The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

  “No, but the air-conditioning might be cool.”

  “I didn’t think to bring a jacket.”

  He gave her a brilliant smile. “You can wear mine.”

  “Thanks for thinking of me.” She held his gaze, warmth rising in her cheeks.

  “You’re welcome.” He placed his hand on her waist, and strolled beside her to the restaurant entrance.

  The maître d’, clad in an elegant tuxedo, greeted them. “Luke Morton, it’s good to see you. It’s been too long.”

  Luke shook his hand, his welcome warm. “I don’t get out this way very often. John, let me introduce you to my date, Megan Bradley.”

  John smiled. “Megan, it’s lovely to meet you, and I trust you’ll have an enjoyable evening. I’ve reserved a table by a window with a nice view.”

  “Thank you. That sounds wonderful.”

  John led them to a table in the lounge area adjacent to the restaurant. A waiter hovered nearby. “Mark will take care of your drinks when you’re ready, and I’ll be back shortly to escort you to your table.”

  Luke smiled. “Thanks, John.”

  “You’re welcome.” John returned to the restaurant entrance.

  Luke pulled out a chair beside the window and she sank into the comfortable seat.

  He sat beside her, his fingers entwined in hers. “Does this meet your expectations?”

  “Yes, I love the view.” Twilight had set in, and the streetlights in Sunny Ridge twinkled below like stars on the inky ground.

  He placed their drink order with Mark and lounged back in his seat. “Should I be concerned about dinner with your parents tomorrow night?”

  She laughed. “You’re not eighteen anymore.”

  “That’s a relief. I remember your father giving me the third degree with a million questions.”

  “I know. I was so embarrassed, and we got into a big argument after you left.”

  “Really? You never told me that.”

  “There wasn’t much to tell. He thought I was too young to get into a serious relationship.”

  “Was he right?”

  Mark arrived with their drinks, giving her a moment to compose an answer.

  She sipped her iced tea. “I think he knew me better than I knew myself.”

  “Do you regret our previous relationship?”

  She widened her eyes. “Of course not. We had a lot of fun together, and you kept me sane while I lived in Sydney in that horrible dorm.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know how you got any studying done with those girls around and their constant parties. Did they fail their exams?”

  “I can’t remember. A few of them dropped out of school. I used to hide in my room, headphones on.”

  He grinned. “You made good grades. Did you ever think about doing postgraduate studies?”

  She sucked in a sharp breath. “Not back then. I was too interested in my annual trek to the ski fields to commit to more study.”

  “True. Have you missed being at the ski fields this year?”

  “Sometimes, but it’s been good to do something different.”

  John reappeared and ushered them to a white-linen-clad table in a secluded corner of the spacious restaurant. All the tables they passed were occupied, and a pianist played a classical piece on a baby grand piano on the far side of the room.

  A waiter placed a linen napkin on her lap and handed her a menu. She glanced over the selections, her taste buds inspired by the choices.

  Luke sipped his iced water. “What do you feel like?”

  She drew her brows together. “I don’t know. The barramundi looks interesting.”

  “It’s really good.” He closed his menu. “Would you like a starter?”

  “Yes, but then I won’t have room for dessert.”

  “That’s okay.” He reached for her hand, caressing his thumb over her fingertips. “We can have all three courses another time.”

  Her heart warmed at his words. “Sounds good. I guess we can’t stay too long since we have a long drive home tonight.”

  He shrugged. “We’ll see what the night brings. I start work tomorrow at nine.”

  “Ugh, not fun. My first appointment at the gym isn’t until ten.”

  “Lucky girl, you can sleep in.”

  “I just might do that.” She perused the menu. “The wild mushrooms to start are a possibility.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “I don’t understand why you love mushrooms.”

  “It’s not like I’m going to make you eat them.”

  “You better not.”

  “What are you having?”

  “Definitely the lobster ravioli to start.”

  “Is it good?”

  He nodded. “My favorite starter.”

  “And you’re having the rib-eye steak.”

  He grinned. “I’m predictable, but the chef always cooks the beef to perfection, melt in your mouth.”

  “Sounds great.”

  A waiter took their order, and before long their starters arrived.

  Megan tasted a mushroom. “I’m impressed.”

  “You wait until you try the barramundi.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  The sky had darkened outside and she felt as if they were in their own little world, away from the prying eyes of other guests. “It’s nice to have some space.”

  He ate his last mouthful of ravioli. “This table is in a good position. We can see the other diners but we’re not close enough to overhear their conversations.”

  “I like it.” She finished her plate of mushrooms, her stomach replete. “Thank you for bringing me here tonight. It means a lot to me.”

  He reached into his jacket pocket, slung over the back of his chair. “I have something for you.” He placed a small envelope and a rectangle-shaped jewelry box on the table.

  “Oh, Luke, what is it?”

  His smile lit up his eyes. “You’ll have to open it up.”

  She undid the gold ribbon around the navy blue box. She lifted the lid and gasped. A sapphire-and-gold bracelet lay on a velvet casing, the stones flashing in the restaurant’s muted lighting.

  “Wow.” She lifted the bracelet out of the box. “This is stunning and matches my necklace and earrings.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I love it.” She secured the bracelet around her wrist, holding her hand up to examine the intricate gold setting around each stone. “This is gorgeous.”

  “A beautiful gift for a beautiful woman.”

  “You’re spoiling me.”

  He grinned. “That’s the plan.”

  She opened the envelope and removed a small card. She squinted, trying to decipher the words. “I can barely read your handwriting. Does it say ‘to a special woman’?”

  “To a sensational woman.”

  “Oh, that makes sense.” His handwriting was still dreadful, and harder to read now than it was years ago.

  He brushed his lips over her hand, sending tingles up her arm. “It’s the truth.”

  Her pulse raced, his words thrilling and scaring her all at once. Their relationship was rolling forward faster than she’d anticipated, but she was determined to enjoy every minute of his company.

  Their next course arrived. She inhaled the pleasant aroma of his hearty beef dish mingling with the tropical scents from her barramundi fillet.

  “Wow.” She picked up her cutlery. “This looks and smells marvelous.”

  He nodded. “Wait until you taste it.”

  The fish fillet fell apart as she scooped a portion on her fork. The delicious flavors burst open on her tongue. She sighed. “This is sensational. A unique combination of ingredients that works.�
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  He cut into his juicy steak, cooked medium with a pink strip in the middle. “I’ve never once been disappointed by a course here.”

  “I can understand why. The food is top-notch.”

  “Is it as good as your posh city food?”

  “Possibly better.” She grinned. “I love the freshness and the quality of the produce.”

  “Have you changed your mind about dessert?”

  She shook her head. “I’ll be full after this course, but don’t let me stop you from indulging if you feel like something sweet.”

  He nodded. “I’ll settle for coffee to keep me awake for the drive home.”

  “A good idea.” She relaxed back in her seat and slowly ate her meal, savoring the delicate flavors. The food was nutritious, and the barramundi tasted as though it had been steamed with the fruit and spices. Kudos to the chef. She was adept in the kitchen, but she did struggle to cook fish the way she liked it.

  He finished his steak, a satisfied expression on his face. “That was excellent.”

  A hovering waiter cleared their plates and Luke ordered coffee.

  She glanced at her watch. If they left soon, they’d be back in Snowgum Creek by eleven.

  She stared at her bracelet, admiring the quality of the stones. It wasn’t a cheap gift and she understood the intent behind it. Kate was right. Luke had serious intentions, and it wasn’t looking as though he would waste any time chasing after what he wanted.

  A lump caught in her throat. She was in way deeper than she’d anticipated at the start of the evening. How could she possibly tell him about the research job offer after the time and energy he had invested in making this evening special for both of them?

  Their coffee arrived and she sipped the smooth brew. A perfect way to end their dinner.

  Luke looked past her shoulder, his eyes narrowed. “Bruce from the hospital is heading our way.”

  She coughed, nearly choking on her coffee. This couldn’t be happening. Not tonight, when she and Luke were finally in a good place.

  Bruce appeared beside her. A young, pretty blonde hung on to his arm. “Hello, Megan, Luke. You’ve traveled a long way for dinner tonight.”

  Luke nodded, his mouth set in a grim line. “The food and ambience is worth it. What can we do for you? I assume there’s a reason you’ve stopped by.”

  Megan’s gaze darted between Luke and Bruce, the tension between the two men palpable. Her stomach churned. There was obviously a history between them that wasn’t good.

  Bruce switched his attention to her. “I’m waiting on Megan to give me an answer.”

  The blonde giggled. “Why? What’s going on?”

  Bruce gave her an indulgent smile. “It’s work-related, sweetheart.”

  Luke’s piercing gaze settled on Megan. “What answer?”

  Megan gulped. “I was going to tell you—”

  “Tell me what?” Luke crossed his arms over his chest.

  Bruce smirked. “I’ve offered Megan a master’s research position for a skiing project starting in July next year, based in Sydney. I need a definite answer by Monday.”

  Chapter 13

  Luke clenched his jaw, counting to ten. He looked Megan straight in the eye, his tone terse. “Do you have an answer for Bruce?”

  Megan dug her teeth into her lip and lowered her lashes. “Not yet.”

  Bruce grunted. “I need an answer by nine on Monday morning.”

  “Okay.” Her gaze remained focused on her coffee cup. “I’ll be in touch.”

  The blonde woman accompanying Bruce tugged on his arm and pouted. “We’re going to be late for the movie.”

  Bruce nodded. “Enjoy your evening.” He walked away, the blonde clinging to him as she stumbled in her stiletto heels.

  Megan clasped her hands together, not meeting Luke’s gaze.

  Luke let out a big breath. “Do you have anything to say?”

  She looked up, her beautiful blue eyes glassy. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “How long have you known about the research opportunity?”

  She flinched, his question hanging in the air for a long moment. “A while.”

  Luke bit back a harsh retort, adrenaline pumping through his body. Divorced and in his late thirties, Bruce was a former colleague at Sunny Ridge Hospital who had a reputation as a player. The look in Bruce’s eye had suggested he was interested in Megan on a personal as well as professional level.

  Megan covered her face with her hands. “I know I’ve messed up.”

  Her words impaled his heart like a sharp blade. Why couldn’t she trust him? Was it that hard for her to find the courage to confide in him?

  “Does Kate know about the job offer?”

  She nodded.

  “And Emily?”

  “Yes, I was going to tell you—”

  “When? After you’d decided to accept the job offer? Or were you going to decline the offer and pretend it never happened?”

  She sat up straighter, seeming to pull herself together. “Can we talk about this later?”

  He threw his hands in the air. “Of course, why did I possibly think you’d be interested in communicating with me?” He signaled a waiter and finalized their bill with his credit card.

  Megan dabbed a finger at the corner of her eye. “I need to visit the bathroom before we leave.”

  He nodded and stood. “The bathrooms are near the entrance. We can meet at the front door.”

  He walked behind her, taking in a few calming breaths. Her refusal to confide in him had wounded him in ways he’d never envisaged. He thought they’d established a strong friendship, and the foundation for a relationship based on trust and honesty. How could she keep this opportunity a secret?

  Ten minutes later he met her in the restaurant foyer. Her face was composed and she attempted to smile.

  He stood taller. “Are you ready to go?”

  She nodded, her eyes downcast.

  He cupped her elbow and led her out of the restaurant. They had two hours to talk in the Jeep. Time to try to deal with this bombshell. She couldn’t escape or run away this time.

  She strode ahead, her hair flying loose behind her in the wind. Did she seek her freedom, like a caged bird that was desperate to escape the trappings of a committed relationship? And how did her relationship with God figure into all this? Did she pray about this decision?

  It hurt that she’d confided in Kate and Emily but chosen not to tell him. The past few weeks he’d opened his heart to the possibility of a new relationship with her. He’d dreamed of sharing a future together.

  But it was all a charade. He couldn’t marry a woman who kept big secrets from him, with little remorse or understanding of how her secretive nature impacted him. He questioned the depth of her feelings for him and her ability to commit to a long-term relationship.

  * * *

  Megan slouched in the passenger seat of Luke’s darkened Jeep, the overcast night sky hiding the thunderous expression on his face. They had driven in silence for fifteen minutes, leaving behind the streetlights in Sunny Ridge for the highway heading back to Snowgum Creek.

  She swallowed hard, the conversation with Bruce in the restaurant replaying in her mind. Could she make this situation right with Luke? Did she deserve a second chance?

  Lord, I’ve messed up big-time. I’m devastated that I’ve hurt Luke and I understand why he’s angry with me. Please give me the right words to help him understand why I’m confused and torn over this decision.

  “Megan, we need to talk about this.”

  “I know.” She chewed on her lower lip. “What can I say to try to fix this?”

  He let out a deep breath. “Tell me what’s going on in your beautiful head.”

 
“I’m not very good at talking about my feelings.”

  “So I’ve gathered. Some things haven’t changed in the last eight years.”

  She arched a brow. “What do you mean?”

  “You ran away to Canada before we had a chance to talk about why you rejected my marriage proposal.”

  “I didn’t handle that very well. I’m sorry.”

  “I know and I get it. How have you managed to hold together a relationship since we split?”

  She tightened her grip on her purse, twisting the straps around her fingers. “That hasn’t been a problem.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve moved around a lot, and I haven’t been in a serious relationship.”

  He changed gears, the straight road ahead lit up by the high-beam headlights. “Have you dated?”

  “Not a lot. I have high standards, and most of the guys I’ve hung around weren’t suitable relationship material.” She paused. “What about you?”

  “I work all the time, and I’ve dated a bit. I’ve found quite a few women don’t like the irregular hours that I keep.”

  “I can understand that.” His rigorous work schedule wouldn’t be attractive to a lot of women.

  “I’m looking to work less and have more balance in my life.”

  “That’s good.” She sighed. “I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you about the job earlier.”

  “Why didn’t you say something?”

  She closed her eyes. “I’d never really thought about pursuing an academic career. I love skiing and my regular job each season at the ski resort. This research project is my ideal job and it could lead to opportunities overseas.”

  “Combining sports science and skiing.”

  “Yep. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bruce is very keen to bring me on board.”

  “I noticed his interest in you.”

  “Purely professional, of course. He’s a respected sports medicine doctor, and working on a collaborative project with him would boost my career.”

  He groaned. “I know his reputation.”

  “It’s not like that, Luke. He hasn’t been sleazy or anything.”

  “Okay, if you say so.” He overtook a slow truck on the highway. “Are you happy in Snowgum Creek?”