by Judi Nolan
Kate glanced down at the copper haired child. "Who was Ellie?"
She couldn’t help wondering about the boy’s mother. His younger features were softer, more undefined, but they did possess the beginnings of the same lean masculine symmetry as his father’s; with an added dash of faint freckles over the bridge of his nose to go with the red hair. And that hard, cynical gleam was absent from the child’s wide eyes.
Without thinking, Kate ran her forefinger over the freckles she knew sprinkled her own nose. She was aware her short crop of copper curls would shine brightly in the hot sunshine just like the boy’s. The physical kinship they shared squeezed her heart.
"Before she moved away the previous owner, Ellie Calder, indulged my son beyond permission," Spencer growled, bending to catch the boy close to his chest in a swift hug. "Ellie could do no wrong in his eyes."
"Auntie Ellie always let me eat lots of ice cream. I love Hokey Pokey the best." Jamie’s dark eyes sparkled with hope. "When can I come over?"
"Oh, I’m not sure..." Kate blinked in unconscious denial.
The innocent request caught her unprepared. She hadn’t planned on entertaining, especially masculine company, however small and tempting. After her break from Eric, the solitude of her own company had become essential to her peace of mind. Her social graces were decidedly rusty, but it was a comfortable situation she didn’t intend to change at any time in the future.
"I think we need to have a long talk about Ellie’s arrangements." Spencer put his son down. "They were too lax. She was Jamie’s kindergarten teacher and I’m afraid Ellie encouraged him because she didn’t have any kids of her own. She was a determinedly single woman."
He made it sound like sort of crime. Kate felt his frowning gaze shift over her again, assessing, probing against her secrets. Was he looking for some kind of sign in her, some statement of her particular circumstances? Some confession he could use against her in the future? Her heart thudded.
"Well, perhaps, we could come to some arrangement." Kate took a shaky breath, trying to push aside her rapidly growing unease. "I mean, once I’ve managed to get settled in. I doubt I’ll have a lot of spare time for visitors."
"Oh, okay." Jamie’s bright look of hope faded and his small face fell.
Kate’s stomach began to churn with guilt. "We’ll have to see."
She wanted to let him down gently. She wouldn’t make the boy any promises she couldn’t keep. "I may be too busy to have company over. I have to take care of this garden. Can I get back to you?"
"I can help." Jamie pushed a stone around with the toe of his sandal. "I'm really strong."
"Yes, I can see that." Kate nodded slowly. "We will talk about this another time, Jamie. I promise."
"I’ll talk to him." Spencer waved her protests aside. "I’m afraid my son just loves people, certainly anyone feminine. I won’t allow him to bother you."
Oh, help. Kate closed her eyes on a mental groan.
So much for trying to do the right thing. Put that way, she now felt mean spirited. That wasn’t what she intended. But how could she explain her position?
She looked up uncertainly at Spencer. "I really do like children. It’s just that..." she sighed, shaking her head, unable to continue.
It wasn't any of her concern. It wouldn’t be right; the little boy already had a mother.
Three pairs of dark eyes—she included the panting dog sitting at her feet—studied her expression with various degrees of expectation. The sense of being trapped, of not being in control, rose again.
She pushed her hands into the hip pockets of her denim cut-offs. "Perhaps we could discuss this at a later date."
"Of course." Spencer’s hard blue gaze studied the renewed flush coloring her cheeks. "As I said, we didn’t mean to intrude."
His taut expression closed, becoming remote. He seemed to have settled whatever was on his mind. His narrow look said that he’d been expecting Kate to refuse his son’s innocent request.
Why on earth would he think that?
He lifted his wide shoulders. "We’ll get out of your way then."
"I...you didn’t disturb me." Kate's nerves tightened. "I was just thinking."
"What about?" Jamie leaned around his father to look up at her.
Kate looked down into his bright eyes. They were so honest and direct, and innocent. She breathed deeply, feeling her unease settling in the base of her throat, rupturing her ability to think straight. She couldn’t afford to be swayed by his sweet attraction, by thoughts of what she would now never have.
A home, a family—children—of her own.
Without appearing rude, it would be better if she maintained distance between her, this man and his child. It would be safer that way.
Her troubled gaze slipped to the gold band on Spencer Stelanos’ left hand. The fact he was married only added to her determination. She had no intention of ever traveling down that dreadful path again.
"Just things," she replied evasively. "I have things to do in the next couple of days."
"Ah huh." The boy’s small face clouded with doubt.
"Come on, Jamie." Spencer grasped his son’s shoulder. "We don’t want to wear out our welcome." He whistled to the dog. "Lobo, let’s go home."
"Can’t I stay?" Jamie begged. "I promise to be good. Please, Papa."
"Perhaps another time." Spencer crouched down beside his son.
The unruly dark hair tossed back from his forehead was suddenly within reach. Again Kate’s fingers were seriously tempted and she shivered.
Opening your heart could only led to disaster. But the mass of thick dark hair looked so soft and springy. She curled her fingers against the temptation to reach out and thread her way through the rich strands. Loneliness closed tightly in her throat.
The glinting wedding ring on Spencer’s finger warned her off. Her hands would be better employed ripping out weeds than being foolishly tempted to touch something she couldn’t have or hope to keep. But she couldn’t prevent her raw sense of loneliness seeping like ice through her veins.
Renewed bitterness sharpened in the back of her throat as she said, "I’m not sure that’s a good idea at all."
"Maybe Auntie Kate could come to dinner," Jamie breathed, against his father’s listening ear. "If she wants to. Please, Papa, ask her. Maybe she likes baked beans on toast."
Kate held her breath, determined not to be swayed. The boy’s innocent charm would melt the hardest heart and her eyes stung with unshed tears.
Spencer was watching her over his son’s head. Again his hard gaze moved over her face, his dark brows drawing together. Aware he’d noticed her caught lip, her rapid breathing and the sheen in her eyes, Kate looked away.
She heard his throaty growl. She was grateful he didn’t press for an explanation.
"Another time perhaps, Jamie." Spencer cradled the boy into his arms as he straightened. "Perhaps Auntie Kate will accept an open invitation to come over anytime." His dark eyebrows arched. "When she’s settled in and organized herself. And I’m sure we can do better than baked beans and toast."
"Will you?" Jamie wanted to know, twisting around in his father’s arms to stare down at Kate.
"Thank you, I’d like that." Kate managed a jerky nod.
"Excellent. We’ll get going then." Spencer stepped back. "Take care of yourself. Make sure you keep plenty of that sunscreen handy. You're going to need it out here. Melamonas are a real danger." Setting Jamie down, he whistled again for the dog and turned to move away.
"Bye." Jamie waved a hand before boy and canine shot off at top speed, easily outstripping Spencer’s long stride.
Kate watched the trio until they disappeared among the trees. She sighed. The man sure liked to order people around. That crack about the sunscreen was the final straw. She was well aware of the dangers of too much exposure to ultra-violet rays.
As soon as she got inside the house, she’d find the telephone number for Spencer Stelanos and call to make her polit
e excuses. She knew his wife wouldn’t be too pleased with an unattached female turning up her doorstep, even with an open invitation.
"Besides, you don’t have time to be social." She stared at the rambling garden. "You have your work and all this to deal with. It’s more than enough."
A passing dark cloud dulled the heat of the sun. Kate shivered in the sudden chill. She slipped her feet into her sandals, retracing her steps towards the cozy warmth of the cottage.
Strangely, now that the enigmatic Spencer Stelanos and his small son had left her alone in the solitude of her thoughts, she felt uncomfortably aware of her own state of necessary solitude.
It was a deliberate choice she’d made, a choice she would have to live with. For her own sake she needed this new beginning.
The thought didn’t stop her wondering suddenly if she’d made different decisions how her life could have been so very different. Full to overflowing with unconditional love and close family ties.
But then wishes never come true, do they?
CHAPTER TWO
Three days later, Kate slipped quickly into the Mountaindale Medical Center by the staff entrance. Her empty stomach churned with nervous anticipation. Breakfast had been a hastily brewed cup of black coffee.
Her ability to sleep had been fitful and she'd given up before the sun rose. She had good intentions, first impressions mattered and she was here to work, not spend precious time dreaming about gorgeous dark haired pirates.
She’d been interviewed over Skype by the two junior partners in the practice, Dr. Edith Michaels and her husband Kevin. Both senior partners had been called to a serious road accident involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries. Their generous offer of employment had been Skyed back almost immediately.
"We can't afford to let the good ones get away," Edith had confessed candidly. "I know you'll love it down here. Let us know the day and your flight number and we'll meet you."
Kate had telephoned her apologies soon after she arrived, blaming a flight scheduling mix-up. Edith had accepted her explanation without comment, simply glad she had arrived safely. Kate assured her she would be available to begin work on time.
Now the steady murmur of voices startled her. A substantial crowd filled the center's waiting room. A tall, slim woman, presiding over the reception area, looked up as Kate walked in.
"Good morning. I really hope you’re my new Dr. Martin," she said, in an expectant tone.
"Good morning. And yes, I’m Kate Martin." She felt the tightness in her chest easing beneath the other woman’s welcoming gaze. "I thought I would come in early. I wasn’t expecting anyone else to be here at this hour."
"Oh, don’t worry, this is normal," the woman replied, shaking her head. "I’m Kris Leach, the senior receptionist. Welcome to the regular Monday morning stampede. I think word got around and they all want to have a good look at you. Make sure you’re up to scratch."
She cast an affectionate glance over the waiting patients. "My other doctors aren’t in yet. But we could sure use you right now. When can you start?"
"How about immediately?" Kate returned her smile. "I’ll just need a quick run-down on where you keep everything."
"Excellent. All right, let’s see." Kris scanned her stack of patient notes. "Mrs. Jackson was first. She’s a sweetie, you’ll like her. We don’t want to scare you off on your first day."
"I don’t scare easily."
"Good. Then, please follow me. Your rooms are this way."
"Thank you, Kris." Kate followed the other woman to a set of rooms on the eastern side of the building. Bright sunlight streamed through the colorful leadlight windows. Everything looked new and the walls had been painted in warm neutral colors.
"Now, if you need anything, please ask." Kris stood aside to let her enter the first room. "Everything’s marked. You shouldn’t have any difficulty. The other doctors will start arriving in about half an hour. I think we can cope until then."
Kris opened a window. "Your practice nurse, Cheryl, will be getting Mrs. Jackson prepared. So when you’re ready, just pop next door. Here are her notes and you’ll find anything else you need on the computer."
"Thank you." Kate accepted the sheath of papers. "I’ll just need a couple of minutes to read these."
"Of course," Kris replied, closing the door quietly behind her.
Sitting down at the desk, Kate switched on the computer before making herself familiar with the notes. They were simple and straightforward.
She stood up. Moving to live in Mountaindale was the best decision she'd made in a long time. Avoiding all but necessary contact with Spencer Stelanos and his engaging son shouldn’t be too difficult in the weeks ahead. She would be far too busy to be social anyway.
When she found a house of her own she'd be free of any obligations as a tenant. Free to reshape her future. She opened the door to the second consulting room with a lighter heart.
Martha Jackson was a frail, elderly lady suffering from chronic angina. She was experiencing increasing attacks and feeling increasingly exhausted with no obvious reason for this.
"Your attacks are occurring more frequently," Kate remarked. "But the prescribed amount of medication seems to be relieving your symptoms. So, first we need to do another electrocardiogram and then we’ll compare the results to your previous ones to ensure there are no changes."
"Thank you, Dr. Martin," Mrs. Jackson replied, in a breathy voice.
The ECG read-out showed there were no changes. Once the old lady sat down again Kate leaned forward in her chair to take her thin hand.
"I really do think it’s a case of you needing more rest. You look worried. Is there anything else that’s bothering you?"
"Well, there are a couple of things. My husband’s a stubborn old fool who wants to do everything. I worry about him."
Kate nodded slowly. "And you don’t think he can cope?"
The old lady pressed her lips together. "No, he can’t. Not any more."
"Well, we’ll have to see what we can do to help you then." She needed to gather more information. "But first I’ll talk to one of the senior partners and ask what can be organized for you in the way of home care. In the meantime, try not to worry and you must rest as much as possible."
"Oh, thank you." She squeezed Kate’s hand. "You’ve so very kind. I liked you the moment I saw you."
"Not at all." Kate felt her cheeks warm. "It’s the least I can do. You do need to take better care of yourself."
Later in the morning Kate’s practice nurse popped her head around the door. "How about you take a break for coffee. It’s after eleven. The other doctors can cope with the rest of the morning’s list. You deserve a break."
Kate stretched her arms above her head. "Thanks, Cheryl. Coffee sounds wonderful." Her stomach was feeling decidedly hollow.
"Come down to the kitchen, then. It’s at the end of the hall beyond reception. Kris has brought in one of her famous carrot cakes. You’d better get in before the rest of them devour every crumb. You can also meet both the seniors as they come off for their breaks. They’re very keen to meet you. Edith said your resume was very impressive."
"And I think it’s about time I met them." Kate placed her stethoscope on her desk and rose to her feet.
Despite the success of her first consultations, the unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach returned. This was the moment she had been anticipating all morning. She had kept herself busy flitting swiftly between rooms, gaining in both her confidence and her bearings. Kris was right; most patients had come in with minor complaints, obviously to check her out.
Now it was time to face the two men who would judge her on both her competence and ability. Her references were impeccable, but in her experience, most doctors also went on instinct when it came to hiring juniors.
Despite Edith’s assurances, she knew to expect a grilling on her knowledge of the latest procedures. "Thank goodness I’ve kept my reading of the current medical journals well up to date.
"
Leaving her rooms, she walked with her head down, going over in her mind every recent or new procedure she could think of. The reception area was still crowded, awash with many layers of conversation. She murmured an apology, stepping quickly sideways around a tall, well built man striding briskly across the reception area before something disturbing halted her steps.
Lifting her eyes, her startled gaze moved over polished shoes to long powerful legs, a crisp shirtfront before finally colliding with his fathomless blue eyes. She felt her newly won sense of security go tumbling into oblivion. The painfully familiar sensation of being trapped flooded through her senses.
"Hello, Kate."
"You!" she gasped, taking an involuntary step backwards. Her stomach dived to her toes and stayed there. "I...why are you here?"
Spencer Stelanos rolled his broad shoulders. "Because this is where I work." His frowning gaze assessed her open mouthed expression. "I didn’t mean to startle you. Surely Edith told at your interview that I’m one of the senior partners in the practice?"
Oh heavens, no! It couldn’t be true! Kate set her lips, tamping down her sense of unease and gathering her scattered composure. "I’m afraid Edith neglected to mention any names, only that you were both absent that day."
Spencer released a brusque sigh and thinned his lips. "Ah, I see. No wonder you looked so startled." The rich accents of his voice deepened into impatience. There was now a hint of steel in his tone. "I’m glad it’s nothing serious. You don’t look overjoyed to see me again."
Struggling for a calm she didn't feel, Kate reminded herself of exactly who he was; a man who could dismiss her on the spot, if he thought her in any way incompetent. She needed this job, this new beginning. She couldn’t afford to fail so soon. How would that look on her glowing resume?
Her wary eyes settled on the precise knot of his tie. "It’s just I wasn’t expecting to encounter you here in a professional capacity, that’s all."
She lifted her gaze just as he thrust back his sleeve to glance at his watch. Their eyes clashed once more. She could see his rising frustration mirrored in his brooding expression.