She leaned forward. “Sorry I took so long. Jon and I needed to talk about the tests he finished and the courses he might take.” She studied her hands. “You were right. His desire to be part of the swim team is pushing him to work on the school program.” She released a deep sigh.
He touched the back of her hand. Did she feel the sizzle of heat? “What’s wrong?”
“Just a fleeting shadow of guilt for not finding a way to remove the children from my mother and step-father.”
He leaned back instead of following the desire to hold her in his arms and offer comfort. What could she have done? “Jon told me all you did for them. If you had moved home, you would never have earned your Master’s. Even if you could have taken the children, you wouldn’t have had the time or the money.”
“I know but still…”
What else could he say? His admiration for her took a leap forward.
Their burgers and onion rings arrived. For a short time, they ate. He listened to the sounds of her pleasure in the food. Would she make those throaty sounds when they made love? As if on cue, his body reacted. Being with her was torture. When they finished and sat with coffee and dessert, he leaned forward. “We need to talk about when Jon comes home.”
She nodded. “I haven’t talked to Rick about continuing therapy. Perhaps you can use the pool there.”
“I don’t think that’s the right place. Jon will be ready for greater distances. The Community Center’s pool is Olympic-sized. If Jon wants to join the swim team that’s the place. I can come to the house and pick him up for the lessons. Why not give it a try? You’ll have to take a family membership.”
“I’ll do that.” She looked into his eyes. “Why are you doing this?”
Time for honesty? He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t tell her he wanted to be part of her life and to have her in his bed. “I think Jon has the potential to be a champion, especially since he started so late and progresses so fast. He’s a joy to teach.”
“That’s encouraging. He admires you.”
Caleb closed his eyes. Could he tell her how badly he wanted to show he wasn’t the jackass he had called him?
She set the coffee cup in the saucer. “I accept your reasoning and I’ll sign us up at the Center tomorrow. It’s time to order cinnamon rolls. I promised Jon one and they’re to die for.”
“Agreed.”
Moments later with their purchases in hand, they left the restaurant. “I’ll walk you to your car.” Snow swirled around them.
Suzanna smiled. “Thanks for lunch and all you’re doing for Jon. I’m glad he’s found an activity that’ll spur him toward success.”
“Told you so.” He grinned. Though he wanted to hold her, to kiss her until she surrendered, he controlled his rising desire. He clasped one of her hands and brushed the other over her cheek. “Safe home.”
Chapter 6
Suzanna started the car. The gentle touch of Caleb’s finger along her cheek lingered. He hadn’t kissed her. Her feelings about their parting were mixed and torn. Why had she expected him to kiss her? Anger at herself arose. Months ago, she had fallen for him. Then she’d learned his intentions didn’t mesh with hers. She had wanted forever. So had he but his desire had been for a lengthy affair to be conducted in the shadows. On the day her love had shattered, his offer had made her feel…soiled. Never again would she allow him to push.
Huge flakes of snow drifted in the air. When they hit the windshield they melted like the tears she’d shed. She couldn’t allow him to see how easily he could charm her. Professional had to be her manner. They were colleagues, nothing more.
She sighed. She could do this. If only he hadn’t taken an interest in her brother maintaining the distance would have been easy. His working with Jon had to be kept in a compartment akin to their manner when meeting at the hospital.
When she reached the house, she paused in the living room doorway and saw the bag of gifts she’d bought for her friends, their children and for Jon, she decided to spend the evening dressing the six bears and preparing for tomorrow when she began making changes in the Pediatric Unit.
By the time she prepared for bed, the bears were dressed in sweat suits of different colors. The hues of the costumes matched the color of the birthstones of her friends. There were other gifts to wrap but there was time.
She showered and slipped beneath the covers. The house settled around her. She’d become accustomed to the creaks and groans. These sounds were so much better than the quarreling neighbors or the sirens heard at night in the city.
* * *
A week later, she felt exhausted. The small changes she’d made had been met with resistance. One bright note was in the preparation for Jon’s homecoming. The chair lift, the bed and other equipment would be delivered today. Slowly, she was winning Dr. Dunn’s acceptance of her as a nurse practitioner.
She rose and dressed. At noon, the doorbell rang. An older man and his helper began the installation of the chair lift. Moments later, the furniture arrived. Before long the room that had once been a study had been transformed into a miniature hospital room. She made the bed with crisp new sheets and matching blanket and spread. A night stand stood beside the head of the bed and the overbed table stood along the side. She grinned. Her brother would be comfortable.
This done, she grabbed her jacket from the coat tree and left for Rehab. When she arrived, she found Jon in the physical therapy gym. Today, he attempted to walk using two canes but had no success.
He scowled. “This will never work.”
“We’ll try another approach.” Mike wheeled a walker to where Jon stood at the end of the parallel bars.
“I’ll look like an old man.” Jon’s mouth formed a thin line.
“Just give it a try. The walker will support your weight better than the canes. It’s just a week before you head home.”
“The walker is a great idea.” Suzanna smiled. “There are trays and baskets that can be fastened on, so you can carry things. It’ll make you more independent.”
“I guess so.” He grasped the walker and managed to take a few steps.
“Everything’s ready for you to come home. Your room is furnished. The stair lift from the walk to the porch works.”
“I’m so tired of being helpless. I can’t even walk.”
“Whoa,” Mike said. “You can walk even if you need assistance. You just can’t run yet.”
Suzanna patted her brother’s shoulder. “What are you worried about?”
“Going home and being alone when you’re at work.”
“I spoke to the home care nurse. She’s found an aide to come five mornings a week. He’ll be there from seven until eleven. I’ve also the name of a driver for appointments if I can’t take time from work. And my friends are glad to help.”
He nodded. “Caleb will take me to the Community Center. Did you remember to sign up?”
“I did the sign up.” She tapped his nose. “You’re set.”
“And we’re finished for the day.” Mike pushed the wheelchair to where Jon stood. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Suzanna pushed her brother to the elevator. When they reached his room, she opened the laptop. ‘How goes the lessons?”
“I’ll show you what I’ve done.” He used the mouse to open the first of the assignments.”
Suzanna read the bit and looked at what he’d done. “Looks good.” She sat in one of the chairs. “Can’t wait until you’re home. Are you excited?”
“Maybe. When will you buy a tree?”
“This afternoon. I need to ask Cate where one goes to buy a freshly cut tree.”
“Then go,” he said. “Take a picture with your phone so I can see the tree before they cut it down.”
“Will do. See you tomorrow.”
He turned on the laptop. “I’ll finish this segment.”
* * *
Caleb stretched and turned off the TV, the past week had been quieter. For some Reason, Regina had vanished from tow
n. He shrugged. Another stay at some fancy spa known for drying out drunks. Not having her appearance in his vicinity at unexpected times was a blessing. If she stayed out of town for years, he could relax. Why had she decided to relentlessly pursue him? Part of the fault belonged to his mother. When his parents returned from Europe, he would take steps to halt his mother’s mechanizations.
Being at the office had kept him busy treating children for various ailments. There’d also been several accidents and broken bones he’d sent to Rick. One injury had been serious, and Jeff Carter had stepped in to perform surgery.
The Pediatric Unit was changing. Though he wanted to break Suzanna’s efficient and professional manner, he refrained. He wanted to show her he had changed. He forced a smile. Why hadn’t he realized what he’d felt for months had been more than a desire to possess? He’d fallen in love and acted in the manner of family tradition. A mistress was for love. Marriage was for money. He pounded his pillow.
As he drifted to sleep, he thought about his session with Jon in the pool. In three weeks, the boy had mastered two strokes with excellent time for his age and experience. He was on his way to mastering the butterfly and breaststroke. Caleb felt pride in the boy and himself. Tomorrow was another Sunday lesson.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast in the hospital cafeteria, Caleb made rounds at the hospital and then crossed the street to Rehab. An eager Jon waited in the wheelchair. Caleb wheeled the chair to the elevator and went to change his clothes in the small dressing room. The lesson began with the exercises.
Caleb wondered if Cate had any success with her search for a PT with a certificate. Though he wished her luck, he hoped she wouldn’t until after Jon was discharged. The boy had become like a younger brother.
“You’re becoming much stronger,” Caleb said.
“I’m using a walker now. The canes were a bust.”
“Sounds like a good idea. Ready to swim? I would like to time you. One lap out and back in the crawl, then the backstroke.”
“I’m ready.”
Caleb left the pool and held up the timer. “Ready, set, go.”
Moments later, Jon began the crawl. When the boy finished the crawl, Caleb saluted. “Best time so far,”
On the backstroke, once again, he bettered his time. Caleb joined him in the pool for a breast stroke lesson.
“You’re really improving.” Then he noticed Jon’s color had faded. “Take a break.” He checked the boy’s pulse. “Time to get out. We’ll save the butterfly for next time.” Caleb helped him to the wheelchair. He ran to the dressing room and quickly changed. He wheeled Jon to his room.
“Can you stay for a bit?” Jon asked.
“I’ve nowhere to go.” He stepped into the hall to summon a nurse. When he returned to the room, Jon wore his sweatpants and was pulling his shirt over his head. “What’s the problem?”
“I’m worried about going home. Suz will fuss when she’s home and worry when she’s at work. She’ll have to pay someone to take care of me and drive me places or take time from work, so I can make my appointments.”
Caleb drew a deep breath. “She wants to do these things. Will her friends help?”
“She says they will, but I don’t know most of them. Just Cate and Dr. Rick.” He studied his hands. “There’s more. Suz and I talked about the accident and we agree. My father wanted to kill all of us. If I hadn’t felt sick and unfastened my seatbelt, I would have died.”
Caleb fought to keep his expression neutral. He didn’t want Jon to see his anger. “Why would you think that?”
“He was a thief.” Jon’s hands clenched. “What if his company forces my sister to pay them back? Suz says he stole thousands of dollars.”
“If they haven’t tried yet, I don’t think they will.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“I do.” He rose. “Don’t worry about anything except gaining strength.”
“All right.”
Caleb hoped Jon would listen. “See you Tuesday evening.’
“Are you coming to the tree trimming party?”
Caleb paused at the door. “It’s not a good idea. You’ll have a chance to meet your sister’s friends.”
“I want you there. I know you. I don’t know most of the others.”
“What will your sister think?”
Jon frowned. “I bet she’ll be glad to see you.”
Caleb swallowed his nearly uttered remark. How could he explain without revealing the past? “She and I aren’t exactly friends.” Visions of the past rose, images he didn’t like.
“Don’t say no,” Jon said. “I’ll ask her.”
Caleb shook his head. “I’ll do that.” What if she told Jon what he’d done? “Will that satisfy you?”
Jon nodded. “Yes.”
Caleb waved and headed for the steps. As he left Rehab, he saw Suzanna crossing the parking lot. He waited for her. “We need to talk.”
“Is he all right? Did he have an accident in the pool? Has something happened to keep him from coming home?”
He clasped her hand. Before he could speak, Regina called his name. Inwardly, he groaned. How had she found him here? Was she stalking him?
She paused beside him. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She looked at Suzanna. Her lips curled into a sneer. “I don’t know who you are but get lost. Caleb is mine.”
“Really.” Suzanna freed her hand.
“We’re to be married.” Regina grabbed his arm.
He shook her off. “That is a lie. I’ve told you there will be no marriage. I don’t love you. I don’t even like you. Go away.” He turned to see Suzanna enter Rehab.
“Your mother said…”
The urge to slug someone brought him close to action. “My mother does not control my life. No matter what she said there is nothing you can expect from me.”
She stomped off. Caleb drew calming breaths to halt his murderous thoughts. He still needed to speak to Suzanna about Jon’s invitation. If only there was a way to try friendship. Wasn’t what he wanted but friendship would do for a beginning.
* * *
Suzanna hurried into Rehab. Who was the woman who’d practically assaulted her? Why did the encounter stab like a thorn? She hadn’t stayed to listen to the quarrel. She felt sorry for Caleb. He would marry a woman who was jealous and perhaps unstable. That he was engaged didn’t matter. He was Jon’s doctor and volunteer swimming coach. Once he’d been the promise of tomorrow.
She reached her brother’s room and removed her jacket. “How has your day been?”
He grinned. “Caleb stopped by. We talked about tomorrow’s lesson. He said he was making rounds, but I think he’s lonely.”
Suzanna sank on a chair. How could he be lonely when he had an attractive blonde fiancé? “Doctors usually make rounds in the hospital every day.”
“But I’m not in the hospital.” He pushed the table aside. “Let me show you what I can do. I’ve been practicing with the walker. Maybe you won’t need to pay someone to stay with me.”
“I’m sure that will happen. But there will be someone at the house mornings for two to four weeks. Depends on when the PT and OT discharge you.”
“Okay.” When she brought the walker to the chair, he rose into a standing position. He paused for a moment and then walked to the door and back. “See.”
She clapped her hands. “That’s great. You’ll be able to go everywhere on the first floor of the house.”
“And Mike says stairs will follow.”
“How’s the homework coming?”
“Pretty good. Did you know Dr. Rick’s a math genius? I was having problems and he showed me how to solve the equation.”
Suzanna chuckled. “I know how good he is. Math is the reason he became a member of the Grantley Gang.”
“He told me each of you had a specialty. Yours was anatomy.”
“I can still name all the bones, muscles and nerves. Now let me see your scholastic progress.�
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“Okay.”
They spent time on his studies until the nursing assistant announced lunch. She ruffled his hair. “See you tomorrow.”
When she pulled into the driveway, Cate waved to her. Suzanna dashed across the street. “Is there a problem with Jon’s discharge?”
“Stop acting like a mother hen. We’re off to buy our tree. I thought you might like to follow us.”
“Sure. Are the trees pre-cut?”
“You pick your tree. Then the owner or one of his sons will cut it down for you.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“Do you have a stand? If not, we have an extra.”
“Bought a cast iron one weeks ago. Also bought lights and ornaments.”
Just then Maddie, Rick and a tall, distinguished man came from the house. “Suzanna, this is my Dad. Clint. Dad, she’s the only one of the Gang you haven’t met.”
Suzanna smiled. “How nice to meet you.”
Clint extended his hand. “The same. Let’s hurry before all the trees are gone.”
Maddie giggled. “I’m sure there’s a perfect one for us, Grandpa.”
Suzanna laughed and ran to her SUV. She waited until her friends left their driveway before pulling onto the street. She followed their SUV through town and into the country. A half hour later, they pulled into a lot filled with cars. Signs pointed to areas with trees for sale.
“What size do you want?” Rick asked.
“Eight to nine feet. There’s a great spot in the living room near the front window.”
Clint nodded. “You have a good eye. I remember the spot from when Cate lived there.” He chuckled. “The house is great for romance. Jenessa is the only one of your friends who didn’t live there.”
The Leo-Aquarius Connection Page 8
