City Surgeon, Small Town Miracle

CHAPTER TWELVE

TWO weeks later, Luke shrugged into his grey suit jacket and straightened his red tie.

Red for confidence, red for determination.

Red for passion and daring.

Excitement spiralled through his lower abdomen. He hadn’t been this wound up about a date since he’d been a teenager.

An evening with Terri. Alone. Just the two of them…He chuckled softly. And a restaurant full of people, of course.

He picked up his car keys and wallet from the end of the bed then walked along the hall to his daughter’s bedroom.

‘Allie, let’s go.’ He tapped at her door. There was no reply. ‘Allie?’

The door was slightly ajar so he pushed it open to see his daughter sitting on the edge of her bed, looking glum.

He frowned. ‘Honey, what’s wrong?’

‘Nothing.’ She studied the tips of her new sandals, refusing to meet his eyes.

She’d been fine half an hour ago when he’d gone to have his shower and get dressed for tonight. What had happened between then and now?

‘Are you sick?’

A shake of her head.

He crossed to sit beside her, his hand automatically moving to her forehead. Her skin was cool to his touch and she wasn’t having any obvious trouble with her breathing.

Silent alarm bells went off. Was it a return to the troubled days where Allie had been sullen and uncommunicative? His earlier excitement fizzled out abruptly. He wasn’t going to leave it this time. He wasn’t going to let her shut him out.

Maybe Allie didn’t like the idea of him dating Terri after all. They’d discussed it but perhaps she’d changed her mind now that it was about to happen.

‘Come on, Allie. What’s going on?’

Her bottom lip wobbled.

‘I’m staying right here until you tell me.’

‘You can’t.’

He took a slow deep breath in and let it out as he strove for patience. He couldn’t believe it. Over the last couple of weeks he and Allie and Terri had spent a lot of time together. It’d been fantastic. But now it looked as though Allie’s morose mood was to do with Terri.

‘I can. You and I are getting to the bottom of this even if it means I have to cancel tonight. Terri will understand.’

‘Oh, no!’ Allie’s gaze flew to his, wide with dismay. ‘You can’t do that.’

Her vehemence made him raise his eyebrows. ‘So talk to me.’

She looked back at her shoes. He clenched his jaw and set himself to wait for as long as it took. After a moment, she mumbled, ‘I don’t see why I can’t come, too. I’ll be good and I can help.’

‘Help?’ He heard the strangled note in his voice.

The relief was so overwhelming, he had to work to suppress a great shout of laughter. Allie was happy for him to go out with Terri-she just objected to being left behind.

‘Yes.’ She looked at him, her face suddenly alight with enthusiasm. ‘You know. With ideas and stuff. We had heaps of fun at the movies, didn’t we? And Terri likes me.’

‘We did have fun and I appreciate that you want to suggest things to do,’ he said carefully. ‘But I’d like some time with Terri so we can talk about things that would be boring for you.’

‘You mean like work things and that.’

‘Like that.’ He nodded.

‘Will Terri want to do that, too?’ Allie looked doubtful

‘Yes,’ he said firmly. ‘She will.’

‘Oh. All right, then, I guess.’ She plucked the hem of her shorts. ‘Will you kiss her?’

Definitely.

Absolutely.

One hundred percent guaranteed.

But was Allie ready to hear that yet? She was used to seeing him and Terri holding hands but was more going to be difficult for her to handle yet?

A split second later, she said, ‘I think you should. Otherwise she won’t know that you like her.’

He swallowed. ‘Okay, then I’ll make sure that I do. Are you ready to go over to Nana and Granddad’s?’

‘Yep.’ A small resigned sigh escaped as she stood and picked up her backpack.

‘Got your pyjamas? Toothbrush?’ He reeled off the items as they walked through to his parents’ wing.

‘Yes, Dad.’

‘Inhalers? Drawing book?’

‘Yes, Dad,’ she said with a roll of her eyes.

‘Pencils, Rubbers? A kiss goodnight for your father?’

She giggled. ‘Probably.’

After he’d dropped Allie off with his mother, Luke jogged down the steps to his car.

It was his birthday.

He knew what he’d like from Terri as a present. Perhaps she’d let him put his order in.

He grinned. Or perhaps not.

Whatever happened, he was looking forward to having a great time. Slow and sensible might be agonising for him on one level but it was worth it. Terri was letting down her defences, relaxing with him. That was worth every bit of physical suffering.

Terri’s heart lurched when she heard the knock at her door.

Luke.

Fortifying herself with a deep breath, she smoothed her hands down the heavy silk of her cheongsam and walked through the hall.

She’d shared wonderful family outings with Luke and Allie recently but this was different. This was their first real date.

The man waiting for her at the front door was starting to mean more to her than was sensible.

She turned the handle and opened the door, her pulse tripping crazily. He looked formal and so handsome dressed in a charcoal-grey suit.

‘Hi.’ Her grin felt wobbly.

‘Hi, yourself.’ His voice was husky. The broad smile on his face faltered as he ran his gaze down her length and slowly back up. ‘You look fabulous.’

His eyes were dark and intense when they focussed on hers again, his mouth moving in a small enigmatic smile that had her catching her breath.

‘Thank you,’ she managed. ‘You, too.’

He stared at her a moment longer. ‘Ready to go?’

‘Yes. I just need to get my purse from the kitchen.’ She should have brought it with her to the door, she thought as he followed her down the hall.

She grabbed it off the table and turned to find him right in front her. Her eyes were level with his mouth.

He leaned forward, still not touching her. Her fingers tightened on her purse. The tiny beads pressing into her skin as her breath caught in her chest.

All she had to do was step back.

She didn’t move.

His head tilted, moved closer, lips hovering over hers.

Closing her eyes, she waited. Sensations bombarded her, the musky scent of his aftershave, his breath feathering across her cheek.

And finally the delicious touch of his mouth on hers. Light and sweet and lingering with a hint of leashed passion. Her system quaked as she recognised a deep feminine desire to surrender.

He pulled back and she opened her eyes slowly.

‘Mmm…nice.’ His blue eyes were slumberous and inviting. ‘I have it on good authority that’s how I can let you know I like you.’

Laughter gurgled up her throat, catching her unawares, relieving the heavy sensual tension. ‘Allie’s been giving you dating advice again?’

‘She has.’ He grinned. ‘Miss ten-going-on-twenty.’

His hooded gaze slid down to her lips. ‘Though I think she’s onto something with this idea. I should tell you…I like yo.’ He waited a beat before adding, ‘A lot.’

She laughed again as he waggled his eyebrows at her. ‘I’ll consider myself duly warned.’

‘I was afraid you’d say that.’ He smiled wryly and held out his elbow. ‘Shall we go? Your chariot awaits, my lady.’

She braced her jelly-filled knees and took his arm, feeling the strength there, allowing herself to be swept along by his old-fashioned chivalry.

Terri followed the waiter through to their secluded table by the large window. Luke’s hand was spread over her spine, just below the small of her back. The contact felt intimate, made her acutely aware of her body, her movements. The sway of her hips, the tiny brush of her stocking-clad thighs against each other, the way her buttocks moved with each step she took in her high heels. Did he realise how astonishingly seductive it felt? She wanted to wiggle, just a little, to see if he would slide his hand even lower.

Heat raced across her skin, radiating out from his hand and spreading deep into her abdomen. She took a quick gulp of air and huffed it out. She didn’t have to worry about Luke behaving tonight-she was doing a fine job of seducing herself.

Regret and relief vied for the upper hand when the wicked, tempting hand was removed so Luke could pull out her chair.

‘Thank you,’ she murmured. She looked around as Luke took his seat. The restaurant was in an old converted warehouse adjacent to the wharf. The seafaring theme was tastefully done with gleaming brass fixtures and dark wood panels. Strategically placed fishing nets had been draped across the upper walls with glass floats dotted here and there.

Candles in thick glass bowls graced each table and cast a romantic light.

‘I’d heard this place had been done up,’ she said, meeting Luke’s gaze across the table. ‘I’ve been meaning to come here for a meal.’

‘I brought Sue-Ellen-’ He stopped, his mouth twisting in a grimace. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean…It’s not a good way to impress my date for the evening, is it?’

‘Don’t apologise. Why wouldn’t you mention her? She was a big part of your life. Yours and Allie’s. It’s good for Allie that you talk about her mother.’

‘Thank you.’ His voice was gravelly. ‘You’re a very special woman, Terri.’

She grinned, making light of the comment. ‘I’m glad you think so.’

The waiter returned with the menus and wine list.

‘Any preferences for wine?’ Luke asked.

‘White as we’re having seafood but other than that I’m leaving it entirely up to you.’ She looked over the delicious selection of dishes on her menu.

The waiter took their orders and returned a few minutes later with the bottle of wine. He filled their glasses and snuggled the bottle into the ice bucket. When the man had gone, Luke lifted his glass.

‘To us. To slow and sensible.’

To slow and not so sensible. Terri bit her tongue to prevent the amended toast from escaping. She quickly tapped her glass to Luke’s and concentrated on the wine. The cool rich liquid left a delicious lingering taste of oak. ‘Mmm, lovely. Good choice.’

She met his eyes across the table. ‘Allie’s spending tonight with Vivienne and Will?’

All night?

No, no, no. She wasn’t going to ask that. She didn’t need to know.

‘Reluctantly, yes.’ Luke gave her a wry smile. ‘She wanted to come with us to make sure we had fun. She’s worried about whether I’ll be able manage on my own.’

‘Ah, more dating advice?’

‘Yes. We…’ He cleared his throat and she wondered what he’d been going to say. After a moment, he continued, ‘I must remember to remind her about this in a few years when she starts dating.’

Terri chuckled. ‘She’ll be mortified.’

‘I’m counting on it.’ His quick laugh made her pulse skip.

He put down his glass and reached across the table to cover her hand with his. His voice was soft and husky as he asked, ‘So, how am I doing? Are you having fun?’

‘Oh, definitely.’ With an effort she managed to keep her tone light. ‘I promise to send you home with a glowing report card, lots of gold stars.’

His eyes sparkled with a dark, sensual invitation. ‘In that case, I promise to do my best to earn every single one.’

Her heart did a slow, painful somersault into her throat, completely blocking her ability to reply.

When his hand slid away from hers a moment later in a smooth caress, she nearly protested. It wasn’t until his gaze released hers that she realised the waiter was standing beside them, holding their meals.

She let out a slow breath and looked at her wineglass. Only one tiny sip and good sense had deserted her. She felt sinfully frivolous, intoxicated. Luke. She was tipsy with the heady influence of his company.

‘Thank you,’ she murmured to the waiter as she smoothed the napkin on her knee. She’d ordered pan-fried fillets and they looked delicious with their crispy, golden-brown coating and side order of thick roasted-potato wedges. A bowl of tossed salad sat in the middle of the table for them to share.

‘Everything all right?’

She looked up to see Luke watching her. Her world seemed to tilt even further off its axis.

‘Yes, perfect.’ She forced her mouth into what she hoped was a reassuring smile and picked up her knife and fork. ‘This looks wonderful.’

Now all she had to do was eat it. Laughing and flirting with Luke had wiped out her appetite for food completely.

‘Did I tell you Dad’s talking about retiring?’ he said.

Thank goodness. A safe topic. Something to take her fertile mind off her overwhelming sensual awareness of the man opposite her.

‘Is he?’ She cut off a small forkful of fish, relieved when it melted in her mouth and slid easily down her throat.

‘Mmm.’

‘I know your mum would like him to take things a bit easier but I got the impression that he was adamant that it wasn’t going to happen any time soon.’ A second mouthful. She was getting the hang of this.

‘He’s mentioned it twice now with no prompting so I think he’s seriously considering it.’

‘Viv would be pleased, even if he only scaled back his hours.’

‘Yes, she would.’ Luke rested his knife and fork on the edge of his plate and reached for his wineglass.

There was a small silence during which Terri managed another couple of mouthfuls.

‘Dad asked if I’d be interested in staying on in the director’s position.’

The potato seemed to congeal into an unswallowable lump in her throat.

Luke.

Staying here.

Not going home to England. She couldn’t make up her mind if it was excitement or dread fizzing along her nerve endings.

She grabbed her glass and took a mouthful, using it to push the potato down her throat. ‘Did he?’ She put her glass back on the table. ‘What do you think you’ll do?’

He shrugged slightly. ‘I’m not sure. There’s no hurry to decide right now, but it’s something to think about.’ His gaze captured hers. ‘It’s been good to come home.’

Her chest tightened. She looked down at her plate, went through the motions of taking another forkful of food. ‘How do you think Allie would feel about it?’

‘I’d have to talk to her, of course.’ He swirled the liquid left in his glass. ‘But again, it’s not something I need to do immediately. She’s made great progress since you got us talking. I don’t want to throw anything disruptive into the mix yet.’

‘Yes. Although I think she’s quite resilient now that burden of guilt has gone. She’s really blossoming.’

‘She is, isn’t she? Maybe I’ll sound her out to see if her ideas about Port Cavill are more open now.’ His smile was filled with affection. ‘What about you?’

‘Me?’ Her eyes flew to his. ‘You have to make the best decision for you and Allie.’

‘That’s true.’ His eyes narrowed and she had the feeling his attention was suddenly scalpel sharp. ‘But what I was really asking was, what is your vision for your future?’

‘Oh.’ She pushed half a wedge of potato aside then carefully laid her knife and fork together in the space she’d created. Her fingers returned to adjust the position of the utensils before she moved the plate. ‘When I came here, I-I didn’t have a vision beyond putting myself back together after…’

‘After Peter’s death?’

‘Yes.’ She touched the base of her glass, twisting it slightly with her fingertips. ‘After Peter’s death.’

‘What about now?’

‘Now?’

‘Now that things have changed.’ With his elbows on the table, he steepled his fingers and looked at her intently. ‘Now that you’re in a relationship. How do Allie and I factor in your life?’

‘Oh. I’m-I’m not sure I want to look too far ahead.’ If she did, she’d have to face the fact that she hadn’t been scrupulously open with him. She’d have to face the things she’d baulked at telling him.

His expression fell for the tiniest instant before he covered his reaction. She’d disappointed him, hurt him. Shame cramped deep in her chest. She looked through the window at the lights reflected on the glass-smooth water of the sheltered port. In a way, Luke had offered her a safe place in the haven of his family and all she could do was selfishly protect herself. He deserved better. She wanted to give him something…

‘Luke…you and Allie are the most beautiful things that have happened in my life for the longest time.’ Her voice choked with emotion. ‘You’re both very dear to me. More than I can say.’

‘Thank you,’ he said softly, his fingers curling around hers. His smile was so sweet that the tears gathering at the back of her eyes pressed for release. ‘I’m glad. You’re very dear to me, to us.’

There was a small silence. Part of her wanted to hide from the power of her feelings. The other part revelled that she could feel so intensely.

‘Excuse me, sir, would you like to order dessert now?’

‘No, thank you,’ Luke said, still not taking his eyes off her. ‘I think what we’d like to do now is have a dance.’

‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘That would be lovely.’

As the waiter cleared their plates away, Luke took her hand and threaded his way through the tables to the dance floor.

Dreamy notes from the string quartet had lured many other dancers to the floor already. He stopped at the edge of the floor and took Terri’s other hand, guiding her into his arms. She came to him smoothly, fitted perfectly, as he’d known she would. Her lithe body swayed to the rhythm in easy, seductive movements.

He held her right hand, cradling it close to his chest. With his right hand splayed across her back, he felt the deep inhalation expanding her rib cage, then her exhalation whispered on the skin above his collar. A groan lodged in his throat. It was heaven and hell to hold her like this. He smiled slightly. He was going to enjoy every torturous, delicious moment of it.

He tucked her closer. ‘This is nice.’

‘Yes, it is.’

He could feel her fingers stroke along his collar. God, did she know what she was doing to him? He held his needs on a tight leash. They were making progress. Sure, it was slow but they were working towards something special, something lasting. A grab for quick gratification would ruin that.

He felt another inhalation, a tiny shiver through her slender frame.

‘Luke?’

‘Mmm?’

Her footsteps slowed to a halt and she leaned back in his arms. Wide and dark eyes looked into his.

‘I-I want to stop being sensible.’

A hot streak of electricity jolted through him and his hand tightened on hers. He couldn’t have spoken to save himself.

‘Take me home, Luke. Please.’

‘Hold that thought.’ He steered her back to their table where the waiter met them with the dessert menu. ‘I’m sorry but we’re going to have to go. Would you mind organising the bill for me, please? I’ll pay at the front register.’

‘Of course, sir.’

Luke helped Terri with her lightweight shawl, his hands lingering on her shoulders before he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. He was almost afraid to stop touching her in case the loss of contact gave her time to reconsider.

Foolish. If she changed her mind, he would find a way for that to be okay.

He brought her hand up to his mouth, kissed the delicate knuckles then let her go so he could sign the bill.

In the car, he drove feeling the weight of her silence. Was she even now thinking she’d made a mistake? He’d hurried her out of the restaurant with indecent haste.

He glanced across at her when he stopped to give-way to traffic at a roundabout. She was watching him, a small smile playing around her lips. She looked unexpectedly serene while he felt like a bundle of nervous energy.

At the beach cottage, she unlocked the door. He followed her inside, waited while she gracefully slid her shawl from her shoulders and draped it over a hook on the hall-stand.

She turned to face him then stepped close, her hands reaching for his tie.

He laid his hands over hers, stilling the fingers loosening the knot.

‘Are you sure?’ His voice was husky. How strange, he’d been so worried she’d change her mind but now it was him giving her the opportunity to reconsider.

She sighed, her hands flattening on his ribs. ‘Yes. And no.’

‘No?’ He made an effort to disguise the need that was thick in his voice. Was it possible to die of self-control? ‘I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to, darling.’

‘I want to make love with you, Luke, but I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you. I couldn’t bear it.’

‘You won’t. You couldn’t.’ He gathered her into his arms, feeling his own nerves subside as he searched for the words to reassure her. ‘This is us, Terri. Not a competition, not a race. We’ll take it slow, we might have some hiccups, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll get there in the end, darling. Together.’

‘Together. I-I’d like that.’ Her lips pressed softly to his jaw, sending a thrill dancing through his body. ‘Thank you.’

He turned his head, captured her mouth, felt the last tiny moment of hesitation evaporate as her lips opened for him and she kissed him back. She reached up to wind her arms around his neck, her body pressed to his, her breasts flattened on his chest, her belly aligned with his. They stood hip to hip and his heart nearly burst with huge, solid beats.

She pulled away and reached for his hand. ‘Come with me.’

He followed willingly and found himself standing in her bedroom. Moonlight shone through net curtains, spilling across the double bed.

‘I heard it’s your birthday.’

‘Yes,’ he murmured.

‘I-I wondered if you like the wrapping on your present.’ She took his hand and laid it on the line of toggles along her collarbone.

‘I love it.’ He swallowed. ‘Am I allowed to unwrap it now?’

‘Yes, please.’

His eyes on hers, he released the first fastener. Moved to the second.

Terri ran her hands up the smooth thin fabric of his shirt, feeling the heat of his body on her palms. She released the buttons, impatient now to feel his skin on hers.

This man made her feel so special, so cherished. At this moment she wanted him more than she’d have ever believed possible. She wanted it all. Something to remember, something to hold dear in the future. He treated her with such care and affection that she wanted to weep.

They seemed to fit as though made for each other. No fumbling, no clumsiness. She revelled in his touch, her skin coming alive beneath his clever hands. It was special, satisfying, overwhelming. Enriching. She felt exotic and wicked and daring and courageous. He gave her all of that and more.

Much later, Luke propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at her.

‘My head’s spinning,’ he said, as he leaned forward to kiss her lips.

She looped her arms around his back and smiled, not caring if her heart was in her eyes. ‘Mine, too.’

He spread her hair over the pillow, slowly, as though he was enjoying running his fingers through the strands. ‘I’ve been having fantasies about doing this.’

‘Really?’

‘Oh, yeah.’ He smiled broadly. ‘Remember that day at the nursery? Allie had to yell to get my attention.’

She laughed softly. ‘She did have to call you a couple of times. You looked so guilty when you finally answered.’

His smile slowly faded. ‘You know it’s too soon for me to spend all night here with you.’

‘I know.’

‘I’d like to.’

‘You’ve got a daughter who needs to be your first priority and that’s the way it should be.’

‘As long as you know I want to stay. Maybe, soon-’

‘Hush, let’s not try to make any time lines, Luke.’ She put her fingers to his lips to stop the words. It was too soon and she wanted to revel in this moment. Bask in what they’d created here, together in the cocoon of her room, her bed. She didn’t want to think about the outside world, the things she still needed to tell him. ‘Let’s enjoy what we have. Right now.’

He growled deep in his throat and gathered her close. ‘I don’t have to leave quite yet.’

‘Mmm. Good.’ She ran her hands up his back, loving the feel of his hard muscles tensing as he moved over her.

Later, she rolled on her side as he slipped out of bed. With her hand splayed over the sheet still warm from his body, she watched him dress.

‘I’m not going because I want to,’ he repeated as he shrugged into his shirt. ‘Promise me you’re not going to read anything into me leaving you like this, darling.’

‘I promise,’ she said obediently.

He fastened his trousers. ‘Why do I get the feeling you’re just saying that?’

She laughed at him. ‘Now who’s reading too much into things?’

‘As long as I’m the only one,’ he said with a sigh. ‘I’ll give you a ring tomorrow. We’ll do something, a barbecue.’

‘Okay.’

‘Okay.’ He stood juggling his keys in one hand, obviously still reluctant to go. ‘Well…goodnight.’

‘Goodnight, Luke.’

At the door, he turned. ‘Promise me-’

‘I do. Now, go home, darling.’ She laughed.

‘You called me darling.’ He came back to the bed and leaned over to press another lingering kiss to her mouth. ‘God, I wish I didn’t have to go.’

‘But you do. Now shoo.’

He sighed. ‘Okay. I’ll lock the door after me.’

After he’d gone, she flopped back on the pillow and stretched luxuriously. Luke was amazing, he made her feel like the most beautiful woman alive.

She laughed out loud at the happiness that fizzed along her veins.

Love. She was in love. How could she not love the man who made her feel so whole and normal?

A tiny doubt tried to creep in but she refused to let it, refused to listen to the malevolent voice that wanted to remind her about the things she hadn’t told him about herself.

She’d faced so much in the last few years…surely she wasn’t so bad for wanting to clasp this moment for herself, to hold tight to the present, not worry about the past and the future. Just for now.