Reluctant Rescue

by Cami Checketts

Caylee scooted toward him and rested her hand on his arm. “Thanks for worrying about me, Levi.”

  He grunted in surprise. The feeling of her fingers on his flesh confused his thought process. “Um, sure.”

  “But please stop.”

  She removed her hand and he felt the loss of her touch all the way to his toes.

  “Stop?” he muttered.

  “Yes. I’m not going to take unnecessary risks. You could see how deep the water was here. There was nothing I could hit. Please, can you just relax and have fun?”

  Levi pushed out a breath and jammed his hand through his short, damp hair. “I haven’t done that very much in the past eighteen months.”

  She nodded. “I’ll bet.” Wrapping her arms around her legs, she rested her chin on her knees and murmured, “Do you want to talk about it?”

  He shrugged. No, was the first response, but, maybe. He couldn’t burden Caylee with what he’d been through. She didn’t need her happiness hampered, the joy sucked from her beautiful smile, but he wished he could talk to someone.

  The high whine of a motor snapped him out of his reverie and kept him from spilling dark secrets on an innocent woman. She didn’t need to be damaged by his memories any more than his sister did.

  Two wave runners came around the bend, Sage and Cam each seated on one.

  “Hey!” Sage called out. “Cam thought we’d find you up the canyon.”

  Levi stood and caught Sage’s wave runner as she came in a little too fast to their rocky perch.

  “You two want to go explore the canyon before dinner?” Cam asked. He was studying Levi a little too intently, like Levi had schemed to get Caylee alone. Levi was only here, dripping wet, and risking opening his heart to this beautiful woman, because Cam hadn’t made his sister stay safely in the houseboat or chased after her himself.

  “Sure.” Caylee scrambled to her feet.

  Cam balanced on the wave runner and unlatched the seat, pulling out two extra lifejackets. Levi exhaled. At least Cam was being a little precautious. He tossed the jackets to them. Levi handed the smaller one to Caylee. His was too small and he couldn’t zip it up, settling for loosening the straps and buckling a couple of them. Cam maneuvered close to Sage and she stepped off her wave runner and onto his. Levi was glad the wave runners were big and looked steady.

  “You want to drive?” Caylee asked him.

  “You’re going to let me?” he teased.

  “Sure.” She grinned. “Maybe you’ll actually think it’s … fun.”

  He rolled his eyes and climbed onto the machine. Caylee hurried on after him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Because the lifejacket was so small, her hands were touching his bare flesh and he was hyperaware of her as she settled against him, leaning her chin into his shoulder.

  He started the wave runner. Cam shot them both a challenging look, obviously not liking how close they were getting. Then he gunned up the canyon with Sage clinging to him. Levi wanted to yell at the guy that he was manhandling his sister so turnabout was fair play. But he kind of commiserated with the guy too, so he simply followed him up the twisty canyon. The machine had a decent amount of power and he found himself turning it, gunning the engine, and laughing out loud with Caylee as she clung to him to keep from being unseated. He came to a wide open spot with a huge cavernous overhang above them. Sage and Cam were stopped under it. Levi gunned it and twisted the handlebars. They spun in a complete circle.

  Caylee laughed as she clung onto him even harder. He released his thumb from the throttle and made the mistake of glancing back at her. Her face was so close he could’ve kissed her without moving more than an inch or two.

  “Hey. Maybe the military man does know how to have fun.” Her voice sounded breathy and he wondered if it was all from the ride.

  “I’ll show you fun you could never imagine, little girl.”

  Her eyes widened and Levi could not believe he’d just said that. Not just because of the innuendo. He was just trying to figure out himself and how to live happy again. What did he really know about fun anymore?

  “I didn’t mean …” He swallowed hard and looked away.

  “I should hope not,” Caylee said in a saucy tone, but she smiled at him.

  She unwrapped her arms from him and launched herself off the machine into the water. “This is like swimming in a bathtub,” she called out to all of them. Within minutes they were all in the near eighty-degree water. The canyon was calm and they had the spot all to themselves. Levi had to admit—the lake felt as luxurious as a custom hot tub. But he wondered if he was ready for Caylee’s version of fun or if she was ready for his. He had the whole week to find out, but suddenly it opened with promise and a hope he hadn’t experienced in quite a while. Maybe he could relax and enjoy life like he used to. He thought he’d outgrown all of that, but maybe it was okay to have a good time, even though there was too much suffering in the world. He laid back, the warm water lapping at his cheeks and embracing his body. It was something to think about.

  Chapter Seven

  Caylee didn’t quite know how to take Levi. The rest of their wave-runner ride and throughout dinner had been stacked with this tension that had her jumpy. He was one of the most good-looking men she’d ever been around, that was true, but did she really want to be flirting this hard with a man who she couldn’t shuttle out of her life? His sister was marrying her brother and Levi and Caylee couldn’t just undo it if their relationship got awkward. She flirted with all manner of men and they were always fun to go do something with, maybe even to kiss, but getting serious with any one man was not anywhere in her DNA or her plans.

  Yet she’d only be around Levi for the next week then a couple more weeks in Park City before she headed back to California to finish her schooling and then who knew where she’d land a job. She could keep things light. It was definitely fun to flirt with him. He’d given her so many meaningful glances during dinner that Cam started getting kind of quiet. Sage was looking at Cam all concerned like she was afraid she was going to have to mediate. It kind of got to be too much so after they cleaned up the late dinner, got thick pads and sleeping bags set out up top, Caylee headed off the front ramp of the boat onto the little bit of sand that quickly turned to slick rock. Part of her hoped Levi would follow her, but it would probably be better if he didn’t. She needed to slow this romance bus way down.

  Music floated to her from the next camp site, which was just across the rise from theirs. The sun was setting, but she still had some time to investigate. She strode up the hill and viewed the scene. The group had a campfire going, Imagine Dragons playing, and they were kicking a soccer ball around. Looked innocent and fun. She was always comfortable when there was a group of people.

  She descended the other side and was within ten feet of the campfire when one of the men noticed her. He jumped to his feet and crossed the distance. “Hey! How’s it going?”

  “Great! Heard some music and thought I’d come dance.”

  He pumped his eyebrows. “For sure. Dancers are always welcome.”

  Caylee glanced around the group and quickly realized it was an all male gathering. That was fine by her as long as she stayed with a large group. She started dancing to the music and the guy who’d greeted her asked, “What’s your name?”

  “Caylee.”

  “Where you from?”

  “Originally Salt Lake, but I live in L.A. now.”

  “Cool. I’m Drew.”

  “Nice to meet you. Friends?” She gestured with her chin toward the group.

  “We’re a group of college buddies, getting together for old time’s sake.” He lowered his voice and scooted closer to her. “Most of them are married, but I’m single.” He winked, but he didn’t know how to wink very well so it came across as a blink.

  Caylee hid her smile. “Good for you. I’m not looking for any kind of hookup. I just like to dance and have fun.”

  “Oh, I’ll give you fun.” He wrapped his hand around her wrist
and drew her closer. The way he’d said fun bugged her. She didn’t know him and didn’t really care to get to know him, and she was never comfortable with an unknown man grabbing her.

  She stepped back and ran into a solid wall of muscle. Glancing up, she felt herself relax. Levi. His perfect face was set like stone and looked so regal in his cool anger. He should really consider giving up this doctoring gig and become a professional model. He wrapped an arm around her waist and said, “The only person this lady is going to have fun with is me.”

  Caylee had to press her lips together to keep from laughing. He hardly knew how to have fun. Usually she’d tell a possessive guy to take a flying leap, but arguing with Levi at the moment didn’t look too smart and she kind of liked the idea of having Levi be possessive of her. The pressure of his hand on her waist sent a dart of pleasure and warmth through her.

  The guy released her hand and took a step back, eyeing Levi apprehensively. “Sure, man, no worries. You want a beer?”

  Caylee almost laughed again at the guy’s obvious fear of Levi, but Levi was more than a little intimidating so she kept her mouth shut.

  “No thanks.” Levi nodded to him and those in the group that were looking at them. He turned Caylee away and she tamped down her annoyance at him manhandling her again and walked quietly next to him until they’d reached the top of the rise and were back down the other side. The lights of their houseboat spilled out across the water and sparkled back at them.

  She pulled from his touch and turned to face him. “What was that all about?”

  “That?” Levi pointed back over the hill. “You put yourself in danger with a dozen men and you’re not happy that I came to rescue you?”

  “Rescue me?” She laughed unsteadily. Was she really in danger? She was safe as long as there was a group. It was only when she was alone that the nerves and memories kicked in. “Have you ever made a friend in your entire life? I was just being friendly.”

  “Friendly? You just wanted to flirt with some men and pump up your ego.”

  “My ego is just fine, thank you very much.”

  He looked her over then blew out a breath. “I’m sure it is. Every man has just fallen at your feet your entire life.”

  She cocked an eyebrow at him. He was being such a jerk, but it was a twisted sort of compliment too. “Yeah, they have. Jealous?”

  He regarded her for a few seconds then nodded. “Maybe.”

  A warm flush raced through her. She smiled and whirled toward the boat. “You should be.”

  Levi’s eyes registered his surprise. He put a hand on her arm. “Where are you going? We’re still talking.”

  “No, you’re talking. I’m going for a night swim.”

  He shook his head. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

  She shrugged. “I enjoy life, which you still need to learn how to do.”

  “You can enjoy all you want, but you need to be smart and stay safe, too.”

  “Why?” She turned back to face him. He had no clue how cautious she was, always staying in public places or with a crowd of people.

  “Why stay safe?” He pushed a hand through his hair. “You are nuts.”

  “Why do you care if I stay safe?”

  He stared at her then took a deliberate step closer. “You’re going to be my sister-in-law, sort of. I owe it to Sage and Cam to keep you safe.”

  She leaned toward him. “That’s lame and you know it.” Her heart thumped a bit quicker and she wondered what she was doing. She didn’t have boyfriends, no matter how interesting or good-looking they were. And she had a strict policy to never hang out with fun-suckers.

  Levi lifted a hand and gently touched her cheek. Caylee’s entire body stilled but her heart raced even faster. He slowly eased toward her. The heat of the night was nothing to the heat coming from his body and burning her cheeks.

  He leaned down and said softly, “If a guy like me was interested in a fun, beautiful girl like you, what would you say?”

  Caylee felt like her heart was in her throat and she could barely speak past the lump. What she wouldn’t give to say some quip about how he might be lucky enough to date her if he knew how to kiss and then he would lean in and … No! She shook her head and muttered, “I … I’m not available, Levi.” She realized how that sounded, but had no desire to clarify. Commitment was a big ugly word she couldn’t get anywhere close to.

  “Oh.” His hand dropped and he cleared his throat, backing away. “I didn’t know. He’s a lucky guy.”

  Caylee did not like the nice Levi. Well, she liked him, but she didn’t know how to handle him. She wanted to keep him in his tough, military man, slightly jerky, non-fun box.

  “Um, thanks,” she whispered. She hurried away from him toward the boat. Safety in numbers. The motto of her adult life.

  As much as she hated to sit still, watching a movie tonight so she didn’t have to talk to or look at Levi would be fabulous.

  Chapter Eight

  Levi had a brief glimpse of fun and of what it would be like to be with someone like Caylee. The loss of both had him as down as he’d been since being back in the States. He slept restlessly in the heat, even though that was familiar to him and he’d taught himself how to shut down and sleep no matter the circumstances. The night stretched on as he could hear Caylee shifting around on top of her sleeping bag that was unfortunately much too close to his own, and then he could’ve sworn he heard Cam and Sage whispering, laughing softly, and maybe even kissing. He recognized his sister was happy and Cam seemed like a good guy, but he didn’t need to think about them stealing kisses in the night.

  Sometime in the early hours of morning he heard Caylee shifting, then footsteps, followed by the metal gate swinging open, a whoosh and a quiet splash. He pushed to his feet and peered into the murky dark. Cam and Sage were both breathing evenly, they must’ve stopped making out at some point and fallen asleep.

  Caylee’s spot was empty. What was she doing?

  He hurried across the metal deck and to the back of the boat. “Caylee?” he called in a stage whisper.

  “Hey. Sick of being miserable? Come on in, the water’s nice,” she said from down below him.

  With sweat rolling down his bare back, the air temperature still probably above ninety, and the thought of the beautiful Caylee down in the water, he didn’t have the self-control to stay away. Her stinking boyfriend would have to forgive him. Why hadn’t Sage told him Caylee had a boyfriend? He pushed that thought away then opened the gate, slid down the slide and plopped into the water, dousing himself completely. The relief was instantaneous, even though the water was warm, it refreshed him and cleared his head of the gloom that had surrounded him since Caylee had said she wasn’t available. He didn’t need to be so serious about everything, right? Maybe she was committed to some yahoo in California. Who knew? He was certain the details of her unavailability would make him nauseous so he hadn’t asked. But why not enjoy their vacation and have a great time as friends? He’d all but forgotten how to have fun the past little while. Caylee was more than fun and he needed a vacation as much as anybody.

  He treaded water and could barely see her head a few feet away.

  “Nice, huh?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Could you sleep?”

  “No, ma’am.” He laid a southern accent on.

  She laughed at that and splashed some water at him. “Ma’am?”

  Levi swiped his face and smiled. “Sorry. Spent quite a bit of time in Shreveport, Louisiana.”

  “So how did you sleep in Afghanistan?”

  That stole his smile quick.

  “Didn’t have much choice but to sleep. Just blocked out everything else.”

  Her voice softened. “It sounds like you did that a lot.”

  “What?”

  “Block stuff out?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I can’t imagine how hard it is to deal with, but I’m willing to listen if you need to let it out.”
<
br />   “I thought you were going into administration not counseling.”

  She laughed, but didn’t say anything, simply waited. The only sound was the swishing as they treaded water.

  “It was miserable. I watched a lot of people die, but I was able to save some too. If I could handle it, I’d be a great E.R. doc. The end.”

  “Thanks for sharing,” Caylee’s voice was soft, not sarcastic at all, but still he flared a little bit.

  “That was more than I’ve shared with anyone.”

  “That means a lot.” Her voice rippled across the water to him. “Is it hard being home safe while others are still suffering?”

  Levi flinched. How did she know? He swallowed hard and admitted, “Yes, but the worst part is I don’t want to go back. Never again.”

  “You shouldn’t have to.”

  “Why should someone else have to suffer while I’m safe and happy?”

  “When you were there did you begrudge the Americans who were safe and happy?”

  Her question startled him. He swirled water through his hands, kicked his legs and thought about it. “No. I was glad I could serve to protect them.”

  “There’s a lot of crap in this world,” she said. “But being happy is a choice we can make no matter our circumstances.”

  The truth of her idealistic statement shot through him. He could choose to be happy? It was something his parents had taught him as a child, but he hadn’t really thought about for a while, simply surviving day by day. “You really should be a therapist.”

  “C’mere,” she said.

  Levi’s stomach tightened. Was her invitation exactly what he’d been dreaming about? He had to remind himself she wasn’t available again. He swam closer to her.

  “Give me your hand and lay back in the water.”

  He stretched out his hand and she clasped it. They both lay back at the same time and lazily kicked as they floated and held onto each other. Levi gazed up at the sky filled with stars winking at him, and enjoyed holding her hand as much as the weightless feeling of floating on his back. The water felt like the softest kind of feather pillow holding his body. He didn’t know the last time he’d been this relaxed, except for the conflicting emotions her hand in his was giving him. Would her boyfriend approve of her being like this with Levi? If she was his girl, like he’d intoned to that yahoo at the neighboring boat earlier tonight, he wouldn’t want any other man touching her.