The Surgeon's Cinderella

by Susan Carlisle

  “Where did you learn to cook?” Tanner picked up his fork.

  “From my mother and grandmother. They said a way to a man’s heart is through their stomach. I don’t know if that’s true but my father and grandfather seem happy enough.”

  Tanner put a forkful of the lasagna into his mouth. “If what they eat is anything as good as this then no wonder they’re happy. This is delicious.”

  “Thanks.”

  Tanner filled his mouth again. The lasagna might be the best he had ever tasted. Whitney offered him the bread basket and he took a piece. Even that he savored. After eating in silence for a few minutes he said, “So tell me how you happened to live in one of the ‘painted ladies’ on ‘postcard row.’ It suits you, but they don’t come on the market often.”

  “This one didn’t come on the market. It was my grandparents’. They’re letting me slowly buy it. They wanted something smaller and moved to a retirement community. I begged them to let me buy it.”

  “I have a nondescript place that I almost never see. When I marry, the first thing my wife will have to do is find us somewhere to live.” What had made him bring up that subject? He poked at his salad full of fresh vegetables.

  “Uh, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

  He didn’t like the sound of that. Suddenly his food wasn’t as appetizing. “What’s going on?”

  “About this weekend, I, uh, don’t think I can be your matchmaker any longer.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a check. Placing it on the table, she pushed it toward him.

  “What’s this?”

  “It’s your fee and the amount you gave me to buy something to wear. I bought the dress with my own money.”

  “I see.” And he did. But he wanted to hear her admit it. “So you’re running out on me.”

  “No.” She looked at her plate instead of him. “It’s just that I don’t think I’m the right person to be doing your matchmaking.”

  “Probably not.” Especially now that he had taken her to bed. And other places. He pushed the check back toward her. “I want you to keep this. You earned it.”

  Shock then hurt flickered over Whitney’s face.

  He reached for her hand but she put it in her lap. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that you had matched me and you helped me out this weekend. Nothing more.”

  “I don’t want it.” She acted as if he had offended her. Treated her as a woman for hire. Maybe in her mind he had. After all, he had promised he wouldn’t turn the weekend into something physical and he’d broken that promise. His actions had put her in a vulnerable position both where her business was concerned and emotionally. He couldn’t blame her for calling it quits between them. He didn’t have to like it but he did understand.

  Tanner reached for the check and shoved it in his pocket. “That’s not all, is it?”

  She didn’t immediately answer. “Just that I don’t expect anything from you. What happened between us was only because we were pretending to be a couple. I understand you’re still looking for a wife.”

  When Whitney ran she did it in grand style.

  He put his fork down and looked at her. “What if I want more to happen?”

  “I don’t think that’s wise for either one of us. I’m not the affair type and that would only get in the way of you looking for the right wife.” She refused to meet his look.

  Tanner hated to admit it but she was right. He was already far too attached to her. “Then we part as friends?”

  She glanced up at him. “Yes, of course.” Her voice was a touch high. Was this more difficult for her than she was letting on?

  “Well, then I guess I should be going. Thank you for the nap and the meal.” He scooted the chair back and stood.

  She did as well. “I’ll call you with a name of a matchmaker after I have spoken to her. She’ll be in touch.”

  Whitney made it sound like a business deal was being concluded. He didn’t like that at all. It was far too civilized a conversation for what they had shared. A business contract was what it had been but Tanner had started thinking of their relationship as more. He walked down the hall toward the front door. Unhappy with the arrangement, he still couldn’t disagree with Whitney.

  It troubled him how much he disliked the idea of not seeing her again. What really got to him was that she was nothing like what he was looking for in a woman. He’d even had a difficult time making her understand what type of marriage he wanted. If they continued, he would only be using her. He admired her too much for that.

  He stopped at the door. Whitney had followed him. He turned to look at her. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. You’re a special woman.” Tanner kissed her on the cheek and forced himself to open the door and walk out.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  IT HAD BEEN a week since Whitney had let Tanner walk out of her house. What she’d wanted to do was beg him to stay. Telling herself not to listen to her practical side, even though she’d made the right decision. But there was still a gnawing pain in her chest. He could be a difficult and demanding man, but she loved it when he let loose and laughed. They’d had fun together. In more ways than one.

  Without question she had done what needed to be done. But that didn’t mean she didn’t miss him. The day after their meal together, she’d called a woman in town who was also a matchmaker. As a professional courtesy Whitney had asked her to take Tanner on. When the other woman found out who Tanner was she had been more than willing to have him as a client. Now indirectly Whitney would be setting him up on dates. She didn’t want him dating anyone. What she wished for was for Tanner to want only her. Open his heart to her.

  She was relieved and disappointed in equal measure when Tanner didn’t answer his phone. She left the new matchmaker’s number and told him that the woman would be in touch soon. Her heart felt a stab of pain when she thought of Tanner meeting matches. Touching another woman. Kissing her. Maybe even taking her to bed. After disconnecting the line, she sat looking out the window at nothing. It would have been nice to hear his voice. This was much more difficult than she’d thought it would be.

  As the days passed it wasn’t easy but she managed to live through them. Had she made the correct decision? Could there be another way?

  She was a grown woman who knew what she’d been getting into when she’d agreed to spend the weekend with him. He hadn’t coerced her into bed. She’d gone willingly. Even now, when she missed him with every fiber of her being, she didn’t regret it.

  Almost daily she called the hospital to check on Mr. Wilcox. All reports were positive. He was now out of the ICU and in a room. Whitney couldn’t put off going to visit him any longer. She wouldn’t hide just because she was afraid that she might run into Tanner. She’d learned long ago that if she wanted to be emotionally healthy she had to face her fears. She’d done that a number of times when she had been heavy. This situation was no different. The sad thing was that she was desperate to see Tanner, yet she was also dodging him.

  At the hospital she made it to Mr. Wilcox’s floor without any sign of Tanner. She asked directions at the nursing station to Mr. Wilcox’s room. As she walked away one of the nurses said to another, “That’s the woman Dr. Locke was with.”

  The other responded, “Not his usual type at all.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  Whitney didn’t like being talked about. Most of her life had been spent worrying about what others had been saying about her. Old habits died hard.

  After her knock, she was surprised to hear a strong voice invite her in. She certainly didn’t expect Mr. Wilcox to be sitting up in bed, watching TV and eating a meal. This didn’t look like the same man she’d seen before the heart transplant. “Hey, Mr. Wilcox.”

  “Hello, young lady. It’s so nice of you to come by
.”

  Whitney stepped farther into the room. “Well, you look wonderful.”

  “I’m feeling grand except for a few aches and pains, but Doc Locke says those will go away soon.”

  Even the mention of Tanner’s name made Whitney’s heart beat faster. “I’m glad to see it. I’ve been calling every day to check up on you. If I had known you would be doing so well I would have been here sooner.”

  “New ticker is doing the job. This day is my best day so far. So come in and tell me all the news.”

  Whitney had a moment of panic. Had Tanner told him about them? No, he wouldn’t have done that. Mr. Wilcox must be using it as a figure of speech. She came to stand beside the bed. “What news would you like to know?”

  “I’d like to know what you have done to put such a sour look on my doctor’s face.”

  There it was. Could Tanner really have been so upset over them not seeing each other? “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Mr. Wilcox studied her a moment. “I think you do but that isn’t a nosy old man’s business. If you won’t talk about that then tell me about yourself. I know you went to Berkeley but tell me what else you do.”

  Mr. Wilcox had a way of getting her to talk that few people had managed. But Tanner had as well. She even told Mr. Wilcox she was a matchmaker.

  “You think you could find someone for me?”

  “I’ll be glad to see what I can do.”

  There was a quick knock and the door opened. Tanner came to an abrupt stop. Whitney’s heart slammed against her chest wall. She’d stayed too long. She was unable to do anything more than sit in her chair and stare at him. Tanner was just as handsome and commanding as she remembered. Every fiber of her being ached to touch him. She’d missed him so.

  “Whitney.”

  The sound of her name was so sweet coming off his lips. “Hi, Tanner.” She pulled her gaze away from him and looked at Mr. Wilcox. “It’s time for me to go.”

  Mr. Wilcox glanced from her to Tanner and back. Those old eyes missed nothing. “You will come back soon?”

  Whitney put a hand on his arm. “You can count on it. I’m glad you’re doing so well.”

  “I have to give part of that credit to Dr. Locke here. He’s a great doctor.”

  “I know he is.” She did. How could Tanner be anything but that? “Bye, now.”

  When she passed Tanner he reached out and caught her arm. His touch sent an electric shock though her. The simplest touch from him had her trembling. “Would you please wait for me in the hall until I’m done here? I won’t be but a few minutes.”

  Whitney glanced at Mr. Wilcox. He was still watching them closely. She nodded to Tanner.

  Minutes later Tanner joined her. He looked at her carefully. “How have you been?”

  “Fine. And yourself?”

  “Let’s not talk here.” He took her arm and led her around the corner to a small consulting room. Opening the door, he let her step in before he entered. The door closed.

  “Tanner, I don’t really have time—”

  His hands cupped her face as his mouth captured the rest of her words. There was an edge of desperation to the kiss as his lips moved across hers. Yet he was holding back. His mouth left hers to run kisses over her cheek. “I’ve missed you.”

  Heaven help her, she craved him still. But they must be sensible. She gently pushed him away. “Tanner, we can’t do this.”

  He let her go and moved away, giving her space, but still breathed deeply as if he was holding himself in check. “Forgive me. I couldn’t help myself. Look, what I brought you in here for was to ask you if you would go out with me? I have two tickets to Jazz in the Park tomorrow night.”

  “Shouldn’t you be taking one of your matches?”

  “None of those have worked out. Besides, I enjoy your company. What do you say, Whitney? Go with me.”

  This time he was asking, not demanding, she do something with him. She knew better but she couldn’t bring herself to turn him down. It didn’t matter what the best thing to do was, she wanted to go. Wanted to spend time with Tanner. “What time should I expect you?”

  A smile came to his lips. One that reached his eyes. He’d been worried she wouldn’t go. “Seven. Don’t eat dinner. I’ll bring it.” His phone buzzed. “I have to get this. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  Whitney thought he might kiss her before he left and was disappointed when he didn’t.

  She had a date with Tanner. A real date.

  * * *

  Tanner had been out with a number of women but for some reason he was nervous about this date. Everything must be right. He enjoyed Whitney’s company more than anyone’s he’d ever known and he was going to do whatever it took to continue to see her, to have her in his life, permanently.

  It had occurred to him that she was his match. The one he’d been looking for. She met all his criteria. Whitney enjoyed his company. She’d proven that over and over while they’d been in Napa. They were extremely compatible in bed. Which made her almost perfect. She wanted children, was a great cook, did well in social situations. What was not right about her? Their life together would be satisfying. He just needed to convince her of that.

  He’d been planning to give her a little more time before he asked her out but, seeing her in Mr. Wilcox’s room, he hadn’t been able to wait. He’d missed her, longed for her. Before she’d been his matchmaker and now she wasn’t. There was nothing stopping them from dating.

  Now all he had to do was woo her, show her that they belonged together. Surely he could do that? Had that been what his mother had tried to do? But Tanner wasn’t going to make the mistake his mother had. He wasn’t going to fall in love. Somehow he and Whitney would make it work without that emotion.

  The next afternoon after half an hour of indecision, Tanner settled on a light blue collared shirt and jeans with a navy jacket as his outfit for the evening. Dressy, yet casual. Before he left the hospital he made sure that he had two doctors taking his calls in case something came up. He didn’t want any interruptions tonight.

  He was at Whitney’s promptly at seven in his freshly washed car. Why was he acting as if he were going to the prom? Because he wanted Whitney to see the possibilities between them.

  Adjusting his collar for the third time and checking his hair in the mirror, Tanner climbed the steps to her front door carrying a small flowerpot. The lady at the flower shop had said she would love this one.

  He rang the bell. No one came. Had Whitney forgotten? He pushed the button again. Waited. Relief washed over him when the knob turned and the door opened. Whitney looked amazing. She was dressed in a light pink sweater set and darker pink pants that skimmed her hips, and wore her hair down around her shoulders, and he’d never seen her look more beautiful.

  “Wow.”

  She smiled. “Thanks. You look nice yourself.”

  He offered the potted plant in his hand. “I brought you a flower.”

  Whitney took it and gently touched one of the purple blooms. “It’s beautiful. You remembered how much I like violets.”

  “I did.” He’d won points.

  “Come in while I find a home for this and get my purse.”

  Tanner would follow her anywhere. He’d never felt like this about a woman. Right now all he wanted to do was carry her upstairs to her bed. Hell, he’d settle for her sofa. But he wasn’t going to do that. She deserved better than a rutting buck.

  Instead of following her farther down the hall, he chose to remain near the door so he wouldn’t be further tempted. She soon returned with purse in hand.

  “I’m ready.”

  “Great. Let’s go.” He went out the door and waited on the steps as she locked up. Taking Whitney’s elbow, he helped her down the steps. When she went to the passeng
er side of his car he redirected her to the driver’s. “I promised you could drive. I thought you might like to tonight.”

  She grinned. “Really?”

  He held the door open for her. “Really.”

  Whitney dropped her purse into the space behind her seat and climb in. She already had the car started before he was in his seat and buckled up. He groaned when she revved the motor.

  She smiled. “This is going to be fun.”

  “You break it, you buy it, that’s all I’m going to say.”

  “Oh, you’re no fun.” She pulled away from the curb.

  Over the next few minutes Tanner sat back and enjoyed watching Whitney’s facial expressions as she negotiated the narrow hilly streets of San Francisco in the powerful car. She was having fun. The evening was off to a good start.

  When they were closer to the park he gave her directions about where to pull in and stop. He helped her out of the car and then went to the trunk and removed the picnic basket and blanket he had stored there.

  “Nice. Fix that yourself?” Whitney asked.

  He gave her a bashful look. “No, but I did call and order it.”

  She gave a bark of laughter. “If nothing else, you’re honest.”

  “Yeah, about this, but I wasn’t straight up with Malcolm and Marie. I plan to come clean the next time I see Malcolm.”

  They started toward the stage already set up in an open grassy area in the middle of the park. “Good. I felt bad about deceiving them.”

  They wouldn’t be upset if he could tell them that he and Whitney really were a couple.

  Finding a place where no one else would be sitting too close to them, he spread the blanket out. They took a seat on it. Opening the basket, Tanner unloaded the food. Tanner had requested raw vegetables with dip, ham and cheese rolls, fruit and wine.

  “This is nice,” Whitney said. “Who decided on the menu?”

  “I did.”

  “Good choices.” She bit into a carrot that she had pulled through vegetable dip.