Page 65 of Mountain Void

“He’s not okay?” Charlie asked—remembering how pale he’d been.

“He was mildly hypothermic, but nothing alarming. He’s spending the night here as a precaution, because of his age. Considering the amount of time he was in the water, he’s very lucky. His parents are with him now.” She paused for a second. “What you did was very brave. ”

Charlie closed her eyes briefly. The image of the boy—and of how easily he could have gone under—was hard to get rid of. She had to remind herself he was fine.

“You did exactly what you had to do,” Val added. “Both of you.” She picked up the report in front of her. “Your lab work looks good, Charlie. Medically speaking, I’m satisfied. Make sure to stay warm for the next several hours,” Val went on. “Dry clothes. Some hot food would be ideal.”

“I’ll make sure she gets that,” Lorenz said. “And I’ll bring her back if there’s any change.”

Val huffed out a breath that was almost a laugh. “You took the words right out of my mouth.” She turned to Charlie. “Let him take care of you tonight, okay?”

Charlie nodded. She wasn’t about to argue when everything in her body wanted to go to Lorenz and stay with him. When Lorenz’s embrace was the only place she could think of where she’d feel safe.

Val gave a final nod, satisfied. “I’m off, then. I’ll leave your discharge papers with the nurse. And remember, call me, day or night, if you need anything.”

Charlie pulled her legs out, over the side of the bed, sitting upright. Her abs—her abs, of all things—protested loudly.

Lorenz’s hand came to her arm immediately, steadying her. “I’ve got you.”

“I know.”

Her feet touched the ground. A shiver ran through her, but Lorenz was already on his knees beside her, a pair of socks in his hand. He helped her pull one on—the gesture strangely intimate—then the next one. They were too big.

“Where did those come from?” she asked.

“Kat’s locker. I didn’t think mine would fit you.”

Charlie laughed. “I hope you didn’t bring me Kat’s jeans. I don’t think I can fit in those.”

Lorenz pushed to his feet and picked up a paper bag from the corner. “Leggings. Might be short on you. A pair of Crocs. And a sweatshirt. That one’s mine.”

“Leave it all here,” Charlie said. “I can dress myself.” She didn’t feel like flashing him with the open-back gown.

Lorenz hesitated. He swallowed hard. “Please let me help,” he said stiffly.

It struck her, then, that he’d been scared as well. Maybe not of the ice, but scared … of losing her and the boy.

And maybe he needed to be here now, maybe he needed to help her.

That mattered more than any lingering embarrassment about having him on his knees in front of her.

He offered her a hand, pulling her gently to her feet, careful to hold on until he was sure she was steady. Charlie pulled off the offending gown, shivering in her bra and panties for an instant before Lorenz enveloped her in his enormous sweatshirt. It smelled clean, as if it had been recently laundered, but she wanted to think she could smell him as well.

She pulled the leggings up quickly. The fabric stretched over her hips before—thankfully—settling into place. Then Lorenz helped her with the Crocs.

“Not my most fashionable moment,” she said.

“You look beautiful.” His gaze flicked over her, lingering on the oversized sweatshirt. Then his gaze eased. “And warm. I like you warm.”

Charlie raised an eyebrow. “Really.”

“Come on, let’s get you out of here, Charlie.”

The long hospital corridor stretched out in front of them. Charlie almost made a quip about how far away the exit door to the ER was, but worried Lorenz might send her right back to bed if he realized how weak she was feeling.

Lorenz matched her pace, letting her find her stride. Finally, they reached the door. Lorenz pushed it open and stood by to let Charlie through.

A man approached them as soon as they walked out—he must have been waiting for them.