Breaking the Rules

by Melinda Dozier

  “Of course.” He scooted his stool to the cabinets. “I think we can take this sucker off.” He pulled out a tiny cast saw. “Now, don’t be worried — ”

  “Dr. Calaway — ” She stopped when Colin raised his eyebrows at her. “Colin, you may not believe this, but I’ve had about ten casts since I was a little girl.”

  His eyes widened and he chuckled. “Really? You’re one of those then?” He put on goggles and plugged the saw in.

  “One of those?”

  “We call you our frequent flyers.” He laughed. A small dimple, one Hope found irresistibly cute, appeared next to his lips.

  She’d like to lean over and touch it … with her tongue.

  Whoa! She shook her head. Where did that come from?

  “Just lay back.”

  She’d like to lay back — with him on top of her. Geez, Hope, maybe you need to see a hormone specialist in another clinic. She rolled her eyes at herself and lay down with her hands behind her head. “How long have you been a doctor?”

  “If you include my residency, about eight years.” He smiled back at her and then leaned into her foot again. “Couldn’t find that in your file on Jason, could you?”

  The familiar vibration ran through her foot and she held back a laugh as the saw tickled. She knew the process well enough; in fact she had an arm cast nine months ago. She wouldn’t tell him that, though.

  “Not much of a file for Jason, actually, which is a good thing. Tells me he’s a good kid.” She chewed on her lower lip and stole a look at him. She also read that his mom had died two years ago, and understood that must be hard on a little boy and a dad who had to raise his son alone.

  “That’s reassuring.” His brows drew together as he worked. Even through the goggles, gold flecks radiated from his green eyes. “Almost all the way through. I’m at the padding … in … just … a … got it.” He turned the saw off and stretched the padding loose. “All right, let’s get that foot out.”

  She pushed herself up into a sitting position and placed her white foot in front of his face. A heat rose from her neck to her cheeks. This really wasn’t the most attractive position. Not that she needed to be attractive for him, of course. She tried to remove her foot from his view, but he grabbed her toes before she could take it away.

  He wiggled them gently and looked up at her face. “How does it feel?”

  She took a deep satisfying breath and smiled in approval. “Heavenly.”

  “You have a beautiful smile,” he said softly as his gaze met hers.

  Her skin tingled as her smile wavered. She could get used to seeing Dr. Calaway instead of Dr. Patel. “Thank you.”

  He scratched his chin and then stood up to place the tools back on the counter.

  Was he flirting with her? A slender delicate thread began to form between them. It didn’t hurt that his strong features held a certain sensuality, and that dimple — she never thought of dimples as sexy. Off-limits, she reminded herself, and she rolled her pant leg down. She straightened her shirt and capris while he washed his hands in the sink.

  When he turned around, he avoided her eyes this time and wrote in her file. “You need an X-ray to check if the fracture has healed completely.” He moved to her side and tapped her file on the edge of the table. “A nurse will get you in a moment.”

  When the X-ray was completed, Colin stepped back into the room with her results. This time he didn’t wear his jacket and the outlines of his shoulders strained against the fabric of his light blue-collared shirt. She wondered what he would look like shirtless with his stethoscope around his neck, gleaming on top of his sculpted pecs. She turned her back pretending to search in her purse for something, but really, she had to get herself into the right frame of mind.

  He held the X-ray up to the light. “All healed. Looks like you’re free to play some friendly games this Saturday.”

  She tried not to look at his face and pulled her other shoe from a plastic bag. “Great. I can’t wait.”

  With his green eyes gleaming and those dimples calling her name, he placed his hand on the table next to her. “So, I’ll see you at the games?”

  “I told you yesterday I’d be there.” She pulled a strand of hair behind her ear, willing herself to stop staring at his chiseled face.

  “Just making sure.” He leaned against the patient table and crossed his legs. “You’re not planning on breaking any other bones, are you?” A flash of humor crossed his face.

  She became speechless. “Uh … ”

  “Hey, I’m just kidding.” He cocked his head to the side. “Take care of yourself, that’s all. Don’t push too hard.” He backed off the table, grabbed her purse and held it up for her.

  She reached for the purse and their eyes met, the gleam of interest startling her. A secret invitation passed between them — one that she wanted to accept. Damn, she wanted to. But, despite his pull, she couldn’t do it. This was a no-win situation. A principal should never date a parent.

  She took a deep breath and looked at her toes.

  His stance changed, straighter, taller, and he wiggled the bag. “Gonna take your purse?”

  “Oh yes. Um. Thanks.” She put it on her shoulder. Why did she act like a girl in the boy’s locker room? I’m a strong, independent woman. Get it together, Hope. Stand up straight, one foot in front of the other. Think of Dr. McSteamy later, not in front of him for goodness sake. “So, I’ll see you Saturday and … thank you.”

  He lifted a corner of his mouth, the dimple calling her name. “My pleasure.” He opened the door and left the room without looking back.

  Chapter 2

  Colin sighed as he and Jason passed the hostess stand. Another Friday night at their regular place, Luigi’s Pizza. Kids’ voices screeched from the mini-arcade behind the booths. He could use some quiet time after a long day at the hospital. His last surgery lasted an hour longer than expected and he could barely keep his eyes open. However, he didn’t want to disappoint Jason, who showed more excitement about their weekly dinner since he hadn’t been out since he got into trouble. Even though Jason was grounded, they never missed their Friday night pizza raid. It was the one night they could spend time together with no other worries.

  They scooted into a booth next to the salad bar and Colin opened the menu propped between the cheese and pepper shakers.

  Jason studied the menu as if it had changed since the last time they’d eaten there two weeks ago. “Maybe we should try something different.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Colin studied the menu. “Why do they have a ten-page menu at a pizza parlor anyway? Want to try the Veggie Supreme?”

  Jason scrunched his face. “No way. You know I hate that green, slimy stuff.”

  “Then I guess we’re stuck with the same-o.”

  Their usual teenage waitress appeared at the table, a pen and ticket in hand. “Hi, Dr. Calaway. Can I get you guys something to drink while you look over the menu?”

  “Actually, we’re ready to order. We’ll have the medium double pepperoni and two Cokes.”

  The waitress took the menus. “Your regular, huh?” She smiled at Jason. “Hey Jason, ready to play The Racer on my break?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know if I can.” He eyed his dad, a sure sign he knew he was still in trouble.

  “Think about it, kiddo. I’ll be back in a jiffy with your sodas.”

  Colin sat back in the booth, pulling his cap and scratching his head. “When will you ever eat green things?”

  “Like never.” Jason turned toward the games. “I wonder if I still have the high score on The Racer.”

  “Don’t even think about it, buddy. You’re grounded.”

  “Aw, let him play.” A voice sounded behind him.

  He turned to see Ms. Robinson in tight yoga pants, making her
legs look like they’d never end, and a tank top. Her hair was pulled up on top of her head in a ponytail and a few strands strayed into her face. Seeing Hope out of her business suit was a pleasant surprise that made Colin’s heart stop for a second. “Look who it is, Jason.”

  Jason’s eyes lit up for a second. “Hi, Ms. Robinson.”

  “Want to join us?” Colin asked before he even thought about it. Obviously, his other brain was in charge tonight. He swallowed and pulled his cap down further.

  Hope scrunched her cute little nose. “I don’t want to intrude. I wanted to check out the salad bar and saw you two sitting here.”

  “No, please join us. Since grounded-boy here will be playing games, I’ll need someone to talk to.” Colin winked at her and energy surged through his body. He really wanted Hope to sit down so he could get to know this new principal. He knew he shouldn’t feel that way since he didn’t have time for a woman in his life, but when she was around his body came alive.

  “Well, if you don’t mind.” She smiled and something in the way she caught his gaze made every inch of him sit up and take notice.

  Jason scooted over and patted the space next to him. “Sit by me, Ms. Robinson.”

  She sat and her ponytail bobbed in Jason’s face as she set down her purse. Jason rubbed his nose and flicked the ponytail out of his eyes, which made Colin chuckle, but Hope didn’t seem to notice.

  Colin perused her body once more, while Jason moved to the side and wiped his face. She looked different tonight out of her usual business attire and relaxed. She had no makeup and her eyes shone bluer than he remembered. He liked this casual Hope. She had obviously come from working out, maybe the gym around the corner. Too bad he worked out at the clinic instead.

  The waitress appeared with two Cokes. “Hi, you want a drink?”

  “An iced tea, please, and a plate for the salad bar,” Hope answered as she fiddled with her napkin.

  “Right on it.” The teenager left.

  With pleading eyes, Jason sat at the edge of his seat. “Dad, can I go play? Please!”

  “Sure. Go ahead. Need money?” He unwrapped his straw and dropped it in the Coke.

  “Nah. I brought my allowance.” He held up his wallet. “Excuse me, Ms. Robinson.”

  Hope stood to let him by and Jason ran toward the arcade games.

  A small grin played on her lips as she sat back down. “I’ve never seen a kid turn down money.”

  “He’s a one and only.” Colin studied her as the waitress approached the table with Hope’s drink. She took the iced tea from the waitress, her full lips puckering as she drank. The waitress left a basket of breadsticks in the middle of the table along with Hope’s salad plate.

  Colin moved the basket closer to Hope. “Want some?”

  “I guess one won’t hurt. I’m starving.” Her finger brushed his and she flinched back quickly.

  A deep flutter fell across his belly. Wow, it had been a while since he experienced that. He smiled at her as she took a bite. She looked around the room, anywhere but him. A flush rose into her cheeks and her eyes blinked rapidly. So she felt the rush, too. They both had no right feeling this spark between each other, but it was something he couldn’t ignore.

  She nodded her chin in Jason’s direction. “He’s a barrel of energy. How’s it going with him?”

  Colin picked up a warm breadstick and dipped it in the marinara sauce. “Better. Even though he’s grounded, he doesn’t seem too put out.”

  “I can see that.” Hope’s lips tightened. She sat up straighter and folded her hands together. Uh-oh. Serious Hope again. “I wanted to call and talk to you.”

  “Really?” He sat back and smiled at her. “I like the sound of that.”

  She reached behind her and touched her ponytail. “Well, this is entirely school related. You see, yesterday, during Jason’s detention, I had him write an essay about why he pushed Bret Wilson.”

  “Bret Wilson? Ah, I see. He’s had some problems with the boy for a while now. I didn’t think it was that serious, though.” Colin shook his head.

  “I think what Jason said in his essay is worth sharing with you.” She peeked toward Jason, who played behind them.

  Colin frowned. “What is it?”

  “He said he pushed Brett because — ” Hope scrunched her nose again. “The boy called him a motherless weenie.”

  “Son of a — ” Colin rested his elbow on the table and dropped his head in his palms. “What else?”

  “He wrote extensively about not having a mom and what people say to him. He said it was no big deal, but it’s obvious that isn’t true. He’s struggling with how to deal with these painful feelings.” She tilted her head down to look in Colin’s eyes. “I just wanted you to know.”

  He sighed. “I guess it’s no secret we’re still having a hard time dealing with his mom’s death. I don’t know how much you know, but she died in a car accident two years ago.”

  “The school counselor filled me in.” She placed her hand on top of his. “I’m sorry.”

  A jolt shot through him and he placed his hand on top of hers because he needed to feel her touch and he didn’t want her to let go. “Jason doesn’t talk to me about it. I had him in counseling for a year and it seemed to help. In fact, the counselor said he didn’t need to go anymore. I guess I need to work on figuring out a way to reach him.”

  “From the little I’ve seen you’re doing a fine job, Colin.” She let go of his hand. “In time, it’ll get easier.”

  “I hope so.”

  Jason walked back to the table and sat next to Hope again. “I lost the last game.”

  Hope drank her tea. “What game do you like to play?”

  “I’m the best at The Racer. Still the top scorer.”

  She cocked her head. “You must play a lot.”

  “We come here most Fridays, so I kind of feel like it’s my game. Dad isn’t too bad either.”

  “Now, that’s something I’d like to see.” She smiled.

  The waitress arrived with the pizza and a salad plate. “Enjoy.”

  “You’re welcome to have a slice.” Colin offered as he served Jason.

  “I just got back from yoga, so I think I’ll go the light route. Be right back.” She headed for the salad bar.

  Colin watched her meander over, her long legs beckoning his attention. Yoga could be a nice sport. A very limber sport. He shook his head and looked back at Jason, who had a smile plastered on his face.

  “She’s nice, huh, dad?”

  Colin cleared his throat and took a slice for himself. “Yeah, she’s nice.”

  “You two should, like, go out.”

  Colin froze, holding the pizza server in mid-air. “What did you say?”

  “She’s kind of cool, and I guess she’s pretty.” He shrugged.

  Colin shook his head and laughed. “Yep. You definitely take after me.” He bit into his pizza. His son was right. She was gorgeous, in a way she didn’t even know, and caring. Her interest in Jason turned him on even more. Besides, if his son was okay with him dating, then he should really try to get back in the game. It had been a few months since he took a woman out, and Hope’s charm interested him more than any woman had in a long time.

  He sighed and tried to take his mind elsewhere. He couldn’t think this about a patient. Well, technically, she was Rajan’s patient. Still, he shouldn’t let his mind wander … to that cute little … ahem.

  Hope began to sit down next to Jason, but he stopped her. “Ms. Robinson, would you mind sitting next to my dad? I mean, I’ll be playing again and I don’t want to keep asking you to get up.”

  “Uh, sure.” She eyed Colin, who shrugged, and sat down next to him with her plate full of salad.

  Colin eyed Jason, who just smiled down at
his food. Little matchmaker.

  He took a bite of his pizza and looked next to him, raising his eyebrows. Watching Hope could be a sport.

  She opened her napkin roll, sat the utensils next to her plate — fork on one side, knife on the other — moving them to exact locations. She wiped a wet spot above her plate and replaced her iced tea on top. Then she opened the napkin and spread it across her lap. She looked up and asked, “What?”

  Colin shook his head. “Nothing. Just never seen anyone prepare to eat like that.”

  “Well, I’ve never seen anyone eat like that.” She pointed to Jason who finished his first slice in three bites.

  Colin frowned. “Slow down, Jason. I don’t want to have to go back to the hospital because you choked on pizza.” Colin lifted his own slice. “Pre-teens.”

  She smiled. “Yes, I know. You forget I’m a middle school principal.”

  Jason slurped down his Coke and looked at his dad. “Can I go play again?”

  “You just sat down.”

  Jason was halfway out of the booth. “Yeah, but I totally want to get first place on the other racing game in the corner.”

  “All right. Ten more minutes.”

  Jason ran off.

  Hope laughed. “He sure knows what he wants.”

  “If you only knew.” As she placed a piece of iceberg lettuce into her mouth, Colin smiled. What would she do if I told her what Jason suggested? Only one way to find out. He rested his arm against the back of the booth and observed her. “Jason just informed me that we should date.”

  “What?” She held her salad fork out in shock; a cherry tomato tumbled off the prongs and down the front of her. “Oh!” She shook her head and began to wipe her shirt off, dropping her fork into her lap in the process.

  “Wait, let me get another napkin.” Colin unrolled the extra napkin ring next to him. He wiped, pressing into her shirt, and rubbed the white salad dressing into the black fabric. He twirled the napkin around his finger and dabbed at her some more. When he saw her red face, he stopped.

  They stared at each other before they both howled with laughter. After calming down, she quirked an eyebrow, then looked down at her shirt. “Well what are you laughing at? You’re not the one who’s covered in salad dressing.”