The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

  “Are you tired already?”

  He shook his head. “I’m remembering how grueling this hill is on my quads.”

  “You’ll be fine. It’s not like it’s a vertical slope.”

  “No, but it’s a deceptively gentle-looking hill that goes on forever.”

  She slipped her sunglasses on her nose and straddled her bike. “How about I give you a head start.”

  “No way.” He stashed his water bottle in the holder on his bike. “You can beat me fair and square, with no concessions.” He carried their picnic lunch in a cooler bag strapped to the back of his bike. He’d feel the extra weight on the hill, including their spare bottles of water for the ride home.

  “Are you ready?”

  He nodded. “Let’s do it.”

  For the first couple of miles he matched her pedal speed, maintaining a brisk pace. He sucked in deep breaths, his body demanding the extra oxygen as the altitude gradually increased. Megan looked as if she was cruising, her streamlined body meshing with her bike as she pushed through the hill climb.

  The minutes ticked by and his leg muscles burned from the lactic acid buildup. Megan inched ahead, her endurance outclassing him. Years ago he’d had a chance of beating her to the finish, but her current standard of fitness was superior to his on all levels.

  He dropped down another gear, cycling in a standing position to maximize his muscle power. The never-ending hill continued to taunt him, the signpost for the turnoff to the waterfall finally coming into view.

  Megan reached the post first, coming to a stop by the side of the road. She tipped her head back, drinking from her water bottle and splashing a handful of water on her face. Perspiration glistened on the exposed skin of her lower arms and legs.

  He pulled up beside her, ready to throw his bike away and collapse in the dirt. His legs felt like jelly, spent from the exertion of the hill climb. He planted unsteady feet on the ground, and took a big swig from his water bottle. His body was soaked in sweat and he drank his fill, replenishing his fluid levels. Why had he agreed to this ride? It was going to annihilate him before the day was over.

  Megan rolled her shoulders and stretched out her arms. “How are you feeling?”

  “You don’t want to know.”

  She laughed, her melodic tone a pleasant balm for his aching body. “It’s all downhill now to the creek.”

  “That’s a good thing because I’m not capable of climbing any more hills.”

  “You’ll recover soon, and your warm muscles will feel invigorated.”

  “Until tomorrow morning, when I’ll be stiff and sore.”

  “Stop worrying about tomorrow. You’re missing out on the joy of living in the moment.”

  “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but right now I’m not feeling joyful.”

  “You’ll get over it. I think you’ve gone soft in your old age.”

  He shoved his hands on his hips. “Hey, you’re not that far behind me as far as being old is concerned!”

  “Well, prove it. Cruise the next few miles down to the creek and we’ll have a couple of hours to rest before we need to head home.”

  “A good plan.” The thought of sitting down appealed to him. Plus two uninterrupted hours in her company was a bonus.

  They rode in tandem, dodging potholes in the rutted dirt track by staying in the grooves created by the vehicles driven off-road. The waterfall was one of his favorite places, the pristine water flowing through the rugged terrain on its way down the mountains to the township of Snowgum Creek. The melting snowcaps kept the creek running through most of summer, and kayakers enjoyed battling the white-water rapids farther upstream.

  He smiled as the sandy basin beside the creek came into view. They had the watering hole to themselves, the gentle rapids and occasional birdsong breaking the silence.

  Megan hopped off her bike, wheeling it over to a solid pine tree trunk and resting it out of the sun. She unpacked a picnic blanket and slung her backpack over her shoulders. “Where do we want to park ourselves?”

  He pointed to a towering gum tree near the creek, the foliage shading the ground below. “Over there.”

  “Sounds good.” She removed her bike helmet, loosened her ponytail and walked beside him to the tree.

  They settled on the picnic blanket in the shade. He ran his fingers through his damp hair, inhaling the fresh pine and eucalyptus scents from the surrounding trees. This part of the creek was a popular swimming spot in summer for those game enough to trek along the long bumpy track.

  Megan sat beside him, peeling off her shoes and socks. “The water looks good.”

  “Yep.” He stretched out his legs, thankful they weren’t cramping after the arduous ride.

  She stashed her sunglasses and wristwatch in her backpack. “I’m going to cool my feet in the water. Are you coming?”

  “Not yet.” He leaned back, resting his weight on the palms of his hands. “My legs need a break for a bit.”

  “Okay.” She flipped her hair over her shoulders and walked barefoot to the water’s edge, twenty feet away. Her feet sank into the sand, and she faced the waterfall upstream.

  A light breeze rustled through the leaves overhead, mingling with the soothing rush of water over the falls. He took off his sunglasses, content to let his worries fade away as he enjoyed the tranquility of their peaceful surroundings.

  Megan stepped into the creek, the water lapping her ankles.

  “Is the water cold?”

  “Not really.” She turned toward him, wisps of hair blowing across her face. “It’s lovely and refreshing.”

  He nodded. She never used to feel the chill in the water when she was younger, either.

  She waded into the water, knee-deep. “I feel like a swim.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Fully clothed?”

  “Why not? My clothes are already soaked.”

  He stood. “You’re crazy.”

  “I know.” She dived into the water, her body creating a ripple on the surface. Her head emerged in the middle of the creek, and she wiped her hair off her face.

  He removed his shoes and socks before heading to the water’s edge. She swam in the middle of the creek on her back, her toes poking out in the water.

  His warm feet tingled in the chilly water. “It’s freezing.”

  “No, it’s not.” She swam closer, a wide smile lighting up her face. “You won’t feel the cold once you get in.”

  He shook his head, stepping deeper into the crystal-clear water. “It’s not hot enough to entice me to jump in.”

  “You have gone soft. Remember how we used to always swim here?”

  “In the middle of summer.” He lowered his hands into the stream, flicking the refreshing water on his face and arms. “You’re not going to talk me into jumping in.”

  She laughed and swam within six feet of him. “There’s more than one way to get you wet.”

  “Oh, really.” He stepped back. “I’m getting out.”

  She dived back, her fast-kicking legs showering him with icy water.

  “Not fair.” He waded into the thigh-deep water, the bottom of his shorts ballooning below the surface.

  She treaded water and swam closer to shore. “Don’t you feel better now?”

  “I will soon.” He scooped a large handful of water on the surface and fired it in her direction.

  Water showered over her face and she rubbed her hand over her eyes. “Water fight.”

  He flung more water and she retaliated, soaking his T-shirt. Within minutes he gave in, plunging into the water and chasing her to the center of the creek.

  She grinned. “I knew I’d get you in the water.”

  He shook his head, water droplets flying in all directions as he treaded water to stay afl
oat. “I’m hungry, and I’m getting out now to prepare lunch.”

  She swam closer. “Is the water too cold?”

  He reached out and trailed his fingers along her cheekbone. “You’ll catch a cold if you stay in much longer.”

  Her eyes widened. “Yes, Doctor.”

  “You should listen to me.”

  “Whatever.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I’ll dunk you instead.”

  “You’ll have to catch me first. Race you back.” He swam toward the shore, the weight of his T-shirt and shorts slowing his progress. She might be able to outcycle him, but he was no slouch in the water. He cruised to shore a long way ahead of her.

  He stood on the sandy bank, a triumphant smile tugging at his mouth. She made her way to the shore, her clothes clinging to her curves.

  He drew in a deep breath, averting his gaze and walking back to their picnic blanket. He needed to focus on preparing their lunch instead of being distracted by her stunning natural beauty.

  * * *

  Megan staggered out of the creek, water dripping everywhere. The cool breeze ruffled the ends of her hair as she walked over to Luke.

  He crouched beside his bag, retrieving two towels and throwing one in her direction.

  “Thanks.” She squeezed the excess water out of her hair, creating small puddles at her feet. She must look terrible, her hair stringy and clothes out of shape. At least he was used to seeing her at her worst, all hot and sweaty after a workout.

  He rubbed his towel over his hair. “Are you ready to eat?”

  She nodded. “Our clothes should dry fast.”

  “Yep. This sports fabric is great.”

  “Don’t you feel better now after cooling off?”

  “Okay, you win that one.”

  “And the cycling challenge.”

  He sat on the picnic blanket, legs outstretched and feet facing the water. “But I can still beat you in the pool.”

  “I’m impressed you’re still really fast in the water. Do you train?”

  He shook his head. “I find swimming relaxing, and it’s good to be left alone in the pool with no interruptions.” He reached for a cooler bag, removing two ice bricks and several food containers.

  She settled beside him, her knee inches from his leg as she sat cross-legged. “What did you bring?”

  He smiled, holding a small bag of crusty French bread rolls. “Ham, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and tabouleh.”

  “Sounds perfect.” She picked up a plate and started adding fillings to a bread roll.

  He placed a small bottle of locally produced apple juice beside her knee. “Is this still your favorite?”

  She nodded. “Thanks. I can’t buy this brand in Sydney.”

  “You miss out on all the good stuff in Sydney.”

  “I like living in Sydney. You can’t deny the harbor and beaches are gorgeous.”

  “Yes, but Sydney doesn’t have this.” He waved his hand in the direction of the waterfall. “Fresh mountain air, ski fields nearby. What more could you want?”

  “Don’t forget the Blue Mountains are pretty.”

  “Did you visit there often? I know I didn’t when I lived in Sydney.”

  “No, but I did occasionally cycle in the national parks that were closer to my apartment.”

  He unwrapped a Vegemite sandwich, cut into two triangles. “For you.”

  She laughed. “You remembered.”

  “Of course.” His warm gaze connected with hers. “How could I forget our tradition?”

  Her heart skipped a beat, memories of shared picnics in Snowgum Creek and Sydney filling her mind. “It wouldn’t be a picnic without a Vegemite sandwich.”

  “And I’m no longer a poor struggling student. I can afford to splash out at the deli and buy something more exotic than Vegemite.”

  She reached for her half of the sandwich. “Thanks for bringing lunch.”

  “You’re welcome.” He made up two rolls, overflowing with ham, cheese and coleslaw.

  “You’re not having tabouleh.”

  “I bought it especially for you.”

  “Thank you. I’m impressed you remembered I like it with ham.”

  “I remember a lot of things.”

  His statement hung in the air, a poignant reminder of how he knew her better than most people. Why had she let him go? Her twenty-one-year-old self hadn’t appreciated his thoughtfulness, and she had cast his love aside for new adventures. If she could relive that moment when he’d proposed marriage at dusk on Balmoral Beach in Sydney, would she have a different answer now?

  Megan breathed in the serenity of her surroundings as they ate their lunch. Her body relaxed and she stretched out her legs. Her muscles had recovered and she was prepared for the long downhill ride home.

  She finished eating her roll and packed away her plate. Luke had polished off his rolls in record time.

  She turned her head toward him, staring deep into his golden eyes. “That was delicious.”

  He held her gaze, his eyes softening.

  She flicked a few damp locks of hair back over her shoulders, her T-shirt and cycling shorts already dry.

  He planted his hand on the blanket behind her and she rested back against his shoulder, a comfortable position reminiscent of previous picnics.

  She sipped the remains of her apple juice. “I’d forgotten how much I love it here.”

  “Me, too.” His head almost touched hers and he turned toward her, his breath warm on her ear. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

  She sucked in a deep breath, her pulse rate accelerating. His words awakened responses she hadn’t experienced since she’d left him years ago. “Not today.”

  His fingers caressed her cheek, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ears. “You always look stunning.”

  “Hardly.” She giggled. “My hair is a disaster, and frizzy after the swim.”

  He shook his head, his fingers entwined in her hair at the nape of her neck. “Your hair is lovely.”

  She leaned toward him, her eyes locked in his intense gaze. “I’ve missed this. You and me together, like old times.”

  “Yes.” His eyes darkened, and the hand entangled in her hair drew her head closer. “We shared some memorable moments.”

  She closed her eyes and his lips brushed over hers, soft and inviting. She sighed and traced her fingertips over his jaw and neck. She parted her lips and he deepened the kiss. He wrapped his arm around her waist.

  She twined her fingers in his hair, inhaling his distinctive male scent intermingled with traces of aftershave. The past eight years evaporated as a torrent of old emotions swept over her. Time suspended and she became lost in his arms, her hand gripping his broad shoulder.

  He lifted his head, breaking their connection. “Wow.”

  She opened her eyes, pressing her fingers to her lips. What was she going to do about the research job? How could she contemplate leaving him a second time?

  Chapter 11

  Luke rested his hands on Megan’s shoulders, his gaze taking in her flushed face and full lips. He drew her close and she snuggled in his arms, her head tucked under his chin. The gum tree overhead rustled in the breeze, and the afternoon sun shimmered on the rippling water in the creek.

  His mind replayed their incredible kiss, and his growing yearning for another one. It felt right to be sitting with her on the picnic blanket. He held her in his arms, inhaling the floral scent in her hair. She’d reignited old feelings that he’d thought were gone forever. He’d dreamed about this moment, could hardly believe it was real. She’d returned to him and Snowgum Creek.

  She stirred and pulled back, putting a few inches of distance between them. “What are we doing?”

  He
grinned. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  She nibbled her lower lip. “Is this a good idea?”

  He widened his eyes. “We’ve been tiptoeing around the whole dating issue since our dinner at the Chinese restaurant.”

  “I know, but I’m not sure what I’m doing next year.”

  He cupped her chin in his hand. “You have a few options for staying in Snowgum Creek, and your personal training business is starting to gain some traction.”

  “Yes, but I can’t make any promises.”

  “I’m not asking for any.” He dropped a kiss on her lips. “We have plenty of time before you need to make any decisions.”

  She lowered her lashes. “I don’t know.”

  “What do you think is going to happen? It’s not like you’ve already decided to leave.” Maybe he was premature to believe she was ready to settle and put down roots. He’d let her go once and, now they’d reconnected, he didn’t want to think about the possibility that she might leave again.

  She shook her head. “I have options but I don’t know what I want to do. My business isn’t doing as well as I’d hoped.”

  “It takes time to build a business, and your hospital contract has a number of months to go.” He reached for her hand. “We can see how things evolve and not rush into making any decisions.” Why was she hedging? Had he read the situation wrong?

  “I don’t want to hurt you again.”

  He laced his fingers in hers. “We’re not kids anymore, and we’re mature enough to have a rational conversation and discuss our options together.”

  Her mouth gaped open. “I’m not good at this joint-decision thing.”

  “We can pray about it, and ask that God will open up the right career opportunities for you.”

  “Yes, prayer would be helpful.”

  He draped his arm over her shoulders and stared at the waterfall. Could he risk his heart again, knowing what had happened last time?

  Lord, I don’t know what Your plans are, but I really care about Megan and I want to explore the possibility of a future with her.

  * * *

  Three days later, Megan made two lattes in the staff room at the clinic. She’d spent most of the afternoon cleaning her cottage and worrying about her lack of appointments that week. She’d arranged to meet Luke at the clinic after he finished his afternoon patient list. Business was slowing down, and she really needed to pick up more clients soon to maintain its financial viability.