“That was fast. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Just very tired. It’s been a trying two days.” In more ways than one. “I’m very concerned about Mr. Webb, the cardiac patient. He really needs to be in a hospital.”
“I understand. Then let’s go.” He signed his bill as well and stood, motioned for her to go before him, then followed her out of the lodge. “I’m still wondering about the landlines,” he said. “It seems odd to me that they’re not working. At least some of them.”
“The workers didn’t seem too surprised.”
“Maybe they’re not supposed to show concern to the visitors.”
“Could be.”
Resort workers and guest volunteers were doing their best to clear the snow from around the buildings. Most of the snow and ice had ended up at the entrance. And while it wasn’t fun to be trapped, there were definitely worse places to be stuck. She was just concerned about those who needed medical care.
“Hey there, Maya, how are you this morning?”
She turned, her mind searching for a name. Bill. Bob.Ben.Single father of two boys. One of whom she’d treated for an earache shortly after the avalanche. The youngest. Six-year-old Mitch. “Ben, hi again.” She introduced Ben and Gideon, and the two men shook hands. “How’s Mitch doing?”
“Much better, thanks. We slept last night at least.”
“Good news. I’m happy for you.”
“Trust me, we are too.” He shuffled his feet and shot a short glance at Gideon, who cleared his throat.
“I’m just going to ... uh ... get a coffee to go,” Gideon said. “Catch up with you in a minute?”
“Of course.”
Gideon walked away and Maya had a sinking feeling in her stomach. She forced another smile. “Well, don’t let me keep you. I’m headed back to my cabin to get some rest.”
“Right. Right. I was still hoping to convince you to let me buy you dinner sometime while my mom watches the boys.”
“That’s really kind of you, Ben, but like I told you yesterday, I’m not here for any type of ... um ... romantic opportunities.”
He raised a brow and looked in the direction Gideon had gone. “I see.”
“No, you really don’t.” Sometimes a woman just had to be a little blunt. “Gideon and I go way back to our teen years. He’s a friend.”
“Sure. Well, thanks again. I’ll be around if you change your mind.”
He left, and Gideon reappeared as though he could read her wishful thoughts. “Everything okay?”
“Fine. Yeah. I think he’s just a little lonely.” Gideon snorted and she frowned at him. “What?”
“The guy is not lonely, Maya. He’s like every other man on the planet who knows an attractive woman when he sees one. Trust me.” He paused. “And even if he is lonely, that last statement still holds true.”
Had he just said she was attractive in a roundabout way? Yes. He definitely had. She tried to ignore the admiring look in his eyes and the heat climbing into her neck. “Well, thanks. I think. Truly, though, the only thing I’m interested in right now is some sleep.”
“Then come on. Let’s make that happen.”
Not all the cabins were within walking distance of the lodge, and visitors had to use the shuttles provided. But hers was. And while it was close in proximity, the ingenious landscaping with trees surrounding it made it feel as if she were the only person on the planet—or at least at the resort.
The tree-lined path led straight to her cabin, and she walked up the three steps to the front door before she turned to Gideon. “It was good to see you again, Gideon.”
“You too. So this is yours.” He flushed. “Obviously.”
“Yes. Why?”
He smiled. “I’m three cabins up the hill.”
