Page 36 of Holiday on the Rocks
“Okay, let’s try this. You push the sled up and jump on so we can get it on top of the ice, and I’ll run like hell.”
“I’ve seen you run, and like hell would not be a synonym for that action.”
“Okay, smartass. Is this really the time to be insulting my athletic abilities? Never pick a fight with a woman, we’re full of rage and sick of everyone’s shit. Now, you ready?”
“Yes.”
I held the rope and started to run at the same time the sled popped out of the water with Levi on it. I ran as fast as my legs would take me, and after a moment I looked back to see him sliding on top of the ice away from the water.
With a new fear of frozen lakes, I kept running until we reached the bench.
I helped him stand as his body was shaking out of control. I ripped off my coat and put it over him.
I put his arm over my shoulder and led him up the hill.
“Well, this blows ass.” His soaking wet clothing was quickly saturating my shirt. “I think we just had a fucktastrophy.”
“Yes. Clearly ice was a bad idea.”
His teeth chattered as he laughed. “Just because it’s a bad idea doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.”
Boy, could that be my new life mantra or what?
We got to the back door, and I pushed it open and led him upstairs. “I’ll turn on the tub for you.”
We reached his room and went into the bathroom where a deep soaker tub awaited. I turned it on and when I spun around, he stood pale and shaking out of control looking dazed.
“Why don’t you get out of those clothes?” I grabbed a towel from the hook on the wall.
His teeth chattered. “Now you’re talking.”
“Watch it. I’ve had enough to deal with today without having to make your death look like an accident. Don’t make me sorry I saved you.”
“Thanks for that, by the way.”
“I’ll go grab you some new clothes from your suitcase, okay?”
He was staring at the filling tub in silence. “Do you want me to help you?”
He stood as if I hadn’t said a word. Could he hear me?
“Levi?”
“What? I’m having trouble, uh, I don’t know.”
“Let me help you.” I pulled off his coat and set it in the sink. I pushed it up exposing his bare chest while he stood silently shaking. My eyes skimmed over his tattoo. My heart was thumping in my ears. Memories swarmed me like bees around a hive as I helped get his arm out of his shirt as water dripped on the floor.
Me sitting on his lap in the tattoo parlor as he held my hand. The tattoo he designed on the back of the room service menu in our hotel room. The tattoo he got on our wedding day.
I looked up to see his mind was back in lake. In the icy water reliving what could’ve happened. My stomach cinched at the thought and the back of my eyes burned before I cleared my throat.
“Levi, let’s get you into the warm water.”
He looked at me like I was speaking Bulgarian, but with a dip of his chin he acknowledged; he was in shock.
“I’ll be right back.” I took a step toward the door when he caught my wrist, and I turned back to see his glassy eyes looking down at me.
“Thank you, Allison.”
