Prince Charming, M.D.

by Susan Mallery

  A few minutes of silence followed. Dana glanced around the room, trying to think of something to say. Her stomach had settled down some, but that was counteracted by the heat in her blood and her hormones screaming for her to attack Trevor. She decided it would be better to resist. At least until she found out how he would react to what she had to say.

  “Dana, tell me what’s wrong,” he said.

  She set the wine on the coffee table and smiled brightly. “Wrong? Nothing’s wrong.”

  “You’re fidgeting, and rubbing your hands together. Either something is bothering you or you’ve got some kind of skin condition. If it’s the latter, you should be seeing a dermatologist instead of a surgeon.”

  “No, I don’t have a skin condition. It’s just…”

  How on earth was she supposed to bring this up without sounding like a complete idiot? She knew that most of her discomfort came from the fact that she was about to put herself on the line. After all, there was a chance Trevor hadn’t meant what he’d said “that morning.” It could have simply been postsex chitchat. Maybe he hadn’t been interested in her all.

  But he had been interested, she reminded herself. She’d felt the physical proof over and over again. In fact, thinking about it was enough to—

  Quit stalling! The voice inside her head was so loud she was afraid Trevor could hear her. But he didn’t say anything. Instead, he waited politely for her to tell him why she was visiting him on a Friday night.

  “It’s about the other morning,” she said at last. “You know, after.”

  After she’d had the most incredible experience of her life.

  He nodded. “What about the other morning?”

  Foolishly, she’d hoped he would guess without her prompting him. Fear swelled inside her but she ignored it. After all, it wasn’t as if she actually cared about Trevor. If she was risking romantic involvement, then she would have a right to be terrified. But only her pride was at stake.

  “I wasn’t very gracious,” she admitted. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “I understand,” he told her, his eyes unreadable. “It was an unexpected thing for both of us.”

  “Um, yes, that, too. It’s just…I wasn’t sure what you meant when you talked about, well, seeing me.”

  He sipped his wine. “What didn’t you understand?”

  She sucked in a breath. So he wasn’t going to make this easy. “Why you said it. Why you mentioned wanting to see me again. The thing is…” She exhaled and tried another deep breath. It didn’t work at keeping her calm. So she decided to just go for speed. If she blurted it all out quickly, maybe it wouldn’t be so embarrassing.

  “I didn’t mean to brush you off like that,” she started, her words running together. “It’s not that I’m not interested in dating you—it’s just there’s so much to deal with. We have our past relationship, although I’ve decided I don’t think you were the one to spread the rumors. And then there’s the hospital. There’s so much gossip and I wouldn’t want anyone to know and—” She had to stop for air.

  “That is a lot,” he said.

  She’d hoped for more of a reaction. She still couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “That’s about everything,” she said. “I, um, thought that if, um, you were still interested in seeing me, you know, on a personal basis, that, well, I’d like it, too.”

  Her voice had dropped with each word, so that by the end of her short speech she was barely whispering.

  Trevor didn’t answer right away. Her tension increased, as did her dawning realization that she’d just made a huge mistake. He hadn’t meant what he’d said that morning. He was just being polite at the time. There wasn’t any attraction between them. She was a fool.

  She was about to rise to her feet and bolt for the door, when he put his glass on the coffee table and leaned toward her.

  “Dating?” he asked.

  It wasn’t the word itself; it was the way he said it. Caressing the syllables, surrounding it with meaning, making her skin tingle and her thighs go up in flames.

  She could feel the heat on her cheeks, but she nodded. “Yes. Dating.”

  He smiled. It was the extraspecial one designed to reduce unsuspecting women to puddles, and she was no exception. The flames in her thighs spread to the rest of her body.

  “Sounds like fun,” he said.

  The relief was tangible. She sagged back against the cushions. “Oh, good.”

  “When would you like to start?” he asked.

  “Whenever it’s convenient for you, but there have to be a couple of ground rules.”

  His smile faded. “Why do I know I’m not going to like them?”

  If telling him she was interested in dating him had been hard, then the rest of what she had to say was impossible. She forced herself to do it anyway. “First, I don’t want anyone at the hospital to know. We’re both in high-profile jobs and the rumors could make our work difficult.”

  “I agree,” he said. “I won’t be telling anyone, except possibly my father, and I’m sure he can be discreet.”

  Walter was going to know? She didn’t want to think about that.

  “What’s the second rule?” he asked.

  “I don’t date with a crowd,” she said. “I would need this to be exclusive. You have to promise not to see anyone else. This is a deal breaker for me, Trevor. If you can’t give up the other women, then I won’t go out with you.”

  He stared at her for a long time. “If you think I’m the kind of man who would date more than one woman at a time, why are you willing to trust my word?”

  It was a fair question. “I’m not sure, but I am. I suppose it’s because you don’t lie.”

  He was silent for a while. Finally he nodded. “All right, Dana, I’ll give you exclusive. Despite what you think about me, I’ve never dated more than one woman at a time in my life. I am, by nature, monogamous, so faithful is easy for me. Any other ground rules?”

  Don’t break my heart. But she didn’t say that one aloud. She couldn’t. After all, her heart wasn’t engaged, nor was it going to be. She was in this for the fun and nothing else. At least that was the plan. She ignored the voice in the back of her head that whispered something else might be going on. Something she wasn’t willing to recognize yet.

  “No, that’s it for me.” She cleared her throat. “That’s really all I had to say.”

  “Great.” He rose to his feet, forcing her to do the same. “Tell you what. Let’s get started tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at seven. Dress casual.”

  Then, before she knew what was happening, he’d ushered her to his front door and shown her out. She wasn’t sure what it meant or what would happen now. Yet a part of her was sure she’d just done something that would change her life forever.

  *

  Trevor stared at the closed door and wondered where he’d gotten the courage to calmly discuss dating with Dana, then show her out. He knew it was the right thing to do. She had some strong opinions about the two of them and he was beginning to see that the only way to get through to her was to keep her off balance. But given the choice, he would rather have pulled her into his arms, kissed her until they were both weak with longing, then taken her upstairs to his bedroom and made love with her.

  An intriguing idea, but not practical. Not for right now.

  He returned to the living room and tried to watch the baseball game. He barely recognized either team, let alone found the score interesting. His mind raced. He was torn. On the one hand, he was thrilled that Dana wanted to start a relationship with him. For a while he’d been afraid that their night together hadn’t meant anything to her. Now he knew that she’d been affected, too. Although not in the same way. After all, he’d realized that he loved her. She’d realized that dating him wouldn’t be too horrible.

  But while he was pleased to be in a position where he would be able to see her, he was also furious. He was still fighting his reputation and her assumptions. Until she believed in him, until she too
k the time and trouble to see him for the man he was, they would never have a chance at making anything work.

  For now, though, he would concentrate on the opportunity to be with her. He had several ideas about how to make the most of their time together. Dana might not have fallen in love with him, but she’d been just as surprised and pleasured by their lovemaking. He didn’t doubt the memories were haunting her, as well. He would use that to his advantage, he decided. Not by seducing her, but by playing hard to get.

  *

  Trevor wore jeans, a long-sleeved shirt rolled up to the elbows and cowboy boots. After their week at the seminar, Dana told herself she should be used to seeing him in casual clothing. And she was. What she wasn’t used to and what she might never grow totally comfortable with was how gorgeous he was.

  He’d showered and shaved, so the fantasy of the previous night—damp hair, freshly shaved jaw—was now a reality. She felt her heart flutter as an assortment of other organs and body parts also took notice of him. She couldn’t help thinking how much she wanted him and how wonderful it had been to be with him.

  “Hi,” she said, and held open the door. “You’re right on time.”

  “It’s one of my best qualities,” he said as he stepped inside, leaned close and kissed her cheek.

  Dana had been hoping for a more vigorous greeting. In fact, if he’d taken her in his arms and really kissed her, she’d been willing to start the date with dessert Not that she would ever have admitted that to him or any other living soul.

  “You look pretty,” he said.

  As he’d requested, she’d dressed casually in tailored cotton pants and peach T-shirt. “Thanks. How was your day?”

  “Not bad. I had to check on a couple of patients at the hospital. Otherwise, it was quiet.”

  She’d figured as much. She’d spent her Saturday getting caught up around the house. While she hadn’t actually been listening for sounds from his place, she’d heard enough to tell her that he had indeed stayed in for much of the day. Alone.

  “Good.”

  He smiled. “Are you ready?”

  “Sure. Let me grab my purse.”

  She locked the door behind them and told herself the tightening sensation in her stomach did not come from nerves, even though she knew it did. One would assume that after spending the night with him, a mere date would be simple. But she found herself trying to think of something clever to say so that he would like her.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “Not far.” He led the way back to his town house.

  Dana followed uncertainly. “Did you forget something?”

  “No.” He ushered her inside. “I know you have this strange idea that I’m out at a different party every night, but that’s not true. I thought it would be easier to convince you of the fact if we went on what I consider a very nice, very typical date.”

  As she stood in the center of his living room, she wasn’t sure what to think. The dining-room table had been set for two. There were even fresh flowers for a centerpiece.

  “I’m cooking,” he said. “Nothing fancy. Steaks, a salad and baked potatoes.”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “Wait until you see what we’re having for dessert.”

  Her thighs trembled. She didn’t want to wait.

  “I have a couple of videos for you to choose from.” He pointed at two small plastic cases resting on the kitchen counter. “I hope at least one of them will appeal to you. But before dinner and our movie, I’d like you to look over my house plans with me. Some of the rooms aren’t exactly what I want, but I can’t figure out what’s not working. I thought you might be able to help me.”

  It was not the date she’d imagined, but as he described the evening, she couldn’t think of anything she would rather do more. Far better to be here with Trevor where they could enjoy each other’s company, than to spend the night in a loud restaurant or club, where they couldn’t really talk.

  “Sounds like fun,” she told him.

  “Are you sure? We can go out if you’d prefer.”

  His hazel green eyes darkened slightly, as if he weren’t completely sure of her reply. She knew he would do whatever she requested. There was something charming about his uncertainty. Trevor might be a skilled surgeon who radiated confidence the way the sun radiated light, but sometimes, with her, he was just a guy trying to do the right thing. The flashes of vulnerability left her weak with wanting. How was she supposed to resist him?

  “I love what you’ve planned for the evening and I can’t wait to have you cook for me.”

  “You’re going to love it,” he promised.

  And she knew that he was right

  *

  He pushed the video into the VCR and returned to the sofa. Dana had discarded her shoes earlier and sat on the couch with her feet curled under her. They each had a glass of red wine, the last from the bottle they’d shared at dinner.

  Trevor took his time about setting the controls because he wasn’t all that anxious to return to her side. Not that he wasn’t having a good time; he was. But Dana was making it damn hard to stick to his promise that nothing would happen between them tonight He was determined to make her want him, but more than that, he wanted her to realize who he was. She had to get past the facade and the rumors. Making love would only complicate the situation.

  Still, it was one thing to think rationally while alone and quite another to act that way when faced with a beautiful woman who was obviously expecting more.

  Dana hadn’t said anything, but he’d read her body language. She’d stood close while he was cooking the steaks, had touched him when they’d looked over the plans for the house. Even now, she sat in the center of the sofa, giving him nowhere to escape when he sat down. She was going to be right there, all soft and sweet smelling, tempting him to the point where he didn’t know how he was supposed to resist her.

  He sat next to her, and decided that not being intimate didn’t mean they had to act like strangers. He put his arm around her and she snuggled up.

  “This is nice,” she told him.

  “I agree.” He pushed the Play button on the VCR and the tape started. “I’m glad you picked this movie. I saw it when it was first in the theaters, but I haven’t had a chance to rent it since.”

  Dana glanced at him. He felt her sharp gaze, but didn’t dare return it. He wasn’t sure what she would read in his face. Her remark about things being nice hadn’t been about the movie at all, but it was safer to comment on that than to agree she felt entirely right in his arms.

  Her head rested on his shoulder; her right breast nestled against his chest. Their thighs brushed and he knew it wouldn’t take much to convince her to let him make love to her right there on the couch.

  “I wouldn’t have minded the other movie,” he said as several previews played. He’d chosen a recently released romantic comedy along with a film about the ill-fated Apollo mission to the moon. She’d picked out the latter.

  “I like this one. I saw it in the theater, too, so it’s been a while for me.”

  The movie began and Dana relaxed against him. He felt her breath against his neck and the warmth of her body. He’d been aroused for hours and he had to shift somewhat to ease some of the pressure. Yeah, not making love with her had been a great theory, but in reality it was frustrating as hell.

  He told himself it was for a good cause, that they would both be better off in the long run. After all, he wanted more from Dana than just a few weeks of play. Sound advice that made him groan silently every time she snuggled closer.

  Despite the distraction, he managed to get through the movie, even losing himself in the story a few times. They fit well together, he thought. His wanting had subsided to a manageable ache. Still, when the credits started and Dana turned to him, her eyes wide with expectation, he wasn’t sure he would have the power to resist.

  “That was great,” he said, freeing his arm and getting to his feet. “Did you li
ke it as much the second time?”

  “Yes.” She rose quickly.

  He stretched. “It’s been a long week. All those surgeries. You must have been playing catch-up, too.”

  “I was, but I’m not that tired.”

  The overhead light illuminated her short blond hair. He found himself wanting to bury his hands in the silky strands as he pulled her close for his kiss. He wanted her; he needed her. And he would do the right thing and let her go…at least for tonight.

  He glanced at his watch. It was just after midnight. “I don’t want to tire you out on our first date. If I do, you won’t want to see me again.”

  “I’m really fine,” she said, sounding confused, but collecting her shoes and slipping them on.

  He ushered her out of his place and walked her back to her town house. They stood in front of the door. He could see the questions in Dana’s eyes. In a way, he understood She didn’t know what was going on, and if he explained it, he would lose his advantage.

  How could he tell her that she mattered to him and therefore he wanted to go slowly? That this wasn’t just about sex, at least it wasn’t for him. He wanted a chance to make her care about him. He was willing to put off pleasure in the hope of getting a more long-term gain.

  Still, when she looked up at him, he couldn’t resist taking her in his arms. He held her gently, enjoying the feel of her pressed against him. He tried to keep her from pressing too close so she wouldn’t be able to tell he was aroused, but it was no use. Dana wrapped her arms around his back and leaned in so they touched from shoulders to thighs. No way could she miss his excitement.

  “I had a great time,” he murmured into her ear, then touched his lips to the tempting spot just below her lobe.

  “Me, too.” Her voice caught. “Dinner was terrific.”

  “I’ve been on my own long enough that I’ve learned how to be domestic.” He smoothed her hair off her face and brushed her lips with his. “Thanks for going over the house plans with me. You made some great suggestions.”

  “My pleasure. The place will be beautiful.”

  Her mouth parted. It was an invitation…one he didn’t dare accept. He kissed her cheek, stepped back and said, “Good night, Dana. I’ll call you tomorrow.”