanks, Alexa.”
“Thank you, Hollis. For coming here.”
He put his arm around me. “I’m the one who should be thanking you. You saved me in more ways than you’ll ever know.”
“I feel the same way.”
We stared around the room. I chewed on my lip as I thought about everything that needed to be done. We’d be lucky to get it completed within a few months. The problem was the equipment Hollis ordered would be arriving here in six days.
Hollis snapped his fingers in front of my face. “Stop worrying. We’ll make this work.” He cocked his head to one side, and I knew he was about to ask a question. “So… Drake? You two are back together?”
“We are. We’re taking it slow.”
“I think that’s smart. I’m glad you two finally talked. That man can throw a punch. But I feel like an official Alaskan now. I’ve been in a brawl.”
I shook my head, laughing. “You’re crazy.”
Hollis puffed out his chest, and I had to laugh. He’d gone to the local store and bought what he thought was official Alaskan gear yesterday after his run-in with Drake’s fist: some tough, rugged fabric pants with midleg utility pockets. He paired them with a button-down cargo shirt that had all different size pockets. Definitely over the top. “What’s so funny?”
“You, in your Alaskan gear.”
“What? I look like an official Skagwayian.”
“Yes, you do. Completely official.” Or not. But I wasn’t going to say that out loud.
Chapter Eight
Alexa
The rumble of vehicles pulling in brought us both to the window. Four large trucks were parked in the yard. I recognized them as belonging to the Fosters. In near unison, Drake, Ike, Hayden, and Kane got out of their trucks. Instantly, Drake’s head lifted, his eyes searching for me, and I gave a wave. A smile spread across his face. I love him so much. Never again would I leave him. Never. He’d asked Dad if he could marry me. If I hadn’t been rash, Drake and I would be together. I wanted that with him desperately.
The letter still bothered me. Who would do that? And why?
With a bump to my shoulder, Hollis brought my attention back to the men outside. The Foster men got out and headed to the beds of their trucks, grabbing tool belts and toolboxes. Ike’s truck had a bed full of lumber. Hayden and Kane’s had machinery. My heart soared. Drake had done this for me.
“Looks like the cavalry just arrived.”
“Looks like it.”
Drake caught my eye and gave me a wink. His strong muscles flexed as he buckled his tool belt, and desire pooled within me. I swallowed hard when he grabbed a toolbox from his truck bed. Heaven have mercy, the man is hot.
“Why didn’t I think to get one of those tool things while I was at the store?” Hollis asked.
I waited for him to laugh, but when I looked at him, he was serious. “I bet they have an extra one you can borrow.”
Hollis’s eyes lit up. “Now we’re talking. Let’s go get me Alaskan ready.”
It was hard not to giggle, but somehow I managed. Outside on the front porch, the Foster men walked up the cement pathway. Amie and Ike followed them. I hadn’t noticed Amie at first. Drake had captured my attention.
I didn’t even try to contain my smile. “What are you guys doing here?”
Drake skipped two of the steps and met me on the porch. I nearly melted into him when he greeted me with a kiss on my cheek. His breath tickled my ear when he said, “Here to help my girl get her clinic opened on time.”
That warm, soft feeling filled my heart. “Thank you.”
With a nudge, Hollis raised his eyebrow and nodded toward Drake’s tool belt. Oh, right. I turned to Drake. “Would you, by chance, have an extra tool belt for Hollis? He’s trying to become a native Alaskan.”
Approval was evident in Drake’s eyes. He called over his shoulder. “Dad, do you have an extra tool belt for Hollis?”
From halfway up the walk, Ike called. “I’m sure I do. I’ll get it.” Beside me, Hollis vibrated with excitement.
In a flash, I was picked up and twirled around. “Well, if it isn’t trouble.”
I laughed. “Hey, Hayden. It’s good to see you, too.”
“You missed your chance to go after the right Foster brother.” Hayden had that happy-go-lucky personality. It was hard not to remain unaffected by his charisma. He’d always been playful and innocently flirted with me to irritate Drake.
It still worked. Drake smacked him in the back of the head. “Don’t make me beat your ass.”
Hayden hugged me tighter. “What? I’m saying hey to Lex. I need an extra-long hug to make up for lost time.”
Drake narrowed his eyes; I knew he hated when Hayden used his nickname for me. Only Drake called me Lex. And he was fiercely protective of it. “Stop being an ass.”
Laughing, he set me down with a wink. “Man, it’s good to have you back. I haven’t been able to get under his skin in a while.”
Under his breath, Drake muttered, “Fucker.”
I giggled. Next to Drake, Kane stood with his normal, somewhat grumpy, expression. His husky, Mariah, sat at his feet. On a hunt about four years ago, Kane had found her abandoned in the woods. Since then, they’d been inseparable. “Hey, Kane. Hello, sweet Mariah.”
The husky wagged her tail but stayed glued to Kane’s side. She was the most well-behaved dog I’d ever met.
Kane gave me a quiet smile. “Make the dickhead work for it.”
This time, Amie hit Kane in the back of the head. “Language.”
Kane rolled his eyes, and I whispered, “You counting down the days until the snow?”
“Hell, yes. But then, for about a month, I’ll have t
o deal with the rich asswipes who think they know how to hunt, but don’t. Fu—foolish idiots.”
Amie nodded in approval. The Foster brothers respected their parents.
Ike handed the tool belt to Hollis, who looked like a kid in a candy store. I made the introduction. “This is Hollis Fritz. Skagway’s new doctor.”
Hayden whistled when he looked at Hollis. “So the rumors are true.”
“If they include Drake punching me for cheating on Alexa—who is not my girlfriend—yeah, they’d be true.”
Amie tsk-tsked and gave Drake a scornful look. “Oh dear. I’m so sorry. I’m Amie Foster, mother of these three. I swear we taught them manners.”
With a polished move, he took Amie’s hand and gave it a light kiss. “My condolences, ma’am. You must have received a lot of calls when they were younger.”
“Oh, trust me. These three gave me every gray hair I have.”
The boys chuckled and nodded. The Foster brothers had been hell on wheels back in the day. Hayden was two years older than Drake, and Kane, the baby, was my age.
Drake and Ike put together a game plan. And in the next minute, lumber was brought in and the men got to work.
Hollis grabbed a hammer.
“What are you doing?”
With the hammer held the wrong way, Hollis looked at me like I was stupid, tucking some nails into one of his many shirt pockets. “Going to hammer some things. Be all Alaskan manly. I’m going to need the survival skills. These guys seem like the right ones to learn these manly things from.”
Oh, they are. I handed Hollis a tape measure. “You’ll probably need this, too. Watch out, though. If you thought the broom was bad, this is much worse. It’s my nemesis.”
“Good thinking.”
The Foster men all stared at Hollis as if he’d lost his mind. Ike clapped Hollis on his shoulder. “Come with me. We’ll get you hammering right away.”
“Perfect.” The excitement coming from Hollis was contagious. He wanted to fit in and figure things out. You’d never guess he was a brilliant doctor. My heart hurt at all the things he’d missed out on as a child.
Intoxicated By You_An Exposed Hearts Novel Page 5