by Janice Lynn
Ty held Ellie’s hand tightly in his as they walked into the Swallow Creek Arena where the rodeo was being held. Tonight’s agenda was more about family fun and kicking off the rodeo than actual competitions. There were kids’ events, exhibits, a barbecue cook-off and a barn dance.
From the time they made their entrance, familiar faces greeted Ty, introduced themselves to Eleanor and told him how good it was to see him.
No one mentioned his father.
But no doubt about it, he’d be seeing his father soon.
Acid gurgled in his stomach.
He glanced at Ellie in her jeans and Western-style snap-up that his sister-in-law had insisted she wear. It seemed his whole family was planning to dress her before the weekend ended, but Ellie took it all in her stride, smiling and going along with their wardrobe suggestions.
The jeans were a little snug and looked good clinging to her body. The shirt did nothing to hide her generous curves and looked even better. Ty’s mouth watered just recalling what those curves felt like in his hands, his mouth, pressed to his body.
And the boots. There wasn’t a single practical thing about Ellie’s red boots but hell if they weren’t his favorite part about her outfit. Somehow the bright boots suited her, the real her, the passionate woman beneath the surface.
“You okay?” she asked, her big eyes looking up at him.
“Fine,” he answered, squeezing her hand gently. “I’m fine, darlin’. Just so long as I have you at my side.”
Which crazily enough was true. Having her next to him both excited and calmed him.
“Just thinkin’ how much I liked your boots.” He grinned, liking how her gaze dropped to her boots and a blush that almost matched their bright color spread across her cheeks. “And what’s in ‘em,” he added, just to watch the color in her cheeks deepen.
“Ty Donaldson?” a familiar feminine voice called out from behind them with a distinctive Southern drawl. “Is that really you?”
“Layla?” Ty spun, surprise filling him at the sight of the pretty little blonde barreling toward him. He held his arms out and she stepped into them. “Layla! What are you doing here? Last I heard you were practicing in Florida.”
She hugged him then smiled up at him as if he was a sight for sore eyes. “I’m still in Miami. How about you? You still a big-city doc up North?”
“Absolutely. Angel’s is where I was meant to be. There’s no place in the world I’d rather practice than at that hospital.”
Ellie shifted at his side and he put his arm at her waist, proudly pulling her close to him. “Excuse my been-away-from-the-South-too-long rudeness, Layla.
This is Dr. Eleanor Aston. She’s a pediatrician at Angel’s. One of the best. Y’all have a lot in common.”
Eleanor told herself that it didn’t mean a thing that Ty introduced her as a coworker and not as his weekend date. Or that he’d introduced her as “Eleanor” rather than the “Ellie” he’d taken to calling her by. Or that when he’d said they had a lot in common she’d instantly wondered if he meant they’d both slept with him.
She was just being overly sensitive when there was no reason. But when the petite woman had launched herself into Ty’s arms, Eleanor had felt overly sensitive, gawky and jealous.
Jealous. Her. She really wasn’t the jealous type.
She winced. She had no claims to Ty. None whatsoever. Yet …
She was jealous of the slender young woman Ty grinned at as if she were his long-lost best friend.
“Layla is the daughter of Swallow Creek’s longtime mayor, Rick Woods. She was one of my closest friends from school.”
Okay, so maybe she was his long-lost best friend. Or did he mean closest as in former girlfriend? Hating the way she was reacting, Eleanor pulled in her little green monster and accepted the smiling woman’s outstretched hand.
“I have Ty to thank for encouraging me to go into medicine,” Layla said, shaking Eleanor’s hand with enthusiasm. “I owe him big-time.”
“Hmm.” Ty scratched his chin. “Then maybe you should consider moving up North so you can pay your debt.”
Eleanor’s gaze jerked to him, but she couldn’t read anything beyond the friendly grin on his relaxed face. Was he flirting with the woman? What was she thinking? Of course Ty was flirting. It was what he did with every woman.
Layla gave him a confused look. “What would I do up North?”
“More good than you’d believe possible. You should come and work at Angel’s.”
Layla gave him a thoughtful look. “Why do you say that?”
“Although nothing’s official, the current head of Pediatrics is going to make a career change. Soon. You’d be the perfect person to take his place.”
Interest flickered on the blonde’s face, but she still looked hesitant.
“You’d like working at Angel’s, Layla. Those kids reach in, grab your heart and don’t let go. The entire hospital is about serving others, giving to those in need. If ever I question my life choices, all I have to do is step into that hospital to know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, helping those who can’t help themselves.”
Eleanor bit her lower lip. Ty was right, of course. There was no place like Angel’s. While she stood, feeling more and more out of place, they chatted about Angel’s awhile longer, about Ty’s family, about a couple of mutual friends.
“Have you seen Luke since you’ve been home?”
Her smile fading and her expression growing guarded at Ty’s question, Layla shook her head. “I’m just here for a few days to visit with Mom and Dad.”
“That going okay?”
A smile that Eleanor could only describe as sad slid onto the woman’s face. “Probably about as well as your visit. How’s your father?”
“Right.” Ty laughed, put his arm around Eleanor’s waist, instantly making her feel a little better. What was wrong with her? She shouldn’t be jealous of his easy camaraderie with the woman. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen him talk to hundreds of women at Angel’s. Then again, perhaps she’d never really liked that either.
His thumb rubbing across the indent at Eleanor’s lower back, toying with the waistband of her jeans, Ty’s gaze remained on Layla. “Why don’t you come grab a seat with Ellie and me? We’ll tell you more about the Angel Mendez Children’s Hospital and why you should think about joining our team.”
Ellie. He’d called her Ellie. Instantly, the tension that had been gripping her shoulders eased and she let out the breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. Who would have ever thought that the nickname would make her feel better instead of worse?
“You’re sure I wouldn’t be intruding?” Layla looked back and forth between Ty and Eleanor.
Reining in the remainder of her green monster, Eleanor shook her head. “No, please do. I want to hear all about Ty’s youth. Maybe you could tell me some good stories for me to tease him about.”
Layla smiled back, hooked her arm through Eleanor’s and began to do just that.
Later, Eleanor admitted that she liked the beautiful young doctor from Ty’s past. It hadn’t hurt that he’d kept Eleanor close, holding her hand while they talked, asking for her input regarding Angel’s. That Layla had been sweet, friendly and not once had she looked at Ty in any way that made Eleanor feel uncomfortable. Once she’d gotten over her initial jealousy, she’d realized that nothing more than friendship had ever existed between the two.
The three of them had eaten barbecue and laughed at some of the children’s antics during the kids’ events. They’d laughed at some of the animals’ antics, too.
With a heartfelt sigh Layla excused herself when her mother motioned to her. Eleanor and Ty continued to check out exhibits, talk to his old friends and generally enjoy the chaos that was apparently the rodeo. They remained all smiles until a giant of a man stepped up beside them and slapped Ty on the back
Without really looking at the man’s features, Eleanor knew who he was.
Ty’s
body language did a one-eighty from relaxed and happy to tight and agitated. All without the man saying a single word.
Just a touch and his father sent him into an obvious tailspin.
“You ready to pack up and come home from that big city to be a real man?”
Had his father’s first words to Ty in years really been those? Next to her, Ty’s spine straightened and she felt the tension bristling within him.
She wasn’t exactly sure what she should do, but she knew she needed to do something to defuse the situation before sparks flew. She stuck out her hand and politely introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Eleanor Aston. You must be Ty’s father.”
The older man turned astute golden-brown eyes toward her. Definitely, she’d have recognized him as Harry and Ty’s father. The likeness was strong with the man’s handsome but more weathered face and tall-body build. But that was where the similarities ended because, whereas Ty was always smiling and oozing charm, this man’s face bore a scowl that appeared permanently etched into his features.
“You are?” he asked.
Ty’s jaw clenched and she could feel him counting forward, backward, asking for patience to keep from reacting to his father.
“Ty’s big-city guest from New York. Born and raised and absolutely love it there.” Had that confident, almost sassy reply really been her? Without a single stutter? Wow. Generally, she was all about keeping the peace but this man obviously had no real appreciation for the wonderful son he had. Any man who was too blind to see Ty for his true self didn’t register too highly in her opinion.
His father’s expression remained unreadable, but before he could respond Ty spoke. “Great to see you, too, Dad. Layla’s home for the rodeo, too.”
Ignoring the first part of Ty’s comment, his father shook his head as if in disgust. “A shame that you two were raised right and both took off for parts unknown to take care of babies. Her I can understand. She’s a woman.” His expression slipped into one of true confusion. “But you? My son? Babies?”
Apparently Ty’s dad lived in another century. Eleanor slipped her hand into Ty’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “That’s what neonatologists do. There’s no nobler profession than to save lives and who better to save than precious newborn babies?”
“Ellie—” Ty began, but didn’t finish as they were interrupted.
“There you two are!” His mother stepped up, all smiles, but her gaze went back and forth anxiously between Ty and his father. “Harold, Harry was looking for you. William is up in a few. He thought you might have a few words of advice prior to his turn. You’re so good at that kind of thing.”
The giant of a man Ty called his father looked at his wife as if he knew exactly what she was doing, but he just nodded. “Fine, I’ll go talk to the boy.” His gaze went back to Ty, dropped to where his and Eleanor’s hands were clasped, then he shook his head. “Ain’t like there’s a lot to riding a sheep, though, and he didn’t need my input when he won the calf-roping competition. That boy may only be four, but he has been taught right.”
His father mumbled a few more things that Eleanor didn’t quite catch before he disappeared through the crowd to go and encourage his grandson. At least, she hoped he was going to encourage his grandson. After how he’d interacted with Ty she had to wonder if the man knew how.
His mother gave them an apologetic look, then took off after her husband, no doubt to grill him about what he’d been saying to Ty. Good. Eleanor hoped she gave him an earful.
“Wow,” she breathed, glancing up at Ty. “You weren’t kidding when you said he didn’t approve of your medical career.”
“Nope.”
Ty’s expression remained tight, withdrawn. She didn’t like it, wanted back the closeness they’d shared all evening, all day really. But she didn’t know what to say because she didn’t understand Ty’s father’s reaction to his son. How could any man not be proud of a son like Ty, who dedicated his life to helping those in need?
Since words failed her, she lifted his hand to her lips and pressed a soft kiss there. “You are a wonderful doctor, Tyler Donaldson. Your patients and their families think you are wonderful. You have a special gift and everyone at Angel’s benefits from you being there. Me included.” She paused, took a deep breath. “Actually, me especially.”
His gaze met hers, darkened. “Thank you, Ellie. I needed that.” His hand slipped around her waist, pulling her in for a hug. He bent, whispered in her ear, “I needed you.”
Ty held Ellie tightly in his arms, his face close to her hair, breathing in her lightly seductive scent while they danced on the crowded dance floor.
All evening he’d found himself touching her. Her hand. Her face. Her arms. Her back. Anywhere just to reassure himself that she was really there, that she was real.
All evening he’d found his gaze meeting hers, knowing what she was thinking, sharing secret smiles, laughing at her comments over some of the events, proud to show her off to his childhood friends and family, anxious to get her home so he could peel off her jeans and have her and those red boots all to himself.
“I know I’m not the best at Texas two-stepping.” Her startled voice broke into his thoughts. “But did you just growl at me?”
Ty grinned at the woman in his arms. Tonight could have been horrible, a blast from the past, but, thanks to her, it hadn’t. With the exception of when he’d come face-to-face with his father, he’d actually had a great time. “Maybe. Did I?”
“I believe you did.”
“I guess you bring out the growl in me.”
Her arms around his neck, her face bright with happiness, she laughed. “Thank you, Ty.”
He couldn’t help but want to lock the magical sound away inside him to pull out on some rainy day. Ellie’s laughter could chase away clouds, could chase away Texas tornadoes.
“I’ve had fun tonight,” she continued, missing a step and landing on his toes. “Oops!” She gave him a little apologetic look, then smiled and added, “More fun than I can remember having in a long time.”
“Me, too, Ellie.” He slid his fingers beneath her chin, lifted her face, stared into her lovely brown eyes. “But for the record the night isn’t over and what comes later is a lot more fun.”
Her gaze locked with his, she nodded her understanding, smiled. “Promises, promises.”
“No worries, darlin’.” He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I’m a man of my word.”
“You really were good at riding, weren’t you?” Eleanor asked later that night while lying in the crook of Ty’s arms in his big king-size bed.
His bare chest rumbling with amusement, he tickled her side. “You should already know the answer to that firsthand.”
Feeling almost decadent, she giggled and squirmed against him. “I am not a horse or a cow, Tyler Donaldson.”
Within seconds he had her pinned beneath him and grinned. “No, but you ride like a—”
Laughing, her mouth dropped open and she feigned looking aghast, and his head lowered, brushed a kiss across her parted lips.
He waggled his brows. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.”
“Try harder next time.”
“I’ll give you hard.” Proof of his claim pressed against her hip.
“Ty!”
“Now, say it again,” he teased, his eyes telling her exactly what he meant, what he intended. “This time with more feeling.”
He kissed her. Over and over.
When his name next left her lips he didn’t have to ask for more feeling, for more of anything.
She gave him everything she had within her to give.
CHAPTER TEN
THE NEXT MORNING Ty woke with a jerk as Ellie shot out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Startled out of a deep peaceful sleep, his bare feet had barely hit the cold hardwood floor when the sound of her retching met his ears.
Was she okay? Too much barbecue and sex the night before? Or had her travel sickness not ever completely cleared?
Without a word he entered the bathroom, got a cold, wet washcloth and placed it to her clammy forehead.
Looking miserable, she knelt next to the toilet, her shoulders slumped, her body quivering, her eyes closed.
“I’d ask if you’re okay, but obviously you’re not.” He hated the thought of her not feeling well. He was a doctor, should be able to do something to ease her symptoms. “You want a drink of water?”
She nodded ever so slightly as if she was afraid that any movement might trigger another round of losing any remaining contents of her stomach.
He took a disposable paper cup from a dispenser on the sink and filled it with cool water. She took the cup, swished the water around her mouth and spat in the toilet several times.
“I’m so embarrassed,” she said in a weak voice, her eyes squeezed tightly shut. “I hate that you saw me like this.”
“Now I know why you don’t stick around for mornings-after,” he teased in reference to the morning she’d tried to leave before he’d awakened.
To the morning several weeks ago.
The morning after … Oh, hell.
The floor shifted beneath Ty’s feet and his toes gripped the cold tile in the hope of maintaining his balance.
“That’s not why I was leaving that morning,” Ellie moaned, sounding miserable, oblivious to the crazy thoughts rushing through his head. “I just didn’t know what we’d say to each other or how you’d feel. Or—”
“Ellie,” he interrupted, his hand against the wall to balance himself. Sweat popped up on his brow, on the back of his neck. “Are you sure you just have a nervous stomach?”
Please say yes.
Misery on her pale face, she shrugged. “I’ve had a nervous stomach on and off most of my life. It just hadn’t bothered me in years until …”
His heart slammed against his rib cage in thunderous bursts. His mind raced ahead, drawing what he hoped were inaccurate conclusions. “Not until the past couple of weeks?”
Face pink, she nodded again. “Yes. I was anxious about coming here with you, Ty. I’m really sorry I woke you up to this. I kept lying there thinking my nausea would pass, but it just kept getting worse. I couldn’t hold it back any longer.”