“Here.” P. J. nudged the hand sanitizer down the countertop. “Soap’s good, but this will make you extra clean.”
Florina scrubbed furiously. She spoke as she took off the surface layer of her face. “That must have been quite the case. You didn’t even hear me the first time I said Hi.”
“No, it was pretty routine. The patient is going to do great.”
“Then what’s on your mind? You were deep in thought about something.”
“Not something. Someone.” P. J. didn’t have to look in the mirror to know she was wearing a mile-wide grin.
Florina stopped abrading herself. She dropped the scrub top on the counter and grabbed P. J.’s hands. “Tell me, tell me, tell me. Is it that new fellow from California?” she asked excitedly.
“Eww, no.”
“Is it that GI fellow I saw you eating lunch with?”
“Nah. He’s already married.”
Florina raised an eyebrow. “Not for long, according to what I heard.”
“Still, he can’t do anything until his divorce is final. Or he shouldn’t do anything, anyway.”
“Then who? Who—oh, wait. It’s that patient’s son, right?” She snapped her fingers. “What’s his name?”
“Come on, Florina. Don’t play dumb on me. You know it’s Kyle Thornton.”
“Oooooh! What’s he like?”
“Hmm. He’s sweet. He opens doors for me. He respects my job. It’s so relaxing to be around him, kind of like snuggling up in a warm fuzzy blanket. It just feels right.” Not to mention the part about Kyle lighting her on fire with those kisses. A grin slid over her mouth. Who would’ve thought a computer guy could have so much passion?
Florina’s eyes danced with teasing. “Wow. I thought my guy was cool just because he has a job and doesn’t live with his mother.”
P. J. held up a finger. “Oh, and Kyle’s so good to his mom. I like her a lot too.”
“That’s huge. You don’t want to spend time with a guy who doesn’t respect Mama. He sounds like quite a catch.”
Happiness pinged through her, shooting her entire body with warmth. “What can I say? It’s going pretty well.”
“I’d say so. I’ve never seen you like this before.”
P. J. smiled at her reflection in the mirror. “That’s because I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. There must’ve been some kind of karma that brought us together.”
“Nah, I think it was his mama’s sixty-five years of eating biscuits and gravy that brought you two together,” Florina said dryly. “Regardless, it worked. When are you going out again?”
“I’m cooking dinner for him tomorrow.”
Florina’s voice went juicy. “Ooh. Just the two of you, alone, by candlelight?”
“Not quite. I’m cooking it at my parents’ house. He’s going to meet Mom and Dad.”
“Is he okay with that? I mean, meeting the folks is a big deal.”
“He’ll be great. This is my way of moving things up one level.” It was a bold move, but P. J. had never been one to take things slow. If it was right, it was right. No sense in beating around the bush. And, oh boy, was it right. She could still feel the burn of Kyle’s lips over hers. Even now, after the fact, the mere thought of it stirred warm butterscotch through her stomach.
“That’s my girl.” Florina slipped a clean scrub top over her head and slapped P. J. on the backside. “Go get him, tiger.”
11
Before she saw her first patient of the afternoon, P. J. called Kyle’s office. A polite woman answered the phone. “Asher and Dunforth. How may I direct your call?”
“Kyle Thornton’s office, please.”
“This is his office. How may I help you?”
“Is Mr. Thornton available?”
“He’s in a meeting right now. May I take a message?”
“This is P. J. Bandy. Can you have him call me back?”
“Oh hi, Dr. Bandy,” she said, the professionalism in her tone giving way to something warmer and more familiar. “This is Melanie, Mr. Thornton’s secretary. He really is in a meeting. I wasn’t just saying that to get you off the phone.”
P. J. smiled to herself. Melanie’s southern drawl was as sweet and thick as sorghum syrup, but she was obviously doing a great job running interference for Kyle.
“He’s talking to some of his team guys about what he needs them to do while he’s out for a few weeks. Do you want me to interrupt them? It’s really not a big deal.”
P. J.’s stomach clenched “Out? For how long?”
Her explanation rushed out. “I’m sure he hasn’t had time to tell you. Mr. Dunforth just gave him three weeks off because he did such an amazing job with your hospital. You know, we almost lost that contract just because our computers wouldn’t work right, but Mr. Thornton figured it out and got everything going. He kind of saved the day and made it so our forensics department could do their job. It made your hospital and our firm a lot of money. So yeah, Mr. Thornton’s kind of a big deal around here right now.”
P. J. grinned. “You’re trying to make me like him, aren’t you?”
Melanie chuckled. “I think the world of him. If I weren’t already married, and if there weren’t company policies against chasing your boss, I’d be after him myself. Hang on, I’ll go get him for you.”
“No, no, that’s okay. Don’t pull him out of the meeting. Is he leaving town right away?”
“He’ll finish out the day today and then he mentioned he’s going to spend tomorrow getting his mother’s things packed up. He’ll be gone until sometime around Easter.”
“Please tell him that the dinner appointment tomorrow evening starts at six o’clock sharp. Don’t be late and come hungry.”
“I’ll tell him. It was nice chatting with you, Dr. Bandy.”
“You too, Melanie. If it’s all right, I’d love for you to be my inside source, to keep an eye on Kyle, you know.”
“Us girls gotta stick together, so you bet. I’m your man … err, woman.”
P. J. laughed. “Fantastic. I have to go to clinic now, so just have him call me later.”
“Sure will.”
“Thanks. Goodbye.”
“Bye.”
Five hours later her phone rang. It was Kyle. A large grin filled her face as she answered with a cheery, “Hey there. Did you get my message?”
“Sure did.” His voice was mellow and playful. “Are you and my secretary conspiring against me?”
“No, never. Not against you. As long as you mind your p’s and q’s,” she shot back.
“Uh, huh. I see how you are,” Kyle drawled.
P. J. smiled. “She’s a gem.”
“She sure is. So, six o’clock tomorrow night?”
“Yes.” She paused, keeping her voice light as she dropped the bomb. “Can you come out to my parents’ house out in Hoover, rather than to my place in town?”
Her question was met with silence. She swallowed. “Kyle … are you there?”
“Meeting the parents?” he squeaked. “You sure about that. They may take one look at me and forbid you from ever seeing me again.”
“Nah, they’ll love you. And even if they don’t, I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions.”
“Actually, that’s not true.”
Her brows furrowed. “Huh?”
Warm mellow laughter flowed through the phone. “You’re perfectly petite.”
His compliment warmed her through to her toes. “Thank you,” she murmured.
“Okay, do you have any pointers for me … when meeting your parents?”
“Nope,” she sang. “Just be yourself. They’ll love you.”
“I hope so.” He paused. “It’s not like you haven’t gotten to know my mom, so I’d better be acquainted with yours, right?”
“I know your mother inside and out, literally.” A smile tipped her lips. “If you’ll just shake hands with Daddy, that’ll be good enough.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for t
he world. See you then.”
Dinner was amazing. P. J. baked fresh Atlantic salmon, seasoned just right, with rice pilaf and a green salad. “I avoid eating beef,” she explained. “I’ve seen what that stuff does to your heart.”
Kyle didn’t answer her remark. There wasn’t much he liked better than a juicy grilled steak.
Conversation flowed easily as P. J.’s parents asked about Kyle’s work and where he’d grown up. When the meal was finished, Mrs. Bandy stood and began clearing away the dishes. There was a strong resemblance between P. J. and her mom. Mrs. Bandy, or Pearl, as she asked to be called, had red hair also, but it was straight and streaked with silver. She was still a beautiful woman, but Kyle figured that she’d been a bombshell like P. J. when she was younger. Kyle got out of his chair and started to help her, but she stopped him. “I’ll take care of this,” she said with a wave of her hand. A subtle look passed between Pearl and her husband. “You guys can get more acquainted while P. J. and I clean up.”
Uh, oh. Kyle got the feeling he was about to be on the hot seat. Hoyt Bandy seemed like a stand-up guy, but Kyle could tell he wasn’t the type to mince words. He’d been a high school principal for his entire career, up until he retired. And his no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners approach was stamped all over his persona.
P. J. must’ve read Kyle’s mind because she threw her dad an affectionate wink. “Go easy, Daddy. I kind of like this one.” She beamed at Kyle.
Hoyt met Kyle’s eyes. “He seems tough enough to handle anything I could throw at him.” He softened the remark with a smile that caused P. J. to laugh, but Kyle could sense the seriousness beneath his words.
“I’ll be in the next room,” P. J. said to Kyle. Her eyes danced with amusement. “If you need me, just holler,” she sang as she stacked up the plates and silverware before traipsing out of the room.
The second P. J. was gone, Hoyt jumped straight to the heart of the matter. “So, what are your intentions where my daughter is concerned?”
Kyle jerked. Was Hoyt serious? This conversation might’ve worked when Kyle was sixteen, but considering that he and P. J. were adults, well, it was a bit odd. He cleared this throat as he shifted in his seat. “Shouldn’t you have a shotgun over the table while you interrogate me?”
Hoyt’s eyes widened before he burst out laughing. “You’re good,” he drawled admiringly, causing Kyle to relax a smidgen. Hoyt raised a hand. “I’m sorry. I know I can be a mean old cuss.” A twinkle lit his eyes. “Old habits die hard, I’m afraid.”
“I’m just glad I’m not getting called in to the principal’s office.”
A semi-amused smile touched the older man’s lips. He sat up in his chair and leaned forward as he clasped his hands together. “A man would have to be blind not to notice that P. J. is crazy about you.”
A burst of pleasure ran through Kyle. “I’m crazy about her too.”
Hoyt nodded, his expression going solemn. “P. J. has worked very hard to get where she is. Her career—well, it’s more of a life calling. She’s doing great things, making a difference in the world.”
“She is,” Kyle asserted. “She saved my mother, for which I will forever be grateful.”
“That kind of dedication requires sacrifice.”
Kyle tensed, not certain where the conversation was going. “Yes.”
“The long hours, emotional toll … it can be hard on a relationship.”
“Yes, I suppose it could.”
“The question I have for you is this—are you willing to make allowances for P. J.’s work?”
The answer was easy. “Of course. I respect that P. J.’s work is a big part of who she is. I would never do anything to undermine that.” He looked Hoyt in the eye, hoping the sincerity of his words would be conveyed.
Finally, after several seconds, Hoyt’s features relaxed. “You know, I think you will.” A crooked smile tugged at his lips. “Alrighty then. You have my blessing … to date my daughter,” he quickly added when he saw Kyle’s surprised expression.
Kyle chuckled. “All that for dating. Heaven help me when I come here to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.” His face fanned with warmth when he realized what he’d said. Being with P. J. felt so right, so natural that it was a logical assumption that their relationship would progress to the next level. Still, he shouldn’t assume …
Hoyt didn’t skip a beat as he winked. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, young buck. Once step at a time.”
“Deal,” Kyle said, grinning. Despite Hoyt’s tough exterior, Kyle liked him. Hoyt reminded him of some of the men he’d grown up around in Clementine, namely Douglas Foster. Thankfully, Kyle had no problem with plain talk. He admired any man who was concerned about his daughter. Sure, the conversation was uncomfortable, but Hoyt’s heart was in the right place.
By the time, P. J. and her mom came back into the room, Kyle and Hoyt were talking football. Hoyt was a big Crimson Tide fan and Kyle leaned more toward Auburn … much to Hoyt’s chagrin.
P. J. laughed. “Don’t get Daddy talking about football or he’ll never stop.”
“You kids should go on a walk,” Pearl suggested. “The weather’s starting to warm up a bit.”
Kyle stood and strode over to Hoyt who rose to his feet. They shook hands as Hoyt gave him a hearty pat on the back. “It was a pleasure getting to know you, sir,” he said genuinely.
Hoyt pumped his hand. “You as well.” He gave Kyle a meaningful look. “It’s nice to know my daughter’s in good hands.”
Kyle nodded before turning to Pearl. “Thank you for a lovely dinner.”
“I didn’t do it. P. J. did the whole thing herself.”
Kyle grinned at P. J. “Then, I’d say somebody taught her well. It was delicious.”
“I might’ve learned a thing or two from my mama,” P. J. joked.
Pearl’s eyes sparkled. “Just a thing or two,” she chided lightly.
P. J. took Kyle’s hand and they walked outside. The slight breeze ruffling their hair was more refreshing than cold. Kyle was glad spring was just around the corner. It had been a long, cold winter, especially with the worry over his mother’s heart looming over him. With Mom’s new heart and now P. J. By his side, Kyle felt like he had a new lease on life.
P. J. slid her hand up into the crook of his arm and held him close. He marveled at how someone so delicate and petite could exude such strength, both inwardly and outwardly. They crossed the street into a little park. The Bandys’ was an older neighborhood of upper middle-class homes from a few decades earlier with large yards and mature trees. The streetlights around the park cast a warm, soft glow, touching the evening with a sense of magic.
Kyle turned to P. J. “Remember how I told you during dinner, that I have the next three weeks off work? I’m planning to spend most of it back home in Clementine. I have to get Mom settled back into her own house.”
“I’d expect nothing less of you. Get her taken care of.” She paused. “Would it be okay if I came down to see you a couple of times?”
Kyle’s heart jumped, and he couldn’t stop a large smile from filling his face. “Well yeah, but I hate to ask you to do that. It’s a long way away.”
“It’ll be okay. It’s not that far.”
“I’d like to go back to Birmingham, take you out too. I’ll have to wait and see what your schedule is, of course.”
“I’m going to miss you while you’re gone,” she said wistfully.
Her words sent a rush of warmth through him. She was going to miss him? Wait, she was going to miss him! “I’ll miss you too, P. J. I love being with you.”
“Same here. I’ll be busy though. They’ve come out with the call schedule, and I’ll be covering a lot because half of the other guys are taking their kids out of town for spring break.” She chuckled darkly. “Truthfully, you might as well be down in Tangerine taking care of your mother, because I won’t be available.”
“That’s not fair for them to work you so hard,” Kyl
e protested. “And by the way, it’s Clementine, not Tangerine.”
A sheepish laugh sounded in her throat. “Oh, right, sorry. And no, it isn’t fair, but I don’t mind. After all, they’ll all owe me big time for making it so they don’t have to come in. I’ll be able to call in their debts when I need time off later.”
Kyle smiled. “You’re a real wheeler and dealer.”
“That I am, and don’t you forget it.”
“No, ma’am, I could never forget that.” He stopped and turned to face her. A grin pulled at his lips.
“What?” she asked, an impish smile curving her lips as she tipped her face upward to look at him.
“You are quite the woman.” In a quick movement, he encircled her waist and pulled her to him. Her lips parted in a soft groan as her eyes deepened with desire. Time seemed to slow as he soaked in her exquisite features. His hand went up to trace the curve of her cheek. “You’re incredible,” he uttered as his mouth swooped down to capture hers. Sparks shot through him as their mouths moved together in a jubilant dance that stoked a slow-burning desire through his body and down to his toes. He ran his hands up the nape of her neck, threading his fingers into her thick tresses.
His emotions tumbled and soared as P. J.’s hands went to his chest as she clung to him. Now that P. J. was in his life, Kyle had left dreary earth and was floating somewhere between time and space.
Being with her was heaven. No other way to describe it.
12
P. J. liked to leave her desk tidy at the end of each day. She put a pile of reviewed lab reports and refill requests with patient names on them into the locked shredding bin for recycling. She scooped up a couple of journals that had just arrived so she’d have some weekend reading. After putting them into her briefcase, she scanned the office. Looked good.
Her thoughts went to Kyle, an unconscious smile curving her lips. He’d gotten along beautifully with her mom and dad. P. J. knew her daddy well enough to know that he’d given Kyle the third degree, but Kyle had taken it all in stride. He was one in a million. Heat wafted through her as she thought about those kisses beneath the streetlamp. Wow! She touched her lips, still feeling the memory of him. P. J. never knew it could be like this—an all-consuming desire to spend every waking moment with Kyle. Work had always taken precedence over everything. But now, she was starting to count the minutes she was away from him. It had taken all the fortitude she could muster today to put her complete concentration on work. And now, the moment it was over, her thoughts were drifting back to Kyle. Was this what love was all about? She flinched, realizing the direction her thoughts were taking.
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