Taming the Hot-Shot Doc

by Susan Carlisle

Matt stepped inside and closed the door. “Interesting.”

  Shay looked around the room trying to find what brought on that remark. “What?”

  “This isn’t at all what I expected. It doesn’t look like you at all.”

  “How’s that?” She looked over the space at the brown sofa and black leather chairs with the plaid pillows. Chrome tables sat at each end of the sofa and a large one served as a coffee table. It looked as it always had.

  “I just thought you’d—” he shrugged “—have floral pillows all around. I’ve seen you in a number of shirts with flowers on them. Even the dress you are wearing has them.”

  He’d paid that much attention to her clothing? “This is what my husband liked.”

  Matt shook his head as if disappointed. “You haven’t changed it in all this time?”

  * * *

  Outside the entrance to the restaurant, Shay watched as Matt walked around the front of his car to open the door for her. He looked so handsome dressed in his green plaid collared shirt, navy jacket and tan pants. Even his confident walk of a man who knew and understood himself drew her attention. She’d bet wherever he went he had no trouble finding dates.

  He opened the door for her. “Ready?”

  She nodded. Something about being with Matt built her self-confidence, which had been demolished by John’s defection.

  He placed his hand at her back and directed her toward the doors of the building. It felt nice to have personal contact. She’d missed it. For a long time, she’d kept to herself. Fearing she couldn’t trust her judgment where males were concerned. Still, she should be careful not to read more into the evening than it was. A friendly meal between friends.

  Matt said close to her ear, “You look lovely.”

  Shay had tried to suppress her excitement over the evening, but despite that she’d taken great care to look nice, wearing a dress she’d been saving for a special occasion. The simple, flowing material with little flowers everywhere flattered her. The fact he’d noticed made her feel good. She shouldn’t have been surprised because she’d noticed his attention to detail when seeing patients. He’d taken special pains with Joey. “You look nice too.”

  He stroked his beard. “I did take the time for a little trim.”

  “I like it.” His lips continued to draw her attention. Right now, they were lifted in a sexy grin that joined the twinkle in his eyes. The man knew he appealed to her. That kind of exposure made her uncomfortable. She had kept those emotions locked away for a long time. If she couldn’t trust a man she’d known most of her life, how could she possibly trust one she’d known for only a few weeks?

  She wasn’t surprised Matt hadn’t picked a simple café but instead had chosen a restaurant with white tablecloths and flickering candles, located beside the Pearl River. It fit his personality more than a diner. “This is a nice place. I’ve never been here before.”

  “Let’s hope it’s good. Ms. Gladys said it was the best place in town.”

  She grinned. “Ms. Gladys, huh?”

  He shrugged. “It seems she reads all the restaurant reviews. Who would have thought?”

  “You never know how people can surprise you.”

  His gaze shifted away. “I guess you don’t. I have to be honest I double-checked it on the internet, but she was right about the reviews.”

  “Then I’m looking forward to my meal.” Shay had already been anticipating spending time with him. Too eagerly.

  Matt looked out the large picture window. “This area fascinates me. I’ve never lived in a place that makes you want to slow down and appreciate life.”

  “Where have you lived?” She saw his wince as if he’d made a mistake. Did he not want to talk about himself?

  “Mostly in the Midwest. A few places in Indiana. My stepfather had to move a couple of times for his job.”

  Crossing her arms on the table and looking across at him, she leaned forward. “I think, Dr. Chapman, there’s more to you than is obvious.”

  “Isn’t that the case with everyone?” He relaxed in his chair. “But I am flattered you’re so interested in me.”

  He made that sound as if she wanted to know about him for personal reasons. Shay narrowed her eyes. “Let’s just call it Deep South curiosity.”

  Matt quirked a brow. “That’s all?”

  “Yeah. Growing up and living in the same area most of my life, I’m used to knowing about everyone.”

  The waiter came to take their drink order. Afterward Matt said, “I’d like to know a little more about you.”

  “A little is all you’ll probably get. Almost anyone you ask in Lewisville can tell you about me.”

  “Have you ever lived anywhere but Lewisville?”

  “I moved to Houston, Texas, to go to school.”

  He watched her as if absorbing every word. “Did you go to the University of Texas Medical School?”

  “I did.”

  The waiter returned with their drinks and took their food order.

  Matt took a sip of his drink. “I don’t think I’ve said this before, but I think you’re a really great doctor. What you’re doing at the clinic is admirable. The staff respect you and the patients adore you. More than one has acted disappointed when they had to see me instead of you.”

  Warmth flowed through her. She worked hard to make the clinic successful. His praise mattered. “Thanks. I wish we could do more. It’s a shame a person needing medical care has to come stand in line all day to be seen. I need at least one more doctor if not two. In fact, I have a couple of doctors interviewing next week. I want to have one in place before you leave. I’m sorry. I’ve obviously forgotten how to act on a date, talking about work.”

  “You’re fine. There’s nothing wrong with being passionate about your work. I certainly am.”

  “Yeah, but there are other things in life.”

  “I don’t take much time for those. I haven’t even been out to explore Jackson since my car was in the shop. It’s the capital and I haven’t seen the sights. My family used to count off the state capitals we visited.” His thoughts seemed to leave their space and time for a moment. “You know I’ve not thought of that in a long time.”

  “Then you should see it. I’m ashamed I haven’t offered to show you around. I was taught to do better.” Why hadn’t she? Because she had been too afraid to take a chance on being with a man? “Why don’t I make that up to you tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Tomorrow?” He sounded surprised she’d offered.

  “I have a garden club meeting in the morning, but I could do it tomorrow afternoon around one.”

  “Garden club? That sounds interesting.” He grinned.

  Shay’s eyes narrowed, daring him to say more. “Don’t be laughing at me. I’m trying to learn something new. I don’t exactly have a green thumb.”

  He raised a hand as if to ward her off. “Tomorrow afternoon sounds great.”

  “I’ll come get you. It’s easier for me to drive because I know the way and don’t have to give you directions.” She picked up her napkin and placed it in her lap.

  “Sounds like a plan. I look forward to it.”

  The waiter returned with their meals. They spent a few minutes quietly eating.

  “How’s your pasta?” Matt asked as he cut a slice of his steak.

  “Very good. How’s your food?” Shay looked over at his almost clean plate.

  “Good.” He grinned. “I’ll have to let Ms. Gladys know.”

  She leaned toward him as if she were going to tell him a secret. “You do know everyone in your neighborhood knows by now that we’re having dinner together.”

  “Really?” He looked around as if he would see someone he knew.

  “Really. Ms. Gladys and Ms. Adriana are known as the biggest gossips in the neighborhood.”

  Matt gro
aned. A low sound that came from deep in his throat. It made her shiver as her blood heated. What would it be like to hear it as he nuzzled behind her ear? Her fork rattled to her plate. She really was making more of this dinner than would be healthy for her emotions.

  “Is everything okay?” Matt’s concerned gaze went from her face to her plate and back again.

  Shay picked up her fork holding it tighter than necessary. “Fine. Just fine.”

  Matt watched her closely for a few moments and returned to his meal.

  She had to get her equilibrium back. “Did your neighbors say anything about you mowing your grass?”

  He grinned and raised his chin like a conquering hero. “Let’s just say I got a banana cream pie out of it.”

  “They’re going to have you fattened up before you leave for Chicago. Uh, not that you don’t look great as you are.” She wanted to drop through the floor. Not since John had she ever been so fixated on a man. “I’m sorry that didn’t come out exactly right.”

  “I knew what you meant.” The lines at his eyes became more prominent and those lips she liked so much quirked up at one corner. “Not that I don’t like that you noticed.”

  Heat washed through her as she tried to focus on her meal.

  “Would you like to have some dessert?” Matt asked.

  “I’m so full I don’t think I should.”

  “Why don’t you share some of mine?” Matt picked up the menu the waiter had just put on the table. He didn’t wait for her answer before he said, “We’ll have the Mississippi Mud Cake. It sounds interesting.”

  The waiter left them.

  Matt looked at her as if asking for confirmation of his decision. “I hope I don’t regret that.”

  “I promise you won’t.”

  The waiter soon brought him a large slice of chocolate cake with thick chocolate pecan icing.

  “This looks wonderful. Mud in the name is misleading.” Matt took a forkful and placed it in his mouth.

  Shay watched with rapt attention as his sensuous mouth closed around it. A look of pleasure came over his features.

  He looked at her. “This might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten. Don’t you want some?”

  Shay laughed. “I’m afraid to take any. You might fight me if I do.”

  “Here.” He scooped up another forkful and offered it to her. “This is too good to miss.”

  She hesitated a moment then took the offering. “It is good.”

  “Good is an understatement.” He ate more cake.

  “Do you have someone special who bakes for you?”

  “No. I don’t have a great track record where my personal life is concerned. A number of ex-girlfriends. No wives or children. Which is just as well. Let’s not ruin this delicious dessert by talking about that.”

  An interesting answer. There was more to Matt than he let on. Had he been as hurt as she?

  Soon after they were on their way home. Shay couldn’t get away from what Matt had said about having a personal life. She might have known a deep heartache, but she still dreamed of having a forever relationship. Along with that she wanted children, to have a family of her own. From Matt’s glib answer he had no interest in those. For some reason that made her sad.

  Matt took her away from her thoughts by asking, “Will you tell me about your husband, Shay?”

  She didn’t want to do that. If he wasn’t going to share why should she? Because she wanted him to understand why she’d not been on a date in so long. Maybe if she shared, he would too, eventually. More than anything she wanted to know more about him. “What do you want to know?”

  “Where did you meet him?”

  That question surprised her. She fully expected him to ask her how John died. “We were high school sweethearts. You know...the hometown hero quarterback and the head cheerleader love story. We won the state championship our senior year. We were the golden couple.” They had been. She’d been so wrapped up in that ideal she couldn’t see anything else.

  “There’s a lot to live up to in there.”

  Matt seemed to see what others never had, including her parents and especially not John’s. A note in his voice implied he understood from experience. “Yeah, a whole lot. We went off to the University of Texas together. Him on a football scholarship and me on an academic one. Our parents were not only proud of us, but all of Lewisville seemed invested in us. We were the couple who couldn’t fail.”

  Matt said nothing, but she had no doubt she had his complete attention. His profile remained intent on the road, but he looked at her every chance he got.

  “Since I had more school to be a doctor, John decided he’d go into the US Marines while I was in med school. I would finish and he would get out then we’d come home and start building our life together. When we married John had one more year to serve. The entire town was at the wedding. Afterward John left on his first overseas deployment.”

  “No honeymoon?”

  “One night in New Orleans.” It had been a wonderful night. Life looked bright and wide-open back then. “He returned six months later but went back. He didn’t return.”

  Matt reached over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’m really sorry.”

  Could she tell him the entire sordid story? She removed her hand. “The town is talking about putting up a statue in his honor.”

  “Oh, wow. That’s an even harder cloud to live under. Forever being the wife of a hero. How do you feel about that?”

  “He earned it. John saved men’s lives fighting for his country.” He didn’t earn hero status in other parts of his life, though.

  Matt pulled into her drive and turned the car off. After studying her a moment, he said, “I hear a but in there.”

  Shay sighed. She shouldn’t make such a big deal out of telling him. Everyone knew. Someone would eventually tell him. She took a deep breath. “He’d been having an affair. He told me to expect divorce papers on the day he left.”

  Matt didn’t say anything for a few moments.

  Even with the years that had passed she still couldn’t believe how John had humiliated her by having an affair. Her heart still hurt. Well, she’d managed to put a cloud of gloom over the end of the evening. She opened the door. “I just dropped an egg on a good time. Sorry. Thanks for the evening out.”

  Shay made it halfway up the walk before Matt caught her. He cupped her elbow, stopping her. “You know it was his loss. You were, are, too good for him.”

  She gave Matt a sad smile. “Thanks for that. You’d think after all this time I wouldn’t let it upset me.”

  His hand slipped down her arm to hold her hand. “Rejection is rejection. No one likes to be on the receiving end. We carry the pain around with us.”

  Matt sounded like he understood better than most. Shay’s eyes found his. “You’re a nice guy, Matt Chapman.”

  “You’re not bad yourself.” He studied her for a moment. His focus dropped to her lips.

  Was he going to kiss her? Did she want him to?

  He stepped back. “I had a really nice time tonight. I’m looking forward to tomorrow afternoon.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  MATT STOOD IN the yard talking to Ms. Gladys when Shay turned into his driveway. He had walked over to help the older woman pull her garbage can back to the house. The woman’s interest in his comings and goings he found a little disconcerting, but she was nice enough. He put it down to loneliness.

  “I have to go, Ms. Gladys. Shay’s going to show me Jackson’s sights. Hey, I appreciate your suggestion of a restaurant. It was every bit as good as you said it would be.”

  He glanced over to see Shay coming toward them, a flowing dress dancing around her legs. She wore all that silky hair down. Clips held it back near her ears. She looked as fresh and lovely as a clear brook did to a thirsty man.

 
He’d wanted to kiss her last night. She’d looked so sad. Wanted to reassure her she was desirable. But that wasn’t the only reason. He was attached to her, liked her. Yet he shouldn’t start anything with Shay. He’d just ended a relationship where he thought he would marry. Shay would want more than he could offer. The timing, the place, the needs were all wrong. It was best he kept his distance.

  Shay wrapped Ms. Gladys in a hug. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been so long.”

  “It has been a while, honey. How’s your uncle doing?” She continued to hold one of Shay’s hands.

  “Uncle Henry’s doing great. I’ll be sure to tell him you asked about him.”

  The older woman’s cheeks pinkened.

  Matt grinned. Did Ms. Gladys have a thing for Henry Warren? Matt finished pulling the can to the house and returned to the women.

  Shay looked at him. “We better get going if we’re going to see everything I have planned. I hope you’ve got your walking shoes on.”

  He pursed his lips in thought as if acting unsure about going with her. “So, this is going to be sightseeing and an exercise class. This may be more than I bargained for.”

  Shay grinned. “Yeah, we’re going to do a walking tour.”

  “You two have a good time.” Ms. Gladys waved and headed inside her house.

  Shay drove them the short distance downtown.

  “I’m not known for sightseeing,” Matt said as he looked around as they moved through a business district. “My family did do some while I was growing up. I got out of the habit when I started college. Medical school didn’t leave me any time. When I had some hours off all I wanted to do was sleep.”

  “Well, today, I’m going to wake up your sleeping tourist.”

  “So where are we headed?”

  “We’re gonna start down by the capitol. We don’t have time today to go into the museums, but we’ll just have to settle for a good overview.”

  Shay continued down what he did know was the main street. She took an open parking place. “Okay, this is where the walking part of the tour starts.”

  They joined the other people on the wide sidewalk. They strolled past small businesses and large department stores toward the huge four-storied official-looking white building, which was obviously a government building, surrounded by a green lawn.