“Diabetic?”
“Yes, and you know what that’s like.”
“Yes. Phil’s mother. She didn’t mention it to me this afternoon.”
“That’s how we met, squirt. I thought I told you she had a hypoglycemia attack and wrecked her car nearby. She’s had a few others; one caused her to fall the other day. I’m trying to get her balanced and healed so she can head on to San Diego. She’s a good woman, squirt, the best I’ve met so far. You’d like her daughter, Katie.” He related interests the two young women had in common. “You’d like Kirstin, too. She’s smart, fun, well mannered, and tender-hearted.”
“Not a gold digger or femme fatale?”
“Neither, thank goodness.”
“You really like her, don’t you?”
“Yep, she’s a very likable person.”
“What are you planning to do about it?”
“Nothing any time soon. We’re still getting to know each other, but time is short. I hope we can visit each other after she leaves. We’re going to the Thompson ranch for a barbecue tomorrow.”
“You’re going to introduce her to Carla? That’ll be interesting.”
“Why?”
“Because Carla’s a bitch, Dad. I told you that a thousand times.”
By then, he realized he had kept her ignorant about her talk with Kirstin, and he’d try to keep it that way. That should make Peggy grateful to Kirstin for keeping silent. “I agree. That’s why I stopped seeing her. I told you about that decision.”
“I remember, and I’m glad she’s out of the picture.”
“Just do your old man a favor and don’t help push Kirstin out of it before I make a decision about her. Okay, squirt? Please.”
“I get the point, Dad.”
“And don’t worry; she isn’t chasing me. If I decide to make a play for her, I’ll be lucky if I can catch her. She’s open, honest, good with people. I wouldn’t mind having her as my nurse.”
“And new wife?”
“Whoa, squirt, that’s jumping the gun. Don’t put that idea into her head before I’m ready to let my feelings be known.”
After a few more minutes of cunning and partly deceitful talk, they hung up. Christopher relaxed in his chair before rejoining Kirstin. He smiled and said, “Mission accomplished, and I was terrific.” Leaving out the sections about love and marriage, he related’ their talk to Kirstin.
Kirstin smiled. “You were terrific, and very wise. I’m glad.”
“Now, let’s see if it works, see if she obeys her old man.”
I hope so; I don’t think I can deal with trouble with two kids.
Following a passionate night in each other’s arms and a morning “quickie,” the new day hit a snag, the first of many.
Thirteen
While checking his answering machine and service, Christopher took Carla’s call on the business line in his office.
“I knew I’d catch you in there; always the dedicated and compassionate doctor. I wanted to make certain you’re coming to the barbecue. Everyone, including me, is eager to meet your … new friend. We’re all curious about that mystery house guest of yours. You are bringing her along, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Carla, I’m coming, and so is Kirstin. Your father said it’s okay.”
“Of course, it is, silly man. I’ll be looking for you two, early.”
Christopher and Kirstin were watching a golf tournament in the den. She was baffled by the odd mood he had been in since working in his office after breakfast. She knew the phone had rung, so a call must have annoyed him. Surely Peggy hadn’t phoned back and started a fuss … She also thought it odd that he wasn’t making any preparations to leave for their entertainment for the afternoon, which included a late lunch. When she couldn’t endure the strained silence or stingy conversation any longer, she asked him if something was wrong.
“That damn barbecue,” he grumbled. On top of Peggy’s meddling yesterday, he was worried their day at the Thompsons might do harm to their relationship, pushing her away from him.
“What do you mean?”
He was positive Carla had phoned on his medical line to make sure she reached him and not Kirstin. He couldn’t imagine how Carla or the other guests would treat Kirstin. He shouldn’t be surprised that idle gossip was making its rounds by now. “I don’t want to go, but I should. My friends and patients expect it. What do you think?”
“Me? They’re your friends and neighbors, not mine. If it will make you miserable, why go?” she questioned, bewildered.
Before he knew it, he blurted out, “I’m not concerned about me.”
She studied him. “If you prefer I stay home, I don’t mind. Does everyone here have a low opinion of me? Is that it?”
“They have no right to form any opinion about you.”
“I see, gossip is circulating. Someone phoned and dropped hints?” His scowl told her she had guessed right. “Why don’t you go alone? I’ll be fine here. Anyway, I need to wash clothes and pack for our camping trip. You said we’re leaving early. It’s no big deal for me, honest. I’ll be gone soon, so I don’t matter. Your reputation in the community does.”
“If you don’t go, I don’t go. And you do matter; you’re my guest.”
“That wouldn’t be fair or wise, Christopher. I can’t go where I’ll make people uncomfortable, including myself,” she protested. “But I think it will appear rude if you refuse to make an appearance. I know how small towns are: everybody gets into everybody else’s business. It’s no secret I’m staying here, but we don’t have to flaunt it in their faces. You should go; these are your friends and patients,” she stressed.
“Damnit, Kirstin, I want you to meet them!” he snapped.
“If they don’t care to meet me, I can’t inflict my company on anyone, Christopher. Anyone,” she emphasized. “Who called and what was said?”
“Carla, that bitch. My friends and neighbors aren’t the problem; it’s Thompson’s daughter and people like her. Knowing her, she’ll do her best to give you a hard time.” He related the contents of the call. “I don’t want to put you through that stress. I don’t need you to discourage her or any local woman for me; that was a joke. Let’s take a picnic lunch to the pond.We can relax, eat, and ride all afternoon. It’ll be more fun.”
“You should go alone. At least, visit for a little while,” she coaxed. “It isn’t a good idea to alienate neighbors and patients.”
She was right, he decided; why allow Carla or anyone else to control him? Yet, he wanted to share the day with Kirstin. He wanted her to get acquainted with his friends and way of life, and see how it affected her. “Then, come with me and I’ll do my best to control Carla’s behavior. I want you to meet the others; they’re good people and they’ll like you.You’ll like most of them, too, I promise.”
Kirstin had endured plenty of unpleasant evenings with David and his circle. Why should she put herself through a possibly nasty episode with Christopher’s crowd? Even if she won them over, what difference did it make? Still, he wanted her to go. “All right, Doctor Harrison, you win. But we leave early. Agreed?”
“Are you open to changing that if we’re having a good time? John and Maria will be there. So will Joe Bob, his wife, and Frank. And Timmy’s mother and Henry. Not everyone will be a stranger to you.”
“If we’re having fun, we can stay longer.”
He grinned at her compromise. “Let’s get dressed and head over, woman. I’m starved for some great barbecue.”
When Kirstin was ready, Christopher joined her in the den. Her tawny hair was an array of loose curls and fringed bangs that framed her beautiful face. She wore just a hint of makeup and perfume. The cornflower shadow on her lids caused her sea-water eyes to appear even bluer and lovelier. A tinge of blush provided a healthy glow and look of vitality to her complexion. Her lashes lay against her golden face like tiny black feathers, a striking contrast to her wheatish hair. Her mouth was soft and full, colored a soft mauve. His
gut tightened and his loins ignited simply from looking at her. He concluded that no one present would be fooled by their relationship. Would they give her, and him, a difficult time? An idea came to mind. “Take off your left boot,” he instructed. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Kirstin sat on the sofa and did as he asked, pondering his intention. His jeans were snug and enticing. His blue denim shirt fit him close to a second skin. The shirt was embroidered with several designs in colorful threads; cactus, a Plains sunset, and an eagle in flight. He wore black snakeskin boots, expensive and tasteful. There was a large leather belt around his waist, a bronze buckle near hear his navel. He appeared ruggedly handsome and virile. Her heart raced as she watched him walk toward her.
Her brow lifted. “What are those for?”
“Self-defense,” he replied, chuckling. “The way you look, we’ll need a visible excuse for you still being here. No need to fuel the gossip furnace before they get to know you.”
“This-is absurd, Christopher. I just got rid of those crutches this morning. How can I have any fun if I’m hobbling around on them? If you think such a deception is necessary, I’d rather not go.”
“All right.” He thought a minute. “Then, we’ll say we’re old friends.”
“No, the truth or nothing. Well, part of the truth. We don’t have to tell them more than the bare facts. If they’re ‘good’ people as you claim, no matter what they suspect, they won’t say anything cruel to us; I’m sure of it.”
“You win, woman. I want you to meet them. Get a firsthand look at my lifestyle. Except for Carla, they’ll all be nice.”
His insinuation intrigued her. What other way could she discover how it would be to live here? “On second thought, Doc, make me a hobbler today who can’t drive yet. No need to encourage problems.”
With her assistance, he wrapped her left ankle and right wrist in elastic bandages, then handed her the crutches. As he flexed his partially disabled hand, he said, “They wouldn’t serve you well if you really needed them, but they’re perfect for our ruse.” He congratulated his keen idea.”
“This means no Texas two-stepping or square dancing. At least for me.” She purred and sent him a feigned accusing look. “I bet you just want me out of circulation, or out of your way.”
He shook his head as his glowing eyes swept over her. “Neither. Besides, all the men around here are either married or nastily divorced or too old or too young to catch your eye.”
“What about the females and your eye, Doctor Harrison?”
“With you there, who could notice any other woman?” he asked, his hands easing around her waist to draw her into his embrace. His lips covered hers and savored their sweetness. When the stimulating kiss ended, he leaned back his head and gazed into her eyes. “We best leave before I can’t.”
“Will I be carried? Or must I struggle with these wooden arms?”
“To the car, yes. At the barbecue, you’re on your own. Sorry.”
The Thompson Ranch appeared immense to Kirstin; surely every person in town was present. Cars, jeeps, and pickup trucks were parked along the driveway and in the huge yard in front of an enormous house. To the right of the mansion were lovely gardens, walkways, countless tables and chairs, and an olympic-size pool with rocks, a waterfall, and greenery decorating it. Tantalizing smells filled her nose from roasting meat and other delicacies. The area was noisy with chatter, laughter, and music from a live band, positioned behind a moveable dance floor. The warm spring day was perfect; the blue sky clear. She glanced at Christopher. “I suppose this couldn’t be described as an intimate patio party.”
“You might say the Thompsons are the wealthiest folks in this part of the state. Almost everyone gets invited to their barbecues. Carla insists and Daddy obeys.”
Christopher helped Kirstin out of the car; she felt silly and tense about their deception. He shortened his lengthy strides to allow her to keep up with him on the crutches. As they approached the edge of the crowd, many faces turned to study them, curiosity and surprise filling some of .them. Most of the people smiled, nodded, waved, or shouted greetings to Christopher.
John Two Fists came forward to join them. “What’s this?” he asked, pointing to her crutches.
“Kirstin sprained her wrist and ankle Monday. I had to take her to the hospital for x-rays and treatment. Her car’s repaired and she’s doing fine, but she can’t drive with the gearshift and clutch,” he explained in a loud voice he knew would be overheard and passed around the large group.
“That’s terrible, Kirstin, but it keeps you around a while longer in our beautiful area. I’m glad. Maybe you’ll get a nice view of it yet.”
“I’ll be leaving when I can drive without screaming in pain or risking another highway accident. Some vacation,” she jested.
“One you’ll remember for life.”
“That’s for certain, John. I’ve made good friends here. Everyone I’ve met has been so nice and helpful, and it’s so lovely here. I— “ she halted as a woman nearby turned to speak with them and cut into her sentence.
“Hello, Chris; I’m glad you could make it. I was hoping you’d come early so we could have a private chat before all the commotion began. You’re late. I was getting worried. It isn’t like you to be tardy for anything, you bad boy, unless it’s an emergency.”
The woman’s cool hazel eyes swept over Kirstin as she spoke her last words. Thompson’s daughter was clad in a red western dress with glittering silver fringe and embroidered designs on the bodice. The garment—no doubt custom-made and expensive— was snug enough to reveal a stunning figure. Her matching boots were planted close to her male target whose arm she had captured. A no-doubt-real silver belt cinched a small waistline. Her cloying perfume pervaded the area. Silver hearts dangled from pierced ears and danced with her movements. Kirstin decided this was a woman who knew how to take center stage.
“Is this your latest emergency, the one we’ve heard so much about?”
Christopher disentangled himself and stepped to Kirstin’s other side. “Kirstin Lowrey, our hostess, Carla Thompson.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Carla. Thank you for including me in your invitation. It was gracious of you and your father.” She watched her would-be rival tuck long and silky hair behind her ears and tip back a western hat to make her lovely face more noticeable.
“It’s a shame about your accidents, Kirstin, but I can see you’re making the best of them. You’re a smart and fortunate woman. I know from experience that Doctor Harrison has skilled hands and a marvelous bedside manner. All of his patients and friends adore him.”
Kirstin hoped she wouldn’t blush or stammer at the bold innuendos. “I’ve seen him with children and others,” she replied carefully. “He is a wonderful physician. I was fortunate John took me to him.”
“You’re even luckier your accidents, didn’t require hospitalization. How long will you be laid up at Chris’s?”
Kirstin caught the naughty implications but pretended she didn’t. She was positive others grasped the double entendres, too. She smiled and answered, “He says a few more days; then, he’ll see if I’m ready to leave.”
The doctor put in, “Her injuries will be sensitive for a while. She doesn’t want to risk more trouble by putting too much pressure on them too soon.”
Carla said, “If you will all excuse me, I must see to my other guests. Please, have fun and eat plenty. Ask for anything that’s missing. Perhaps you and I will have a chance to talk again, Kirstin, before you leave.”
Kirstin smiled and nodded and watched the woman retreat.
Frank Graham strolled over and handed Christopher a cold draft beer from one of the numerous kegs. The Harrison foreman asked Kirstin what she would like to drink. She smiled, thanked him, and asked for a diet anything. He went to get it for her.
Henry Williams and his wife came over to them. He asked Kirstin if she had gotten over her confrontation with his doberman pinscher. Everyone in t
he growing group listened to the tale. Kirstin entreated the older man not to worry, that the dog had been just as shocked and terrified as she had been. Even so, Henry apologized once more.
Fred Haskell and his wife joined them. The men talked for a short time, while Kirstin observed. So far so good, she decided.
Christopher suggested Kirstin sit and rest her foot, the ploy working too well to foil. She settled into a wooden chair which the half-Apache man had fetched.
“Thank you, John. That’s better. Where’s Maria?”
The officer leaned over to whisper, “She’ll join us soon. Tom’s wife has her cornered asking about some Mexican recipes. She’s a great cook. If I didn’t stay active and push back from the table, she’d have me fat as a hog.”
The men continued their conversation about planting and harvesting, the dry weather, and politics—local, state and national.
After David Carson, Bill Hainsley, and their wives joined the group, the conversation switched to the impending cattle and horse auction. Kirstin was aware of the way they— ranchers all—kept stealing furtive looks at her as Christopher answered questions about how they met.
“What kind of work do you do, Kirstin?” Bill’s wife asked.
“I’m a technologist at Medico of America in San Diego.”
“You’re in medicine, too?” Bill sought more information.
“Yes, in the research end.”
“Kirstin’s good at her work; Medico hires only the best,” Christopher added.
“Are you married?” David asked.
Would I be staying at your friend’s ranch if I were? “A widow.”
“Do you have kids?” David’s wife inquired.
Kirstin answered politely; everyone in the group seemed to be having fun. While the genial conversation was still in progress, a lone man arrived. He had to ask Christopher to introduce them.
Kirstin soon discovered why Christopher made the intentional oversight and complied with seeming reluctance. She was unnerved by the lustful look in Lance Reynold’s eyes when he reached for her hand to shake it, then held it much too tight and too long. She finally was compelled to pull it from his firm grasp.
Taking Chances Page 26