by Beverly Rae
“Meg, you’re incorrigible. Why can’t you behave yourself and settle down with a nice man like your sister?”
Because I’m not willing to wait for the fairy tale to happen. “Relax, Hilly. I’ve got this in the bag.” Meg picked up her black address book and started turning pages. “Let’s get started. Does anyone know a sexy yet frigid woman who’d love to meet a handsome doctor?”
Chapter Four
“So how do you know the good doctor’s shopping for groceries?” Meg leaned closer to whisper in Allie’s ear. “Have you been stalking him?”
“Of course not. At least not in the way you mean.”
Meg followed her sister around the corner, stopping to peer down the next aisle. Baby food and diapers dominated the row, ending with paper products at the far end. “This is silly. I don’t think we’re going to find him in the baby food aisle and I can’t believe we’re skulking around Marilou’s Market like two rejects from the CIA. Why are we acting this way?”
Allie hissed at her and pressed her finger to her lips. “Dr. Treadwell’s nurse Dorris Lee McClusky told Shyla Wilson who told Minda Revhan who then called me to let me know Dr. Dannigan had left the office and was headed to the market. Now be quiet and keep an eye peeled. Sheesh, you’d think I was the one trying to win a bet.”
Leave it to old Doc Treadwell’s elderly nurse and the Cottageville Baptist Church phone tree to know everyone’s whereabouts. “Please tell me you didn’t spread the word about my, uh, little game with Dr. Dannigan. I don’t want everyone in town knowing what’s going on.” But if nosy old bitty Mrs. McClusky knew, then all hope of keeping her secret was already flushed down the social drain.
“Of course not. They think you’ve got a little crush on him, is all.”
Meg tugged at her sister’s golden locks. “Stars and moon, Allie. Why in the world would you tell them that?” She hurried past her sister down the last aisle toward the produce section.
“Ow.” Allie rubbed her head. “Would you rather I told them the truth?”
“No, but—”
“But nothing. I told you I’d help you and that’s what I’m doing.”
Meg slid next to Allie to hide behind a mountain of onions. Who would’ve thought such a pregnant woman could move so fast? “I appreciate it. I really do. But are you sure about Stephanie Howerson?”
Supposedly Stephanie was either celibate or a lesbian. Either way, the beautiful pharmacist had never had sex and wasn’t about to start anytime soon. That, of course, meant she would be perfect for Meg to choose as Chance’s first—and last—subject of seduction.
“Sure I am. Shyla Wilson told Minda Revhan who told Ruby Ellison who told Michele Watlink who then called—”
“Okay, okay. Far be it for me to doubt your sources.”
“If you’re still worried, I guess you could always ask Stephanie if the rumors are true.” Allie skirted the table holding a giant pile of potatoes, grabbed a bag of russets and put her back to the rest of the vegetable displays. “However, my girls have never been wrong. Well, almost never. But this time they’re right on the money.”
“I hope so because there’s Chance Dannigan now.”
Allie gasped and squatted—as much as a very pregnant woman could squat—to hide from Chance. She tugged on Meg’s arm, trying to get her to hunker down too. “Get down before he sees you.”
Meg pulled her sister back into a standing position. “Why are we hiding anyway? I have to tell him to take on Stephanie. Come on, little sister, before you upend the cart and get buried under a ton of Idaho’s best.” Without waiting for her sister, Meg strolled toward Chance who was focused on selecting the perfect head of lettuce.
The man’s profile was as good as his other angles. A strong chin led to an even stronger jaw line. His black hair, although styled, had a mind of its own and curled around his ears to tempt a woman to run her fingers through the strands. His nose, although a bit too long, suited his face. But it was his eyelashes that were surprising. Long black lashes any woman would’ve paid cold hard cash for highlighted the soulful eyes. He studied each head of lettuce as though he were making the most important decision in the world.
Meg heard Allie’s puffs as she hurried behind her until as last, she held up a hand to stop her sister from piling into her backside. Pulling her body to its tallest height, Meg thrust out her chest and tossed her hair over her shoulders. Girls in position and guns aimed. Get ready, Doc.
“It’s not rocket science, you know.”
His dark eyes locked on to her. She inhaled, then suddenly hoped he hadn’t noticed her quick intake of air. At least she could rest assured he hadn’t felt the tight squeeze in her chest that had accompanied his intense scrutiny. She swallowed and wondered if he’d somehow robbed her of her voice.
“I’m sorry?” The upward tilt of his mouth countered the frown of his brow.
With a confidence she didn’t feel, Meg took the head of lettuce from him, set it back on top of the others, then chose another. “Choosing lettuce. Like I said, it’s not rocket science. Just make sure the leaves are green but not too dark. Then when you hold it like this—” she held up the head, “—the leaves shouldn’t flop or look limp. Check for brown spots to make sure it’s not already going bad and then put it in your cart. Simple.”
The twinkle in his eyes rewarded her playfulness. “Well, aren’t I lucky you came along when you did?” His gaze slid to Allie. “Hi. I’m Chance Dannigan.”
Allie pushed Meg aside in her haste to shake his hand and giggled like a silly school girl. “Hi, I’m Allie Halloran. I’m Meg’s younger sister.”
Meg arched an eyebrow at her. Since when had Allie ever emphasized the word “younger” in an introduction? And what was with the giggle? However, two could play at that game. “Yeah. Allie’s my younger, married and extremely pregnant sister.”
“Right. I met your husband at the club the other night.” His smile was warm but his eyes had taken on the studious look from before as he took in Allie’s belly. “I’d guess you’re due almost any time. Will I see you in my office soon?” He raised his hands. “Sorry. Forget I asked. I’m sure you’re already under a doctor’s care.”
“But I want you!” Allie’s exuberance wasn’t lost on anyone, even her. “Uh, I mean, since you’re taking over Dr. Treadwell’s patients and I was one of Dr. Treadwell’s patients, then I guess— I wouldn’t have changed to a different practice if I’d known you’d be the new doctor.”
Meg clamped a hand on Allie’s arm, cutting off her ramble. “Slow down, sis. I think he gets it.”
“If you’re sure you want to switch again, just give my office a call, okay?”
“Oh, I will!”
Sheesh, Allie. Why not just drool? Meg decided to get to the most important matter. “Tell me, Dr. Dannigan. Are you ready for your first and final challenge?”
He looked thrown by her question. Almost as though he’d forgotten about their agreement. “First of all, call me Chance. I mean why get formal now? And I’ll call you Meg, okay?” He glanced around him, either checking for his first conquest or to see how many others could overhear their conversation. “So you have someone for me to seduce?” He made a motion toward Allie. “Uh, should we discuss this in front of your sister?”
“Don’t worry. I know all about your game.” Allie’s grin was so wide Meg was sure it would split her head in two. “Of course Meg is going to win.” At Chance’s surprised expression, she hurried on. “Oh, no. I didn’t mean that I don’t think you couldn’t win. I mean, obviously you’re a very attractive man who probably knows how to have great sex.” Allie sucked in a gasp, then clasped her hand over her mouth.
Although watching Allie flustered was great entertainment, Meg had to help her sister out of her foot-in-mouth problem. She tugged Allie closer. “The answer is yes. I have your first subject.”
Almost as though a veil had been pulled in front of Chance, he changed, his demeanor going from friendly new docto
r in town to the master player she’d met the other night. Both sides of the man were interesting, but Meg wasn’t sure if she didn’t like the easygoing side better. But it was the player side who had made the deal.
“That didn’t take long.”
She sized him up, trying to find the Achilles’ heel in the confident man. “Why should it? I know the women of this town and I know the type of man you are.”
If the scowl he gave her was any indication, he didn’t like her description of him. Funny how his scowl made her stomach twist into a knot.
“What do you mean by the type of man I am?”
When she started to answer, he stopped her. “No, never mind. I’m not sure I want to know. So? Where is this woman?”
The knot tightened and a sick feeling swept over her. But why? Why should she care if he was angry? Taking Allie’s hand, Meg turned and strolled toward the pharmacy. “Right this way.”
Meg and Allie led the way toward the other side of the building where the pharmacy was located. As usual, Stephanie was hard at work behind the counter, her head bent so that her golden tresses fell in front of her face.
Meg brought the procession to a halt several feet away. “There she is.”
Chance gave a low whistle of admiration. “I have to give it to you. You have great taste in women. What’s her name?”
His focus locked on to the woman, reminding Meg of a lion about to pounce on a zebra. The hungry look in his eyes was unmistakable and—irritating. And yet why she cared how he looked at Stephanie was a mystery. It wasn’t like she was jealous, right? “Uh-uh-uh.”
At least he brought his rapt attention back to her then. “Huh?”
“I can’t tell you her name and I’m sure not going to introduce you. That might slant the odds in your favor. Just let me say that she’s a high-ranking member of the local celibacy club and a virgin to boot.” Meg shot Allie a look, telling her not to add the info about Stephanie possibly playing for the other team.
“Wow. You really came up with a challenge.” Chance chuckled, the rich, full sound of it caressing Meg’s ears. Allie sighed and leaned against Meg.
Meg snorted, aware of the unladylike sound. “What’s the matter? Don’t you think you’re man enough?”
Dark, sultry eyes zeroed in on her. “Don’t worry. I’m man enough.”
The heat from those eyes melted Meg’s legs and did serious damage to her libido. Damn it. Get a grip. This is a contest and nothing more.
“Okay, then, I’m going in.” He winked at Meg and added, “I guess it’d be slanting the odds in my favor if you wished me luck, right?”
Could the man be any more arrogant? Yet, in spite of herself, she smiled. “You, Mr. Confident, are going to need every bit of luck you can get so, yeah, I wish you luck. Just be sure to let me know when and where to come for the show.”
“No need. The show’s going to happen now. Stick around and you won’t miss any of the action.”
Meg grabbed his arm, keeping him with her. “Wait. What? You think you can talk her into having sex right here, right now? In the middle of Marilou’s Market?” He had to be kidding. Or bluffing big-time.
“Watch and learn, little girl. Watch and learn.”
Jim Bob Morris, the local expert fisherman, could’ve mounted her on the wall. After all, her mouth hung open wider than the sixteen-pound largemouth bass old Jim Bob had caught in Georgia, then brought home to display on his living room wall for anyone who wanted to take a gander at it.
Chance appeared not to notice her astonishment and headed for the part of the pharmacy counter where a handwritten sign with the word “Counseling” rested against a jar of lollipops. He leaned on the counter, then tapped the silver bell once.
Stephanie tore her attention away from her work, opened her mouth to no doubt ask whomever it was to wait a second, and froze. All in all, she did her own imitation of a largemouth bass about to snag a juicy worm. Meg saw the subtle change from bored professional to very interested woman register on Stephanie’s face and realized Chance must’ve beamed his winning smile at the poor woman. Meg grabbed Allie’s hand and slipped closer, pretending to sort through the various items promising to solve any diarrhea issue.
“Hi.” Chance lifted a hand and glanced at Meg and Allie who had now moved several feet from him, but stayed close enough to see his face.
“Hi.” Stephanie’s pearly whites echoed the cheeriness of her tone. “May I help you?”
Chance’s own smile flashed as though an inner light had somehow gotten switched on to its brightest level. “I wish you would. I’m new in town.”
“Oh?” Stephanie smoothed her white coat before coming out of the small room housing the medications. She slinked over to the counter and batted her eyes. “I’m Stephanie Howerson.”
Meg frowned, and worry etched its way into her mind. Was Stephanie really celibate or a lesbian? Or did the rumor mill have her all wrong? She certainly didn’t act like a virgin. What if the rumors were wrong? Was good old Stephanie actually a sexy, single professional looking for a handsome man to make her own? Or maybe even a closet nymphomaniac?
“Nice to meet you, Stephanie. I’m Chance Dannigan. Dr. Chance Dannigan.”
Really? Did he have to emphasize the doctor part of his name?
Stephanie’s interest increased, and she took a step closer. “It’s nice to meet you, Doctor.”
“Chance.” He reached out to take her hand between both of his. “May I call you Stephanie?”
The pharmacist tittered and batted her eyes. “You can call me anything you want. Just as long you call me. But most of my friends call me Steph.”
Meg dropped a packet of Tums and scrambled to retrieve them. What the hell was going on here? She looked at Allie for an answer, but got none. Her sister was too intent on the couple’s conversation to even notice the woman’s obvious sexual confidence. Great. This is the perfect time for Allie’s information-seeking hormones to dry up.
“Steph, I hope this doesn’t sound lame or seem too forward, but I just have to tell you how beautiful you are.”
Pink coursed up Steph’s neck and into her face in a second flat. “No.” She batted her eyelashes again. “I mean, I don’t think it sounds lame or forward.”
“Well, then, maybe you could help me out.”
Steph was as eager as a puppy begging for a new chew toy. “I’ll do my very best.”
Chance checked out his surroundings, looking through Meg and Allie as though they didn’t even exist, then moved forward to press his lips to Steph’s. At first the surprised pharmacist didn’t react. Then she moaned and leaned into the kiss, deepening the intensity between them.
Meg’s throat suddenly went dry. What the hell was the woman doing? She acted as though she kissed her customers all the time. With tongue, no less. After what seemed like an hour-long minute, the pair finally parted.
“Steph, I don’t suppose you’d like to show me the medication room, would you?”
For the first time, Steph resisted. “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t let anyone behind the counter, much less in the dispensing area.”
Chance slid his palm along her cheek, and she closed her eyes, a rapt expression softening her features. “Of course you don’t. I wouldn’t ask but as the new doctor in town, it would help me a great deal to know how well the pharmacy is stocked. Dr. Treadwell even suggested it.” He closed in on her again, his lips so close to hers that Meg was sure they could tell what each other had eaten for lunch.
“Well, I don’t know. But I suppose since Dr. Treadwell suggested it…”
Come on, Steph. Don’t fall for the old “I need to see your pills” ploy. Meg gritted her teeth to keep her words unspoken.
“You’d really be doing me a big favor, Steph. One I would love to repay.”
Steph cast a look around. Meg and Allie dipped their heads in unison and pretended to be absorbed in reading labels. At last the pharmacist gave him a slight nod. Lifting the part of the count
er that served as a gate, Steph motioned for Chance to hurry inside. Once Steph had placed her back to him to enter the other room, Chance raised his eyebrows at Meg and tilted his head, indicating she should follow.
“Oh, my word,” breathed Allie.
“Knock it off, sister. You sound like Hilly.” Meg’s retort came out in a short burst of air. She shoved a box of Advil back on the shelf. Damn, damn, damn. After checking for any approaching customers, Meg hurried to lift the counter gate and motioned for Allie to follow.
“Meg, we can’t go in there. No one’s allowed back there.”
“Other than Dr. Smooth-Talker, you mean? But he knows I have to watch or his seduction doesn’t count. Of course he left it up to me to figure out how I’m going to do that.” Meg pulled Allie behind her and made her body one with the wall. “If Hilly was here, she could change into a fly and scope things out for me.”
“If Hilly was here, she’d take us by the ears and yank some sense into us.”
Allie was right. But since she didn’t have her older sister’s transformation ability she’d have to use her own talent. “I have to see what’s going on. Otherwise, he can claim he did it with Miss I’m-So-Not-a-Virgin, and the game will be over.”
Meg could hear amorous sounds coming from the room, but sounds wouldn’t cut it. She had to see. “Okay, do you remember the blue screen I used when you were getting it on with Mitch and Jim?”
“We. When we were getting it on.” Allie shook her head as though ridding herself of a bad memory. “And don’t remind me. I’m a happily married woman now and I don’t want to even think about my succubus past.”
“Get over it, sis. Anyway, I’m going to do it again. Only this time the wall will be thicker and will work kind of like a two-way mirror. They won’t be able to see us or the blue wall, although they will be able to hear us. We, however, will be able to see and hear them. So if you want to come with me and watch, follow along and keep quiet.”