Their Christmas Vows

by Margaret McDonagh

  Before he could ask questions, Annie linked her arm through his. `Frazer, you come with me. That's Francesca.'

  As the redhead disappeared behind the curtain see Callie, Frazer reluctantly allowed Annie to him towards the office. He studied her closed frowning, because her eyes seemed over-bright, as she had been crying recently.

  `OK-talk.' He paced the small room. `What hell is going on?'

  `Nothing: She smiled, but evaded his gaze.

  `I want to know about Callie. How is she?'

  Annie sat down, closing a file and leaning arms on it. Callie's file. `She's doing fine, Frazer. I asked For a precautionary X-ray, just to be on the side, but I'm sure there's nothing broken. Her side badly bruised and very sore, though. Providing X-rays are clear, as I am sure they will be, I'll be sending her home with some anti-inflammatories and painkillers and she'll be back at work in a few days.'

  `And that's it?'

  `That's it.'

  He didn't believe her. His jaw clenched. `Annie...'

  `Frazer, Callie is fine. There are just a few bruises from what happened today. That's all.'

  The phone rang, curtailing his next barrage of queries, and Annie looked relieved to pick it up. He realised straight away that the call was from Francesca and that the X-rays were over.

  `I'll be back in a few minutes,' Annie told him, rising to her feet. `I'm just going to check the pictures then Callie can go.'

  `I'd like to see them.'

  She looked shocked. `No way! You are not her doctor and you know as much about patient confidentiality as I do.'

  He did, and he had no sway here to impose his way but he didn't like it. There was something Annie wasn't telling him. He just knew it. Something important about Callie. Annie was being evasive, careful she said. But why? What was going on in her life that he was not supposed to know? As he waited for Annie to return, he thought back over what had happened since Callie had been hurt.

  She had been adamant that she didn't want to be examined. At first he had thought she just had an aversion to him, but she had been scared of coming to hospital in a way she never was in a work capacity. OK, so many people were nervous in medical situations. Yet this seemed more. Callie had been relieved to find Annie, a friend she trusted-as much as he thought Callie trusted anyone-and they had been in that cubicle talking for a ridiculously long lime. ..far longer than a few simple bruises warranted. Then there was the look in Annie's eyes now, the signs she'd been crying not long before. About something Callie had told her? There had also been a strange moment about next of kin, and Annie's initial rebuttal regarding Callie's husband.

  A nasty thought occurred to him. Was this about the husband? Was Callie scared of him? Did he hurt her in some way? Was that why Callie didn't want anyone to see her? He didn't want to believe it, couldn't believe it, not given how feisty Callie was, how tough and capable of sticking up for herself Look how she'd floored him at their first meeting She was no shrinking violet who would allow anyone to walk all over her. But the feeling that something, was wrong with Callie's life persisted, took root refused to diminish. He didn't know what that something was, but he intended to find out.

  Before he could get his wits together, and even consider the temptation of peeking at Callie's file Annie came back into the office.

  `The X-rays are clear, Frazer. I've given Callie shot to make her more comfortable, now l' m just waiting for the prescribed medication to come up from the pharmacy and then you can take her home.' Tossing her dark ponytail over her shoulder, she leaned against the desk, arms folded, a knowing look in her blue eyes. `You care about her, don't you?'

  `She's my flight partner.'

  A chuckle escaped, and there was a mischievous mile on her elfin face. `Right.'

  `It doesn't matter if I do feel anything, Annie,' he conceded with a deep sigh. `Callie's married. I don't go there. Ever.'

  `I can agree with that view-if there's a husband, it's the right thing to keep away.'

  `If?' The young doctor looked as if she wanted to say something more, and Frazer's eyes narrowed as she blushed and withdrew her gaze. `What is it? I know something else is going on here. I just want to help. Is it him? Her husband. Has he hurt her or something? Is that why she was scared to be examined? Is that why you said "today's injury"?'

  `Frazer, I can't break a confidence, but I can assure you that you that there is no way Ed could have laid a hand on her.'

  He let out a huff of relief, then Annie's choice of words began to sink in. Callie's husband couldn't lave laid a hand on her. Why not? `Annie...'

  `I'm going to see if Callie is ready to go home.' She straightened, her gaze serious as she looked at him, as if trying to impart some message. `The medi cation may make Callie sleepy and disorientated. I'd be glad if she wasn't left on her own.'

  `I'11 take care of it.'

  She nodded, a small smile playing at her mouth. `I get off at two, so if you need to go home, or to your gran's, ring me and I'11 come by and stay with Callie.

  What time does her husband get in?' His question was met with a telling silence. Frazer's attention sharpened. `Or doesn't he get in? Isn't he living her? Aren't they together?'

  Annie simply raised an eyebrow before turning away to pick up the file. He watched as she went off to fetch Callie, his mind a whirl of thought as he puzzled over what had and hadn't been said. There was more going on here than he knew. She obviously couldn't tell him but Annie was clearly wanting him to read between the lines and see that all was not as it seemed in Callie's life.

  There was so much more to his new flight partner than her prickly exterior. The more time he spent with her, the more he came to know her, and the more he wanted to understand, to win her trust. Callie could be distant and difficult, but damn if she didn't capture his interest. He had thought her married and out of bounds. If she wasn't... He had to know for sure. Had to know whether to stay well away or give his desire for her free rein.

  He'd been with his fair share of women enjoyed them. He sure as hell enjoyed sex. But tired of the dating merry-go-round. Although done little to refute his reputation, he wished people would see the man inside, not the happy-go-lucky supposed romeo. He had never lived with a woman, had never been in love. But ever since he'd visited his sister and her family in Australia nine months ago, and played with his nieces and nephews, he'd begun to wonder if he was missing out-if maybe it was time to settle down and start thinking about a pack of kids of his own. For which he needed the right woman. He'd never really had a type. He'd been attracted to all kinds of women over the years. But what he felt Callie just seemed more. More of everything... intense, more intriguing, more urgent.

  There was something different about Callie, and he'd never wanted anyone the way he wanted her. She fascinated him. Even in a baggy flight suit, with no make-up and spitting icy darts at him, she was the most gorgeous woman he'd ever seen. He wanted to learn all about her, to discover the real Callie hidden behind that defensive wall and know what had happened to hurt her so badly and make her so distrustful, so alone. . .and so determined to stay that way.

  Frazer enjoyed a good mystery-sorting out the clues and the secrets from the red herrings and putting pieces of the picture together until it made sense. He had a feeling that the puzzle that was Callie was going to be one of his biggest challenges to solve -and potentially the most rewarding.

  `Are you all set to go?'

  Callie nodded in response to Annie's question feeling increasingly groggy and lethargic. `Thanks for everything, Annie.'

  `No problem. That's what friends are for.' Taking a piece of paper, Annie slipped it into one of Callie pockets. `My home and mobile numbers. Ring me there's anything you need. Any time.'

  'OK.'

  When you're feeling up to it, we'll get together have lunch and do some Christmas shopping.'

  Callie found herself returning Annie's infectious smile. 'I'd like that.'

  `Good.' She linked her arm with hers. `Come then.
There's a very impatient, very gorgeous flight doctor waiting for you.'

  `Annie...'

  Her friend ignored the warning. `He's a good man Callie. One of a kind.'

  `And one who has his pick of available women `You are available.' Annie smiled. `And it's clear he's taken with you.'

  Callie sucked in a painful breath. Heaven knows why-she had done everything to discourage `He wouldn't be if he knew.'

  `You're wrong, Callie. Not everyone is like your ex. Don't be scared to give Frazer a chance.' But she was scared. 'I'm not interested.'

  The Words burned in her throat and she cringed inwardly, knowing they were a lie.

  When Annie whisked back the curtain, Callie's immediately settled on Frazer. Melted chocolate eyes contained worry, frustration and the kind of slow-burn heat that made her stomach turn over. She handed him the bag from the pharmacy containing her pills, then stepped aside. Callie was disconcerted to discover that she swayed alarmingly when her friend's support was removed, but Frazer stepped forward, his arm sliding far too possessively around her waist.

  'Thanks, Annie. I'll take care of her.'

  Callie wanted to protest, but somehow the words wouldn't come. A pale sun was rising above the eastern hills behind the loch when they went outside, a light dusting of snow had fallen in the last couple of hours. Uncharacteristically docile, she allowed Frazer to help her into the passenger seat and gently strap her in. He was so close she could smell his earthy sandalwood fragrance. Dismayed at the ache of desire inside her, she was grateful when he moved away and closed the door. Hamish pushed his head between the front seats and nuzzled her shoulder, distracting her, and she smiled, giving the dog a hug. Then Frazer was behind the wheel, and before she knew it they were at her house. He came around to open the passenger door, before unclipping the seatbelt.

  `Keys?' he asked, his voice seeming huskier than usual.

  Frowning, she fumbled in her pockets, wondering why her brain felt so fuzzy. `Keys,' she murmured handing them over.

  `Wait a minute and let me help you.' Frazer stepped back from the door, but she ignored hi m sliding out in ungainly fashion. `Callie...'

  `I can walk.'

  The full-voltage dimpled smile he sent her increased the shaky feeling in her legs. `Of course you can.' Folding his arms, he stood back and watched her.

  Hamish sat on the pavement and gave a sharp bark-whether of encouragement or disapproval she didn't know. Licking her lips, and finding it took far more concentration

  than usual to put one foot in front of the other, Callie headed towards the house. Or tried to. She weaved a bit, a cry of surprise escaping as she slipped on ground that was icy under its recent dusting of powdery snow. She was even more surprised when Frazer caught her before she could fall, drawing her up against the solid 1enght of his body. A very masculine body. It was tempting to rest there, to cuddle even closer. She had just enough sense left to know that was a bad and very dangerous idea.

  Pushing against him, she struggled for space. `Frazer, I can manage.'

  `Sure. I see that.' She felt a chuckle rumble from inside him as he all but carried her up the path. `Let's get you indoors.'

  `Cats.'

  `Excuse me?'

  Against her better judgement, she leaned on him while he dealt with opening her front door. `I have cats.'

  'Good for you,' Frazer murmured, guiding them inside the narrow hallway.

  'I meant because of Hamish.'

  'Don't worry, I have cats at home, too.' One strong arm held her up while he closed and locked the door. 'Hamish is used to them. He won't hurt yours.' She swayed again, feeling groggier by the minute.

  `Pecan and Maple don't like dogs. They hurt him.'

  Frazer didn't appear concerned. Extracting herself from his hold, she weaved her way into her small, impersonal living room and flopped onto the sofa, curling up in a bail. Why did she feel so spaced-out?

  What was Frazer doing in her house? This wasn't good at all.

  ' You can go now,' she mumbled, finding it hard to focus on him as he walked towards her.

  'I'm not leaving you alone. I promised Annie.'

  Callie's frown deepened. `Go away,' she instructed, when he knelt down on the floor in front of her, one palm brushing aside her wispy fringe and resting on her forehead.

  `Is there someone I can call for you?' She shook her head at such a stupid suggestion. `No one? What about family?'

  `Never had one. Never had anyone. All alone. Except Ed. Briefly.'

  The hand moved from her forehead, fingertips brushing her cheek, making her skin tingle with sensation. `Your husband?'

  `Soon to be ex-husband. Thankfully. Bastard left me when I needed him.' She struggled to focus, sure she shouldn't be saying these things, but her words spilled out, even if they were slurred. It was impossible to stay awake. `I'm not desirable:

  Frazer sat back on his heels and struggled to absorb all he had learned-things he knew Callie would mortified at having confessed had she had her wits about her. Her husband had told her she wasn't desirable? He had left her? The man had to be a fool. He'd like a few moments alone with him to take him to task for hurting Callie, for abandoning her. What had she said? That he'd left when she had needed him? What had happened? He was sure there was much more to this story, but her soft, endearing little snores told him he wasn't going to discover any more now. Or anything at all when she woke up and effects of the medication had worn off. She'd be as hell if she remembered just how indiscreet she had been and what she had revealed to him.

  He really ought to put her to bed, but she looked so comfortable. The flight suit was loose enough that it wasn't constricting her, and she was peaceful and clearly not in pain. Moving her might disturb that and what she needed most right now was rest. There were things he needed to do, but for a moment he just stayed motionless, watching her. She looked fragile, but aside from her unexpected physical strength she had a tenacious spirit, and if it was true that she had never had a family, had always been alone, who knew what she had coped with? It explained her independence. And made him impossibly sad.

  Reaching out, he brushed a few strands of short, feathery hair back from her face. Her skin was flawless, almost translucent. Under the light, her dark brown hair gleamed with unexpected tints of darkest copper and russet. She wore little, if any make-up and given the number of women he had known who spent inordinate amounts of time fussing with their appearance, he knew that Callie's natural, understated beauty and complete lack of artifice was unusual. Special. Long, sooty lashes fringed those exceptional eyes, closed now in sleep. He couldn't get over their colour. They captivated him. And for all her outward prickles and her front of hardness, he sensed a very different woman was locked inside.

  Callie, with her hidden secrets, the hurt and aloneness she tried so hard to hide and yet which seemed a part of her being. He planned to find the key that would unlock the real Callie Grogan and allow her to flourish and fly free.

  With a sigh he rose to his feet, halting when he looked towards an armchair and saw two intriguingly coloured cats staring at him through mistrustful green eyes. Pecan and Maple, he presumed. Equally suspicious, Hamish sat across the other side of the room, regarding the felines warily. There seemed to be an uncomfortable stand-off. Smiling, Frazer crossed to the fireplace and spent a few moments lighting a new fire putting the guard round it once the kindling had caught and flames were licking at the seasoned logs he h set on top. He looked around the room, seeing n photos, no homely touches. It felt lonely… like Callie In the kitchen, he found cat food, and something that would suit Hamish. He fed the animals, seeing to fresh water and setting the bowls far apart to avoid any flying. He noted that one of the cats had three legs and the other was missing part of its tail. So, Callie shared his penchant of caring for the underdog. Or undercat in this case. Smiling to himself, he made some toast then put a pot of coffee on, sure that Callie would appreciate some when she woke. While it brewed, he walked up to
the bathroom, lingering to smell her coconut soap and shampoo, closing his eyes as he recalled how the fragrance clung sensuously to her hair and skin. He found a blanket and a pillow to make Callie more comfortable, reflecting on the way back downstairs on absence of any male presence in the house.

  Just how long ago had her creep of a husband walked out? A while, if the divorce was imminent. Annie had some insight, had tried to tip him off without breaking a confidence. So why was Callie hiding behind her wedding ring? Did she use it to keep distance between them because she felt the same pull did and was scared by it? Threatened? The idea intrigued him. Just what else was Callie hiding? Back in the living room, he gently slid the pillow under her head, then tucked the blanket around her, dropping a kiss on her forehead before collecting his toast and coffee from the kitchen. Selecting an adventure novel from the well-stocked bookshelves in an alcove beside the fireplace, he sat in a chair near her to plan his campaign to gain her trust and win her heart. Now he knew there was no husband in the picture he had no intention of backing

  away from the attraction he felt for Callie. But she needed careful handling. If she was still asleep after lunch he'd need Annie to take over for a while. He had things to do, ideas to set in motion. Callie might not think she had anyone in her life who cared about her, but she was wrong. With the spirit of Christmas growing every day, and the warmth of the Strathlochan community all around them, he'd make sure to spend time with this mysterious, intriguing woman, and prove to her that she didn't have to be alone any more. If he had his way, she'd never be alone again.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  THERE was blood everywhere.

  The tension in the helicopter was tangible as they sped back to Strathlochan Hospital, where an emergency team was on standby, awaiting their arrival.

  'How long, Craig?' Frazer demanded, swallowing a curse as the bumpy flight in appalling weather jostled them, and his gloved, bloodied hand lost its, grip on Desmond Pollock's mangled, partially. severed right arm.

  `ETA seven minutes,' Craig responded, his voice betraying his own stress. `Six if we're lucky.'