White Wedding for a Southern Belle (6 page)

“I think ‘culinary skills' is stretching it a bit. If you're asking where I learned to cook then that's when I was in med school. It was either learn or starve. I had to eat whenever I had a chance at all times of the day. I can do the basics. From what I could tell about what I swept up off the floor, you might take cooking more seriously.”

She finished chewing the forkful of omelet that might have been the best she'd ever had. “I like to cook when I have time. I was raised standing beside my mother in the kitchen, watching her.”

“So does your family still live in Southriver?”

“Oh, yeah. You couldn't blast them out.”

“Kind of like you.”

“I guess that's true.” She and her parents did have that in common.

“Your family ever think of moving somewhere else?”

“Only once, a long time ago.” Those had been dark days.

“What changed their minds?”

She concentrated on putting her plate on the tray. “Mother and Daddy didn't know where they would go. They had never lived anywhere but here.”

“My family isn't much different. Even my first cousin, who now lives in California, still considers Savannah home. Once you have Chatham County sand between your toes, it's hard to get it out.”

Their families might have that sand in common but outside of that they had to be as different as swampland was from a desert. “Thank you for the meal. You didn't have to do this.”

He grinned. “Sure I did, if I wanted to eat.”

“Thanks also for not making me feel more ashamed of my breakdown. Please don't mention this to anyone. It would upset my parents if it got back to them.”

“Nothing to be ashamed of. You had good reason. And what happens at the Southriver clinic stays in the Southriver clinic.”

He needed to leave. Kiefer was far too charming. She was also far too aware of her state of undress and of him being in her bedroom, sitting on her bed. She'd not had a man in here in so long that if he was any nicer to her she might grab him and pull him under the covers. After their last kiss it truly was temping. “Well, I appreciate your help.”

“And that sounds like my cue to leave.” The bed gave when he stood. “I already know what the answer will be before I ask this question but I have to.”

What was he talking about?

“Are you going to be all right here by yourself?” He studied her.

Ashley met his look and said in a firm voice, “Yes. I'm fine now. I just overreacted for a few minutes. I'm good now. Thank you.”

“You've already said that. More than once.”

“Well, I am grateful.”

“The problem is that you sound too grateful for you. That's why I think you might still be a little rattled.”

He saw too much, too easily. She leaned forward and glared at him. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Now, that sounds more like the Ashley I know.”

“Now it
is
time for you to go.”

He chuckled as he picked up the tray and headed out the door. “I'll be locking up behind me. You do have your cell phone nearby?”

“Right here.” She picked it up off the bedside table.

“If you even hear a noise, call 911.”

“I'll be fine. Now, please leave so I can get some sleep.”

“Call me if you need me. Even just to talk.”

“I won't.”

With his back to her as he went out the door he said, “I know. Good night, hardheaded Ashley Marsh.”

Where was a shoe to throw when she needed one? She smiled. He'd managed to irritate her but he'd also got her mind off what had happened. Kiefer Bradford was a smooth operator. That she could admire.

* * *

Kiefer double-checked the locks on Ashley's front door and the one to the stairs going to the clinic. Even the main clinic door he rechecked. He walked round the building, making sure there were no broken or open windows.

How had he been sucked into a woman's life that was so much like his mother's? In the past he'd made a point to date women who were nothing like his crusading mother. Brittney was a case in point and look where that had got him.

In his truck he called his buddy Bull and told him what had happened. Ashley wouldn't be happy he had but that didn't matter—her safety came first. Bull said he would see that the clinic was patrolled more often that night.

Sleeping at Ashley's had crossed his mind but he had no doubt that she would have objected strongly. He wasn't going to pick that fight but he would do what he could to see she was safe. The woman was too self-confident for her own good. Tonight had proved it.

Around midnight Kiefer woke to the sound of rain on the windows. That was one thing about living on the coast—the weather could go from flaming hot to a strong thunderstorm overnight. He immediately reached for his phone and tapped in Bull's number. He answered on the second ring.

“So how are things?” Kiefer asked.

“A little overprotective, aren't you, Doctor? Have things become personal with the pretty alderman?”

“No, I'm just concerned. Nothing more. Nothing less. So answer my question.”

“Everything is quiet. Last time we cruised by no one was around. There was one upstairs light on but that was it.”

Was Ashley having a hard time sleeping? Scared and turning a light on? “Thanks, buddy. Please continue to check on the place.”

“Will do.”

Kiefer put his phone down then picked it up, placed it on the bedside table then picked it up again. What was the worst she could do? Get mad at him for waking her. Scream at him tomorrow morning for calling. He should check on her. Just to make sure she was okay. Or maybe to just satisfy his need to know.

He touched Ashley's number, which he'd programmed into his cell phone when he'd been given it as contact for the clinic. On the first ring she answered. There was a hesitant note in her voice as if she was unsure about who it might be.

“Hey, it's Kiefer. I wanted to see how you are.”

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” Her voice was stronger.

That was good. “Yeah, about one a.m.”

“Don't you know better than to call people in the middle of the night?”

“I heard a light was on at your place. I thought you might be up.”

“How would you know that? Either you're standing below my window or having me watched.” She paused. “Bull. I asked you not to tell the police.”

“I told a friend.”

Ashley made a sound of disgust. “Same difference.”

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“You don't have to do that. I'm not your responsibility.”

He pushed at his pillow, getting comfortable. “After what I walked in on I wouldn't be human if I wasn't concerned.”

“Why do you keep pushing it?”

He didn't want to go into that full explanation. “Because I swore a long time ago that I wouldn't sit by again while someone hurt another person.”

“What happened?”

It wasn't something he talked about much, certainly not to a virtual stranger, but for some reason he wanted Ashley to understand. “My mother was attacked when I was a child.”

Ashley made a shocked noise. “I'm so sorry to hear that.” For the first time since she'd been attacked she sounded like herself. “No wonder you overreact.”

“I didn't realize I overreacted. I thought I was rather calm, considering. So are you sitting in front of the fireplace or are you lying in bed?”

“This conversation has suddenly taken a creepy turn,” she said in a light tone.

“I was only asking to gauge whether or not you were really having trouble sleeping.”

“So now you can make diagnoses over the phone. Impressive, Doctor.”

He liked this quick-witted Ashley. It would be nice to see more of her. “I can. If you're sitting in your living room, that tells me you're still rattled, but if you're in your bed, there's a good chance you're recovering and will go back to sleep.”

“Well, if you must know, I'm in bed.”

“Good. You aren't still in that robe, are you?”

“Now you're really getting personal.”

He guessed he was but it was for a good reason. At least her mind was off what had happened to her. “You need to have on something comfortable to sleep well.”

“I changed into a gown soon after you left.”

Kiefer hated that he'd missed that. Whoa, that wasn't what he needed to be thinking. He wasn't going to get involved with Ashley on that level. They were business associates only. He'd sworn off women. Those with an agenda didn't interest him and Brittney had cured him of taking a chance on being used. But those kisses between him and Ashley pulled at him. Said there might be something there.

“Good. Then why don't you turn off the light and try to sleep? I'm sure you have a full day ahead.”

“You think you know me so well.”

He was surprised just how much he did know about her in such a short time. The interesting thing was that he found he really liked her when she wasn't on her high horse about how she wanted something done. “Well, enough.” The sound of her yawn came through the phone. “Am I boring you?”

“Maybe.” She chuckled.

Warmth spread throughout his chest. “Then I'll say good night, Ashley.”

The click of a lamp being turned off reached his ear then a soft “Good night, Kiefer.”

What would it be like to hear that firsthand as he gathered her close in his arms? He was headed in the wrong direction. Backing off was what he needed to do. Ashley had been taking care of herself long before he'd come along and she would be doing it when he was gone. Tonight was an exception to the rule. Period.

CHAPTER FOUR

A
SHLEY
 
WOKE
 
WITH
 
a jerk. She'd overslept. She had been more shaken by Marko's threats than she'd wanted to admit. Sleep had been easier to find after Kiefer had called. There was something about his deep, smooth voice that made her feel safe, as though he was right there with her instead of miles away.

Now she was ready to face her day. There were arrangements to make for the block party and she had a meeting with the zoning commission to get help with some buildings that needed restoration on the next block.

As the day went on she settled down, no longer thinking twice about leaving the house or going about business as normal. Marko had made his move and as usual was all talk. She'd seen Kiefer a few times in passing but they hadn't had time for anything more than a casual hello, no real discussion. What that would have been about she had no idea. Still, she missed their talks—or sparring was more the word for it.

The next evening she was in the kitchen, cooking, when there was a knock on her door. Her heart picked up speed for a second. She put it down to still being a little jumpy, not over-excitement at seeing Kiefer, who had just stuck his head around the door.

“Hey, I was on my way out for the day and wanted to say bye.”

His eyes studied her too closely. Too watchful for her comfort. “I'm fine, if that's what you want to know.”

Kiefer stepped farther into the room. “Never doubted it for a minute.”

She smirked. “I bet.”

He put his nose in the air. “Mmm, something smells good.”

Ashley turned back to the stove and stirred the pot of black-eyed peas. “That would be my supper.”

“It sure smells wonderful. Well, I guess I'll leave you to it.”

“Kiefer.” She turned around just as he was starting through the door.

He looked back at her. “Yeah?”

“Would you like to join me?”

“I sure would.”

She laughed. “It didn't take you but a second to answer.”

“I only get a home-cooked meal when I visit my parents. But those meals come with an inquisition from my mother about when I'm going to get married. When will she be a grandmother? Why don't I settle down?”

“Why aren't you married?”

He gave her a pointed look.

“I'm sorry. That's one of those questions you don't want to answer.”

“I don't mind answering it. I just don't want to talk about it at every meal. I've been married and have no plans to do it again.”

“That bad, huh?”

“My wife left me for my best friend.”

She didn't say anything. What could she say that would make that any better? He'd had his own issues. “That's tough.”

“Yeah, it was. Now, how can I help?”

“You can get the knives, forks and spoons and set the table.” She pointed. “The drawer to the left.”

“Okay. What about you?”

“What about me?” She looked at him.

“Ever been married?”

“No. Guys don't seem to like sharing their time with my desire to work for social change.”

“Understandable.”

She caught his look. “What do you mean by that?”

“Just that you're a force to be reckoned with.”

“I'm not sure that's a compliment. But I'm going to take it as one.” She pulled a pan out of a drawer under the stove.

“Where are the glasses? I'll pour us some tea.”

He hadn't agreed with her. Did he think she came on too strong? Why should she care what he thought? “They're in the cabinet next to the refrigerator.”

Kiefer had to reach past her to get them and his chest brushed against her back. Suddenly the kitchen became closet sized. Her hand shook as she moved a pot off a burner.

“Careful with that. You might get burned.” His breath fanned against her neck.

She shivered, very aware of him being near. “If you'd give me some room then you wouldn't have to worry.”

He straightened. “I'm used to worrying about you.”

“I wish you'd stop.”

“It's part of the job of being the local doctor.”

Ashley poured the beans into a bowl. “Did you always want to be a doctor?”

“No. I dreamed of being a beach bum. I still love the beach. How about you? Did you always want to be an alderman?”

“I was going to be a great journalist.”

“So that's why you're so good in front of a camera.” Was she?

“I guess. I didn't know I was.” She pulled the pot roast from the slow cooker and put it on a platter.

“You seem very natural. I hate it.” He took the platter from her.

“I noticed that the other day. It just takes practice not to be intimidated.”

Kiefer walked to the table. “I don't want to practice. My one real experience wasn't fun.”

“What happened?”

“When my mother was attacked the TV cameras were everywhere. Always in my face.”

She looked appalled. “You were just a kid.”

“They didn't care. But enough of that talk. I'm hungry.”

She grinned. “I've never known you not to be. Sit down and I'll get the potatoes ready.”

He did as she requested. When all the food was in front of them she sat. Leaning over the table, he made a big show of smelling and studying the food. “Do you always cook like this?”

“Once a week I treat myself to an all-out meal that I prepare. I'm usually so busy I don't eat right, so this is my way of compensating.” She picked up a bowl and handed it to him.

As he spooned out mashed potatoes he said, “Well, I'd like to get on your regular dinner guest list.”

Warm pleasure filled Ashley. It was nice to have a man appreciate her, and Kiefer in particular. “I'll take that under advisement.” She watched as he took a large hunk of roast beef from the platter in the middle of the table.

She filled her plate and glanced over at Kiefer. He was waiting on her to begin eating. His parents had taught him manners. Picking up her fork, she took a bite and he dug into his meal with gusto.

“This is the best thing I've tasted in months.” He raised a forkful of meat.

Ashley couldn't help but glow under his praise. “Thank you. You know I'm not going to kick you out. You don't have to keep going on about how good the food is.”

He glanced up. “I'm telling the truth.”

“I'm glad you're enjoying it.” It was nice to cook for someone who appreciated it. Kiefer was starting to endear himself to her. She liked him the more she was around him, slowly learning to trust him.

“So when you're not cooking or being an alderman, what do you do for fun?”

“Fun?”

“Yeah, you know when you smile and frolic. Fun.”

She chuckled. “Frolic. You pulled that out of the vault.”

“You've never frolicked?” He raised both brows.

“Sure I have. When I was about four.”

He asked between bites, “So you do remember fun?”

“Never said I didn't.”

“Okay, now we're talking in rounds. Let me try again. What do you like to do on your days off?”

“I don't have many of them but when I do I like to go to the movies.”

“What kind of movies?”

“I like old romances.
Rebecca, Casablanca, An Affair to Remember.
”

He stopped chewing. “Now, that's a facet of your personality I didn't expect. I took you for more of a shoot-'em-up person.”

Was he saying that she didn't have a soft side? Hadn't she heard that before from other men? The idea really hurt coming from Kiefer.

Her chair scraped the floor as she stood. Taking her plate to the dishwasher, she put it in. “Well, people can surprise you.”

Ashley returned to the table for two bowls and carried them to the counter. A large hand slipped around her and placed the platter of leftover meat on the counter just as she turned. She bumped into Kiefer's chest. His hands came to rest on her shoulders.

“Hey,” Kiefer said softly, compelling her to look at him. “I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.”

“You didn't.”

His gaze held hers. “I think I did. You don't have to be the tough guy all the time.”

Her hands went to his chest. “I'm not.”

Kiefer pulled her closer. His look dropped. He intended to kiss her. The thrill of anticipation made her heart rate increase.

“I know for a fact that parts of you are very soft.” Slowly his mouth lowered to hers.

Ashley closed her eyes as his lips touched hers. They were firm and sure. Wonderful. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss. How did he manage to make her brainless when his lips were on hers? She pushed up against him, finding solid warmth that she wanted to bury herself in.

His lips left hers. “Let's go somewhere more comfortable.”

What was she doing? She didn't have time for a complication like Kiefer. If they became involved and then broke up, which they surely would because they were so incompatible, what would happen to the clinic? It would make their relationship extremely uncomfortable. Should she believe in him? No, she'd been misled before. Be sure. Very sure. Ashley pushed hard against his chest, breaking their contact.

Kiefer looked at her with questioning eyes. He leaned toward her again.

She backed away. “I think it's time for you to go.”

“Ash—”

“It won't work.”

“How do you know?”

“I just know. I don't have time to play games.”

He continued to watch her. “What games?”

“You know, the one where we get together, we play house and then we break up. I don't have time for all that emotional upheaval.” What if she was wrong about him?

“You got all of that from three simple kisses?”

Was she overreacting? Maybe so, but she'd been there before, and during this time in her life she didn't have time to be sidetracked by getting involved with someone who was just here temporarily. Who would let her down in the end. “That's the problem. Your kisses aren't simple. I'm sorry—I'm tired. I think it's time for you to go.”

“I will, but I won't be going far.” He went to the door to the stairwell. Before he stepped through it, he looked back at her. “Just know that if it was up to me I'd still be kissing you. All over.”

Heat washed over her. Just the idea made her blood hum. If he tried again, would she stop him?

* * *

Thursday evening Ashley was on her way home from a monthly council meeting. She'd drawn flowers on her notepad as Alderman Henderson had expounded on how too many funds were being used in the Southriver district and needed to be redirected to the infrastructure of the downtown where tourists visited. Ashley had heard it all before over and over. All she wanted was to go home and have a hot shower.

She glanced at the Southriver Community sign that had only been erected two weeks earlier. The sign showed the outline of brownstones with a river in the background. She hoped the signs gave the community a sense of pride because with that came ownership, which made a neighborhood strong.

As she drove up to the clinic she noticed the light was still on. Kiefer must have been working late. He had become a real asset to the clinic. The people in the community liked him. She shouldn't be so amazed because she did too. Too much. His kisses, though brief, still lingered. She bit her bottom lip. It still tingled whenever she thought of Kiefer's touch.

Seconds later she saw him step out of the clinic door and reach in to turn off the outside light.

A
pop-pop
drew her attention away. Not even a second later there was a
tink-tink
of something hitting the right front panel of her car. Was someone throwing something at her?

She saw a blur of movement that made her think of Marko. Another
pop
and the windshield cracked loudly.

Was he shooting at her?

Pop.

Ashley stomped the brake pedal, shoved the car into gear and leaned down over the console. Her arm stung. She must have hit the steering wheel. She felt a dampness there as well.

Before she could react further Kiefer was beating on her window. “Are you all right? Unlock the door!”

He was already jerking on the door handle as she pushed the button to release it. He slung it open before she could sit up.

Kiefer's head was inside the car. “Ashley. Ashley. Are you hurt?”

“I don't think so. Was someone shooting at me?”

“You're damn straight they were!” His hand was around her, pulling her into a sitting position.

“Did they shoot at you?”

“No, he ran off. He was after you.”

“After me?” She tried to look out the windshield. “Oh, look at my poor car. Insurance is never going to believe this.”

“Forget the car. How about you? I need to check you out. Are you sure nothing hurts?” He helped her out of the car.

“My arm does a little bit.”

Kiefer said a string of words that could blister faster than the sun on a hot day in August. “You've been hit.” He put an arm around her waist, supporting her weight against him.

“What?” She held her arm to her chest. Blood started to drip off her elbow.

“Stay still and let me have a look.”

She did as he requested. Looking at her arm, she could see that there was a ragged tear in the lightweight material of her shirt.

Kiefer ripped the cloth, enlarging the opening.

“Hey!”

“Hush, your shirt was already ruined. I need to look at this.” His finger probed along her skin.

“Ow!”

“Sorry. Do you have any napkins or a cloth in here?” he asked, looking toward her car.

“There are a few napkins in the door pocket.” Her arm was starting to really sting.