Prince Charming, M.D.

by Susan Mallery

  He followed her to the door. “Thanks for helping me.” He wanted to say more, to maybe invite her back, but he figured she would make up an excuse to refuse. She wouldn’t believe it was anything but a come-on. Of course he was lonely—but he wasn’t just looking for company; he was specifically interested in spending time with Dana.

  She paused by the front door and looked at him. The overhead light illuminated her face. Her skin was clear, with a faint blush of color at her cheeks. Her full mouth tempted him. He wanted to know if the kissing would be as magical now as it had been all those years ago. He wanted to take her in his arms and remember what it had been like to hold her close.

  Just one friendly kiss, he thought, wondering how she would react. Then he thought about the other friendly things he wanted to do with her and knew he wasn’t ready to stop at a kiss.

  “Thanks again,” he said.

  “No problem. See you at work.” She gave him a quick wave and started out the door.

  He watched her walk around to her front door. What was she thinking right now? Did she imagine that he had a hot date lined up? Probably. He would love to tell her what was really going on—or actually what wasn’t—then watch the look on her face. Assuming she believed him.

  Chapter Five

  Dana hummed cheerfully as she dealt with last-minute schedule changes. A couple of emergencies had tied up surgical equipment, rooms and personnel into the morning, but she’d already shuffled everything around. With a little luck, no scheduled surgery would get bumped. She knew that preparing for surgery was traumatic for patients and she hated the thought of telling people they had to wait another day. She also had to worry about having enough staff, not to mention making sure recovery wasn’t overloaded. Sometimes her job was like juggling, trying to keep a dozen or more balls in the air. The pressure could be intense, but she enjoyed the challenges and the fact that every day was a little different.

  After making the last call to confirm a surgical nurse’s availability, Dana leaned back in her chair and sighed contentedly. She’d made it all happen. Moments like these, when she knew she’d done her best and it had come out right, she felt validated in her career choice. So what if she’d focused nearly all her energy on her job? Wasn’t it worth it?

  She turned her chair and reached for the coffeepot she kept on her credenza. After pouring a cup, she pulled out a file and started checking paperwork. But thoughts intruded. Thoughts of Trevor.

  She’d fallen asleep thinking about him. It was, she knew, a dangerous precedent. Bad enough that her body responded every time she was near him, but she didn’t want to have to worry about an overactive imagination, too. Still, she had to admit she’d enjoyed lying in bed, remembering the sound of his voice as he’d talked with her. He’d made her laugh while they’d worked on the shelves. There was something about him, something almost sincere. If she hadn’t known better, she would have sworn he was lonely and really happy with her company. A ridiculous thought considering his active social life. Or was that really true?

  What had he said about the rumors? That they might not be accurate? He’d also hinted that he hadn’t been on a date since he’d come back to Honeygrove. She frowned. That one didn’t make sense. After all, both Sally and Angie had said they’d dated him and neither woman had a reason to lie. Did Trevor? Hadn’t she always thought of him as honest? So what was the real story?

  Someone knocked at her door. “Come in,” she called.

  Sally stepped into her office and smiled. “’Morning, boss. I just wanted to thank you for scheduling me with Trevor.”

  Dana leaned back in her chair. “I scheduled you for a surgery because you’re qualified and available. I don’t make adjustments based on your desire for a personal life.”

  “I know. I’m teasing.”

  Sally plopped into the chair opposite Dana’s. The young woman hadn’t tied her hair back yet and dark curls spilled over her shoulders. Blue scrubs brought out the color in her cheeks and added a honey glow to her tanned skin. She was, Dana had to admit, very pretty. And very young.

  “But he is amazing,” the nurse added.

  “Trevor?” Dana asked, pretending ignorance, while trying to squelch the flash of annoyance that flared in her chest.

  “Uh-huh.” Sally sighed dramatically. “So sweet and charming. You know most surgeons are remote and demanding, but not Trevor. Oh, he can be a terror in the OR if someone makes a mistake, but privately, he’s a very special man.”

  “I see.”

  “Last night we—”

  “You saw him last night?” Dana asked, cutting her off. “But he was home.”

  Sally straightened in her chair. “How would you— Oh, that’s right. He moved into your town-house complex. Does he live close?”

  Dana was already regretting her outburst. It had nothing to do with Sally and everything to do with her own foolishness. Once again she’d been sucked in by the charm. What had she been thinking? Trevor had wanted her to help him with his kitchen because he didn’t want to do the work himself. She’d been foolish enough to go along. Not to mention foolish enough to fall asleep thinking about him. Was she crazy? Did she actually think he was interested in her? Okay, he might be intrigued, but so what? Apparently anything female under fifty and still breathing interested him.

  “His town house is a short walk from mine,” Dana said, avoiding the technical truth that he lived next door. “I, ah, happened to see his car when I took out the trash last night.”

  No way was she going to admit she’d been in the man’s house eating pizza until nine. That she’d actually thought they might be friends this time around.

  “I see.” Sally rose to her feet and stretched. “We were supposed to go dancing, but decided a quiet evening would be better, so we stayed in. He had a lot to do at home, so he didn’t get over to my place until about ten.”

  Dana resisted the urge to throw something. Damn. So while she’d been lying in bed, thinking warm fuzzy thoughts about Trevor, he’d been across town, wanning Sally’s bed.

  “I’m glad things are working out between you,” she said, mustering as much sincerity as she could. Hopefully, the younger woman didn’t notice the tension in her voice.

  “Thanks. I think we have something very special going on.” She gave Dana a quick smile, then left.

  Dana stared after her, feeling both old and stupid. “Never again,” she said aloud. She would not be tricked by him anymore.

  But as she tried to focus on her work, a voice in the back of her head whispered that Trevor hadn’t done anything wrong. He’d asked for her help and she’d agreed. He’d bought her pizza and had been a pleasant companion. He hadn’t broken any promises or mistreated her in any way. They had no understanding—their evening together hadn’t been a date. So why was she so upset? Why did the thought of Trevor staying the night with Sally bother her?

  “Don’t go there,” she told herself. “Some things are better left unexplored.”

  “It makes me nervous when my staff members start talking to themselves.”

  She glanced up and saw Walter MacAllister standing in the doorway. “I wasn’t talking to myself,” she said quickly, then grinned. “I was, ah, practicing a speech.”

  “Of course you were.” Walter stepped in and took the seat Sally had recently vacated. He wore a shirt and tie under his white jacket. “The advantage of talking to oneself is that one is always assured an intelligent response. At least, in your case that’s true. With some other people I’m not so sure.”

  “Thanks for the compliment, but I’m not always sure about myself, either.”

  He set a folder on her desk. Despite his white hair and trimmed white beard, he appeared much younger than his sixty years, which made Dana think about how great Trevor would look at his dad’s age.

  “There was quite a mess in the OR this morning. First, those car accident victims, then the emergency bypass. You did an excellent job of coordinating the scheduled surgeries. I
received calls from a couple of surgeons who were pleased you’d managed to keep their patients from having to come back later in the week.”

  “Thanks. I know it’s stressful for patients, so I try to avoid that.”

  Walter nodded. “You’re good at this, Dana. As I knew you would be, I suppose it’s only fair I take all the credit.”

  “Of course, Walter,” she said, and laughed. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”

  “I suspect one day I’m going to regret that you’re not more frightened of me.”

  He’d been teasing, but she responded seriously. “Walter, I have the greatest respect for you. You don’t terrorize your staff because you know it’s not the right way to get them to do their best. You lead by example and you’ve set a high benchmark for us to achieve. I work hard because I believe in doing my best and because I want to measure up to your standards.”

  “You’ve excelled, Dana. Look how far you’ve come since you graduated from nursing school. I knew you’d do well and you have. Now, if we’re done mutually affirming each other, I’d like to mention a couple of things.”

  “Sure.” She pulled out a notepad. Walter held regular meetings, but he also tended to drop in on his staff and discuss some issues one-on-one. She ran a quick mental check on what was going on in her department, trying to pinpoint any problems. To the best of her knowledge, everything was running smoothly.

  “Next Saturday Maggie and I are having a small dinner party. We’d like you to come.”

  “Thanks, I’d love to.”

  Walter and his wife frequently entertained hospital personnel. Not just the doctors, but everyone from nurses to kitchen staff, surgeons to janitorial assistants. The food was always excellent, the conversation eclectic, and the relaxed atmosphere allowed people who worked together but would otherwise never speak have a chance to get to know one another.

  “About seven. Do you want to bring a date?” He pulled a sheet of paper out of his right front jacket pocket and paused.

  Dana pretended to consider the matter, a face-saving measure designed to make Walter think she might actually have a man she could invite. “I think I’ll come by myself.”

  “Great. We’re looking forward to it. Maggie and I always enjoy your company.” He scribbled a note and tucked the paper away. “The second matter involves business. I have good news. At least I hope you’ll consider it good news.” He leaned forward in his chair and smiled. “The hospital is sending you to the FMR Management seminar. The course starts in two weeks.”

  Dana stared at him. All the doctors and senior staff were required to attend the week-long management program in the northern California wine country. It was prestigious and expensive, with the hospital picking up the tab. The material was designed to expand problem solving by moving from linear to three-dimensional thinking.

  It was rare for someone in her position to be sent to the seminar. Obviously Walter had nominated her and the committee had agreed.

  Elation filled her. “I’m thrilled. Thank you.”

  “I think you’ll enjoy your time there. They have some very innovative programs.” He grinned. “Just don’t go in expecting a lot of classroom-type activities. You’ll be surprised by what they ask you to do. Be open and plan to have fun and I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”

  “And learn something,” she added.

  “You can’t help that part.” Walter stood. “I have a meeting with some angry family members who want to threaten us with litigation. So thank you for this pleasant interlude, Dana. Maggie and I will see you next Saturday.”

  “Bye.”

  She waited until he was gone, then allowed herself one loud “Yes!” of victory. She was going to the management seminar. What a coup! She couldn’t wait to tell Katie and Lee. Just think, a whole week away at a luxury hotel in a beautiful part of California. As a bonus, she would have an entire week in which she wouldn’t have to think about Trevor MacAllister even once.

  *

  Walter and Maggie MacAllister’s house had a view of Honeygrove in one direction and the mountains in the distance in the other. Dana paused to glance around before ringing the doorbell. The first time she’d been invited here she’d been quaking in her newly purchased pumps. The luxurious 5,000-square-foot custom home was a far cry from the small apartment where she’d grown up. If Katie and Lee hadn’t been with her, she would have turned tail and run. Fortunately, they had given one another courage and the night had been a success.

  That felt like a long time ago, she thought, remembering how in awe she and her friends had been of the chief of staff. Now, while she still felt a twinge of nervousness, she knew she would find the host and hostess gracious, the food incredible and the company friendly. Even the most difficult staff members relaxed at the MacAllisters’ house. The welcoming atmosphere didn’t come from expensive furnishing or designer wallcovers but was a by-product of the family who lived there. Walter and Maggie were charming people who enjoyed the company of others and it showed.

  She turned so she could gaze at the city stretched out before her. The night was surprisingly warm and clear. Streetlights twinkled, as if reflecting the stars up above. She drew in a deep breath and smiled. Things were going very well for her and she was content. Nothing could mar her pleasure at the evening ahead.

  A rumble cut through the quiet Dana stiffened slightly as she recognized that particular car engine. It was quite distinct and one she heard daily. Trevor left for his office long before she left for work. She was usually still in her bathroom getting ready when she heard him back out of his garage. Inevitably, she was forced to picture him freshly showered and shaved, still smelling of soap, in a crisp shirt and tie. If she wasn’t careful, she could waste several minutes lost in die reverie of what Trevor would look like as he dressed...or while still in the shower.

  She shook her head to clear it and told herself to hurry inside. For some reason, it had never occurred to her that Trevor would be here tonight, although it made sense that he’d been invited. To the best of her knowledge, this was the MacAllisters’ first dinner party since their son had returned to town.

  She didn’t want him to catch her standing on the steps. Better to already be at the party, talking with someone so she could pretend not to notice that he’d arrived. If she was careful, she might be able to avoid saying much of anything to him. Sometimes the crowds were large enough to allow people to get lost.

  But she couldn’t get the message from her brain to her feet. It was like being at the sight of an accident when one orders oneself to look away but finds the task impossible.

  Telling herself she was a fool, she waited for him and whomever he’d brought with him. At least she would have tangible proof that, despite what he claimed, he really was dating. Maybe that would help her clear him from her mind.

  But the tall, handsome man walking lightly up the walkway steps was alone. He paused when he saw her and smiled. “Dana? I didn’t know you were going to be here. We could have driven together.”

  His comment required a response on her part, but she couldn’t seem to think of one. She told herself it wasn’t her fault. For one thing, he was giving her his best smile, the one that could reduce steel to a puddle, never mind the effect it had on her bones and muscles. For another, he was in a suit Dark slacks and jacket, cream shirt, red striped tie. He was stunning.

  He continued to stare at her, waiting for her to say something. What came to mind was a brief prayer of thanks that she’d worn her ivory silk dress, picked up at nearly two-thirds off during a going-out-of-business sale at a boutique in a neighboring town. The fabric emphasized curves, making that which was modest appear lush, while the softly flowing cut of the skirt added the illusion of grace to her walk.

  “I didn’t know you were going to be here, either,’* she managed at last. While it wasn’t witty repartee, it was at least something closely resembling conversation.

  Trevor joined her by the front door. “It’s my first time,
” he said, and winked. “I’m a little nervous, so I’m going to depend on you to show me the ropes.”

  “This used to be your home. You grew up here. How can you be nervous about anything?”

  He took her arm and led her to the door. She told herself to ignore the heat that flared under his fingertips, and the darting sparks that seemed to fall from the heavens, only to land in tingling explosions on her skin.

  “I don’t have a problem coming to visit my folks,” he said as he knocked on the door. “But this is my first hospital party with the chief of staff and his wife.”

  “I’m not sure I believe you,” she muttered, hoping that she didn’t break into a sweat from all the heat his nearness generated. There was definitely something wrong with her hormones and it had to be more than just a lack of social life. She’d had long stretches without dating, but she’d never reacted like this. Maybe it was some yet undiscovered virus. She refused to believe it was directly related to Trevor himself.

  The door opened and Maggie MacAllister welcomed them. Trevor’s mother was tall and slender, with dark hair like her son’s. Her face and body defied her age and she dressed in conservatively elegant styles that flattered her figure. The first couple of times Dana had been up at the house, she’d been terrified of putting a foot wrong. But Maggie was so friendly she’d quickly put Dana at her ease.

  “Hello,” Maggie said, motioning for them to come inside. “We’re so glad you could make it.” She leaned close to Dana and gave her a hug. “You look beautiful, my dear. Such a lovely dress, and you flatter it perfectly.”

  Dana inhaled the scent of Maggie’s subtle perfume and felt her own tension ease.

  Maggie turned to Trevor and hugged him, as well. “So, I understand you’re the new surgeon at our hospital. What do you think of Honeygrove, Dr. MacAllister?”

  Trevor chuckled. “You can’t pretend you don’t know me, Mom.”

  “I’m just trying to treat you like everyone else.” She stepped back. “Come in. We’re out in the family room. There’s an open bar and snacks. We’re doing Italian tonight and it’s wonderful, so save plenty of room.” She leaned toward Dana. “I found this wonderful little restaurant and they’re catering for me. I know I should cook, but I’m still awful at it This is so much easier.”