Treacherous Slopes

TWO

The doctor returned without Nick. Julie’s heart leaped to her throat. “Is Nick okay?”

Nodding, the doctor said, “There’s no fracture. Only a bruise, but that will heal over time. The transport’s here. The ski patrol is getting him onboard. Are either of you going with him?”

“I am,” Gordon stated.

Seeing an opportunity for a moment alone with Nick to pursue her story, Julie tapped Gordon on the shoulder. “Your other skiers need you.”

Gordon hesitated, clearly torn between his duty to Nick and his duty to his other clients.

“I’ll go with Nick,” she offered. “You come to the hospital as soon as you can. There’s nothing you can do for him right now anyway. Right?”

Clearly relieved, Gordon said, “I’d appreciate it. I’ll okay it with the EMTs. If Nick gives you any hassle, you tell him I said don’t.”

After hastily explaining to Bob where she was going and having his assurance he’d follow in the news van, Julie rushed to the ambulance. Since Nick wasn’t critical, only one EMT was present for the drive to the hospital. She climbed into the bay of the ambulance and sat on the metal bench.

The big guy in black stopped in the doorway. “Hey, what are you doing?”

Nick lay on the gurney. He blinked at her. “Yeah, what are you doing?”

“Filling in for Gordon. He needs to stay for your buddies.” She directed her answer to Nick rather than to the security guard.

“Mr. Walsh?” Big guy’s tone held a note of displeasure.

“It’s fine. Sit up front, Ted.”

Ted gave her a censuring look before closing the back bay doors.

“Why is event security going to the hospital with you?” Julie asked.

“He’s not with the event. He’s my personal security,” Nick answered.

Her interest piqued, she asked, “Personal security? Like a bodyguard?”

“Yes. Lots of athletes hire personal protection. Fans, you know.” He slanted her a glance. “I’m sure he’s not happy with you back here.”

“You don’t need to worry, I won’t bite,” Julie teased.

One corner of Nick’s mouth twitched. “I might.”

“I don’t think you’re in any shape to be a threat to me.”

“You never know.” He closed his eyes for a moment. His jaw tensed. “I wish the doc could have given me something for the pain.”

“He didn’t because they need to know if you’re loopy because you smacked your head, not because of meds.” She couldn’t resist smoothing back a lock of his dark hair from his forehead.

His eyes popped opened, his expression inscrutable.

Afraid of making the wrong move and messing up this opportunity, she tucked her hands into the pockets of her pink ski jacket. “Your arm’s not broken, which is good.”

As if she’d picked back up some sort of gauntlet she’d thrown down between them, he closed his eyes again and sighed. “Hmm, hmm.”

For a long moment, the sound of the ambulance’s tires crunching over the gravel put down on the roads to provide traction filled the bay. Julie was content to look at him. She hadn’t seen him in the flesh since high school graduation. And even then it had been from a distance.

“You look good,” he said, startling her. “Great smile. No more braces.”

“I haven’t had braces since I was fifteen.” Was that how he remembered her?

“Hmm. Long time ago.”

When she didn’t respond, he opened one eye. “You’re still here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

He smiled and closed his eyes. “I meant Bend.”

“Yeah, well—”

“Hey! Watch out!” Ted yelled from the front of the ambulance.

The ambulance veered sharply. The tires squealed. Julie yelped as the force of the sudden swerve pitched her forward. She landed sprawled across Nick’s chest.

His uninjured arm came around her back, holding her tight. “Steady now.”

Gripping the sides of the gurney, Julie lifted her head, her face inches from his. “What was—”

“Hang on!” the EMT driver shouted.

The vehicle decelerated rapidly.

The force of the unexpected speed change threw Julie forward again until her face was buried in the crook of Nick’s neck. His good arm pinned her to his chest. The ambulance came to a sudden halt, the sound of crunching metal echoing in her ears. The contents of the ambulance rained down on them.

“Mr. Walsh!” Ted’s frantic cry pierced through the echo of the crash ringing in Julie’s ears.

She lifted her head and stared at a wide-eyed Nick. “You okay?”

“Yes. You?”

“I think so.”

Every point of contact between her and his muscled chest and strong arm registered in her stunned brain. Warmth crept up her neck and flooded her face.

“You sure? You look a little rattled,” Nick said. “Like you could use some reassurance.”

“Yes. What? No, I—”

The back bay doors flew open. Julie jerked upright, pushing herself off Nick.

Ted loomed in the doorway. “Mr. Walsh?”

Nick lifted his head. “We’re good in here.” His gaze narrowed with a hard glint. “What happened?”

“Idiot driver cut us off. We hit a patch of ice and slammed into a telephone pole.”

“You think it was an accident?” Nick asked.

Julie slanted Nick a curious glance. Why would he think it wasn’t?

“Can’t be sure. Guy didn’t stop.”

Nick dropped his head back. “Get us out of here.”

“On it, sir,” Ted said and closed the doors.

“What’s going on?” Julie asked, feeling as though she’d somehow stepped in the middle of a scene without a script.

Nick closed his eyes. “I’ll explain later. Provided I make it to the hospital in one piece.”

“You will,” she promised and pushed his hair off his forehead again, feeling protective and attracted all at the same time. And why not? The man was gorgeous.

Granted, as a kid he’d always been cute, with his hair flopped over his forehead in a sort of roguish way that had made more than one young girl’s heart flutter.

Okay, her young heart.

The man before her was even more handsome than the boy he’d been. Time and years spent outdoors had etched lines on his face that enhanced his rugged good looks, making him appear mature and wild at the same time.

And yes, sent her adult woman’s heart pounding.

So not the appropriate reaction to be having for the subject of the story she wanted to tell. She would not, could not, let the attraction flaring within her have any room. He was so far from the type of man she needed in her life. Most important, if she wanted that promotion, she needed to put anything other than professionalism in a tight box and stuff it deep down in a place where it wouldn’t interfere with her career goal.

Only trouble was she had a feeling being the perfect professional would be easier said than done.

A second ambulance arrived and Nick was transferred to the back. At the hospital, Nick and his guard went with the medical personnel. Julie was stopped at the swinging doors.

“Are you his wife?” a nurse asked. “Or sister?”

“Friend.”

“Sorry, family only,” the nurse said, giving her a sympathetic smile. “You can go to admitting and they can let the patient know you’re here.”

Waiting wasn’t Julie’s biggest strong suit, but she had no choice. She quietly prayed that the tests would come back negative. It would be a horrible shame if he wasn’t fit to compete in three weeks.

Bob appeared at her side and took the seat next to her. “Are you okay? I was following the ambulance when it crashed.”

“A little shaken up,” she replied. “Did you see what happened?”

“Yeah, that car passed me and then cut in front of the ambulance. Next thing I know the ambulance is swerving and bam, into the pole. I got some footage of the banged-up ambulance and of them transferring Nick to the second ambulance.”

She bit her lip. Knowing how Nick felt about the press, she doubted he’d be okay with them airing the videotape. But it would add so much to the feature. Injured skier’s ambulance crashes. The public would go nuts for it. Especially with the film of Nick’s ski accident and him getting to his feet to walk away from the crash. It would build him up even more as a legend and hero to the American people. And if—when—he won gold next month, it would be even better.

Deciding whether to use the film or not would be a bridge she’d have to cross eventually, but for now she’d say a prayer for Nick’s health and hope that when the time came to make that decision it would be easy.

Bob chitchatted with her about mundane matters as they waited. She appreciated his calming presence. Ten years older than she, Bob had taken her under his wing when he found out she had aspirations of being on camera. He’d worked with her, getting her comfortable in front of the lens.

He’d become a good friend. They made a good team.

An hour later, Gordon joined them in the waiting area.

Julie set down the magazine she was reading and stood. “Have you seen him?”

Looking tired and worn, Gordon said, “Yes. The docs are done. There was no sign of a brain injury.”

Julie let out a little sigh of relief. “Have you contacted his parents?”

“Yes. I let them know he’s fine.”

“I’m sure they’re relieved. Can I see him?”

“As soon as the neurologist cleared him, they gave him something for the pain. He’s a bit groggy. They’ll release him in a bit.”

Julie glanced at Bob. He pointed to his camera. She read his message clearly. He wanted to film Nick in his room. It would add a nice dimension to what they already had on tape. She turned her attention back to Gordon. “Could we get a little footage of him in his hospital bed?”

Gordon frowned. “Not right now. Maybe when he wakes.”

“I’ll be here.” Resigning herself to waiting, she sat back down as Gordon returned to Nick’s room.

“I’m going for coffee,” Bob said. “Want some?”

“Please.” She settled back to look through another magazine. “If I’m not here, come find me in Nick’s room.”

He saluted and sauntered off with his camera, which he never let out of his sight.

A few minutes later a woman took a seat a couple chairs away from Julie. She was pretty with dark hair and dark eyes and held a gift-wrapped box in her hands. Something about her seemed familiar, but Julie couldn’t place from where. She exchanged a smile with her and went back to reading.

A nurse stepped into the waiting area.

“Are you here to see Nick Walsh?”

“Yes,” Julie said.

“Yes,” the brunette said at the same time.

The nurse looked as confused as Julie felt. Eyeing the brunette closely, Julie realized why she’d recognized her. She’d been the one calling out to Nick after his crash.

“Uh, tell me your names and I’ll let him know you’re both here,” the nurse said, clearly uncomfortable letting two women in to see Nick when he was only expecting one.

“Julie Frost.”

“Kitty Rogers,” the brunette stated. “He’ll see me.”

Julie arched an eyebrow at the woman’s certainty. Clearly she had some claim on Nick. Something unpleasant stirred in Julie’s tummy. She mentally stopped herself in her tracks. She needed to remain professional. Knowing he had a girlfriend would help to keep her own feelings in check. She would never poach another woman’s man.

Even if that man had had the starring role in her girlhood daydreams.

* * *

Nick shifted uncomfortably on the hospital bed. Though he appreciated the excellent medical care he was receiving from Bend’s premier medical center, he wanted to be back on the slopes hitting the kicker, not confined to an eight-by-ten room with linoleum floors, stucco walls and the smell of antiseptics filling his head.

The memory of the fresh floral scent of Julie’s perfume tightened his gut. She’d smelled like a warm, sunny spring day.

Julie.

The image of a pretty blonde danced through Nick’s mind. She’d been Julie Tipton when he’d known her. Man, she’d blossomed, becoming a beautiful woman sans the glasses or the braces he remembered. She’d always been the quiet, studious type. Not the kind to go into show business.

She’d saved his bacon a few times in high school when he’d asked her for help with his English assignments and his math homework. The girl had been wicked smart. Now she was a newshound. A reporter. Go figure.

Distaste coated his mouth. He didn’t like the press. Didn’t like the way they sensationalized or capitalized on every aspect of his and his fellow athletes’ lives, the good and the bad. Whatever would generate ratings was fair game.

Just look at the way they’d sensationalized Cody’s death.

Familiar pain and grief welled until he thought he’d drown.

Gordon entered his hospital room. Tight lines of concern bracketed his eyes and mouth. “Doc says you’re A-OK. They’ll release you in few hours.”

“Sweet.”

“We have a lot riding on you being fine,” Gordon reminded him.

We being Gordon and the sponsors backing Nick. The biggest of which was an international company with its headquarters in Bend and named after one of the runs on Mt. Bachelor. The CEO of Thunderbird had supported Nick even after Cody’s death last year and had continued to provide financial support during the weeks when Nick was too grief stricken to train, let alone compete.

Nick owed them big-time.

And he always repaid his debts.

“Ted tell you about the ambulance ride?” His heart thumped remembering the chaos. And Jules. The smell of her hair, the way her bright blue eyes had flared with first shock, then concern and finally awareness before she’d shot away as though she’d been burned.

“He did. He gave the police a good description of the car.” Worry darkened Gordon’s hazel eyes. “I don’t like this.”

“You and me both. Whoever sent that threatening note is going to a lot of trouble to hurt me.”

“That’s why it’s important Ted stay close,” Gordon said. “And that you cooperate and let him do his job keeping you safe.”

Nick had every intention of staying safe and alive.

“Hey, there’s something else I need to tell you,” Gordon said.

“They found the ski?” Nick asked.

“Yes. Given the circumstances, the local police have taken charge of it and sent the ski to the crime lab for inspection.”

Nick’s fingers curled into a fist. There was no doubt in his mind this hadn’t been an accident but another attempt on his life.

“But that’s not what I wanted to talk about,” Gordon said, drawing up a chair to the bedside. “The local lifestyle TV show Northwest Edition is going to do a feature piece on you.”

Nick drew back. “Excuse me?”

Gordon held up his hands like brackets on a marquee. “Local Hero Comes Home for Anniversary of Brother’s Death.” He shrugged and lowered his hands.

A knife twisted in Nick’s gut. “I will not use Cody’s death to bolster my career.”

“Not just your career. Thunderbird wants the exposure. They are fully on board with Ms. Frost’s idea for a feature story on you. This will be good exposure for them.”

Nick snorted. “Great. And if I refuse?”

“You can tell Lucas Davenport.” Gordon took out his cell phone. “You want me to get him on the line?”

As much as it galled him, Nick shook his head.

Gordon put his phone back in his pocket. “Northwest Edition wants to do a human-interest story. Their reporter, Julie, is a sweet gal and easy on the eyes.”

“Jules is great,” Nick said, figuring better the enemy you know.

“Tell me you didn’t break her heart.”

Nick scoffed. “Naw. Nothing like that.”

She’d been out of his league then. Now she was just plain dangerous. A reporter. His mind struggled to wrap around the concept.

Gordon rubbed his hands together. “Excellent. Local girl, local guy. It’s all good.”

Gordon was always working the angles. “I don’t know about this.”

“I worked out a deal with the station manager that we reserve the right to edit the piece or scrap the whole thing if it doesn’t meet with our approval. Does that help?”

A small consolation. One he could live with. “I suppose.”

“Good. She’s waiting to come talk with you,” Gordon said. “I told the nurse to give me ten minutes and then send her in.”

Nick wasn’t surprised to hear she was still at the hospital. She wanted her story. “Oh, by the way, Kitty followed me home to Bend. I saw her in the crowd tonight.”

Katherine “Kitty” Rogers, a ski groupie, had been hounding him for the past year. When she’d first starting hanging around the competitions, making it clear she was there to see him, he’d been flattered. Amused, even, the first two or three times she appeared in the crowd. But then it started to creep him out. Last month she’d gone so far as to find his hotel room in Colorado and wait outside his door. She’d made it clear she was willing to be more than just an adoring fan. There was something slightly off about her that made him wary.

Gordon wrinkled his nose. “She’s your biggest fan.”

“She’s taking it to the extreme.”

“Excuse me.” The nurse stood in the doorway. “There are two women waiting to see you, Mr. Walsh. A Julie Frost and a Kitty Rogers.”

Of course Kitty was here. Nick nearly laughed at the irony. “Send in Jules, not Kitty.”

The nurse nodded and retreated.

“And the hits just keep on coming,” Nick commented dryly.

A few minutes later Julie knocked on the door frame.

“Come on in.” Nick drank in the sight of her. The pink color of her outfit heightened the rosy hue of her cheeks and brightened her crystal-blue eyes. Her sleek blond braid made him wonder if she was as tightly coiled. What would she do if he reached out and undid the band holding the strands together?

“I’m glad to see you’re feeling better,” she said, moving farther into the room.

“Much, thank you.” He didn’t like being in such a vulnerable position, trapped in bed wearing a hospital gown and totally at a disadvantage with a lovely lady.

“There’s a woman out there waiting to see you,” Julie said. “Is she your girlfriend?”

“No,” Nick said quickly and exchanged a glance with Gordon.

Gordon stood. “Here, sit. I’ll take care of that situation.”

Nick sent Gordon a grateful nod. He hoped Gordon would be able to send Kitty on her way. There was something in the woman’s eyes that gave him the same feeling that had seized him when his boot had shifted in the ski binding today.

Julie took a seat and pulled out a notebook from the big flowered shoulder bag that she dropped at her feet.

So she wanted to get down to business. He watched her slender hands flip open the pad, her pen poised. There was a noticeable lack of a wedding ring. Curious, he asked, “Where’s Mr. Frost tonight?”