Page 21 of Make It Last

“I could be.”

“Well, I heard you do that on the side.” Chris nodded along. “And you’re a nurse. How come you do both?”

“This is Alaska, the land of more than one job. Life here is expensive. A lot of people do extra stuff on the side. My physical therapy work is very part-time. I only work with two or three people a week.”

“Well, can I request you?”

He waggled his brows. “You can.” With a tap on the railing, he departed.

I stared at the door for a moment before reaching for my phone to send a message to Tanner.

Me: I didn’t mean to freak you out. I probably shouldn’t have kissed you. We can just pretend it didn’t happen.

Chapter Nine

Tanner

Hero stuff and donuts

I reread Ava’s message. Forgetting that kiss? Impossible.

I contemplated how to reply. “What are you thinking so hard about?”

I glanced over to see Maisie walking into the back area at the station. Before I could even reply, her eyes bounced to my phone and back to me. “You're obsessing over a text.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m obsessing.”

“Sure looks like it. What’s up?”

“Maisie,” I warned.

“Oh, is it a woman? I sure hope so.”

I opened my mouth to deny it, but I could feel the heat rising up my cheeks. She plunked down in the chair beside me, her brown curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Tell me everything.”

“It’s Ava,” I finally said.

“Oh, the woman you rescued off the mountain?”

“You make it sound dramatic, Maisie. It’s my job.”

“It’s accurate. That’s why Beck is called ‘Superhero’ in my phone.” I chuckled as she continued, “What’s going on? She’s in the hospital, right?”

“Yeah. Mostly because she has to have her foot in traction from the break.”

“I hear ankle breaks are a nightmare.” She grimaced. “I should go see her.”

“Do you know her?” I asked curiously.

“No, but I’m sure she could use some visitors. So what gives?”

I contemplated for a long moment. I was pretty private, but Maisie gave good advice. “You’re sworn to secrecy.”

She made an X over her heart with two fingers. “I swear.”

I slid my phone over. She quickly read the text. “Oh, you kissed her.”

“Well, she kissed me, and I kissed her back.”