Juliet's Journey To Love (The Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1)

by Elsie Davis

  “Interesting. It sounds like a great opportunity and a good chance for a change in pace. Maybe this is exactly what you needed.” Sandy’s words were the encouragement she needed.

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence and the approval. It means a lot to me.”

  The two women talked a few more minutes before Juliet hung up, more confident than ever in her decision. She would stay, but only on one condition.

  Dear Olivia,

  Thank you for your kind words. I, too, feel it would be a wonderful experience and joy to work with you. Even if temporary. The full-time offer is generous, but not one I can accept at this point.

  Please inform Dr. K of my conditional acceptance of his employment offer. Conditional because although I agree to all the terms and look forward to joining you at the Hollow Creek Medical Center, I’m not comfortable accepting employment from someone I’ve never met. Please communicate to Dr. K that to finish the paperwork, I would expect to meet with him in person.

  Juliet

  If the doctor was willing to jump this fast into hiring her, Juliet was certain he wouldn’t let one small meeting interfere with those plans. She finished her note to Jennifer, letting her know of the crazy new twist in the plans. It looked like she wouldn’t be staying here for a few days. Instead, it looked like she was moving here. At least temporarily.

  She held off sending a message to her parents, realizing that it would be better to give them a few days to get used to the idea of her moving to a new location before she bombed them with the reality.

  11

  Juliet entered the medical clinic, the overhead buzzer announcing her presence. “Good morning,” she called out to Olivia.

  She froze in her tracks as the man standing nearby turned to face her. She barely registered Olivia’s response, Juliet’s focus entirely on the man coming in her direction, a warm and welcoming smile on his face.

  Even knowing with almost positive certainty that Jake would turn out to be Dr. K, it came as a shock to come face-to-face with the real Dr. K…or Dr. Kensington, as was the case. A man who was every inch the professional—from head to toe. Literally.

  So much so that it had taken her a few seconds to assimilate the two men as one and the same, and to zero in on the similarities versus focusing on the differences. His clean-shaven face and shortcut hair revealed an attractive man underneath all the scruffy hair he recently sported. The eyes were the same—warm and kind, but everything else was different.

  And new. The tag on his dress shirt was peeking out from the collar, a tell-tale sign it was a recent purchase. More than likely, so was the blue suit and dress shoes. Her heart raced in a way it hadn’t in a long time, as though recognizing someone special.

  Jake stepped forward to greet her and extended his hand. “Dr. Kensington,” he said unabashedly. “It’s nice to see you again, and I’m very happy you accepted the position.”

  That’s it? Who was he kidding? “Umm…hello to you to…So why the subterfuge?”

  “I just didn’t see telling you as necessary. I like to keep my private life private. Less questions that way. And I figured I had a better shot at you accepting the position if you didn’t know, given our history.”

  “Our history? I’m lost,” Juliet said, completely lost. But then she was still trying to wrap her head around the new Jake.

  “Okay, so my history. As a grizzly bear.” Jake laughed, the sound sending a ripple of pleasure down her spine. He didn’t laugh or smile often enough as far as she was concerned.

  “So, Dr. K is actually Dr. Kensington?” Juliet asked, making one-hundred percent sure.

  “One and the same. But I don’t use either title anymore if I don’t have to. I don’t practice medicine, and that’s the way I intend to keep it,” he explained, as if his answer was the end of the story.

  Which it wasn’t. Not by a long shot. “So why the sudden change in appearance?”

  Jake shrugged and pulled at his shirt collar and tie. “I didn’t want to scare you off. I thought maybe you should see a professional employer who is asking you to stay and join the team.”

  “Team?”

  Jake nodded. “Olivia and the new doctor—once I find one. I’ve sent a notice to the Sunshine Employment Agency and hope they can find someone soon who would be willing to practice in a small community.”

  “I never agreed to stay on. I have a job in Memphis. Officially, I’m only here until you find a new doctor. I can’t get over the change in your appearance. If it weren’t for your eyes, I might not have believed it myself. You look good,” she said in a rush, unsure why she was suddenly on edge around him.

  “I’m glad you approve. Now that you’ve met me, do you unconditionally accept the position?” Jake asked, his gaze never leaving her face. It was almost as if he were willing her to say yes.

  “Of course.” Juliet’s expression softened. “Why don’t you show me around the office and let me know what you expect from me.”

  “That sounds great,” Jake said, pulling open the door leading to the back offices and holding it open for her to pass through.

  She turned back to Olivia, only to find her watching the two of them intently, a grin on her face. “Thanks for the heads up,” Juliet teased. The woman wanted to be friends, and a friend wouldn’t have let her find out this way. Unless that’s what Olivia had wanted all along.

  “And ruin the fun? Not a chance.” Olivia grinned.

  Juliet swept passed Jake, noticing he’d even splashed on cologne—the woodsy scent worth savoring as she drew in a deeper breath. Jake Kensington was incredibly handsome beneath the gruff exterior and it was short-circuiting her brain. The problem started with the fact she’d liked him before the change. And now, after the change, she couldn’t help but think of him as a man— and not her boss. And that was a problem.

  Accepting the job had never depended on whether Jake and Dr. K were the same; she’d known in her heart this was the right thing to do. The next step for her. But helping Jake was also a next step—he just didn’t know it yet.

  Her silly heart needed to understand Jake was off-limits in every way other than as a professional relationship, even if he had gone to great pains to clean up—for her. Jake knew all along she would be the one meeting him today. Was the doctor trying to win the nurse over to work at his clinic like he said, or was there more to it?

  It was the one nagging thought her heart and brain were having difficulty with, while trying to remain professional. Juliet tried to focus on what he was saying as he pointed out the different rooms and the ultramodern equipment he’d installed.

  “I like the way you’ve laid everything out—quite sensible,” she said. “And I’m sure your patients appreciate the relaxing decor. I’m glad you didn’t go with the starchy whites like a lot of places tend to do.”

  “When I designed it, calm and peaceful was what I had in mind. I appreciate that you noticed.” Jake smiled.

  Juliet could get used to those smiles. “I know I promised not to cross into personal lines back at the cabin, but I find this is different. Working together as colleagues, I feel I deserve to know the answer to a few things.” It sounded good anyway. Her main reason, of course, was she had to get to know him better if she was going to find a way to help him.

  She sensed his hesitation even before he answered. “I’ll answer only if I think you need to know. How’s that?” he asked, his answer noncommittal.

  “It’ll do. Why are you looking for a doctor?” She knew what Olivia had mentioned, but she wanted to hear it from Jake, hoping it would open a line of communication between them.

  “I would’ve thought that part was obvious. The office needs one. No offense, but there’s only so much you’re allowed to do as a nurse who’s APRN certified—legally.” In other words, he didn’t want to answer the real question.

  She wasn’t ready to let him off the hook. “I understand my certification limitations, but the town already has a doctor. You.”

&n
bsp; Jake turned to face the window, shutting her out. “That’s a closed chapter of my life.”

  She took a few steps closer. “Maybe it’s a chapter you need to reopen. You took an oath. How can you walk away from the gift of healing you’ve been given? God-given talents. You’re letting them go to waste, and it doesn’t seem right from where I’m sitting. Help me to understand, that’s all I’m asking.” She had to push him out of his comfort zone and get him to talk if there was any chance of helping him through whatever dark place he’d locked himself in.

  Jake turned back to face her; his mouth set in a firm line. Waves of tension radiated toward her. “It’s none of your business—why I don’t practice, that is. And knowing Olivia, I’m sure she’s told you at least some of the story. So, let’s not sugarcoat this.” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep sigh. “I already told you my wife died. What you may not know is that the people in town all know I was responsible. At what point do you think I would still have the town’s confidence in my abilities? And more importantly, the confidence in my own abilities?”

  What was he talking about? Olivia had told her things, but Jake’s version wasn’t matching up. “Okay, so yes, I had heard things. But it wasn’t at all like the picture you’re painting. I think you’re being unduly hard on yourself. Tell me about what happened. Help me to understand.”

  “It’s personal—and none of your business. I think we should stick to keeping things on a professional level. I have a lot to show you and a lot to go over. Perhaps we should focus on that.” Jake had drawn a line in the sand and dug in his feet, unwilling to be pulled to the other side.

  Juliet had no choice but to accept his decision, at least for now. God never promised the road to helping someone would be easy, and she was determined to get this right. “Fine. Then take me to lunch and tell me everything you think I need to know.” She wasn’t done with him yet but moving into town and working here, would give her plenty of time to offer her support. He didn’t want her sympathy, something she’d do well to remember in the future.

  Besides, Jake would have plenty of women in Hollow Creek ready to offer their own version of help, especially if he kept this new clean look. Somehow, thoughts of other women vying for his attention didn’t sit well with her.

  “Sounds good. There’s a café is just down the street.”

  “Yes, I’m familiar with it as I ate there last night. Great food.” She laughed, trying to ease the tension between them and return to a friendlier platform from which to regroup.

  Jake led the way back out of the office, stopping only at the front desk. “Juliet will start work with us in the morning. I’ve given her keys to the office and a scan card already. Can you make sure to have all the proper documents in order for employment so she can sign them? Oh, and make sure we have a copy of her license. We’re going over to the cafe to discuss some of the smaller details, if you need me for anything.”

  “Will do, Dr. K. And welcome aboard, Juliet. Have a nice lunch, you two,” Olivia said, shooting Juliet a wink when Jake wasn’t looking. The receptionist had it all wrong.

  This was business, not a date.

  12

  Juliet had been working at the clinic for over a week, and there was still no word from Jake. Dr. Kensington, that is. It hadn’t taken any time at all to fall in with the setup of the office, and Olivia was a goldmine of information when it came to the patients. It cut out much of the time Juliet would normally spend reading entire files on patients. Instead, she was able to stick to the key facts.

  It was an unusually slow day and the perfect opportunity to take an early lunch. Flexibility was another perk of working in a small-town office she hadn’t known about. “Olivia, I’m going to head out to run a couple of errands and get something to eat. Call me if anything comes up.”

  Olivia grinned. “You’ll be fine. Today is the fifteenth and a Friday. Which means it’s a payday and everyone else will be out doing the same thing you are—running errands and paying bills.”

  “Works for me. Want me to bring you anything?” They both enjoyed the deli sandwiches from Platters Sandwich Shop and had started taking turns buying each other lunch.

  “Of course.” Olivia pulled out the menu she kept nearby, her finger traveling back and forth over the page as she tried to decide. “Pimento cheese on a baguette,” she said, tapping the item on the menu. “And French fries and a sweet tea to drink.” It still surprised Juliet that Hollow Creek had a deli fancy enough to serve something so fashionably on point in the city delis. One more thing that helper her feel right at home.

  “Sounds great. I might have to do the same. See you in about an hour.”

  “Will do.” Olivia went back to working on her computer, and Juliet headed out the door and into the sunshine.

  She strolled to the bank first, determined to open an account and get her current bank balances transferred locally. It might not be permanent, but it would make her life easier. “Good morning, Mrs. Dooley.” Juliet smiled at the kindly woman whom she’d met a couple of days ago at the clinic.

  “Good heavens, Dr. Walker, call me Linda. No need for formalities around here.” The woman adjusted her glasses, pushing them back on her nose.

  “Well, in that case, call me Juliet. Especially since I’m a nurse, not a doctor.” She laughed. “I’d like to open an account.”

  “Of course, dearie. Here, just grab a seat and fill out this paperwork.” She handed Juliet a clipboard and a pen. “I’ll get Traci Lawton, our bank manager, to fix you right up.”

  “And here I thought I was the one who had to do the fixing up,” Juliet teased.

  “True enough, but let’s hope it’s not me that needs the fixing.” The older woman shook her head and grinned.

  Juliet made her way to the seating area, choosing the armchair as it looked the most comfortable. She reached in her purse for a pen just as her phone rang. Olivia’s name popped up on the screen, causing her a bit of worry. Hopefully, the receptionist was only looking to change her order.

  “Juliet,” she answered, holding her breath as she waited.

  “It’s me, Olivia. Come quick. Little Johnny Trenton’s got a fishhook embedded in his arm. It looks bad. His mother has it wrapped but the bleeding hasn’t stopped.”

  Juliet didn’t need to hear anymore. “I’m on my way.” She shoved the account application in her purse and raced out the door, rushing down the street to the clinic. Swiping her scan card to enter the back area, she ran to the room where she could hear Olivia trying to calm the boy. Inside, she spotted the child cradling his arm, a bloody bandage wrapped around it. His face was ashen and tear-streaked, and she jumped into action to take over the situation.

  “I’m Juliet Walker, and I’m a nurse here. I’m going to help you, okay?” she said, trying to comfort the child.

  He nodded, but her words didn’t take away the fear in his eyes.

  “Will he be okay?” the mother asked, standing close by her son, one hand on his shoulder as if to reassure him.

  “Let me look and assess the wound, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. How old are you, Johnny?” she asked, trying to draw the kid into a conversation. Anything to take his mind off the injury.

  “Twelve,” he said, his face tight with pain.

  “Olivia, can you get me the Fentanyl and Versed. Let’s see what we can do to ease his pain and make him more comfortable.” She wanted something that would work fast, but not stay in his system long.

  Juliet turned back to Johnny. “Why don’t you tell me what you were doing when this happened.”

  “Fishing.” He sniffed.

  “I know that. But where? And what were you fishing for?” Juliet grabbed several sterile bandages, laying them close by. She started to unwrap his arm, conscious that every move could cause more pain, or worse, push the hook in further.

  “I was down at the lake fishing for bass,” Johnny answered, his lower lip trembling as he used his good arm to brush at his face. />
  “Have any luck?” She had to keep him talking.

  “I did.” Johnny shot her a half grin, half grimace. “I caught three before I got stupid and did this.”

  “It sounds like you’re very experienced at fishing. We call these accidents, young man, not stupidity.” The bleeding had slowed, and Juliet carefully checked the wound. It was a treble hook, and two of the barbs had lodged deeply into the muscle. The only way to get it out was surgical, something she wasn’t authorized to do—and exactly why they needed a doctor in residence.

  “It really hurts,” he said, sniffling.

  “I know, and I’m sorry.” She handed him a tissue but didn’t say a word to draw attention to his tears.

  Olivia returned with meds she’d requested, and Juliet proceeded to measure out the proper dose for Johnny’s age and weight. He was going to need it, considering she needed time to figure out the next step. They had a doctor in charge, and if Juliet had anything to say about it, the man was going to do his job—whether he liked it or not.

  Dr. K had been hiding out in the mountains long enough.

  After giving him the shot to ease his pain and help him relax, Juliet rewrapped Johnny’s arm in a clean bandage. “Olivia, if you can hold his arm, putting a little pressure near the hook but not on it, that would be great. I’ll be right back.”

  Olivia glanced at her, the question in her eyes clear, but luckily. she was smart enough not to ask in front of the child and his mother.

  “It’s bad, isn’t it?” Johnny asked, fear in his voice.

  “It is, but nothing we can’t manage,” Juliet answered, praying she was right. She left the room quickly to avoid more questions and made her way to her office.

  She moved to stand in front of the window, dialing Jake’s number, and hoping he’d answer.