The Doctor's Husband (Colorado Blues) (5 page)

The look of shock on her face startled him and Evan mentally kicked himself.
Should have kept your mouth shut for a bit longer. At least until you take a look at the place to see if you want to work there. Now she’ll run a mile and you’ve only just managed to get to know her after all this time. Idiot.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to spurt that out. I don’t want you to think I brought you here just as a fling, I didn’t. It wasn’t planned that I’d come back home to work. When Chance mentioned it just now, I started thinking. I would have told you once I saw the doctor’s office and thought more about it. I have to do something since my contract is coming up. You knew that part.”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. “Yes, yes, I know that. This is kind of unexpected, is all.” Denver bit her bottom lip and glanced over at the bull. “Well, you have to do what you think is best, Evan. If that means moving back home, so be it.”

“We’re just starting to get to know each other and your life is in the city.” Regret clawed up his throat.

“At the moment, yes it is, but who said it’s going to stay there? You’re not the only one with a contract up for renewal and being my father’s daughter doesn’t guarantee I get to keep my job. I don’t know if I want it anymore either. Maybe a change is in the air.” She smiled and reached a hand out to touch him, her fingers skimming along the edge of his jaw before resting on his shoulder. “Let’s enjoy the wedding and see how things go. You might hate being with me, or I might find you have annoying habits I can’t stand. We can discuss our future, if we have one, later.”

“Good idea.” He held her hands against his chest. “I can’t wait to crawl into bed with you, Denver and not just because I want to make love to you either.” He laughed and realized it was true. “I want to hold you while you sleep and watch as the dreams race through your mind. I want to hear the small sounds you make when you drift away into slumber and relax with none of the tension you carry around with you during the day.”

“I don’t.” She blinked and thought. “Do I?”

Evan kissed her lips softly, then the creases on her forehead. “Yes, you do. It’s like you have to be frowning when you think and from what I see at work, you never stop thinking.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

“I can’t wait to hold you against my chest and feel your breathing slow and relax as you fall asleep.”

“Dr. Watson, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a romantic at heart. That’s sweet.” She gazed up at him and he concentrated on the colors swirling in her eyes. They changed as he watched flickers of gold breaking up the sea of pale blue. Her pupils dilated and then she blinked, scattering the colors again.

“You have the most fascinating eyes I’ve ever seen.”

“Is that a line, Evan, because you don’t have to use one with me. You already have me in your room tonight.”

“No, seriously you do. Haven’t you ever noticed?” He leaned in closer, concentrating on her eyes.

“Can’t say I have.”

“They flicker with specks of gold and then when you blink they go back to blue again. Seriously cool, Denver.” He leaned in and kissed her, nibbling at the edges of her lips before pushing between them with his tongue. A soft moan escaped her mouth and she pressed into his chest, her hands going around his waist, to rest on his hips, her fingers on his belt.

He tilted his head sideways and ran his lips along the line of her jaw. Denver lifted her chin giving him better access to her throat and he trailed kisses down the smooth expanse of pale skin. He paused at the small indentation below her ear, dipping his tongue out to taste and tease. The warmth of her breath fanned over his face and Evan fell just a little bit more for the outwardly cool calm doctor.

The trick was going to be convincing her they made a good team and they should stick together. If he could get down to town and check out the doctor’s clinic, find out if they really did need him there, then he could start to plan. And as far as he was concerned, the woman melting in his arms right now was part of that plan.

The slam of a car door broke the spell and he lifted his head. Denver’s eyes were closed and a smile curved her lips. It took her a couple of seconds to realize he wasn’t burying his face in her neck anymore and she opened her eyes.

“Seems we have company. Let’s continue this later tonight.” He gripped the back of her head and planted a deep kiss on her lips before sliding a hand around her back. “My brother Tyson is here by the look of things. Best we go and see him before he comes down here spouting off and trying to find out all about you.”

Denver smiled and nodded her head, a soft pink tinge to her cheeks that sent a jolt of satisfaction to Evan’s gut. “Sure. Lead the way.”

Tyson stood on the porch watching as they walked back to the house. When they got closer, he stepped down and wrapped Evan in a rough hug. After a couple of casual back slaps he stood back. “Man it’s good to see you. Looking pretty good too.”

“So are you brother. Let me introduce you to Denver. We work together as well. Denver, my brother Tyson.” He placed his arm around her and held her close as she greeted Tyson.

“So, you’re back for the wedding. Great isn’t it?” He wiped a hand across his chin and glanced sideways into the house. “Who would have thought, both of them getting a mail order bride. Anyone would think this was the middle ages or something.”

“Takes all kinds in this day and age. Besides, didn’t I read somewhere that arranged marriages last longer than impulse ones?” Evan watched the glances he shot inside the house. “Who’s the blonde bombshell? Haven’t seen her before.”

Tyson coughed and looked away, his actions showing just how uncomfortable he was. “Uh, that would the Layla, the lawyer Rory got to sort out Fisher’s grandparents. Chance asked me to pick her up at the airport.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “You know the story?”

“Yeah, we got a brief rundown. That’s enough for us. So long as Rory is happy, I really don’t care what brought them together.” He squeezed Denver’s waist. His brother was acting weird all of a sudden and it annoyed him for no good reason. Tyson had a habit of gossiping more than was polite and Evan didn’t want Denver caught up in it. “Shall we go inside and meet her then?”

Tyson stepped up onto the porch and followed Evan and Denver inside. The blonde looked up and smiled. “So, there you are. I wondered where my favorite cowboy had gotten too. Come here and let me have a piece of you.”

Denver gripped Evan and waited for the woman to latch onto him. She strode toward them with a man-eating smile on her perfectly made up lips and her eyes on the prize. “Tyson, you gorgeous man, what were you doing outside?”

She stepped past them and wrapped her arm around Tyson’s neck, pulling his mouth down to hers. She kicked up a foot, showing off a smooth length of leg, and kissed him passionately.

Evan stifled a snort and moved over to the kitchen counter where the rest of the family were staring at Layla and Tyson. “Is this new or what?” He kept his voice low while he watched the spectacle.

“I think she fell for him when she was here last and it looks as though the break has intensified her feelings. Poor Tyson doesn’t stand a chance against her.” Chance smiled and explained. “I used Layla for contracts and, shall we say, other things when I was on the circuit. Once she gets an idea into her head, you may as well give up. For some reason she’s taken a shine to the little brother. Can’t for the life of me understand what she sees in him.”

Callie elbowed him in the ribs. “That’s just plain mean. He has to have some saving graces, surely.”

“And this coming from the person who wanted to put him on his ass when you first met?” Chance put his arm around his wife, holding her close to stop the elbows connecting with his ribs again.

“He deserved it then, arrogant fool. Once you get to know him, he’s not that bad and if I didn’t have you my darling husband, I’d look at him twice. He’s got the Watson genes. Hot cowboy material.” She laughed and gripped his chin, turning his face to her so she could plant a long sensual kiss on his lips.

“Guys, please. All this loving is going to scare Denver away. I don’t want her to think we’re a family of sex fiends around here.”

“And why would that be, Evan? Surely you don’t think I’m too ‘sensitive.’” She raised her fingers. “Or too well bred to understand human chemistry?” She’d got it in one, she could see it in his eyes. “I’m not a wilting wall flower that needs protecting. Not from you and certainly not from your family.” She smiled, softening the bite behind her words. “I think it’s sweet how your brothers have ended up with their wives and seeing Tyson get hit on is kinda fun, admit it.”

“I like how you think, Denver. We’re going to get on just fine.” Callie winked at her. “How about a glass of wine, husband of mine, and we can sit and watch those two make out while pretending to help Gina with dinner?”

“I’m on it.” Chance let her go and walked to the pantry, disappeared inside, and came out seconds later with a bottle of wine in his hand. He held it up inspection, receiving the two thumbs up from his wife.

“There’s a bottle of white wine in the fridge to eat with dinner too, if you want it.” Gina tipped a bag of bread rolls into a cane basket and left it on the counter.

“You didn’t have to bring that as well as dinner, but thank you.” Chance leaned in and kissed her cheek before turning to Denver. “Denver, a glass for you?”

“That would be lovely, thank you.” She turned to the bride to be. “Gina, let me help. I can be pretty handy in the kitchen and I refuse to let you slave over that stove by yourself.”

Gina’s laugh rang out in the kitchen. “You don’t have to, but I thank you anyway. I love to cook. It makes me feel useful and this kitchen is one of my favorite places to do it in. Lean on the counter with your glass and tell me about yourself while I stir this mushroom sauce. Rory loves it over his baked potatoes.”

***

Evan watched Denver talking with the girls and stood with his brothers as Tyson tried to act blasé about the sexy lawyer putting the moves on him. “Hell, if I hadn’t seen it for myself, I never would have believed it.” He accepted a glass of wine and took a sip.

“Tell me about the lady you brought to the wedding. Tyson can take care of himself.” Rory sat at the table and waited for Evan as he pulled out a chair. He looked up as the back door closed and Layla dragged Tyson away from their prying eyes.

“We work together.”
And I’ve fallen hard if you want to know the truth.

“She looks nice and friendly.”

“She is. Dedicated, loyal, and hardworking too. The patients love her and she’s done some great research on premature births.”

“Sounds like you’re hooked to me.” Rory nudged him with his elbow.

Evan blinked and met his brother’s gaze. It was true, he was but didn’t think it showed. Stands to reason his brothers would notice because they knew him so well. “I guess so.”

“Did Chance tell you about the doctor’s clinic?”

“Needing a new doctor? Yeah, he did. I have to make up my mind what I’m going to do because my contract is up. I was just talking about it with Denver down the back. I’m going to go and see them and see what they are offering. Then I’ll talk about it with her and see where we go from there.”

“Why can’t she apply too?” Rory looked at the girls giggling over the counter.

“She’s more into the management side of things. Wants to run a department or a hospital.”

Rory and Chance shared a look.

“What?” Evan put his glass down.

“The hospital board is looking for someone. Not as prestigious as a big hospital you’re at now. There’s plenty of room for getting stuck in and sorting the place out. Its old and needs a bit of work, but you could tell her.”

His mind raced at the possibilities. What if she didn’t like it here? The town was small compared to the city, and even though Evan grew up here and liked the slower pace of life, Denver might not. A huge city hospital down to a tiny community one—he had his doubts.

“You should speak to her, let her make up her own mind.” Chance nodded his head in her direction. “Tell her now, before dinner.”

“Tell me what?” Her hand snaked around Evan’s neck and rested on his chest, her nails tapping a rhythm out on his shirt. The soft scent of her perfume floated down to his nose and panic set in. He hated being pushed into a corner. He’d much prefer to go and check out what was on offer first before he told her. Cover his own bases in another word.

“Guys were telling me about a job going at the hospital. Administrator.”

Her hand slipped from his chest and he heard the sudden intake of breath. Evan glanced around and reached for Denver. Her face paled and there was a hunted look in her eyes.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

She swallowed and glanced between his brothers before looking back at him, a forced smile on her lips. “Ah, nothing. It’s okay, really. A weird sense of deja vue or something. Not really sure.” She lifted her hand and brushed back her hair. “Could have been the long drive catching up with me too.”

“Do you want to sit down for a minute?” Evan stood and offered her his chair, waiting for her to sit down.

“Thanks.” She sat down and put her glass on the table. “So, tell me what you know about the job.”

Evan sat with her while Rory relayed what he knew. Being the town sheriff had its advantages. Not much happened that he didn’t hear about sooner or later.

“Why don’t you go in tomorrow when I go and look at the town clinic? We can both get a sense of what’s going on and take it from there?” Evan reached for her hand, happy that the color returned to her face.

“Great idea. Why don’t we do that?”

“Stop in and say hi to the old man too before the wedding. He’d appreciate it.” Rory stood up, walked over to his wife, and took the silverware she held out.

“Sounds like a good idea. Anything you need me to do for you before the wedding?” He searched the room for direction. “Flowers, beer, or anything?”

“Thanks. It’s pretty much under control. Getting married at the little church in town and then having the reception up at the ranch. Gina has it all under control apparently.” He blew a kiss at his future wife. “Keeps telling me to keep out of the way so I don’t upset the caterers.”

“Wise move too.” Chance laughed. “I’d rather be chasing down a herd of bulls than trying to organize all the whistles and bells that the ladies seem to go in for these days.”

“And that showed us big time in the way you got Elvis to marry you and Callie. I don’t want that for us.” Gina pointed her spoon in their direction. “I want romantic and pretty, not some guy dressed up grinding his hips to piped music.”

Evan watched as Denver tried to fight the giggle rising in her throat, shaking his head when she failed. Her laugh broke the tension he’d felt ever since they told her about the hospital job and her reaction to it.

“Let me guess, a Las Vegas wedding at the Elvis chapel?” The tears were spilling over Denver’s lashes. She couldn’t contain it any longer and burst out laughing as he looked on.

“Yeah, my romantic man here is one of a kind, isn’t he?” Callie walked over and pinched his cheek, Fisher on her hip.

“He certainly is.” Denver wiped a finger under her eyes and smiled at Evan.