Handle With Care

by Patrice Wilton

  “I should have warned you.”

  “That would have been nice.”

  She smiled. “Now I owe you another apology. First a black eye, now a burnt mouth. Forgive me?”

  “It’s nothing.” He pushed the coffee away.

  She leaned across the table and touched the bruise gently with her fingers. “You did me a favor and got this in return. I wish I could make it up to you.”

  “You can,” he answered with a grin. “Stop touching it. It hurts.”

  She winced and sat back in her chair. “Oops. Sorry.” She picked up the salt and pepper shakers, moving them around to avoid looking at him. “Thanks for the hat, too. Josh hasn’t taken it off since.”

  “Figured the boys needed a souvenir, but as things turned out, this was not a game to remember.”

  “Yeah, well, he still enjoyed himself.” She ran a finger up and down her coffee mug, delaying her next request. “Look, Shane, there’s no sense in me beating around the bush. I need to ask you something, and feel free to decline. I don’t want to pressure you.”

  “More ballgames?” he asked, raising one brow.

  “More than that.” She looked at him. “Here’s the whole story.” She took a deep breath. “I had a relationship with a guy about a year ago, and it didn’t work out. Josh moped for a long time afterward, wondering why Ron wasn’t coming around anymore. Anyway, thing is, I found him a mentor from the Brothers for Life program.” She took another sip of her coffee, then pushed the mug away. “That didn’t work out either.”

  “It’s a good organization. Why didn’t it pan out?”

  She lowered her voice. “I had a funny feeling about this guy. Nothing I could prove, but my instincts were telling me something wasn’t right.”

  “You think he was a molester or something?”

  “Not sure, but I didn’t want to find out.” She licked her lips. “Josh wants a dad so bad, and he’d been begging to see Gary again.”

  “And of course, you can’t let him.”

  “Right.” She couldn’t look at him. “Josh has ADHD. He’s very impulsive and becomes fixated on things.” She cleared her throat. “And I’m afraid he has now transferred his feelings from Gary to you.” She darted a quick look at his face. “This is embarrassing for me to admit.”

  “No problem.” Shane scratched his jaw. She noticed the slight stubble on his face. Normally she didn’t find that appealing in men, but it suited his California surfer good looks. “I can probably get away one day this week.”

  She shook her head. “That’s not where I was going.” Lauren looked directly into his eyes, noticing as she had before how they seemed to change color. One day they could appear brown, and the next day they’d be green. “Actually, I have a proposition for you. I wondered if, maybe, you could be, like, a big brother to my son? Just a few hours a week?” She bit the bottom of her lip. “I realize that’s a huge commitment, and so I’d like to pay you.”

  “Pay me?” He scowled. “What do you take me for?”

  “It’s not an insult,” she assured him. “It’s more of a business arrangement.”

  “Well, put like that, I’m not interested.” He got up to leave.

  She put a hand on his arm, stopping him. “Why? You already agreed to see him once this week.”

  He sat back down. “Because I want to, not because I’m getting paid.”

  “Okay.” She swallowed hard. This would mean so much to her son, that her own emotions were on overload. She had to suck back tears. “I’ll keep my money, but will you spend some time with Josh?” She knew it was a terrible imposition, and he had every right to refuse.

  He toyed with his coffee for a minute. Glanced around the room, taking his time to make a decision. “On one condition.”

  “Anything.”

  “I want something from you.”

  “What?” When he wouldn’t meet her eyes, she sat up straighter. “Please don’t tell me you’re asking for sexual favors.” She laughed. “Kidding, of course.”

  “I would hope so.” His face was stern. “Truth is, I’m brushing up on some of my pre-med courses, preparing for MCAT. I could use a tutor.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful.” She thought about his time restraints. “How do you manage it with your job?”

  “No social life.” He said it so matter-of-factly, she knew it had to be true.

  “Of course I’d be willing to help you. Delighted, as a matter of fact.” Relief washed over her, easing most of her tension. “Then I wouldn’t feel so darn guilty asking you to spend time with my son.”

  “So? Do we have a deal?”

  “We have a deal.” She gave him a warm smile. “What are your plans? Going into research?”

  “I’m not sure what I’ll specialize in, but I want to help the thousands of young men and women returning from war.” He ran a hand through his sandy hair, mussing it up. “I’ve enjoyed being a medic, but I want to do more.”

  “Whatever you decide, I’m sure you’ll do well. From everything I hear, you’re great at what you do.”

  “Thanks, Doc. I intend to be.” He lifted his i-limb and opened and closed his life-like fingers. “I’m not going to let this hold me back.” He added, “Obviously I can’t tackle some of the simple tasks people take for granted, but I’ve learned how to work around them.”

  “When I watch you work, it’s hard to believe you wear a prosthetic. And you have a natural gift with the patients. You’re so at ease.” She smiled. “So, how’s the course work going?”

  “I’m holding my own, but not top of the class either.”

  “Do you have time to mentor? Josh will take up some of your valuable time.”

  “I’ll make time.” He didn’t smile. “I want to get into a top medical school. So yes, this agreement works for both of us.”

  She stood up. “Good. I’m glad we can help each other.”

  He stood too. “When can we start?”

  “Josh can’t do much yet, but I could start tutoring you anytime.” She looked into his eyes, almost giddy with relief. “Let me know when.”

  “I will, Dr. Reynolds. That’s a date.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Margaret Hornsby cornered Lauren the moment she entered the ER the next day. “I saw you having coffee with that sexy medic last night. What’s up, you sly fox?”

  “Nothing’s up. Not between us, anyway.” Lauren licked her lips. Why did talking about Shane make her uncomfortable? Because the other nurses thought he was hot? That must be the reason, because she certainly had no interest in him. Zero. If she wanted to date, she’d find someone older, more settled, not someone who had years of medical school looming ahead of him. He shouldn’t be thinking of dating either.

  Lauren knew Margaret was digging for information, so she told her what she knew. “He told me he’s hoping to get into med school. He’s a few credits shy of a degree, and he’s taking the remaining courses at UCLA and studying for MCATS. He wants to work with vets like him. Isn’t that something?”

  “What about his hand? Will that be a problem?”

  “No, I’m sure it won’t. People with disabilities aren’t so limited anymore. Besides, hand transplants will eventually be more common than prosthetics, and he’d likely be a perfect candidate.”

  “Wow.” Behind Margaret’s round, pink-framed glasses, her brown eyes sparkled. “Two hands. I’ve imagined having one of them running over my naked body, but think what he could do with two.” Her rosy cheeks flushed brighter and she giggled.

  “I choose not to,” Lauren replied dryly.

  “Oh, Dr. Reynolds, you’re no fun at all. If you don’t have sex, can’t you at least dream about it?” She put one hand on a plump hip and pretended to fan herself with the other. “I’m getting hot and bothered just thinking about him in my canopied bed. I’d like to tie his wrists to the bedposts .…”

  “Enough. I don’t need the details, please.” Lauren didn’t want to envision Shane and Margaret—or
Shane and anyone—having sex. Her stomach tightened at the mere thought. “What about John Sullivan? Why did you break up with him? He’s a nice guy, and you two seemed to be hitting it off.”

  “I don’t want to date a male nurse. Plus he’s got bad breath. And he’s losing his hair. And he’s not a great lover.” She tossed her head. “Besides, Shane’s always flirting with me. I think he’s interested.” She leaned closer, scrutinizing Lauren’s face. “Did he mention me at all?”

  “No, sorry to say.” Lauren forced a smile. “Now, Margaret, can we get our minds back on work?” She crossed her arms and glanced at the clock. “Any minute now those doors will open and we’ll be facing another life-or-death crisis.”

  “Doctor Reynolds.” Margaret sighed and raised her eyes. “Don’t try to distract me. You know how I get about these things.”

  “All too well.”

  Margaret ignored her. “I wonder if he’ll ask me out. Maybe I should stop hinting around and just ask him myself. What do you think?”

  “I think he’d be very lucky to have a woman like you, but he’s juggling his job and his medical studies. That doesn’t leave much time for a relationship.”

  “True. But when we’re not doing the deed, I could help him study.”

  “Margaret .…” Lauren decided to be up front about the arrangement she and Shane had made. No point in keeping it a secret and giving Margaret false hope. “I’m sorry, but he asked me to tutor him.”

  “He did?” Margaret looked sucker punched. “Why would he do that?” Her voice was full of hurt. “What did you tell him?”

  “I told him yes.” Lauren looked at her kindly, hoping she could make her understand. “He’s going to befriend Josh, and I’ll tutor him. It’s beneficial for both parties, you see.”

  “Oh, I see, all right.” She sniffed, and turned away.

  “Margaret .…”

  Lauren put out a hand to stop her favorite nurse from marching off in hurt and anger, but knew it was best to let her go. With any luck, Margaret would find another object for her affection quickly enough. The woman had a history of falling in and out of love, and Shane was simply the flavor of the month.

  For several days, every time Shane and Rick entered the ER, she could see Margaret and the other nurses watching her, speculating whether she and Shane were having an affair. Obviously, Margaret had shared her suspicions with her coworkers.

  Lauren made a point to avoid Shane as often as possible. When he and Rick brought her a patient, she talked to Rick, hoping to end the speculation about their relationship. Her professional demeanor became even more stilted than usual. She worried that soon she’d have no social skills left.

  Finally, Shane cornered her. “What’s up with you? Are you having second thoughts about our arrangement?”

  “No, of course not. And Josh can’t wait to see you.” She didn’t look at him as she spoke. “I’m willing to tutor you anytime you want.”

  “Then what is it? Everyone has gotten weird suddenly. Even Margaret.” He ran a hand through his long, sandy hair. “She won’t give me the time of day. Turns her back whenever I try to speak to her.”

  “Well, if you don’t know, I guess I need to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?” He looked at the nurses huddled in the corner, whispering to each other.

  “Margaret’s got a crush on you, and I think I put the kibosh on that.” She gave him an edited version of their conversation. “I’m sorry, but I think she’s told everyone that we’re having an affair.”

  He laughed. “Really?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe we should do something to get their tongues wagging. Play it up.”

  Lauren felt her cheeks heat up. “No way.”

  “Come on.” He leaned closer to her. “Act like I said something clever and funny, and smile and bat your eyelashes at me. Something girly.”

  “Why would I do that?” she asked, taking a step back.

  “I saw you do it with Kevin, so I know you can.”

  “I did not!” She gave him a fierce look. “That’s ridiculous. He’s simply a good friend. I’ve known him and his wife for years.”

  “Ah. So he is married.”

  “Separated. But what does that matter?”

  “It matters because you did get all pink and flustered. Although he’s an opinionated ass, if you ask me.”

  “I didn’t. And he’s really very nice.”

  “So, he left his wife. For you?” Shane leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms, pretending nonchalance, but his eyes were taking her measure.

  “Certainly not!” She took a step closer and hissed. “I was a friend of his wife’s. She’s still living in the house down the street. She’s an attorney too.” Lauren tilted her head to gaze up at him. “When my husband was alive, we used to socialize together, but once I was widowed, the invitations dried up. The women stopped calling.”

  “Why’s that? Jealous housewives?”

  “I can’t imagine anyone thinking of me as a threat.”

  “On the contrary. You’re attractive, intelligent. Wise women would keep their husbands away.”

  She laughed dismissively. “Because I’m not interested. I loved my husband very much, and I don’t want to replace him. I’m perfectly content raising Josh by myself.”

  “Don’t you ever get lonely?”

  “What—with my life?” She shook her head. “When would I have the time?”

  “You need to make time. A woman like you shouldn’t spend her life alone.” He leaned in to whisper. “Without someone to hold you, someone to love.”

  “I have Josh. He’s all I need.” She glanced around at the nurses pretending to be busy. “Why does everyone think I need a husband, when I’m perfectly content as I am?”

  “Maybe they don’t. Perhaps they think Josh needs a father.”

  “Please! Not you too. I hear that all the time, and frankly, I’m getting tired of it.” She glared at him. “I wasn’t a very good wife. There. I said it.” Her chin tilted up. “I’m better alone. Josh is fine. We’ve always been fine together.” Her words tumbled out as she tried to convince him. “We don’t need a man in our lives.”

  “I’m sorry to upset you,” Shane spoke gently, searching her eyes.

  She blinked rapidly. “You didn’t.” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I always get riled up when someone suggests that I marry so Josh can have a father.”

  “That wasn’t quite what I meant. But I know you want Josh to have more male companionship, and since Kevin is such a close friend, I just thought …”

  “You thought what? That I should date him?”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me.” He gave her a teasing smile. “You did blush a lot around him. And I don’t think you’re the blushing kind of girl.”

  “Trust me, I’m not. And as I said, I don’t do relationships well. My darling husband, if still alive, would attest to that.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  He gave her a shrewd look, and she couldn’t tell if he believed her. Not that it mattered whether he did or not, she knew it was true. She’d never backed down during an argument with her husband, and she’d harp on the matter until she was blue in the face—if she believed herself right. And where did that get her? Or him?

  Killed.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Shane had upset Lauren, and that hadn’t been his intention at all. He preferred flirting with her instead, and watching the heat creep up her cheeks. With that in mind, he cleared his throat and darted a quick look around the room. “Look, we got off the subject. I was going to suggest feeding the gossips. They’re going to talk anyway.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Pretend. Let them think we’re having an affair.” He winked at her. “At least it’ll get them off your back.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I can think of an easier way. I’ll just tell them to mind their own business.”

  “No, it’s better this way.” Plus, he figured it wou
ld be a lot more fun. “Like this.” He slipped an arm around her waist before she had time to react. “You smell good.” He sniffed behind her ear. “Like disinfectant.”

  She snorted and pushed him away. “Now you’ve gone and done it.”

  He gave her a sexy grin. “Not yet, I haven’t.”

  “Shane, stop that.” She tried not to smile, but he could see the laughter behind her amazing blue eyes. “Behave yourself. I don’t want people to think .…”

  “What?” he asked with just the right amount of innocence.

  “That we’re flirting.” She glanced around to see if anyone were watching. They were.

  “We’re not. Only pretending.” He winked. “Look, why don’t I take Josh to a movie on Saturday afternoon, and then we’ll grab a pizza for dinner. I’ll have him back by seven.”

  “Only if you let me tutor you when I put him to bed,” she said in a low voice.

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “Instead of pizza, I could cook dinner for the three of us.”

  “No need to do that.” He was surprised by the suggestion, and touched. But he played it cool. “I think Josh needs some one-on-one time with me,” he added.

  “You’re probably right. That’s a much better idea.” She gave him a warm smile. “He’d love it.”

  Lauren tried not to worry when Shane picked up Josh for a movie and dinner, but she remembered the first fiasco all too clearly. What if Josh acted up or was simply too much for Shane to handle? Shane seemed very evenly tempered and relaxed, but a hyper little boy who didn’t even belong to him might be more than he’d bargained for. And if Shane didn’t want to see her son again, Josh would be so bitterly disappointed. She hoped with all her heart that she hadn’t set her son up for more hurt.

  The hours of worry were quickly erased when a happy, grinning Josh burst through the door.

  “Mom, it was the best. You should have been with us.” He fidgeted from foot to foot, unable to stand still. “The movie was great. Do you want to see it? We could all go again.”

  Lauren kissed the top of his head and smiled at Shane. “No, I think once was enough for Shane, but I’m glad you had a great time.”