Snowbound with
Dr Delectable

Susan Carlisle

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader

My family has enjoyed a snow-skiing holiday each year for over twenty years. It is a sport that we all love and something that we enjoy doing as a family. My youngest child began skiing when he was only four, and we are now taking our third generation of skiers to the slopes.

During our last trip to the mountains I began thinking about what a wonderful setting the ski resort would be for a romance. There is nothing more breathtaking than riding a ski-lift among treetops tipped in white, while big fat snowflakes drift down and silence surrounds you. This screamed romance to me.

Hence Baylie and Kyle’s story was born. They are two souls tortured by their fears. Everyone has fears—both rational and irrational—but Baylie and Kyle have let their fears define them and stop them from living life to the fullest. During their work together on the Courtesy Patrol, and through their love for each other, can they learn to live with their fears?

I’d like to thank Robin Visintin of the Courtesy Patrol at Snowshoe, West Virginia, for all her invaluable help. you and your group of volunteers make my family feel welcome every year.

I hope you enjoy reading Baylie and Kyle’s snowy Christmas romance on the slopes as much as I enjoyed writing it. I love to hear from my readers. You can find me at www.SusanCarlisle.com

Merry Christmas!

Susan

DEDICATION

To my daughter, Mary Beth.

Your mother loves you.

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

DR. KYLE CAMPBELL stepped reluctantly into what at best could be called controlled chaos. The banging of skis against the floor and the clanking as they hit each other when propped against the wall was painfully familiar.

He stood in the doorway of the courtesy ski patrol building at the Snow Mountain Resort in West Virginia the weekend before Christmas. The early-morning wind buffeted his back and a blast of cold whirled by him. Why had he agreed to be here? Well, he hadn’t exactly agreed. He’d been pushed into a corner and had reluctantly grunted what had been interpreted as assent. Metcalf had played on his knowledge of Kyle’s past, his big heart and the reputation of the clinic in order to coerce his agreement.

As Kyle surveyed the small room full of people of all ages, wearing black ski pants and red jackets with large white crosses on their backs, he looked for the leader among them. The din of voices was high enough that he’d have to speak louder than normal to be heard.

“Hey, close the door, will ya?” someone yelled.

“Keep the noise down. You know how Baylie reacts when we’re being so loud,” another said.

The level of chatter dropped to a passable level.

As Kyle stepped inside, the swinging door closed behind him. A grandfather type pulled on a knit hat with the local college logo on it and grinned as he pushed past Kyle on his way out into the snowy air.

“Can you tell me where to find the head of the courtesy patrol?” Kyle asked a woman who looked to be around thirty.

“Yeah, you’d be looking for Baylie. She’s over by the assignment board.” She pointed across the long, narrow room.

“Thanks.” Snow and wind hit him in the back as the woman opened the door again and went outside. He joined the group standing in a corner. As he approached, a feminine, almost angelic voice issued orders with drill-sergeant effectiveness.

“Roger, Mark and Sue take Snow Dream Way. We’re supposed to be busy today so watch the kids closely.”

Kyle liked her efficiency. When those three people moved away it allowed him a glimpse of the person to whom the voice belonged. Her straight dark brown hair brushed the tops of her shoulders as she looked back at the board. She appeared more like a kid than someone responsible for the welfare of skiers at a major resort. Maybe she was just filling in, like he was.

She called out another set of instructions and a few more people moved away, allowing him a better sight. Dressed in the same shapeless black ski bibs as many of the others, he could tell she had a trim figure. Her white turtleneck hugged her arms, covering her delicate wrists and neck. The next time she turned, her gingerbread-colored gaze met his. An inquisitive look filled them before recognition dawned.

“You must be Dr. Metcalf from the sports-med clinic in Pittsburgh. I’m Baylie Walker. We appreciate your help.”

“I’m from the clinic, but I’m afraid Dr. Metcalf couldn’t make it. I’m his replacement for the weekend, Kyle Campbell.”

Her smile fell and she made a tut-tutting noise with her mouth. “Ooh, that’s not good.”

Kyle raised a brow and waited. Nothing about being at the ski resort was good as far as he was concerned. Being on the snow had once been his first love, the thing he’d lived for—but now he directed all that energy into excelling as a doctor.

Just driving here had made him break out in a sweat. The closer he’d come to the slopes as he’d driven up the mountain the harder it had been. Maybe she’d tell him that he wasn’t needed. He would gladly drive the two hours back to Pittsburgh.

“There’s an interview process here. You can’t just show up and expect to run the slopes as part of the patrol without some instruction. I need to know you’re qualified.”

Her questioning of his experience irritated him. At one time he’d bet he could’ve outskied anyone on this mountain and most of the others. The slip of a ski, a fence and a bungling EMT had ended that.

“I didn’t ‘just show up’. I was told that you had been notified of the change. I understood that I would either be teaching ski school or patrolling the bunny slope. I can assure you that I’m more than qualified to do either of those,” he said in an authoritative voice.

She blinked then squared her shoulders. “You may be, but I’ll need to see for myself. We have rules for a reason.”

This issue could be his ticket out, but the fairy-sized woman had got his hackles up. Despite not having skied for years, he didn’t like the implication he might not be good enough. He’d made the choice to hang up his skis not because he couldn’t ski but because he wouldn’t.

“An orientation couldn’t possibly be necessary in order to ski on the bunny slope.” Kyle didn’t even make an effort to keep the cynicism out of his voice. This situation was beginning to grate on his already strained nerves.

It had all begun when the partners in the clinic, Kyle included, had decided they should be more involved in community service. Kyle had volunteered at a community clinic in downtown Pittsburgh, but he had never had any intention of signing up as a volunteer for the Snow Mountain courtesy patrol. He had only agreed to fill in for Metcalf because he wouldn’t have to ski anything more difficult than the beginner slope.

His world was good now. He was a successful doctor, he was dating, and he had a great place to live. He’d learned to deal with his loss. If it hadn’t been for Metcalf getting his weekends messed up and his wife having a trip to her parents’ planned for their Christmas celebration, Kyle would never have caved and agreed to take his place. Metcalf knew Kyle’s skiing history, and if he’d declined it would have been hard to explain why he didn’t want to work at the resort. Sharing his fear he wouldn’t do. Metcalf had told the resort he had a little experience so they had agreed to give him only the easiest of slopes. With that understanding, Kyle had felt like he could make it through two days.

“Are you familiar with the mountain?” she continued as she looked back at the board.

“No.”

“Great.” She didn’t look pleased. She turned to face him again. “I’ll get someone to outfit you with a uniform. When I’m done here I’ll show you the ropes.” A slight grin formed on her lips.

If he hadn’t been so uptight about clicking on his skis again for the first time in ten years he might have found some humor in her pun. Beginner slopes were notorious for having rope pulls to get skiers up the mountain. Few appreciated that a rope pull was only a step better than walking up. Both methods could turn a beginner skier into a non-skier.

“Tiffani,” Baylie called. A woman who looked like the quintessential snow bunny turned toward them. “Could you show…?”

“Kyle,” he supplied.

“Kyle where to get a patrol jacket?”

“Sure.” Tiffani gave him a smile that brought back memories. The snow groupies had used to give him the same “I’m interested” looks when he’d been on the skiing circuit. He had to admit that his ego had enjoyed them.

He returned the smile but without the same wattage of warmth, then gave his attention to Baylie again. Her lips had thinned. She’d noticed his and Tiffani’s interplay. He shrugged. It didn’t matter to him what she thought.

“Meet me here as soon as you’re done. You have your own boots and skis?”

“In my truck.” He’d dug them out of the closet. He didn’t know why he hadn’t gotten rid of them long ago. After this weekend they’d go to the second-time-around sports store. With a nod of understanding he turned and followed the willowy Tiffani into a back room.

Baylie regarded the new guy’s wide shoulders for a second longer than she should have as he walked away. Something about his attitude said he wasn’t happy about her giving him orders. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but maybe it was the way he stood back from the crowd that had drawn her attention. He’d have to get over that. She ran the show as far as the courtesy patrol was concerned.

The man’s looks and bearing said he was used to being the center of attention. If she hadn’t been short of volunteers she might have questioned him further, but a warm body that could stand up on skis would be better than nothing on the slopes. Today she’d have to deal with the situation and keep a close eye on him. She had the idea that he wasn’t going to be her most agreeable volunteer. She liked her helpers to follow directions and not question her decisions. This one was already crossing ski poles with her.

Kyle wasn’t gone long before he returned in a red coat that made his dark features more pronounced. He was wearing ski boots but the buckles remained unlatched, and he carried a pair of high-end skis that few could afford. Who was this guy?

Coming out from around the counter, Baylie lifted her jacket off a peg as she moved. Slipping an arm into one sleeve, she quickly looked behind her when the jacket lightened. Kyle was holding it up for her. She finished pulling it on, zipped it and mumbled, “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

A gentleman. His deep voice made her think of a warm fire after a cold, rainy day. Soothing. She shook her head to clear that unexpected thought. She didn’t need to be thinking about any man in that vein. That was one place she wasn’t going to go again. Losing Ben the way she had had been too hard. She had plenty of issues to handle without adding a surly volunteer to the mix. No matter how appealing he was. She wasn’t interested in being with anyone. Baylie started toward the outside door. The clomp of his boots on the cement floor matched hers as he followed.

On her way Baylie picked up a handheld radio off the dock station and gave it to him. “Here, you’ll need this.”

When his long fingers brushed hers, she let go, almost dropping the radio. But he grabbed it just in time. She drew in a breath of nervous relief. At the ski rack she lifted her skis from where they hung on the pegs. “So are you an intermediate or experienced skier?”

“I’m more than capable of skiing the bunny slope, if that’s what you want to know.”

Why the attitude? Was there some reason he wouldn’t give a straight answer about his abilities? Overly self-assured men weren’t her favorites. The guys in Iraq acted the same way every time they were sent on a mission. Especially Ben. It was as if he’d thought he was invincible. But he hadn’t been. “A direct answer to my question would be nice.”

“Then, yes, I’m experienced.”

“Good. the beginner slope is this way.” She put emphasis on “beginner”. “We do not call it the bunny slope.”

She didn’t miss the slight upturn of his mouth.

Baylie put her skis across her shoulder and started hiking up the low, snow-covered rise.

“By the way, why is it called ‘courtesy patrol’ instead of ‘ski patrol’?”

“Because we don’t want to be perceived as the policemen of the slopes. We are here to encourage courtesy and safety. Courtesy implies a kinder, gentler way of letting people enjoy the freedom of their vacation and holidays, with a reminder to be careful.”

“That makes sense. Nice idea. Unusual, but nice.”

Ahead of them at the top of the grade lay the ski school.

“So there isn’t a rope pull?” His voice held surprise.

Baylie smiled as she glanced at the short and slow ski lift off to their left. “No, we’re more advanced than that. We don’t believe in a ‘glove destroyer’, as we call it. Kids should learn to ride the lift. It’s just as important as learning to stand on skis.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he mumbled as his strong strides took him farther along the slope.

When they had walked far enough Baylie stopped and placed her skis on the snow. “We’ll ski down and ride up.”

“Don’t you mean ride up and ski down?”

“No. This is a reverse mountain. Here we stay on the top of the mountain and ski down. I know, at all the other resorts you stay at the bottom of the mountain and ride the lift up.” Shoving the toe of one boot into the binding, she pressed down on her heel until the click indicated her boot was secure. Hearing no movement from the man beside her, she looked in his direction.

His skis were butted into the snow, making them stand straight up beside him. A large hand, red from being exposed to the weather and white at the knuckles, held them upright. He’d made no move to put them on. He looked off over the landscape as if in a trance.

“Is there a problem?” Baylie followed his look, seeing nothing more than the beautiful countryside covered in white. She loved this place.

“No,” he said, almost too sharply. “I was just admiring the view.” He placed one ski on the ground carefully followed by the other then clamped his boot buckles closed.

With a quick slip and push she had her other ski snapped into place. Done, Baylie glanced at him again. She didn’t miss the small hesitation before he clicked his binding. In a smooth movement that showed his experience, his second ski went into place.

“Lead on,” he said.

She pushed off.

Every nerve in Kyle’s being went as taut as a tightrope. If he didn’t get it together, he’d be the clown in the circus. With relief, he felt his muscles contract and release as he moved downhill. It was coming back. For him skiing again was like the old saying about it being like riding a bike.

He followed the snow pixie ahead of him with the slightest unsteady movement before he felt control returning to his body. Making a maneuver with confidence he didn’t entirely feel, he slid up beside her in the lift line.

“Got your ski legs, I see. You’ll need them. The beginner slope may be our easiest slope but it’s also our busiest.”

Had she noticed his reluctance? He couldn’t—no, wouldn’t—let that happen. Something about her made him believe that she didn’t tolerate weakness in others, or in herself. He had no intention of letting his show. There could be no reason for questions. He looked her straight in the eyes.

“I’m aware of the type of skiers on the beginner slope. I can handle my assignment.”

“It’s my job to see that the resort visitors have a good time and are safe while doing it. I take it seriously, and you should too.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said in a placatory tone that indicated he had no plan to yield to her position.

They slid into place to wait on their lift seat then took a chair when it came around.

Despite their difference in size, Baylie’s leg brushed his, from hip to knee. A zip of awareness ran along his thigh. Even through the thickness of their ski gear he was conscious of her feminine curves pressed against him. Her personality might be prickly, but there was nothing uncomfortable about her softness.

Baylie shifted as if trying to put space between them but the limited seating area brought her leg back against his. For that brief moment when she’d pulled away, coolness had filled the gap and was replaced by heat when her leg met his again.

She inhaled deeply and released the breath slowly. “You’ll be expected to patrol this area and help anyone who needs it. Please pay special attention to the adults. The kids seem to get how to ride a lift right off but the adults can take out a group of skiers waiting in line faster than an avalanche.”

Kyle couldn’t help but chuckle at that turn of phrase. He’d seen it happen. They grinned at each other. For once that serious look had left her face. Where she’d been noticeably wholesome looking before, with a smile she became strikingly attractive.

Their skis touched snow again. After one unsure wobble, he skied off beside her. Success. Baylie seemed quite deft on her skis, making him all the more conscious of his lack of confidence.

“You have your radio. If you need anything, call in and someone with be here to help.”

With those final words Kyle watched as she skied off down the gentle slope in the direction from which they’d come and proceeded without a pause over the side of the mountain. She seemed very confident both on the snow and in her job. At one time he had been about the latter, but not now. Taking a deep breath, he marshaled his determination to get along with the patrol leader and get through the next two days, before putting his skis up forever.

Baylie wasn’t certain about the new guy.

He’d looked unsure for a moment when they’d been putting on their skis but that expression had disappeared quickly as they’d skied to the lift. If his confident attitude meant anything then he thought he could do anything well. It was one thing to be independent, another to be reckless. That she knew firsthand, and wasn’t impressed by it. She’d make a point of checking on him regularly during the day. It was important for the courtesy-patrol volunteers to display self-assurance on the slopes, not superiority.

Around midday Baylie skied off the lift that stopped at the top of the mountain. She’d made her rounds a number of times and had once found the new guy helping a girl up and later stopping an experienced skier to instruct him not to ski so fast through the learner area.

This visit Baylie skied up beside him. “You seem to be catching on pretty quick.”

“Most of it is just common sense,” he said with a smile.

It was a nice smile that was bracketed by half-moon lines on each side of his mouth. She couldn’t see if it reached his eyes because of his sunglasses but she hoped it did.

“Is the entire patrol made up of volunteers?”

“Yes. Most of them just enjoy having a free day of skiing in exchange for their help. They are snow junkies glad to be on skis.”

“You are the only paid staff member?”

“I am. The management feels it makes for a friendlier resort for families to have the patrol staffed by volunteers. If the patrol consisted of all paid personnel they might think they were in authority over the skiers. The management sees us as a partner in fun. It is a subtle difference but a significant one.”

He grinned. “Interesting way to think of things. I can certainly see the marketing value.”

Anyway, this was more like it. She was glad to see that he seemed at ease. His smile alone was one that the resort patrons would like—especially the women.

“Enjoying yourself?” she asked.

“It hasn’t been bad. I’ve been plenty busy.”

“I told you so.” She grinned at him. “Someone will be along to relieve you so you can have lunch. Do you know where to go to find some?”

“No, but I brought mine with me, anyway.”

Had he made his own lunch, or did he have a significant other at home? For years her mother had packed her father’s lunchbox before he’d left for the mine. It didn’t matter. That information wasn’t her business.

“Okay, I’ll see you later.” She shifted her weight and started downhill.

“You know, I don’t need anyone checking up on me.”

With a swift shift of her hips she pulled up on the edge of her skis, stopping. “It’s my job to see how my volunteers are doing.”

“Is it your job to do so every hour on the hour?”

“It’s my job to do it as often as I deem necessary.”

“I thought you might just like watching me.”

Why, the egotistical man!

His grin said he knew exactly what she’d been thinking. She wasn’t used to anyone joking with her. More than one person, especially here lately, had told her that she was far too serious.

Before she could respond, the bang from a gun being fired in the distance made her jump. She shifted precariously, ski poles searching for ground to steady herself. It had been almost a year since the blast, and she still didn’t have control over her emotions when she heard a loud noise. Falling apart in front of her volunteers—and particularly this one—wasn’t something she wanted to do. Kyle gave her the impression he didn’t miss many details. She had to learn to handle her fear.

Before she recovered, a large hand wrapped around her upper arm and held her steady. The strength of the fingers was evident even through her bulky jacket.

“You okay?” Kyle’s voice held concern.

She had the feeling that from behind his dark glasses he was watching her closely. “Yeah.” She pulled her arm out of his grasp. “I’m fine.” Heat filled her face, in spite of the weather. “I was just caught off guard.”

“You’re sure?”

Controlling the shaking of her hands, Baylie poked her ski pole firmly in the snow and pushed away. “Yes, I’m sure.” But the words were caught in the wind. She reached the entrance to the intermediate slope, stopped and looked back at him. Even from a distance she could tell his brow was raised in confusion.

Hours later the radio clipped to Baylie’s waist squawked, “Child down on the beginner slope.” It wasn’t the voice of the new guy. For some reason, his she would’ve recognized.

She brought the radio to her mouth. “ETA five.”

Skiing fast, she made her way to the nearest lift and broke through the line. Riding up, she radioed instructions to the patrolman who had given her the report. There was a pause then the man said, “The new guy took her to the clinic.”

What?

“He said he was a doctor and he’d take care of her.”

He was a doctor? She’d figured since he hadn’t introduced himself with the title of MD that he must be the clinic manager or a physical therapist. That didn’t matter. It didn’t mean he knew how to handle the kind of injuries that occurred on the mountain.

Heat filled her from head to toe. Her jaw tightened. She couldn’t respond as she wanted to over the radio. She’d straighten out protocol when she was done with the patient. Working to keep her voice even, Baylie replied, “Thanks. I’ll meet him there. Please patrol the beginner slope while we’re at the clinic.”

“Ten-four.”

Baylie was going to see to it that this guy knew his place. She made the decisions on this mountain. The care of the skiers was her responsibility. It could be a liability issue if someone was further injured by one of the patrol.

She’d hardly been deposited off the lift before she was releasing her bindings and stalking into the clinic. All the way up she reminded herself that the patient came first. The last time she’d been this irate had been when she’d woken up in a hospital bed and they wouldn’t tell her what had happened to the rest of the men.

Taking a calming breath, she walked through the tiny lobby of the patrol office. A deep voice and the shy giggle of a small child came from the direction of the exam room. As Baylie went through the door she found Kyle leaning over a little girl of about six years old with a cherubic face and flaxen curls. He was checking her eyes with a small penlight and at the head of the bed stood another longtime patrol member. Baylie fixed him with a piercing look. His lips went into a thin line and he shrugged before he said, “He insisted.”

“I did,” came the deep voice of the man examining the girl.

She spoke to the patrolman. “Please find her parents.”

The man didn’t dither when he left.

“Tell me what happened.”

Kyle glanced at her before turning his attention back to rubbing the child’s head with the tips of his fingers. Despite her anger, she had to admit he did have a gentle way about him. But he wasn’t the qualified medical staff here. She was. He’d had no business removing the child from the slope without her permission.

“Cassie was a little late getting off the lift and it caught her in the back of the head.” He continued examining the girl, looking down at her and smiling. The girl gave him a shy grin.

The man could charm a snake out of a basket. Baylie was afraid she’d have a hard time not responding to that smile if he ever turned it on her.

“The lift seat knocked her down. Mostly scared her,” Kyle finished, still not looking at Baylie.

She stepped to the table. “You can go back to the slope now. I’ll handle it from here,” she stated in her best no-nonsense voice.

Kyle’s mouth tightened and he moved away, but she sensed his presence not far behind her. He wasn’t leaving. Having no intention of having an ugly discussion in front of a patient, especially a frightened child, she said no more. There would be time later to clarify the rules on this mountain.

“Hi, I’m Baylie,” she said to the child, smiling reassuringly. “Cassie, can you tell me where it hurts?”

The girl put her hand to the back of her head.

“I found a goose egg in the back on the left side,” Kyle said from behind her.

Moving her fingers along the girl’s scalp, Baylie located a knot. “It’ll be sore for a few days,” Baylie told the girl. “Do you mind if I listen to your heart and check a few more things?”

“I’ve already done that, and she checks out fine,” Kyle said, moving to the other side of the bed.

He wasn’t going to leave this alone.

“Do you mind if I do it again?” she asked the girl.

The girl nodded her head in agreement.

“Good. Your mother and father should be here soon.”

“Father. My mother doesn’t live with us anymore.” Sadness filled the girl’s eyes.

“Well, how about we get you all fixed up before your father gets here?” Baylie smiled at her and pulled out her stethoscope. She began to examine the girl and was just finishing when a man’s fearful voice called, “Cassie?”

With quick steps Kyle moved out into the lobby area.

“You must be Cassie’s father.” Kyle’s rusty-timbred voice carried into where Baylie and Cassie waited. “She’s fine. Just a little bump on the head. Come this way.”

The men continued to talk. The man’s voice lowered. Kyle had effectively calmed the father, she grudgingly admitted. Seconds later the men entered the room.

The father rushed to the girl’s side. “Honey, are you all right?”

“Uh-huh. But I hit my head.”

“Hi, I’m Baylie Walker, the courtesy-patrol leader on the mountain.”

The man glanced at her before returning his attention to his daughter.

“Cassie’s going to be just fine. You’ll want to keep some ice on the bump until the swelling goes down,” Baylie continued as she squeezed the girl’s hand.

“That was just what Dr. Campbell was telling me.”

The father had effectively dismissed Baylie. She pursed her lips and looked at Kyle. He raised a shoulder and let it fall.

“I’ve given Cassie a thorough exam. Other than the knock on her head she seems fine. You’re welcome to take her with you but I suggest you watch her closely. You’re also welcome to the disposable ice pack. If you need anything, just let me know.” She stepped over to the counter, retrieved a card and handed it to the father. “You can reach me twenty-four hours a day.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” the father said, giving Cassie a hug.

“I bet a cup of hot chocolate would make that head feel better,” Kyle said with a grin that did something to her insides she wasn’t entirely comfortable with. His mouth could be a weapon against her if he chose to use it.

“Uh-huh.” Cassie looked at her father. “Can I have a hot chocolate, Daddy?”

Her father picked her up in his arms. “Sure, honey.”

Okay, Kyle officially had a great bedside manner. He might have some other grating personality issues but he’d dealt well with Cassie and her scared father. Baylie had seen none do better. Still, he had no business being so high-handed about making decisions that should have been hers.

“The best on the mountain is over at Snow Mountain Café,” Baylie suggested. “You know where that is?”

“Sure do. Thank you again.” The father smiled at her and offered his hand to Kyle. “Thanks, Dr. Campbell, for taking care of my little girl.”

“You’re welcome.” Kyle ruffled Cassie’s hair. “See you on the slope.”

She grinned.

When the outside door to the clinic closed behind them, Baylie turned to Kyle. “You didn’t tell me you were a doctor.”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes. I would’ve made it clear that you make no decisions regarding injuries without my approval.”

“So this is a territorial thing?”

Baylie’s hands went to her hips. “That has nothing to do with it.”

“Then what’s the problem? I saw the girl being hit and went to help. It wasn’t more than I am qualified to handle by the American Medical Association.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t, but at this resort I make those calls. If an injured person isn’t cared for in the proper way there could be problems.”

“I understand. My apologies,” he said in a flat tone.

Did he think she was overreacting? “The resort can be liable. Now you should understand why I was so concerned about you going through an orientation.”

“Again, I agree.” This time he sounded as if he meant it.

She’d give him the benefit of the doubt. “You’re going to need to fill out a report as you were the one who brought Cassie in. I’ll log it in the book.”

Kyle moaned. “You mean even at a ski resort there’s still paperwork?”

“’Fraid so.” Baylie took perverse pleasure in him getting what he deserved for being so high-handed. She stepped over to a desk and turned on the computer. “Better now than later. You won’t like doing it at closing time.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.” Baylie logged onto the computer and pulled up the page he needed. She stood, letting him have the chair.

Even in heavy ski boots there was a grace, an athleticism in his movements, where others moved like bad renditions of an ostrich. It was as if he was at ease. His square jaw was already showing a midmorning shadow. Some men grew beards against the cold, but it would be a shame to cover up that strong chin or surround his expressive mouth with hair.

What had got into her? She wasn’t some snow bunny out for an après-ski fling. In fact, she couldn’t face another relationship. Losing Ben had been far too hard. She wasn’t ready to be involved with another man—not that this one was offering. The memory of Ben was still too sharp. Hurt too much. she wouldn’t give her heart again so easily.

She and Ben had been in the same company. He had been the captain, she the medic. They had known they could be in big trouble for fraternizing, but neither had seemed to let that matter. The patrol had been routine as they had been in a friendly section of Iraq. But the words “routine” and “friendly” had different meanings for her now. It had happened so fast. An IED had hit them. She had been thrown out of the vehicle, the hot burn from shrapnel in her side, and Ben had been dying beside her. She bit her lip to keep a moan of agony from escaping.

“Done,” Kyle said, rolling back in the chair after clicking a key with a flourish. “I hate paperwork.” The wheel of his chair hit the leg of the empty steel surgery stand and it went down with a bang and clash.

Baylie jumped, screamed and went into the brace position. Her heart shifted into overdrive and sweat beaded along her upper lip.

Kyle chuckled in embarrassment and quickly stood. He moved toward the fallen stand but jerked to a stop when he saw her. “Baylie, what’s wrong?” His eyes scanned the area. “Are you hurt?”

She straightened but didn’t meet his eyes. Brushing past him, she righted the table.

The loud shushing of static on both their radios brought an ocean of relief when it asked, “Baylie, is someone assigned to watch the slope while I get a bite to eat?”

Mustering control over her voice she’d never imagined she possessed, Baylie pushed the button and replied, “I’m on my way.” She clipped the radio on her hip. Still avoiding Kyle’s gaze, she said, “We’d better get back to work.”

She glanced at him and found him still studying her. Baylie hauled on her jacket as quickly as possible. If she hurried maybe he wouldn’t ask any more questions. Tugging on her knit cap, she pushed open the door to the outside. Kyle was right behind her.

As if he knew not to question what had just happened, he asked instead, “So what kind of medical training do you have to have to run the courtesy patrol?”

“I’m an emergency medical technician.”

“Really? That’s all?”

Was that a snarl of contempt in his voice?

“Yes, really.”

“I would’ve expected the leadership position to require at least a doctor’s degree at a resort this large.”

Maybe it should, but management had hired her, and she had received positive feedback for her efforts so far. Her hand stopped in midair as she reached for her skis. Through narrowed eyes she pierced him with a look that she hoped screamed that he’d gone to the bottom of the garbage can in her estimation. “I also have advanced training in mountain rescue. I assure you, I’m more than qualified.”

Still that too familiar sick feeling lingered. She’d known what to do when Ben had been hurt, she just hadn’t been able to reach him. No matter how good her training, it hadn’t been enough. She’d let him down—but she intended to honor his memory.

“I’ll make my own judgment.”

Baylie took a step forward, her eyes darkening. “Are you always this rude and self-righteous when you meet people or have you just picked me out as someone special?” She inhaled sharply and let it out in a huff. “You know, I don’t care. I don’t have to prove myself to a pompous MD. I don’t have time for this conversation.” She snatched her skis from the rack. “John’s waiting for you so he can have lunch,” she said, and stalked off.

Of all the arrogant, opinionated men she’d ever met Dr. Kyle Campbell was the worst. And that was saying something. She’d worked with doctors in the army, had been out on patrol with adrenaline junkies in Iraq and she wasn’t impressed. She’d had all she could take of “I’m the man” and “I’m the best” in the military. But this doctor beat them all. Even the cold air didn’t dampen the fire of ire burning through her. When this guy’s two days were up she was going to send him on his way and say good riddance.

She slipped off the lip of a double-diamond trail and made quick, sharp S-turns down the slope. The wind burned her face as she rapidly crossed the trail. Her skis hit an icy spot and she had to concentrate to correct herself. The man had annoyed her enough that she was skiing recklessly. Digging in the edge of her ski, she pulled to a jarring stop on the side of the slope.

Panting miniature clouds of steam, with her heart racing, she looked out over the white run and up to the snow-kissed trees against the sapphire sky. The sun had pushed the gray clouds away. She lifted her face to the warmth and inhaled the crisp air. The mountains of West Virginia never failed to soothe her spirit. That was why she’d returned. To hide, and to survive.

CHAPTER TWO

A BITTER TASTE had filled Kyle’s mouth when Baylie had stated proudly she was an EMT. Just when he had been starting to find the woman interesting. Emergency medical techs had their place. In his line of work, Kyle had to work with them. But in his personal experience an EMT with a know-it-all attitude could be dangerous. Like that guy who’d treated him when he’d fallen.

Baylie seemed to be on the same plane. She had to be in control. She had to make the call herself, even when others were equally qualified.

A stab of pain went through him at the memory of his accident. It had been perfect skiing conditions. Great snowfall the night before, clear sky and bright sun. Just a few wispy clouds in the sky. His parents and sister had been in the crowd, which hadn’t happened often. Traveling all over the world meant he’d only seen them a few times a year. Being middle-class, blue-collar workers, his parents hadn’t been able to afford to follow the ski circuit.

The event had taken place in the US, making it easier for them to attend. He’d made arrangements with his sponsors to pay for their lodging. They’d driven an entire day just to get there. He’d been the one the bets had been on to take it all, and he’d wanted them to be there to see it. He hadn’t made a habit of believing his own press, but this time even he’d thought he had a chance.

He’d been almost through the run when he’d moved a fraction of an inch too far with one ski, and then he’d been in the fence. Where the crowd had been screaming, there had suddenly been nothing but quiet. His knee had taken the blunt of the stop. The EMT hadn’t properly secured his foot on the stretcher, even after one of the other techs had suggested he do so. His foot had fallen off the stretcher, and that had been the end of his glory days as a skier.

Those were times best forgotten. It was water under the bridge. His knee was his only worry now.

Kyle’s afternoon passed without incident on the beginner slope. He had to remind a couple of advanced skiers to slow down. He even had to threaten to take one loudmouth snowboarder’s lift ticket before Kyle got the point across that he meant business.

Most of the time he spent watching children who’d finished morning ski-school practice their newfound skills. Each made their way carefully down the slope with their knees forming a wedge to slow down. They came by him chanting, “Make a pizza.” If they wanted to go faster they’d make their skis go parallel to each other like “French fries”.

The newbies would make it to the lift area and get on the lift to make the circuit again with broad grins on their faces. He envied them. Those had been exciting days when he’d been learning to ski. He’d been told more than once that he was a natural.

Kyle noticed Baylie a number of times as she stood talking to one of the other patrol members. She must have seen him looking at her during one visit because she skied over.

“Everything going okay?” Her words were terse. Apparently she hadn’t recovered from their earlier discussion.

“Things have been calm,” he answered matter-of-factly.

“Good. Slopes close at four-thirty. Please make sure everyone is off the lift and headed in.” She said it evenly but her tone implied she was the boss.

“Sure.” Not liking the tension between them, he offered an olive branch. “Hey, I didn’t intend to offend you earlier.”

“Is that an apology?”

She certainly had no plans to meet him halfway.

A voice over the radio said, “Baylie, you’re needed at the clinic.”

Thankfully he didn’t have to answer her question. He still thought a doctor should be making the larger calls at the resort. In his case, if a sports-med doc had been made available, his skiing career might not have been ruined.

Putting the radio to her mouth, Baylie responded, “Ten-four.” To Kyle she said, “You can keep your jacket overnight. Be at the patrol office at eight a.m. Slope opens at nine.”

Kyle watched as she moved down the slope toward the courtesy-patrol building. There was grace in the subtle shift and sway of her hips as she skimmed across the snow.

He was usually attracted to the tall, willowy blonde types with the “help me” looks, but for some reason Baylie’s compact, agile body appealed to him. The ski pants did nothing to conceal her supple curves. In many ways she was a contradiction. Outside all mountain girl, fresh and natural, while on the inside hard as nails and unyielding. The paradox made him want to know more about her.

What he didn’t completely comprehend was her over-the-top reaction to the table crashing.

All Baylie planned to do was grab a pizza and head to her place to prop her feet up. The pizza parlor/bar was full of the young après-ski crowd looking for a night of fun. She stepped inside and unzipped her jacket. Despite the blast of heat that hit her, she left her jacket on. She’d only be a few minutes. Pushing her way through the throng toward the bar, she spoke to a number of people she knew. This was also the after-hours hangout for most of the courtesy patrol.

Moving around a group, her gaze met Kyle Campbell’s across the room. He sat on a deep cushioned couch next to the roaring fire in the stone fireplace, which had a huge Christmas wreath hanging above it. The place had a festive holiday feel. Beside Kyle sat Tiffani, with a look of hero worship on her face as if she was fascinated by his every word.

When they had been having their heated discussion earlier his blue eyes had turned stormy, as if he was remembering something extremely unpleasant. There seemed to be nothing rational about his negative reaction to her and her qualifications. She didn’t understand his attitude but it didn’t matter. What he thought didn’t matter.

She still held his gaze. Then with a jerk of her head she broke the connection and continued making her way to the bar. she ordered a pizza and stood against the wall out of the way to wait until it was ready. Regardless of the number of times she reminded herself that what was between Tiffani and Kyle was of no interest to her, she couldn’t resist glancing in their direction. Just as she did so, Tiffani threw her head back and laughed as if Kyle had said the funniest thing she’d ever heard. Baylie curled her lip. Well, she had a pretty good idea where their evening would end.

Was that disgust or jealousy? Disgust. Definitely disgust. She wasn’t interested in any man on any level and certainly not in some ego-inflated doctor.

Turning back to the bar, she saw her pizza was ready. She paid and grabbed the box. Again, she did the bend and weave that was required to make it back to the front door. As soon as she pushed through the doors the freezing air cut through the three layers of clothing covering her chest. She placed the pizza box on the closest park-style bench and zipped up her jacket. Behind her, the doors of the bar opened. She glanced back to see Kyle coming out.

Dressed in a dark blue heavy-knit sweater with a black all-weather coat pulled over it, well-worn jeans and snow boots, Kyle looked like he belonged in this setting. He bore the air of someone who frequented the slopes, instead of those weekend warriors who bought all new clothes and showed up to impress.

“Hi.” His breath was a white mist in the air.

“Hey,” she said as she picked up her pizza box.

“I hope your place isn’t far because that pizza’s going to be frozen if it’s out here long.”

“Then I guess I’d better go.” Baylie walked away.

She moved along the wide brick-filled pedestrian area lined with trendy shops and, above them, condos full of vacationers. Small white lights hung from the eaves and wreaths adorned the doors. This was a miniature Christmas village brought to life. Even the light poles were dressed with wreaths and red bows. She inhaled the crisp air, enjoying the sharp sting in her lungs.

She heard heavy footsteps behind her. Baylie glanced over her shoulder. Kyle was walking a few paces to the side and a few yards behind, his hands shoved into his pockets and his shoulders hunched against the wind. He’d already dumped on her occupation, and was he now stalking her?

She stopped and faced him. “What’re you doing?”

The muted yellow of the streetlamp played across his startled features. His chin lifted in question. “I’m walking over to the dorm. Why? Where did you think I was going?” He stepped closer but not into her personal space. “Stalking you?”

“I, uh, no.”

He looked at her squarely. “Yes, you did,” he said in a teasing tone.

“Maybe I did think you were following me.”

“I was, but just not with the intentions your mind was hatching.”

Baylie was grateful that the light wasn’t any better. Hopefully her guilt didn’t show.

His grin grew. “Since we’re going in the same direction, let me join you. That way you can keep an eye on me.”

How could she say no to that attractive lift of his lips? “I guess that would be safer.” She started walking again, and he fell in step beside her.

“So, do you live in the dorm too? Ooh, that did sound like I’m stalking you.”

She laughed. Something she didn’t do much of these days. “No, I have a small place next door. Since I’m here full-time I get an upgrade, such as it is.”

“I just threw my duffel bag on a bunk and headed out for a burger. Place reminds me of college—dirty socks, snoring and beer cans everywhere.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle again. “Yeah, I know what you mean. An army barracks isn’t much more appealing.”

“You’ve been in the military?” Amazement orbited his words.

“Yeah. That’s where I got my training.”

He didn’t comment, and she was relieved. She didn’t want a repetition of their earlier conversation. They seemed to have reached a temporary stalemate.

They crossed the main paved road that divided the top of the mountain and maneuvered around a pile of snow left by the road crew. The pavement was the line that separated the Alpine village, where all the visitors stayed, from the side of the mountain where the employees lived in considerably less luxury.

No longer in the light of the numerous security lamps, the footing became more difficult along the gravel road. Baylie slowed her pace. It had started to snow.

“What’s there to do up here after the slopes close?”

His deep smooth voice and being alone together in the darkness had a far too intimate a feel. She didn’t do romance. Not now, not ever again. She couldn’t carry any more guilt if she failed another man. “The usual, I guess. Dinner, bars. Some people swim in the indoor pool.”

“You aren’t into the après-ski scene?”

“I’m sure you know the saying that those who ski all day go to bed.”

“They do, do they?”

His words came out slow and rough, putting a double meaning to them that made her think of a big bed, roaring fire and no clothes. What was happening to her? She was letting this stranger get to her. Crazy stuff. They didn’t even like each other. Again she was glad for the darkness. She needed to get to her place right away. “You know what I mean.”

He chuckled. “Yeah. If you ski all day it’s hard to stay up and party all night. You’re too worn out.”

“You and Tiffani looked like you were having a good time.” If Baylie could have taken the words back she would have. It was none of her business with whom he spent his time. Nothing about him was her concern except what he did on the slopes between nine and four-thirty.

“So you did see us.” Kyle’s tone implied the statement had a significant meaning, and he was mulling over what that was.

It was time for her to put a door between them. She’d already said too much. “Well, here’s your stop.” The large, functional three-floor building loomed in front of them. “I’m on down. Good night.”

“Night, Baylie.”

The way he said her name made her think of chocolate melting in her mouth.

The next morning Kyle pushed through the door of the patrol building. He wasn’t any more enthusiastic about the prospect of being on the slopes again this morning than he’d been the day before. What Kyle did find interesting was that he looked forward to seeing Baylie. The small, gutsy live wire was interesting. Gave as good as she got. She piqued his curiosity.

For a few minutes the night before they had spoken to each other as if they could be friends. He liked her intelligence and practical manner. If he was staying longer, which he definitely wasn’t, and she wasn’t such a control freak, which she certainly was, and if he wanted to ski again, which he didn’t…Heck, who was he kidding? They really had nothing in common.

Kyle stepped farther into the room. Baylie stood behind the counter, handing out assignments with a smile and an occasional laugh.

“Morning, Baylie.” He smiled at her.

Her face sobered. “You’re on the beginner slope again today. Would you mind teaching a group in ski school?”

Had he misread their amity the night before? Why was she treating him less warmly than the others? “What does it entail?”

“You’ll have about six students. All you have to do is show them the basics, let them take a couple of runs down the slope and then bring them in for hot chocolate.”

He didn’t say anything right away.

“I’m terribly short on help today.” Her voice held a hint of desperation.

“I can handle that.” He gave her his best syrupy smile. The day before he wouldn’t have been anywhere near as confident.

Baylie blinked twice as if she was unsure what she’d heard or seen. At least she hadn’t asked him to patrol the main slopes. She’d surely have demanded an explanation if he had refused. That, he wouldn’t give. He certainly wouldn’t admit to being afraid.

Suddenly Baylie looked over his shoulder, squealed and circled the counter. Crossing the room in quick steps, she threw herself into the arms of a tall, lanky guy. He picked her up and swung her round. When he stopped, she slid back to her feet. Others came up and slapped the man on the back calling, “Congratulations.” Seconds later, Kyle could no longer see Baylie for the throng of people with voices raised in excitement.

Who is this guy?

One of the volunteers who had been in the back room passed Kyle and he asked, “What’s going on?”

“Oh, that’s Derek Lingerfelt. Local hero. Just back from winning the national downhill race out in Colorado. People around here hope he’ll go further. Maybe even the World Games.”

That old familiar feeling of disappointment jabbed him. “So what’s he doing back here?”

“Aw, Derek can’t stay off the slopes so when he’s home to visit his parents, he helps us out. Even runs a class for some of the visitors. Good PR, he says.”

Kyle’s sponsors had encouraged him to do as much PR as possible. People had wanted to join him on the slopes—mostly women. Looking back on it, he’d really enjoyed having his ego stroked. But now he found similar satisfaction in seeing a patient improve and go back to playing a game they loved.

Derek still had his arm draped over Baylie’s shoulders. There was a broad grin on her face as she craned her neck to look up at Derek. Kyle shook his head. Wouldn’t it be nice to have her smile up at him with the same fondness? That was certainly an irrational idea. Baylie didn’t mean anything to him. She could smile in awe at anyone she wished.

The whole scene rubbed Kyle up the wrong way. Turning his back on all the admiration, he snatched up his jacket. It was time to leave.

“We need to get to work, folks,” Baylie called, breaking up the crowd of well-wishers.

When Kyle brushed by her on the way outside she gave him a quizzical look. was his displeasure with the scene that obvious?

Less than an hour later he was so caught up in giving little kids skiing lessons that he pushed thoughts of Baylie away. As he worked with the children, showing them how to stop, start and approach the lift, he remembered the passion he’d had when he’d learned something new, he’d pushed further. What he wouldn’t give to have that feeling again. First he’d done it with downhill skiing, and when that had no longer been possible, he’d turned the same determination toward medicine. He loved medicine, and had risen to the top of his field.

“Laura, you follow Mikey,” he told the girl in the pink and purple suit. “Move back and forth like a snake.”

The girl pushed off with a look of determination on her face. When she stopped where the class had been instructed to, she beamed up at him.

Kyle returned her smile, giving her a thumbs-up.

“You’re good at this,” Baylie said from where she stood just off to his left.

He couldn’t help but be pleased with her praise. It was something he’d never expected to receive, and it gave him a lighthearted feeling, as if he’d accomplished something outstanding.

“We could use you every weekend.” For once she didn’t have that I-have-to-get-along-with-you-because-I-need-you look. She seemed truly impressed.

“Thanks. Are you checking up on me again?” He turned back to his group. “Okay, Jimmy, your turn,” Kyle said to the last boy in his group as he started off.

“Just a little. So don’t get a big head. It’s part of my job,” Baylie replied, before she skied over toward another group of pupils with their teacher.

That figured. She gave him a compliment then cut the legs out from under it. He’d sent the last skier in his group downhill and was preparing to follow when a child of about eight came flying by from out of nowhere, barely missing him. The boy’s arms windmilled as he screamed, “Help!”

Without thought, Kyle pushed off, going after the boy. As the child grew closer to the advanced slope, Kyle leaned forward, moving faster. His adrenaline was already pumping when he saw the boy wobble one way then the other. If Kyle didn’t catch him soon, the boy could be seriously hurt. Kyle pushed hard, picking up even more speed. As he closed in on the child, Kyle stuck his arm out and wrapped it around the boy’s waist, jerking him to his chest. Cutting hard into the snow, Kyle slowed just before the slope turned steep. He took a deep breath of relief. He’d plucked the boy up just in time.

“Hey, buddy, you all right?” Kyle asked the boy suspended under his arm. The child’s skis waved back and forth, hitting Kyle’s shin. “Hang on a sec and I’ll put you down.” Kyle moved toward the side of the slope so that they’d be out of the way of the other skiers. He’d let the boy down but was still holding his arm to steady him when Baylie approached.

“You guys okay?” Her voice sounded calm but her eyes said something different.

She’d been as afraid as he that the boy was going to be hurt. Kyle looked at the child and gave him a reassuring smile then looked back at Baylie. “Yeah, I think we’re fine.” Kyle kicked off his skis and kneeled down to eye level with the child. “So how’re you doing?”

The boy’s eyes were wide and his face lacked color. He nodded he was okay.

“Good. Why don’t we go get on the lift and see if we can come down the slope a little slower the next time?”

“I don’t—” the boy started in a fearful voice.

“Hey,” he said to the boy. “Why don’t we ask Baylie…” he pointed toward her “…to watch us and see how we do?”

Kyle wasn’t sure that the boy was going to answer but he finally said, “Okay.”

“I don’t think—” Baylie started.

Kyle looked over the boy’s head to meet her gaze and shook his head.

For once Baylie accepted without argument. He took the boy’s hand and towed him to a spot where it was flat enough that he could stand without being afraid he would slide down the slope. Baylie followed.

“Will you stay with…?” Kyle looked at the boy. “What’s your name?”

“Levi.”

Kyle turned back to Baylie. “With Levi while I get my skis?”

“Sure.” She put a hand on the boy’s shoulder as if she was afraid he might get away.

Kyle walked back to his skis. His knee would be screaming in pain by morning. He retrieved his skis and climbed back to Baylie and Levi. Laying his equipment on the snow, he slipped his feet back into the bindings. “I’m ready. How about you?” he asked the boy in an encouraging tone.

Levi regarded at him for a moment before saying with little eagerness, “Yes.”

“Good, let’s go impress the girls.” He winked at Baylie. Her eyes went wide for a second before one corner of her mouth lifted slightly.

For once she looked less than in control. Good.

Kyle took Levi’s hand and they headed toward the lift. At the top of the slope the boy balked. His small hand squeezed Kyle’s through both their gloves.

He looked down at the child. “You can do this, Levi. I’m going to be with you all the way. I won’t let you get hurt. Trust me?”

Kyle barely made out Levi’s nod.

“Okay, here we go.” Slowly Kyle led him down the beginner slope, making a crisscrossing pattern in the wide-open area. Baylie had moved away from the steeper slope. As they passed, she cheered and whistled. She skied down to meet them when they stopped and give Levi a high five. A huge grin spread across the boy’s face.

“Can I go again?” He looked up at Kyle.

“Sure. Let’s wait here until your instructor comes by and you can join your friends. You remember how to slow down and stop?”

Levi nodded.

“Good. No more flying down the slope. You have to ski in control. You can save all the zooming for when you make the ski team.”

The boy beamed.

Minutes later Levi rejoined his group.

Baylie’s look met Kyle’s. “There’s more to you than meets the eye, Dr. Campbell. You were great with Levi. And your skiing ability is far better than you let on. Few people could have caught him like you did. You prevented what could have been a disastrous accident. I’m surprised that with your talent you’re satisfied working the beginner slope.”

“You made that call.” He’d never let on how happy her assumption had made him. “If the boy hadn’t tried to go down the hill again right away he might never have tried to ski again.” In a number of ways, the same thing had happened to him.

“I appreciate what you just did. And I appreciate your volunteering this weekend.”

“You’re welcome. Now I’ll get back to my job. It’s a pleasure to know you.” To his surprise, it was. Baylie caused his hackles to stand at attention, but something about that was invigorating. She was someone he wouldn’t soon forget.

Baylie had just been dismissed. She didn’t particularly like the feeling. She watched the irritating, self-important man ski off as if he owned the mountain instead of just being here for an overnight stay. She couldn’t remember spending so much time calling one person so many negative names and still managing to be impressed by them.

Just what was under That thick skin of his? Something about him fascinated her, and that wasn’t a good thing. Anyway, he was leaving today. That would be the end of him. Even if she had been looking for somebody in her life—which she definitely wasn’t—the cocky doctor would be her last choice.

The afternoon went by with a few banged knees and scrapes to attend to in the clinic. Minutes after her final sweep of the slopes she noticed Kyle storing his equipment into a late-model SUV in the parking lot next to the patrol building. He seemed eager to leave. That would be the last she’d see of him.

Why did that thought bring a touch of sadness?

“Hey, Baylie, do you know someone named Campbell? There’s a call for him. The guy said he really needed to talk to him,” one of the longtime volunteers asked over the radio.

“Yeah, he’s right out here in The parking a lot. I’ll get him.”

Taking a deep breath, she whistled. The shrill sound echoed in the clear air. Kyle looked toward her. She waved an arm, indicating he should come to her, then put her thumb and pinkie finger out to form an imitation phone. He nodded and closed the hatch on the vehicle before walking toward her.

When he got close enough to hear she said, “You’re wanted on the phone.”

Kyle gave her a perplexed look and headed inside.

“Hello.”

“Campbell, that you? Metcalf here. I’ve been trying to get you on your cell for hours.”

“Didn’t have it on me. What’s up?”

“Man, I’m not going to make it back to take over. Had a car accident. Totaled. Everyone is okay but Robbie’s in the hospital with a broken arm.”

Kyle was glad no one had been seriously injured, but he knew he wasn’t going to like what was coming next. “I need you to finish out the week for me there. Price said he’d cover your call duty and with the clinic closed for Christmas we should be good. It’s slow because of the holidays anyway. I really wouldn’t ask except you’d said you weren’t planning to go out and see your sister until mid-January. Will you stay?”

Kyle gripped the phone. He couldn’t last seven more days. Heck, he wasn’t sure he could do one more.

“Come on, it can’t be that hard with your background. You know I’d be there if I could,” his associate said in a far too cheerful voice.

Kyle sucked in a sharp breath. He couldn’t see a way out of it without sounding completely heartless.

“I’m sorry about Robbie. I guess I’ve no other choice if we don’t want the clinic to look like we don’t honor our commitments. I’ll handle it. Baylie might not even need me.”

“Baylie? You found you a woman up there?”

“She’s the head of the courtesy patrol.” He worked to keep the displeasure at Metcalf’s implication out of his voice. Baylie wasn’t some bit of snow fluff. “Take care of your family.”

“Will do. Thanks, buddy.”

Kyle wanted to slam the phone down and say, “Right, buddy.”

He turned to find Baylie watching him with an inquisitive expression on her face.

“There a problem?” she asked.

“My partner, who was going to be here in the morning, isn’t going to make it after all.”

“I was really counting on him,” she said more to herself than to him.

“Yeah, I figured as much.”

She continued, “My staff is pretty thin during the week but the crowd will still be heavy because of Christmas.”

Baylie had no idea how uncomfortable he was with the idea of staying. One of the things that had made him so successful on the skiing circuit and later in medical school had been that he’d always risen to a challenge. This next week would be just that. A challenge to keep his fear locked away—and his hands off Baylie.

Baylie needed help even if it came in the form of this holier-than-thou doctor. He’d made it clear he was more than ready to be on his way. Still, she had to convince him to stay. Was he going to make her come out and beg him?

“Is one more going to make that much difference?” he asked in a formal doctor tone.

“I need your help.” Oh, how she hated to admit that to this man in particular. “That is, unless you have family plans.”

The long pause wasn’t a surprise.

“No. Not until later next month.”

“So you’ll stay?’

“Yeah.”

It was the least enthusiastic agreement she’d ever heard.

“Really? Uh, good,” she said before he changed his mind.

“Will I still be handling ski school?”

“Sure.”

The arrogant, irritating and highly attractive man was going to be around for another seven days. Would having him here be more trouble than he was worth?

Kyle walked into the patrol building the next morning with more confidence than he’d felt in the past two days. He searched the area for Baylie. Despite all his efforts, his heart beat a little faster in anticipation. Something about being around her made him feel more alive. Maybe it was just their clash of words and ideals but, whatever it was, it stimulated him.

Not immediately seeing Baylie, he started toward the assignment board. He saw one of the volunteers he recognized from the weekend standing behind the counter.

“Do you know where Baylie is?” Kyle asked.

“Yeah, she had to check on one of the cooks over at the Always Snowing Grill. You’re Dr. Campbell, aren’t you?”

Kyle nodded.

“I’m Mike. I’m doing the slope assignments this morning. You’re on the beginner slope. Thanks for being here. Baylie would be panicking. I can’t believe we’re so shorthanded this year.” He shook his head then went back to studying the board.

Kyle took that as a dismissal and headed toward the outside door. As he pushed on the door, it was jerked open from the other side. With a humph, a small red bullet in the form of Baylie ran into him. His arms automatically wrapped around her to prevent her from falling. Her small hands grabbed his waist. Even in the almost zero-degree weather he wished he didn’t have a shirt on so her fingers could touch his skin.

Heaven help him, he had the hots for the woman and she barely gave him the time of the day. He’d never had any trouble attracting a woman before, especially when he’d been a skiing star. Then girls had flocked to him. As a doctor he’d done all right as well. But not with Baylie.

“Hey, I thought you might be glad to see me but I had no idea you’d run smack into my arms,” he remarked dryly, but followed it with a grin.

She shoved away. Suddenly he wished he hadn’t said anything.

Stepping back, she glared at him before saying, “Thanks for helping out, Kyle.”

“You’re welcome.”

The displeasure left her face. “You have your assignment?”

Okay, she was back to the all-business Baylie. “I do.” He’d like to see Baylie let go a little bit. With all that bottled-up angst, he bet she’d be great fun if she was ever uncapped.

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