Redeeming the Rebel Doc

by Susan Carlisle

She would be seeing him on Saturday for the Walk with a Doc event. At least he’d committed to it and she wouldn’t have to blackmail him into going. Maybe while they were there she could work on convincing him he needed to do more interviews. He’d been a natural on-camera, and discussions like those were the perfect outlet for her PR campaign.

  Really, though, with his charm, anything that involved a woman was his forum. Maggie wasn’t the only one captivated by Rex. No matter how Tiffani tried to deny it, she too was quickly falling under his spell.

  CHAPTER SIX

  RINGING WOKE TIFFANI early on Friday morning. She rolled over, grabbed her cellphone and glanced at the number. Rex. Her heart skipped. Thoughts of him had been circling in her head all night and none had to do with the campaign. Why was he calling now? Had something happened?

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, there, sleepyhead.” He sounded far too cheerful. “If you don’t want me to arrive on my bike tomorrow I’m going to need you to come by and pick me up. My buddy needs his truck.”

  By the tone of his voice he was enjoying the idea of making her his chauffeur for the day. Regardless, she didn’t want him arriving on his bike for the Walk with a Doc event. She didn’t want any opportunity for negative publicity about Rex to present itself, not when the campaign was going so well after his interview. There had been a huge amount of positive feedback on social media regarding the “cute doctor.” She didn’t need any damaging press right now.

  “What’s your address? I’ll be around to get you about seven thirty tomorrow morning.”

  “Great, then I’ll see you bright and early.” Rex gave her an address that she recognized as being in the historical district, then said goodbye, leaving her alone with her thoughts about him.

  * * *

  On Saturday morning, Tiffani was up and out of bed earlier than normal. For reasons she refused to examine, she took longer than usual deciding what to wear, refusing for a second time to think about why she felt a deep-seated need to look nice for Rex. She decided to forgo the PR attire in an effort to appear more feminine and casual. After careful consideration she chose a short-sleeved, red button-down shirt and black skinny jeans. As a final touch, she pulled her hair up into a loose ballerina bun.

  Rex’s neighborhood had recently gone through rejuvenation. Young families and professionals were moving back. Trendy restaurants and jazz bars were in abundance. The famous Beale Street was only a few blocks away. If she could afford it, the area would be a place she would enjoy living.

  Tiffani pulled up in front of the address Rex had given. It was a red brick building with the type of tall windows she’d always found especially appealing.

  She pulled to the curb and texted him.

  I’m here.

  In less than a minute he came out of a dark wooden door and headed toward her. His hair was pushed away from his face and held by a ball cap worn backward. The T-shirt he wore fit him well enough to reveal his muscular chest. She acknowledged to herself, with a bit of guilt, that his jeans and tennis shoes suited him better than the “business” clothes she’d coaxed him into wearing for the photos. However, she had no choice but to present him as a polished, competent professional on the billboards.

  His smile was broad as his eyes met hers through the windshield. It was refreshing to have someone glad to see her. Her father was only happy to see her when he wanted something and Lou had never exhibited such a look of joy when he’d seen her.

  “Mornin’, Tiff,” Rex said as he climbed in. “Man, I forgot about how small your car is.” He worked to get his long legs inside. “Will you help me out if I need it?”

  She giggled. “That would be a good clip for the media. Me bent over your lap.”

  His look caught hers. “Sounds interesting to me.”

  She felt the rush of heat from head to toe.

  Although he’d turned her remark into a naughty image, he might really need her assistance in getting out. His knees pressed against the dashboard even with the passenger seat as far back as it would go.

  Rex remarked, “If I hang out with you much longer, you’re either going to have to get on my bike or buy a larger car.”

  Was he thinking about them spending more time together? She had been. Despite his attitude about the campaign, she’d discovered she liked him. Liked how he had challenged her in the past few days to step out of her secure world.

  She mustn’t let herself think about such things. If, no, when, she got the promotion, she was moving out of town. She certainly didn’t need a long-distance relationship that would no doubt end in another ugly breakup. She had sworn to herself she wouldn’t go through that hell again.

  It had rained near daybreak and the early morning streets were still damp. There were no clouds in the sky now, but in their area of the south it wasn’t uncommon to get storms late in the afternoon.

  Finding a parking spot near Tom Lee Park, she pulled in. Rex did have some difficulty getting out but, thankfully, he didn’t request her help. They walked toward the staging area near the entrance of the park with the wide flowing Mississippi River on one side. She would miss it when she left. Tiffani glanced at Rex. He might be something else she’d miss as well.

  Tents were set up in a grassy area with tables and chairs under them. People mingled while others worked to prepare for the event. As she and Rex moved toward the starting/finishing line, marked by a high arch of balloons, she overheard one woman say to another, “Isn’t that the doctor on the billboard?”

  “What’re they talking about? Have the billboards already gone up?” Rex immediately demanded.

  Tiffani stopped. He did too. She turned and pointed toward a billboard just barely visible in the distance on which Rex was bigger than life, standing in front of the hospital in his dress shirt, stethoscope around his neck, arms crossed over his chest and smiling with self-assurance. Everything about the picture generated an impression of you-can-have-confidence-in-me.

  “I’m sure they’re talking about that one, but there are others around town.”

  Rex groaned as if in pain. “The people I work with are already making fun of me about the interview. This isn’t going to help things. How many are there?”

  “Three, and I hope to put up a couple more. I wanted them in the most prominent places so I’m having to wait until space becomes available.”

  “You’re killing me, woman.” He started walking again.

  Grinning, Tiffani caught up. “I told you I planned to do billboards as soon as possible.”

  “Yeah, but I didn’t really think it through.” He looked disgusted. “I’m so...large.”

  “But at least you’re handsome.” Tiffani realized too late what she’d said.

  Rex smirked his pleasure. “So you think I’m handsome?”

  “You’re not going to pull me into that conversation.” She walked faster.

  He called after her, “You can’t run and hide. I heard you.”

  She was glad when they reached the starting area. The WMEP crew was already setting up.

  If she could manage it, Tiffani planned to have Rex do another quick interview with Maggie. Tiffani was certain it wouldn’t be a problem after Maggie’s reaction to him on Thursday. He’d charmed her without a doubt, but Tiffani knew convincing him to do another interview would be difficult.

  “Hey,” she said, as if on impulse, “I know you don’t like all this limelight but I really do appreciate you working with me. I reported how things are going to Dr. Nelson yesterday. He seemed pleased and implied that the board would be as well.”

  “I’m glad someone’s happy,” Rex grumbled.

  “Today would be another big boost if you’ll just be agreeable. Would you do a short interview with Maggie about the event today?”

  “I’m always agreeable,” he said in a snide tone.

  She gave h
im a dubious look and put her hands together in a praying manner. “Will you, please?”

  He sighed deeply, giving her an uncertain look. Just when she expected him to refuse, he said, “I’ll do it if you really think it’s necessary.”

  “I do. I’ll go see if I can find Maggie.” Tiffani hurried off with a smile on her face.

  * * *

  Rex watched Tiffani walk off in the direction of the TV van. She had a sweet little tush. One he wanted to cup and pull against him. Yet she behaved as if she had her elbows locked to keep him at arm’s length. All she seemed to think about was her campaign. He consoled himself that at least they would have some personal time during the walk.

  He liked these types of events, even though he didn’t often get to participate in them. Most of his time was tied up at the hospital or the clinic. This morning was pleasant and the crowd was animated, clearly eager to have a good time, so he was going to make the most of it.

  “Rex.”

  He looked in the direction of the call. Tiffani was waving at him. He strolled over to her.

  “Maggie said she’d love to talk to you.”

  At least one woman was interested in him, just not the right one. “If I must.”

  Tiffani gave his arm a light slap. “Be nice. You were great last time.”

  Before he could respond, Maggie and a cameraman descended on them. “Hello, Rex. It’s so nice to see you again.”

  Tiffani’s eyes narrowed but a smile remained on her face.

  “Maggie, it’s a pleasure to see you too.” He used his most pleasant voice, thankful for his perfect manners.

  Over the next few minutes she asked him about why he was participating in the Walk with a Doc event and about what he did to remain healthy. A couple of times she rested her hand on his arm. The first time he happened to glance at Tiffani and found her lips pursed as she watched them intently. When it occurred again he made a point of looking at Tiffani. Her brows had narrowed and she took a step forward before she stopped.

  Did she not like Maggie touching him?

  Maggie finished the interview and the camera was off when she gripped his forearm and cooed, “Call me sometime. You can reach me at the station.”

  A second later Tiffani said, “Rex, we’d better go. It’s about time to line up.”

  As if on cue, an announcement that the walk was beginning could be heard loud and clear.

  Rex said in his best syrupy voice, adding a smile, “Thanks, Maggie. Bye.” He called after Tiffani, who was stalking away, “Hey, what’s the hurry?”

  She stopped and looked at him. “What?”

  “Why the rush? We have time.”

  “I was afraid that if I didn’t get away from you two I might go into a diabetic coma with all that sugar piling up,” she answered in a sarcastic tone.

  A slow grin came to his lips. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more flattered.”

  Perplexed, she demanded, “What’re you talking about?”

  “You’re jealous.” He couldn’t stop his huge self-satisfied smile.

  “I am not!” she huffed, then hurried off.

  “I thought you wanted me to be nice to her.” Rex continued after her.

  She stopped and glared at him. “I wanted you to look like a professional that people could trust, not a man looking for a date.”

  Rex burst out laughing. “I was carrying on a conversation. She was the one doing all the touching.”

  “And from what I could tell, you were eating it up.” Tiffani huffed a second time and disappeared into the crowd.

  Rex found her waiting near the starting line. He grinned and she looked away. Here he was, thinking he wasn’t getting through to her and, lo and behold, she was jealous. That was a giant step in his favor.

  The crowd gathered around them. As they did so, Tiffani took pictures of them and several of Rex.

  He asked, “What’re you doing?”

  “I’m getting some shots to put up on social media, the hospital newsletter and website. They might not be as engaging as Maggie’s interview but they’ll be more about the hospital and less about flirting.” She raised her chin. “Plus, these you can’t forbid me to use.”

  His nose almost touched hers. “I bet I can.”

  She lifted her head haughtily. “But I’m not going to listen.”

  A representative of the hospital, using a microphone, demanded their attention. He welcomed everyone then asked all the doctors to raise their hands. Rex put his up. The crowd around them cheered. The man then said a few more words about the importance of wellness before he called out, “Ready. One, two, three, walk!”

  The mass of bodies surged around Rex and Tiffani. For a second he feared he might lose her and grabbed her hand. Her head jerked around, her look rebellious as she tried to free her hand. He held tight. “I don’t want to lose you.”

  With a trace of hesitancy in her eyes she stopped resisting.

  They followed the route designated by arrows down the path along the river. He’d reviewed a map beforehand and knew they were following a large circular path through the park. Others strolled, deep in private conversation, around them. When the crowd thinned, Tiffani pulled her hand free. He let her go without argument, even though he missed the soft feel of her flesh next to his. He set his pace to hers.

  They hadn’t gone far when a girl of about twelve came up beside him, pointing to the billboard, which was now easier to see. “That’s you up there on that sign, isn’t it?”

  Tiffani took a picture of them.

  He wasn’t going to enjoy having the billboards around town. What had he been thinking to agree to it all? “Yes, that’s me.”

  “You’re famous?”

  Tiffani made a choking noise.

  He glared at her then looked at the girl again. “No, I’m not famous.”

  The girl seemed satisfied and ran off to join a group ahead of them.

  Through clenched teeth he warned, “Tiff, don’t you dare say anything.”

  Her giggles filled the air around them, eventually fading away as they continued to walk.

  The ensuing silence between them was comfortable.

  Minutes later she said, as if talking more to herself than him, “I love this city. I’ll miss it when I leave.”

  His chest tightened. “You’re leaving?”

  “I hope so. If I get that promotion then I’ll move to the home office.”

  He looked at the railed bridge ahead across the river. “Where’s that?”

  “Louisville, Kentucky.”

  He whistled low. “That’s a long way away from here.”

  “It is. It’ll be a big change but a good one.” She sounded more resigned than excited.

  Rex didn’t want to scrutinize the uneasy feeling in his stomach. “How soon is this supposed to happen?”

  “If this campaign goes well, I hope soon.” She gave him a serious look then took pictures of people ahead of them.

  The thought of her leaving had him suddenly thinking of ways to sabotage the campaign. But why was he overreacting? They hadn’t even been on a date. A fact he decided to remedy right then. “Do you like barbecue?”

  She gave him a look of disbelief. “Yeah. How can you live in Memphis and not like barbecue?”

  “Wet or dry?” he asked as they made the turn and headed back the way they had come.

  “Both, but dry is usually my pick.” She clicked a few more pictures.

  “Mine too. How about we go for lunch when we’re done here? I know a great place that serves a special dry rub.”

  Her step faltered for a second. Rex grabbed her arm to steady her. When she was surefooted again he released her.

  “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” she finally said.

  “Why? Two hungry friends can’t shar
e a meal?” What made her so reluctant to having anything to do with him outside her job?

  “Put like that, it does seem silly to say no.” She smiled at him.

  “Then we have a plan.” This type of campaign he could get into.

  They were almost back to the starting line when someone called, “Help! Someone, help!” Rex broke into a run. He came up on a few women on their knees beside another woman, who was lying on the ground.

  “I’m a doctor. What’s wrong here?” Rex went down on his heels next to the woman.

  “She just collapsed,” someone said above him.

  He checked for a pulse. Finding none, he quickly said, “Someone, call 911 and get the first-aid people.” Tilting the woman’s head back, Rex checked her airway.

  “What can I do?” Tiffani asked from beside him.

  “Do you know CPR?”

  “Yes,” Tiffani said with confidence.

  He clasped his hands in the center of the woman’s chest. “Then you do the breathing while I do chest compressions. Give her two breaths to start.”

  Tiffani did as he instructed.

  He started chest compressions, Tiffani breathing deeply into the woman’s lungs every time he rested, before sitting back as Rex started compressions again.

  * * *

  Tiffani had no idea how long she and Rex worked in unison before the first-aid people arrived. She was in the process of giving the collapsed woman another breath when another woman, carrying an automated external defibrillator bag in hand, knelt beside Rex.

  Tiffani, with sweat on her brow, moved out of the way. The tension didn’t leave her body as she watched Rex and the woman work.

  Rex continued compressions as the first-aid person placed the leads while he talked on the phone. From what she could tell from the conversation, he was talking to the ambulance people.

  “Clear!” the woman said, and Rex moved away. Seconds later she pushed a button, sending an electric shock through the patient’s body.

  Rex leaned his head close to the woman’s mouth. “Nothing.”

  The first-aid woman reset the machine and waited for it to recharge. “Clear!” Once again, she pushed the button. The woman’s body jumped.