Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
R achel lay still. Pressing fingers to her lips, she tried to still the emotions rising within her as the conversation she’d had with Levi swept over her with a flood of warmth.
Levi McSweeney—the crush of her life—no, he was more than that, but how much more—had confessed something she’d never expected, something she had longed to hear.
How many times had her brother warned her not to make a fool of herself? She had thought it was to save himself from embarrassment, which was the last thing she wanted. She adored Jonathan. He was admired in the community, and she didn’t want to do anything that would make him regret her actions.
Now she realized it had been for her sake not her brother’s, that he had warned her about mooning over Levi. Other girls had done that. Some of the results had led to uncomfortable situations. In this small town, nothing went unnoticed. She was grateful Jonathan had wisely advised her to take control of her emotions. She would have died of mortification if the chattering in the school halls had been about her.
The sharp ring from her phone cut through her thoughts. She glanced at the screen. Jonathan’s name appeared and her heart lifted. She pressed the speaker icon .
“Hey, big brother.” A call from him was the distraction she needed.
“Pipsqueak, how are you?” He sounded breathless and she wondered if he’d just returned from a run. Since high school, he’d run marathons.
“Fine. It’s good to hear from you. How are you? You sound winded.”
“Yeah, I’m in training for another marathon, but rumor has it you gave everyone a bit of a scare.” He sounded as if he were pacing.
“Who said that?” she asked in surprise.
Levi? He and Jonathan still kept in touch. She doubted he would share a confidence. He respected her personal decisions.
“The usual suspects,” he said. “I spoke with Mom and Dad. They’ll be calling soon.”
“Good.” Talking to family made her feel better already. “I have lots of news to share,” she said and told him about her substitute teaching position at the elementary school.
“I’m glad you had the opportunity,” he said, sounding genuinely overjoyed. She had always appreciated having him in her corner. “I knew you’d do well no matter where you went. Sorry to cut this short. I have a meeting, but I wanted to make sure you were all right. It sounds like you are.”
“Yes, I’m fine.” She stilled the disappointment rising in her chest. She’d always loved talking to her brother, but they weren’t kids anymore. They were adults leading busy lives.
“I’ll call you later in the week, but if you need anything, call me immediately. I’ll come out there if I need to,” he said.
“That won’t be necessary, but I appreciate the offer,” she said. In big brother fashion, he was always looking out for her.
“Talk to you soon, sis,” he said.
After disconnecting the call, Rachel checked her phone and was surprised to see that her parents had been calling her since Monday. She called them. They were relieved she was better and were grateful Naomi McSweeney had called them.
When she finished the call, she dressed—not as quickly as she wanted to, but she was feeling better. Glancing in the mirror, she was dismayed that her face was pale and her hair a wreck, but she’d been in the hospital. She hadn’t spent a week at a spa.
After gathering her few belongings, she picked up the satchel and opened the door to her hospital room.
Levi paced at the end of the hallway, his phone pressed to his ear. He lifted his gaze to hers. The admiration in his eyes made her drop her gaze and went a long way in bolstering her spirits. After what she’d glimpsed in the mirror, she didn’t deserve that look, but the genuineness in his eyes made her grateful.
He spoke into his phone, something she couldn’t hear, then stuffed it into his pocket and strode toward her, the look in his eyes purposeful.
“Sorry I took so long.” She looped the satchel handle over her shoulder.
“No need to apologize. You’re still recovering.” He slipped the satchel from her shoulder, his fingers a light touch.
Her breath caught at the warmth that penetrated through the work shirt she wore.
“You’re not leaving yet.” A nurse rushed toward her, her face lined with concern.
“But Dr. Roberts discharged me,” Rachel said with measured calm.
The hospital couldn’t keep her. She didn’t want to stay.
“True, but the hospital has protocol.” The nurse’s smile was understanding. “No one walks out of here. We may be a small hospital, but we still have rules to follow.”
“Sorry, I didn’t know.” Rachel didn’t want to cause a problem.
“No worries.” The nurse waved her hand dismissively. “I’m glad I caught you. I’ll be back with a wheelchair.”
“A wheelchair,” Rachel said in shock. “That isn’t necessary.”
“I hear that a lot.” The nurse laughed softly. “But those are the rules. Have a seat in your room. I’ll be right back.” She rushed down the hallway.
“I didn’t think it would take so long to leave.” Rachel looked at Levi in apology as she led him into her hospital room. He would have things to do .
He gestured for her to take a seat. After a moment’s hesitation, she did. As long as she was in the hospital, she’d comply with their rules.
“Don’t worry.” His reassuring smile filled her with joy. “I have lots of time.”
“I don’t believe that for a minute.” Her eyes narrowed. “You run a fortune five hundred company.”
His amused laugh made her look at him curiously. “The press loves to label companies. Being a Fortune five hundred company isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
“Levi McSweeney, you can’t fool me.” Her head came up. “I’ve followed your company. Even though it’s still privately held, there’s enough information out there to know its performance is highly regarded.”
He threw back his head and laughed more deeply than before, then gave her a direct look. “You have been following the news. I don’t mean to disappoint you, but the press singing a company’s praises is short-lived, though I’m grateful for the positive coverage for however long it lasts, but let’s leave business talk for another time.”
There was a tap at the door. Rachel looked up to a nurse’s aide who held a large crate. Levi looked over his shoulder at the aide.
“Housekeeping said you need something large for packing.” She held up the crate.
“Thanks for bringing that.” He moved to her.
“What are you going to pack?” Rachel was more curious than ever.
“Your bouquets.” Levi grinned at her. He took the crate, then strode to the counter lined with bouquets. “You can’t leave here without taking the flowers with you.”
“It was so sweet of everyone to send them,” she said softly. She thanked the nurse’s aide, who smiled.
“I’ll pack these, then we can leave. I’ll take these down to the truck, then park at the hospital’s front entrance. I’ll wait for you there.” He arched a brow as if asking for her agreement.
“I’ll see you there.”
The crate packed, he hoisted it and stepped into the hallway as a nurse appeared in the doorway with a wheelchair .
“And your chariot has arrived.” Levi looked over his shoulder at her.
Rachel flushed. She certainly didn’t need a wheelchair, but who was she to argue with hospital protocol?
“Thank you,” she murmured. Between Levi’s concern and the hospital’s care, she was definitely getting the royal treatment.
“It’s the least I can do.” Levi nodded. Turning away, he strode down the hall.
She didn’t want to stare after him, but it was hard not to admire the powerful form that moved with the same air of masculine confidence he’d held since high school. He was virile, and he was compassionate.
Just like in high school, the women at the nurses’ station watched him as he walked past. With slight smiles, they exchanged looks.
Rachel didn’t blame them. She was staring after him now.
What he’d said this afternoon made her breathe in shock. She’d been too surprised to ask for an explanation, but she needed one. Did he have feelings for her?
She flushed hotly. All her life she had dreamed that her feelings for Levi would be returned.
The emotions she’d locked down inside of herself begged to be freed, but she had to be sure she hadn’t misunderstood what he’d said.
Before she said anything she’d regret, he needed to tell her exactly what he meant.