Crain's Landing (20 page)

“Dr. Grant makes his rounds around lunchtime. However, I think you’ll see much more of him than the rest of the floor.” She winked and wiggled her eyebrows.

“Talking about me again, Melissa?” Grant’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. It was cute and, honestly, a little sexy. When my eyes finally landed on him, my knees nearly gave out from under me. He was dressed in black slacks with a yellow shirt that made his dark hair more vibrant. His eyes were shining behind a pair of sexy black-framed glasses. I had never told a soul I had a thing for guys who wore glasses. Growing up as a bookworm tends to send you in search of like items. Dr. Grant was currently making every crush I had in the past a fading memory. His white lab coat was the only thing that brought me back to Earth, until Tiffany Garrison came into the room behind him.

“Good morning, Natalie,” her all-too-chipper voice interrupted.

“Dr. Garrison, we address our parents by their surnames, unless they grant us permission otherwise.” Grant’s voice was harsh; I could surmise she had been told this before.

“My apologies, Dr. Crain, Ms. Reid.” The smile never left her face, but her tone was forced; she didn’t mean a word of it to either of us. I’d be surprised if she wasn’t flipping one or both of us off behind her back or making a voodoo doll to jab stick pins into when she got home tonight.

“My father told me she ate well this morning. With most children, that’s a good sign. Still, I want to continue the antibiotic for a little longer.” His eyes were so beautiful. I couldn’t figure out why I hadn’t seen this before. How had I missed how the smidgen of facial hair scattered across his chiseled chin, defining where his cheek and chin met? His cologne was more than pleasant to enjoy, it was nearly orgasm reaching. His bottom lip was a little puffier in the middle, begging me to suck on it.

Having these thoughts about the man whose current job was to make your child well was considered tacky, regardless of the region of the country you lived in. However, trying to tell my screaming ovaries to settle down was a futile mission, I assure you.

“I trust you, Dr. Crain.”

I wasn’t sure if I was talking only about with Peyton or with me, as well. For years, I’d kept men like Dr. Crain at a safe distance, guarding the crevice Holden had created when he left. I repaired it the best I could, years of denying male attention my sole reinforcement. What I hadn’t failed to notice was the smile that highlighted his face. It was so infectious it mutated to mine, complete with a shiver of warmth radiating down my spine.

“I’m glad to hear that, Ms. Reid.” His voice was low and husky, sending heat straight to my lady bits.

“Please, Dr. Crain, after everything you’ve done for us, it’s Natalie.” Our eyes were locked and I couldn’t have broken away if I had wanted to. The wall surrounding my heart showed signs of failure, small crystals of healing floating to the surface. This was new territory for me, being consumed from the inside by a man I didn’t seek out. I knew Dr. Garrison was standing close bedside Grant, but for the life of me, I simply didn’t care.

“Natalie it is, then.” His voice was soft and caressing.

I liked it. I liked it a little too much. Gone was the cautious and calculated Natalie, in her place, the thirteen-year-old with a boy band crush, complete with banners and high-pitched screams.

“Dr. Grant, can I borrow Dr. Garrison, please?” Melissa’s voice burst the bubble that was creeping in around us. Thankful, I looked to the door where Melissa and two other nurses stood, each smiling with knowing looks on their faces.

“Of course, Melissa. I’ll meet you at the nurses’ station when I finish in here, Dr. Garrison.” He dismissed her with his eyes never leaving mine. Maybe this trace was a two-way street.

I waited until I heard the door to the room close before I spoke. “I’m glad Melissa needed her, I wanted to talk to you privately about something.”

Grant placed Peyton’s chart on the bedside table and then turned his attention back to me. Tracing an imaginary loose thread on Peyton’s blanket, my eyes falling to the white material. Facing my agreed upon deed was much harder than I expected.

“I haven’t been very fair to you and for that I’m truly sorry. I’d like to accept your invitation for dinner, if the offer is still open.” My voice was low and frail, emotions climbing to the surface. I expected a cocky reply, something along the lines of checking schedules, but when I looked up, it was the smile on his face telling me the truth, as it had grown tenfold since he entered the room.

“Yes, Natalie, it’s very much still open.”

I returned his smile with one of my own. “Of course, I’m certain you understand that I have to wait until Peyton is fully recovered.” Shaking my head quickly, I rolled my hands around in her direction. “I mean what kind of mom leaves her sick child to go out on a date?” The word date slipped out. I was comfortable with dinner, but somehow the word “date” made it personal. I knew I was finding myself very attracted to him, but I wasn’t ready for personal...
yet
.

“I completely agree and understand. You name the date and time and I’ll take care of the rest.” Grant completed his notes on Peyton’s chart, the smile never leaving his face. He wished me a good day and said he would be back once his office hours were finished.

Peyton slept for a few hours and then wanted to play. The hospital had more toys and games than the toy store. One of the nurses brought in an armful of puzzles and books and I spent several hours helping Peyton put them together and reading to her. It felt good to have her returning to the little girl I had brought into this world.

It was just after lunch when an excited Autumn dropped by. She was loaded down with stuffed animals and more games and puzzles. Peyton started to clap when she laid eyes on Autumn. The nurse came in and helped to rearrange Peyton’s IV tubing so she could get out of bed and play. “So, I got a very excited phone call from a very handsome doctor this morning.” Autumn spoke in a chipper voice, never looking up from the puzzle Peyton had conned her into helping with.

“Really? I’m glad you and your father are so close,” I joked without looking at her.

“Nice try, Natalie,” she replied as she smacked my arm. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you finally agreed to give him a chance. He’s an amazing guy and you’re wonderful, too. You guys seem to go so well together.”

I did feel slightly guilty since part of me was doing this for Martin, but a larger part of me, and I wasn’t sure how strong that part was, had agreed to this for me. I decided diversion was the easiest route. “It’s just dinner, Autumn. Two people eating at the same time. Don’t make more of it than it is.”

Her face never faltered. “Keep telling yourself that, Natalie. You’ll be the only one to believe it.”

Maybe I should have been honest with her. I agreed not to tell Grant about Martin’s and my agreement, but I knew that once word was out, it would get back to him. I couldn’t hurt him like that. He was showing Peyton such kindness and compassion. It was only dinner after all. Grant himself had stated if I agreed to one dinner then he would leave me alone. This could conceivably solve two issues with one fork. One, it would finally show Grant I wasn’t the kind of woman he really wanted. Two, it would put an end to all the small-town meddling and pressure I was receiving. What it didn’t do was change the sting in my chest I felt for even thinking about not seeing Grant anymore.

“So, I did have a purpose to my visit; other than to talk about my brother and see this little munchkin.” Autumn tickled Peyton’s neck, causing her to squeal with joy. “The annual county fair is coming up in a couple months and I wanted to see if you would like to rent a booth for the library.”

I thought back to the small fair we had visited on our drive to Crain’s Landing. Peyton had such a good time with the puppies. I would make certain to take her this time, as well. “That’s a great idea. We could remind the townsfolk about the many events and services the library offers them.”

My mind was in overdrive as I thought about printing up coupons for free movie rentals or e-book uploads. This could really help with those services. Not to mention the coffee shop.

“Just make sure you leave an evening open for you and Grant. Walking along the midway can be quite romantic.”

I only smiled at her. I hoped to have this dinner over and done with by the time next weekend came. The fair wasn’t for a while so I wasn’t really worried. “We’ll have to see about that. Your brother may not even want a second dinner with me after he takes me out the first time.”

Autumn looked at me with a questioning glance. “Whatever do you mean?”

I took Peyton into my hap and helped her comb the hair on the doll Autumn had brought her. “Have you ever heard the saying ‘she’s a Mona Lisa’ before?” Autumn slowly nodded her head yes. “Well, what if that’s me? I look good from far away, but when you get close to me, I’m far less desirable.”
Broken and with too much baggage
, I thought silently.

The skin on her forehead wrinkled in frustration. “Are you trying to say you’re not pretty? Because...”

I placed my hand on hers. “No, I’m not talking about looks.” I adjusted Peyton in my lap; she was getting fussy again, wanting to do the puzzle on her terms and not how it was intended. “I once read that Matthew McConaughey doesn’t use deodorant. He’s an attractive man, but I couldn’t snuggle up next to him if he smelled bad.”

You could see the light bulb go off in her head. “Natalie, I can assure you my brother uses deodorant.”

I gave her the look, the one that said…really? “Autumn, I’m trying to say that just because I come in a nice little package, he may not like what he unwraps.”

She seemed to understand that, or maybe she just didn’t want to continue this particular conversation. She told me she would email me the booth rental agreement and that if I wanted her help in organizing the fliers, she would be more than happy to come over.

It was two more days before Grant gave Peyton the all-clear to go home. During those two days, more well wishes poured into the hospital. When we were packing to go home, I began to worry where everything would be stored. Melissa came to my rescue, suggesting we donate some of the toys to the other kids on the floor. I told her to share as many as she could. I only hoped the givers wouldn’t get upset. As I got into the driver’s seat of my car, I noticed my father pull up in his car. He rolled his window down and I repeated his action.

“I’ve been told by two very influential women in this city that I’m to escort the little princess home.”

I smiled but rolled my eyes as I raised the window back up and turned the key to start my car. Dad led the way home and once I arrived, there were at least ten cars parked along the curb. I pulled into the garage and helped Peyton out of her car seat. Once inside my kitchen, I found Carolyn and Peggy, standing at my bar with huge smiles on their faces. Peyton took off running and threw herself into Carolyn’s arms.

“Nana!” she shouted.

Peggy stood beside the two, rubbing Peyton’s back while she gave Carolyn a hug. Once she was finished, Peyton reached for Peggy. The sight made me think of my mom and I wondered if she was happy with Holden. Did I have any little siblings running around out there now? Then the realization hit me; if they did have children together they would not only be my sisters or brothers and Peyton’s aunts or uncles, but also her stepbrothers or sisters. As it was, Holden was not only her father, but now my stepfather and her step-grandfather, as well. Damn, that branch of the family tree needed to be pruned. This whole mess was too fucked up for even the worst talk show.

I noticed there was now a huge bowl of fruit on the bar as well as a cake. Grant had given me a liquid medication for Peyton to take for a week at home. I walked over to the refrigerator and found it stocked with juice, water, and items to make sandwiches.

“Natalie, Grant wanted me to give you this as soon as you got home.” Peggy handed me a large white envelope, my name written on the front. I opened the card to find his elegant script inside.

Natalie,

I have to share with you how excited I am that you’ve agreed to give me a chance. I know from experience that you aren’t a ‘sent flowers’ type of girl. You’re all about the basics and live what you preach. I’ve done just that. For the next week, you’ll have no responsibility, other than to take care of the princess. Several ladies in the community have approached my mother and asked how they could help you out, as much as you’ve helped the community. So they have a schedule and will be bringing you meals daily.

Next is the refrigerator. You both need hydration and so I’ve stocked your fridge with enough liquids to do just that. I’ll be by frequently to check on you, as well. You have my number if you need me, don’t hesitate to call.

Yours,

Grant

His words, live like you preach, stood out to me. Was that the message I sent out to people? Was I following what I believed?

I had just placed Peyton in my bed when the doorbell rang. I knew immediately who it was. I quietly walked down the hall, turning the lights on as I went. His image was distorted by the glass in the door, but there was no mistaking Grant. I opened the door to find him in jeans and a T-shirt, his sexy black glasses still riding on his nose. I couldn’t help the smile I was wearing as a result. I stepped aside and motioned for him to come in. I closed my eyes as I took in the wave of his cologne his movement had caused.

“How is she?” I closed the door and took a second to get my mind in order. I knew I was walking a dangerous line when it came to my enigmatic feelings for Grant.

“She’s asleep. Your mother and Peggy played tea party with her most of the afternoon.” I turned from the door to find him directly behind me, his eyes blazed into mine. I felt my body react to not only his amazing smell, but to the way his eyes penetrated my soul.

“I’m sure they all enjoyed themselves.” He knew exactly what he was doing. He could read my face like a book. This both pissed me off and turned me on. I would never admit to either, not out loud anyway.