Love Me Again (Pinecone Valley Book 1)

by Cindy Stark

  “Everyone okay back there?” he asked Cam.

  “All good.”

  Josh radioed ahead to prepare the medical center for their arrival. They wouldn’t get there in record time, but he’d make sure everyone arrived in one piece. Thankfully, the roads were mostly clear and people had heeded the warning to stay home.

  He slowed as he crested a small hill, the lights of Pinecone Valley barely visible through the blinding snow. Winter storms could be a bitch, but damn if this spring storm wasn’t wreaking havoc as well.

  The soft glow of red taillights appeared ahead of him as he came upon a small white Civic, the driver of the vehicle slowly making his way into town. As Josh grew closer, the car braked, sending red lights glaring into the night. The driver edged to the right side of the lane, unable to pull completely off the road to let him pass because of the piling snow.

  Just as Josh contemplated the distance between them before he attempted to pass on the left-hand side, the white car lost control and slid toward the center of the road. Josh braked and then began to slide. They were driving on pure ice.

  “Fuck,” he hissed under his breath as the distance between them disappeared. His anti-lock brakes screeched, trying to gain control. He waited for the impact.

  Then suddenly the driver of the Civic angled in the opposite direction, taking the vehicle to the other side of the road before plowing into the ditch.

  Josh came to a stop ahead of the car. His heart slammed against his chest from the release of adrenaline. “Good hell.” He shifted in his seat, looking into the rear of the ambulance. “Everyone okay?”

  “What the hell was that?” Cam asked.

  “Car spun out ahead of me. Went into the ditch. I need to check on the driver. How’s Mr. MacDougal?”

  “He’s stable,” Cam replied. “Make it fast.”

  Josh didn’t argue. He exited the ambulance, looking for other vehicles that might be near and could potentially slide off into them, but they were alone. A quiet beauty descended around him as he headed toward the front of the ambulance, the silence a complete contrast to the crazy moments he’d just experienced.

  He walked carefully across the icy road, lights from the Civic and ambulance lighting the wintry road ahead. As he approached the car, the driver opened the door. Shock vibrated through him when he found Krystal’s distraught face staring back at him.

  “Josh.” She reached out to him, and he closed the space between them.

  “God, Krystal.” He pulled her from her vehicle and crushed her against him. “You scared the shit out of me.”

  “I scared the shit out of me, too.” Her voice shook as she spoke.

  He pulled back to study her face. “You’re not hurt, are you? What the hell are you doing out on a night like this?” he asked, not giving her a chance to answer.

  “I’m fine.” She tightened her hands on his forearms as though she was afraid to let go of him. “I have to work. They called me in.”

  “Jesus.” A nurse ending up in the E.R. wouldn’t do them much good. “You’re not getting your car out anytime soon. Better climb in with me. I have a patient with chest pains, and I need to get moving.”

  She didn’t hesitate. “Thank you. I can call for a tow truck from the hospital.”

  He helped her to the passenger side of the ambulance, holding her elbow so she wouldn’t fall. “Don’t worry about your car. I’ll pull it out tomorrow.” He shut the door to silence any opposition she might voice.

  * * *

  A shiver caused more by fear than cold rocketed through Krystal. She watched Josh hurry through the beam of the front headlights, her heart fluttering, leaving her a dizzy. Her near miss spurred the sensations, but the sight of him still got to her, too.

  During the four years since she’d seen him, he’d filled out. He towered over her like he always had, but now his arms, his chest seemed bigger. He was a man, not a teenager.

  He’d offered to help her with her car, but she couldn’t allow him to do so. She was certain his girlfriend would object, and she didn’t want to do anything to come between them. He deserved more than that from her, and she wouldn’t take advantage of his kindness.

  “What the hell are you doing clear out here?” he asked as he climbed inside and started the engine. “You’re not living with your mom?”

  “I’m renting a little house off Lillian Lane, just over the ridge back there.”

  He nodded in acknowledgement. “You live there alone?”

  A huge part of her wanted to believe he was interested to know if she’d found someone as well, but he was probably making conversation. “I have a roommate. We share expenses.”

  “Anyone I know?” He kept his eyes focused on the road ahead, but his question made her heart beat faster.

  “Chloe Winslow. Do you know her?”

  He smiled. “Yeah, I know Chloe.” He flicked a quick glance toward her. “Funny, she didn’t mention a new roommate the last time I saw her.”

  Krystal swallowed, aching for answers, but knowing she needed to stay detached. “I didn’t realize you knew each other.”

  His chuckle grabbed her from across the cab, the rich melodic sound leaving her tingling. “We’re…friends.”

  What kind of friends, she wondered as a harsh pounding began to throb at her temple. She rubbed the pain with her fingertips, trying to take off the edge.

  “You, okay?”

  She turned her head to find him glancing between her and the snow-covered road. “I must have tensed before the impact of stopping so suddenly.”

  “You should get checked out when we get to the hospital.”

  She nodded, knowing if it was as hectic as Giselle had said when she’d called, there would be no time. She’d be busy taking care of everyone else.

  * * *

  Chaos ensued the moment Josh pulled up to the emergency room doors. He jumped from the vehicle and rushed to the rear. While Josh and his partner pulled their patient from the back, Krystal exited and hurried toward the doors to get ready to handle things from her end. When she entered, warm air hit her like a smothering blanket, followed by the sounds of a packed waiting room.

  “Thank God,” Giselle said noticing her as she emerged from the supply closet with an armload of boxes. “You can start by doing a more thorough triage of the waiting room. I’ll catch you up on the others when I have a moment.”

  “EMTs are bringing in a patient with chest pains right now. I rode with them after my car slid off the road.”

  Giselle flicked a glance outside. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” The pain in her head still raged, but she could work through it. “I’ll get him settled and then start on the triage. You finish whatever you were doing.”

  “Great. I just sent the patient from Room Ten to the second floor. The space is ready to go.” Giselle gave her a relieved look and continued on her way.

  Krystal led the EMTs and Mr. MacDougal to the vacant room, and Josh helped her transfer him to the bed. Cam headed to the front desk to fill out paperwork while Mrs. MacDougal claimed a spot by the bed.

  “How are you feeling, Mr. MacDougal?” Krystal asked.

  “I’ve been better,” he grumbled.

  “I bet you have.” She placed an electrode on his chest.

  “Let me help you.” Josh took the next one out of her hands.

  “Thank you, Josh.” Mrs. MacDougal heaved a sigh of relief.

  Krystal glanced between the two of them, annoyed that he’d invaded her territory and that Mrs. MacDougal approved. “I can handle this.”

  “I don’t doubt that you can. But just because you can do everything alone, doesn’t mean you should. Am I right, Carol?”

  The older lady gave him a worried nod. “A smart woman knows how to let a man take care of her even if she can do it herself.” She released an anxiety-filled breath. “I just pray he’s here another twenty years to do my bidding.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Carol.” Mr. M
acDougal chastised her, but took her hand and squeezed it.

  Krystal shot an irritated glance at Josh before she presented the older couple with a reassuring smile. “We’ll give him the best care we can.”

  * * *

  By the time three in the morning rolled around, Krystal wondered if her vision would ever stop swimming. They hadn’t had a new patient for a good thirty minutes, and she prayed they’d passed the peak. There were still enough people in the E.R. to keep her busy for the rest of a shift plus, but the possibility of a bathroom break seemed like it might become an actuality.

  She finished taking vitals on their sixth accident victim and headed out to the nurse’s station. Josh and Cam stood at the counter talking with Giselle. The sight of them all smiling warmed her. She didn’t know Cam well, but he seemed nice. In the short time she’d been at UMC, she’d developed a trust and friendship with Giselle. And Josh…well, he would always own part of her heart.

  She walked up, and Josh’s gaze immediately snagged her.

  “How many patients is that for you guys tonight?” she asked him.

  “Too many,” Cam answered.

  “We brought you both coffee.” Josh held out a cup from the cafeteria.

  She nearly swooned. “Oh, God. Thank you.” She took it and sipped. Two sugars. She met his penetrating gaze. He’d remembered. “It’s perfect.”

  His lips turned in a pleased smile as a softened look that tugged at her heart filled his eyes. “You’re welcome.”

  “Now all I need is ibuprofen.” She headed around the desk to find her purse.

  “Still have a headache?” Josh asked.

  She mumbled “yes” while she retrieved the pills. When she straightened, she found him leaning across the counter.

  “Look at me.”

  She drew her brows together, confused by his command. “Why?”

  He reached across and grabbed her forearm as he stared into her eyes. “Your pupils are dilated. How hard did you hit your head?”

  “I don’t know.” She pulled from him, embarrassed that he’d assessed her in front of everyone as if she couldn’t determine her own injuries.

  “Let me see.” Giselle pulled a penlight from her pocket.

  “Stop,” Krystal said, giving them a nervous laugh. “I’m fine.”

  “You hit your head?” Doctor Matthews asked as he approached.

  Krystal turned, caught by his beautiful eyes.

  “Her car slid off the road into a ditch,” Giselle offered. “She said she hit her head.”

  “Oh, my gosh. Will you all stop? I’m obviously fine.”

  “Until you’re not,” Rob added. “Let me have a look, Krystal. It will only take a second.” He stepped around to her side of the counter and took her by the elbow, tugging her down the hall.

  CHAPTER SIX

  As Doctor Matthews led Krystal away, she looked over her shoulder to glare at her friends, but caught Josh’s gaze instead. He’d narrowed his eyes and held his mouth in a thin, firm line. Oh, hell. She stumbled and turned forward before she completely tripped.

  The sexy doctor escorted her into a room and patted the exam table, his flirtatious eyes saying more than they should. “Have a seat.” The stubble shading his jaw increased his attractiveness.

  She sighed, but did as he asked. He moved in close, his leg bumping her shin as he flicked on his penlight. A shiver of attraction raced through her when he put his fingertips on her chin and tilted her face upward.

  He smiled, obviously enjoying his chance to be near her. “Busy place tonight.” He shone the light into her eyes.

  She blinked a few times and wished she could look anywhere but at him. “Crazy busy.”

  He moved the light to her other eye. “Is your car okay? After the accident?”

  “I hope so. Josh offered to tow it for me.” Which reminded her, she needed to decline and handle it herself. She could possibly call her brother, Kade, in Aspen. He’d certainly help, but she’d never hear the end of her bad driving skills. She might have to suck it up and hire a tow truck.

  “Josh? The EMT out there?” He dropped his light, but continued to study her face, sexual interest evident in his expression. “Is he your boyfriend?”

  “Uh…no.” She swiveled and slipped off the exam table, not wanting to discuss her ex with him, not to mention she needed some definite distance between her and the attractive man alone in the room with her. “So, what’s the prognosis, doctor? Will I live?”

  “You didn’t let me finish my exam.” He stepped toward her with a chuckle, and she steeled herself for his touch. He slipped his fingers into her hair as he scoured the surface of her scalp for injuries.

  “I bumped my forehead,” she offered and touched the spot near her hairline where she remembered hitting. She winced and frowned at the tenderness she encountered.

  “Yes, you did,” he said tilting her head downward so he could inspect her injury. “You have a nice contusion with a fair bit of swelling.”

  She glanced at his loafers and gray pants. He was fit and attractive, and she’d have to be crazy not to be interested. He obviously was, not to mention Josh had found someone else. Maybe it was time for her to consider the same.

  She raised her gaze, held his for a second longer than she should have.

  “Most likely you have a mild concussion. Your head hurts, yes?”

  “Like a beast, all night. In a raging, wild wolverine sort of way.”

  He chuckled. “I would advise a patient with injuries like yours to go home and rest for a couple of days. Nothing strenuous.”

  She gave him a knowing smile. “But you know I can’t. I have four and a half more hours on this shift.”

  “Are you scheduled for tomorrow?”

  She shook her head. “I switched shifts with Patsy because she wasn’t feeling well tonight.”

  “Then once you’re off work, head straight to bed and stay there. If you’d like, I could stop by tomorrow and check on you.”

  Oh. Whoa. A solid lump clogged her throat. There was no mistaking his intentions now. She released a breath. “Thanks, but I should be fine. My roommate will be around if I need anything.”

  Damn. She should go for it. She would if she didn’t have too much at stake. Her career for one. She didn’t have to ask to know the medical center would frown on such a relationship.

  “Okay.” He grinned and gestured that she should precede him from the room, and he accompanied her to the desk where the small group still waited. “Just know you can call me anytime if you need me.”

  Her cheeks heated as he turned and walked away. Giselle lifted her brows with a shocked smile twisting her lips.

  “I told you I was fine,” she said to the group, pretending they hadn’t all overheard Rob’s last remark. “I only have a slight contusion on my forehead.”

  Giselle snorted. “If you have a bump, bruising and dilated pupils, don’t tell me you don’t have a concussion. Did Matthews say you’re fine?”

  “He…I…It’s minor.”

  Josh cursed under his breath. “I should have driven you home instead of here. Then you’d be forced to rest.”

  “You couldn’t.” She sent him a sugary smile. “You had a patient, remember? We admitted Mr. MacDougal, by the way.”

  “Good.” Cam nodded in satisfaction.

  “Which reminds me, I need to check on the patient in Two.” Giselle grabbed a chart from the desk and headed down the hall.

  “I need to get back to work, too.” Krystal picked up her cooling cup of coffee and gestured to Josh. “Thanks for this. I appreciate your friendship.”

  She had that, if nothing else.

  “Friendship?” Cam said to Josh with a laugh as she walked away.

  She wished she could eavesdrop on the rest of their conversation to find out Josh’s reply, but they’d notice her. She wasn’t sure why Cam would tease about her friendship with Josh…unless he didn’t know about Paige.

  But they were partners,
so he should….

  She gave her head a quick shake and released a breath as she prepared to enter Room Five. Who was she kidding? She’d never figure out guys, the way they operated, the motivation behind their choices.

  None of it made any of sense.

  * * *

  When seven a.m. rolled around, Krystal said a prayer of thanks. She was certain she wouldn’t have lasted another ten minutes. She made it to the front door before she stopped and realized she had no car.

  “Damn it.” The words jumped off her tongue before she realized it. She jerked her hand to her mouth and looked around to see who in the waiting area she might need to apologize to for her unprofessional behavior. She was surprised to find Josh watching her with heavy-lidded eyes from a seat near the window.

  He’d reclined with his long legs stretched out in front of him. He’d replaced his work coat with a Sherpa-lined denim jacket that left him looking rugged and sexy. He inhaled a deep breath and raised his hands over his head as though he’d just woken up.

  “Need a ride?”

  Warm attraction spread through her like that first sip of coffee on a cold winter’s morning, heating her all the way through. He’d known she had no vehicle and had come back for her. She smiled, remembering she’d always been able to count on him. “I can call my brother.”

  He grinned as he sauntered toward her and all the reasons she’d been head-over-heels in love with him surfaced like a wine cork in water. “He lives in Aspen now, doesn’t he? Why wait around for him when I’m right here?”

  Ah, shit. That look in his eyes had always meant trouble for her. “I can catch a ride with Giselle and have him come later.”

  “Sorry,” Giselle said as she walked past both of them, running her gaze over Josh before focusing on Krystal. “I’d totally give you a ride home, but I have grocery shopping to do before I pick up my little girl.” She grinned and headed out through the doors into the crystallized morning, leaving a draft of frozen air in her place.

  Krystal reached out a hand as though to stop her and then let it drop. She knew damn well Giselle’s daughter was spending a couple of days with her aunt.