The Doctor Who Made Her Love Again

by Susan Carlisle

  “Not really.” She shifted toward him slightly.

  He removed his hand from her shoulder, placing it on the back of the settee.

  “Have you always been a thrill-seeker?”

  “What do you mean?” He was truly puzzled by her question.

  “You wanted to learn to skimboard, the fast sports car, moving so far away from home.” She waved a hand around. “Sitting out in the middle of a storm.”

  “I just want to experience new things. I’ve never had the time or inclination to just watch a storm come in. I thought it would be fun.”

  China looked at him closely for another few seconds. The desire to kiss her, take her, shot through him like the bolt of lightning flashing in the dark clouds just offshore. But he didn’t. If he acted on his desire he might want more. He’d already made up his mind that friendship was all he could handle. Plus, they’d had a great day and he wasn’t about to ruin it.

  “Check out the lightning,” he said softly, knowing she couldn’t resist the suggestion.

  As she became enthralled with the show before them, she shifted toward him and leaned back. Payton was tempted to gather her into his arms but he held fast. Watching the storm was building one in him.

  When a fat drop of rain landed on China’s cheek she squealed. Payton laughed. A full-bodied sound that came from deep in his gut with an “everything right with the world” quality. He’d never laughed when he’d been with Janice.

  “I’m not getting wet!” China moved to stand.

  Payton pulled her back. “You can’t miss the best part. Stay here and I’ll be back in a sec.” He went into the house and retrieved a largest beach towel from the bath. Returning, he said, “Here, cover up with this.”

  Taking the towel, China pulled it over her so that it covered her front like a blanket. Payton took his seat again. She lifted a corner of the towel, offering him a place under it. Payton couldn’t care less if he got wet, but he wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to snuggle with China. Not for all the gold lost in a Spanish galleon during a Caribbean storm. When the towel didn’t quite cover one of his legs she moved in closer, giving him more of the material. The rain blew in earnest but they remained dry and warm.

  China glanced at him during the angriest part of the storm. “You know, this is rather fun.”

  “I thought you might like it.” He hugged her to him.

  Soon the sky was cloudless again, and the only noise came from the water dropping off the eaves. A few silent moments went by before Payton whispered, “This is the best part. Take a deep breath through your nose.”

  They did so in unison.

  “So what do you smell?” he asked.

  “Freshness, salt, the scent of the sea grass.”

  “I smell life,” he said softly.

  China removed the towel, turned enough that she could meet his gaze “Why, Dr. Jenkins, I do believe you’re a closet poet. Thanks for insisting I stay.”

  “You’re welcome. Now I think it’s time you take me to my car.”

  China blinked as if amazed by his remark. She sat up quickly. “Uh, yeah, it’s time for me to go. I mean us to go.” She headed along the porch toward the stairs. “I’ll just wait for you in the car.”

  * * *

  China sat staring out the windshield at the newel post of Payton’s staircase. What had she been thinking to become moony-eyed over Payton? She’d almost kissed him on the cheek despite her desire to find his lips. She wasn’t that forward. They’d shared a pleasant afternoon, and she’d almost ruined it by making a fool of herself. Heck, she wasn’t sure how it had happened but she was beginning to like the good doc.

  They really had nothing in common. He lived in this big house. She lived in a tiny apartment she didn’t own. He had a car that people looked at when he passed. Hers blended in with all the others in the parking lot. He was all about skimboarding and sailing and she favored plants. They only shared medicine. And kisses. Those they unquestionably had in common.

  Payton joined her minutes later. They spoke little during the short ride to her house.

  As she pulled into the drive he said, “I appreciate your help today. The plants look great. Now all I have to do is not kill them.”

  “Just water as the little tabs direct and you’ll be okay. I’m sorry I didn’t think about getting hooks so we could hang the baskets.”

  “Not your fault. I didn’t think about them either. I’ll pick some up tomorrow after work. You want to come out and help me hang them?”

  China shook her head. “Sorry, I have to take my mom to the doctor. Don’t forget that larger pot in your bedroom. It likes that particular type of light.”

  She’d already spent too much time with him. He was addictive. The hour spent at his house had her rattled. She needed to think, put some space between them. Was he always as wonderful as he had been this afternoon, or would he turn into one of those men who had to have control when you got to really know them?

  “Yes, ma’am.” He smiled. “Look, now you’ve got me doing it.”

  She laughed. “You’re becoming a true southerner.”

  “I guess I am.” He touched her arm. “Thanks for your help today. I really enjoyed my afternoon.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  China turned off the engine and they both climbed out of the car.

  “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be there. Good evening, Payton.” China headed toward her apartment. She felt his gaze on her as she climbed the steps to her door. Would these conflicting feelings for Payton still be there in the morning? She was afraid they would be. She was already counting the hours until she saw him again.

  * * *

  At the clinic on Saturday morning, just before lunch Payton asked, “China, would you come in my office for a minute, please?”

  What was going on? They had been cordial with each other since getting to work, but she’d seen to it that they were never alone. Not that she didn’t trust him, it was more like she couldn’t trust herself. She’d stayed up far too late into the night thinking about Payton, looking forward to coming to work so she could see him. She didn’t like it.

  Payton headed toward his office, and she followed slowly. She entered to find him waiting beside his desk. He said, “If you don’t mind, would you close the door?”

  She started to say that, yes, she minded, but Payton would never embarrass her or do anything she wasn’t in agreement with. “Okay.” She pushed the door until it made a soft click. “Is something wrong? Are you feeling sick again?”

  “No, I’m fine.” There was a harsh edge to his tone.

  She straightened. “All right, then. So what did you drag me in here for?”

  “I asked you, I didn’t pull you in here by your hair.”

  “Look—”

  Payton put a hand out, palm up. “Let’s not fight. That’s not why I ask you in here.” He ran the hand through his short hair, mussing it.

  China hadn’t seen him this unsure before, not even when he’d admitted he’d had cancer. What was going on?

  “I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.”

  She grinned. He’d been using more casual sayings over the last couple of days.

  “I’m not sure I can handle the dinner tonight by myself. I’ve cooked for two but never six. I know this is a lot to ask, and I know how you feel about cooking, but I have no one else to turn to. Would you come early and help me?”

  He’d said the words so fast that China had to think about what he’d asked. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the statement. Despite her better judgment and her vow to keep space between them, she didn’t have the heart to turn him down. “I’ll go home and change, and be there as soon as I can.”

  His smile of relief
made her middle flutter.

  “Thanks so much, China. I owe you big time. I’ve already done the shopping so you don’t have to worry about helping with that. Now we’d better get back to the patients.”

  His abrupt end to their conversation somehow disappointed her. Had she expected him to express his undying gratitude by kissing her? That was more like wishful thinking.

  * * *

  Hours later China knocked on the kitchen door to Payton’s house. At the faint sound of “Come in,” she opened the door.

  All she could see of Payton was his backside encased in navy knit running shorts. She had to admit he had a fine behind. Seconds later his head came out from inside the cabinet. Standing, he grinned at her and placed a large boiling pot on the counter. “Hey, there. I was hunting a pan.”

  “Well, I hope so, otherwise putting you head inside a cabinet would be rather strange.”

  “You wouldn’t be surprised, though, would you?”

  “In order not to start an argument I’m going to take the high road and not answer that.”

  Payton raised his head heavenward. “Thank you for small miracles.”

  China couldn’t help but laugh, something she found that she was doing more often around Payton. When she’d first met him she’d never have guessed they would ever be friends. She could work with anyone but to her great surprise she like spending her off time with him as well.

  “I’m a little behind. Would you mind being my second-in-command and chop up the onions and potatoes?”

  “I need a knife. What’re we having?”

  “A beef loin in puff pastry with braised potatoes, salad and a fruit trifle.”

  “Wow. That sounds wonderful. No seafood?”

  “I thought everyone probably got all of that they wanted any time. I wanted to do something different. Besides, it’s my specialty.” He pulled a bowl out of an upper cabinet.

  “So you’ve made it before.”

  He handed her a knife. “A number of times.”

  She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “So you got me here on false pretenses.”

  Payton looked directly at her. “Well, yes and no. I can use the help and I find that I rather like spending time with you,” he said matter-of-factly.

  China’s heart thumped against her chest wall. All she could do was stare at him. “Uh, where’s a cutting board?”

  “It’s under the cabinet to the left.”

  She turned her back to him to go after the board.

  “One thing I’ve learned is that time is precious and I’m not going to waste any more of it. I think you like me also. Or at least your kiss said you do.”

  China reached for the cutting board and when she turned around Payton was already concentrating on the meat he was preparing. “The potatoes and onions are in the pantry.” He nodded toward a door.

  Payton had turned all business. Had he really said what she thought he’d said? She found the vegetables and brought them to the island.

  “Come and work over here in front of me. There’s plenty of room. Next to the windows and porches, I like this kitchen best. It’s made for cooking together and entertaining.”

  “It’s wonderful. Nothing like the small one I grew up cooking in.”

  “When did you start cooking?”

  “When I was twelve.”

  “I came to it much later in life. Ruth, our cook, thought I needed to know something about preparing a meal before I left for college. So I hung out in the kitchen and fell in love with cooking.”

  “I might have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t seen it as a chore.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Just that I had to help out at home.”

  “I’m not surprised.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Just typical for you. Helping out.”

  She stopped chopping and looked at him. “You didn’t say that like it’s a compliment.”

  “Don’t get mad. It’s just an observation.”

  “I suggest that you keep your observations to yourself unless you have something nice to say.” She made a cut into a potato with more force than required.

  “You have the most beautiful brown eyes I’ve ever seen.”

  China felt the heat flow up her neck to her cheeks. Her heart fluttered. Never in a million years would she have dreamed that Payton Jenkins would ever flirt with her. Somehow it was empowering.

  * * *

  Payton grinned but kept his head down and pretended to be concentrating on wrapping the loin in pastry. He’d gotten China’s attention with his remark about her eyes. They worked together in silence for a while but he was aware of every movement she made.

  She was aware of him, too. He dropped a knife and she jumped. Tension as deep as the gulf filled the room, and he was enjoying having her a little off center. China put up such a wall where he was concerned that it was nice to see he was making a chink in it. He wasn’t sure what the future held for him or if he had the right to be involved with anyone, but where China was concerned he couldn’t help himself. She intrigued him.

  He slipped the roasting pan into the oven. “Are those potatoes and onions ready?”

  “I have one more to cut.”

  “Great. I’ll get them started and then we can set the table. I’ve already made the trifle and have it in the refrigerator. After we finish the table I’ll change and then we can put together the salad.”

  She nodded and a minute later said, “I’m done. Hand me the pan and I’ll put these in it.”

  He did as she requested. With the same efficiency he admired in her nursing, China cleaned the area and washed her hands.

  “Okay, where are the plates, silverware and napkins?”

  “I’ll get the plates. The silverware is in the drawer to the right of the sink, the napkins in the third drawer down.”

  Payton was putting the plates on the table when China said with amazement in her voice, “These are all cloth napkins.”

  “Yes. So?”

  She turned and looked at him. “That’s all you have?”

  “It is. Bring the green ones.”

  She reached in the drawer and counted to make sure she had all that were required. “I’ve never known someone who only uses cloth napkins.”

  “You make it sound like a crime. We only used cloth at my house when I was growing up.”

  “Yeah, and we only used paper. If my parents own cloth ones, I’ve never seen them.” China brought the napkins and a handful of silverware to the table.

  “Well, enjoy using mine tonight.”

  “I think I will.”

  Payton glanced at the clock on the wall. “If you don’t mind finishing up here, I’m going to take a quick shower and change.”

  “I’ll finish. Do you want to use the regular glasses or do you have something else in mind?”

  Payton stopped at the doorway to the living room. “Those are fine. There are some wineglasses up there also.” He pointed in the direction of a cabinet she’d not looked in before.

  China started placing the silverware around the plates.

  “Hey, China.”

  She looked at him.

  “Thanks for your help. Really.”

  She smiled. “You’re welcome.”

  Payton pulled his shirt up over his head as he went down the hall with a smile on his face. Maybe the being friends idea was overrated. It was fun to tease China. Nice kissing her too and he wanted to do it again. He was starting over in life so why not have some fun? No one said their time together had to last forever.

  * * *

  With the table set and wineglasses waiting, China went outside to check the plants. Payton had hung the orange lantana around the porches. It
contrasted well with the yellow of the house and looked beautiful. Any home always felt more comfortable with plants around, or at least she believed so. After checking the dampness of the soil in a couple of baskets, China returned to the living room to look at a pot there. The faint sound of water running told her Payton was still taking a shower.

  A buzz from the kitchen drew her attention. She went to see what it was for. Turning the timer off on the oven, she opened the door and checked the loin. Not sure what to do and not wanting Payton’s meal to be ruined, she closed the stove door and turned the oven off.

  There was no choice. She was going to have to ask Payton what needed to be done. Bracing and reminding herself she was an adult, she headed toward the sound of water. At his bedroom door she called his name. Hearing no answer, she stepped further into the room. What was she going to do if he stepped out of the bathroom naked? Have a heart attack? That was silly. She saw half-naked bodies all the time in her line of work.

  Yeah, but none of those were Payton’s.

  Squaring her shoulders, she walked across the room and knocked firmly on the open bathroom door. “Payton.”

  That heart attack might not be such a far-fetched idea. Payton’s walk-in shower was made of clear glass blocks. She could make out the shape of his body on the other side. He had his hands raised as if he was rinsing his hair. The fleeting idea that she should avert her gaze crossed her mind but her eyes wouldn’t cooperate.

  “Yeah?”

  “Sorry to bother you but the buzzer went off, and I was wondering if I need to take the loin out.”

  “And I was hoping you had come in to join me.”

  “In your dreams.”

  China watched as his silhouette moved to the end of the blocks. Was he going to stand there naked in front of her? Would she look away? Not likely.

  Instead, he stuck his head around the edge of the wall. His gaze held hers. “You are.”

  “Come on, Payton, stop teasing me and tell me what to do about the meat. I should just let the meal get ruined.”

  He grinned. “You’re much too nice a person to do that. Pull it out, please. It needs to rest for ten minutes.”