Page 25 of Make It Last

“I heard you have a place to stay and everything,” he said.

“I do. Holly’s awesome.”

“She is. Universal opinion around town,” he agreed.

“Really?” said a new voice from the hallway.

I glanced up to see a handsome man with brown hair step into the room.

“Oh, hey, Nate,” Tanner replied easily. He gestured back and forth between us. “This is Ava, and Nate, Holly’s husband.”

Nate flashed an easy grin. He had a flirty vibe, though not directed toward me. I guessed he’d flirt with a rock. “Of course, Holly’s awesome,” Nate said.

Holly’s voice came from behind him. “Definitely not. I’m too pushy.” She breezed into the room with a sheaf of papers in her hand, heading straight to me. “These are your discharge papers. Guard them with your life.”

“With my life?” I teased, raising a brow.

She grinned. “It’s nothing you don’t already know. Just a detailed outline of your physical therapy plan and a reminder not to put too much weight on that foot.”

“I know, I know,” I assured her. “I understand.”

Nate was still smiling at her. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her cheeks going a little pink.

“Seeing you. And Tanner says the whole town likes you.”

“They don’t,” Holly said with an eye roll.

“I appreciate a bossy woman,” Nate said.

Holly tilted her head and tapped the discharge papers thoughtfully. “The world needs more bossy women.”

“For sure,” Nate agreed before he leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek.

Her blush deepened. “I’m working.”

“I know,” he said innocently.

I smiled between the two of them. “I like you, Nate,” I announced. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. Heard all about you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean?”

“You fell up on the glacier. Tanner here carried you down the mountain. Very rescue-y.”

Tanner rolled his eyes. “It’s my job.”

“I know,” Nate said, “but is it also your job to check on her in the hospital?” His smile was sly.

Tanner’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t answer.

“I came here on my second vacation, and my friends had to go back home. So I’m thrilled with anyone who’s visited me.”

“Well, I’ll see you around town,” Nate said.

“And you’ll help me get her to her place,” Holly added.

“I will?” Nate blinked. “Since when?”