Robin’s shoulders squared and she gave Jean her indignant look. “That might be so, but it doesn’t change the obvious. He’s got the hottest car in town.”
The sound of a throat clearing came from behind them. “I’m not sure that’s a compliment as it sounds like I have a four-wheel personality,” Payton said from the doorway of his office, before he stepped into it.
Robin and Doris giggled.
“We really do need to quit talking about him. He seems to always catch us,” Doris hissed.
China had learned her lesson way before now.
Payton strolled up to the desk. “Robin, how would you like to go for a ride some time since you seem to like my car better than me? I’ll even let you drive.”
The young woman’s face lit up. “Really? You mean that?”
“Sure.”
“If anyone else wants to come along...” he looked at Doris and then China “...you’re welcome, too.”
Robin said with a huge grin, “You have a date. I’m off now but will be back at seven when you close up here.”
China and Doris laughed as Robin almost skipped down the hallway with pleasure.
“I wish I could make all the women I know happy that easily,” Payton said, as he picked up a chart.
Was he talking about a girlfriend? It didn’t matter. It wasn’t her business.
At present there was only one patient at the clinic, a preteen with a possible broken arm. As China walked down the hall to check on the boy, the low rumble of male voices caught her attention. Larry Kiser, the doctor Payton was relieving for the day, was in the office with him. Why was she able to distinguish Payton’s voice so clearly from Larry’s, which she knew much better?
She entered the exam room and spoke to the mom, reassuring her. As she exited Payton stepped out of the office.
“I understand that the patient needs to go to the E.R. for a cast,” he said.
“Yes. I’ll take care of the paperwork right away and let the E.R. know they’re on their way.”
“Thank you, China.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
“You don’t have to speak to me like I’m a drill sergeant. Yes, is fine.”
“I was taught to say ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, sir.’ My parents told me it was a sign of respect.”
He nodded. “I appreciate that. But it makes me sound old and rigid.”
“I’m sorry. It’s sort of ingrained in me. I’ll make an effort not to, but I can’t promise it won’t slip out.”
“Where I come from, ‘Yes’ suffices.”
Maybe the reason he rubbed her up the wrong way was because they were from such different parts of the country. “I’ll try,” she said, heading down the hall and mumbling, “sir.”
“I heard that.”
She grinned. There was something about Payton that brought out the devil in her, as her father would have said. She so rarely let that happen but it felt good when she did.
Robin and Doris left for the day, with Robin once again promising she’d be back at closing time. Payton pulled his keys out of his pocket and jingled them. “They’re here, waiting for you.”
The patient flow increased then eased around dinnertime, which gave China a chance to catch up on some charting and clean out a supply cabinet that sorely needed it. At five Jean had to run out for a few minutes on an errand. As China worked she could hear the soft rumble of Payton’s voice as he dictated in the office.
She was standing on a small metal stool on tiptoe, stretching to reach a box of alcohol wipes that had been pushed to the back of the shelf, when Payton said, “China, do you—?”
China jerked back, her foot slipping off the stool, and she fell backwards. Strong arms caught her around the waist and set her safely on her feet.
Shaking, she quickly moved out of his hold. “You scared me.”
“I didn’t mean to. You aren’t hurt, are you?”
“No, I’m fine,” she muttered.
“Good.”
He sounded indifferent and she was still recovering from his touch. “Is there something you need?”
“Wanted to know if there’s more printer paper somewhere.”
“Yes. Jean keeps it stored in her office. I’ll get it.”
“Just tell me where it is and I can find it.”
“I don’t mind.” China headed into Jean’s office.
“Do you always have to be the one who helps?” His voice had a tone of exasperation. “I’ve noticed you’re the first to say you’ll do it.”
She turned and placed her hands on her hips. He really was far too critical. “You gained all that knowledge from just knowing me a few days?”
“Yes. It’s okay to let people manage for themselves.”
“I do. But it is also nice to help when people need it. And while we’re at it, do you feel the need to tell everyone how to live or am I just special?”
He raised a brow, which gave him a perplexed look. “What’re you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you complaining about my eating habits, my speech and now my behavior. Is that something that people from the North feel compelled to do?”
“I’m a Midwesterner.”
“Whatever you are, we’re here in the Deep South and we consider it poor manners to criticize others, at least to their faces.” She’d lived on an unraveling rope most of her life where disapproval was concerned and she didn’t want to come to work every day thinking it would be there also. She turned and stalked into Jean’s office. With a clap of the cabinet door closing, she returned and thrust a ream of paper into his chest.
Payton gave her a bemused look that upped her anger a notch.
“Don’t worry, I won’t be doing another thing for you outside what’s required as a nurse.” Having no place to go, she hurried down the hall and out the back door into the humid evening air.
What was wrong with her? The man made her mad enough to punch something. Of all the nerve!
* * *
Payton wasn’t sure what had just happened but he’d give China this—she had passion. He’d seen her aggravated at him at the donut shop, had recognized her being impressed with his skills with a patient, had seen her apologetic over her grocery cart contents but he’d never have guessed at the depth of passion that was bottled inside her.
He had just been teasing her when the conversation had started but she’d taken it and run. He’d hit a nerve somewhere and she’d exploded. That would be an understatement. He didn’t think TNT came in smaller or more combustible packages. Did that translate into any other areas of her life? The bedroom perhaps?
Payton huffed. He’d gone far too long without a woman to be thinking like that. Janice had left him and then he’d been so sick. China didn’t even like him. She’d more than made that clear.
He’d returned to his office when the door from the outside opened and closed. Seconds later the water ran in the small kitchen sink. After a while China passed his door, carrying a water can, and was headed for the front of the building. He’d noticed her the other day caring for the large, lush ferns on the front porch and the tropical plant in the waiting room. She even took care of the plants.
Being cared for was something he wanted nothing of. He was determined not to make dependency a crutch in his life, become a burden. That was part of the reason he’d moved to Golden Shores.
He and China finished the rest of the evening in the professional politeness of “Yes, sir” and “No, sir” on China’s part. Instead of the “sir” being an address of respect, it grated on Payton’s nerves. It didn’t have the ring of sincerity to it that it had once had.
He ushered his last patient out and found China talking and laughing with Jean and Robin.
“I’m ready when you ar
e, Payton,” Robin cooed.
Payton almost groaned. He may have done the wrong thing by asking Robin out on a ride. He’d have to make it clear this was a friendly trip. China excused herself, saying she had to clean the exam room before she left.
Fifteen minutes later China was coming out of the back door as he and Robin drove away. She called China’s name and waved from his open convertible. He didn’t miss China’s weak smile and half-lifted hand in response.
For the next week they circled each other in polite indifference. It did help that they each had a different day off. On the day they both returned and were assigned the morning schedule together, China gave him a civil smile and went about her job with her usual competence.
Just about closing time Luke popped his head into Payton’s office. “Hey, Payton, we’re all going out to celebrate Jean’s birthday tonight. She wants to do karaoke at Ricky’s. Want to join us?”
If he had been in Chicago he wouldn’t have been caught dead in a karaoke bar. His mom and father, his sister even, would’ve been worried that his picture might show up in the society column of the paper. Somehow at this point in his life karaoke sounded like the perfect form of entertainment. Plus he needed something more to do with his time. The people he worked with seemed like a good place to start cultivating friendships.
“Thanks. That sounds...interesting.”
“Seven o’clock at Ricky’s. You know where it is?”
“It that the place on Highway 13?”
“Yeah, that’s it. See you there.”
Payton and China had finished with their last patient and he was headed out the back door when he saw China stocking an exam room. “Aren’t you coming to Ricky’s?”
“What?” she said absently, as she continued to put bandages in a drawer.
“Aren’t you going to Jean’s party?”
“Nope.”
What had happened to the “sir”? He’d been demoted. “You’re going to miss Jean’s birthday party?”
“I have a garden-club meeting.”
“I don’t believe you. Isn’t there an age limit for those clubs? You look to be well under sixty-five.”
“I’ll have you know I’m a member of more than one garden club.”
At least she was speaking to him. He hated to admit it but he’d missed their discussions. “You do surprise me. I guess Jean will get over you not being there.”
A couple of hours later Payton pulled into the gravel parking lot of Ricky’s. It was already filling up with vehicles. The red-brick building didn’t look like much but he had the correct place. A large neon sign stood on the roof, flashing the name.
He pushed a button and raised the automatic roof on the car, got out and locked it. Maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to buy such a conspicuous automobile. The car stood out among the pickup trucks and midsize sedans. A sports car fit his new found need to live on the edge, though.
Payton pushed through the glass door of the entrance and stepped into the dimly lit and noisy room. Not immediately seeing Luke or any of the women, he made his way to the bar. After ordering his first beer in months, he turned his back to the bar and watched the crowd. Just as he was getting ready to search further the door opened and China walked in with Luke at her side.
So she’d decided to come after all. His middle clenched. Were Luke and China dating? Why that would concern him he couldn’t imagine. China had more than made it plain on at least one occasion that she wasn’t awed by him on any level and barely tolerated him at work. Why he was giving it a thought he couldn’t fathom. He had no interest in her and certainly no interest in being rejected again. Even if he let himself become seriously involved with a woman... He didn’t think he’d ever let that happen. Those that stuck with you through thick and thin didn’t come along often.
Despite his conflicting thoughts, China held his attention. This was the first time he’d seen her in anything but scrubs. She wore a simple blue sundress that made her look more like a waif than a siren. But somehow it fit her. Her shoulders were bare and her hair brushed the tops of them. Luke said something close to her ear. The smile she gave him was a little lackluster. Luke directed her toward the bar.
Payton stepped over to meet them. China’s eyes darted from him to the crowded tables to the bar and back. Hadn’t she been here before? Luke acknowledged him with a smile and a nod. China gave him a thin-lipped smile and looked away.
A waving arm drew their attention to a table near the front of the stage. Payton made out Jean’s red hair. Next to her sat Doris and Robin. Luke led the way, making a passage for China. Payton followed behind. He couldn’t help but notice the gentle sway of the fabric over her high rounded behind. She had nice curves that the scrubs had kept hidden.
Payton tore his thoughts away from China and concentrated on making his way to the table. Doris, Jean and Robin had large smiles of welcome on their faces as they reached them. He shouted, “Hello,” over the din of music and melee and took the last available chair, which put him between Robin and China. Robin scooted closer.
Jean leaned over the table and spoke to China. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t think you would. I know how you feel about these places.”
Payton looked at China. She had a smile on her face but it didn’t reach her eyes. Why didn’t she usually come with them?
“Yeah, I was real surprised when she called me for a ride,” Luke announced proudly, looping his arm across the back of China’s chair. His possessive action made Payton tense.
The waitress came by and took their orders. Payton noticed that China ordered a cola, not alcohol.
He leaned in her direction to be heard. A sweet scent that suited her tickled his nostrils. Something floral. “You’ve never been here before?”
She turned toward him, which brought her lips within kissing distance. Her eyes grew wide and she stared at him. “No.”
“Hey, who’s going first?” Luke asked. His hand touched China’s shoulder and she sat forward.
“First?” Payton asked.
“Yeah, to sing.” Jean grinned.
“I’ll do it if you’ll sing with me,” Robin said, looking at Luke.
“Let’s go do it,” he agreed, grabbing Robin’s hand.
Minutes later they were on stage, crooning to a 1960s song from the karaoke machine.
Payton couldn’t resist smiling at the horrible theatrics. He glanced at China. She had relaxed and eagerly clapped when they were finished. He wasn’t sure if it was to be supportive or from relief that they had finished.
Luke and Robin returned to the table to a round of applause. As the night progressed others took their turn on stage. Payton found he was glad he’d come. This was as foreign to him as a visit to the moon would be, and he loved it. There was a freedom to laughing and enjoying himself without worrying about others’ expectations. Close to eleven, Payton decided it was time to call it an evening and told everyone at the table.
“Oh, no, you don’t. You haven’t sung yet,” Jean said.
“Yeah, everyone has to sing,” Luke added.
“Come on,” Robin joined in.
“I don’t think...” Payton looked around the table. They all gave him earnest looks not to back down.
“We’ve all taken our turns at embarrassing ourselves, so you have to also,” Doris said, with all the authority of a judge.
“Last call for karaoke,” a man on stage said into the microphone.
Jean looked at China then back at him. “I guess that means it will be a duet. China, you haven’t sung yet either.”
Payton turned to China. She went pale and shook her head.
“Hey, we have a duet here,” Doris called, raising her hand and pointing to Payton and China.
They shook their heads in unison. The man with the microphone said, �
��It looks like they could use some encouragement so let’s give them a hand.”
China’s chin went to her chest and her shoulders slumped. Payton didn’t even have to wonder if she was embarrassed. The crowd went into wild clapping, hooting and slapping the table. Payton leaned over and said to China, “I don’t think we have a choice.”
He stood and offered his hand. At least this would be one more experience he’d never had.
* * *
China looked at Payton’s outstretched hand. Her heart drummed against her chest wall and her palms became damp. The crowd was still loud with its cheerleading. She hadn’t sung in public since she’d been in the middle-school church choir. This was not the place she wanted to start again, and Payton was certainly not the person she wanted to share the moment with.
She arched her neck to look at him. His smile was reassuring. “Come on, let’s get this over with.” He closed and opened his hand.
China placed hers in his and his large, strong fingers curled around hers. He gave a gentle tug. The crowd had died down some, but when she stood the noise level rose again. Payton led her to the stage, not releasing his grip. She gained confidence from the simple gesture. They’d hardly spoken other than about patient care, and now they had to do something as personal as singing together.
A spotlight circled until it came to rest on them. “I don’t want to do this.” Payton had to bend to hear her. She could only imagine the intimate picture they must be portraying. Panic crept through her.
“Come on, you look like you’re going to a funeral. It can’t be that bad.” He grinned at her.
Payton looked comfortable with the situation. He probably frequented nightclubs regularly and did this sort of thing often. She was completely out of her element. She didn’t go to clubs and certainly didn’t make a spectacle of herself, singing karaoke. He acted as if this could be fun. Humiliating yourself wasn’t fun.
The Doctor Who Made Her Love Again Page 3
