The Doctor Who Made Her Love Again

by Susan Carlisle

Without another word, China headed back to the kitchen. She searched for the hot pads. Her hands trembled at her first try at taking the heavy pan out. Payton had rattled her. She didn’t like it. Control was something she usually managed to maintain, had needed to keep a tight grip on since her brother had left. Someone had to. China took a deep breath and tried again, successfully. This time she sat the pan on the granite counter top with a thump.

  Done, she looked up to find Payton standing behind her. She hadn’t seen him enter the kitchen but she known he was there just the same. The fresh smell of soap and something that was Payton’s alone circled around her.

  He leaned over her shoulder to study the golden brown pastry. “Mmm, looks and smells perfect.”

  She couldn’t disagree. “It does look amazing. Impressive, in fact.”

  He stepped around her and pulled out a basting spoon from a drawer. She’d moved but she’d had to touch him to do so. That she refused to do.

  Payton only wore a pair of buff-colored slacks, no shirt and no shoes. A towel hung around his neck. She’d never been more aware of a man in her life.

  He dipped the spoon into the juice at the bottom of the pan and brought it to his lips. She watched as his tongue reached out for the fluid. “Perfect,” he breathed. “Want a taste?”

  She knew he was talking about the liquid but her focus was on his lips.

  “China,” he said in a soft, rusty voice, “stop looking at me that way. I don’t think you want all the staff at the clinic to find us sprawled across the kitchen counter. Which is going to happen in about three seconds if you don’t stop.”

  She blinked and pushed back, which made her brush his bare chest. The sound of the spoon dropping to the pan came just before Payton’s hand caught her upper arm and pulled her gently back toward him.

  “Let’s see if what we were both thinking is true,” he whispered just before his lips met hers, gently at first. But he soon pressed deeper. Payton tasted of beef and salt. His lips requested and promised something wonderful at the same time.

  China stepped closer, bringing her hands up to Payton’s waist in the hope that there she’d find a way to steady herself. She opened her mouth and Payton accepted the invitation. She wrapped her hands more tightly around his waist, enjoying the warmth of his skin. His arms held her securely. He entered and retreated and entered her mouth again. Heat and desire rose in her until she was sure the earth had tipped out of orbit.

  Bit by bit her hands ran across the planes of his back as Payton deepened the kiss.

  At the sound of the doorbell chiming, China jerked away and out of his hold. “I’ll get that while you dress.”

  Payton chuckled. “Saved by the bell. This time. China, don’t think for one minute this is over. I will kiss you again. That’s a promise.” He headed toward his bedroom.

  “Not if I don’t want you to.”

  Payton stopped, turned and looked at her before he said, “But you do.” Just as abruptly he turned again and walked off.

  She groaned. Heaven help her, he was right. She did want him to kiss her again. But she wouldn’t let him.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  PAYTON WAS PLEASED that his dinner party was turning out to be such a success. Doris and Jean had arrived together. Both had given China suspicious looks when he’d stepped into the room fresh from the shower. Neither woman said anything but he could tell that China was uncomfortable about what they might be thinking. To ease her worries he came right out and said, “I asked China to come early and help me with the preparations. She was a great help.”

  He winked at China. Her cheeks turned rosy.

  By the time Robin and Luke arrived and then Larry and his wife, the party was in full swing. He couldn’t remember attending a more boisterous and loud social gathering outside the frat parties he’d gone to in college.

  When Doris and then Jean asked if they could see his place, he took everyone on a tour. He noticed that China brought up the rear when they changed rooms. It wasn’t until the group reached his bedroom that she stepped out of the crowd. She went over to the Hawaiian ti, which he’d placed close to the window. She lovingly touched a leaf before looking at him.

  He smiled and she returned it with warmth in her eyes. It was as if they were sharing a special secret. Somehow it made him stand taller. As if making China happy made him happy.

  “Man, you have a beautiful view,” Larry’s wife remarked.

  “Yes, I do.” He was looking at China instead of out the window.

  “Okay, enough of this girly stuff. Let’s eat. I’m starving,” Luke stated.

  “I have to get things on the table,” Payton said. He’d finished the salad and potatoes while China, Doris and Jean had enjoyed the view from the porch. China had offered to help but he’d declined it.

  She assisted him placing the food on the table after he’d called that dinner was ready. The conversation during dinner was lively and everyone was complimentary about his culinary skills. A couple of times he looked down the table to see China watching him. It hadn’t passed his notice that she hadn’t chosen to sit beside him. She was on Luke’s right and Robin sat to his left.

  Over dessert everyone laughed and told bad medical jokes. He watched as China lifted a spoon full of trifle to her mouth. His groin tightened at the thought of kissing those lips again. As if she’d sensed his interest, she glanced at him as she pulled the spoon from her mouth. Was she teasing him or enjoying the trifle? Either way, he was turned on. That was something he’d not been in some time. It felt good to lust after a woman again. And hunger for China he did. More so every day.

  Near eleven, Larry pushed back from the table and said, “I hate to be the one to bring this party to an end, but I have to work tomorrow, unlike some others in this room.” He looked pointedly at Payton.

  “I appreciate that and will think of you while I’m sailing.”

  Larry stood and smiled at him. “You know, I’m not sure I like you despite your ability to cook.”

  Payton rose and walked to the front door with Larry and his wife.

  “We enjoyed it, man,” Larry said, as he shook Payton’s hand.

  “Glad you did. Come again.” Payton meant it. He liked having people around. He’d pushed them away when he’d been sick and had never really appreciated dinner parties even before that.

  Doris and Jean came up behind him. “We’ve got to go, too. Thanks for having us.”

  “Anytime. I’ll see you both on Monday.”

  “I’ll see you on Monday, too,” China said, as she joined them on the way out the door.

  “You’re not staying to help clean up?” Payton asked in mock surprise.

  Before she could answer Robin said, “I can. I’m a great dishwasher. China, would you mind giving Luke a lift home? He rode with me.”

  At Payton’s stricken look China said in a too-cheerful voice, “Not at all.”

  “Great. Then I’ll get started,” Robin said, turning toward the kitchen.

  “Luke, I’m ready when you are,” China called.

  “I’ll be right there.”

  China had stepped out on the porch when Payton grabbed her elbow. “Go sailing with me tomorrow,” he said, low enough that only she could hear.

  “No.”

  “Why not? Scared?”

  “Of what?”

  “Being alone with me. Don’t trust yourself, do you?” Payton said, close enough to her ear that it might look like he was kissing it.

  “I’m not afraid of you,” China hissed.

  “Then maybe you’re afraid you’ll jump my bones.”

  She moved away and said in an indignant voice, “I am not. Where did the let’s-be-friends rule go?”

  “What’re you two talking about?” Luke asked, striding up to them.
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  “Nothing. Come on, it’s been a long day.” China started down the stairs. Luke shrugged as he went by Payton and followed China.

  If he let her leave without her agreeing to go sailing there would be no way to convince her over the phone. He had to get her agreement in person. “Hey, China, wait a minute.”

  She stopped halfway down and turned to look at him. As if Luke was his wing man, he said to China, “I’ll wait for you in the car.”

  Payton stepped down to her. “I’ve decided rules are made to be broken. I’d really like to take you sailing as a thank-you for your help with the plants and dinner.”

  “You don’t have to.” She moved down a step.

  “I know you don’t, but I do. If you’re worried, I’ll kiss you again. Then you have my word as a gentleman that I won’t.” Even in the yellow glow of the porch lights he could see her warring to make a decision. “I promise you’ll have good time.”

  “I’m not much for water sports.”

  “If you don’t enjoy yourself, I’ll never ask again.”

  She took so long to answer he feared she was going to say no. “All right. What time should I be ready?”

  “Nine o’clock too early?”

  “No.” She headed down the steps.

  “Bring sunscreen and something to swim in. ’Night, China.”

  * * *

  The next morning China again wondered what she had gotten herself into. She couldn’t seem to say no to Payton, regardless of how hard she tried. Maybe she just needed to go along and stop fighting him and her feelings. She couldn’t remember when she’d last taken time to just enjoy a day, spent it doing nothing constructive.

  Before she could talk herself out of going, Payton pulled his car into the drive. The sudden realization that she was going on a date with Payton hit her. This wasn’t her helping out a new person in town but them spending personal time together. She didn’t date often and she sure didn’t date guys like Payton. Her father had her told her more than once to watch out for the smooth-talking, fast-car type of man because they would get her into trouble. She was in over her head—way over.

  China swallowed the knot in her throat as she watched Payton walk toward her. Tall, with a tan, he appeared virile and full of life. Dressed in a white collared shirt with his shirttail out, navy shorts and deck shoes, he could be a member of the classic yachting crowd. His broad smile was white against his skin. Payton was breathtaking and so out of her league. What could he possibly see in her?

  “Ready?” he asked, reaching down for her beach bag.

  She grabbed it, stopping him. “Something has come up. I’m not going to be able to go.”

  He pinned her with a look, his mouth thinning. “Just this second? Like what?” He snapped his fingers.

  “I don’t have to tell you.”

  “Yes, you do. I think that if you break a date with someone they deserve to know the reason. Especially if it’s at the last minute.”

  “I just can’t go.”

  He sat down beside her. “Why, China?”

  “Because you and I have nothing in common.”

  Payton took one of her hands. His thumb ran slowly across the back of her hand as if he was trying to soothe a wild animal. “Oh, I think we had plenty in common last night.”

  “But that is all we have, sexual attraction.”

  “So you admit it. You’re attracted to me?”

  “I think you know I am. I don’t go around kissing every man I see.” She looked down at her toes, which she’d polished bright pink just minutes before he’d driven up.

  “I’m glad to hear that. I had hoped I was special.”

  “Now you’re making fun of me.”

  “No, I’m not. I’m just trying to find out why all of a sudden you don’t want to go sailing with me.”

  “I just don’t see where this is going.”

  “All this is right now is one friend talking to another and taking that friend sailing to say thank you.” Payton caught her gaze. “This is not a NATO pact affecting millions of people. This is two people having fun together and getting to know each other better. Nothing more, nothing less. Go with the flow for once. You might find out you enjoy yourself.”

  Put that way, her argument sounded rather silly.

  “Come on, China. Let’s have some fun. I think you take life far too seriously. Enjoy it some. If you don’t like sailing I promise to bring you straight in.” He put up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”

  She took a deep breath. “Okay, I can use a day away.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, you can sunbathe to your heart’s content all day long.”

  “That does sound nice.”

  Payton stood and helped her to her feet. He didn’t let go of her hand as they walked to his car, as if he was afraid she would bolt. Settled in for the ride as they made their way down the East Beach Road to the Golden Shores Marina, China had to admit it was fun having the wind blowing through her hair, the sun on her face and a handsome man at her side. This was what every woman dreamed of. Maybe that was the problem, it seemed too good to be true.

  “Were you really a Boy Scout?”

  Payton looked at her and grinned. “Eagle Scout, in fact.”

  “That figures. An overachiever.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “No, I think that’s one of the reasons you’re such a good doctor.”

  “My goodness, I’m going to blush. Two compliments in less than an hour. Are you running a fever?” He reached over to briefly touch her forehead.

  China slapped his hand away. “Funny doctor. Don’t give up your day job to be a comedian.” She laughed.

  Payton joined her. It was nice to be around someone with a sense of humor. He was right, she was far too serious. Maybe it was time for that to change.

  * * *

  Payton had broken out in a sweat when China had said she wasn’t going sailing. For some reason it was important that she come along, see his boat. Friendship was the order of the day. They would spend the day together just getting to know each other better. He loved being on his boat and wanted to share that feeling with China. If she let loose he’d bet she would be a lot of fun. He’d seen hints of if before. A day out on the water might be just the ticket to seeing her less serious side. Problem was that mastering his basic instinct would be the order of the day.

  He pulled the car into a parking spot near his slip. Climbing out, Payton grabbed a large brown sack out of the trunk and met China, who had just closed her door. He grinned. “Ready?”

  “You really love this sailing stuff, don’t you?”

  “I do. Nothing like it. I can’t believe you’ve lived here all your life and never been.”

  “After my brother left, my parents discouraged us from doing anything dangerous. I think they were afraid of losing us.”

  “I wouldn’t consider sailing dangerous. Still, I won’t let anything happen to you. Nothing but fun stuff today.” He took her hand. “Come on, let me show you my baby.”

  “Baby?”

  “Yeah.” He gave her hand a tug. “My baby.”

  They walked down the gray wooden dock.

  “This is almost picture perfect. The gleaming white boats against the blue water,” China said.

  “See, you’re already glad you came.”

  “I guess I am.”

  “Don’t get too excited.” He stopped near the end of the dock where his boat bobbed gently in the water.

  “Free at Last,” China read out the gold script letters paint on the transom. “I know little about sailing but I thought a boat was supposed to be named after a woman.”

  “Some are. Since I don’t know a woman to name mine after, I just put how I feel when I’m on her.”r />
  China pursed her lips and nodded her head as if she’d learn something significant. “Interesting.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a positive response but maybe you’ll understand after you take a ride.” Stepping onto the edge of the boat, he held his hand up to help China board.

  She placed her hand in his and carefully stepped onto the boat then down onto the deck.

  “You can have a seat on that bench. I’ve got to untie us. I’ll be right back.”

  Payton jumped to the dock and glanced back at China. She sat stiffly on the green cushioned seat with a look of unease marring her features. “Hey.” She met his look. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I really do think you’ll have fun.”

  “I’m all right.”

  “Then smile.”

  She gave him a bright but unconvincing smile. Hurrying to the bow, he released the rope securing the boat to the dock and returned to the stern to do the same. Climbing aboard again, Payton started the small motor and put it into gear. Slowly he maneuvered out of the slip. He glanced back to find China watching with interest as they put distance between them and land. Her body had lost that tense appearance. She was coming around.

  * * *

  China raised her face to the sun, closed her eyes and basked in its warmth. The sound of water lapping against the side of the boat had her drifting off. When was the last time she’d napped?

  The sharp snap and flutter of a sail catching the wind brought her eyes wide open. She couldn’t see Payton, but sounds of movement in front of the cabin said he was there. The wind whipped her hair into her mouth and she gathered it in one hand and pulled it to the side. She stood, swaying as the boat shifted in the water. Bracing her feet apart and holding on to the edge of the roof of the cabin, she looked over it. Payton was leaning over a winch, winding up rope at a rapid speed.

  She had a fine view and time to enjoy it. Payton’s muscles flexed with his effort. His legs were strong and sturdy. He was a man in his element, confident and in control. As he straightened and turned to adjust something she was presented an unobstructed view of his firm butt.

  Payton turned. His gaze met hers as if he knew she’d been ogling him. A self-assured smile slowly spread across his face as he came toward her. Her lips lifted as if of their own accord. The man had that kind of effect on her.