THE LAST TEMPTATION OF DR. DALTON

by Robin Gianna

  He scratched the cute little pup behind the ears, chuckling at the way its entire hind end wagged in happiness before he reached for the trowel. A little doggie doo-doo was nothing compared to many of the things he’d dealt with. “Here. I’ll do it for you this time.” With a grateful smile, Patience let him dig a hole to bury the stuff. “What are you and your new pup doing here at Charlotte’s house?”

  “Miss Charlie fixed dinner for me and Daddy. They talking about work.”

  The door opened and the shadow of John Adams’s big body came onto the porch. “Somebody out here with you, Patience?”

  “Mr. Trent, Daddy. He’s meeting Lucky.”

  “Trent. Come on inside. Charlie and I were just talking about you.”

  Damn. He didn’t want to know what they were talking about and didn’t particularly want to see Charlotte. But his feet headed up the steps, with Patience and the puppy trailing behind.

  The warm glow of the quaint room, full of an odd mix of furniture styles and colorful rugs, embraced him as he stepped inside and he wondered what it was about this old house that gave it so much charm and appeal. An old upright piano against a wall had open sheet music leaning against the stand. Charlotte, dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt, was curled on a sofa, and she looked up, her lips slightly parted.

  The surprise in her green eyes gave way to a peculiar mix of wariness and warmth. As their gazes collided, as he took in the whole of her silken hair and lovely face, he was instantly taken back to earlier today. To their physical closeness beneath that umbrella. To the moment it had felt like it was just the two of them, alone and intimate. Despite all his promises to himself and to her, he’d found himself for that brief second leaning in to taste her mouth, to enjoy the sweetness of her lips.

  Being in her house again sent his thoughts to the moment they’d sat on that sofa and kissed until both of them were breathless, ending up making love on the floor. Why did this woman make him feel this way every time he looked at her?

  “Trent. I’m...surprised to see you.”

  Could she be thinking about their time together here too? “I was taking a walk. Then saw Patience and her new pup.”

  Patience ran to the piano and tapped on the keys, bobbing back and forth as the dog pranced around yapping. “Lucky likes to sing and dance, Mr. Trent, see?”

  “She has a beautiful voice.” As he smiled at the child, he was struck by a longing to go to the piano himself. To finger the keys as he’d done from the time he was six, until he’d left the U.S. for good. He hadn’t realized until he’d first walked into this room with Charlotte a few days ago how much he’d missed playing.

  “Miss Charlie has a very pretty voice,” Patience enthused. “Please play for us, Miss Charlie. Play and sing something!”

  Charlotte shook her head. “Not tonight. I’m sure Mr. Trent doesn’t want a concert.”

  Her cheeks were filled with color. Surely the ultra-confident Charlotte Edwards wasn’t feeling shy about performing for him? “Of course I’d like to hear you. What’s your favorite thing she plays, Patience?” Surprised at how much he wanted to hear Charlotte sing, he settled himself into a chair, figuring there was no way she could say no to the cute kid.

  “That song from church I like: How Great Thou Art. Please, Miss Charlie?” The child’s hands were clasped together and for once she stood still, her eyes bright and excited.

  As Trent had predicted, Charlotte gave a resigned sigh. “All right. But just the one song.”

  She moved to the piano, and his gaze slid from her thick hair to the curve of her rear, sexy even in sweatpants. Her fingers touched the keyboard, the beginning measures a short prelude to the simple arrangement before she began to sing. Trent forgot about listening to the resonance of the piano’s sounding board and heard only the sweet, clear tones of Charlotte’s voice, so moving and lovely his chest ached with the pleasure of it.

  When the last piano note faded and the room became quiet, he was filled with a powerful desire for the moment to continue. To never end. Without thought, he found himself getting up from the chair to sit next to Charlotte, his hip nudging hers to scoot over on the bench.

  “Let’s sing a Beatles tune Patience might like,” he said, his hands poised over the keys, his eyes fixed on the beautiful green of hers. He began to play Lean On Me and, when she didn’t sing along, bumped his shoulder into hers. “Come on. I know you know it.”

  “Yes, Miss Charlie! Please sing!” Patience said, pressing her little body against Charlotte’s leg.

  John Adams began to sing in a slightly off-key baritone before Charlotte’s voice joined in, the dulcet sound so pure it took Trent’s breath away. When his hands dropped from the keyboard, he looked down into Charlotte’s face, seeing Patience next to her, and he was struck with a bizarre and overwhelming vision of a life he hadn’t even considered having: a special woman by his side, a family to love; the ultimate utopia.

  “That was wonderful,” she said, her eyes soft. “I didn’t know you could play. Without music, even.”

  He drew in a breath to banish his disturbing thoughts. “I was shoved onto a piano bench from the time I was little, and had a very intimidating teacher who made sure I was classically trained.” He grinned. “I complained like heck sometimes when I had to practice instead of throwing a football around with my friends, but I do enjoy it.” He hadn’t realized how much until just now, shoulder to shoulder with her, sharing this intimate moment.

  “Play something classical. Simple modern songs are about it for my repertoire.”

  He thought about what he’d still have memorized from long ago and realized it shouldn’t be Bach or Haydn. That it should be something romantic, for her. “All right, but don’t be surprised if I’m a little rusty. I bet you know this one: Debussy’s Clair de Lune.”

  When the last notes of the piece died away, the softness on her face only inches from his had him nearly leaning in for a kiss, forgetting everything but how much he wanted to, and the only thing that stopped him was Patience’s little face staring up at him from next to the keyboard.

  “I liked that, Mr. Trent!”

  “Yes.” Charlotte’s voice was a near-whisper as she rested her palm on his arm. “That was...beautiful.”

  As he looked at the little girl, and stared into Charlotte’s eyes filled with a deep admiration, the whole scene suddenly morphed from intimate and perfect to scary as hell. Why was he sitting here having fantasies about, almost a longing for, a life he absolutely did not want?

  Abruptly, he stood. He needed to get out of there before he said or did something stupid.

  Hadn’t he, just earlier this evening, been annoyed and disappointed in her? Then one more hour with her and, bam, he was back to square one with all those uncomfortable and mixed feelings churning around inside. What the hell was wrong with him, he didn’t want to try to figure out.

  “You know, I need to head back to my quarters. I’m going to get most of my things packed up. I’m sure the GPC let you know the new temp is coming in just a day or two?”

  “We need to talk about that.” The softness that had been in her eyes was replaced by a cool and professional expression. He was damned if it didn’t irritate him when he should be glad. “We have an issue.”

  “What issue?”

  She glanced at John Adams before returning her attention to Trent. “Come sit down and we’ll talk.”

  “I’m happy standing, thanks.” Her words sounded ominous and he folded his arms across his chest, the disconcerting serenity he’d been feeling just a moment ago fading away like a mirage in the desert. He had a feeling this conversation had something to do with him staying longer, and that wasn’t happening.

  “The new temp is delayed. I’m not sure when he’s going to get here.” She licked those tempting lips of hers and, while her expression w
as neutral, her eyes looked strained and worried. As they should have.

  “I told you not to try to guilt me into staying. I can’t be here indefinitely.” Except, damn it, as he said the words the memory of the comfort he’d felt a moment ago, that sense of belonging, made it sound scarily appealing.

  “I’m not trying to guilt you into anything. I’m simply telling you the facts. Which are that, if you leave, there won’t be another surgeon here for a while.”

  “The GPC does a good job finding docs to fill in when there’s a gap. Especially when a place has nobody. Besides, you have Thomas here, and he does a great job on the hernias and other simple procedures.”

  “But what if we get another appendicitis case? Ectopic pregnancy? Something serious he can’t handle?”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned to pace across the room, staring out the window at the heavy blackness of the night sky. Looking anywhere but into her pleading eyes.

  “If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that one person can’t save everybody who needs help, Charlotte. I’d be dead if I tried to be that person. Think about the ramifications of this for others, too: the longer I’m here, the more the snowball effect of docs having to fill in where I’m supposed to be next, which is the Philippines.” He turned to her, hoping to see she understood what he was saying—not that the idea of staying here longer was both appealing and terrifying. “If the GPC hospital in the Philippines doesn’t have anyone because I’m not there, is that okay? Better for patients there to die, instead of patients here?”

  Her hands were clasped together so tightly her knuckles were white. “Just a couple of weeks, Trent. Maybe less, if it works out.”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Charlotte. As soon as my release paperwork comes through from the GPC, I have to head out.”

  “Trent, all I’m asking is...”

  The room that had felt so warm and welcoming now felt claustrophobic. He turned his attention to John Adams so he wouldn’t have to look at her wide and worried eyes. “I have a few patients scheduled for surgery early, so I’m going to get to bed. If either of you know of patients needing surgery, you should schedule them in the next couple days before I leave.” He scratched the dog behind the ears before he walked out the door, finding it impossible to completely stuff down the conflicting emotions that whirled within him.

  As he walked through the darkness, a possible solution struck him that would assuage his guilt. Maybe a phone call to an old friend would solve all his problems and let him move on.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “HOW THE HELL are you, Trent?”

  Trent smiled to hear Chase Bowen’s voice on the phone. He’d worked with Chase for a number of years in different parts of the world, and the man had been the steadiest, most committed mission doctor he’d ever met. Until a certain wonderful woman had swept into the man’s life, their little one in tow, and had changed him into a committed dad rooted in the States.

  “I’m good. Decided to try to get hold of you during my lunch break before I see some patients in the clinic this afternoon. How’s Drew doing?” When he’d heard the shocking news that Chase and Dani’s little boy had cancer, it had scared the crap out of him. Thank goodness they’d caught it in time and the prognosis was excellent.

  “He’s doing great.” The warmth and pride in Chase’s voice came through loud and clear. “Completely healthy now, swimming like a fish and growing like crazy. So where are you working?”

  “I’m filling in as a temp here in Liberia, hoping to head off on vacation soon, but there are some issues getting a new doc here.” A problem he knew Chase was more than familiar with.

  “So who’s the lucky woman vacationing with you this time? Where are you going?”

  “Still figuring all that out.” No reason to tell Chase about his weird feelings, that he hadn’t been able to find an interest in calling anyone. The man would laugh his butt off, then suggest he see a shrink. “How’s Dani?”

  “Wonderful. I haven’t told you that Drew’s going to have a baby brother or sister.”

  “That’s great news. Congratulations.” Of all the people he knew, Chase was the last one he’d ever have expected mostly to leave mission work to have a family. But he had to admit, the man seemed happy as hell. “You doing any mission stints at all?”

  “Dani and I have gone twice to Honduras together, then I stayed for another week after she headed home. It’s worked out well.”

  “You have any interest in coming to Liberia for just a week or so to fill in for me until the new doc gets here? The GPC needs me to head to the Philippines as soon as possible.” Which wasn’t exactly true, but he was going with it anyway, damn it.

  “I don’t know.” Chase was silent on the line for a moment. “I’d really like to, but I’m not sure now’s a good time. Dani’s been a little under the weather, and I wouldn’t want to leave her alone with Drew if she’s not up to it. Let me talk to her and I’ll call you back.”

  “Great. Give her a hug for me, and tell her I’m happy for both of you. And Drew too.”

  “Will do. Talk to you soon.”

  Trent shoved the phone in his pocket and headed back into the hospital. He’d known it was a long shot to think Chase might be able to fill in for him, but with any luck maybe it could still be a win-win. Chase could enjoy a short stint in Africa and Trent could shake the clinging dust of this place off his feet and forget all about Charlotte and her work ethic, spunkiness and warmth.

  He thought about Dani, Chase and Drew and their little family that was about to grow. A peculiar sensation filled his chest and he took a moment to wonder what exactly it was. Then he realized with a shock that it was envy.

  Envy? Impossible. He’d never wanted that kind of life: a wife who would have expectations of who you should be and how you should live. Kids you were responsible for. A life rooted in one place.

  But there was no mistaking that emotion for anything else, and he didn’t understand where the hell it had come from. Though Chase had never wanted that kind of life either—until he’d met a woman who had changed how he viewed himself.

  The thought set an alarm clanging in his brain. He didn’t want to change how he viewed himself. He’d worked hard to be happy with who he was and what he wanted from his life, leaving behind those who hadn’t agreed with that view. Now wasn’t the time to second-guess all that.

  Resolutely shaking off all those disturbing feelings, he continued down the hospital corridor, hoping Charlotte’s office door was closed, as it often was, since he had to walk by to get to the clinic. Unfortunately, the door was wide open and her melodic voice drifted into the hallway as she talked with John Adams.

  “I’ll be fine. I know how to use a gun, remember?”

  “I’m not okay with that, Charlie. Patience and I’ll pack a bag and move in for a few days until we’re sure it was a one-time thing.”

  A gun? What was a one-time thing? He stopped in the doorway and looked in to see John Adams standing with his arms folded across his chest, a deep frown creasing his brow, and Charlotte staring back with her mulish expression in place.

  “Except somebody needs to be at the school too, you know. After all the work and money we’ve put into the place, we can’t risk it being wrecked up and having things stolen.”

  “What are you talking about?” Trent asked.

  “This is not your concern, Trent. John Adams, please close the door so we can talk.”

  Trent stretched his arm across the door to hold it open. “Uh-uh. You want me to be stuck here for a while longer, you need to include me. What’s going on?”

  “Somebody broke into her house early this morning after she came to work. When she went there at lunch to get something, she found the door jimmied open and some things gone.”

 
Trent stared at John Adams then swung his gaze to Charlotte. She frowned at him, her lips pressed together, but couldn’t hide the tinge of worry in the green depths of her eyes. “What the hell? What was stolen?”

  “A radio. The folding chairs I keep in a closet. Weird stuff. Thankfully, I had my laptop with me at work. It’s not a big deal.”

  “It is a big deal.” The protectiveness for her that surged in his veins was sudden and intense. “You can’t stay there alone, period. The obvious solution is for John Adams to stay in their quarters at the school, and for me to stay with you until I leave.”

  Had those words really come out of his mouth? It would be torture to stay in her house with her, knowing she was close by at night in her bed. Bringing back hot memories of their night together. Making him think of the unsettling closeness and connection he’d felt while they’d sat at the piano together singing.

  But there was no other option. Keeping her safe was more important than protecting himself from the damned annoying feelings that kept resurfacing.

  “That’s ridiculous, Trent.” Her eyes still looked alarmed, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t just about the break-in. “I’ll be fine. Whoever it was probably just hit the place once and isn’t likely to come back.”

  “You have no idea if that’s true or not.” He stepped to her desk and pressed his palms on it, leaning across until his face was as close to hers as hers had been to his at the airport. She smelled so damned good, and the scent of her and the lip gloss she was wearing made him want to find out what flavor gloss it was. “So, you never did tell me,” he said, mimicking what she’d said to him at the airport. “What makes you so damned stubborn and resistant to accepting help when you need it? Except when it comes to the hospital, that is?”

  “I’m not stubborn. I just don’t think this is worth getting all crazy about.”

  “Maybe not. But it’s not a hardship for me to stay at your house so you’re not alone until we see if this is a one-time thing or not.” So, yeah, that wasn’t true. It would be a hardship to be so close to her without taking advantage of it, but no way was he leaving her at risk.