Harlequin Superromance January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: A Ranch for His Family\Cowgirl in High Heels\A Man to Believe In (54 page)

* * *

O
NE
DOUBLE
CHEESEBURGER
, a chocolate shake and an order of large fries later, Cassie sat across from Peter on the ground-floor deck of his temporary lodgings looking out at a beautiful afternoon on the ocean. Spring was warming up fast, and she was glad. Winter had a way of holding ground when everyone was ready for the earth to thaw. This interesting man sitting across from her seemed to raise the temperature even more. Not the right response to a new coworker. Point one that she should get moving soon.

Her guard slowly rose. Her curiosity about him was greater than she'd like. He'd already said enough to understand he had an interest in her. Heady as his attention was, the inclination was inappropriate for them both. Too much. Too soon. She'd helped rescue him, had taken him to check on his truck, had gotten food and was now lingering to eat with him. It was already pushing two o'clock—way more of an investment in time with this man than she'd planned. Time to get on with her day.

Peter had devoured his meal in minutes. Cassie still munched her own burger at a more civil pace, amused at his appetite.

He grinned. “I was hungry.”

She held up the remaining half of hers. “Want mine?”

“No, there's not enough left,” he teased. He filched some of her fries and popped them into his mouth. “But I'll have a few of these.”

She sat back in her chair. He had taken her fries. Without asking. Usually she'd have no problem with that. Would enjoy sharing. But that was the action of a longtime friend or a lover. Couple that with the oh-I-like-you look from his vulnerable and bruised gaze as he chewed on
her
fries, and the alarm sounded. He'd just gone one step too far. They'd only known each other a few hours and he was crossing the line into her comfort zone. But had she drawn a line?

Was he mistaking her friendliness for something else? Had she stayed in his company for so long that he was now making wrong assumptions? Her chest tightened. Of course he was. They'd only just met, and she was treating him like one of her life-long friends. She'd let down her guard since he was so darned comfortable to be around. But she knew nothing about him. God knows her first sight of him was this morning on the road, and he had crashed his damned truck because he was so busy checking her out. For all she knew he was a player. He could be all about free love and a handshake goodbye afterward. A thanks-for-the-sex-see-ya'-in-a-week-at-work type of guy. She groaned inwardly. She couldn't blame him for thinking she was interested. She'd been nothing but welcoming, doling out a fair amount of flirting on her end, as well. He could have easily gotten the wrong impression about her.

She stood abruptly. “I have to go. Have a lot to do and the day is getting away on me.”

He tilted his head. The look in the eye that wasn't swollen blazed with interest. “Have dinner with me?”

No way, especially because she wanted nothing more than to say yes. “Moving fast, are we?”

“No. I'd just like to have dinner with you.” A smile played on his lips.

Oh, no. Smooth. Charming. Cassie understood immediately that she hadn't met anyone like him in a very long time. And, he was a stranger. What irked her was his confidence as if she were prime on his radar and a target he wouldn't miss. His attitude had him sitting back in his chair as if ready to watch a long tournament.

“You just fed me lunch. Wouldn't want to overstay my welcome.”

“I've enjoyed every moment of your company.”

Her suspicion was tempered when her gaze rested on his wound. Now this she found endearing, especially since he'd crashed from watching her in his side-view mirror. While it irked her in one respect, it turned her on in another. No guy had ever hurt himself because she'd distracted him so badly. And truthfully, she had been just as busy watching him when the deer ruined his morning.

Man, this guy was triggering all sorts of confused thoughts. The only upside was that he looked vulnerable with his bruised eye and bandage, which tweaked her need to nurture. God help her, something about Peter made him appear solid, sexy and approachable. He seemed like the type of guy with whom she could climb into his lap, curl up and chat with after a long day. When she'd stood by him at the gas station, his woodsy scent had her leaning closer to inhale more. Everything about him appealed to her. Sure, his hair could use a comb, yet, even dressed down in a T-shirt, denims and sneakers, he looked so very strong and capable. Someone she could believe in.

Not good. Not so fast.

“Does your silence mean you're reconsidering dinner?”

She laughed. “You are impossible.”

“Actually, no. You'll find me very agreeable. I just can't imagine my dumb luck that the most beautiful woman I've ever met is going to be my coworker. I don't want to miss a minute of getting to know you.”

Yeah. He totally misunderstood her friendliness. She had to shut him down. “So how many heartbroken women have you left in your wake?” She took a gulp from her ever-present stainless-steel water bottle.

“Since leaving L.A.?”

She almost choked on her drink. “You're kidding, I hope.”

His grin dissolved. He balled up his napkin and tossed it next to his plate. “Honestly, I haven't dated in a long time. Between school, working and family issues, I seldom had the chance.” The look of embarrassment on his face was priceless. “You could call my forward behavior something like desperation.”

She laughed. Couldn't help it. He had this disarming honesty about him. Cassie slung her purse on her shoulder, moving with reluctance so he wouldn't think he was scaring her off, but she really had to go. She'd made a mistake flirting with him. They'd have plenty of time to get to know each other over the next few months at work. Now, it was time to set them back on track.

“Actually, I'm not big on dating, either. I have great friends. Don't need much more than that.”

He stood, then frowned as if he rose too fast. He pressed his fingers to his bandage. “Ouch.”

“Easy with the forehead. Movement pulls your stitches.”

“Got that.” His smoky dark eyes captured her. He seemed to want to ask a question, but instead he smiled. He gestured to the table. “I appreciate all you did for me today.”

“It's what friends do for each other around here.”

“I'll walk you to your Jeep.”

She waved him away. “Not necessary. I can see the fatigue in your face. You'll be asleep in no time. See you in a few days.”

* * *

H
E
WATCHED
HER
walk away, hypnotized by the easy sway of her hips. Cassie was one beautiful woman. He blew out a soft breath. He'd come on too strong. Even after chiding himself against doing so. His heart pounded at the thought of seeing her again. Not good. He needed to tone it down. He hadn't changed his life and driven all this way to become entangled with the first gorgeous woman he met. His new coworker. What a huge disaster that could make. But something coaxed him to ignore his better judgment. A sixth sense? Kismet?

Nah. Cassie was right. He was thoroughly exhausted. Now that she'd gone, the weight of the day hit. He never would have flirted like that under other circumstances...or would he? Yes. Definitely. Cassie Michaels proved to be even more perfect up close and personal than he could have imagined when passing her on the road. Now he'd be working with her every day. He was going to love his new job.

He wanted to do one more thing before grabbing a nap. He pulled his phone from his pocket and speed-dialed Gil's number. His brother answered on the second ring.

“So, does she love you?”

He laughed. “You're not going to believe what happened.”

“Wait. I'm putting you on speakerphone. We're all ears.” In the background Rudy broke into a rendition of Elvis Presley's “Love Me Tender.”

Peter shook his head. Rudy was such a cutup. “It's not what you think, Rudy. Oh, wait. Maybe it is. I got so distracted watching the woman on the bike that I had an accident. I just got out of the hospital.”

Rudy yelled in the background, “What?”

Gil said, “Are you all right?”

“Yeah. But the upside? The bike girl is one of my coworkers at Mercy. She was standing over me looking gorgeous when I came to.”

“Came to? You were unconscious? Do you have a concussion?”

“No, Gil. I'm okay. Just some stitches.”

“See? I shouldn't have hung up. I can't believe you drove all that way and crashed on arrival.”

Peter laughed. “No joke. At least it became a novel way to meet my boss, who seems like a great guy, by the way.”

“Well, stay out of any more trouble or we'll have to come over there and take care of you.”

“I'd like that. Well, not you taking care of me but having you two out here. Montauk is looking pretty cool. I think I'm going to like it here...so far.”

“Peter, are you really okay or just lying so I won't worry?”

“No, I'm good.”

“Okay. So what happened with the girl?”

Peter hesitated. “Guys, I could fall in love.”

“You haven't had a girlfriend in two years. Maybe you caught a healthy case of lust?”

He shook his head. Granted, he didn't know Cassie Michaels except for this first encounter, but every signal in his gut was going off with bells and whistles. He wasn't going to stop checking her out until she proved him wrong. If there were a God in heaven, she wouldn't.

“No, fellas. I'm taking the chance and riding this wave to see where it takes me.”

“Keep an eye out for reefs...or hidden boyfriends.”

“Ha! She's single. And beautiful. And funny. And I'm going to talk her into showing me around Montauk.”

Rudy whistled. “No dust on you, Petie.”

“Hey, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me ‘Petie'?”

Gil and Rudy laughed, and the sound warmed his heart. “I miss you guys.”

“Miss you, too, bro. No more accidents. Okay?”

“Deal.”

“Oh, and what's her name?”

“Cassie Michaels. I'll keep you posted. I'll also let you know my new address as soon as I get it.”

Peter stared at his phone for a moment after disconnecting. He had to see Cassie again. His best bet? The hospital. Only this time he'd arrive on his own two feet as a coworker, and not an accident victim.

CHAPTER THREE

A
FRIENDLY
TAP
on the car horn behind Cassie had her looking in the rearview mirror. Ellen Bailey waved from her SUV. She gestured to her watch and pointed to each of them.

Cassie dialed Ellen on her cell phone. “I'm not good at charades but are you inviting me to spend time with you?”

Ellen's laughter through the phone made her smile. “Sorry I missed our bike ride this morning. I'm just getting back from up-island now. Want to come over for a latte?”

“Absolutely. A lot has happened since you were gone.”

“Oh! I want to hear. Follow me home.”

Ellen and Doc's open sunny kitchen was familiar ground for Cassie. She had spent many hours at the table finger-painting, coloring, eating Oreos and drinking milk with Ellen's twin girls while their mother had tutored kids in geometry and algebra over at the high school.

Now the girls were in second grade. Cassie pulled them both into her lap while Ellen steamed up their lattes.

“So, which one of you is Amanda? Marrianna?”

The girls giggled at Cassie's familiar tease. They had tried unsuccessfully to fool her when they first realized people couldn't tell them apart. Cassie was one person they couldn't deceive, though. She knew who each girl was because Marrianna had a cute little spray of freckles on her nose, but she wouldn't tell the girls her secret. “Our teacher still doesn't know,” Amanda said.

“Yeah,” Marrianna chimed in. “When we come into class she waits until we're not paying attention then calls one of our names to see who looks up. That's how she can tell.”

Cassie hugged the girls. “Your teacher sounds pretty clever.”

“We saw a buffalo in East Hampton,” Marrianna said.

“But he stayed way on the other side of the field and wouldn't come to the fence.” Amanda's disappointment was reflected in her words.

“Maybe he was afraid of you two.”

Marrianna looked shocked. “Oh, no, Cassie. He was just mad. He didn't want to be stuck inside that fence.”

Cassie glanced at Ellen, looking for support. What could she say to that? Kids these days were so astute. But she didn't want them fretting over the animal. Ellen had her back to the counter as she watched with amusement. She shook her head, smiling. “You'll make a great mother.”

Her compliment warmed Cassie. “Always wanted kids. If I'm lucky enough to have daughters like these, my life will be perfect.” She shrugged. “In the meantime, I have these two darlings to make my world complete.”

Marrianna perked up. “You gonna come to the beach with us to practice for the sand-castle contest?”

Cassie pretended to think. “We planned for Friday, right?”

Both girls nodded. Funny how twins tended to have the same body language. Made them so adorable to watch.

“I'll make sure I'm on the late shift so we can get some good morning time in. Deal?”

The girls each gave her a high five. God, Cassie loved these kids. Personable. Affectionate. Smart. Sassy. It was so cool to see their parents reflected in their faces. Their hair, the same auburn as their Dad's, fell in waves from their hair clips, framing smiles that mirrored their mother's. And when discussing a serious topic, the intelligence in their eyes always floored Cassie. Were kids born smarter or were parents finally clever enough to cultivate children's reasoning powers at an earlier age? She'd love the chance to have her own children to see who they'd become.

A familiar ache rose in her chest. She and Kyle had discussed having three, maybe four, if they could have afforded it. After losing him, she seldom visited those tucked-away dreams, except when with the twins. Their sweet faces reminded her of how rewarding child-rearing could be. Ellen and Doc were proof. These girls kept Doc young, and Ellen managed to remain a stay-at-home mom, which she had always wanted, while keeping her finger on her career by continuing to tutor.

Amanda slid from her lap. Marrianna followed and slung an arm around her sister's shoulder. “We'll win again this year, too.”

“Have you decided what you want to build?”

The girls looked at each other then spoke in tandem. “Mermaid twins.”

Cassie snapped her fingers. “I like that idea.”

“Jenny and her brothers are building a big castle, and a village around it,” Amanda said.

Marrianna added, “We want to do something different. Mom says we should practice some to make them perfect.”

Cassie nodded. “Makes sense. Sounds like we'll be getting up early.”

“Will you bring donuts like last year?”

“Of course. Juice boxes and carrots, too.”

Marrianna wrinkled her nose. “Don't need carrots.”

Amanda held up a hand. “Maybe sardines and crackers?”

Cassie laughed. These kids were true beach bums. Just like their Mom. Cassie and Ellen always brought sardines and crackers with their snacks and drinks on long beach days. A tin of sardines wouldn't go bad in the heat, like a sandwich would, and offered great protein and needed salt after a good workout in the surf. Since they didn't mind drinking warm water and brought cherries or apples, nuts and cookies or nature bars, their choices eliminated the need for a cooler. That the twins wanted sardines for a meal always had Ellen and Cassie grinning at each other for passing along a tradition.

Ellen set the lattes on the table. “Spoke with John earlier. I heard his new nurse arrived by ambulance with you in tow. Is that the hot topic we're about to discuss?”

“What makes you think it's hot?”

“You have a twinkle in your eye.”

“Mom, can we have an ice pop?” Amanda spoke for her sister as well, both showing anticipation in their sweet faces.

“Sure, honey. Help yourselves. Sit at the table to eat them.”

The girls peeled the wrappers off the pops. “Can we go on the swings?”

Ellen pointed to the pink baseball caps hanging on pegs next to the door. “Of course. Put on your hats to protect those gorgeous noses from the sun.”

Through the glass door, Cassie watched the girls run to the swings, hats on, pops in hand, their opened hoodies flying behind them. She shook her head. “Oh, to be so carefree.”

“What? You carrying the world on your shoulders?”

Cassie blew on her latte, then sipped. “Mmm. Yum.”

Ellen watched Cassie from over her cup. “Something bothering you?”

“No.”

“You thinking about this morning?”

Cassie put her mug down. “Yes, but it's not what you think.”

“What am I thinking?”

“You're thinking a new guy is in town so he becomes a prospect for me.”

“Do you like him?”

Cassie met her friend's gaze. “I feel a bit guilty because he crashed his truck because of me.”

“Really?” From the look on her face Doc had told Ellen more than she was saying.

“I think Doc is concerned I'll fool around with this one and he'll quit like the intern from last year.”

Ellen grinned. “I heard there was something about deer involved in your meeting.”

“He's a good-looking man. We were smiling at each other without knowing who each person was. He didn't see the deer until too late.”

“I'm getting the picture here.”

Cassie held up both hands. “No. You're not, Ellen. If you witnessed an accident where the patient was rendered unconscious you would have stayed involved, too.”

Ellen nodded. “You're right.”

“I ended up spending most of the day with him because one thing led to another. I'd just left him at the Oceanside when you pulled up behind me. He's a bit aggressive, and I don't like that. We'll probably get along fine working together, but I have no intention of dating him.”

“John says he seems like a nice enough guy to match his qualifications.”

Nice enough?
He was charming as hell and so damned gorgeous he made her salivate. But none of that mattered because she was not getting involved. Cassie shrugged. “Saw his résumé. Now I've met him. He's pleasant. Easygoing. Let's see how he does under pressure. Paper qualified means nothing if you can't perform under fire. Who knows why he left his first job? Only time will tell.”

* * *

P
ETER
COULDN
'
T
BELIEVE
he'd slept away the rest of the day on Tuesday, and most of yesterday. When he woke up late yesterday afternoon, he'd felt more than rested. And the first person to cross his mind was Cassie Michaels. Wouldn't it have been nice to wake up one more time with her watching him?

Sheesh. He needed to get a grip. It had been way too long since he dated. Now he was full of energy, ready to roll and upset for wasting a day. He'd spent most of today walking around town, or grabbing taxis to check out apartments for rent. He hadn't realized when he scoped out rentals during the winter that even though it was spring, the summer season prices had kicked in. Finding decent housing at a reasonable price was proving impossible. He mentally kicked himself for not securing a place before arriving. Today, he had way too much on his plate to be thinking about a beautiful woman.

The taxi dropped him off at the repair station. He'd slept through Mike's call yesterday. Mike was sitting at the service counter, wolfing down a sub, when Peter walked in.

“Hey, Mike. Thought I'd stop in since I missed your call.”

Mike wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. “Hi, Pete. Got good news and bad news.”

The men shook hands. “Okay. Bad news first.”

“The radiator needs to be replaced. Waiting for the parts and repair will take you late into next week. I'm sorry, man.”

Peter held up a hand. “No worries. Expected as much. So what's the good news?”

Mike slid a sheet toward him. “Insurance will pay for all of it, minus the deductible.”

“That is good news.” He pulled out his wallet. “Let me pay that now, so you can order the parts and we can get moving on this.”

Mike grinned. “Already ordered the parts. You might be new here, but you're part of Doc's team. Makes you family, hands down.”

Peter appreciated being accepted without having to prove himself. “I knew from the minute I drove into town that I would like this place.”

“Hey, nurses are like heroes, man.” Mike shuddered. “I can't take looking at blood, let alone fixing someone up. That's the good thing about cars. They don't bleed.”

Peter laughed. “Well, you'll have to let me buy you a beer sometime.”

“Sure! I know this hole in the wall where the beer is ice-cold and they serve lobster rolls the size of your hand.”

“Deal. I'll check in with you in a day or two to see how things are going.”

He left Mike's feeling like one problem would soon be solved. He'd have to take up Cassie on her offer of rides to work. Not that he'd have a problem with that arrangement. Now, he just had to find a place to live.

Working his way toward the hospital, Peter ducked into a pizza place to grab a slice. A few mothers and their kids sat around an outside table eating a large pie that was three quarters finished. The boys were fooling around shooting spitballs through straws at the girls across the table. Instead of complaining, the girls shrieked with laughter, ducking and shooting back with their own straws. No one, including the mothers deep in conversation, noticed the youngest girl busy chewing her pizza.

As Peter watched, he saw the girl try to swallow, then struggle. Her gag reflex kicked in. Peter rose to attention, ready to help, but didn't want to interfere if the mothers were going to give her aid. The girl's face reddened. Panic lit her eyes. Clearly, if she couldn't speak she was choking and no one was noticing.

The server slid Peter's slice on the counter. Without looking, Peter said, “Just a second...”

The mothers noticed him approaching then realized his focus was on the girl, who was silently gagging. The mother across the table said, “Oh, God! Jenny!”

Peter pulled the girl into his lap, opened her mouth, holding her jaw open, and reached thumb and forefinger to grab the wad of cheese he saw caught in her throat. As he pulled, the cheese came out first in a clump, then stretched like a long string. Peter reached in again, grasping as much of the cheese as he could. The girl continued to gag, stiffening with fear.

“Easy, honey. We'll get this out. Shhh. Just relax...” He didn't want the cheese string to break, leaving pieces lodged in the kid's airway.

The girl seemed to realize Peter was her only hope. Tears running down her face, she stopped struggling. For five years old or so, she seemed pretty smart, and Peter was grateful as hell. He didn't want to have to call an ambulance and administer the Heimlich while waiting. This kid was small. He might crack a rib. One last gentle pull and the final wad of cheese came out.

“Got it!” He said, triumphant, and tossed the cheese onto the girl's plate. The girl started to cough from the gag reflex.

“Jenny!” The mother grabbed the girl from Peter's lap. “Oh, honey. Are you okay?”

The table had fallen silent, the girl's siblings watching with dropped jaws before breaking into bedlam.

“Did you see that? Jenny almost died!”

“Who are you, mister?”

“How'd you know she was choking?”

“Did you get it all? Is she okay?”

“Oh, man. That was disgusting!”

Jenny's mother stared at Peter in disbelief. “I can't believe you got her to stay so still. She usually panics and screams when she's afraid.”

Peter stood. “Well, her survival instincts must be pretty good.” He frowned when he realized what the woman said. “Let me point out that she couldn't have screamed. I saw her try, which is how I knew she was in trouble. That's the problem when someone is choking. They can't talk, so if you're not aware, they can choke to death without making a sound.”