Without me even realizing it, the game started and Nathan struck out our first batter. Doc playfully ribbed me, “You should have stayed the batting coach. Maybe then your team would have a chance at winning.”
“No,” I confidently replied. I’m right where I want to be. “Our secret weapon is up to bat next. You guys don’t stand a chance.”
Grandma Christiansen stepped up to the plate. Her white hair flipped out from under her ball hat. She tapped the bat against the inside of her shoe and glared at Nathan. “Bring the heat,” she demanded.
Doc turned to me and placed a hand over her heart, giving me a smile that said her heart was melting. She loved the old lady. Everyone did.
Grandma bunted the ball and somehow teetered to first base before Nathan could send it to Doc. Doc just grinned as Grandma trotted back to the base and took up position to head to second.
The next two batters hit singles, but the Bulldozers were able to follow that up with two more outs and the teams rotated. The game went on pretty evenly back and forth from there.
As the game wore on, the grandkids begged me to come back in as the batting coach, but Grandpa Christiansen had my back. “Sorry, kids. We need him at first. Head on out there and learn how to run those bases.” He winked at me and shooed me out of the dugout as the teams rotated.
I tried to come up with something clever to say, but what I really wanted was to get to know Doc. With the time we both spent standing around, we could chat. I wasn’t trying to distract her from her job, so I kept my mouth shut until the first batter struck out.
“Do you have a middle name, Dr. Cahill?” I asked. Asking her middle name sounded silly when I hadn’t used her first name yet. But she was the town doctor and everyone else called her Dr. Cahill, or Doc like me. Getting too friendly too fast might put her off, so I tried to be casual. Still, I couldn’t stem my curiosity.
“No,” Doc replied. “How about yourself?”
“David,” I answered. “Did you grow up with pets? Or is Astrid your first?”
“We had several dogs growing up and a cat once upon a time.” She laughed. “I dressed her in my doll clothes. She was so patient with me.”
I grinned, putting the tidbit of information in my pocket like a treasure. “Cats usually are when there’s a steady stream of food coming their way.”
In the end, my team won the game, but I’d won so much more than that. Doc and I were still talking about childhood pets when they called the game.
“How was I supposed to know dogs didn’t know how to pull sleds? I thought it was instinct.” I lifted both hands in the air as she laughed, the sound like birds twittering happily in the trees. My chest warmed, and I thought about pulling her closer for the hundredth time that hour.
Amy came over to first. She hooked her thumb over her shoulder and said, “We’re going to go set out a spot to watch fireworks. We will be over by field three if you want to meet us there when you are done.”
Doc looked back and forth between me and Amy. She had this look like she wasn’t quite ready to leave. I did a mental fist pump. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
Amy gave a small wave and headed off to meet up with Nathan, who jerked his chin at me by way of greeting.
I nodded back at him. “I’m glad Amy got you to come today. It has been fun seeing you outside the clinic.”
Doc sighed happily. “It’s been good to see you too.”
I didn’t think much about my next words. I just threw them out there like a wild pitch, praying they would fly over the plate. “Would you like to watch the fireworks with me? I have my truck parked over by the trees, where there is a good view.”
Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “I would love to,” she replied.
I grabbed her backpack and helped her collect Astrid’s water dish. We traded out her tether for a leash and headed for my blue Ford, backed up to the edge of the ball fields.
I dropped the tailgate, and they hopped into the bed of the truck. Astrid jumped in like she’d been hopping into pickup trucks her whole life. She ran to the front and then back to me before spinning in a circle and sniffing every inch of metal. I hung on to her leash in case she decided to chase after something. I didn’t want to spend the night chasing a runaway dog.
Doc pulled out her phone. “Let me just tell Amy that I’m not going to find them for the fireworks.” Her thumbs flew across the keypad.
The truck was parked in a spot that was away from the crowds, which I appreciated greatly now that I had Harper all to myself. Even though I’d been formal and calling her Dr. Cahill out loud, I’d long since given up on formalities in my mind. It was hard to keep them up when my mind drifted to scenes that included being close enough to feel body heat. The slight seclusion of the truck helped me feel like we were alone together instead of surrounded by a park full of people … and also that everyone wasn’t watching and speculating what the two of us were up to. Grandpa Christiansen was going to share his theories about my switch to first base coach with Grandma Christiansen tonight—and then rumors would spread like mayo on a turkey sandwich.
“So the 4th of July seems to be everyone's favorite holiday around here,” Harper said, trying to start the conversation since I’d fallen into my own thoughts. As pleasant as they were, I wanted more of the real deal.
“It’s definitely the biggest celebration the town does.” I glanced down at my callused hands. Some of those rough spots were from playing ball today and made me smile. My smile faded as I thought about how many of my other interests I’d put off to grow up. “The past few years, though, it always just seemed like one more thing on my long to-do list.” I lifted my eyes to meet her interested gaze. “I enjoyed it more this year than I ever have.”
Harper swallowed, as if she were working up courage. “Why is that?”
“Because of you,” I replied easily, leaning back on my hands. “I enjoy your company, Dr. Cahill.” I paused and then added, “I don’t invite just anyone to my truck.” I wanted to be with her, wanted to see if the attraction that thrummed under my skin was more than just that—or could be more. Playing it sly wasn’t going to get me anywhere, so I’d gone for the direct approach. A big swing for the fences. I prayed I hadn’t just struck out.
She leaned into my side and glanced down and then up at me. “You can call me Harper.”
My heart cheered louder than a home-team crowd.
Chapter Twelve
Harper
There was a large BOOM inside my chest as Andrew brushed his fingers over my arm. A breath later, the fireworks stared. There were lights of brilliant blues, greens, and reds, with some twinkling white. The display lit up the sky, but the only thing I noticed was Andrew. Every time he scooted closer, that feeling of excitement grew inside of me and sparkled and fizzed.
Then he slowly put his arm around me and pulled me next to him. I didn’t have to think about what I would do, because my body already knew how to respond. I melted into him. Our frames fit perfectly together, my head in the crook of his shoulder.
I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of cider and grass and dirt. I’d never felt more at peace than in that moment. I wanted to stay there forever, to soak in his warmth and feel his cheek press against my head when he smiled.
As the fireworks ended, people started leaving the park, but Andrew didn’t move his arm from around me. I snuggled in, not ready to peel off of him yet. Though a part of me said, Stay away, this isn’t in the plan, the majority of my brain and heart were on the same page. This was the place where I was meant to be.
Andrew ran his hand down my back, sending the most delightful shivers across my skin. “Do you have plans with Amy tonight, or can I give you a ride home?”
I would drop anything to stay right here all night long, Andrew Allred.
The thought scared me a little. I hadn’t let any man have that much influence over me—ever. Andrew was different, though. I wasn’t scared he’d step in and walk all over my pla
ns. “We didn’t have any plans. I’ll text her, though, so she doesn’t wait for me.”
I sent my friend a message saying that Andrew was going to give me a ride home. Amy replied immediately with a winky face emoji. I shoved my phone in my pocket before Andrew could see it.
“All set.” I hopped off the tailgate and followed Andrew to the passenger’s side door, which he opened for me. Once I was settled, he went back for Astrid, who had buried her face under her paws during the fireworks but thankfully hadn’t run away. He opened the back door for her, and she jumped right in.
He walked around, and I reached across the cab to open his door. His eyebrows went up in surprise. I laughed. “You opened the door for my dog, so …”
“Thanks so much,” he said happily. The diesel engine roared to life. “So where am I off to?” he asked as he put his arm across the seat and looked behind him to back out of the spot.
“It’s 9th South and Carrol Street,” I replied.
“Oh, you’re renting the old Sorenson place?”
I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m not sure, I guess so if that was their address.” I fidgeted for a moment. “Man, everyone really does know everyone in this town.”
“Pretty much.” He faced forward and put the truck in drive.
“So where is this house that you are building? Amy mentioned something the other day …” I held my breath, praying he didn’t ask if Amy and I had talked about him. Because we had—and it was all girl talk. Which, according to the girl code, we couldn’t share with guys.
He looked at me out of the corner of his eye but didn’t ask if I’d been asking about him. Which I hadn’t—Amy volunteered the information. “It’s across the river in Hamilton. I love living with Grandpa and all, but I am at the point where I feel like I need my own space.”
My practitioner brain kicked on before I could stop it. “I’m not so sure if Grandpa should be living alone.”
“Don’t worry.” Andrew chuckled. “Aunt Meredith lives with Grandpa too. She’ll be staying with him after I move out.”
I pushed my hat up and rubbed the spot it sat on my forehead before putting it back in place. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off gruff. I guess I’m protective of my patients.”
“No worries. I am glad you are watching out for him.”
I lowered my eyebrows as I tried to picture where Hamilton was on the mental map in my head. I’d yet to cross the Mississippi, so I had no frame of reference.
Andrew continued. “I didn’t want to be right in town, and I love watching the sunsets over the river. So I bought a little bit of property over there to give me some space. It even has its own fishing pond that I have stocked with some bluegill.”
“Sounds amazing,” I said, even though I had no idea what bluegill even were. With Andrew there, it sounded like heaven.
“Maybe I’ll take you there sometime.”
“I would like that.” I hugged myself.
We pulled into my driveway. Andrew put the truck in park and then looked at me. Our eyes locked together, and I couldn’t seem to break the spell wrapping around the two of us. It grew thick in the cab, full of attraction, interest, and a sense of destiny that took my breath away.
The world faded away. The sound of the engine died down, as did the feel of the seat vibrating under me. I felt drawn to Andrew like a magnet. I leaned forward, my eyes growing heavy with desire. Andrew leaned toward me, his breath slow and deep but his pulse pounding at his neck, detectable only by someone as close as I was. Yet I wanted to be closer. I wanted his lips on mine. I wanted to melt into him, feeling as if the two of us had become one.
My eyes dropped shut. I took a quick breath of cider scent—
Then something wet licked my nose. I yelped as my eyes flew open and Astrid’s hot breath covered my face. “Ew.” I swiped her slobber off my face. “Astrid!”
Andrew chuckled. His door popped open, and the light came on. “Let me get your door.”
I glared at my dog. “You have the worst timing on the planet.” I was so embarrassed. The only thing saving me from running inside and barring the door was that she hadn’t licked Andrew.
This time he offered his hand to help me out of the truck. My independent side scoffed at the offer, but this new part of me, some girly version who enjoyed romance, softball, and late-night kisses, was touched. Not to mention I really wanted to hold his hand—or rather, have him hold mine.
I accepted his offer and slid out of the truck. He lingered, standing closer than was necessary, and I swore his finger brushed the back of my hand before he let go. Oh help me, my knees went soft.
Astrid barked.
I rolled my eyes. “Heaven forbid we forget her,” I growled, adding a joking tone. But really. Who knew my dog was a romance killer?
“And we can’t forget Miss Astrid,” Andrew said to my dog as he opened the back door with his opposite hand. Astrid seemed just as excited to be with Andrew as I was, and she barked her approval at her door being opened as she hopped out of the truck.
Seeing her jump down was such an ordinary moment that it brought to mind ordinary things. “I left my backpack in the bed of the truck,” I said.
“Don’t want to forget that.” Andrew walked around and opened the tailgate to get the backpack. Astrid took advantage of the situation and hopped right in.
“Sorry about that,” I said. “I guess she doesn’t want to go in yet.” Neither did I, but I wasn’t sure how to tell him that. I glanced at my porch, wishing I’d thought to buy a swing with deep cushions.
“I agree with her,” Andrew replied. “It’s too nice of a night to go inside quite yet. Look at all the stars.”
I hadn’t seen the stars in the sky, hadn’t even thought to look up. All I’d been concerned with was the handsome cowboy who had a quick smile and strength that came from deep within. I tipped my head way back and took in the beautiful sight. There were more stars than I could count in a lifetime. “I guess I hadn’t noticed.”
“Well, let me introduce you to some of my favorites.” Andrew hopped in the back of the truck and lay down in the bed. He lifted his head and patted the spot right next to him. Astrid looked at us for a moment and then curled up by our heads.
I flushed from my head to my toes, grateful that it was dark out and I’d neglected to leave a porch light on. I sat on the edge of the tailgate and scooted my way back to join him. The metal was cool against my back, which was nice, because the night was muggy.
“If you look right there,” Andrew said as he pointed, “see those four stars there? They make a square. Then, if you go straight up the side there, there is a line of stars that make a handle. Together it all looks like a ladle, and that is why they call it the Big Dipper. Then, if you go that way off of the top of the handle, it will point you to the North Star.” Andrew pointed and drew imaginary lines in the sky. He continued teaching me stars and constellations, but it wasn’t his words that held me spellbound; it was the deep tone of his voice.
Eventually, the conversation turned from stars to our families. Andrew told me that his parents had moved away a few years ago when his dad got a job in the tri-city area. His dad and grandpa didn’t get along that well, and working the same land put a strain on their relationship. I’d heard of things like that before but hadn’t met anyone who had been through it. Most of the people I’d grown up with went off into the world to make their way. It wasn’t like there were that many family-owned businesses around anymore. But life was different here. Family meant more than Christmas and Easter dinners. Andrew had opted to stay. He didn’t like the idea of living in a city, and working the farm suited him just fine.
He turned his head so our noses weren’t an inch apart. “What about your parents? Are they still together?” He glanced down and placed his hand over mine, spreading warmth not only into my fingers but all the way through my body. I marveled. I mean, I could put the situation on a chemical level and label the hormones rus
hing through my body, but for the first time in my life, I didn’t want to. I just wanted to enjoy the feeling. With Andrew, I wanted to feel all the feels.
“They are.” I turned my hand over and our fingers threaded together—as if they were meant to be that way. We both turned our gaze back to the stars, as if looking at one another and touching was too much goodness, too much happiness, and we couldn’t be in it for long because we might explode with it. “They’re in Washington. I don’t see them very much.”
“What about when you were a kid? Were they around?”
“They were great parents.” My mind wandered through fields of my own history. “I had this punching bag. I was a little kid, but I remember it had Scooby-Doo on the front. I got it in my head that he had a broken bone and needed surgery.” I talked up to the sky, sharing the moment with the stars and the moon and the Milky Way and Andrew—who was the realest of them all. “I tried to perform the surgery and used a knife to make an incision on his left thigh—which didn’t turn out so well for poor Scoob.”
Andrew chuckled, the sound moving through him and into me like the note of a bass guitar.
“Mom found the deflated bag stuffed behind the couch a couple days later. When she asked about it, I told her what I tried to do.”
“What did she say?”
“She bought me a book on anatomy.” I smiled. “Both my parents have been supportive of my decision to go into medicine. It’s made all the difference.”
Andrew laughed lightly. “I’m glad your patients have better outcomes now. Remind me to think twice before having you cut me open.” He glanced at me, and his joviality melted away. “What is it?”
“Nothing. I—you’re probably right to worry.” I moved to tug my hand away, but he held fast.
“I was joking.” He tenderly brushed my hair off my face. “You were only four or five years old, Harper. I don’t really believe you’d stuff me behind a couch.”
Opposites Attract: His Country Doctor (The Journal of Medical Romances Book 1) Page 7
