Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking

by Maggie Van Well

  “Kate, shut up and get me the fucking clamps now!”

  Something in his voice must’ve clicked her into nurse-mode. Digging through his case, she produced the surgical tools he requested.

  Rob sat forward, his face devoid of color. “What’s happening?”

  With trembling hands, Jake eased the first clamp into place. “The cord is tight around the baby’s neck. It could be cutting off blood flow. I need to do this fast or we could have some problems.”

  The room went silent as he placed the second clamp. Once secured, he cut the cord. “Susan, push!”

  As a midwife, Jake knew she was aware that until the baby was delivered, the cord was its only source of oxygen. Now that it was severed, the clock ticked. So when he instructed her to push, she bore down with everything in her.

  The shoulders emerged, and the rest of the child slid out.

  Jake held the still infant in his arms and suctioned her nose and mouth again.

  Nothing.

  No motion. No cry.

  “Please breathe for Dr. Jake, sweetie. Please,” he whispered.

  She remained still. Limp.

  Fighting panic, he angled her head down and turned her over, rubbing her back. “Come on. Come on.”

  The room erupted in chaos, but Jake shut out the cries and pleads to God as he focused on bringing the infant to life.

  Then she jerked. Squirmed. And let out a boisterous cry. Relief swamped him.

  Thank you, Jesus! “It’s a girl.”

  Susan lowered her head to her husband’s shoulder, her face crumpled from crying. Rob kissed her forehead. “We have our little girl.”

  “I’m so jealous.” Kate wiped her eyes.

  Jake listened to her heart and lungs, before happily handing the wailing baby over to her mother. “I think I pissed her off.”

  Rob slapped Jake’s shoulder. “The Child Whisperer strikes again. You rock, man.”

  Susan looked into the eyes of her daughter, then to Jake. “I don’t know how to thank you. If you hadn’t been here—”

  Jake placed his hand on her wrist. “But I was.”

  “And I thank God for that.” Her lower lip trembled. Taking her eyes from his, she cooed to her daughter. “Hello, Julia.”

  Jake allotted himself a few minutes to regroup. When the lump in his throat lessened, he faced the happy parents. “Okay, Susan. Time to hand Julia to Dad. I need to deliver the placenta.” He smiled at Kate and took the plastic bag she offered. “I hate this part.”

  She bit her lip while attempting to twist the ring through her glove. “Jake, I’m sorry—”

  “Now’s not the time.”

  She lowered her gaze and nodded.

  He only felt a tiny bit guilty for interrupting her apology, but he wasn’t in the mood for excuses.

  And he was bound to get a truckload.

  The ambulance arrived ten minutes later. Susan and little Julia were wheeled out on a stretcher. Jake, Kate, and Rob followed.

  Jake squinted his eyes against the strong August sun. No one would have guessed only two hours ago, he’d been hunched in a corner with Kate during a raging tornado.

  Or the heat that followed.

  Rob offered Jake his hand. “I owe you one, buddy.”

  “Nah. All in a day’s work. I better go check my house.” With a passing wave to Kate, Jake jogged to his front door, thankful that he could finally release all the emotions wrestling inside him.

  He slammed the door and marched through the rooms, checking for any damage. Aside from the mess of limbs and debris in his backyard, he saw none. He headed for the treadmill. Still no power.

  With a resigned sigh, he plopped into the nearby chair and let the memories come.

  God, he was such a loser. What idiot freaks out when a beautiful woman kisses him? He wanted her, yearned for her, even thought about her in bed at night. What did he do when his fantasy came true? He panicked.

  At least he saved himself when he got over the shock of her advance and kissed her like a man should.

  And then he had to go screw it up again.

  ”I need a minute.”

  What the hell was that? He should’ve strutted around the room, showing off his massive erection, hoping just the thought of it would make her burn red hot.

  Instead, he acted like a junior high school kid hiding his hard-on behind a textbook.

  Sure, Kate had seemed condescending while he delivered Susan’s baby, but he’d given her good reason. He hadn’t exactly been the picture of cool. He’d tried so damn hard to convince her he wasn’t a kid, and from the way she kissed him, he had gotten through to her.

  But judging by the way she acted during the delivery, he was right back where he started.

  Fuck this.

  Jake headed upstairs to shower, hoping to ease the tension from his neck, his shoulders. He let the lukewarm water beat down on his stiff muscles until it went cold. Nothing helped. He needed a drink. Noise. Chaos. And he knew just the place.

  Walking through the streets, Jake took in the condition of his neighborhood. Leaves and limbs everywhere and lines down, but none active, thank God. People were out, cleaning up their yards and helping each other. He waved to a few kids and their parents, but didn’t stop to chat. He had one destination in mind.

  He just prayed it was open.

  About a quarter mile into his journey, he left the quiet residential area and turned onto Main Street. He needn’t have worried. The tornado hadn’t even touched this part of town. So much was going on, people walking to and from the beach. Once it got dark enough, fireworks would light the sky over the duck pond. He couldn’t imagine all this ending when the vacationers went home and gave Seashore Cove back to its residents.

  He strolled along the sidewalk, past beachside motels and small shops. Even now, folks lined the street, waiting to get into the trendy restaurants or Shirley’s Ocean Front Diner. He maneuvered around the sea of people until he came upon Donovan’s Pub. A thick cloud of cigarette smoke surrounded the entrance of the bar. A booming dance beat vibrated the heavy wooden door as he pushed it open.

  The pub was average sized, but long and narrow. Small square tables and chairs sat in front of long benches lining the wall. The baby grand tucked into the back corner was rumored to have been played by Billy Joel a few years ago. Man, to have been there that day.

  The place was low lit, homey, with an eclectic array of patrons dressed in everything from beach attire to designer suits and cocktail dresses.

  Tucker Donovan stood behind the bar, pouring a beer into a frosty mug. Jake waved to him and sat in the stool farthest from the blaring jukebox.

  “Hey, man. Good to see you.” Tucker held out his hand. “Did you hear a funnel cloud moved through this area? I wish I’d gotten a glimpse at that.”

  “Don’t be so sure. I only got brushed by it, and it was still pretty dicey.”

  “No way!” Tucker’s brow shot up. “Was anyone hurt?”

  “As far as I know, we all survived relatively unscathed. What the hell are you doing here anyway? I thought you were the stockbroker and Sean owned this joint?”

  He chuckled, but his eyes constantly scanned the crowd. “He does. I’m helping out. One of his employees called in sick.”

  “In that case, I’ll take a scotch on the rocks.”

  “Sure thing—shit!” Tucker’s eyes widened seconds before he dropped behind the counter.

  What the hell? What was with this guy and diving? Jake peered over the counter at the crouching bartender.

  “Is she gone?” he whispered.

  Jake peered behind him, but so many people crowded the room he had no idea who Tucker was referring to. “Who?”

  “The leggy blonde with the purple hairclip.”

  He searched the patrons and found the woman in question. “Yeah, she’s by the exit.”

  Tucker stood. “Thanks, man. I swear—oh, damn it!” He disappeared again.

  “Dude, she’s still by t
he exit—”

  “Not her. The blonde with the long hair and double-Ds.”

  Once again, he scanned. This guy apparently had a weakness for blondes. “She just went into the ladies’ room.”

  The skittish bartender reappeared, shaking his head as he poured the scotch. “I hate this place in the summer. All the women from out of town come back.”

  Jake took his drink. “I can see where that’s a problem for you.”

  Tucker chuckled as he turned to prepare another order.

  A tall hefty man sat beside Jake, helping himself to a handful of pretzels from the bowl sitting in front of him. “How’s it going? You the guy who took over Dr. Stern’s old practice?”

  Jake raised his glass in salute. “Yup. Jake Harris.”

  “Detective Roker. I sure hope you’re old enough to be drinking that, young man.”

  Jake laughed, but the guy remained straight-faced. Wait, was this dude serious? Okay, yeah, he looked young for his age, but c’mon.

  Just as Jake was about to produce his license, the older man chuckled and slapped his back. “I assume you are old enough?”

  Jake relaxed. This was just what he needed to get his mind off what happened earlier in the evening. Meeting new people and forgetting a few others.

  Well, maybe just one.

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be thirty in a few months. Can I buy you a drink?”

  “Thanks, but I’m on duty.”

  “A soda then.” Jake raised his hand. “Hey Tuck! Can I get a Coke down here?”

  Tucker joined them, his eyes on the man next to Jake. “How’s it going, Dick.” He grinned, but it wasn’t a friendly one. “’Tective?”

  The large man’s mouth twisted. “Staying out of trouble, Donovan?”

  “Depends on what you mean by trouble?”

  “The non-sober kind.”

  Tucker glared as he shot a stream of soda into a mug then pushed it over toward him. “I’m just mixing them, Roker. I’m not drinking them.”

  “I saw your car in the parking lot, so I suggest you keep it that way.” The man took the drink, nodded to Jake, and left to sit with a group of men sitting at a small table by the door.

  “Douchebag,” Tucker muttered then pointed to Jake’s drink. “You ready for another, bud?”

  “Sure.” He slid his empty glass over to Tucker and waited for a fresh one.

  Once delivered, Jake took a sip just as Kate’s brother came into view, accompanied by a few other people. But his arm was around a tall, full-figured woman with long black hair. “Hey, that’s not Logan’s girlfriend, is it?” he asked Tucker.

  “Nah, he doesn’t really have one.”

  “Then who’s that woman he’s with?”

  “That’s his gal-pal, Roxanne. Didn’t you meet her at the wedding?”

  He searched his brain but came up empty. He was pretty sure he’d remember her. “Not that I recall.”

  “I’m not surprised. She tends to sit in the corner at big events.”

  “She’s shy?”

  Tucker shrugged. “Not around me, but we’ve been friends for a long time. She’s a hell of a gal. We work in the same office building, and everyone loves her.”

  “You’re not ducking behind the counter, so I assume you two never dated.”

  Tucker’s brow shot up. “Date a town chick? Are you kidding me? I’d have to live crouched in a corner.”

  Swirling the amber liquid in his glass, Jake studied the woman. She was probably around his age, but she seemed to slouch in her seat. She didn’t say much in her little group of friends, but when Logan turned to her and said something to make her laugh, Jake nearly dropped the drink in his hand. When she smiled, she went from attractive to absolutely stunning.

  Maybe this was worth investigating.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  JAKE FORCED HIMSELF over to the group. Even though his heart wasn’t in it, he needed to get out, meet people, and hopefully find the woman who would share his dream of a family.

  He patted Logan on the shoulder. “How’s it going, pal?”

  “Jake, my man! Have a seat, and I’ll introduce you to all my work friends.” Logan picked up his beer bottle and tapped the table with it. “Everyone shut up for a sec so you can meet Jake Harris, the dude who just saved my niece’s life.”

  An eruption of cheers and handshakes followed.

  Placing his drink on the table, he slid into the booth beside Roxanne as Logan called out everyone’s name. Five other people smiled, nodded, or shook his hand, but damned if he remembered their names.

  Roxanne offered a welcoming smile. “I saw you at Eddie and Shirley’s wedding. You’re a great dancer.”

  Huh, she didn’t seem shy and not the least bit aggressive. This might actually work. But even as he smiled at the pretty, blue-eyed woman, his mind kept picturing warm brown eyes.

  Damn you, Kate. Get out of my head!

  “I don’t remember seeing you there.”

  “Roxy has a tendency to shy away from the spotlight,” the striking woman sitting beside Roxanne said. “I’m Brittany, in case you missed it. I heard all about you. You arrived at the wedding in an Audi R8?”

  God, he’d regretted that decision, but he’d been so hell-bent on showing off for Kate, he didn’t think of the reaction he’d get. “That’s right.”

  “That’s a real nice car.” Brittany toyed with her springy strawberry-blonde curls. “I wouldn’t mind going for a ride in it some time.”

  You and everyone else. “Sure, why not?”

  “Hey, doc, stop hitting on my girl!” Logan said.

  Brittany rolled her hazel eyes, her mouth twisted. “Like I’d date a guy who’s balding and drives a rusted old Chevy. I am not your girl, Logan, so get over it.”

  He nudged Jake’s elbow. “She’s playing hard to get.”

  “Maybe you should start playing hard to get,” Roxanne offered. “You know, reverse psychology.”

  “That might work.” Logan stroked his neatly-trimmed beard. “Roxanne Henderson, you’re a genius.”

  Brittany swatted her friend’s arm. “Don’t encourage him.”

  Jake didn’t hear any more of the banter as dread settled in his stomach. “Henderson?”

  Roxanne nodded, her eyes squinted in confusion. “Yes. I’m Kate’s sister-in-law. I thought you knew.”

  With those words, all the wind went out of his sails. Just the idea of dating this woman while longing for her dead brother’s wife was way too high on the creepy scale for him. “I guess I didn’t put two and two together.”

  Roxanne leaned in close. “I have it on good authority she thinks you’re a great boss and neighbor.”

  Jake took a hefty swallow of his scotch. Of course she did. Even after that searing kiss, that’s all he’d ever be.

  And probably all he should be.

  ***

  “My goodness, from what Gladys said, it sounds like you had some day off.” Nancy flipped through the computer’s appointment book, her thin eyebrows stuck in penciled-on surprise.

  Tossing her purse under the reception desk, Kate released a small huff of air. “You can say that again.”

  Nancy turned, her glasses sliding down her nose. “Is it true Dr. Harris delivered your sister’s baby during a tornado and then operated on her?”

  Thinking back to that frantic phone call from Gladys yesterday, Kate felt sure her friend would be telling the staff Jake had fought off the tornado with one hand while delivering Julia with the other. “Actually, that’s pretty darn close.”

  “And then your sister insisted he name the baby?”

  Ah, leave it to dear Gladys not to let her down. “Not exactly.”

  Kate went to exam room one to make sure it was tidy. She didn’t dare clean anything, lest Arlene and Gladys glare at her the whole time again.

  Maybe, just a little straightening wouldn’t hurt, she thought as she reached for the prize box. It’d be so much easier if this were organized.

 
; So here she was again, freaking out about seeing Jake after doing something stupid. Thank God he wasn’t due at the office until after ten. At least she hadn’t used that kiss as fantasy fodder last night. Although if she had, she probably would’ve slept better.

  If only she’d bucked up the courage to go over and talk to him, but her yard simply had to be cleaned after the storm. It took her hours to remove all the leaves and branches from the pool and lawn. Then the basement window needed tending to. She’d promised herself if he’d made an appearance she would explain her inappropriate behavior, but he never did. For some reason, that hurt.

  With a rush of annoyance, Kate shoved the prize box aside. Resting her elbows on the counter, she lowered her face into her hands. The yard and pool could’ve waited. The truth was she was horrified at what she’d done. She’d thrown herself at her boss, kissed him, and let him touch her in ways only William had.

  Then proceeded to insult his abilities as a doctor.

  The way he’d dealt with Susan’s delivery wasn’t the reason she’d brushed off his concern for mother and child. It was the fear that something was wrong with her sister’s child. Kate was older than Jake, more experienced. She should be able to handle an emergency better.

  Yet he had handled the situation so much more calmly than she had.

  The clicking of the door latch nearly made her jump out of her skin. By the heady cologne that wrapped around her and warmed her insides, she knew who’d just entered the room. Spinning around, she stared at Jake, heat rising in her face. “Dr. Harris. I didn’t expect to see you until—”

  “So we’re back to Dr. Harris again?” He leaned against the door, his brow raised.

  God, he looked more scrumptious than that chocolate-filled donut she’d had for breakfast. Kate stared at her wedding ring, not sure what to say.

  “How about we get right to the awkward part, so we can get on with our day?” he suggested.

  “Dr.—Jake, I’m sorry for the way I acted yesterday. I don’t know what came over me. I’m terrified of thunderstorms and maybe I just—well, I promise it won’t happen again.”

  He stepped forward and placed his hand over hers, stopping any further babbling. “I believe there were two people involved in that kiss.”