The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

  Megan’s eyes widened. “No, Jason, I’m not going to have dinner with you.”

  Jason’s smile faded. “Do you have plans tonight?”

  “I’m really busy all weekend.” She nibbled her lower lip. “I’m sure you can find your way around.”

  Luke took a step toward Jason, adrenaline pulsing through his muscles. “Snowgum Creek isn’t a big town. The visitor center is near the post office, and they’ll have information on what’s happening in town.”

  Jason crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze focused on Megan. “I was hoping to see you this weekend.”

  She stared at the ground. “That’s the way it goes. I’m working three jobs, and I’m really busy.”

  Luke lightly cupped Megan’s elbow, leaning closer to her. “We need to go.”

  “Right. Bye.” Megan spun on her heel and walked back toward the clinic.

  Jason stood still, his jaw slack.

  Luke pinned him with a long stare before following Megan.

  She waited for him at his Jeep, her brows furrowed.

  “What’s going on?” he asked.

  “He’s the guy.”

  “I know, so why were you hanging around talking to him?”

  “I wasn’t.” She placed her hands on her hips. “He wouldn’t go away.”

  “Really? It didn’t look like that to me.”

  She pursed her lips. “I tried to give him the hint that I wasn’t interested in spending time with him.”

  “You didn’t do a very good job.”

  “Well, I didn’t want to be rude.”

  “Why?” He shook his head. “You don’t think maybe he was the one who was out of line, bugging you to hang out with him?”

  She let out an exasperated breath. “He’s gone now, and I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again.”

  “I hope you’re right. Now, are you ready for lunch?”

  She nodded. “I was going to go home first, but we can go straight to the café instead, if that’s easier.”

  “Sure, I’ll drive you.” He unlocked the Jeep and she made herself comfortable in the passenger seat. They drove a few streets into the center of town to a café not far from the church. Luke found a parking space outside the café.

  They walked inside and Megan chose a table for two next to a window overlooking the street. She slid her coat over the back of her wooden seat, and perused the brightly colored menu.

  He ignored the menu, planning to order his usual steak-and-vegetable pie with a side of fries. The café was known for its vegetarian options, sourcing its produce from local farmers whenever possible. It was a popular eatery, especially among the health-conscious Snowgum Creek residents.

  He scanned the main street, questioning the wisdom of sitting beside a window. Jason had seemed determined to spend time with Megan. He couldn’t discern whether Jason was just infatuated with Megan, which he could totally understand, or if he had more sinister intentions.

  He met her gaze and relaxed, a slow smile curving up his lips. “What do you feel like?”

  “Lentil soup and a side salad, I think. Something light but filling.”

  “A good choice. I’m having the meat pie. Would you like coffee?”

  She nodded. “Latte, please.”

  “I’ll be back in a minute.” He headed over to the counter, joining the queue of people waiting to place their orders.

  Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a golden glow over Megan. Her head was tipped forward as she typed something into her phone, a hint of a smile on her full lips.

  Minutes later he placed their order and returned to their table.

  Megan stashed her phone in her purse. “Is there anything in particular you want to talk about?”

  “How’s everything working out at the clinic?”

  “Not bad. My personal training business is starting slow, but I’m getting there and making enough to cover my expenses.”

  “That’s good to hear.” He liked her determination to succeed despite the obstacles in her path. The old Megan would have quit by now, and run away to start a new adventure.

  Her shoulders slumped. “It’s not easy, and I know it takes time to build a following and a client base.”

  He nodded. “You’ll get there if you persevere and don’t give up.”

  “Maybe.” She pressed her lips together, a vulnerable look clouding her eyes. “A few people have mentioned they’re not sure if I’ll hang around.”

  No big surprise. He’d wondered the same thing himself more than once. “Do many people employ a trainer long-term?”

  “They do in Sydney, but I assume most clients here would be short-term because I’m expensive.”

  “It’s a luxury many can’t afford.” The farmers were having it tough. Even though the town was prosperous, no one was making megabucks compared to the incomes in the cities.

  A waiter arrived with their lunch, and he tucked into the hearty meat pie.

  Megan gulped in a sharp breath, her eyes wide. “Oh, no!”

  He paused, his fork midair. “What’s wrong?”

  “He just walked in.”

  His stomach sank. “I told you that you were too nice to him. He probably followed us.”

  “Or he got lucky and saw your Jeep out front.”

  He resisted the urge to turn around. It was better to play it cool, and not let Jason know that his presence had disturbed Megan. “What’s he doing?”

  “Standing in the line to order something, and there’s only one person waiting in front of him.”

  “He might be ordering something to go.”

  She shook her head. “He hates vegetarian food, and avoids eating wholesome foods. This style of café isn’t his thing. I can’t see him ordering something.”

  He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, massaging a tension knot with his fingertips. “What do you want to do?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I can wait and see if he leaves or sits at a table. At least the ones closest to us are occupied.”

  “Something to be thankful for.” He popped a few fries into his mouth, knowing it was likely they’d be leaving sooner rather than later.

  She lowered her gaze, intent on eating her soup. “He just waved to me, and I ignored him.”

  Great. The guy wasn’t taking no for an answer. The tables in the café were spaced out and the radio played in the background at a low volume. Thankfully the patrons at the nearby tables wouldn’t be able to hear their quiet conversation.

  He sipped his latte. “What’s he doing now?”

  She snuck a glance before concentrating on her salad. “He’s sitting at a table across the room in my direct line of vision.”

  This whole situation was ridiculous. “You have to do something, otherwise he’ll follow you around town all weekend.”

  She sighed. “Tell me about it. But I really don’t think he’d listen if I told him to go away.”

  “You’re probably right, but he could get desperate and do something unexpected.”

  “What can I do? I can’t report him to the police just because I think he’s annoying. They’d laugh me out of the station.”

  “Do you feel threatened?”

  “It bothers me that he’s here, more so than when I used to see him all the time at the ski fields.”

  “I understand. It took effort and planning for him to come here this weekend. Does he know where you live?”

  She shook her head. “I haven’t given my address to anyone he knows, and my car is parked in my garage. He may assume I’m living at the farm, but he’d have trouble finding it without the address and specific directions.”

  He held her shaky gaze, his tone serious. “I’m concerned about your safety tonight,
especially since you live alone.”

  “I was going to hang out at home, catch up on chores and maybe watch a movie.”

  “Is he still watching you?”

  She nodded. “I think his gaze has remained fixed on me the entire time.”

  “That’s not a good sign. I’m on call after nine, but I have an idea that should work.”

  “What is it?”

  “Would you like to come out to dinner with me tonight at the Chinese restaurant?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Why? I mean, what do you think that would achieve?”

  “A lot. Let him think that we’re together, and he doesn’t have a chance with you. If we have dinner tonight as well as lunch, he should naturally draw that conclusion.”

  She leaned forward on her elbows, cradling her chin. “I don’t need you to rescue me.”

  “Really?”

  “I can handle the situation, somehow.”

  He shook his head. “You attempted to get rid of him by telling him to enjoy his weekend. I’d hardly call that taking care of the situation.”

  “So, what do you get out of this dinner deal?”

  He gave her a charming smile. “A companion who will be happy to eat early, and won’t be cranky when I bail on her at nine.” It gave him an opportunity to ensure she was safe, and drive her to her parents’ farm if Jason continued to stalk her.

  She picked at her salad, spearing a slice of cucumber with her fork. “Do you think dinner will work?”

  He nodded. “It could be fun, although we may need to act like we’re together.”

  She tipped her head to the side. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

  “Only that you drop the hostile stare and look as if you like spending time with me.”

  She let out a big sigh. “Okay, you win. What time should I be ready?”

  “I’ll make a booking for six.”

  “I guess I should wear something nice so it looks like we’re on a real date.”

  He nodded. “Appearances count for everything tonight.” He intended to make sure Jason knew he stood no chance of gaining Megan’s affections. If only Luke’s heart would cooperate with his plan, and realize he was only doing this to help her out of a sticky situation.

  * * *

  Megan’s doorbell pealed at ten minutes to six. “Luke, I’m coming.” She fastened the strap on her heel and made her way to the front door.

  Luke stood on the other side of her screen door, looking effortlessly handsome in a full-length winter coat.

  She smiled. “Hey, you’re right on time.”

  He frowned. “Why did you call out to me?”

  She raised her hands in the air, perplexed by his terse tone. “Because I knew it was you.”

  “How did you know? Did you install a camera out here?”

  She bit back a sharp retort. “I heard your Jeep on the drive, and it was obviously you because I was expecting you right now.”

  He shook his head. “I could have been Jason, and your voice would have let him know he’d found the right house.”

  “I seriously doubt I’ll see him tonight.” She slipped her arms into her warm woolen coat, stepped outside and closed her front door. “He didn’t approach me or follow us out of the café at lunch. His appearance at the café could have been a coincidence.”

  He ran his fingers through his short hair. “Your determination to see the best in people is going to get you into trouble.”

  “Maybe, but aren’t people innocent until proven guilty?”

  “When it concerns your safety, they’re guilty until proven innocent. You need to take this situation more seriously.”

  She shrugged. “I think you’re overreacting.”

  “A good friend of mine was stalked a couple of years ago, and it didn’t end well.”

  She sucked in a sharp breath. “Is she okay?”

  “She is now, but she went through a really rough time for a while.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “The thing is, she didn’t realize how serious the situation was until it was too late.”

  She walked beside him to his Jeep. “That’s scary.”

  “Jason may be harmless, but I care about you and want to make sure you’re safe.”

  Her heart skipped a beat, warmth filling her at the knowledge that he still cared for her. She felt safe and protected when she was with him, an alien feeling after living a carefree life with only a few significant emotional attachments.

  He opened her car door. “You’re looking very stylish tonight.”

  “Thank you.” She grinned. “I’m glad I pass muster.”

  A wide smile brought an appreciative sparkle to his eyes. “Oh, you most definitely pass.”

  A blush rose up her cheeks. She turned her head away as she stepped up into her seat, hoping he missed her reaction to his compliment.

  They drove past the restaurant and Luke found a parking spot across the street. Snowgum Creek buzzed with activity tonight. A number of people, including young families, wandered along the sidewalk. Tourists often stopped overnight at the hotels in town on their way to the ski fields.

  Luke cupped her elbow and guided her toward the Chinese restaurant. Heads turned as they walked together, and a number of admiring female glances were sent in Luke’s direction.

  She let out a deep breath, feeling as though she was on a real date with Luke. They used to dine at the Chinese restaurant years ago, a favorite haunt because Luke loved Chinese food.

  They approached the entrance to the restaurant. He held the door open, a perfect gentleman as he allowed her to step inside first.

  She gave him a bright smile as they waited in the foyer. “You do realize the whole town may draw the wrong conclusion and assume we are dating for real?”

  He reached for her hand, holding it briefly, his gaze warm. “I don’t care. Your safety is more important than harmless gossip.”

  She nodded, enjoying the moment. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this comfortable on a dinner date, even if it was a pretense. The men she had dated over the years often had expectations she wasn’t prepared to fulfill.

  A waiter led them to a table in a secluded corner. It offered privacy and a good view of the entire restaurant, including the reception desk.

  Luke chose the seat backing onto the wall and looking out over the restaurant. “This time he can spend the evening staring at your back.”

  She settled into her seat, the skirt of her long flowing dress swirling over her legs. “Sounds like a good plan.”

  He picked up the menu. “What do you feel like?”

  “I’ll have what you’re having.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “How do you know what I’ll order?”

  “Beef with black beans, and sweet and sour pork. Are they still your favorites?”

  “You have a good memory.”

  “We ate those dishes many times in this restaurant.” Happy memories flittered through her mind, bringing a big smile to her lips. “Or have you changed your preferences?”

  He chuckled. “I do like satay chicken, and I’m not as fond of the black beans. I now prefer cashew nuts with my beef.”

  “I like all of those options, so you can choose what we eat.”

  “You’re easy to please. I remember you being fussy about food.”

  “Not anymore. I have built some flexibility into my diet.”

  He nodded and placed their order with a hovering waiter. Before long the steaming dishes were delivered to their table.

  She inhaled the concoction of scents, blending together to arouse her appetite.

  “What would you like first?”

  “Definitely the satay chicken and fried rice.�
��

  He served a portion of each on their plates. “May I say grace?”

  “Sure.” She closed her eyes, not used to praying in public. Years ago she wouldn’t have thought twice about saying the blessing in a restaurant.

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

  “Amen.” She opened her eyes, meeting his intense gaze. “Thanks for inviting me to dinner tonight.”

  “You’re welcome. Let’s dig in.”

  She sampled the chicken, and suppressed a sigh. It melted on her tongue, the spicy flavors exploding in her mouth. “This is good.”

  “Yep. They still do the best Chinese in the district.”

  They chatted as they ate, and she remembered why she had liked dating him. He was an entertaining dinner companion, and there were no awkward lulls in their conversation.

  He leaned back in his seat, the plates of food on their table nearly empty. “Can I tempt you with fried ice cream?”

  She shook her head. “I’m full, and I couldn’t eat another thing.”

  “How about jasmine tea?”

  “I never say no to tea.”

  He signaled a waiter and ordered a pot of tea for two.

  She grinned. “It seems like you didn’t need to take me out to dinner after all.”

  “And miss the pleasure of your company?”

  “Jason hasn’t found us, so your fears are unfounded.”

  He drew his brows together. “You just spoke too soon.”

  Her throat constricted and she swallowed hard. “He’s here.”

  “At the front of the line at the reception desk, staring right at us.”

  “He might be ordering something to go.”

  “We’ll see. I think we should leave after we enjoy our tea.”

  “I agree there’s no point letting his presence ruin our evening.”

  The waiter appeared with a teapot and two miniature cups. Luke requested the bill, tension radiating on his face.

  She opened her purse.

  “No, this is my treat.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He nodded. “I always pay when I ask a lady to dinner.”

  “Thank you.” She poured their tea, inhaling the relaxing aroma of jasmine.