Flirting with Destiny

by Christyne Butler

  “Except you’re not interested in anything I specialize in.” Tanya straightened and reached for her iced tea. “Other than a massage, of course.”

  Hmm, strike one for charm. “Couldn’t be any worse than the beating I took today.”

  “Considering it’s the first therapy appointment you’ve kept in the past three weeks, I’d say you’re lucky you walked out of the clinic at all.”

  She was right on both counts. If he tried to stand up now he’d probably fall flat on his face. As it was, he’d had to use to the cane just to keep upright in the parking lot.

  “Pete also said you refuse to take any pain medication.”

  Now it was Dev’s turn to sit back, his gaze glued to the table, certain he’d failed in keeping his discomfort off his face as the fire raced from his hip to his knee. “That’s right.”

  “At all?”

  He nodded, then looked up at her, not surprised by the disbelief in her eyes.

  Giving the green light for Pete to share his medical records with Tanya had meant she’d learn that little tidbit about him, and he’d been waiting for her to bring it up. He figured now was as good a time as any for a discussion he’d had too many times to count in the past eight months with everyone from doctors to his folks.

  “But why?”

  Dev was glad they had scored one of the booths in the far corner of the diner. Not that it had prevented a few people from stopping by to say hello, lie to him that he looked good and force him to introduce Tanya.

  Now he was glad for another reason, even though what he was about to say was certainly no secret in town.

  “Because I’m an alcoholic.”

  Her eyebrows rose even higher until they disappeared beneath the fringe of bangs, her doubtful expression replaced with a look of pure surprise.

  She didn’t know.

  He hadn’t been sure if Mac had told her how the two of them had met and become friends since Dev had run out on the old man’s pincushion session last Wednesday.

  “I was twenty-seven when I finally got sick and tired of being a highly functioning drunk and joined AA,” he continued. “Eight years ago this summer.”

  “Is that where you met Mac?”

  “At the very first meeting. Of course, it took me almost a year of still being stupid and denying I actually had a drinking problem before I finally got with the program. Mac was always there for me. Still is.”

  Tanya’s gaze dropped to her plate. She suddenly seemed very interested in her ketchup-laden fries. “It took Mac...my grandfather years to admit he had a problem.”

  “Didn’t you say you once lived with him?”

  “I was just a baby when my father took off and my mom and I had to move in with Mac. They used to have some real knock-down, drag-out fights about his drinking.”

  Trying to imagine a child living in that type of environment had Dev reaching for his ice water, his throat suddenly tight. “Is that why you moved when you were eight?”

  She jerked her head up.

  “Yeah, I’ve got a pretty good memory.”

  Tanya stared at him for a moment, and then gave in with a soft humph and looked away. Before he could ask her about it, she shook her head.

  “One night my mom just threw everything we had into a couple of suitcases and we took off. I guess she couldn’t take it anymore. I remember her saying Mac probably wouldn’t even notice we were gone for at least a week.”

  “And you stayed gone for twenty-three years.”

  Tanya pulled in a deep breath then slowly released it. “Yes, we did. Thankfully, Mac finally got the help he needed, even though it took him another ten years. He found my mom not long after that—something to do with making amends—but it wasn’t until last year we reconnected as a family.”

  “I think Mac’s pretty happy about that and the fact you’re here,” Dev said, then grinned. “And not just so you can practice your voodoo magic on him.”

  “Ah, which brings us back to working together and my original question about why you aren’t taking any pain medication during your recovery.”

  She was a smart woman. At least he’d thought so. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  Tanya stared at him for a moment, tilting her head to one side. The action caused her straight, shiny hair, pulled back into a high ponytail, to slide over one shoulder. Damn, that was sexy. “You were afraid of your addiction finding a new vice.”

  Like he thought, smart. “Scared more of that than the possibility of losing a limb. Although that idea scared the crap out of me at the time, as well.”

  “When did you make this decision? If you don’t mind me asking.”

  He didn’t mind. Why should he? Lord knew, he’d been asked that question many times. “I don’t remember being rescued. Okay, that’s not exactly true. I do remember when the search team found me and my brother. Lucid moments were few and far between for me during the time we were lost, but I knew I’d been busted up pretty bad.”

  This was where the memories collided with reality.

  “I thought... I could’ve sworn I told the EMTs I didn’t want to be drugged, but I learned later I’d been in and out of consciousness most of that day. The next thing I knew I woke up in a hospital and had already had the first surgery to repair my leg. It was then I made it clear I wanted nothing that would take away the pain. The nurses thought I was nuts.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “I think I yanked out my IV tubing a few times...every time I started feeling numb...lost in la-la land.” Dev paused when the waitress stopped by and cleared away their dishes, waiting until she was gone before he went on. “It wasn’t until my folks came in... Well, they knew I was serious. Then we got the doctors onboard.”

  “The pain must’ve been excruciating.”

  “It was a rough road. I had three more surgeries to deal with my two broken arms and a bad infection that developed in my leg. That kept me in the hospital for a long time. After a lot of discussions, I ended up taking mostly NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but even those I weaned myself off as soon as I could. Hell, I rarely take anything even for a headache.”

  She looked at him for a long moment and Dev felt his skin grow hot under her scrutiny. Outside of his family, medical team and Mac, Tanya was the first person he’d talked to about this part of his recovery.

  “Is this refusal to take pain medication the reason you’ve been slack on your physical therapy?”

  “Well, it sure hurts like hell afterwards.” Dev held up his hands, unable to truly spread his arms wide. “Usually I just ‘Duke’ it out.”

  “I’m sorry, what does that mean?”

  “You know, the Duke? John Wayne? Take it like a man?” Dev laughed and dropped his hands back to the table when she rolled her eyes at him. “Hey, I’m doing okay. Might not be a hundred percent, but considering where I started...”

  “And no one ever offered alternative methods for dealing with the pain?”

  “You mean like yours?”

  “Yes. There’s quite a variety of disciplines out there. Acupuncture being one, of course, but there’s also self-hypnosis, Reiki, meditation, aromatherapy or even electrical nerve stimulation.”

  “Well, some of those were talked about, but—”

  “You’re not a fan of unconventional medicine.” Tanya crossed her arms, propping them on the edge of the table. “So tell me again why you want to work with me?”

  Now it was Dev’s turn to stare as silence stretched between them.

  Damn, she was pretty. Dressed in cream-colored slacks and a simple white cotton sweater, she looked very professional.

  He guessed that was the point of today’s appointment, but he missed the revealing, body hugging outfits he’d seen her in last week.

  He took
in her peaches-and-cream skin, beautiful eyes with long, dark lashes and mouth that begged to be kissed.

  His body responded to where his thoughts were headed, and why not, when the rest of him was tight and hurting.

  “I’m not really sure,” he finally answered, deciding to keep his thoughts to himself. “You’re obviously skilled in your chosen profession and you believe in what you do. You already know needles are out, but you must have some other tricks up your sleeve. Besides, I trust you.”

  An easy smile came to her lips. “You say that like it’s a surprise.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it is, although I don’t really know why I trust you. Who knows? Maybe this whole thing between us was meant to be. I just can’t get over how you seem very familiar.”

  “Do I?”

  Two simple words, but Dev had noticed how her smile changed. Still there, but it wasn’t as easy and relaxed as before. “I know it sounds strange, but it’s almost as if we’ve met before. In a previous life, maybe?”

  * * *

  Before Tanya could respond, their waitress appeared again with their bill and flashed her pretty green eyes at Dev despite the fact she looked like she was barely out of high school.

  Thankful for the timely interruption, Tanya took a moment to do her own relaxation technique. A few deep breaths and a mental image of a field of wildflowers slowed her heart from the frantic pounding that had started the moment Dev had fallen silent when she’d pushed for an answer about why he wanted to work with her.

  Dev’s aversion to medication wasn’t something new to her. She’d successfully treated others with substance abuse problems, but those patients had been looking for and willing to take on alternative methods.

  Dev wanted to work with her because he trusted her.

  An important reason, granted, but was he using her profession and his accident as a way to spend more time with her? Was he finally remembering their night together in Reno?

  Dev handed over cash, including a generous tip, and then turned his charming smile away from the waitress and back to her. “So, where were we?”

  Changing the subject, that’s where. “I thought we were splitting the bill for lunch.”

  “No worries. I can afford it.”

  His casual tone had her fingers tightening around her glass. “Despite my grandfather’s monetary offer last week, I do have a few dollars in my wallet.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” Dev placed a hand over hers. “You can get the bill next time.”

  Tanya pulled in another deep breath and relaxed. “Who says there’s going to be a next time?”

  “Oh, I’m sure there will be. We’re just getting to know each other.”

  Thinking this was a great time for a trip to the ladies’ room, she opened her mouth to ask for directions when a low, deep voice suddenly filled the air.

  “Hey, Dev, imagine running into you here. And with a pretty girl, no less.” A dark-haired man with black-framed glasses walked up to the booth. “Rumor had it you were getting back into the swing of things.”

  Tanya easily picked up the resemblance between the newcomer and Devlin. There were six Murphy brothers. She wondered which one this was.

  He wore a crisp business suit, the only flaw being the striped tie shoved into the jacket’s breast pocket. His fancy attire contrasted with Dev’s, who was again wearing jeans, a cotton button-down shirt and sneakers instead of cowboy boots.

  “Shut up, Liam.”

  The man didn’t seem bothered by Dev’s rude greeting. He turned to Tanya with a smile almost identical to Dev’s and held out his hand. “Liam Murphy. And you are?”

  “Tanya Reeves.” She placed her hand in his, returning his greeting. “Nice to meet you.”

  “So where did you meet my brother?” Liam released her, then removed his glasses and stuck them in the same pocket as his tie. “Please tell me it was someplace nice...like the library.”

  “Tanya is Mac’s granddaughter. She’s here for a visit.”

  “I didn’t know Mac had a granddaughter. Welcome to Destiny, Tanya.” Liam motioned for permission to sit next to her. “Mind if I join you two?”

  Tanya glanced at Devlin. He didn’t seem happy at his brother’s self-invite, but she liked the easygoing mischief in the other man’s blue eyes. They didn’t have the icy cerulean coloring of Dev’s, more like the deep navy of the creek that ran through town.

  He was a handsome guy, but there was no zing when she looked at him.

  No big surprise. Men were off her radar for the foreseeable future.

  Which didn’t explain the heart-pounding reaction she seemed to get on a regular basis from the man across from her.

  Why was that? Ah, yes. His “you seem familiar” comment.

  Not wanting to get back to that conversation, she scooted over to give the man room to sit. “Oh, please do. This is my first time back in Destiny in years.”

  “So how is it you’ve already hooked up with my brother?”

  “Oh, we haven’t— We aren’t...hooked up.”

  Dev’s features tightened, but she didn’t know if that was from him being in pain or worried at what she might say. Not that she had any idea how to describe what was going on between the two of them at the moment.

  “We actually just met a few days ago—”

  “Out at Mac’s place.” Dev cut in. “How was your conference in Chicago?”

  “Oh, you know. Busy and crowded, much like the city, but the eats were good and we did a fair amount of business.” Liam waved off the waitress when she started toward the booth. “I met an actor from Scotland or Ireland, I can’t remember which, at one of the conference’s black-tie events. He was an Avenger or a superhero—someone like that. Anyway, Ian saw the spread that architecture magazine did on Bobby Winslow’s place.”

  “Bobby Winslow?” Tanya asked. “The three-time champion race-car driver?”

  “One and the same. Although he retired a couple of years ago after a bad crash,” Liam said. “You a racing fan?”

  “One of my girlfriends back in Colorado Springs is...or was.” Tanya smiled, remembering Kate’s obsession with the handsome driver. “She’s still trying to find a new driver to switch her loyalties to, not to mention her affections. Your company built a log home for him?”

  “Not just a home, a mansion. Over ten thousand square feet, five bedrooms, an indoor pool and an elevator,” Liam said. “The foreigner wants one twice that size.”

  “Fascinating,” Dev deadpanned.

  “It could be, considering the location of the build. I’ve got to get in touch with Bobby and Leann to see if they’d be interested in showing off their place to the guy. And big brother Nolan is going to really enjoy working up these plans.”

  “Well, if you can squeeze me into your busy work schedule I’d like to talk to you, too.”

  “Sure. Being the big-time movie star this guy is, he’ll definitely want a state-of-the-art security system.” Liam looked back at Tanya and grinned. “I’m sorry. Are we boring you with all this shop talk?”

  “No, I find your family’s company interesting. Mac and I went out for a drive after church yesterday and he showed me a lot of the homes and businesses you built.”

  “You should have Dev bring you by the compound. We’ve got a few model homes, the company headquarters and the places we’ve built for our brothers, all log built, of course. Dev can give you a grand tour and show off his office. The man has more computer screens over his desk than Bill Gates—”

  “I wasn’t talking about work or a new customer,” Dev interrupted his brother, “and you know it.”

  Liam’s easy smile slipped and a muscle along his jaw twitched. “Yeah, I know. I called into the office after I landed in Cheyenne. Dad answered the phone.”

&
nbsp; “I want to talk to you and Bryant.”

  “Well, Bry and Laurie decided to extend their stay in the city for a few more days. Can it wait until they get back?”

  “Oh, sure.” Dev’s casual tone defied the fierce look in his eyes. “Why go over the same topic twice?”

  Tanya’s gaze shot between the two men, the tension in the air palpable. Dev wasn’t happy with his brother about something. She wondered if it had anything to do with his injuries, or perhaps his lackadaisical attitude over his physical therapy. His brother did say he was back to work, but—

  “Well, I better run. A ton of paperwork awaits me at the office.” Liam slapped a hand to the table and pushed to his feet. “I’ll see you at home later?”

  Dev gave a quick nod. “Count on it.”

  The man turned to Tanya, his expression relaxed again. “Tanya, it was nice to meet you. Hope to see you again. In fact, if my twin here backs out on giving you the tour, just stop on by. As the company president, I can give you a personal tour.”

  A low growl—or was that Dev clearing his throat?—came from the other side of the table. She looked at him, but he only grabbed his glass of water and took a long drink.

  “Ah, thanks.” She looked back at Liam. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  The man walked away and Tanya turned back to Devlin, noticing he seemed more relaxed now that it was just the two of them again.

  “Twin?” she asked. “You don’t look that much alike.”

  “Irish twins. Our birthdays are only eleven months apart.”

  “You were close growing up?”

  “We fought like cats and dogs over everything from toys to girls.” Dev set his glass back on the table with a thunk and reached for his cane. “And for the past three months he’s been more nursemaid than boss to me. You ready to get out of here?”

  He obviously was, so Tanya nodded, grabbed her purse and scooted out of the booth. Turning to make sure Dev got to his feet okay was a natural reaction, but the scowl on his face told her he didn’t appreciate her doing so.