Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking

by Maggie Van Well

  “Why’d you stop here?” Alex asked.

  She grabbed her purse, but left her keys in the ignition with the car on. “I have to fill a prescription for Drew. You stay with him. I’ll be right back.”

  Drew grabbed her shoulder. “You can’t go in there dressed like that!”

  “You need a prescription. I need to go in there to get it.” She pushed the car door open. “Remember this the next time I ask you to empty the dishwasher.”

  As Kate hurried through the parking lot, the late-June heat melting the strips of tar on the asphalt, she tried to keep her thoughts on her son and not the fiasco she’d just endured.

  She entered the pharmacy, maneuvered around out-of-towners hovering over the suntan lotion and beach toys, and headed for the back of the store. She smiled at the tall, brunette man behind the counter and slapped the prescription on the gleaming wood surface.

  Eddie Hunter picked up the slip of paper, but his deep brown eyes peered over the rim of his glasses, traveling over her attire. “So what did Andrew do this time to have you running around in that get-up?”

  “Fell on a beer bottle. Sixteen stitches in his shin.”

  “Always getting banged up. Just like his dad when we were in high school.”

  “If I remember correctly, you were the cause of a couple of those injuries.”

  “All’s fair in love and hockey.” Pushing his glasses up his long nose, he read the prescription. “Ah, this is from the doctor who took over Dr. Stern’s practice, isn’t it? I’ve heard good things about him. Graduated a few years early. Top of his class. They call him ‘The Child Whisperer.’”

  Well, that was a creepy epithet to have. “Meaning, he establishes dominance over kids?”

  Eddie chuckled. “My guess is he understands them.”

  Well, he’d certainly whispered to Drew.

  While Eddie filled the prescription, Kate strolled over to the grocery store, stopping twice to explain her odd state of dress to a few locals. She didn’t feel nearly as self-conscious amongst her friends and neighbors as she had with her boss.

  Which didn’t make her nerves any less pinched.

  As she paced the aisles, throwing needed items into her cart, she thought back to how worried she’d been about losing her job with Dr. Stern’s sudden retirement. Eastern Long Island had a small population of year-round residents; jobs would not be easy to find.

  When her former boss had reassured the staff no one would lose their positions, Kate nearly collapsed in relief.

  Until today.

  Until she met his replacement. His young replacement.

  Just what she needed, another kid to babysit. Well, okay, he wasn’t a kid and his silver-gray eyes weren’t those of a youngster.

  Kate shook the thoughts away. The last thing she wanted to do was screw up her already complicated life by hankering after her boss.

  Monday was going to be very interesting.

  Chapter Two

  JAKE HARRIS ENTERED the doctor’s lounge just off the ER, glad to find it empty. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down on the dark brown couch facing the flat screen TV. Three kids who needed stitches, one broken arm, and a case of swimmer’s ear had kept him busy since he’d met his new employee.

  Too busy to ponder Kate Henderson.

  “Oh boy, are you in trouble, dude,” he said to the empty room.

  He’d almost dropped to his knees when he realized the gorgeous, sexy woman he’d just met was his head nurse. Instant attraction. Instant erection. That hadn’t happened to him since high school.

  When he’d arrived at the striking Victorian house that held his offices a week ago, lovely, middle-aged women surrounded him. He assumed Kate Henderson would be the same.

  Boy, was he wrong.

  Leaning back in the comfortable couch, he blew out a long stream of air. Upon first glance, she looked like someone who’d just thrown herself together. Her dark-blonde hair pulled back with a clip. No make-up.

  Then he’d noticed her deep brown eyes, and those full, rosy lips he was sure never needed lipstick, and, oh man, what a body. He’d almost dropped the needle in his hand when Andrew pushed her torn shirt up past her bra. Curves like that belonged in a Victoria’s Secret catalog.

  A groan rumbled through his chest as he ran a hand over his face. This was not good. He’d never felt such a sudden fascination like this before, and had no idea how to handle it. What was he going to do? She was his employee for God’s sake.

  Geez, what had he gotten himself into this time? He’d left his home in Brooklyn Heights to start over in the boondocks, just because an old college buddy had mentioned his uncle needed someone to take over his practice and fast.

  A kneejerk reaction to the latest heartache in his life.

  Seashore Cove, Long Island, wasn’t exactly the middle of nowhere, but definitely a far cry from New York City. Had he made the right decision? Start from scratch, and hopefully find the happiness he so desperately sought? He couldn’t rely on other people’s kids to do that forever.

  Jake rose to his feet and paced the room. He needed to get a grip.He was an adult—almost thirty. He could handle an unwanted attraction. With a defiant nod, he dumped the untouched coffee and rinsed out the mug, placing it on the drain board.

  After splashing cold water on his face, hoping to wash away the lustful thoughts about Kate Henderson, he got back to work.

  ***

  “Hey, guys, welcome home.”

  Kate shaded her eyes against the hot sun as Dianna Sheldon, her neighbor from across the street, hurried toward her. “Hey, girl!”

  Forever dressed in a T-shirt and yoga pants, the tall blonde offered a tight hug. “Renters moved in while you were gone. About a week ago.”

  Kate’s stomach sank. So much for hoping the house would stay vacant for the summer. When no one moved in over Memorial Day weekend, she’d thought they were in the clear.

  “I hope they have kids,” Drew said.

  Alex rolled his eyes as he pulled groceries from the trunk of their Chrysler Sebring. “Who cares if they have kids? As long as they’re not weirdoes like last year.”

  “They weren’t weird, they were…” Kate searched for the right word. “Eccentric.”

  Alex stopped on his way up their front path and turned to her, his brows raised. “They were naked all the time, Mom.”

  Kate turned back to Dianna. “Please tell me they’re not the same group from last year.”

  “I don’t think so. They moved in late at night, so I couldn’t get a good look. Any time I went over to introduce myself, no one was home.” She headed back across the street. “Let me know if you meet them.”

  “Will do.” With a deep sigh, Kate reached for some packages. Dealing with new neighbors every summer had been the norm ever since Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg moved to Arizona five years ago. They hadn’t sold their home, but rented it out to vacationers who wanted to be close to the Hamptons life for the summer, but without the Hamptons’ price tag.

  The first two years had been a couple with their lovely teenaged daughter and her friends. The third year brought vegetarians who freaked out every time Kate had a barbecue. Last year had been the summer of nudists who enjoyed a little too much wine and loud music. Kate prayed this summer brought a clothed bunch that preferred steak, soft drinks, and soft rock.

  Kate helped Alex empty the car of grocery bags, grinning when he used one as an imaginary barbell, showing off for his brother. Drew reached for a bag, but she stopped him. “You heard what the doctor said. Inside. Leg up.”

  As soon as everything was in the kitchen, Alex grabbed his football. “I’m going to go hang with Jeremy, okay? We’ll be right up the block.”

  “I’ll call when dinner’s ready.”

  Drew folded his hands together as if in prayer. “Mom, please, let me go. I promise I’ll be careful.”

  Ah, yes, she’d wondered how long it would take before the begging commenced. “One condition.” She l
eaned against the granite island, her fingers stroking her chin. “If you can walk from here to the doorway without limping or grimacing, you can go.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Drew shifted his weight onto his injured leg. With a smug grin, he took two steps before he flinched. He turned to her, his eyes glaring in accusation. “You knew that would happen.”

  She returned his smug grin. “Really, honey, I’m surprised you didn’t figure that out sooner.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” he muttered as he hobbled into the family room. “You’re all-knowing, all-seeing.”

  Kate returned to her task, fighting the sense of unease as she assessed the things she’d bought. Nothing impetuous, just items she needed for meals and household.

  God, she hated shopping.

  Shopping meant spending money, and money was hard to hold on to these days. Before William died, she’d go through a store and absently throw stuff into her cart, never worrying what the cost might be. These days, she clipped coupons, checked every price, and second-guessed every purchase.

  Pulling items from a bag, Kate studied the bouquet of flowers in her hand. Okay, so maybe there was something she could’ve done without, her one extravagance.

  Live flowers sat in vases throughout her house. Some she’d grown herself; others she’d seen at the florist and couldn’t resist. Flower arranging had been one of the many passions she’d had the leisure to explore while William was alive. Now she was lucky to catch her favorite TV shows.

  “It’s okay, Kate. You’ll manage.” With a deep breath, she navigated the large custom kitchen, wishing her cabinets would, just once, look filled. And to think there’d been a time she complained she didn’t have enough space.

  The ringing of the doorbell alerted her she was about to put frozen vegetables in with the cereal. She tossed the peas into the freezer and headed to the foyer.

  Her sister Susan’s pregnant tummy waddled through the front door seconds before she did, and then she stopped when she saw Kate. “What the hell are you wearing?”

  She glanced down at her unusual ensemble. Crap. She should go change. “Drew.”

  “Enough said.” Susan entered the family room, just off the kitchen, and ruffled Drew’s hair. “What happened to you?”

  “I got cut real bad.” He showed her his bandage. “Is Uncle Rob here?”

  “He’s outside throwing a football with Alex and his friends.”

  “Where are my nephews?” Kate asked, knowing Susan was never far from her five-year-old, Marc, and his three-and-a-half-year-old brother, Tony.

  “With their father.” Her sister lowered herself into the side chair. “We can’t stay. We just wanted to stop by and welcome you home.”

  “So Uncle Logan and Aunt Valerie might come over, too?”

  “Probably, especially when they find out you’re hurt.”

  Knowing her siblings like she did, Kate would change that probably to a definitely.

  Thank God I went shopping.

  Two whirlwinds barged in and tackled her. “Aunt Kate!”

  “Hey, guys.” She gave them both a big squeeze. “Goodness, they’re looking more and more like their father every day.”

  Her sister snorted. “Tell me about it. Maybe this one will look like me.” She rubbed her belly.

  Envy pinched with a ferocious grip. She and William had wanted another child. Having come from a family of four kids, Kate wanted the same, but shortly after they started trying for number three, cancer arrived, and when it left it took William with it. Now, at forty, she couldn’t imagine starting all over again.

  Still, it hurt to think about what could have been.

  “Are you okay?” Susan’s voice yanked her from her thoughts.

  “Yeah, just wondering, do you have any idea who moved in next door?”

  Her sister shook her head. “I’ve been so busy I haven’t had the time to check. And since whoever moved in will be gone by Labor Day, that can’t be what’s bothering you.”

  Damn that freaky radar of hers. “Fine. I’m a little anxious about work. Gladys told me the new doctor does things differently.”

  “Like what?” Susan was a successful midwife and would understand her concerns.

  Kate shrugged. “She never said. In fact, she’s being unusually vague, which worries me even more.”

  “Have you met him?”

  “Yeah, and he’s almost as young as Alex.”

  Susan laughed. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I am. I thought he was a kid.”

  Her sister shifted in her seat, pulling herself up before grabbing little Tony. “Don’t let his age fool you. Rumor has it he’s a wonderful doctor. Great with kids.”

  “That’s what I keep hearing, but let’s see what kind of boss ‘The Child Whisperer’ turns out to be.”

  Chapter Three

  “AH, YES, you lovely little creation. What would I do without you?” Nothing started Kate’s day off better than a cup of coffee. She held the mug under her nose and inhaled, letting the calming aroma work its magic on her nerves. Tomorrow was her last day of vacation, and she planned to enjoy every second until she headed back to work.

  She sipped the savory brew, sighing as it slid down her throat, warming her insides. She stared out at the fluffy clouds, but the brilliant blue sky didn’t fool her. Oh, no. Heat and humidity lurked out there, just waiting to attack the second she opened her door.

  The air conditioner hummed, and she snuggled into her comfy, white robe, knowing she should turn the temperature higher, but she just couldn’t stand the heat. Ever since the central air crapped out two years ago, she hadn’t been able to afford to fix it. This lone wall unit—a heavy duty hand-me-down from her brother Logan—was the only relief she got from the heat on the ground floor, holding her sanity in its control panel.

  At least the gentle hum kept her company.

  Her boys had already gone to play football—Drew swearing on his favorite video game he’d just sit and watch—so she had the morning to herself.

  Taking another calming sip of coffee, she froze at a strange rattling noise. Her eyes moved in slow motion toward the family room wall.

  No. Not the air conditioner!

  With a cry, she jumped to her feet to inspect it. She had no idea what to do to make it stop rattling, but a few kind words wouldn’t hurt. “Please, don’t break. I can’t afford to fix you, and we’ve gotten too close over the years for me to replace you.”

  Much to her delight, the noise stopped.

  “Oh, I could kiss you. But I won’t.”

  The doorbell rang, and she walked toward the foyer muttering to herself, “The boys thought I was crazy when I sweet-talked the refrigerator, and that works fine now.”

  Reaching for the doorknob, she stopped, the familiar anxiety at the bell announcing an unexpected visitor overwhelmed her ever since she fell behind on her bills.

  She attempted to get a glimpse of her caller through the panes of glass that bracketed the door, but all she could see was her front lawn.

  Please don’t be a bill collector.

  Determined to face whoever was on the other side of her door, she threw it open. And gasped. “Dr. Harris!”

  He stared at her, his silver-gray eyes widening as they traveled over the length of her robe-clad body. “Kate!”

  Her fingers gripped the lapels together. “Is something wrong?” Okay, she was in her robe, but she was still presentable. Plus, she had a nightgown underneath.

  She squeezed the lapels tighter.

  “I—um, no.” A deep flush crept up his neck into his face.

  “Then why are you here?”

  “I need sugar.” He held up a ceramic mug with the Ghostbusters’ symbol on it. “I just moved in next door.”

  Kate’s eyes widened as she glanced toward the neighboring house. “You’re my new neighbor? You can’t be.”

  “This isn’t your house?”

  “It’s mine. But—” Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out.
“You’re renting?”

  “No, I bought it.”

  Bought it. Meaning he would be there year-round.

  Right next door.

  And Gladys never said a word. Oh man, her friend was going to get an earful on Monday.

  “Oh, gosh, where are my manners. Please come in.”

  Dr. Harris stepped over the threshold like a mouse entering the home of a cat. He looked even younger than the first time she saw him, with his baseball cap worn backwards, jean shorts, and a T-shirt reading Just Because I Didn’t Laugh, Doesn’t Mean it Wasn’t Funny. Muscles on his chest and arms stretched the shirt to its limit. Evidenced by the thread-bare fabric, it had seen many washings.

  “I needed some sugar for my coffee. Since I’d forgotten to buy some, I figured, what the hell? I could grub some off my new neighbor.”

  Kate closed the door. “This is so strange.”

  “You have a nice house.” He surveyed her foyer and living room.

  “Thank you. My husband designed it.”

  “Your husband is an architect?”

  “He was, yes.”

  Dr. Harris nodded, his eyes sympathetic. “Right.”

  Kate glanced around, finding it hard to meet gaze. “I was just enjoying some coffee myself. Would you like some?”

  Her guest shifted uncomfortably. “Oh, no thanks.”

  “Okay.” She reached out her hand.

  He stared at it with wide eyes and backed up.

  “Dr. Harris?”

  “Yes?” His voice held a slight crack.

  “You said you needed sugar?”

  He glanced down at the cup he held. “Oh, right. Yes, please.”

  Kate took the cup and led him into the kitchen.

  “Wow, this is amazing. I would love a kitchen like this.”

  “Do you like to cook?” She walked over to the pantry and pulled out a bag of sugar.

  “I love to cook.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “You cook. You’re good with kids. If you clean, too, you get my vote for Bachelor of the Year.” Once the words left her mouth, Kate could’ve kicked herself. Hard. In the butt. With those ridiculously high stilettos she’d bought on sale for Eddie and Shirley’s upcoming wedding. That statement was way too familiar to say to her boss.