White Wedding for a Southern Belle

by Susan Carlisle

  He hadn’t agreed with her. Did he think she came on too strong? Why should she care what he thought? “They’re in the cabinet next to the refrigerator.”

  Kiefer had to reach past her to get them and his chest brushed against her back. Suddenly the kitchen became closet sized. Her hand shook as she moved a pot off a burner.

  “Careful with that. You might get burned.” His breath fanned against her neck.

  She shivered, very aware of him being near. “If you’d give me some room then you wouldn’t have to worry.”

  He straightened. “I’m used to worrying about you.”

  “I wish you’d stop.”

  “It’s part of the job of being the local doctor.”

  Ashley poured the beans into a bowl. “Did you always want to be a doctor?”

  “No. I dreamed of being a beach bum. I still love the beach. How about you? Did you always want to be an alderman?”

  “I was going to be a great journalist.”

  “So that’s why you’re so good in front of a camera.” Was she?

  “I guess. I didn’t know I was.” She pulled the pot roast from the slow cooker and put it on a platter.

  “You seem very natural. I hate it.” He took the platter from her.

  “I noticed that the other day. It just takes practice not to be intimidated.”

  Kiefer walked to the table. “I don’t want to practice. My one real experience wasn’t fun.”

  “What happened?”

  “When my mother was attacked the TV cameras were everywhere. Always in my face.”

  She looked appalled. “You were just a kid.”

  “They didn’t care. But enough of that talk. I’m hungry.”

  She grinned. “I’ve never known you not to be. Sit down and I’ll get the potatoes ready.”

  He did as she requested. When all the food was in front of them she sat. Leaning over the table, he made a big show of smelling and studying the food. “Do you always cook like this?”

  “Once a week I treat myself to an all-out meal that I prepare. I’m usually so busy I don’t eat right, so this is my way of compensating.” She picked up a bowl and handed it to him.

  As he spooned out mashed potatoes he said, “Well, I’d like to get on your regular dinner guest list.”

  Warm pleasure filled Ashley. It was nice to have a man appreciate her, and Kiefer in particular. “I’ll take that under advisement.” She watched as he took a large hunk of roast beef from the platter in the middle of the table.

  She filled her plate and glanced over at Kiefer. He was waiting on her to begin eating. His parents had taught him manners. Picking up her fork, she took a bite and he dug into his meal with gusto.

  “This is the best thing I’ve tasted in months.” He raised a forkful of meat.

  Ashley couldn’t help but glow under his praise. “Thank you. You know I’m not going to kick you out. You don’t have to keep going on about how good the food is.”

  He glanced up. “I’m telling the truth.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” It was nice to cook for someone who appreciated it. Kiefer was starting to endear himself to her. She liked him the more she was around him, slowly learning to trust him.

  “So when you’re not cooking or being an alderman, what do you do for fun?”

  “Fun?”

  “Yeah, you know when you smile and frolic. Fun.”

  She chuckled. “Frolic. You pulled that out of the vault.”

  “You’ve never frolicked?” He raised both brows.

  “Sure I have. When I was about four.”

  He asked between bites, “So you do remember fun?”

  “Never said I didn’t.”

  “Okay, now we’re talking in rounds. Let me try again. What do you like to do on your days off?”

  “I don’t have many of them but when I do I like to go to the movies.”

  “What kind of movies?”

  “I like old romances. Rebecca, Casablanca, An Affair to Remember.”

  He stopped chewing. “Now, that’s a facet of your personality I didn’t expect. I took you for more of a shoot-’em-up person.”

  Was he saying that she didn’t have a soft side? Hadn’t she heard that before from other men? The idea really hurt coming from Kiefer.

  Her chair scraped the floor as she stood. Taking her plate to the dishwasher, she put it in. “Well, people can surprise you.”

  Ashley returned to the table for two bowls and carried them to the counter. A large hand slipped around her and placed the platter of leftover meat on the counter just as she turned. She bumped into Kiefer’s chest. His hands came to rest on her shoulders.

  “Hey,” Kiefer said softly, compelling her to look at him. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

  “You didn’t.”

  His gaze held hers. “I think I did. You don’t have to be the tough guy all the time.”

  Her hands went to his chest. “I’m not.”

  Kiefer pulled her closer. His look dropped. He intended to kiss her. The thrill of anticipation made her heart rate increase.

  “I know for a fact that parts of you are very soft.” Slowly his mouth lowered to hers.

  Ashley closed her eyes as his lips touched hers. They were firm and sure. Wonderful. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss. How did he manage to make her brainless when his lips were on hers? She pushed up against him, finding solid warmth that she wanted to bury herself in.

  His lips left hers. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable.”

  What was she doing? She didn’t have time for a complication like Kiefer. If they became involved and then broke up, which they surely would because they were so incompatible, what would happen to the clinic? It would make their relationship extremely uncomfortable. Should she believe in him? No, she’d been misled before. Be sure. Very sure. Ashley pushed hard against his chest, breaking their contact.

  Kiefer looked at her with questioning eyes. He leaned toward her again.

  She backed away. “I think it’s time for you to go.”

  “Ash—”

  “It won’t work.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I just know. I don’t have time to play games.”

  He continued to watch her. “What games?”

  “You know, the one where we get together, we play house and then we break up. I don’t have time for all that emotional upheaval.” What if she was wrong about him?

  “You got all of that from three simple kisses?”

  Was she overreacting? Maybe so, but she’d been there before, and during this time in her life she didn’t have time to be sidetracked by getting involved with someone who was just here temporarily. Who would let her down in the end. “That’s the problem. Your kisses aren’t simple. I’m sorry—I’m tired. I think it’s time for you to go.”

  “I will, but I won’t be going far.” He went to the door to the stairwell. Before he stepped through it, he looked back at her. “Just know that if it was up to me I’d still be kissing you. All over.”

  Heat washed over her. Just the idea made her blood hum. If he tried again, would she stop him?

  * * *

  Thursday evening Ashley was on her way home from a monthly council meeting. She’d drawn flowers on her notepad as Alderman Henderson had expounded on how too many funds were being used in the Southriver district and needed to be redirected to the infrastructure of the downtown where tourists visited. Ashley had heard it all before over and over. All she wanted was to go home and have a hot shower.

  She glanced at the Southriver Community sign that had only been erected two weeks earlier. The sign showed the outline of brownstones with a river in the background. She hoped
the signs gave the community a sense of pride because with that came ownership, which made a neighborhood strong.

  As she drove up to the clinic she noticed the light was still on. Kiefer must have been working late. He had become a real asset to the clinic. The people in the community liked him. She shouldn’t be so amazed because she did too. Too much. His kisses, though brief, still lingered. She bit her bottom lip. It still tingled whenever she thought of Kiefer’s touch.

  Seconds later she saw him step out of the clinic door and reach in to turn off the outside light.

  A pop-pop drew her attention away. Not even a second later there was a tink-tink of something hitting the right front panel of her car. Was someone throwing something at her?

  She saw a blur of movement that made her think of Marko. Another pop and the windshield cracked loudly.

  Was he shooting at her?

  Pop.

  Ashley stomped the brake pedal, shoved the car into gear and leaned down over the console. Her arm stung. She must have hit the steering wheel. She felt a dampness there as well.

  Before she could react further Kiefer was beating on her window. “Are you all right? Unlock the door!”

  He was already jerking on the door handle as she pushed the button to release it. He slung it open before she could sit up.

  Kiefer’s head was inside the car. “Ashley. Ashley. Are you hurt?”

  “I don’t think so. Was someone shooting at me?”

  “You’re damn straight they were!” His hand was around her, pulling her into a sitting position.

  “Did they shoot at you?”

  “No, he ran off. He was after you.”

  “After me?” She tried to look out the windshield. “Oh, look at my poor car. Insurance is never going to believe this.”

  “Forget the car. How about you? I need to check you out. Are you sure nothing hurts?” He helped her out of the car.

  “My arm does a little bit.”

  Kiefer said a string of words that could blister faster than the sun on a hot day in August. “You’ve been hit.” He put an arm around her waist, supporting her weight against him.

  “What?” She held her arm to her chest. Blood started to drip off her elbow.

  “Stay still and let me have a look.”

  She did as he requested. Looking at her arm, she could see that there was a ragged tear in the lightweight material of her shirt.

  Kiefer ripped the cloth, enlarging the opening.

  “Hey!”

  “Hush, your shirt was already ruined. I need to look at this.” His finger probed along her skin.

  “Ow!”

  “Sorry. Do you have any napkins or a cloth in here?” he asked, looking toward her car.

  “There are a few napkins in the door pocket.” Her arm was starting to really sting.

  Kiefer reached into the side pocket and came out with a handful of restaurant napkins that she’d stored there in case of a spill. He placed them over her wound, applying pressure. It stopped the stream of blood running down her arm.

  She pulled back. “You do know that hurts, don’t you?”

  Kiefer didn’t ease up. “I’m sorry but it’s necessary. I need to get you inside where I can see. Can you hold your hand over it?”

  Her head was becoming fuzzy but she said, “Yes.”

  “Good girl. Let’s go.” Kiefer supported her as they walked across the parking lot.

  The sound of a siren and the flash of blue lights came toward them.

  She tried to pull away. “You called the police?”

  “Yes, I did. Someone was trying to kill you.”

  “No, they weren’t. I’m sure they were only trying to scare me.”

  He brought her back against him. “Well, as far as I’m concerned, they were. Enough talking.”

  The police car pulled in next to them.

  Ashley, despite her best efforts, weaved on her feet. “I’m feeling light-headed.”

  Kiefer grumbled something and pulled her tighter against him. He called to the officer, “I’m Dr. Bradford. Someone shot at Ms. Marsh.” He gestured to her car and where the shooter had been with his free hand.

  Kiefer kept moving toward the clinic as the officer took off in the direction he’d pointed. At the door Kiefer continued to hold her close. She moaned. Her arm was throbbing.

  “Hang in there, Ashley. I’ll have you taken care of in no time.” He pushed the door open. As they entered Ashley stumbled. Kiefer scooped her into his arms and stalked to an exam room. There he placed her on the table. “Do not move.”

  Ashley had never heard him sound so forceful. Even if she’d felt like doing so, she wouldn’t after that demand. “Don’t worry, I’m going nowhere.”

  In almost no time Kiefer had returned with an armload of supplies. He dumped them on the table and then tore into a box, pulling out some gauze pads. Taking a bottle of saline, he opened the top and wet a square. She hissed as he dabbed around the wound.

  “I hate that it hurts but it can’t be helped. Can you lift your arm? I need to see if the bullet went through.”

  Ashley raised her arm and Kiefer tore her sleeve farther. His fingers were gentle and careful as he pushed against the skin around the wound. “I don’t feel any bullet but I can’t be sure until you have an X-ray. I’m going to clean you up and then get you to the hospital.”

  “I don’t want to go to the hospital.”

  “Even if I didn’t think you needed to go, you would still have to. It’s the law that all gunshot wounds be seen in an ER.” Kiefer added more saline to a clean pad. “Let’s get the bleeding stopped and you wrapped up.”

  Over the next few minutes Kiefer cleaned the area around the wound and put a bandage around her arm.

  “Do you think you can walk to the truck?”

  She nodded but when she stood she was unsteady on her feet. “With some help.”

  Kiefer pulled her close and guided her out to the truck.

  “What’re you looking for?” Ashley asked, when he slowed to look around for the second time.

  “I’m making sure that someone isn’t out here, waiting to take shots at you again.”

  “The police are here. They wouldn’t dare.”

  “I’m not taking any chances.” He steered her to the truck and lifted her inside. On the way round to his side he called to the officer who was examining her car, “I’m taking her to the hospital. It’ll be quicker than waiting for an ambulance. We’ll give our statements there.”

  The officer nodded his assent and said they’d meet them at the hospital. Kiefer glanced at her and checked her pulse again before driving away. For once Ashley was grateful to have someone taking care of her.

  * * *

  Kiefer paced the waiting area of the ER. They had told him to get out of the exam room. Go have a cup of coffee. Like he wanted some. His real worry was that someone had shot Ashley. Marko had been bad enough, but this... He’d known the neighborhood wasn’t the best but he’d never imagined this would happen.

  He made another trip across the floor. Ashley could have been killed.

  Not soon enough for him, Will, the ER doctor and an old friend from medical school, pushed through the door to the waiting room. Kiefer didn’t give him time to speak before he stalked toward him and asked, “How is she?”

  “She’s going to be fine. Has a few stitches in her forearm. The bullet didn’t hit the bone. It was just a graze.”

  “You checked her over completely?”

  Will eyed him closely. “I did. You act as if you and Alderman Marsh have something going on.”

  Kiefer couldn’t meet his eye. Maybe he was overreacting but the thought of Ashley being hurt sickened him. After Brittney he had no intention of ever having something �
�going on” with a woman. He liked Ashley and didn’t want to see her injured—that was all. “We’re just friends. She owns the building that the clinic is in.”

  Will nodded and gave him a look that implied he thought there was more to it than what Kiefer was admitting to.

  “Can I see her now?”

  “Sure. She’s going to stay overnight just for observation.”

  “Thanks, Will.” Kiefer stuck out his hand.

  Will shook it. “Come on back. But you have to behave.”

  Kiefer didn’t dignify that statement with a remark. He’d been alarmed for Ashley when they’d made it to the hospital. Her head had been on his thigh and her eyes had been closed. He’d brushed her hair back from her pale face and quietly reassured her. The realization that he knew almost nothing about her clawed at him. That had been the way he’d wanted it until now. The less he knew the less involved personally he would be. The thought of her dying changed things. He wasn’t going to let her push him away again.

  He slid the exam room glass door sideways just far enough for him to slip in. Ashley was as white as the sheet pulled over her. He took her fingers in his. More than once he’d seen loved ones touch family members the same way. When had this woman started mattering to him so much? Slipped past his defenses? His reaction meant nothing. He’d be this concerned about anyone he’d seen shot.

  Ashley’s eyes opened but were heavy as if she would go to asleep again in the next second. “Hey.”

  “Hi. How’re you feeling?”

  “Like I got shot. Did they hurt you?”

  “No.”

  “Good.” Her eyelids fluttered for a second.

  “Can you tell me your parents’ names so I can call them?”

  Her eyes went wide. “Don’t. I don’t want them to know.”

  Kiefer squeezed her hand. “They need to know.”

  “It would just worry them. Please don’t. They don’t need to know.”

  Kiefer settled into a chair beside the bed. Minutes later a police officer entered. “I need to take a statement.”

  Over the next half hour he and Ashley told their stories as the young officer made notes. Against Ashley’s objections Kiefer also mentioned the vandalism incident and Marko’s visit. It was so reminiscent of what had happened to his mother. All those emotions had swelled in him. The blind rage of watching Ashley shot, the helplessness of not being able to do more, the fear that he might lose her. He wanted to hit something.