“He won’t ever let you go.” Megan grinned.
“Please stop this.”
“Let me finish. Until your temp’s normal for forty-eight hours.”
Laurel looked at Jenessa. “Are they wearing street clothes in ICU these days?”
“Day off. I’ve come to talk to my husband.”
“Don’t you live with him?” Laurel asked. “Do you have to make appointments to talk?”
Jenessa grinned. “Too many diversions at home. We’re evaluating the efficiency of this unit and discussing adding a second. See you later.”
When Jenessa and Megan vanished, Laurel sank against the pillows. The pair hadn’t changed since college days when they had united to drive the teachers crazy.
Alex off balance. Impossible. Maybe the first meeting with his ex-wife had done that. His divorce had surely granted him immunity to instant attractions. Like the one she’d felt at sixteen, yesterday and this morning.
What was she going to do? This morning, her desire for him had threatened to erupt like a volcano. She had to protect herself. What did she know about relationships? After deciding she couldn’t stay at Alex’s house, she reached for her wallet. A call to the Mellwood Bank and she would have the money for her own place if Megan refused to take her in.
Chapter 3
Laurel stood at the window of her hospital room and stared at the doctors’ parking lot. Would Alex come today? Maybe he’d taken his son away for a long weekend. Maybe the boy was sick. Maybe --
She rested her hands on the window sill. She felt as though he’d abandoned her. Her parents had and left her to the care of a bank headed by a trio of men who considered money more important than one small girl.
Maybe her first thought had been right and he didn’t like her. The fantasy she’d built around him and refined for all those years had been no more than a dream. With a sigh, she sat on the chair in front of the window.
Since Saturday, her temperature had been normal. On Sunday, the IV had been removed and oral antibiotics had been started. Forty-eight hours without an elevated temperature. He had promised that would be the length of her stay.
“Laurel, great news.” Megan dashed into the room. “This morning’s chest X-ray showed great improvement. I bugged them until they gave me the results. Let me track Alex down.”
“Not Alex. Your father.”
Megan shook her head. “Guess he hasn’t been in.”
Laurel stared at the floor. “Not since Thursday.”
“He’s an idiot. Looks like you’re going home.”
Home, Laurel thought. She wasn’t going home. In a moment of weakness, she’d accepted Alex’s tersely worded invitation.
For some reason, she made him feel uncomfortable. He must have seen the way she had responded to his touch and remembered her teenage behavior. She couldn’t stay with him. Why should she put herself into a situation that would only increase her insecurities?
She heard a deep voice, a familiar voice. She started to rise, but sank back. How should she act when he arrived? She closed her eyes and rehearsed a few opening lines, but every one sounded like an accusation.
“Laurel, how are you feeling this morning?”
The voice, like yet unlike Alex’s, pulled her from her reverie. “Much better, Dr. Carter.
His smile reminded her of Alex’s. Dr. Carter had the same golden hair, but his blue eyes twinkled with laughter. Alex’s dark eyes always seemed to be peeling away surface layers to reach for hidden truths.
“What, no smile? You’re going home today.”
Laurel stared at her hands. Home, that word again. One she didn’t understand and never would. “Thank you.”
“Get lots of rest. Finish your antibiotics. If the cough persists or gets worse, call.” He shook his head. “I’m out of my field with your case, but Alex --”
But Alex, what? Had he explained to his father why her presence repelled him. “Do I need another X-ray?”
He patted her hand. “Since you’re staying with Alex, ask him.”
“But --” She rose. He wasn’t the person to tell that she wasn’t going to stay at Alex’s house. “About my bill?”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry. Evidently Alex notified the Mellwood Bank about your admission. Caused quite a stir in the billing office when the bank president called and said, ‘Spare no expense.’ I got a call asking if you needed private duty nurses and a stay at a convalescent home.”
“Guess I won’t be held for ransom.”
“Have no fear.” Megan strolled into the room. She wore jeans and a pink tunic top. “Got your discharge instructions and the slip that says your bills are paid.” She sat on the end of the bed. “Hi, Dad. Thought Alex might do the honors since he admitted her.”
“He didn’t and I’m not sure why.”
Megan winked. “I have a good idea.”
Dr. Carter stared at his daughter. “I see...Don’t be messing in his life.”
Megan shrugged. “Someone has to.”
Laurel reached for the clothes Megan had left hanging on the door. “Let me get dressed.”
Dr. Carter patted her shoulder. I’m glad you’re back. Don’t be a stranger. I’d be interested in hearing about your adventures.” He picked up the chart. “I called your prescription. They’ll deliver it to Alex’s.”
“But --” Laurel shook her head. She and Megan had to come to an understanding about where she was staying. “Thanks for everything. Once I’m settled at Megan’s, I’ll invite you to dinner.”
“I’d like that.” He waved and left.
Megan slid from the bed. “He’s not for you. He’s too old. Besides --”
“You have someone picked. Liz Jordan, right?” Laurel sauntered into the bathroom.
“You’ve got to do something about your wardrobe. Don’t you have anything that’s not khaki and tailored?”
“Sure. Tee shirts and bike shorts.”
“Drab. Boring.”
“Khakis are perfect when you’re working in the field. Laurel pulled on the slacks. “It’s the IHRM uniform.”
“Did you take a vow to wear them forever. I’d take you shopping, but I’m pushed for time today. Jen’s off tomorrow. I’ll ask her to take you to the mall.”
“Saw the place on my way here. That was a surprise. Don’t bother Jen. I’ll walk to town.”
“From Alex’s. That’s ten miles.”
Laurel sat on the bed and tied her sneakers. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I’m glad we agree.”
“We’re not talking about the same thing.” Laurel emptied the drawer of the bedside stand and packed the toiletries in the suitcase where Megan had jammed the tee shirts and bike shorts. “I’m not staying with Alex.”
“Why not? He invited you.”
“I make him uncomfortable.”
“Good. He needs to be shaken out of his rut. Three years since the divorce and he hasn’t dated or even looked.”
“He has his son.”
“He needs adult companionship.”
“His patients.” Laurel walked to the door and sat in the wheelchair parked outside.
“Patients, bah. He takes care of them. He doesn’t socialize. He needs you.”
Laurel groaned. Alex had acted more like he wanted to be rid of her. “Friends?”
“Come in couples. He avoids them.”
“Isn’t that his choice? I can’t stay at his house.”
Megan deposited the suitcase on Laurel’s lap. “What happened? Did he make a pass? That would upset him since you’re a patient. I think that’s why he’s avoiding you. Now you’re just a family friend.” She pushed the wheelchair down the hall. “I like the scenario.”
“Megan!” Laurel turned. Her friend’s knowing grin was infuriating. “If I can’t stay at your apartment, I’ll go to the hotel in town.”
“Dad had your medicine sent to Alex’s. You might as well ride out there with me.”
“Fine, b
ut I’m not staying.” She waited for another argument. Instead, Megan pressed for the elevator.
When they exited the hospital, Laurel inhaled. “Fresh air, freedom. The sky’s bluer and the grass is greener than from my window.”
“That’s because you’re not looking through dirty glass.”
Laurel laughed and got out of the wheelchair. Her friend headed for the parking lot. Laurel followed at a slower pace to the battered green sedan.
“I can’t believe you still have this.”
“It’s a classic, soon to be an antique.”
“Soon to fall apart. At least it’s not an oxcart or a surplus Army truck.”
“Oxcart?”
“Also donkeys, mules, and once, a camel. You have no idea what conditions I’ve faced.”
“I don’t think I want to know.” Megan backed out of the parking space. With a dozen non-specific rattles sounding, the car sped down the hill.
Laurel looked around with interest as they drove through town. “Why don’t I register at the hotel first?”
“Because you’re not going to stay there.” Megan rolled down her window and one of the rattles stopped. “Tell me about the near escape you had. What’s his sun sign? What does he look like? Name? Stats?”
Knowing Megan wouldn’t be satisfied until her questions had been answered, Laurel sorted through her memories. “Neil Bourne. The doctor who headed my team. Five ten, blue eyes, brown hair graying at the temples. Very British.”
“His sign?”
“I haven’t the slightest.”
“Were you in love with him?”
Laurel shook her head. “And I don’t think he loved me. He was like a trusted uncle. Someone I could talk to.”
“Then why?”
“My money, what else? Just like the trustees always feared.” She glanced at Megan.
“They sure did a number on you. A new nanny every year until you were ten and sent to boarding school. You could learn to trust, especially someone like Alex.”
“Don’t push us together. He doesn’t like me. Besides, what do I know about lasting relationships?”
“You could learn.”
Laurel closed her eyes. The constant disappearance of people from her life had scarred her. Though the trustees of her parents’ estate had believed they were protecting her, they had harmed her as well.
Megan drove into a circular driveway and parked in front of a brick house. Two wings jutted from the center portion.
“I’ll wait in the car,” Laurel said.
“You can’t. Sarah is expecting you. She aired the guest suite and stocked the kitchenette and this was as much her idea as mine. She remembers you from the summer you visited. If you don’t come in, she’ll have my head. I’d look silly without it.”
Laurel exhaled. “Sometimes I think you were born with an empty one. I’ll stay one night and since I don’t want to put you out, I’ll find my own place.”
“You might be too comfortable to leave.” Megan grabbed the suitcase. “Your drab khakis are already in the closet.”
“I can pack in five minutes. Practice.”
“Let Sarah pamper you for a week.”
Laurel leaned against the car. Megan’s suggestion tempted her, but only if she didn’t see Alex. She strode up the walk beside Megan. As they neared the front porch, she noted the faded red of the bricks. “How old is this house?”
“One of the first brick houses built around here. Alex always loved it. You should have seen the condition when he bought the place. You’ll be staying in the wing that was added in 1840.”
Laurel turned and looked into the side yard. A white fence covered with climbing roses enclosed the area. “It’s lovely.”
“Alex did a lot of the work himself. He preserved the exterior but made changes inside.” Megan opened the door.
Laurel paused in the foyer and looked at the graceful staircase leading to the second floor. The dark brown wood contrasted with the cream-colored walls. Megan strode down the hall. Laurel followed her into a spacious kitchen complete with a breakfast nook and a center island. The brick floor gleamed. Striped wall paper, green on cream, covered the walls. The curtains at the windows matched the paper.
A plump middle-aged woman turned from the stove. Her graying dark hair feathered around her face. She held out both hands.
“Laurel Richmond, you haven’t changed except you’re scrawnier than a stray cat. Give me two weeks and you’ll be lookin’ good.” She clasped Laurel’s hands. “Circles under your eyes. Need some rest. Megan, show her the guest suite. Me and Jake are on the second floor. If you need anything, just holler.”
“I will. It’s good to see you again.”
Megan gestured to the back door. Awash in the welcome, Laurel followed. She stopped to admire the azaleas.
“I guess you’ve changed your mind about staying,” Megan said.
“Why?”
“You didn’t tell her you were leaving.”
“I’ll stay tonight. You can pick me up in the morning.”
“We’ll talk about that later.” Megan strode around the corner of the wing into the side yard. There, she opened the door. “Be my guest.”
“Don’t I wish.” Laurel entered the living room of the suite. Bookshelves covered one wall. A gray couch and a matching lounger faced a wide screen television.
“Kitchenette’s through that door. I told Sarah about your craving for iced tea. She left a pitcher plus some of her special sugar and lemon syrup.”
“I’ll thank her.” Laurel hid a yawn.
“Bedroom,” Megan said.
“Good.” Laurel stepped past Megan. The walls of the room had been painted pale pink. A pink spread covered with red roses matched the canopy and the curtains.
“You’ll like the bathroom.” Megan flung the door wide. “Ta-da. I’ve teased Alex about this for months.”
Laurel’s eyes widened when she saw the rectangular green pool set in a green and white tile floor. “Like? I’m in love. Maybe I will stay and spend a couple of weeks in the bathing pool.”
Megan giggled. “I offer her my brother and she wants a bathtub.”
“Why not? I’m used to sponge baths in tiny basins or one of those camp showers where you’re conserving water. This looks like my idea of heaven.”
Megan talked to the door. “Then I’ll leave you to your hot and cold running romance. See you this evening. I’ve invited myself to dinner.”
When Megan left, Laurel decided a nap was needed. She kicked off her shoes, closed her eyes and curled on her side.
The realization that someone watched her brought her instantly awake. Rebels. How did they get past the guards? Without changing position, she opened her eyes. Instead of a menacing figure, she saw a small boy with hair a few shades lighter than Alex’s.
“You’re Johnny,” she said.
He nodded and stuck a finger in his mouth. His head was bent so she couldn’t see his eyes. He shifted from foot to foot. Was he always this shy?
“I’m Laurel, your Aunt Megan’s friend.”
“I know.”
She couldn’t quite decipher the look in his eyes. Anger or sadness. “Are you mad at me for spoiling your afternoon with your dad?”
“Didn’t go to the zoo ‘cause you got sick. We picked berries.”
“Strawberries?”
He nodded. “Mars. Rodgers made jam.”
“And delicious strawberry shortcake. Your dad brought a piece to the hospital for me.”
“Why you get sick? Did you forget your sweater?”
She shook her head. “I’m a nurse like Aunt Megan and I was taking care of sick children in India.”
His eyes widened. “Did you see elephants?”
“I even rode on one.”
“Oh wow.” He turned. “Mrs. Rodgers send me so you could come for lunch.”
Laurel put on her sneakers. “Is it a good lunch?”
“Chicken sandwiches, soup and berries.”
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“Sounds great.”
His dark eyes searched her face. “Did you come to marry Daddy? Mrs. Rodgers wants him to get an old wife.”
“I’m here for Mrs. Rodgers to spoil.” Laurel hid a smile. Megan had an ally. “Do you want your dad to have a wife?”
“Don’t want no old wife.”
Though she wanted to hug this sad-eyed child, she kept her hands at her side. “Then I won’t be one, okay?”
He studied her. “I like you.”
“And I like you. Tell you what. Let’s be friends. After lunch, I’ll tell you some stories about elephants.”
He thrust out his lower lip. “Have to take a nap ‘cept when Daddy doesn’t have his office.”
“I take naps, too. When you finish yours, come get me and I’ll tell you the stories then.”
He skipped ahead of her around the end of the wing. Laurel sighed. Tomorrow. She had to leave. Already in danger of falling for Alex, she couldn’t afford to fall in love with his son.
*****
Alex parked his car in the drive and slung his jacket over his shoulder. He was late. An emergency at the hospital had held him up. How upset was Johnny? His son clung to routine and Alex tried to plan his days so he arrived home early enough to spend time with Johnny before dinner. The few times the routine had been broken, his son had woken screaming.
The sound of laughter startled him. He walked to the fence that enclosed the side yard. Johnny sat on the grass. Laurel sat across from him. Her hands moved and his son imitated her motions.
Alex leaned against the fence and drank in the sight and sound of his child’s laughter. It had been three years since Johnny had sounded so carefree.
Laurel seemed as relaxed and as young as Johnny. She raised her hands. Her pale green shirt stretched across her full breasts. He gulped a breath. The desire to touch, to taste, to savor hit him like a blow from a sledgehammer.
Why? Deliberately, he had stayed away from her hospital room. Hoping time and distance would lessen his desire for her, he’d dragooned his father into seeing her.
Laurel rose. She swung clasped hands and lumbered around Johnny. He jumped up and followed. Then his son who barely tolerated Megan’s hug threw his arms around Laurel’s legs.
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