His Perfect Woman (Harlequin Superromance) (14 page)

“It boils down to this—your timing sucks. Her dad is giving her a hard time about moving on because he's decided to marry again, and Melissa's started a new job with a boss who's…well,
you
. She's stressed and trying to adjust.”

“If the job is too much for her—”

“Bryan, it's not the job! It's life. It's the busybodies here who can't keep their mouths shut and talk in front of her like she's invisible. It's seeing gorgeous models on every magazine in the grocery aisles and being bombarded with cleavage when she turns on the TV or walks down the hallway at work.”

Ashley stated that last bit with a glare, leaving no doubt in his mind that Melissa had told her about the incident with Amanda Warner. He squeezed his neck harder and hoped they didn't see the uncomfortable heat surging up his neck.

“It's being torn between liking you, but believing she can't compete with the women you've boi—uh,
dated
. That should her interest in a man become more, they'll leave the moment they get a look at her naked.”

“A decent guy wouldn't—”

“Exactly. But, Bryan, the job at your practice is so important to her
because
of that. Melissa doesn't think she'll ever have anything else. She believes she isn't attractive enough for a man to want her, scars and all, and that's why she's afraid. But if you can get her to think—to
believe
—in a future, maybe her other fears will be conquered, too.”

His thoughts raced, too confusing and contradictory to fathom.

“I've already told you things I shouldn't have, so I'm going to tell you something else. You screw this up and you not only screw up your office, you mess with Melissa's self-esteem forever.”

“Which means,” Joe added, his tone low and barbed, “don't mess with Melissa
at all
unless you can handle the consequences.”

Bryan's gut formed into a knot of unease. Through the years he'd seen plenty of examples of patients who'd made the same decision as Melissa, but they
weren't
Melissa. Did it matter that she didn't have breasts?

Remembering her impassioned speech that day in the office about how every man was obsessed with breasts made sense. He wanted to go to her house right now and tell her what other attributes he found attractive. The things he liked about her.

“Put yourself in her shoes,” Ashley continued softly. “I'm quite sure she feels torn between having a good working relationship with you, and how it made her feel when you kissed her. Did she like it? Did you?”

“Yeah.” And he wanted to kiss her again. Wanted more. But Joe was right. Could he handle the consequences of hooking up with her? He wasn't sure. Being with Melissa…

The thought of making love to her had him shaking with anticipation. When the time came, arousal wouldn't be a problem. He wanted her—scars and all. Wanted the woman she'd become because of them. But what if something happened to her in the future? Maybe Melissa was right in that aspect; maybe things should be handled on a day-to-day basis. Futures left to happen as they happened, not to be planned. Casual. But did he want casual with Melissa? Would she want a casual relationship with him?

“Then make her feel beautiful, Bryan. Every woman out there wants to be beautiful. Melissa is no different.”

He wanted to. For her sake if nothing else. He wanted to prove to her what a beautiful, passionate woman she was. Show her.

And he could. If he kept things light, sex only, he could build her confidence and then—

“I've got to go.” He stalked for the door, his hand on the knob. “I'll think about everything you've said, but I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mention this.”

“We won't say a word about how you showed up here wanting to talk about her,” Ashley reassured him with a grin that didn't last. “But, Bryan…whatever you decide, take it slow. For both your sakes. You are both special to us and we don't want either of you hurt.”

Bryan nodded dazedly before crossing the threshold onto the porch. “Thanks for the talk. And for listening.”

Outside, he moved to the steps but paused long enough to look back. Through the window he watched Joe wrap one arm around the back of the chair where Ashley sat, then proceed to tilt the chair backward and kiss her.

Bryan chuckled when the kiss ended with Joe's smiling triumph at Ashley's dazed expression. He'd seen the same
look on Melissa's face. Once. But did he have the courage to kiss her senseless and be the first to make love to her since her illness?

Only one way to find out.

 

H
AL SLID HIS KEY
into the lock of Ellen's house, more tired than he had been in years. The investigation into the break-ins and beatings of elderly citizens was going nowhere, and between Ellen's upset and Melissa's silent treatment, he wanted nothing more than to crawl into a cave for some solitude.

Inside the house, he'd just set his hat on the table when he heard a low moan. He listened intently, heard another moan and then the sound of gagging. What the—

He ran through the house and took the stairs two at a time. Through the bedroom, into the bathroom. “Ellen? Sweetheart, what's wrong?” He dropped to his knees on the linoleum beside her. She barely moved, and didn't acknowledge his presence at all. He checked her pulse and found it faint, but rapid. Her skin was clammy and lax. She'd been sick for a while.

Hal slipped his arms around her and picked her up. Ellen groaned when he turned to carry her into the bedroom and, despite his urge to rush, he made sure not to jostle her too much.

“Hal? G-go away. Oh, please. I don't want you to see me…like this.”

“In sickness and health, Ellie.” He laid her on the bed and grabbed a tissue from the nightstand to wipe her face. “How long have you been like this?”

“Since this afternoon.”

Anger overtook his fear. “Why didn't you call me? You've been lying on the bathroom floor all this time?”

A low groan was his answer. Lights flashed from nearby, drawing his attention, and he left the bed long enough to spot Booker's car pulling in next door.

Out carousing and just getting in for the night, no doubt. He opened the window, hoping the fresh air would get rid of the smell of vomit and make Ellen feel better.

“Booker! Get up here! Ellen's sick!”

T
HE DOC LIFTED
a hand to acknowledge his words. “Be right there!”

Hal left the window open and pulled the throw off a nearby chair so her sweat-dampened body wouldn't chill. He brushed her hair back from her forehead, praying hard. Was it the baby? A virus? Food poisoning?

He left her long enough to wet a washcloth to bathe her forehead and face, pleased to see a little color return to her pale cheeks.

“What's going on?” Booker asked, coming into the bedroom with a black bag in his hand.

Hal stood, reluctant to let go of her again. “I found her on the bathroom floor a few minutes ago. She's been there all evening.”

“Ellen, did you throw up a lot today?”

She gave him a weak nod.

“You look dehydrated. Let me listen to your heart and get some readings, and see what's going on. Did you eat anything today?”

“Some. I had lunch with Hal, but felt nauseous all day.”

“What about yesterday? The last few days? Eat anything different or unusual?” Another no. “Anything going on that I need to know about? Medications? Problems you've been having?”

“She's pregnant.”

With two words he'd rendered the doc speechless. Booker sat there, his eyebrows high on his forehead, shock evident on his face.

“Uh…congratulations. She's had this confirmed?”

Hal nodded. “Is it the baby?”

Booker's frown returned. “I don't know yet. Ellen, are you cramping? Bleeding?” He grabbed a pressure cuff and slipped it around her arm. “Have any unusual pain?”

“No. J-just sick. My stomach won't settle at all. I've had spells…off and on the last couple weeks.”

“That's it? You're sure you're not spotting?”

“I—I checked,” she whispered, her cheeks red against her pale face. “I don't hurt there or…anything.”

“I'll call the squad.”

“No, Hal… Bryan, please, I'm just sick—
nauseous.
That's all.” Her face turned red as a beet. “Please, I don't want people to find out just yet.”

The doc hesitated. “You very well could have a bad case of morning sickness that isn't limiting itself to the morning, but you need to be checked out by your OB.”

“Tomorrow. Please, I'll go tomorrow. First thing.”

Booker hesitated. “Tell you what, how about you let me look you over a bit more and then we'll decide if you need to go to the hospital?” Without waiting for an answer, Booker put a stethoscope into his ears and listened while he took her blood pressure. “It's a little low, but normal for the day she's had.”

The doc glanced at him and stilled before looking away. “Chief, why don't you go grab a bottle of cold water for her? And some crackers or toast?” He jerked his head toward the door. “I'll finish checking her out while you get her something to replace the fluids she's lost.”

Without a word, Hal stumbled from the room, his footsteps dragging like an old man's. He reached out to put his hand on the stair railing but realized he couldn't see it. Lifting the hand to his face, he rubbed, only then discovering he was crying.

An hour later, Hal watched while the doc teased a blush into Ellen's cheeks and checked her blood pressure one last time. After he'd returned with two bottles of water and a box of Saltines, Booker had gone next door and retrieved some Gatorade. While he was gone, Hal had helped Ellen clean up and change into a fresh nightgown, fussing over her and loving every minute of it.

Already she looked better and, although pale and embarrassed at Booker finding out she was a pregnant bride, she smiled and laughed at the doc's comments. And for once, he wasn't jealous. Booker treated Ellen with respect, like a sister, same as he'd done with little Anna Pritchard.

Booker got up with one last teasing remark and ordered Ellen to rest and drink as much fluid as possible. Then he grabbed his medical bag from the bedstand and headed toward him. Hal stepped back into the hall and followed the doc down the stairs to the kitchen to see him out. “Thanks for coming.”

“Anytime. And congrats again on the baby.”

He accepted that with a nod. “Thanks. Ellen's been worried about things lately. Stressed over what people will say once they find out and a few other things.”

“There's a lot of that going around. Stress, that is.”

“Meaning Mel?” He narrowed his gaze. “She's worked for you a couple weeks now. Has she talked to you about the wedding?”

“Some.”

“You going to tell me what she said?”

“No,” the doc countered steadily. “I talked to Melissa as a doctor and as a friend, both of which entitle her to her privacy.”

“Guess I should be glad she's talking to someone.” He nodded reluctantly. “You did good in there with Ellen. Thanks.”

“Anytime.” The doc turned to go but paused, his hand on the doorknob. “Chief? Ellen and Melissa aren't the only ones stressed. Finding out you're going to be a father again must've come as a shock.”

“Watch it, Doc.”

“Just giving some professional advice. You take care of yourself so you'll be around to see that baby grow up.”

“I'll do that.” He figured this was as good a time as any to broach what was on his mind. “But my stress level would lower quite a bit if I knew you weren't going to mess around with my little girl. I was angry that day at the B and B and desperate for help to get her to see what she's doing to herself, but I don't want you getting the wrong idea.”

“I understand. I respect your daughter, Chief.”

He might respect her, but Booker wasn't standing there denying he wanted her or agreeing to leave her alone, either. Hal looked closely at the doc's face, wondering how many heart-stopping surprises he could take in one night. “She's not your kind of woman.”

Booker smiled. “What kind do you think I like?”

“Loose. Easy. The kind you can sleep with and never think about again because you know they've moved on to someone else, too. Mel's not like that.”

An indecipherable expression crossed Booker's face before he smoothed his features. “I know that, Chief.”

“She had cancer.”

“I think everybody knows that.”

Hal took a step and stared into the doc's eyes, searching, but not finding what he'd expected. “She's too good for you.”

Booker rubbed his chin as though in deep contemplation. “For once, Chief, we agree,” he murmured. “The worst person in the world she could fall for would be a guy like me, but the last thing I'd ever do is hurt her.”

“Then don't. Leave her alone.” When Booker didn't respond, he grabbed the doc's shirt and hauled him closer still. The man didn't protest, didn't squirm. Didn't even blink. He simply looked resigned to his fate as if he knew he deserved whatever lay in wait for him in the days ahead. Hal shook his head and started laughing.

“You sure you're okay, Chief? You've had a stressful night.”

“And it just got worse,” he muttered, still chuckling, shaking his head and wondering how on earth he could laugh at a time like this. “Heaven help me, you're in love with her.”

Booker shook his head in denial. “We're just friends.”

Hal let him go. “Then I guess that means I can give Nathan my blessing to try again?”

“No.”

“Why not? He's been sniffing around lately, and they were a couple once.”

“Until he didn't have the balls to stick around when it mattered most,” Booker growled. “You really want that for her? For Nathan to bail out should she need him?”

“I suppose you think you'd see the worst through?”

“Damn right I would, I'd—” The doc broke off, looking confused and disgruntled.

Hal laughed. “Life's funny, don't you think?” Bang 'em
Booker looked at him as if he was crazy, and maybe he was. He'd experienced enough to drive five men crazy, but for the first time in a long time he saw hope—for Mel—in the last person he'd expected to find it. Yeah, life was funny. God was playing a big joke on him right now, too, reminding him who was boss.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, here I am getting ready to start a new family at my age, but there you are—Taylorsville's Most Eligible Bachelor—trying to deny you've finally been caught. And by a woman who has more than enough reasons to send you packing when
you
try something with her. My daughter ain't gonna make it easy for you, Doc. She'll shoot you down, but don't let that stop you,” he ordered. “She's scared out of her mind at the thought of having a man in her life. Just like you are at the thought of being that man. But regardless of my thoughts on the matter, my gut says you're as smart as your medical degree proclaims, and you've been around enough to see the woman Mel is inside and not just the illness or the damage it caused.”

“I'd like to think so. But that doesn't change how she feels.”

“Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't want her. That if Nathan tries again, you wouldn't be willing to fight for her.”

Booker opened his mouth but no words came out, and when the truth hit, the doc looked like a man sucker punched. Oh yeah, the boy had it bad.

Amazing. The last thing he'd thought he'd ever feel was sorry for the doc, but he acknowledged the emotion just the same. Booker was scared and it showed. Hal had felt the same way when Melissa's mother had gotten the news, and that's why he could sympathize. The doc had a lot to think about, a lot to handle, but love was love and he was in deep.

“Let me tell you something I've learned over the years. Good or bad, we don't get to choose who we love. It just happens. Mel's mom was the love of the first half of my life, and Ellen is the love I want to end my life with. But regardless of what I want, what will be will be. I know it because I've lived it. And while apparently I'm not the only one who has to get used to the idea of you and Mel together, it looks to me like nature has already taken care of things where you're concerned. If you treat Mel badly, I'll turn in my badge and hunt you down,” he said, meaning every word. “But if you treat her with the same respect you've shown Ellen and Anna, if you get my daughter to live again,” he said, his voice emerging gruff, “I'll owe you until the day I die.”

 

B
RYAN STARED
into the chief's eyes a long moment, then turned and left, walking the distance back to his house in a daze. Hal York, protective father extraordinaire, the chief of police who kept Taylorsville on a short leash, had given him the go-ahead. A smile crossed his face and he laughed softly. “Unbelievable.”

It
was
unbelievable—because the chief was right. Ashley was right. Even Joe was right, but he'd buy Joe box seats for the next five years before he'd admit it and have to watch Joe gloat.

He would, however, admit that he'd wasted precious time mulling over the past and worrying over what could happen to Melissa should her cancer return, instead of treasuring the time he could spend with her here and now.

Hal was right—what would be would be. Melissa was well. She was cancer-free. It was time
he
dealt with the fact that life would happen whether he was prepared for it or not. Instead of condemning their relationship by assuming it was
short-term or slotting it conveniently on his calendar because he planned to cut and run—
an act that would put him in a class with Nathan
—he needed to plan a future.

Rachel's words had a deeper meaning than the obvious. Well, he knew what he wanted. Whom he wanted. But convincing Melissa wouldn't be easy, and whatever the future brought—
please, God, keep her healthy
—he'd face it knowing the consequences.

He leaned against the door and exhaled in a rush, then grinned again as he fumbled to let himself into his house. He laughed as he jogged up the stairs to the second floor, whistled a lively tune when he yanked his shirt over his head and groaned when he imagined Melissa's long legs wrapped around his waist while he made love to her in his bed.
Oh yeah.

Why waste years chasing women he didn't care for when the one he loved was right in front of him?

All he had to do was convince her.

He'd told Joe he wanted a challenge. Now he definitely had one.

 

M
ELISSA COVERED
the mouthpiece of the phone and glared at Bryan.
What?
she mouthed, uncomfortable with the way he stared at her now that the patients had gone for the day.

He moved into the reception area where she sat and leaned close. Her eyes widened, taking in his every move, and she thought she saw a smile curl his lips before he dropped the file he held onto the desk in front of her and reached out to gently snag the pen from her fingers. Standing where he was, retreat was impossible. She was stuck. Stuck sitting there with her nose practically in his chest, stuck inhaling and breathing in Bryan's all-male scent and wanting to taste his skin.

She fought the tantalizing images in her head and closed her eyes briefly. The memory of last night's dream returned in sensual detail. She'd learned that if she dreamed of Bryan stripped while she wore a T-shirt, things could progress fairly far.

“Melissa?”

Bryan's breath hit her mouth, and the moist heat made her look away and wet her lips with her tongue. Was that a groan? Was he leaning closer?

“I'm outta here!” Janice Reynolds, Bryan's registered nurse, headed down the hall toward them with ever-increasing speed. “This first day back has been enough to convince me I should retire.”

Bryan slowly straightened, but instead of moving away, he turned and leaned against the desk, his long legs blocking the only escape Melissa had.

“You can't retire. You'd lose your Longaberger money and have to end the madness,” he teased, referring to the specially made baskets and products. Janice collected them like kids collected trading cards. A basket here, a liner there. Pottery, accessories, even the purse she carried was Longaberger.