“That’s plenty of time for them to hire someone,” Hayley said.
“I hear what you’re saying, but I have to be smart. There’s no sense waiting around if they’re not going to call.”
“Give it just another day or two,” Juliet said. “Mom and Dad will let you stay here a little bit longer if you need. No one’s in a rush to get you to move on.”
The back door opened, and their mom stepped out. “Hey, girls. Brought you some towels.”
“Thanks,” Juliet said. “Mom, tell Savannah she can live at home a little longer if she needs to.”
Mom smiled. “Of course, dear. Your dad and I have enjoyed having you girls home this summer, and we are always happy to see Wyatt when he’s not so busy with work. Are you concerned you’re not going to get that job?”
“She’s more concerned that she’s falling in love.” Juliet breathed out a swoony sigh. “I still don’t get why that’s a problem.”
Mom pulled a deck chair up near the hot tub. “Tell me more.”
“I can’t.” Grace splashed the water with her palm. “We’re not doing another play-by-play of this whole hot mess.”
“Here’s the bottom line,” Savannah said. “To try to make Tori jealous and to convince people that Levi and I are a couple, he kissed me twice in public.”
“And it was a great kiss, apparently,” Haley said. “I mean, from what we’ve been told.”
Levi’s words replayed in her head: Shall I give myself ten out of ten stars?
Her mouth twitched as she held back a smile. “Great kisses. Both times. But that’s the problem. What am I supposed to do when our relationship doesn’t feel fake?”
Dad’s and Wyatt’s voices filtered into the evening air. The soothing water swirled around her weary body. She basked in the quiet comfort of having Mom, Hayley, Juliet and Grace surrounding her. It might have been exhaustion clouding her focus, but part of her remained unsettled.
She drew a fortifying breath and pressed a hand to her sternum. “When I agreed to this, I genuinely thought I was doing him a favor. Twice, he told me he only kissed me because he wanted our act to appear more convincing.”
“Oh, wow. That’s a challenge to maintain,” Mom said. “Levi seems like a really great guy, and I admire what he’s doing to take care of that little girl. I’m sure it isn’t easy.”
“Savvy, we’ve had fun teasing you tonight—but seriously, you have every right to look out for yourself.” Hayley’s eyes filled with concern. “Why don’t you just tell him that this is getting too complicated and you need to step back?”
“There can’t be too many more events left, right? What else does Candace have up her sleeve?” Grace asked.
“Only a formal dance at the Fairview.” Savannah braced against the fiberglass bench and pushed herself up out of the water. The cool evening air enveloped her.
“Wow.” Hayley shook her head. “She’s really pulling out all the stops.”
Savannah stood, her body protesting. She carefully stepped onto the deck and took the towel Mom handed her. Maybe Hayley was right. Maybe now was the best time to tell Levi they needed to rethink things. She’d still help with Wren, but tomorrow she’d start applying for teaching positions in other districts. Because she couldn’t keep waiting around, hoping for an interview, wondering if Levi would ever risk his heart again.
Chapter Nine
If Wren’s not thriving in your home, we can talk about transitioning her to a permanent placement elsewhere. But I have to be honest with you, Mr. Carter—that often has a negative impact on the child.
A negative impact? What did that even mean? He turned the social worker’s words over and over, examining them from all angles as he followed Savannah into the Sluice Box. Conversation hummed, and laughter punctuated by the sound of the servers filling orders at the kitchen window washed over them in a gentle wave. A line snaked back from the hostess stand. Every chair in the cramped waiting area was occupied.
“Don’t worry.” Savannah offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hayley said she’d hold a table for us.”
“Cool. Thanks.” Levi tucked his hands in his pockets and stood back, watching Savannah as she spoke to the hostess. The young woman nodded, grabbed two menus and motioned for them to follow her.
They threaded their way through the crowded dining room, with its rustic vaulted ceiling, well-loved dark wooden tables and chairs, high-back booths with red vinyl cushions, and his personal favorite—old mining paraphernalia propped up on display shelves. Framed vintage photos and newspaper clippings commemorated Opportunity’s history during the Gold Rush.
The hostess stopped beside a cozy table in the back corner. How about that—his favorite. He’d always loved the old-school snowshoes mounted on the wall, positioned directly beneath an old miner’s lamp hanging from one of the high beams and above a photo of Denali on a perfect summer day, with gorgeous purple lupine blooming in the meadow.
On the opposite side of the dining room, Hayley stood next to a rowdy table full of climbers, her pen hovering over her notepad. They looked to be celebrating a successful expedition on the mountain. Max Butler sat at the end of the table, with sunburned skin, tousled blond hair and a scraggly beard. But it was the light in his eyes and the look on his face when he glanced up at Hayley and smiled that gave Levi pause. What was going on there?
None of your business, Carter. Grab a seat.
“This is a table for four.” Savannah hesitated. “There’s just the two of us. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“It’s the only table I have left. Unless you want to wait an hour,” the hostess said. “You’re Hayley’s sister, right?”
Savannah nodded.
“Then don’t worry about it. We’re like family around here.” She patted the worn surface with her palm. “Enjoy.”
Savannah sat down.
Levi settled into the chair opposite hers. He couldn’t help but admire her hair, cascading in glossy curls over her exposed shoulders. She wore a dainty blue sundress dotted with white flowers, its narrow straps highlighting her delicate collarbone.
She set her bag on the chair next to her and opened up the menu. “What do you usually get when you come here?”
He was ready to answer with his go-to order of turkey-bacon club, but then he noticed her smooth porcelain skin and full pink lips. Man, he’d been an idiot thinking he could pretend to date her without wanting an authentic relationship. These feelings and emotions were so unexpected, though. Maybe it was the way she cared for Wren. Or made him laugh.
Could he jump back into a relationship? What if he wasn’t ready? Besides, he wasn’t real sure she was ready either.
“Levi?” Savannah dipped her head and forced him to make eye contact. “Everything all right?”
