The Alaskan Rescue

by Dominique Burton

  Cole came right out with it. “I’m falling in love with Sashi. I know she’s healing emotionally, and physically, but when do you think I can finally tell her how I feel? Or will it ruin the healing experience? Daniel, I’m losing sleep. For the first time in my life I’m at a loss over a woman.”

  “Have you talked with Sashi and explored how she feels about you? This could be one-sided. It’s up to you to find out how she’s feeling after all this turmoil. This place—” he gestured at the room—“is a great forum to do it. Of course you can also do it privately.”

  Cole looked up at the ceiling, then breathed deeply. “I should’ve known I’d get no answers from you.”

  “This is your life, Cole. I’m not here to tell you how to live it.”

  “All right. I’ll talk to her tonight.”

  * * *

  AS SASHI OPENED THE DOOR to the room for group therapy, she hoped Cole would be present. He’d been busy and had missed a few sessions. Therapy was always better when he was there, of course. Her feelings were mixed, but having the connection to another person who’d been through a similar trauma was important.

  When she walked in, she smelled the tangy aftershave Cole wore, and her body relaxed immediately. Cole looked up and gave her a smile that melted problems away, at least for the moment. He had a remarkable ability to lift her spirits and make her heart flutter at the same time.

  Sashi took her seat next to Cole, then looked to Dr. Samuelson for the session to start. Then she remembered that one of them—Cole or her—had to start talking. That was the rule. Might as well be her.

  “I’m ready to tell my story today,” she said. And she did. The recounting of her harrowing story brought out a lot of pain, anger and sadness.

  “Dr. Samuelson?” she said when she was done. “Will you pull up the picture I sent you via email last night?”

  On the doctor’s screen were two girls in waders: a tall brunette and a short redhead. It was the last day Kendra was alive. “I love this picture,” Sashi said. “It was taken right after we landed at Red Bay. Kendra was having the giggles since the waders came up to my chin. We both knew I looked ridiculous and it was—” Sashi’s eyes began to fill “—the last time I heard her laugh.”

  “How do you feel now, Sashi? Now that you’ve shared your story with us.”

  She thought for a moment. “I feel anger and extreme guilt.”

  “Why guilt? You didn’t make your friend run into the forest. Let me put it this way. Has either one of you seen the movie Speed?”

  The two answered yes.

  “There’s a great scene in the movie that discusses survivors guilt. Start thinking about when the woman on the bus is blown up by the villain of the show. Sandra Bullock feels guilty because she’s driving the bus. It takes Keanu Reeves’s character to explain to her that it’s okay not to feel guilty that it wasn’t her.

  “I want both of you to realize there is no fairness in the world. You can choose to feel guilty, but what’s the point? You’ll either be a victim or you’ll suffer from guilt. You eventually have to learn to accept that some people do well in life and some don’t. It’s just the luck of the draw. No reason for them to deserve it.”

  “That’s a lot to think about, Dr. Samuelson,” Sashi said. “I think I’m going to watch that movie on my computer tonight.”

  “Why don’t you let me watch it with you?” Cole gave her a smile that made her shiver.

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “I’ll see you two soon,” said the doctor.

  * * *

  COLE PULLED THE RANGE ROVER into the hospital’s pickup bay. In a long-sleeve black tunic top with gray leggings, her hair swaying in the wind, Sashi looked stunning as she waited for him. He jumped out of the car to help her climb inside.

  “Would you like to eat out tonight? I haven’t been able to show you around Ketchikan the way I would have liked. Are you up for going to dinner?”

  He knew on the outside he seemed cool, but deep down he was nervous. What was she going to say? He’d never been nervous with a woman before, yet now he was worried about how she’d respond. It shouldn’t bother him so much when ultimately she would go back to Virginia and open a dance studio.

  Sashi had a dreamy look on her face as she answered. “I’d love to.”

  * * *

  UPON RETURNING TO HIS HOUSE, Sashi hurried to her room where she pulled out a new outfit she and Mary had picked up in town. She’d purchased it with the cash she’d saved for the trip with Kendra and the flight home. Tonight Sashi was thrilled she’d bought the blouse and skirt, even if the purchase was a little extravagant. The white silky blouse tied around her waist, and the red skirt hugged her hips, then flared at her knees.

  After completing her makeup and curling her hair, Sashi felt like her old self. She exited the little apartment and was met at the door by Cole, who looked quite dashing in dark jeans and light gray sweater.

  As Cole’s eyes slowly took in every inch of her, she found herself breathless.

  His voice was deep when he spoke, almost like a caress. “You look way too beautiful for a night out in Ketchikan. I wish I was taking you to some ritzy restaurant in a big city, and then to the ballet or symphony.”

  “I would say the same thing about you. Except you have this way of looking comfortable in any situation. One of the many traits I find fascinating about you.”

  Cole flashed her a crooked smile before taking her by the arm to help her out to the car.

  They pulled up to a restaurant near the ocean called Luigi’s. An Italian restaurant was the last place she’d thought he’d take her. “I didn’t know they had a restaurant like this in Ketchikan.”

  “It’s the only one. I was hardly going to take you to a bar and buy you a beer.” Cole reached over and fingered a lock of her hair. “I know you’re from the East Coast. They have a different mentality than we do up here in Alaska.”

  Sashi turned and faced him. Their eyes locked and she was completely caught up in his gaze. “I’m learning to love a lot of things about Alaska. I like the casualness and the easygoing natures of the people I’ve met.”

  “I’m glad. It’s good to know you don’t hate Alaska after your experience.”

  Sashi took his comment in to think about later as the valet opened her door. In a flash Cole was at her side and soon the aroma of Italian food filled her nostrils. The layout and design of the restaurant—stone floors and stucco walls decorated with fake flowers—screamed Italian, and she was utterly charmed.

  A dark-haired man of medium height swept into the room. “Dottore. Welcome to my ristorante.”

  “It’s good to see you, Luigi. How are you doing? How’s your family?”

  “Bene, bene. Life is good to me. Ah, I see you’ve brought a bellissima woman to my place. I will prepare special meal for both of you. No charge.”

  Sashi looked at the owner and could see the great affection he had for Cole. “Luigi, do tell me how you two know each other.”

  “For you, bella, anything! Dr. Cole delivered our last baby in his car in the middle of a snowstorm. It was December.”

  Sashi’s heart brimmed over with feelings for Cole. Dinner out at this restaurant and now this story...it seemed Cole was the town hero. Certainly he was her hero. “I believe it. Cole saved me, too. He’s quite the miracle worker.”

  Luigi nodded. “I go now to make your meal. I’ll have my hostess seat you at our best table.”
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  Her thank-you and Cole’s came out at the same time.

  Soon they were ushered to a secluded table, lit by candlelight and overlooking the water. Cole seated Sashi, then sat across from her.

  Over the next hour, as they sipped an excellent red wine, Luigi delivered course after delicious course. At last Sashi sat back in her chair, replete.

  “I love the cooking of southern Italy, all the seafood,” she said. “I was a fool to think at first it wouldn’t work up here, but of course it would. There’s no better fish than up here in Alaska. Thank you for this delicious meal.”

  Cole had ordered cappuccinos for them both, and after a sip, he said, “Sashi, I have something I need to ask you.”

  “What?” She felt so relaxed and happy in this serene environment. In that moment she realized she wanted a life with Cole in Alaska. She could open her dance studio here and they could be together. At this point in their relationship that could be wishful thinking. She had issues to deal with—the guilt about Kendra and her anger at Freddy. And those needed to be taken care of first, didn’t they? Not to mention going home to Virginia and facing the Knights. She had to ask them to forgive her for not taking better care of Kendra. She also needed to thank them for paying her medical costs. She never could have afforded the care herself. Her brow furrowed in consternation.

  * * *

  COLE HAD BEEN ABOUT TO SAY what he wanted to say so desperately from his heart. But as he looked at Sashi, he could tell she was tired and had something else on her mind. He would talk to her later tonight.

  “Are you up for watching the movie Dr. Samuelson recommended tonight?”

  Her eyes shone with happiness at that suggestion. “Yeah, let’s get out of here. I feel stuffed.” Sashi patted her flat stomach. Those green eyes flashed back at his. “The food was delicious and the company was wonderful.”

  Cole’s body raged with desire for her. Didn’t she know how her words toyed with his emotions? The last thing he wanted to do was go home and watch a movie. But he knew how fragile everything was. He needed to play his hand carefully so as not to scare her away.

  “All right, let’s get going.”

  * * *

  SASHI HAD TO BEAT COLE to the couch in the TV room. She snuggled into one corner so Cole wouldn’t feel obliged to sit beside her. It was a self-protective measure, for there’d been other nights when he’d chosen to sit in the middle of the sofa.

  Sashi heard a door close and watched Cole come down the stairs in sweats and T-shirt. His biceps bulged out the sleeves and his brawny shoulders were to die for. As he came closer, she noticed his unshaven face and slightly mussed hair. All she could think about now was kissing the man senseless.

  She watched him quickly load the movie, then was surprised when he asked out right, “Mind if I sit close to you tonight?” With that he sat down right next to her. He reached over the leather couch and grabbed another throw blanket.

  Sashi was a person who liked being busy. But since the encounter with the bear, it was unbelievable how much TV and how many movies she’d watched. She also couldn’t believe how hard it was to sit so close to the man she was in love with and do nothing about it. Inside she felt warm, as if heated honey was running through her veins. She was aware of every movement and gesture he made.

  Right before the scene they’d discussed in therapy came on, Cole reached over and pulled her tight into the warmth of his embrace. The intoxicating scent of cologne, the feel of his arm around her body, the occasional caress of her neck...if she thought she was warm before, she was a five-alarm fire now!

  The sensual feelings caused her to breathe a sigh and press her body into his touch. Suddenly the TV was off and Cole’s lips were on her neck. She shivered and angled back for him to kiss her more. The touch of his lips on her throat, her jaw, began to drive her wild.

  Cole adjusted her body and gently laid her down beneath him. Sashi looked into those golden eyes and believed she’d found paradise. The raw desire he apparently felt for her was her complete undoing. Her hands reached up to grasp his jaw and bring his lips down on hers. There was an ache only he could satisfy and she knew it.

  “Sashi...” Cole spoke with a husky voice. His mouth was just a few inches from her face. “I wanted to talk to you tonight but—”

  One of Sashi’s fingers moved to seal his lips. “Shh. Right now I don’t want to talk.” She drew his face down and began to kiss his jaw. She loved the feel of the bristles. Here was a real man, a man she could trust and depend on. Her hero.

  She could tell Cole was done with her light play. He tipped her head up with one of his hands and brought his mouth to hers. Sashi felt an explosion of heat and lost all thought except to deepen the kiss. Their tongues met and danced.

  Cole pulled her closer and closer until they were one. He rubbed her back, then put his hand underneath her shirt. It was only when he was about to touch her breasts she pulled away.

  * * *

  COLE FELT SASHI STOP. In seconds he was up and off her. What in hell just happened? Out of the corner of his eye he saw her sit up and turn to face him in an old T-shirt and hospital scrubs for pants.

  “Sashi, what is it? Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?” Cole was fighting to get his emotions under control. This is why he’d stayed away. He knew Sashi had problems. He’d been a fool to make a move on her tonight. Why hadn’t he listened to Daniel and talked to her first?

  The longer he looked at her, the more pensive her face grew. When she was finally ready to talk, her eyes were sad. Cole cursed himself. Why hadn’t he just let things continue the way they were—hands off.

  “I’m sorry, Cole. It’s not you. I haven’t been intimate with a man in a long time. My mind started racing with stuff like, how will this affect our living together? I’m sorry. I still have so much to do before I leave Alaska. And then there’s the problem of how I’ll handle leaving you....”

  Cole sat back and folded his arms. Of course she would have these concerns. So did he. So why did he make that mistake and push the limit when he had no idea yet what would come of their relationship? But what were the other things she had to do before she left Alaska?

  “I’m the one who’s sorry,” he said. “I want to help you with all the things you need to do before you leave Alaska.”

  “I shouldn’t impose on you any more.”

  He shook his head. “Sashi, from the moment we met there’s been an incredible chemistry between us. I’ve never felt anything like it before. I know you live on the other side of the country and have another life planned out, but until you leave, I want you to know I’ll help in whatever way I can.”

  Tears filled Sashi’s eyes. “You’ve done everything for me. I owe you so much and I can’t thank you enough. Right now I don’t know about my future. There are things I need to take care of.”

  “Listen to me,” he said. “Don’t you realize that by helping you, it helps me to heal, too?” Cole searched her eyes for understanding. He could tell she was giving in when she leaned back against the sofa.

  “I need to continue to learn to forgive myself for what happened to Kendra,” she responded. “I don’t know if I will ever be able to have a healthy relationship with a man if I don’t. I have anger toward Freddy and have to face him, Cole. I’ve made some inquiries, but apparently no one has seen him lately at Marshall’s.”

  “I know the law can’t hurt him,” Cole said, “but the Knights called yesterday with t
he DNA results on the baby’s father. It’s Freddy. Thank heaven Trace listened to you and took a sample when they were investigating the bear attack. Freddy had such a hangover at the cabin, I don’t think he knew what he was saying yes to.” Cole paused and looked at her. “Now, is there anything else?”

  She nodded. “I need to find a way to say thank you to the Knights. I hope one day they will forgive me, too.”

  “I’ll help you as much as I can with finding Freddy and a way to thank the Knights, but the Knights don’t have anything to forgive you for. They don’t hold you responsible. They’ve heard how you threw yourself in front of the bear to protect Kendra. This is something you need to discuss with Dr. Samuelson.”

  “Fair enough,” she murmured. “Cole?” There was panic in her voice.

  “Yes?”

  “How did you face going back into the wilderness again? I love the outdoors and I know I need to conquer my fear, but how am I going to do it?”

  “That’s one problem I can help you with. In our next group therapy session I’ll tell you and Daniel my idea.”

  A faint smile crossed her lips. “Thanks for being so understanding tonight. I feel lucky to have you in my life.”

  Her compliment was proof that the connection they had was real and special. He just needed to give her that time to heal. And he knew exactly how he was going to help her.

  Chapter Eight

  It had been a week since that night on Cole’s couch. They had gone back to being friends, if you could call it that, Sashi thought. She wished she had more answers. Her heart was ready to marry, to open her studio and to have kids. Unfortunately the timing was off. She had to fix herself before she could get involved. But the idea of distancing herself from Cole was killing her. She was walking a slippery slope.

  Today after group therapy Sashi was going to see the orthopedic surgeon. Hopefully her cast could come off today. It dawned on her that she’d been living with Cole for over two months. If she was doing as well as the doctor thought, then she’d be able to fly home in a week or two. But the mere thought of leaving Cole made her feel sick.