Chapter Eight

“So what’s up with you and August?” Dom dropped that bomb while they waited for Susie, Montana and Marge to take a million pictures. They were hiking toward Samson Rock Face with the women who had never climbed before. They day would be a long one.

Sandi looked at him and frowned. “He’s your best friend, shouldn’t you be asking him that?” The past week had been good with her and August. They’d spent almost every night together at her place, and gone on two dates. They were dating and she had no idea how she felt about it. August was great and the sex was great. Everything was…great. But she wasn’t sure if she was ready for all that again.

Dom shrugged. “I could and I have. Now I’m asking you.”

She glared at him. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re incredibly annoying?”

“All the time. Answer the question.”

Sandi rolled her eyes. Her time in the military didn’t include as many overbearing macho men as were in her life now. “Nothing. We’re dating or something. That’s all.” How was she supposed to explain what was going on between her and August when she didn’t even know? They were dating and she knew she was falling for him, but it was too soon. She wasn’t ready and even if she was, would it be with a guy like August?

When he spoke she heard the skeptical lilt of his voice. “If you really believe that Sandi, you’re a dumb as he is.” Dom shook his head, his expression equal parts amused and disgusted. “You two need help.”

“I don’t think so, we’re both doing just fine. Besides you and I both know his fascination with me is because I’m not falling at his feet and fawning over his wealth.” As much as it hurt her to say, it was important that she hear the words aloud. Soon August would lose interest or find a reason to leave.

Dom grunted at her as they continued the trek toward the climbing area. “You’re wrong. He’s falling for you and he, like you, doesn’t even realize it yet. You will and I can’t wait.” Dom went ahead to lead the group while Sandi stayed behind them with her thoughts.

Dom was wrong, August wasn’t in love with her or falling for her. They had a good time together and the sex was incredible, and Sandi refused to let herself believe otherwise. She wasn’t even over her last heartbreak, so even the prospect of one made her nervous. Maybe I should just end it now, before anyone gets in any deeper. That was probably the best choice.

They arrived at the rock face and she and Dom split up to help all three women into their gear. After a thorough safety and equipment usage session, they were ready to go. Sandi and Dom stood on the ground, instructing their climbers. “What’s your story Dom?”

He shrugged and sent her a sardonic smile. “Oh you know, poor little rich boy.”

She doubted that was all, but it was obvious he didn’t want to talk. “Well at least you were rich,” she added hopefully, drawing a laugh from him. Sandi turned her eyes toward the sky and frowned. “Hey Dom looks like trouble,” she said pointing toward the fast move, ever-darkening clouds.

“Shit. It’s supposed to be clear skies until after midnight.” He kicked at the ground and let loose a few more swear words.

No kidding. “Let’s get them down. Those clouds are moving faster than I like with newbies.” They began to work individually with the climbers to get them down. Marge and Susie were the first on the ground and Sandi shuffled them into a nearby cove. “Stay here unless we call for either of you by name, you got it?” They nodded and she turned to help Dom and Montana.

“Okay Montana stay calm and work your way towards Dom.” He was halfway up to her when she began to freak out. “Breathe!” Finally Dom was nearly level with Montana when she began to squirm uncontrollably.

“You need to be still honey or we’ll both fall. That won’t feel too good, feel me?” Even his charm couldn’t calm the panicking woman.

Sandi watched as the thunder roared, shaking the earth beneath her feet. The sky opened up and Montana screamed her lungs down. “Its just rain Montana. Stay calm and move quickly!’ It was no use she squirmed until her rope turned. Dom reached out to her but she kicked him hard in the gut.

“Shit,” coughed and his body smacked against the wall, cracking his head and knee.

“Fuck,” she cursed out and quickly went up to get both of them. “Montana, be still goddammit or I swear I will leave you up here!” With a teary nod she calmed down enough to let Sandi get her to the ground and with her friends. “Marge take this and call for help,” she handed over the Wilde Adventures radio with brief instructions on how to use it. “I have to get Dom down, he’s knocked out.”

Montana screamed out. “I’m so sorry! Tell him I didn’t mean it, alright?”

Sandi nodded and went back to the rock face, now dark brown from the heavy downpour. “Alright, let’s do this.” She went up the wall as quickly as the rain would allow, making extra certain to press close to the wall until she reached Dom. “Sleeping beauty you’re awake.” She smiled at him as relief washed over her.

“Sandi, what happened?”

She gave him a quick rundown while she clipped him to her and pushed off the wall. Unfortunately the sky chose that moment dump buckets of water over them, making everything harder. “Come on Dom, you’re kind of a fat ass and I need to get you down.”

His voice was thread when he spoke. “I’ll have you know I’ve got the finest ass in all of the Americas.”

That made her laugh. “Yeah I hear fat asses are in this year. You did pass out for a bit though so do me a favor and keep your eyes open.”

“Okay.” His head was pretty banged up and she’d be surprised if he didn’t have a concussion. “I’ll tell you what I think about you and Auggie. You’re both stubborn and will make this harder than it has to be.”

She smiled as she lowered them to the ground, barely holding up Dom’s weight before he sank to the ground, bringing her with him. “I guess you decided to close your eyes,” she told him, removing her shirt and covering him with it.

It was no time before the ambulance arrived along with the Sheriff, emergency workers splitting up to handle the women and Dom. “His smacked against the rock, head and right knee as far as I can tell,” she told the EMT, panic finally beginning to settle in and her hands began to shake.

Montana strolled over with tear streaked cheeks and a sad expression on her face. “I’m sorry Sandi and thank you. Tell Dom I’m sorry too.” She nodded as Marge approached.

“That was quite an adventure! I’m sorry about your friend but I want you to know we all had a great time. The Sheriff is going to give us a ride back so you can ride with your friend.” Marge leaned down and hugged her tight. “You’re a rock star Sandi.”

She smiled and wished the women well before turning to hope in the ambulance with Dom. “He’s got a hard head so I have no doubt he’ll be fine.”

* * *

Waiting was torture. Sandi was pretty sure that hospital waiting rooms were one of the circles of hell. If not, they should be. The antiseptic smell, the soundtrack of illness—coughing, sneezing, sniffling and retching—all of it was a great way to send a girl right into a panic attack.

As soon as they got to the hospital they took Dom and she took a seat on a hard plastic chair. She’d called August and the office to tell them what had happened. Now she just waited. “Excuse me, can I sit with my friend? He has a head wound?”

The nurse looked up with a disinterested glint in her eyes. “Ask the…doctor.” The perplexed look on her face made Sandi turn.

Eyes wide she looked into a very familiar face. “Mandy? When the hell did you get to town?” Sandi wrapped her arms around her sister.

“I got here last night. I wanted to surprise you but you were gone. Luckily your hunky boyfriend was at your place so I crashed. Surprise,” she said warily.

“I’m glad to see you! Already working I see.”

“Yep. Got a check out a patient now actually.”

“Wait,” she called out. “A friend and colleague is in here and no one will tell me anything.” She explained what happened and followed Mandy down the corridor. Dom relaxed on the bed, looking like he was hanging out on a Sunday morning. “I guess you’re doing better than I am.”

“Maybe not if I’m seeing two of you. It’s a strange fantasy with the outfits but I can dig it.” He laughed and clutched his head.

“Take it easy. I’m Dr. Flynt but since you know my sister, call me Sandi. Says here you have a concussion.” Sandi watched her sister check his vitals and she sat back, happy he was alright.

“Shit Dom, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I told you how fine my ass is so I promise they’ll take care of me. Especially this one,” he motioned to Mandy and winked at Sandi.

She laughed and dropped into a chair. “What a long couple of days.”

“What the hell happened?” August stormed into the room breathing fire with angry eyes. “You said you knew what you were doing!” His gaze briefly landed on Dom but in the moment he was solely focused on her.

Sandi looked up at him, doing her best to wear an indifferent expression on her face.

“You put my best friend’s life in danger because you don’t know what the hell you’re doing! Fuck me, I should have known better.” She stood and closed in on her until they were face to face. “All you had to do was check the fucking weather Sandi, and you couldn’t even do that.” He ran a hand through his hair, looking at her as though she was lower than pond scum.

For a long time Sandi didn’t say anything. She just looked into those hate filled eyes and said goodbye. She took all the memories they’d made over the past couple months and locked them in a box and put that box in a dark corner. “Fuck you.” She turned and walked out of the room and away from August fucking Wilde.