Accidentally Hers (Sterling Canyon #1) (8 page)

Normally his walks with Shaman cleared Grey’s head. Not today.

Today he kept focusing on how his knee ached from the dankness. How worried he was about his future. How pretty Avery looked in her pink fleece earlier. How impossible it was to see her and not want to stay close to her. How grateful he was that Andy had turned out to be her brother instead of her boyfriend.

When he and Shaman entered the apartment, Trip was lying on the sofa watching golf on television and drinking a beer.

Grey tossed his keys on the coffee table. “You locked up downstairs?”

“Yep.” Trip chugged another gulp.

“Any calls or new climbing tours booked?”

“Nope. But we had a visitor.” Trip shot a look toward the corner of the room, to where the Volkls Grey had admired earlier now sat propped against the wall.

He blinked. It had to have been Avery, but it couldn’t have been her. But it
had
to be. His heart thumped hard against his ribs.

“Pretty sweet gift from your therapist.” Trip sat up. “I tried to grill her a bit, but she didn’t say much. Something you want to tell me?”

Grey shook his head as he walked over to the skis and tested the flex again. “
I don
’t understand.” He twirled back toward Trip. “Avery bought these?
For me?
”

“Bingo.” Trip turned down the television. “Seems you’ve been holding out on me.”

“No. I’m as shocked as you. Aside from the rainy day she drove me home, I’ve only seen her at the clinic. She’s very strict about the whole ethics thing.” For one minute, all the crap he’d been thinking about vanished, making room for a surge of hope and happiness.

Closing his eyes, he pictured her in that tent, imagined her debating the idea and defiantly grabbing these skis. For him. She’d done it for him, which made him feel like he’d just won a freestyle-skiing gold medal.

“Not so strict, it would seem.” Trip came and stood near Grey, retrieving a small envelope from his pocket. “Helluva great set of skis, though. She left you this note.”

Grey’s heart pounded harder as he withdrew the small notecard from its envelope, straining, as always, to read the loopy scrawl.

Grey,

I
’
ll do everything in my power to get you back on big-mountain terrain. I won
’
t give up as long as you don
’
t.

Avery

He felt his nose tingle, so he coughed and stuffed the card back in the envelope before slipping it into his own pocket. She hadn’t made him a promise, but the skis proved she thought it possible.

Of course, he wanted to believe there was more behind this gift. That other feelings motivated her generosity. But that leap might only be wishful thinking. Wishful thinking that would probably result in heartache.

In either case, he couldn’t let her spend that kind of money on him. Even if they were becoming friends, it was too much. And he didn’t like the idea of her pity. “I can’t keep these.”

“
You can
’t return them.
Final Sale
means final.” Trip slapped Grey on the shoulder. “You two are quite a strange pair. This is going to be an interesting off-season, no doubt about it.”

Grey placed the skis against the wall before he walked back to his room and closed the door. He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone. Several minutes later, he dialed Avery.

“
Hello,
” she answered. Just the sound of her voice made his heart speed up again.

“You never told me you moonlighted for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

Her soft laugh made him wish she were sitting beside him so he could see her dimples.

“I guess you got my surprise.”

“I did, thanks.” He hesitated. “Much as I love them and appreciate your generosity, I can’t keep them, Bambi.”

“You have to keep them. I can’t take them back.”

“
Then I
’m going to have to repay you somehow. I don’t mean to step on your gesture, but I’m not comfortable being a charity case.”

“It’s not charity. If Andy hadn’t hit you, you’d have bought those skis today. I saw your face, read the worry written all over it. I bought them to keep you motivated. I bought them because it made
me
feel better, like I could make a small difference in this terrible situation my brother created. It’s the first time I’ve felt good in weeks. Please don’t take that away from me.”

He let her words sink in. “Then at least let me take you out to dinner as a thank-you.”

She fell silent on the other end of the line, causing his body to heat up with discomfort. “Grey, that’s very sweet, but I can’t date a patient.”

“Who said anything about a date?” he covered. “Surely you can share a friendly meal.”

“Oh.” She hesitated again. “I think, given all the circumstances, it’s best for now if we keep things more or less professional. If you want to show me your appreciation, just work hard and follow my instructions to the letter.”

“Okay. We’ll do it your way.” He couldn’t help but grin, despite being shot down. One of these days he would wrest that need for absolute control from her.

After they said good-bye, he tossed the phone aside, fell backward on his bed and rubbed his hands over his face. Week by week she’d been getting under his skin, chipping away at the wall he’d constructed years ago. The one he’d built to avoid the pain he’d suffered after losing Juliette. Lord knew it had been too long since he’d let his heart run wild. Just his luck Avery—the girl with so many complications—would be the trigger.

Lying there, he imagined what he would do if she were beside him. Grey had rarely been one to waste time fantasizing, but lately it was becoming a bad habit. Like all bad habits, he suspected it would probably end up biting him in the ass.

Chapter Seven

“Go on in. I’ll wait out here for Emma.” Avery patted Andy on the shoulder. “Good luck.”

He shot her a sideways glance, his sandy-colored hair flopping over his brows. “I couldn’t wait to leave high school. Can’t believe I’m back here now, about to air my dirty laundry to a bunch of teenagers who aren’t going to listen to me anyway.”

“You don’t know that. Even if you only get through to five of them, that’s five kids you’ll help save from trouble.” She hugged him. “Em and I will sit up front for moral support. Don’t forget, we need to zip out of there when you’re done so I can run you home and make it back to the clinic for my four-o’clock appointment.”

“I’ll meet you back here, then.” Andy kissed her forehead, then pushed open the glass door and disappeared.

After slumping onto a bench, Avery rubbed her hands together for warmth. She hadn’t sat there for a dozen years. Unlike Andy, she treasured her high school memories—the days when she, Em, and Kelsey wandered these halls. Honors classes, football games, passing notes. Carefree fun.

When she looked around to check for Emma, she noticed Grey crossing the street.

Accustomed to seeing him in his gym clothes, her pulse stuttered and her mouth fell open at the Overland-catalog-model look he sported. Faded jeans hung low on his hips. He’d raised the shearling collar of his rugged lambskin leather jacket to keep away the chill. Unusually brisk early May winds ruffled his overgrown hair. The square lines of his jaw emphasized his masculinity.

Perfection.

Well, almost. She couldn’t help notice the asymmetry of his gait. Concern about that problem took priority over questioning why he was at the school in the first place.

“Hey, Bambi.” The right side of his mouth lifted into a coy smile. “I’ve never seen a woman frown so hard when staring at my . . . hips.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She smirked to cover up the heat rising in her cheeks. Had she grown to like her ridiculous nickname, or was it simply the sound of his taunting, low voice that turned her on? “I’
m staring at
‘
your hips
’ because you’re still compensating with your good leg.”

“Am not.” He squared his shoulders and tucked his thumbs in his pants’ pockets, drawing her attention once more to “his hips.”

“Are too.” Avery jerked her eyes up to his face then gestured in a circular motion with her hand. “Turn around and walk away from me over there, along the sidewalk. I want to see you from behind.”

A lazy grin crept across his face. “I bet you do.”

“On second thought, maybe there’s not enough room on the sidewalk for you and your ego.” She raised an eyebrow and made another circular sweep with her index finger. “Just go!”

Grey shrugged and turned. Oh yes, she did enjoy having a legitimate reason to stare at his tight little butt. Naturally, he decided to make a joke of her concerns and began swaying his hips like a woman as he strolled away from the table. On the third step, he grabbed his bad knee and leaned against the nearby bike rack. “Ooh.”

Avery jumped up, dashed to his side, and grabbed his waist. “What happened? Did your knee give out?”

He spun on his good leg, laughing. “Gotcha!”

“You think you’re a wise guy.” She slapped his shoulder, although truthfully she didn’t mind the excuse to be so close. Stolen moments like this were all she could enjoy.

“Just admit it.” He caught her arm before she eased away. “You were enjoying the show.”

His silver eyes glittered. Had his breathing turned a little ragged? She felt hers fall shallow. He held fast to her arm, almost tugging her closer. His focused attention made her girly parts tingle and tighten. Her mouth went dry.

“You’re blushing,” he said, still clutching her forearm.

“Let go.” She tried wrenching herself from his grasp before she did something stupid like throw herself at him. And then, as if coming out of a dream, she remembered why she was there in the first place, which made her wonder about his plans. “What are you doing here, anyway? Meeting the athletic director to discuss teen climbing programs?”

He released her and shoved his hands deep into his jacket pockets.

“No.” All traces of humor had fled his voice and eyes. “I came to hear what your brother has to say for himself.”

His uncharacteristically somber tone and demeanor set off alarms. She tried to control her response, but felt her eyes grow wide with panic. “Are you planning to use his words against him in your case, or with the DA?”

“You’re determined to suspect the worst, aren’t you? Maybe I’m just curious to learn something about the man who messed with my life. Wouldn’t you be?”

“I suppose.” Avery pressed her lips together. “Why here and now? Andy’s already nervous. Seeing you in the audience will only make it worse.”

“Then I’ll stay in the back, okay?”

Avery shrugged. “Guess I can’t stop you.”

“Would’ve been nice if you invited me to sit with you, Bambi. I thought maybe we’d started to become friends.” When he turned toward the door, he glanced over his shoulder. “You know, you can’t go staring at my backside again after refusing to keep me company.” He winked and sauntered into the school.

Avery slouched onto the bench, holding her stomach. What if Andy said something to hurt his case? Grey had as much at stake as the rest of them, so she couldn’t fault him for sharing whatever he might learn with his lawyer.

She dropped her head into her hands, but then Emma walked up and cleared her throat.

“You looked piqued.” Emma tipped her head sideways. “What’s going on between you and Grey?”

“What?”

“I couldn’t help but notice the tension—the heat—between you and Grey.” Emma straightened up and crossed her arms. “Are you two
involved
?”

“No.” Avery sighed. “He’s a flirt, but he’s harmless.”

“He likes you, not Kelsey?” Emma touched her fingers to her mouth.

“He most definitely is not interested in Kelsey.” Avery huffed at Emma’s surprised expression. “Oh, come on. You aren’t really surprised, are you? They met in a bar months ago and shared one drunken kiss. He’s never called or given any hint of interest since then. She’s hanging on to some fantasy. Why is this one lasting so long?”

“Well, he is pretty gorgeous. She thinks he’s nice, too.”

“He
is
nice.
” And talented, gentle, sweet, sexy.

“Look at your dreamy face.” Emma’s eyes widened. “You really like him!”

Avery gave up the pretense, nodded, and then buried her face in her hands a second time. “What should I do? He’s off-limits! He’s my patient. He’s probably going to end up taking Andy to the cleaners. My entire family mistrusts him, not to mention all my own hang-ups about men. This stinks.”

Emma sighed.
“Don’t forget Kelsey.”

“Seriously?” Surely Avery misheard that last part. “If Kelsey and Grey had even gone on a single date, maybe I could see your point. But, assuming Grey and I wanted to date after he’s done with therapy, why should I say no if he’s never going to like Kelsey anyway?”

“Because a lifelong friend is more special than some new guy, especially one who belongs to a clique of men you mistrust.”

Avery couldn’t argue with Emma’s logic. Maybe she and Grey would date a month or a year, but maybe not. And
maybe
wasn’t a good enough reason to hurt a friend. “You’re right. But I wish Kelsey would meet someone new.”

“Well, yes, then she wouldn’t be an obstacle.”

“Too bad she didn’t fall for Grey’
s friend Trip.
”

Emma’s freckled cheeks pinked. “Is he a really tall, dark-haired guy?”

“You left out startlingly handsome.” Avery tilted her head. “When did you meet him?”

“I saw him sneaking out of my inn early one morning last month while I was baking muffins. Later, I overheard two women talking over breakfast about their night. One was gushing about a ski guide named Trip who’d given her a night to remember, but took off without leaving his number.”

“Yes, that sounds like him. Womanizing smooth-talker. Honestly, if I were ever interested in a one-night stand, he’d be perfect. He’s so good-looking, even
I
might’ve fallen victim to his charm had I not met him through Grey.” Avery scrunched her nose. “If only Kelsey had kissed Trip that night in the bar.”

“Oh, brother, Avery. Keep him away from Kelsey.”
Emma chuckled.
“She’d never be able to sort the silver-tongued lies from the truth.”

“Good point.” Avery’s phone alarm beeped. “Oh, let’s get inside. Andy’s starting now.”

On their way in, she’d noticed Grey seated on the aisle in the last row. Every nerve in her body burned with worry about how he’d interpret and use whatever Andy might do or say on that stage.

She and Emma managed to find two seats near the front left side of the old theater, which still had creaky seats and the dusty smell she remembered.

Her brother fidgeted in his chair while being introduced by Principal Winters. That old man probably wasn’t overly surprised to see Andy—who’d been a bit of a class clown—end up in this position, she realized with sorrow.

When Andy stood in front of the microphone, he didn’t say a word for at least ten seconds. She watched her brother scan the crowd and could almost see his mind decide to toss his originally planned speech.

“My name is Andy Randall, and I used to be like you: sitting in this auditorium, being forced to listen to speakers talk about stuff that didn’t matter to me. I came here every day, played sports, chased girls, partied in the woods, and was satisfied enough with my B-minus grades. That was twelve years ago.

“Unlike my sister, I didn’t go to college. I got certified as a ski instructor, worked odd jobs off-season, including painting houses, and pretty much continued living the life I’d gotten used to in these hallways. That’s to say, I had fun, did the minimum that was expected or that I was capable of, and thought I was invincible.”

Andy paused, glancing at the front row until he spotted Avery and Emma. Then he looked back across the wider audience. “A couple months ago I was drinking with some buddies after work, and then I got behind the wheel and tried to drive home. Didn’t make it.

“It took hitting someone on a bike and plowing into a lamppost for me to learn I’m
not
invincible. I’m here today to try to prevent you from living with the guilt of hurting another person and messing with their life. From suffering the pain of lung surgery. And from facing felony charges, which, if I’m convicted, will limit my future job opportunities, my ability to travel to other countries, my ability to borrow money, among other things. And let’s not ignore the shame I’ve brought on my family.”

Avery’s eyes stung while Andy continued to discuss, in detail, what happened that night, the impact on his family and the victim, and the stress and expense of dealing with multiple lawyers to defend against multiple charges.

When she glanced around at the kids, she noted most of them were paying attention and, despite the circumstances, felt a surge of pride for her brother. She’d be sure to tell him that later so that he could feel good about what he’d done.

At the end of the thirty-minute presentation, Avery craned her neck to look for Grey, and caught him ducking out of the auditorium.

“Em, I’m going to run to the restroom. Meet you outside.”

She trotted up the aisle and dashed into the school lobby just as Grey was exiting the building. “Grey!”

He stopped, hesitating before turning around. She trod over to him, but then didn’t know what to say.

He raised his brows in question.

“Did you get what you came for?” she finally asked.

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, is that all you’re going to say to me?”

“Apparently not?” He crossed his arms, as if preparing to fend off an attack.

“Did anything he said make a difference to your plans?”

“No.”

She swallowed her disappointment, which landed in her chest like a twenty-pound kettlebell.

“Will it make you feel any better to hear that I respect what he said, and the way he’s trying to help these kids stay out of trouble?”

She shrugged. “I suppose that’s something.”

“I’m sorry I can’t tell you what you want to hear, but there’s too much uncertainty at this point for me to make any major decisions.”

She nodded, fully aware of the truth of that remark. Just then the auditorium doors blasted open as dozens of kids poured out of the theater. Avery saw the top of Andy’s head and Emma’s red hair in the throng.

Grey must’ve noticed, too, because he touched her forearm. “I’ll see you at our next appointment, okay?” Then he whisked himself away from the scene before Andy and Emma met up with her.

During Avery’s drive home after work, she replayed Andy’s speech in her mind. The recitation of problems both he and Grey faced, not to mention the potential adverse impact on her and her parents. Most troubling for her was the fact that she had no control over the outcome. Well, almost no control. She could do her best to help Grey achieve a full recovery, but that wouldn’t keep Andy out of jail.