The Doctor's Bargain Read online

  Sandi giggled. “It’s a wonder old Mrs. Hamilton’s husband hasn’t left her.”

  “He probably turns a deaf ear. Anyway, Lillian says she’s causing a scene. I’ve got to go.” Regina buttoned her coat, then pulled an envelope from her purse. “Will you take this to Sheldon for me? He’s expecting it.”

  No. Oh no. She couldn’t go there.

  “Regina. Can it wait?”

  “He needs to sign and get it back to the lawyer’s office before three. I have no idea how long this thing with Mrs. Hamilton will take.”

  “After last night, I really don’t want—”

  “Are you going to let a man intimidate you? Where’s that spirit? Come on girl, show it to me. I don’t think Doug is an ass, but if he proves to be one, just tell him where to go. I know you can do it.” She waved her fingers and took off.

  Shit.

  ~ ~ ~

  As if Doug thinking her name had summoned her, Sandi stood at the door of Sheldon’s office. The woman who’d taken up residence in Doug’s mind. His feet stopped before his body, causing him to stumble. He never pictured Sandi as a stalker.

  Women.

  He closed his eyes and silently cursed. The tables had turned. He wanted a wife, a family. She undoubtedly desired a man—any man—with monetary means.

  Upon their first meeting, he’d been startled. Hopeful. Thinking he might have met the woman of his dreams. Her smile lit a flame in his chest. He hadn’t been able to squash the damn thing since.

  Her head turned and she caught sight of him, standing in the hallway like an idiot. Her mouth stopped moving, ending what she’d been about to say. The eyes he’d once thought the color of warm water on a Maui beach became cool, remote, even frosty.

  Sheldon stepped into view, giving Doug the jump-start he needed. Since he could not think of a single thing to say, he gave Sandi a brief nod and turned the corner, moving down the next corridor.

  “Doug—” Sheldon called out.

  “No, please. Don’t.” The sound of Sandi’s voice fed Doug’s guilt.

  He heard a shuffle and the door closed. He exhaled a sigh of relief.

  Which lasted about two seconds. He’d have to explain his actions to Sheldon. After all, Sheldon had called Doug’s name, and he’d ignored it.

  Why did he act like a moron around that woman?

  Sure, she attracted him. But he’d taken an oath to himself that he would not fall for beautiful women with hidden agendas. Sandi was gorgeous. She ratcheted up his breathing and fired his blood every time he saw her.

  But he would not ignore the warning signals. He refused to let a money hungry woman get her claws into him again.

  ~ ~ ~

  Regina’s bakery had survived one year, and she couldn’t be more excited. Sheldon was taking her out to celebrate and invited Sandi to go with them. She made sure Doug would not make it a foursome before she accepted.

  The SUV beeped as Sheldon pressed the key remote to lock the doors.

  “I’m proud of you, babe.”

  “I’m proud of me, too. I deserve a drink after pacifying that woman.”

  “You’ve got more patience than me,” Sandi said. “I would have clobbered the old bat and ended up losing my business.”

  Regina latched on to Sheldon’s arm. “I was so nervous when I opened the store, wondering if I would have any customers at all.”

  “Would you still have opened it if you knew one of those customers would be Mrs. Hamilton?”

  “Of course. You just need to know how to handle her. Still, I had no idea the bakery would become a thriving success.”

  “Are you kidding? You’re the best cook in the county. The state, even,” Sandi told her excitedly.

  “I don’t know about that, but I’ll take it.” Regina giggled.

  “Really, Regina, you’re the best. And your cakes, too. I’m glad you opened a bakery, although my hips hate you.”

  “Just means more exercise,” Regina told her.

  “Why don’t we go hiking this weekend?” Sheldon stated out of nowhere. “Get away from all my patients with the flu. I’ll ask Doug. I bet he’d love to go.”

  Sandi locked eyes with Regina.

  Great. Just what Sandi needed, another scene with the patronizing doctor. He’d spoil the outing, at least for her. However, out in the woods, where wild beasts lived, who was to say what might happen? She could mangle his body and blame it on a bear.

  She silently chuckled, then groaned. A perfect specimen of man. Well-built, sculpted, and, she should add, rock solid, after trying to push past his body last night. What a waste.

  She blinked, thinking her vision looked awfully real. She blinked again and there he was. Coming right at them.

  “Hey man. Have you eaten?” Sheldon said in greeting.

  Doug’s eyes darted from her to Sheldon and back. Sheldon put his arm around Regina and pulled her close.

  “One year ago, my gal opened her bakery. The store is doing great, by the way. We were headed to dinner to celebrate.”

  “Come with us, Doug,” Regina said.

  Sandi glared at her, but Regina kept her head turned. Doug darted another glance Sandi’s way before he spoke. “No, I uh—”

  “What else do you have to do?” Sheldon coaxed.

  “There’s no big hospital to call you away. Please.” Regina drew out the word.

  What the hell was she trying to do? Regina had to know Sandi was uncomfortable.

  “All right. I was trying to decide where to eat anyway.”

  The happy couple led the way, leaving Doug to fall into step with her. She ignored him.

  Sheldon stopped in front of a delightful café, A Taste of Country, one of her favorites. Small, old-fashioned and with lots of charm. The doorway was so low, Sheldon and Doug, both, had to stoop to enter. The dim interior held sounds of faint laughter and trickling water from a fountain positioned off to one side.

  “Oh, look at this.” Regina found a wall shelf full of ornaments and trinkets made of wood. “I should get this for my bakery.”

  A wooden, hand-carved stove. Not much to another person, but to a baker . . . The small piece resembled an old unit dating back at least a century. A lot of skill went into the detailed carving: doors at the top, circles on the flat section to resemble a surface with one open where a fire would burn. Below that, another door for an oven. Even the spindle legs were perfect. Regina’s grandmother had one. It was stored in her mother’s basement.

  “What did you find?” Sheldon asked from over her shoulder.

  Regina showed him the piece. “I love it.”

  “Then we must get it. Happy Anniversary.” He leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. Sandi sighed, watching the romantic moment.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Find something you like?” Doug couldn’t stop himself.

  Being nice to Sandi wasn’t so bad, as long as she didn’t get the wrong idea. He’d celebrate the anniversary of the bakery if it made Sheldon and Regina happy. He liked them and wouldn’t upset them for the world. He would straighten the little schemer out at the first opportunity.

  “Why the ferocious look, my dear Miss Jones?”

  “Ferocious? I was merely thinking.”

  A second ago she’d had that dazed expression a woman wore when she watched a chick flick. Now lines furrowed her lovely brow. Still, he baited her.

  “Do I dare offer a penny for your thoughts? Or should I keep my money in my pocket where it won’t get scorched?”

  “You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”

  Ahh, the woman had spirit. The way her eyes sparked, he was tempted to kiss her until he saw real passion in them.

  “Explain.”

  “Why should I
waste my time?”

  Or mine. With a money-hungry female.

  “Humor me.”

  “I was enjoying the moment between Sheldon and Regina.” She faced Doug fully. “Up until this minute.”

  He frowned. Why should that disappoint him? She’d been enjoying herself, had she? Didn’t look that way now. Far from it.

  “Now you look ferocious.”

  The lines in her forehead eased, then she spoke. “Confused.”

  Confused? The woman was twisting him up in knots. Women did not twist Douglas Baker into knots.

  “How so?”

  “Why did you come along with us? You clearly didn’t want to.”

  “Can you read minds, Miss Jones?” He asked softly.

  She opened her mouth, then closed it. Her lovely mouth. Full lips, he could imagine—

  For Christ’s sake, get a grip.

  Still, he stared. “Cat got your tongue, Miss Jones?” He leaned closer, invading her space. Close enough to feel her breath on his face. “I have no idea what was about to come out of your lovely mouth.” He spoke in a low taunting voice. He loved seeing her eyes go wide, their blue depths daring him, inviting him. He might be pushing his luck, but he couldn’t help himself.

  Her chest rose and fell, her breathing growing heavy. The devil in him smiled, acknowledging her attraction. He could seduce her with little effort. It would seem the cat had stolen her tongue. And she was wrong in thinking he did not want to join them. The pull between him and Sandi was difficult to ignore.

  “To answer your earlier question . . . I wanted to.” He moved even closer, her coconut scent overrunning his senses, heightening his desire. He wanted to lick her ear lobe, catch it between his teeth, suck it into his mouth. Instead he managed to reign in his lust. He couldn’t afford to fall under her spell.

  “Don’t get any ideas,” he whispered. “I’m not on the market.”

  Chapter 7

  As he expected, Doug woke to sunshine flooding his bedroom, feeling energized and ready to meet a new day. Living in a small town had its perks. He couldn’t remember the last time he woke up without the urgency of rushing to the hospital. As long as he could remember he’d had the compulsion of diving into medicine, whether surgery, saving a life or taking on a new project.

  The drive still inhibited him. But the pace of his everyday existence had slowed considerably, and he liked it.

  Before he moved to Monterey, he’d had a frank and intimate conversation with himself. Digging deep, reaching into his soul. What he found there needed to change.

  Sure, he’d attained achievement. He was rated one of the best surgeons in heart related diseases and in the trauma unit, specializing in head injuries. Doctors from around the world came to him for consults. He had more money than he had time to spend.

  Exhaustion.

  Of all things, he never expected he’d work himself to the point of collapse, which he’d nearly done.

  Reality smacked him, making him realize a few things. He had achieved his dream. One aspiration right after another. Did he want to spend the rest of his life chasing the next goal? Ambition was one thing, but the grind never ended. There was always the next feat to achieve.

  Now, he had a new dream. One that involved a family, children . . . love.

  Success meant little when you didn’t have someone to share it with.

  He shook away his melancholy. One day. Maybe not today. Maybe not in Monterey. He’d keep the hope alive.

  Fresh from his shower, he tugged on a pair of sweats and his running shoes. What was there to do in this town on a Saturday?

  Coffee in hand, he strode to the window and scanned the backyard. The neighbor’s kids were outside on their swings, laughing and yelling at each other.

  “Higher,” the little girl squealed.

  The boy who pushed her on the swing was a few years older and probably her brother. Doug hoped the little girl held on tight, he’d hate to have to use his skills today.

  He shrugged. Kids were kids.

  In his mind, he imagined a house in the country; it didn’t matter how big. Lots of land though, so he wouldn’t have to worry about neighbors. Not that he minded people, he just looked forward to the sights and sounds of wide open spaces. Mountains to climb, trees to enjoy, the wind whistling at night, maybe even a hoot of an owl.

  God. Would he be able to handle the isolation?

  Sheldon had fixed him up with a real estate agent who had offered this space ready to rent. Doug signed the lease for six months, allowing plenty of time to find a permanent home. By then, he would know if he’d made the right decision.

  He had, he told himself.

  Never go back. Go forward.

  Shit.

  The little girl went sailing through the air. Before she hit the ground, Doug was already opening the sliding glass door.

  The boy went screaming into his house, shouting. “Mom! Mom! Mom!”

  Doug took off at a run, clearing the fence separating the properties with no problem. From the corner of his eye, he saw a woman hurrying from her porch.

  “Marcy!”

  The little girl’s name must be Marcy. He got there first. Marcy’s eyes fluttered, and he wondered if she’d been knocked out.

  “Marcy? Hi,” he spoke softly.

  “Marcy! Derek. What did you do?” The mother yelled at the boy. His eyes ready to pop out of his head.

  “Hi,” Doug said to the woman. “I’m Dr. Baker.”

  “You’re . . . the neighbor?”

  “Yes. I saw Marcy fall from the swing. It was an accident.” The woman should be concentrating on the girl and not ripping into her son.

  Marcy started to cry.

  “Hey there, you’re going to be fine,” he soothed the little girl.

  “I want my mommy.”

  “I’m right here, sweetie.”

  “Mommy,” she keened.

  “Marcy. Do you know what a doctor is?” he asked her.

  She nodded her head, a tear slipping down the side.

  “I’m here to help you. Do you remember falling from the swing?”

  “Yes. I went real high.”

  He smiled. “Yes, you did. I saw you. The thing about going high, is you have to hold on. If you go too high, you might want to think about slowing down.” He kept his voice soft and even, lulling the child into a sense of comfort. “Do you hurt anywhere?”

  She shook her head. “Ow.”

  The mother gasped, drawing a frightened look from Marcy. Leave it up to the parents to excite their children when he was trying to calm them.

  “Marcy. Can you tell me why you said ‘ow’?”

  “My head.” She lifted her hand to the back, slightly turning her head.

  “Can I look at it?” She gave another nod. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

  He slid his fingers along her temple, giving the girl time to get used to his touch. “Does it hurt here?” She shook her head.

  “It might be better if you use your words. Shaking your head might make it hurt.”

  “Okay.” She was a brave little girl, and cute.

  “How about here?” he asked, sliding his hand further.

  “No.”

  Then he found a slight swelling.

  “Don’t touch it!”

  Bingo.

  “How’s your tummy?”

  “Fine. I’m hungry. Can I have some cookies, Mommy?”

  That was a good sign. He glanced at the mother, and she locked eyes with him.

  “She sounds fine.” But he wanted to be sure. “Can you sit up, Marcy?”

  “Sure.” She wiggled faster than he would have liked.

  “Just sit for now. I want
to look at the back of your head.” Her eyes grew big, and he hurried on. “Just to look. I’m going to move your hair out of the way.”

  “Okay,” she sniffed.

  He found a bump. At least it wasn’t the size of an egg. He stroked his finger in a circle around the swelling and the little girl showed no discomfort. She would be fine.

  He glanced at the boy, who looked more scared than the mother.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Derek.”

  “Well, Derek. You did a good job going for your mom like that. You did the right thing. It’s always important to get an adult right away when someone has an accident.” The kid looked to his mom as if seeking her assurance.

  “Mrs. . . .”

  “Oh, Connie. Connie Blackwell.”

  “Mrs. Blackwell, Marcy will be okay.” As if to prove his words, Marcy got up and brushed the dirt from her pants.

  “I like you.” Then she surprised the shit out of him by giving him a hug.

  “Mom. Can we have cookies?”

  “Sure.”

  Marcy and her brother took off. All was right in the world again.

  “Thank you. I’m so glad you were next door.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said rising to his feet. “Watch for any signs of headache, throwing up, or falling asleep before bedtime this evening. She should be fine. Kids bounce back quick.”

  “You have no idea.”

  “Mrs. Blackwell, I’d like to see Marcy in my office Monday.”

  “You think it’s necessary?”

  “I’d like to follow up. She had a little swelling on the back of her head. You can put some ice on it for today. Might be a good idea to take another look at her.”

  “Of course. Where is your office?”

  “Do you know Dr. Sheldon Hatcher?”

  “Of course. He’s seen Marcy before.”

  “That’s good. I joined his practice.”

  “I thought you were from out of town. The accent.”

  He had an accent?

  “Welcome to Monterey.”