Harlequin Superromance January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: A Ranch for His Family\Cowgirl in High Heels\A Man to Believe In (57 page)

The group laughed. “Well, that's not unusual, young man,” Cassie's grandfather said.

Grandma Mica winked. “I'm sure Cassie doesn't mind a bit.”

“So, you came all the way from the Left Coast?” The look in Micky's eyes said he'd love to help Peter out from this awkward moment by changing the subject.

Peter smiled back, grateful. “Glad to be here, too. Montauk is beautiful.”

“Well, we hope you like it here.”

Cassie gestured toward an empty table far enough away to give them some space. “We're just going to grab a quick bite. I'm exhausted and want to head home.”

Grandma Mica gestured to Cassie's figure. “Make sure she eats a pile of French toast. She's been getting too skinny.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Grandma!”

The five said their goodbyes. When she and Peter were seated, Cassie lowered her voice. “Stalking? Really? Did you have to say that?”

Seeing her discomfort, he felt like an idiot. “I thought I was being funny.”

“You don't know my family. If they even get a whiff of a guy showing interest in me, they start pushing.”

“Why? Are you a charity case or something?”

“You don't understand.”

“I'm listening anytime you want to fill me in.”

She stared at him a long moment. She might have been miffed, but she sure looked pretty with her hair scooped away from her face exposing the curve of her cheek and those tiny diamonds glistening in her earlobes.

A look of incredulity flashed across her face as something occurred to her. “Are you really stalking me?”

He handed her a menu from the stand on the table. “Nah.” He winced. “Um. Maybe.” He held up a hand. “But I'm not dangerous. Just interested.”

She waved away the menu. “I know what I want.”

He glanced at the choices. “Banana pancakes. Maple syrup. Perfect.”

She was frowning. “You might want to order something without syrup. You're giving me cavities already, you're coming on way too sweet.”

He sat back in his chair. “I'm making you uncomfortable.”

“Truthfully? Yes. We've only just met. You've been flirting with me since you opened your eyes in the E.R.”

He shook his head. “No, I started flirting with you just before I met that deer.”

Gratefully, she laughed, and he noticed her body begin to relax. He released a sigh, leaned closer. “But you're right. Error is mine on the flirting. I apologize.”

The waitress came by and they gave their orders. When she walked away, Cassie seemed to have relaxed even more at his apology. She smiled, sheepish. “I may have given you the wrong impression, though I have to admit, I had no problem flirting right back with you.”

Wow. Responsible for her actions. He admired that immediately. “I can't say I didn't appreciate your attention.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

Peter leaned closer. “Okay then. How about we start over?” He held out a hand. “Hi, I'm Peter Chapman. New hire. How do you do?”

She looked at his outstretched hand before finally grasping it across the table. “Cassie Michaels. A pleasure to meet you.”

He glanced over her shoulder to see Cassie's mother watching them. Amusement crossed her face. He returned his attention to Cassie. “Let me add that I am delighted to learn that you are one of my new colleagues. My job prospects look brighter.”

She laughed. “And I have no doubt your charming self will do nothing but improve the emergency department.”

“Why thank you.” He paused. “Oh, and did I tell you that you and your mother look identical?”

She smiled. “So we've been told.”

“You are beautiful women.”

She pointed at him. “You are flirting again.”

He ducked his head. “Sorry.”

She nodded. “Now, that we've gotten that out of the way, let's plan for me to pick you up at seven thirty on Monday.”

“I'll be ready. As for your friend, Brian?”

She pulled out her phone and pressed speed dial.

“Brian, hello.”

The waitress brought their plates. Peter waited while Cassie spoke.

“Hey, the new hire arrived early. He needs a place to live. Is your duplex ready yet?”

She smiled at Peter as she listened. Nodding, she said, “When can I send him by?” She listened more as Brian spoke. “Okay. We're at the pancake house. Sounds great. Bye.”

She disconnected the call. “He's in his car now. He's going to stop in and show you pictures. If you like it, you can take a look. Does that work?”

“Wow. That's perfect.”

They were halfway through breakfast when Brian appeared. Peter liked him immediately. Brian had a ready smile and a firm handshake. His dark, gray-streaked hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Brian reminded him of a friend he'd known in Los Angeles.

When he sat, Cassie reached over to kiss him on the cheek. “Brian, meet Peter, my new coworker. Peter, meet Brian. We've been friends since kindergarten, when I tried to kiss him and he ran away from me.”

Brian laughed. “Cassie has a way with introductions, eh?” He teased, but affection lit his face. He gestured to Peter's eye. “What happened?”

Cassie interrupted, laughter in her voice. “He met his first deer.”

Brian shook his head. “Sometimes I think deer are not so gentle and play games like ‘chicken' by running in the street to ambush drivers.”

Laughing, Peter held Cassie's gaze. “I was definitely distracted by the wildlife.”

Cassie's eyes narrowed playfully. She didn't seem to mind that small flirt.

Brian said, “I hear you're from California. Welcome to Montauk.”

“I'm happy to be here. Great town.”

“You're looking for a place to live.”

“As soon as possible. I'm anxious to settle in.”

“Well, I own a sweet colonial I've renovated as a duplex. The bottom-floor apartment is ready.”

If he didn't have to search for a place, life would be so much easier. “I'm interested in seeing it.”

Brian pulled out his cell phone. “I have pictures.” He handed Peter his phone. “The home used to belong to the oldest living man in Montauk. I've known him since I was a kid cutting his lawn, and I took care of him when he got older. He had no family and left his estate to me.” Brian shrugged. “I was pretty touched since I loved the old guy.”

Cassie added, “The house is in a beautiful area on the way to the lighthouse. Secluded. Quiet.” She laid a hand on the table between them. “You'll like it, Peter.”

He thumbed through the photos on Brian's phone, once again not believing his dumb luck. The house exceeded his expectations. Could he afford it? He handed the phone back to Brian. “Nice. How much are you asking for rent?”

Brian grinned at Cassie. “I know how much nurses make. I think you'll find it reasonable.”

“When can I see it?”

“I'm heading back there in about half an hour. Does that work?”

“Sure. I'll grab a taxi.”

Cassie scoffed. “No need. I'll take you.”

“No way. You need your sleep.”

She laughed. “I can sleep when I die. I'd like to see your face when you see this place.”

Brian stood. “This is great. I don't even have to advertise. Call when you're on your way.”

After Brian left, Peter picked up his cell phone. “Speaking of phones, can I have your number?”

“So you can stalk me by phone?”

He laughed. “I promise I won't.”

It didn't take her long to decide. She picked up her phone. “Okay.”

“Give me your number. I'll call you so mine will register.”

Once she dictated the number he called her phone. His number lit on her screen and Peter gestured to it. “Answer.”

“No. It's you.”

“I know. Answer anyway.”

Shaking her head, she picked up her phone. “Hello?”

Peter lowered his voice. “Thank you so much for everything you're doing for me. It means so much. I hope I can reciprocate someday.”

She stared at him a long moment. He could see uncertainty cross her face. When she broke into a grin, he felt like he could breathe again.

“You're welcome, Peter. Now hang up the damned phone and let's talk like real people.”

* * *

W
HEN
THEY
ARRIVED
at Brian's, his BMW was in the driveway. Set back from the road, the white colonial house was complete with a wraparound porch and pillars supporting the overhang, which was decorated with gingerbread trim. Deep green shutters adorned the floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor. Cassie couldn't wait to see what Brian had done to the inside.

Peter was eyeing the house appreciatively.

“What do you think?” she asked him.

He shook his head. “Looks like nothing I could possibly afford.”

She laid a hand on his arm and didn't miss the sinewy strength of his biceps. “Brian is not a gouger. He's a friend.”

Concern creased his brow. “I didn't mean that. I know I'd have to get a fair market price if I owned a rental.”

She opened her door. “Maybe you can negotiate a lower rent if you sign a longer lease. I'm not worried. Let's go.”

She knocked on the door and opened it. “Anybody home?”

“Hey, Cassie! In here.”

The scent of fresh paint and hewn wood still hung in the air. Clearly, Brian had been working to update the place. The old wood floors had been waxed to a soft polish and ran from the living room into the small area that looked like a dining room and kitchen opening in the back. An outdated but clean couch sat like a lone island in the empty living room on what looked like an old but plush antique rug.

Brian's voice came from the kitchen, but within seconds he appeared. “Hey, guys. Come in.” He gestured to the room. “Take a look around.”

Peter let out a soft whistle. “This is really nice. So, the whole first floor is one apartment?”

“Yes. Glad you like it. This house has always been a favorite of mine.”

“Then why didn't you move in?”

Brian grinned. “Because I like my house with the water view better.”

Cassie hooked arms with Brian and grinned. “Brian is a bit of a real estate mogul.”

“I'm not a mogul. I own two houses.”

“And one of them is on five acres bordering state land. I think you're doing rather well.”

“This one fell into my lap.”

Peter laughed. “We should all be as lucky.”

Passing the dining room, Cassie pointed to the antique dining table and chairs. “Are those staying?”

Brian nodded. “Sure. Those were in the house, and I don't have a place for a dining set. I got rid of the old stuff, but I'm glad I left the couch and rug. Peter might need something to sleep on.”

“That will definitely work until I get a bed.”

The kitchen windows looked like they still had the original glass. Outside, the backyard ran a good distance to the woods. Excellent privacy.

“What a great old pantry!” Cassie opened the door. “Look, a window inside and everything. I love old architecture!”

Peter smiled at her. “Me, too. This is a cool house.”

“Let me show you the rest of the place,” Brian said. “Bedrooms and bath are this way.”

The first bedroom was small, and would make a good office or guest room. Brian had renovated the bath. The small, black-and-white floor tiles and stand-alone tub reflected the era of the house. The walls were brilliant white, and a huge mirror hung over a retro counter and sink, brightening the room. A glassed-in shower had been built into what used to be a linen closet.

Brian opened the adjoining door. “And this is the master bedroom.”

The room was freshly painted in a soft yellow with accented white moldings. A ceiling fan slowly turned, and the wood floors gleamed. The house was not only charming, but a sense of relaxation also seemed to emanate from its walls. “What a great sanctuary after a long day at work,” Cassie said. “Do you like it, Peter?”

Peter turned to Brian. “If we can work out a rent I can afford, I'd like to move in tomorrow.”

CHAPTER FIVE

C
ASSIE
WAS
SOAKING
in a bath late Sunday when her phone rang. Drying her hands on a towel, she reached for the phone sitting on the chair next to the tub. Peter's number lit the screen. She felt decadent answering while naked in a steaming bath.

“Hi, Peter. Getting ready for work tomorrow?”

“Sorry to bother you so late.”

“No bother.”

“Just wanted to tell you I'm all moved in at Brian's. So, don't look for me at the Oceanside in the morning.”

“How'd you do it without a truck?”

“Didn't take long with the few belongings I have. Used Brian's work truck. Nice guy.”

Cassie couldn't help but smile. All her friends were wonderful. “You two will like each other. He's a surfer, as well.”

She could practically hear him smiling through the phone as he said, “Discovered that already. He's taking me to some surf holes next week. I have a wetsuit. I'm sure the water here isn't much colder than the Pacific.”

“See? You're practically a native already.”

He laughed. “Will you mind picking me up from here?”

“Not at all. It's not far. I'll be there at seven-thirty.”

“Great. And Cassie?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks again. You've helped make the transition easy.”

For heaven's sake. Why was this guy so very easy to talk with, as if they'd had conversations like this all their lives? She had to get a grip. He was a coworker. “My pleasure, Peter. That's what we do for friends around here. See you in the morning.”

* * *

N
O
SOONER
HAD
she pulled into Peter's driveway the next morning than he came out the front door and locked it, looking content like a man exiting his castle. She couldn't help but notice how good he looked in scrubs over a long-sleeved T-shirt, sunglasses perched on the top of his head, backpack over one shoulder and a grin a mile wide.

When he opened the passenger side door, she was grinning as big as he was. “How was your first night?”

“The couch makes a lumpy bed, but what a great place. Thank you again for introducing me to Brian.”

“I am so glad you like it.”

He buckled his seat belt, then rested his gaze on the two coffee cups in the holders. “Do I smell coffee?”

She handed him one. “You do. Didn't know how you like it so it's black. Sugar and half-and-half is in the bag if you need it.”

“Black is perfect.” He grabbed her hand after taking the cup from her, kissed her knuckles. “You're an angel.”

A thrill ran up her arm. She laughed. “Thought you'd never notice.”

They drove in companionable silence. The morning talk-radio show filled the air with nonsense while the two commentators bantered over the latest celebrity faux pas.

Cassie sipped her coffee. Again, the sense of complete comfort in his company made it easy for her to say whatever was on her mind. “You nervous about your first day?”

Peter shook his head. “Not in the least. Can't wait to get started.”

She pulled into the employee parking lot. “Monday morning. Always a circus.”

He hoisted his backpack. “I'm ready.”

She smiled. “Me, too. Be sure to text me if I can help you in any way.”

He opened his door. “Will do. Same here.”

Rachel waved to them from the nurses' station as they came down the hallway. “Good morning! Welcome, Peter.”

He held both arms open, coffee in one hand. “I'm finally here as an official employee.”

Rachel grinned. “Well, it's about time. Since you were so brilliant to get your orientation out of the way last week, stash your gear so we can go over last night's charts and get to work.”

Cassie led him to the nurses' locker area. She was looking forward to doing rounds with him to get a feel for his style. When they returned to the nurses' station, Rachel held up a hand. “Cassie. I got a call from HR. You are scheduled for your annual physical at eight-thirty.”

How did she mess up her schedule? “I thought the physical was for tomorrow?”

Rachel shook her head. “Not according to HR. The morning rush hasn't started yet, so why don't you go up now? Anna is in back. We can handle the department.” She linked an arm through Peter's. “I'll take Peter with me this morning. You've already monopolized our newest hunk's time since he arrived.”

Peter grinned at Cassie's dropped jaw. OMG, she was way too transparent if he caught her distress at Rachel snagging him from her.

He patted her arm. “You go. I'm sure Rachel will take good care of me.”

* * *

W
ORKING
TOGETHER
MADE
the week fly by. Mike had called Peter to say his radiator was being held up and the truck wouldn't be ready until next week. Cassie welcomed the opportunity to continue carpooling with Peter. They'd slipped into an easy routine of Cassie picking him up, sharing coffee if it was the morning shift—heck, sharing coffee if it was the graveyard shift. Peter had no problem blending in with the staff. She and Doc, Brenda, Rachel and the others all took their turn confirming their findings with each other. Peter Chapman was an excellent score for the emergency department.

They'd been into two hours of Friday's afternoon shift when Cassie found Peter charting a woman in one of the treatment rooms. The woman's right hand was red and swollen. Puncture marks in the skin looked raw and infected. Her husband was doing the talking.

“She never listens to me. The seal came up to the boat and she held a fish out to it. I told her she would get bitten.”

Cassie stepped next to Peter. His smile was like an instant intimate connection between them. She listened as the woman explained what had happened, inspecting the woman's hand as Peter charted her words, but all she could feel was Peter's presence. His body heat was like a warm blanket in the room; his easy manner and attention to the patient like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold night. Peter's mannerisms showed how he was confident, professional, assuring and, darn it all, sweet.

A wave of satisfaction filled her. She suspected working with him was going to be key in her attraction to him, and she was right. Her traitorous mind couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to hold his hand. Or be so comfortable with him that being wrapped in his arms would be second nature.

Peter seemed to sense her thoughts. Giving her a curious glance, he laid a hand on her forearm. His touch immediately pulled her back to the moment. “This is Cassie. She's lived here her whole life. I'm sure she's seen a seal bite.”

Cassie jumped right in. “Actually, I haven't. As far as I know, we've never treated a seal bite. When did this happen?”

The woman answered, “Yesterday.” She seemed to perk up. “Really? I'm a first?”

Her husband shook his head. “Oh, here we go. Now this is going to be a trophy wound.”

Cassie and Peter laughed at the same time. Peter finished notating the woman's chart. “Dr. Bailey will be by shortly.”

The woman frowned. “What's going to happen?”

“Looks like cellulitis from the bite.” He tapped her chart. “You're allergic to penicillin, so we'll have to see what antibiotic Dr. Bailey will prescribe. You'll have the treatment by IV, so plan to stay for a few hours. Make yourself comfortable. We'll be back in a few minutes.”

Cassie watched the husband nod in agreement. The woman's face grew calm as Peter spoke in his low, reassuring voice. His natural, soothing charm, coupled with his knowledge of procedure, made a perfect antidote for putting patients at ease. A weight of concern rose from her chest like a soap bubble on the breeze. She liked his style. They were going to be able to work together just fine.

The woman said, “If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your eye?”

Peter flashed the grin that was rapidly stealing away Cassie's heart. “I'm new here and discovered the hard way that deer share the roads in Montauk.” He pointed to his stitches. “I got these trying not to hit two.”

The woman shook her head. “We learned that when we first started vacationing here. Driving fast is not an option in Montauk. Too much wildlife.”

Peter shot a quick, neutral glance at Cassie but she read right through the laughter in his voice. “So I've learned.”

Tucking the woman's chart in the holder outside the door, he led Cassie down the hall, stopping between rooms.

She gestured to the room behind them. “You did very well in there. I think we can safely say you'll fit right in.”

“It's going to be tricky. You became a distraction the moment you walked in.”

If he only knew. She had to keep it cool between them. “Are you starting to flirt again?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Sorry. It's your perfume.”

She frowned. “I'm not wearing perfume.”

“Wow. Then I'm in trouble. You smell great.”

She pushed him down the hall to get them moving. “Nurse Chapman, perhaps you're becoming delirious.”

He laughed. “No. I'm good. I'm just happy to be here.” Peter glanced up and down the momentarily empty hallway before leaning close to her. He whispered, “Coming here is the best decision I've made, Cassie. I love this job, especially because of you. I want to spend every minute I can with you.”

Spend every minute I can with you
... Her mind didn't want to register that statement while her heart just about hammered out of her chest. This guy operated like a steamroller, but something inside her wanted him to do this. Her heart told her she wanted to fall for him, but her gut wouldn't let her. Not yet. This man was all too new.

She tapped his chest. “You're very sweet, but please stop speaking like that.” She cleared her throat. “Peter, we've known each other for less than two weeks.”

He stood rock-still. Even his bruised eye wasn't enough to distract from the sincerity in his gaze. “I like you, Cassie. I'll give you space, but I want to go on record as wanting to get to know you better.”

“As friends?”

“Call it whatever you want.”

She understood his attraction. Heaven knew that when he drove past her the morning of his accident, slowing his truck to look at her; his eyes, that grin, even the surfboards betraying his love of the ocean had her thinking she'd just spotted an interesting man. In that brief moment he passed her, she'd even noticed his hands on the steering wheel. Strong. Tanned. Capable. This was moving way too fast.

“Peter...”

The overhead pager signaled:
code trauma. Now.

Someone's life was in danger and all available help was required in the trauma room. Not even thinking, Cassie grabbed Peter's hand. “Let's go!”

* * *

I
F
THE
THOUGHT
of falling head-over-heels for Peter seemed difficult before the trauma room, the idea took full bloom by the time they finished. A young woman, unconscious and severely wounded from an accident on one of those high-speed motorcycles, had the trauma room hopping. Her face bled from deep cuts, both arms appeared broken and her hair was riddled with shards of glass. Blood from her legs and abdomen stained the white blanket.

While listening to the EMT reporting her stats, Doc and two residents, aided by Cassie, Peter, Rachel and two more nurses, worked in sync removing her clothing and bringing in the necessary equipment to scan her internal organs.

Her boyfriend was in the adjoining room. In worse condition.

Cassie's first attempt to place an IV catheter in the girl's arm failed because the veins were weak. She finally placed two in veins in the other arm. Doc called for blood and medications. Her pressure was too low, her breathing too shallow. He'd need to intubate her.

Peter and Cassie hardly had to speak as they worked in tandem with the doctors. Peter's ability to anticipate each step seemed instinctual and fluid and right on. He worked the life-saving dance with Cassie and the others as if he'd been doing it for years.

A couple of hours later, when the patients were wheeled to recovery, everyone felt confident that the two victims would survive. With broken bones, cuts and internal damage, physical therapy and plastic surgery would be in their futures. They were lucky to be alive.

Peter and Cassie sat across the table in the break room sipping coffee with another nurse who had been in the trauma room. Peter shook his head. “I can't believe the girl's parents let her ride on the back of a dangerous machine.”

The nurse said, “How she thought denims and a bike helmet were good protection at high speed boggles the mind.”

“Or how her boyfriend figured speeding on a blind curve was a good idea,” Cassie added.

“Don't they know how precious life is?”

Cassie met Peter's gaze, his question riddled with concern. “Maybe we should start a motorcycle awareness campaign and speak in the high schools.”

“That's a great idea. If posters showing accident victims could impact even a few kids, we'll have done our job.”

“Let's talk to Doc about that one. I'll bet my mother would help, too,” Cassie said.

Peter looked as if he were about to reach for her hand. She reached for her coffee instead. “You did great in Trauma, Peter.”

The other nurse added, “Like you've always worked with us.”

The concern Cassie carried over their compatibility as coworkers slid off her shoulders like ice from a roof in a thaw. She put down her coffee cup and reached for Peter's hand. “Bravo, Nurse Chapman.”

He wrapped his in hers, a grateful smile on his face. “Just doing my job, ma'am.”

* * *

D
OC
INTERCEPTED
THEM
on the way out the door after their shift. “Great week, you two.”