The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

  “Yes, I have a number of clients booked in through the business, and my calendar is full for the next two months at the hospital.”

  “That’s great news.” He hoped her hospital position would be ongoing.

  “It’s good for the community.” She spooned milky froth onto their lattes and handed him a mug. “Enjoy.”

  “Thanks.” He sat next to her at the table and added a generous spoonful of sugar, the fine granules sinking into the milky mixture. Janice had brought in a container of homemade chocolate cookies and he offered one to Megan.

  She shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

  “You’ll offend Janice if you don’t eat her cookies.” He popped the smallest one from the container into his mouth, savoring the sweet flavor.

  “You’ll have to eat my share.”

  “All right.” He sipped his latte. “Have you seen or heard from that guy?”

  Her eyes widened. “Nope, but I don’t think he’ll bother me.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it.”

  She lifted a brow. “Why? I could be overreacting to the whole situation.”

  “Or your instincts could be right.” Emily, his longtime friend from med school, had moved to Sunny Ridge Hospital from Sydney a few years ago due to a harassment issue. The perpetrator had followed her to Sunny Ridge, and a nasty confrontation involving the police ensued. After witnessing Emily’s angst, he couldn’t brush aside Megan’s valid concerns. He just wished she’d take it seriously.

  She lounged back in her seat. “I think you’re worrying for nothing.”

  “Maybe. This is good coffee, but don’t tell Amy I said so.”

  “Don’t tell me what?” Amy breezed into the room, her long blond ponytail swaying behind her.

  “Nothing important. Megan knows how to use your machine.”

  Amy glanced at her watch. “I’m sorry I’m late back. The assembly ran overtime, but you’d be so proud of your niece. Chloe played the piano beautifully while her class sang along.”

  “I’m glad to hear it went well.”

  Megan asked, “Has she been playing for long?”

  Amy shook her head. “I started teaching her last year and she has talent.”

  “Yes, she’s making excellent progress.” He drank the remainder of his coffee. “I need to get back to work since my next patient is due any minute.”

  Amy frowned. “Luke, you really are working too hard. I thought you’d scheduled a half-hour gap this morning.”

  “A couple of patients ran late, and another patient needed to come in now instead of later this afternoon.” He turned to Megan. “Thanks for the coffee.”

  “You’re welcome. Amy, would you like one?”

  “Sounds great.” She rummaged in her purse. “Found it.” She handed a set of keys to Megan. “For the cottage. I know you’re not officially moving in for a few weeks, but Ben and I have cleared out all my stuff. You can start moving in whenever you’re ready.”

  “Thanks. That will be helpful.”

  Amy nodded. “It’ll be good when you’re settled. I hate that living-in-limbo feeling.”

  Luke stood. “I guess Megan is used to it.”

  Megan shrugged. “It will be nice to settle here for a while.”

  “You mean a year,” he said.

  “Who knows?” She flicked her hair back off her face. “I might stay longer.”

  He rinsed his coffee mug in the sink, refusing to respond to her flippant comment. He doubted her ability to curtail her long-held wanderlust tendencies. What would it take to inspire Megan to live in Snowgum Creek long-term?

  * * *

  Megan adjusted the settings on a stationary bike in the Snowgum Creek Health Club. The cycle class was due to start in five minutes, and there were only two bikes remaining for latecomers. She tucked her hoodie into her gym bag, and threw a towel over the bike handlebars. Her large bottle of chilled water, stashed in a holder, would keep her hydrated through the forty-five-minute class.

  She settled on the bike, her legs falling into the familiar routine. This was her favorite class to attend and teach. She turned the bike pedal tension up a few notches as her muscles started to warm up. Her heart rate monitor watch synced with the bike’s settings, and she let out a few deep breaths. After a busy day at Snowgum Creek Hospital, she needed an outlet to release all her stress and tension.

  “Megan.”

  Luke’s deep voice spiked her heart rate and she turned to face him. “Hey.”

  He placed his towel on the spare bike beside her in the back row. “I didn’t know you attended this class.”

  “I didn’t make it to the gym this morning, and the time suits me today.”

  He lifted the stem of his bike seat, raising the height. “How often do you train?”

  “At least five days a week, sometimes more. Some days are lighter than others.”

  “I try to train three times a week.” He jumped on the bike, his T-shirt and loose-fitting shorts highlighting his lean and muscular build.

  She swallowed hard, switching her attention to the front of the room. The instructor spoke into his microphone and ramped up the music volume. Megan wore her usual Lycra combo of a fitted top and knee-length bike pants. Her cycling shoes were clipped into the pedals.

  Perspiration cooled her body as the workout grew more intense. Fans circulated air around the steamy room. She focused her attention on her cycling speed and technique, enjoying the rush of endorphins that kicked in when she trained at maximum capacity.

  She drank from her water bottle, sneaking another glance in Luke’s direction at the end of the fourth track. Drenched in sweat, his breathing was fast from pushing himself hard during the class.

  He smiled. “How you doing?”

  “Pretty good.”

  “How’s your calorie count going?”

  “I’m tracking well.” Her heart rate monitor provided a reasonably accurate reading.

  He wiped his towel over his face. “My bike is picking up your heart rate.”

  “Then you’ll know how hard I’m working out.”

  He grinned. “Do you think you’re working harder than me?”

  She shrugged. “I’m pushing the high gears on the hills.”

  “Me, too.”

  The next song started and she refocused. The instructor provided clear instructions, cueing the class on what was coming up next. This track had a long hill climb followed by a downhill sprint. She closed her eyes and stood, imagining she was outdoors and climbing a steep hill on a winding mountain road. She increased the bike tension, her muscles burning as she pushed through the tough climb.

  The pinnacle of the hill reached, she dropped to her seat and flew into a downhill sprint. She lowered the bike tension and pedaled fast. Luke stayed in sync with her, his legs rocketing through the sprint phase. Maybe he was fit enough to keep up with her blistering pace.

  The track ended and she sucked in a few deep breaths, her lungs screaming for more oxygen. She grabbed her bottle. Her parched throat appreciated the refreshing cool water.

  She met Luke’s amused gaze.

  His breathing was ragged. “I can keep up with you.”

  She smiled. “Maybe.”

  The rest of the class passed in a blur of frantic activity, and Megan lowered the bike tension during the cooldown track. She released the remaining tightness in her muscles during the stretches at the end.

  She rubbed her towel over her damp skin, her cycling clothes moist from perspiration. Luke passed her a few sheets of paper towel and cleaning spray.

  “Thanks.” She wiped down the bike and slipped on her hoodie. Her plan was to drive home to the farm and jump straight into a hot shower.

  “What are you doing tonight?” Luke aske
d.

  She paused. Where was this heading? “Going home. Mom has put aside dinner to reheat in the microwave and then it’s early to bed for me.”

  “You have an early start?”

  She nodded and sat on the carpeted floor behind her bike, leaning back against the wall. “I’m meeting a client here at five-thirty.” She pulled off her cycling shoes. “What are you doing tonight?”

  “I’m on call at the hospital from eight to midnight.”

  “Are you looking for company, or someone to cook you dinner?”

  “Both.” He grinned. “Rach is out tonight and spaghetti on toast gets boring.”

  She tied up the laces on her sneakers. “Cook an egg as well, or open a tin of baked beans instead of spaghetti. The protein boost will do you good after your workout.”

  “Okay, boss.”

  She laughed. “You’ll cope.” She stood and waved good-night to the instructor before heading out of the gym with Luke. “By the way, I was impressed by your fitness.”

  “I train outdoors when I can. I like to do a couple of early-morning rides, work schedule and weather permitting.”

  “Really?” She paused, holding his gaze. “I was thinking about doing a few training rides in the mountains.”

  “You shouldn’t do them alone because the phone reception is sketchy.”

  “True.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “I’ll have to come up with another plan.”

  “Why don’t we start training together?” His eyes sparkled. “I’m probably one of the few people in town who could keep up with your cracking pace.”

  She nodded. “Sounds good, as long as you’re up for the challenge. I’ll push you hard.”

  He laughed. “I won’t knock free personal training. We can always loop around town. The cycle paths have been improved in recent years, and you can do a five-mile circuit, including a few hills, off-road.”

  “Okay, it’s a deal. We’ll compare schedules and see what we can work out.”

  “Great. By the way, I’m free to help you move in a few weeks if you’re still looking for people. It was Saturday afternoon, right?”

  “Yes, and thank you. I appreciate your help.” Between Jack and Luke, she could complete the move from the farm in a couple of trips. Her mother was delighted that she was finally shifting the furniture and personal effects she’d been storing for years at the farm. She’d booked a delivery truck to move her furniture from Sydney to the cottage.

  They reached his Jeep in the parking lot, and he beeped open the lock. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She waved goodbye and headed over to her car. The late-model hatchback served her well as she clocked up the miles commuting to Sunny Ridge once a week.

  Luke drove out of the parking lot, and his taillights disappeared into the distance. She’d fallen back into a comfortable friendship with him that hadn’t really been challenged until tonight. The old attraction was still there, and she did her best to squash long-dormant feelings.

  She could maintain a friendship and keep her heart intact. He may have forgiven her for running out on him years ago, but she was under no illusion that he wanted to revive their previous relationship. She didn’t deserve a second chance.

  * * *

  Luke sat cross-legged on the floor in the middle of Megan’s spacious new bedroom, reading the bed assembly instructions. Jack had left a few minutes earlier, the last of the boxes and furniture now stowed in Megan’s cottage.

  She stood in the doorway and he looked up, meeting her gaze. “You’ve purchased a complicated bed to build.”

  She placed her hands on her slim hips, her sweatshirt and long black pants marked with dust. “I can worry about it tomorrow.”

  “You should sleep in your new bed tonight.” She’d spent hours unpacking while he helped Jack move all her gear from the farm.

  “I know, but the sofa is kind of comfortable, if you curl up the right way.”

  “I can build the bed but I’ll need your help to put the wooden frame together.”

  “Sure. I appreciate your help with the move. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Are you on call at the hospital tonight?”

  “From seven. I need to call in around nine and check up on a couple of patients. Hopefully I’ll have a quiet night.”

  “Do you have dinner plans?”

  He grinned. “Are you offering?”

  “The least I can do is feed you, after you’ve slaved away helping me move.” The golden light slicing through the window cast a soft glow over her beautiful face.

  His heart skipped a beat. How could he resist her offer? “Are you set up to cook?”

  She nodded. “The kitchen is nearly unpacked, and the fridge and pantry are stocked. I bought food yesterday.”

  “You are organized. What’s on the menu?”

  “Pumpkin risotto.”

  “Sounds great.” He’d figured she’d cook healthy.

  “I’ll make a start on the risotto now, and be back soon to help with the bed.”

  “No worries.”

  Luke made quick progress, and the frame was ready to assemble when she returned. He lined up a row of wooden slats. “If you can hold the end of the bed upright, I’ll slide in the slats and attach the bed head.”

  “Sure.”

  She followed his directions, and within ten minutes they had placed the mattress on the bed frame. “It’ll be nice to sleep in a comfortable bed.”

  He pointed to a dining chair in the corner with her quilt and two pillows on it. “Your mother brought over freshly laundered bed linen.”

  “Did she ask you to assemble my bed?”

  He shook his head. “She asked Jack, but he ran out of time.”

  She sighed. “I’m so looking forward to having my own space.”

  “Are you feeling henpecked?”

  “I shouldn’t complain. My mom has good intentions, and she’s very excited that I’m living close by for the first time in years.”

  “My mom has good intentions, too. Plus she feeds me on a regular basis without complaining.”

  “What’s the catch?”

  He groaned. “She tells me I need to find a wife to look after me.”

  She giggled. “Apparently I need a husband and children, too.”

  “Ben and Amy are at my folks’ for dinner tonight.”

  “Are you supposed to be there?”

  He shrugged. “I sometimes turn up at the last minute so that my mother can’t make any plans to invite unexpected guests.”

  “Unexpected single female guests?”

  “Yep, you got it.”

  “Oh, no, does she try to do this often?”

  “Not if I can help it. She seems to forget I’m a busy doctor with a crazy schedule and not much time for a social life.”

  “My mom is excited I’m staying in one place for a year. She sees that as progress.”

  He stood. “Are you going to teach me how to make risotto?”

  She drew her brows together. “I’ve heard about your cooking abilities.”

  “Really?” He followed her into the kitchen. “I’m willing to learn.”

  She added a portion of butter to the fry pan. “Risotto is not the kind of dish where you can just throw in all the ingredients and hope for the best. There’s technique involved in reducing the stock during the cooking process.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, if you’re not going to teach me, I may land on your doorstep for dinner again.”

  She laughed. “I’m onto you. How many friends do you visit for dinner?”

  He widened his eyes. “They all feel sorry for the overworked doctor.”

  “I’m sure they do. Especial
ly the single female ones.”

  His phone chimed—a call from the hospital. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  * * *

  Megan focused her attention on the risotto, aware Luke stood only inches behind her, peering over her shoulder. His expensive aftershave mingled with the pumpkin-and-onion aroma, a pleasant combination.

  Her pulse kicked up a notch. She liked having him close by in her kitchen. This picture of domestic bliss had haunted her dreams after she’d left him. She sucked in a steadying breath. They were friends, nothing more. According to Amy, Luke had a number of female friends. She was part of the crowd, no one special. She’d thrown away that privilege years ago.

  He took a step back. “Would you like me to set the table?”

  “Yes, please. You may need to clear some junk off it.”

  “Sure.” He located cutlery and two plates. “What would you like to drink?”

  “There’s water in the fridge.”

  He left the kitchen and she stirred the risotto. It would be ready to serve in two minutes. She found a large ceramic bowl and scooped the steaming risotto out of the fry pan and into the bowl. Luke had laid out two place settings, and she placed the bowl in the center of the round table.

  He walked into the living room, his smile widening. “Wow, the risotto smells good.”

  “I hope you like it.”

  He sat beside her. “Can I say grace?”

  “Sure.” She’d fallen out of the habit of saying grace before meals.

  He closed his eyes and reached for her hand.

  His grip was firm and comforting. She followed his lead and let out a deep breath.

  “Lord, thank You for this wonderful food and company. Amen.”

  “Amen.” She opened her eyes, captivated by his warm gaze.

  He sampled the risotto. “This is excellent.”

  “Thanks.” She tasted a spoonful, appreciating the delicate flavors. The rice was cooked to perfection, with just the right consistency and texture.

  His phone beeped and he frowned.

  “The hospital?”

  “Probably.” He retrieved his phone from his pocket and read the message on the screen.

  “Do you need to leave now?”