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“—Lyra.” I interrupt her, needing to take some breaths. She’s going to spiral if she keeps going, and she will start asking ‘what ifs’ that I will never have the answer to.
“I’m okay. Luckily, Alaska, the owner of Dead Man’s Ranch, found me with the coordinates from Brian. Alaska saved me before the plane tumbled over the cliff. It was a close call; I won’t lie about that, but I’m safe. Alaska and his friends have treated me well. They said I’m welcome to stay until all the paths are cleared. How bad is it out there?” I pick at the blanket, plucking the wild threads, trying to escape.
More static comes through when she sighs. “It’s pretty bad, Leo. People are missing; some are dead. The storm was much worse than we expected. I’m so glad you’re okay. What a relief. Tell Alaska thank you for me. I owe him for saving my brother.”
Like a moth drawn to a flame, my head turns at the sound of his name, my mind needing to fixate on him. He’s there, chopping wood, the once small pile now stacked high.
“He’s been really amazing.” I can’t help how mesmerized I sound when I watch him work.
“He’s been amazing, huh?”
Funny. Her tears are all dried up now.
“He saved my life. Of course, he is.” I try to play it off. I’m not ready to dive too deep with Lyra just yet. I’m still figuring it out myself.
“You sound smitten, Leo. And I don’t think I’ve ever heard you sound like this.”
I slouch in the chair and spread my legs to get more comfortable, then look out the damn window again. I can’t take my eyes off him.
“I think I am, Lyra. I…I don’t know what to do. You know I’ve never dated a man before. I didn’t even know I liked men.”
“Maybe you don’t. Maybe you just like him, and that’s okay. Who cares? There are too many rules in this world people like to create because they are unhappy they can’t have what they want, so they create obstacles to make it harder for others. If you like him, go with your gut. I can’t wait to meet the man who has my brother feeling like this. You’ve only ever talked about something when you are obsessed with it. And I’ve only heard you talk this way about flying.”
“I know. It’s confusing and scary,” I admit with a frown.
“What’s he look like?”
I bark out laughter and stare at Alaska again. He catches me looking at him, and he gives a small wave, bringing down the heavy axe.
“Um. I don’t know, Lyra. He’s…you know.”
“No, I don’t know. Tell me. I thought you were dead. This is the least you can do.”
“Unfair. I called when I could.” Alaska’s bulging biceps flex when he brings the axe up and over his shoulder, swinging it so hard I’m surprised the handle didn’t break off.
“He’s big.” I start to describe him, letting the words roll off my tongue while I study the man who saved me. “He’s taller than me by about six inches.”
“Go on. I’m listening.”
I can hear her smiling around her words.
“He has dark, shoulder-length hair and a nice thick beard to match. He’s muscular. Really muscular. Thick. Wide. Strong.” I cover my mouth when I hear myself practically moan.
“Oh my god, Leo. You got it bad. I don’t blame you. He sounds sexy.”
“He is sexy.”
Alaska would pick this very moment to strip off his shirt. It’s like he has a one-way ticket to my conversation. That timing is perfect.
“He has taken off his shirt,” I whisper into the microphone. “He’s chopping wood.”
“He is chopping wood? In sight of you? And took off his shirt?”
“Yes. I can’t help where he chops wood, Lyra.”
“You’re a damn idiot if you think—” The connection fades, and pops of static replace her voice.
“Lyra? Lyra, can you hear me?”
