HEART OF MISSISSIPPI

Hot sultry nights with delicious docs—in the heart of Mississippi …

Kelsey and China Davis grew up with dark secrets that rocked their once steady family foundations. While China wants to stay in Golden Shores, Kelsey can’t wait to leave …

But neither sister expects to meet the two gorgeous docs who have come to Golden Shores searching for a fresh start. And once the fireworks begin it’s not long before pulses are racing and temperatures are rising!

Find out just how hot things can get in Mississippi with Susan Carlisle’s fabulous duet: THE DOCTOR WHO MADE HER LOVE AGAIN

and

THE MAVERICK WHO RULED HER HEART

SUSAN CARLISLE’S love affair with books began when she made a bad grade in math in the sixth grade. Not allowed to watch TV until she’d brought the grade up, she filled her time with books and became a voracious romance reader. She has ‘keepers’ on the shelf to prove it. Because she loved the genre so much she decided to try her hand at creating her own romantic worlds. She still loves a good happily-ever-after story.

When not writing Susan doubles as a high school substitute teacher, which she has been doing for sixteen years. Susan lives in Georgia with her husband of twenty-eight years and has four grown children. She loves castles, travelling, cross-stitching, hats, James Bond and hearing from her readers.

The Doctor
Who Made Her
Love Again
Susan Carlisle

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader

For many years I’ve spent a week here and a week there on the Gulf Coast. I’ve been to a number of places in the world, but the beaches of the Gulf are the most beautiful. Clean white sand, radiant sunshine, friendly people—pure pleasure. When I placed China and Payton in this setting I knew it would be a wonderful backdrop for their romance. Their love story has been great fun to write. No two people could be more different and more alike at the same time. It was joy mixed with frustration trying to get China and Payton together while they were fighting to stay apart.

On a personal note, my heart goes out to anyone who has been touched by cancer. My family and friends certainly have been. I look forward to the day when this ugly disease is eradicated for ever. I’d also like to add a special thank you for the quality help I received from the staff of the Crestview Nursery in Crestview, Florida. All the plant information was much appreciated. I love you all.

I hope you enjoy Payton and China’s story. I like to hear from my readers. You can find me at www.SusanCarlisle.com

Susan

Dedication

To Zach

I love you, Z.

Table of Contents

Cover

About the Author

Title Page

Dear Reader

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

WHAT WAS THIS guy doing? China Davis waited for the driver to park so she could take the space next to him. She watched appalled as the red-hot-off-the-line foreign sports car straddled the parking line.

Really? This person was going to take up two spaces in the far-too-small parking lot during morning rush hour?

Disgusted, China observed the driver do just as she’d feared. She would have to go around the building and park in the strip mall parking lot. She’d be lucky if she could juggle the donuts and coffee back to the car without spilling one or both all over her scrubs.

China glanced at the tag on the slick vehicle as she passed. Illinois. It was a little early for the summer crowd to be showing up. Still mid-May, she’d been looking forward to another few weeks of peace before the beach mob invaded.

Living in a small southern coastal town had its advantages but there was a downside also. Four out of the twelve months the locals had to contend with the influx of people. It didn’t help that here was only one main road into town, which had no choice but to end when it met the water of the gulf. From there the driver had to choose east or west along the beach.

Dolly’s Donuts was located on the main road. As the local morning hangout for the senior citizens, it was also the place in town for quality donuts. China’s mom had pointed out more than once to her that patience was a virtue. That might be so but China had promised hot donuts, and she didn’t like to disappoint.

As she hurried into Dolly’s, she mentally reviewed her order list. She glanced at her wrist watch. Yes, she was going to be late. Something that had never happened before. The line at the counter was four deep when she slipped into the tight glassed-in space that was Dolly’s customer area. The place still had the feel of a fifties-era coffee shop, with a few metal stools with orange seats facing a long narrow counter.

China studied the tall man in front of her with the wide shoulders. His dark hair was cut supershort, as if it had been shaved off and was beginning to grow out.

One customer down, three more to go.

Her attention returned to the man. He wore a salmon-color polo shirt that fit him loosely but contrasted nicely with his dark coloring.

She peeked around him to see what was happening with the next patron. The man gave her a pointed look and she straightened, finding her place in line again. Her father had used that same look to make her and her siblings fall in line.

Another down. China stepped forward. Thankfully the man ahead of her was next.

“What do you consider your best donut?” he asked.

Oh, no! He was going to get Roger started on donuts. She’d be lucky to make work by lunchtime.

Dolly’s husband stated in a voice of authority from behind the cash register, “We sell a lot of these.” He pointed to a tray of glazed. “But the best, I believe, are the double chocolate. We make a special …”

China zoned out as Roger went into a monologue on how the dough was prepared.

“I’ll get you some fresh ones from the back.”

“That sounds great,” the man in front of her said, as if he had all the time in the world. He probably did, but she sure didn’t. They were expecting her at the clinic and she needed to be on time. She worked hard not to receive complaints about her actions; she wanted no conflict.

When Roger ambled off, China leaned around the man and said in a low voice, “You’re not from around here or you’d know better. Don’t ever get Roger started. It goes on forever.”

The man pinned her with a dark look of disapproval that made her chest tighten as she shrank back into her place. He turned his back to her again. She wouldn’t be saying anything further to this guy.

In the brief moment she’d seen his face straight on she’d been able to tell he was thin. No tan line marked his temple from eye to ear where sunglasses might have been. In fact, he looked as if he could use a little time outside. Still, he had an interesting face. Not handsome in the Hollywood leading man sense of the words but more in an attentiongrabbing way.

“Here you go,” Roger said. “How about coffee?”

“Black,” the man said in one deep syllable.

Roger turned away and a full minute later slid the coffee container across the counter and quoted the man his total.

With relief, China moved closer, anticipating her turn. As she did so the man rotated and bumped against her.

“Excuse me,” he said, with an air of authority.

“I’m sorry,” China said, sliding to the side to dodge his coffee cup and moving well out of his way. She didn’t want to cause any more of a scene. It had been on impulse for her to have spoken to him to begin with.

He strolled by her before she turned to placed her order. While Roger bagged it she looked out the glass doors at the broad back of the exasperating man. He headed straight for the fancy sports car. I should have known.

The man was one of those who thought he was entitled because he was handsome and drove a fancy car!

Payton pulled the Mercedes into a parking space behind the clinic to face a wall of greenery that was overgrown. In his other life it would have been another row of cars in a spiraling parking garage. He looked at the 1940s wooden house that had been converted into a treatment center. The Golden Shores Walk-in Clinic in Mississippi. It was nothing like the state-of-the-art facility he was used to, nothing resembling the highly charged ER in Chicago where ambulance sirens blared every few minutes.

Truthfully, nothing about Golden Shores was like the place he’d called home his entire life. Here the buildings went no higher than three levels when he was used to skyscrapers and glittering glass. Two-lane roads were the norm. None of those eight-lane interstates with cars whizzing by. If he got behind a truck pulling a boat then he had to sit back for the ride. Everything moved slower and people spoke with a drawl. But this was what he wanted. The easier pace, the chance to enjoy life. A place to recover. He’d moved nine hundred miles from family and friends to find his own destiny. Cancer had taken its toll and now it was time for him to take control. Create the life he wanted.

He hadn’t counted on the cute but weird local who had been behind him at the bakery. She’d certainly not been tuned into the idea of a relaxed pace. Donuts weren’t his usual fare for breakfast so hopefully the chance of running into her again were slim to none.

Payton gathered his coffee and donuts and got out of the car. Unsure where to enter the building, he spied a sign stating it was the employees’ entrance and started toward it just as a compact car whipped into the lot. He pushed the door open and found himself at the end of a passage that ran the length of the house.

Closing the door behind him, he headed towards the voices coming from the front. The floor creaked in places as he walked down the wooden plank hall. No serviceable white-tile floors of a hospital E.R. in sight. Along the way he passed small rooms located on the left side. Those had to be the exam rooms. Directly across from the third one was a small room that looked like an office. Next to it and just before the waiting room was an alcove that appeared to be the lab area. Can you say go back in time thirty years?

The end of the hall opened into a waiting room with a waist-high counter to the right that served as the reception desk. Chairs that looked like hand-me-downs from the hospital business office were pushed up against the other walls.

All talking stopped as he came into view. Three pairs of eyes fixed on him as he said, “Hello. I’m Dr. Jenkins, I hope you’re expecting me.”

Suddenly each woman started speaking. Finally, the middle-aged one with the red spiky hair waved a hand and the other two stopped. “Hi, I’m Jean, the office manager. This is Robin.” She indicated the young woman to her left, who appeared to be fresh out of college and was smiling at him as if he were a candy bar. “She’s one of the nurses. And this …” she pointed to the middle-aged woman sitting at the desk “… is Doris. She handles Reception. We heard you were coming and we’re glad to have you.”

“Thanks. I’m glad to be here. So we handle everything with one nurse?”

“Well, no. I don’t know where China is but she should be here in a minute. It isn’t like her to be late.”

“Hey, someone give me a hand,” a voice that was vaguely familiar called from the door through which he’d just entered. “You wouldn’t believe the idiot in front of me at Dolly’s,” the disembodied voice said, dripping aggravation.

Down the hall came the woman who had been at the donut shop. Her attention was focused on maneuvering her way in the narrow space and she seemed to be struggling to keep several bakery bags and the purse that was slipping off her shoulder in place. Her chin-length, straight brown hair swung as she walked. She had a petite frame that made her almost seem fairy-like, especially dressed in hot pink scrubs.

The voice grew closer. “He took up two parking spaces. Asked Roger questions. Everyone in town knows not to ask Roger—” She came to an abrupt halt and her cocoa-colored eyes grew wide. “You!”

“Yes, I would be the idiot,” Payton said in a voice that held a hint of humor.

There were soft chuckles from the other women.

“Wh … What are you doing here?”

“I’m Dr. Jenkins. The new doctor.”

Eyes the same shade as the deepest part of the ocean twinkled at China.

Jean stepped forward. “I see you two have already met. Let me help with those.”

China handed her the sack of donuts and the paper tray with four coffees. “I said I’d bring donuts,” she murmured, unable to take her eyes off the doctor. How had she missed that shiny car in the parking lot? Because he’d made her late and she hadn’t been paying attention.

“I can see,” he said crisply. He looked at the coffee Jean held. “It looks like it was a good thing I stopped and got my own. You hadn’t counted on me.”

China’s face heated. No, she hadn’t. Why did he have to sound so gracious about it? To make her feel more guilty? The door behind him buzzed, preventing her from apologizing. She had never been so happy to see a patient.

“Dr. Jenkins, let me show you the office,” Jean said. “Robin will put the patient in exam one. When you’re ready we can get started for the day.”

The doctor gave China an unwavering look for a second before he followed Jean down the hall.

With relief, China sank into a chair next to Doris.

“Auspicious way to start the day,” Doris quipped.

“Only you could use a big word to sum up total and complete embarrassment.”

“Aw, honey. Such is life. Go do your job and all will be well.”

The buzzer announced another patient. China opened the bottom cabinet and stored her purse. “I guess I’d better get busy before I look worse. Donuts and coffee will have to wait.”

After Doris had taken the information from the mom of an eight-year-old boy, China led them to examine room two. There she took the child’s vitals and noted the mom’s recitation of his symptoms.

“The doctor will be in to see you in a few minutes,” she said, before stepping out into the hall and placing the chart in a tray beside the door. As she turned to go to the front, she ran smack into a wall of male chest. A large hand cupped her shoulder to steady her.

“Are you going to be running into me all day?” a voice asked from above her head.

China stepped away and looked up at the insufferable doctor. “No. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” China pulled the chart from the tray and handed it to him. “Your patient is waiting.”

His low chuckle followed her down the hall. She shook her head. Obviously making good first impressions wasn’t her thing.

China waited as Dr. Jenkins examined the boy and told the mom, “I’m going to have the nurse do a strep test and see what we’ve got. I’ll be back in after we know for sure.” He smiled reassuringly.

She followed him out of the room.

“It’s China, isn’t it?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Exam two needs a strep test. Where do I find those?”

“I’ll take care of it.”

China moved by him, taking special care not to make contact. She went into the lab and he followed. “They’re right here.” She opened the cabinet. “I’m, uh, sorry about calling you an idiot.”

He shrugged his shoulder. “It’s okay. Sometimes I am.”

Now he was being charming. She hadn’t expected that.

“Thanks. I’ll get this done.” China held up the preprepared swab with its plastic cap. “I’ll let you know the results right away.”

Doris came down the hall. “China, your mom’s on the phone.”

She wished she could make it clear to her mom not to call her during work hours. “Please tell her I will call her back.”

“I’ll take care of the test if you need to get that,” Dr. Jenkins offered.

“No, I’ll do it.”

China waited for the doctor to come out of the exam room where Robin had placed another patient. When he stepped out she said quietly, “The boy has strep.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

The rest of the morning passed in much the same way. At lunchtime China and Doris took their meals brought from home outside to the table. Robin and Jean would eat later.

“So how is Dr. Jenkins working out?” Doris asked.

“He seems to have a solid medical background, is great with the patients and thorough.”

“Well, that was certainly a clinical evaluation,” Doris remarked.

“I guess it was but I’ve not seen him do anything past strep and stomachache.”

“Jean said Administration at the hospital told her he’s from Chicago.”

“Why would he want to come down here and work?” China picked up her drink and took a sip.

When Robin joined them China gathered her leftover microwavable lunch. She had to be on duty while Robin ate.

Jean called from the door, “China, Dr. Jenkins needs you in exam two. We have a boy with an open wound.”

“On my way,” she responded. “This may be where I get to see what he can do,” China remarked to Doris as she hurried away.

China entered the exam room to find Dr. Jenkins with a lanky boy of about eleven years old sitting on the table and a mom perched on a chair with a troubled expression on her face.

“China, I’m going to need saline, a pan and a suture kit,” he said, without looking up from his patient.

“Yes, sir. Right away.”

He glanced up and gave her a quizzical look. A sharp tightness shot through her chest honed from childhood. What had she said wrong?

China left to gather the supplies. Returning, she found that Dr. Jenkins had turned the boy around so that he could place the pan on the pull-out footrest. There he would be able to pour the saline over the wound so it would run into the pan. China set the supplies on a small metal surgical stand that was stored in one corner then pulled it out to within easy reach of the doctor.

She opened the bottle of saline and handed it to him. He began to pour the liquid over the wound. When the boy winced Dr. Jenkins said, “I’m not from around here so tell me about this skimboarding you were doing.”

The kid relaxed noticeably.

“It’s done with a thin oval board. You throw it down and jump on it and ride it along the surf coming in on the beach.”

“That sounds like fun. Are you any good?”

By this time Dr. Jenkins was preparing the local anesthesia to deaden the wound and the boy was taking no notice. The doctor had skills.

“Pretty good.”

China had never learned to do anything like skimboarding, surfing or the usual water sports common for someone who lived near the water. Her father had become more controlling after her brother had left home at sixteen when given the ultimatum to straighten up or get out. China had learned early in life to do as she was told or she too might not have a place to live.

After her brother had left her father hadn’t wanted China or her sister hanging out with the crowd down at the beach or doing much that wasn’t under his watchful eye. Her mom, devastated by losing one child, had left most of the parenting to China’s father. He’d had to know where they were at all times. “Might get into trouble. Too many drugs and alcohol. That’s where your brother got into trouble,” he’d say. China soon found that it was easier to just go along with what her father had wanted, to do whatever had kept the peace.

For Kelsey it had been much harder. As soon as she’d finished high school she’d been out of the house. Sadly, China didn’t hear from her outside an occasional card or phone call. She missed Kelsey and wished they had a better relationship. Kelsey’s hadn’t spoken to their parents in years, which meant that her parents, especially her mom, clung to China.

“Do any tricks?” Dr. Jenkins asked, drawing China’s attention back to what was happening in the room.

“I can turn around,” the boy told Dr. Jenkins proudly.

“Wow. Do you think I’m too old to learn?” The doctor placed the needle at the edge of the boy’s laceration.

“Naw, heck anyone can do it,” the boy said, squaring his shoulders in pride.

“You think you could teach me?” Dr. Jenkins made the first stitch and the boy didn’t even flinch.

“Sure.”

“What do I need to know or buy?”

“It’s no big deal. All you need is a board. You can get those anywhere around here.”

“Do I need a special size?”

Was he really going to try skimboarding? That was for kids.

With a grin the boy said, “As far as I know, they only come in one size.”

“Any certain weight I need to get?”

The boy gave him a perplexed look. “Not that I know of.”

Dr. Jenkins tied off the last of the nine neat stitches he had placed in the boy’s leg.

China had to give him kudos for a quick, perfect suturing job and keeping the patient calm. He had a wonderful way with the boy. She’d seen none do better. Actually, he was the best she’d seen.

Dr. Jenkins pushed the stool back and stood. “Would you teach me?”

He sounded serious.

“Sure, why not?”

“Great. I’m going to let Nurse China bandage you up. I want you to come in one week from now to have the stitches out. Then we’ll make a date for you to show me how to skimboard.”

“Okay,” the boy said, with a huge grin.

He spoke to the mom. “Just see that it remains dry and clean. No swimming or skimboarding until the stitches are removed.”

China began opening the sterile bandage package.

From behind her Dr. Jenkins said, “Let’s not use that one. It needs a four-by-four.”

That tightness in her chest was back. Was this doctor going to be hard to please? “I’ll get one right away.” She left and returned with the required gauze.

Dr. Jenkins stuck out his hand. The boy hesitated a moment and then took it. The doctor smiled. “See you next week. I’m going to hunt for a board today. I’m already looking forward to the lesson.”

Who was this guy? He sounded like he’d moved here for the recreation instead of a job. He had an excellent bedside manner but would she be able to work with him?

Leaving the clinic for the day, China still had grocery shopping to contend with before she could go home. She hated it, hated it. The word wasn’t too strong. She made a point to be in and out as quick as possible. Some people didn’t like to clean bathrooms but shopping for food was her issue.

She maneuvered the buggy with the knocking wheels at a brisk pace through the aisles, snatching what she needed from the shelves. She tended to buy the same things so she didn’t worry about studying the prices or nutritional value. It had been a long day, starting with the trip to the donut shop, and she just wanted to go home, maybe do some gardening.

With everything on her list except the trail mix she favored, she pushed the buggy through the produce department. She reached out to pick up the plastic bag of nuts, chocolate candy and oats.

“So, not after donuts this time, I see.”

She looked up to find Dr. Jenkins grinning at her. She wanted to groan. Was he going to be around every corner she turned?

He moved his nearly full cart along beside hers. “I guess food is our common denominator.”

“I don’t think it’s so surprising that we meet here since we’ve only shopped at the two busiest places in town.”

“Still testy over this morning? Are you prickly to everyone when shopping for food or is it just me?”

His grin fed her annoyance. “Hey, I’m not prickly.” She pushed her cart forward. He followed. “I just don’t enjoy grocery shopping.”

“You know, if I was a psychiatrist I might find some hidden meaning in that statement.”

She was afraid he just might. The job of shopping and cooking had fallen on her at far too young an age. She hadn’t complained. If she’d wanted to eat then she’d needed to fix it. Now every time she entered the grocery store it brought back unhappy memories. That’s why she made a point to do most of her buying once a month. She picked up the small items she might need at a convenience store at other times.

China winced when he peered over into her basket, “Not much of a cook, are you?”

She glanced at all the prepared food piled there. “No. In fact, I hate it.”

“I love to cook. Our cook, Ruth, taught me all I know. At least now that I’ve moved here I’ll have time to enjoy cooking a meal.”

Our cook. They’d certainly come from two different worlds. She’d been the family cook. If you could call theirs a family.

More from intimidation than need, China picked up a few apples and put them in a small clear bag. She tied it off and placed them in her buggy. Payton had managed to make her feel at fault twice in the same day. Once over calling him an idiot and now over her eating habits.

“At least they look like a healthy choice.” He nodded toward the fruit in her buggy.

Obviously she didn’t meet the grade with his man. “So do your doctoring skills extend to reviewing everyone’s grocery cart?” she asked flippantly.

He chuckled. “No, but I do believe in eating right and encouraging others to do so also.”

“Well, it must be working. You are so slim and trim.”

He blanched then said, “I’ll let you finish your shopping. See you tomorrow.”

China watched him walked away. They hadn’t gotten off to the best of starts. Maybe she wasn’t giving him the chance he deserved. She looked down at the items in her cart. He hadn’t been wrong about her meal choices at all.

Payton opened the door to his house, which was built in the old Florida architectural style with wide verandas and seemingly never-ending white stairs up to the front door and another along the side to the kitchen. The property was located along West Beach Road well outside of town. He’d specifically asked the realtor for something private, well away from the summer crowds, with large windows. The woman had done her job well.

The master bedroom faced east, giving him a bright morning wake-up call. The house was well worth the amount of money he’d invested in it. Payton had hired a decorator long distance to furnish it. He’d wanted it livable when he arrived but it still lacked the personal touch.

He sighed. His parents didn’t understand his need to leave Chicago. In fact, his father was so disappointed that he could hardly speak to him. He no longer met his parents’ expectations. Having lymphoma had made him reexamine his life. His new goal was to find out what he wanted. His parents still held out hope he would change his mind and come home. He was just sorry that his actions had put a wedge between them. He’d changed, and they couldn’t deal with it.

The house was huge and Payton had no one to share it with, but that suited him fine. Janice wouldn’t have enjoyed it here anyway. Too hot, too many bugs and too far from social engagements. She’d complained he wasn’t the man she’d fallen in love with. Did she think people who feared they might die didn’t change? The second she’d found an opening she’d been gone.

Pushing the side door open, he placed the first load of bags on the counter then he headed out for more. Ten minutes later and proud he was no longer puffing after walking up stairs like he once had, Payton had all the food in the kitchen. He hadn’t totally regained his strength but it was quickly returning. China had reminded him that he hadn’t completely found the robust man he’d once been yet. Some swimming and sailing would solve that issue.

Today had been the first time he’d worked a full eight hours in months. He’d been the one in med school who everyone had envied for his ability to work on little sleep. Not anymore, though, and especially not tonight. Good dinner, short swim then off to bed was his plan.

After putting the groceries away, Payton pulled out a skillet. He’d prepared a simple stir-fry, planning to eat outside to enjoy the weather. Unlocking the door to one of the many porches, he picked up his plate and drink then stepped out. He sank into a wicker chair with a comfortable-looking pillow. With a sigh, he propped his feet up on the small table in front of him, which matched the chair.

The cell phone resting against his thigh in his hip pocket vibrated. It would be his mom. She’d already called a number of times during the day and he’d been too busy to answer. Because she was a mom she worried. The old saying that you were always your mom’s baby, no matter how old you got, was no truer than when you were sick. His mom had more than jumped into caretaker mode when he’d required help. Now he needed her to let go, for his sake as well as hers. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her to back off. That was one of a number of reasons he’d wanted to leave Chicago.

Some time later, his meal finished, he pulled his phone from his pocket and pushed the speed-dial number assigned to his mom. His chest contracted at the sound of relief in her voice when he said, “Hi, Mom.”

“Honey, it’s so good to hear from you. How’re you doing?”

Payton told her about his day, the house and the town. He left out his two meetings with China.

“Well, at least it sounds like a nice place.”

Payton watched as the sun became a half circle on the horizon. “It is. I’ll call you in a few days.”

“Okay.” The wispy tone in her voice said she was still holding out hope that Payton would return to Chicago. That wouldn’t happen. All he wanted right now was to regain all his strength and make the most of life. He’d start by calling the marina and seeing if his sailboat had arrived. On his first day off he would be on it. It had been far too long.

Gathering his plate and glass, he took them inside. He’d call around to see where he might go parasailing. He hadn’t done that since he was a kid. It would be fun to try again. He’d be looking for a skimboard tomorrow.

He hadn’t missed the surprised then disapproving look on China’s face when he’d been asking the boy about learning to skimboard. It would be the first of many new things he planned to experience.

The corner of his mouth lifted. China had made his first day at work in Golden Shores memorable.

The next morning Payton rose early to take a run on the beach. The distance wasn’t what he could have done months ago but he was pleased with his effort. He felt invigorated and ready to face the day. His mom had admonished him not to overdo it but Payton was determined to get back to peak health as soon as possible and put having cancer behind him.

As he came down the hall of the clinic an hour and half later he heard the women talking but there was also a deep voice mixed among them. Payton placed his coffee and sack lunch in the office and walked to the front.

Jean and Doris were sitting behind the desk. Standing beside China in front of them was a tall, lanky man dressed in blue scrubs.

“Good morning, Dr. Jenkins,” Jean said.

“Please, make it Payton.” He looked at everyone.

“Payton it is,” Jean said with a smile. “This is Luke.” She indicated the guy beside China. “He’s one of the nurses that rotates in when either China or Robin have a day off.”

Luke extended his hand and Payton took it. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Luke said. “We’re glad to have you around here.”

The front door opened and a patient entered, ending their conversation. Over the next few hours Payton saw a steady stream of people, the highlights of which were a stomachache, severe sunburn and a twisted ankle. He loved it. This was nothing like the high-pressure, impersonal work he was used to. This was the kind of medicalcare work he wanted to do. At least when a patient returned to see him he would recognize a face, maybe remember a name. Everything his parents couldn’t understand. He no longer wanted to be one of the doctors in Chicago.

It was late afternoon when China handed him a chart. “The patient is complaining of vomiting, running a low-grade fever and weight gain.”

Payton’s chest constricted. It sounded so much like his symptoms. The ones he’d put off addressing, along with the swelling in his neck, until it had been almost too late. Deep in his gut he’d known it was cancer, but fear hadn’t let him admit it. That was behind him now. He had a new lease on life, and he planned to make the most of it.

“Dr. Jenkins? Are you okay?” Concern underscored her words.

China’s hand resting on his arm brought him back to reality. “I thought we agreed it was Payton.”

She looked at him far too closely. Could she read his apprehension?

He moved his arm and her fingers fell away. He’d had his fill of concern months ago. “I’m fine,” he said, far too sharply. “What room is the patient in?”

China stepped back and her eyes flickered with a look of what struck him strangely as fear before she said in a businesslike tone, “Exam three.”

Why would she be scared of him? He’d spoken more harshly than he should have but not enough to bring that type of look to her eyes.

Thankfully the patient had nothing more serious than an infection. Was he always going to overreact when someone came in with the same symptoms he’d had? For a second there he’d slipped and the all-too-perceptive nurse China had noticed. That couldn’t happen again.

CHAPTER TWO

TWO DAYS LATER, China came in on the one to seven shift. Evening shifts were her favorite. Busy, with often interesting patients but it allowed her to get some gardening done in the morning. Her plants were where she put all her energy outside of nursing. It had been her way of escaping the unhappiness in her house when she’d been growing up and it had become her way of coping. She was a member of a couple of garden clubs in town and made the most of what she learned.

“Hi, there,” she said to Robin and Doris as she approached the front desk.

“Hey,” they chorused absently.

“So what’s been going on today?” China asked, as she put her purse away.

Jean leaned toward her. “Nothing special. Robin’s been mooning over Payton. She thinks all doctors are good looking, especially if they drive a nice car.”

China sputtered in an effort to contain her humor. Evaluating a man’s looks wasn’t China’s usual thing and particularly if it was based on a car, but she had to admit Payton was attractive beyond the average male. Something about him intrigued her. She’d dated but had never let a guy get really close. When a guy started making demands she backed off. She’d had enough of that in her life. Could a man ever understand her need to be a partner, feel secure? It certainly wouldn’t be someone like the sports-cardriving, silver-tongued, charismatic Dr. Jenkins. Her mother had warned her about becoming involved with men like her father. More than once her mother had said she wished for her daughters an easier life than the one they would have with a man like their father.

Robin’s shoulders squared and she gave Jean her indignant look. “That might be so, but it doesn’t change the obvious. He’s got the hottest car in town.”

The sound of a throat clearing came from behind them. “I’m not sure that’s a compliment as it sounds like I have a four-wheel personality,” Payton said from the doorway of his office, before he stepped into it.

Robin and Doris giggled.

“We really do need to quit talking about him. He seems to always catch us,” Doris hissed.

China had learned her lesson way before now.

Payton strolled up to the desk. “Robin, how would you like to go for a ride some time since you seem to like my car better than me? I’ll even let you drive.”

The young woman’s face lit up. “Really? You mean that?”

“Sure.”

“If anyone else wants to come along …” he looked at Doris and then China “… you’re welcome too.”

Robin said with a huge grin, “You have a date. I’m off now but will be back at seven when you close up here.”

China and Doris laughed as Robin almost skipped down the hallway with pleasure.

“I wish I could make all the women I know happy that easily,” Payton said, as he picked up a chart.

Was he talking about a girlfriend? It didn’t matter. It wasn’t her business.

At present there was only one patient at the clinic, a preteen with a possible broken arm. As China walked down the hall to check on the boy, the low rumble of male voices caught her attention. Larry Kiser, the doctor Payton was relieving for the day, was in the office with him. Why was she able to distinguish Payton’s voice so clearly from Larry’s, which she knew much better?

She entered the exam room and spoke to the mom, reassuring her. As she exited Payton stepped out of the office.

“I understand that the patient needs to go to the E.R. for a cast,” he said.

“Yes. I’ll take care of the paperwork right away and let the E.R. know they’re on their way.”

“Thank you, China.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

“You don’t have to speak to me like I’m a drill sergeant. Yes, is fine.”

“I was taught to say ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, sir.’ My parents told me it was a sign of respect.”

He nodded. “I appreciate that. But it makes me sound old and rigid.”

“I’m sorry. It’s sort of ingrained in me. I’ll make an effort not to, but I can’t promise it won’t slip out.”

“Where I come from, ‘Yes’ suffices.”

Maybe the reason he rubbed her up the wrong way was because they were from such different parts of the country. “I’ll try,” she said, heading down the hall and mumbling, “sir.”

“I heard that.”

She grinned. There was something about Payton that brought out the devil in her, as her father would have said. She so rarely let that happen but it felt good when she did.

Robin and Doris left for the day, with Robin once again promising she’d be back at closing time. Payton pulled his keys out of his pocket and jingled them. “They’re here, waiting for you.”

The patient flow increased then eased around dinnertime, which gave China a chance to catch up on some charting and clean out a supply cabinet that sorely needed it. At five Jean had to run out for a few minutes on an errand. As China worked she could hear the soft rumble of Payton’s voice as he dictated in the office.

She was standing on a small metal stool on tiptoe, stretching to reach a box of alcohol wipes that had been pushed to the back of the shelf, when Payton said, “China, do you—?”

China jerked back, her foot slipping off the stool, and she fell backwards. Strong arms caught her around the waist and set her safely on her feet.

Shaking, she quickly moved out of his hold. “You scared me.”

“I didn’t mean to. You aren’t hurt, are you?”

“No, I’m fine,” she muttered.

“Good.”

He sounded indifferent and she was still recovering from his touch. “Is there something you need?”

“Wanted to know if there’s more printer paper somewhere.”

“Yes. Jean keeps it stored in her office. I’ll get it.”

“Just tell me where it is and I can find it.”

“I don’t mind.” China headed into Jean’s office.

“Do you always have to be the one who helps?” His voice had a tone of exasperation. “I’ve noticed you’re the first to say you’ll do it.”

She turned and placed her hands on her hips. He really was far too critical. “You gained all that knowledge from just knowing me a few days?”

“Yes. It’s okay to let people manage for themselves.”

“I do. But it is also nice to help when people need it. And while we’re at it, do you feel the need to tell everyone how to live or am I just special?”

He raised a brow, which gave him a perplexed look. “What’re you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you complaining about my eating habits, my speech and now my behavior. Is that something that people from the North feel compelled to do?”

“I’m a Midwesterner.”

“Whatever you are, we’re here in the Deep South and we consider it poor manners to criticize others, at least to their faces.” She’d lived on an unraveling rope most of her life where disapproval was concerned and she didn’t want to come to work every day thinking it would be there also. She turned and stalked into Jean’s office. With a clap of the cabinet door closing, she returned and thrust a ream of paper into his chest.

Payton gave her a bemused look that upped her anger a notch.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be doing another thing for you outside what’s required as a nurse.” Having no place to go, she hurried down the hall and out the back door into the humid evening air.

What was wrong with her? The man made her mad enough to punch something. Of all the nerve!

Payton wasn’t sure what had just happened but he’d give China this—she had passion. He’d seen her aggravated at him at the donut shop, had recognized her being impressed with his skills with a patient, had seen her apologetic over her grocery cart contents but he’d never have guessed at the depth of passion that was bottled inside her.

He had just been teasing her when the conversation had started but she’d taken it and run. He’d hit a nerve somewhere and she’d exploded. That would be an understatement. He didn’t think TNT came in smaller or more combustible packages. Did that translate into any other areas of her life? The bedroom perhaps?

Payton huffed. He’d gone far too long without a woman to be thinking like that. Janice had left him and then he’d been so sick. China didn’t even like him. She’d more than made that clear.

He’d returned to his office when the door from the outside opened and closed. Seconds later the water ran in the small kitchen sink. After a while China passed his door, carrying a water can, and was headed for the front of the building. He’d noticed her the other day caring for the large, lush ferns on the front porch and the tropical plant in the waiting room. She even took care of the plants.

Being cared for was something he wanted nothing of. He was determined not to make dependency a crutch in his life, become a burden. That was part of the reason he’d moved to Golden Shores.

He and China finished the rest of the evening in the professional politeness of “Yes, sir” and “No, sir” on China’s part. Instead of the “sir” being an address of respect, it grated on Payton’s nerves. It didn’t have the ring of sincerity to it that it had once had.

He ushered his last patient out and found China talking and laughing with Jean and Robin.

“I’m ready when you are, Payton,” Robin cooed.

Payton almost groaned. He may have done the wrong thing by asking Robin out on a ride. He’d have to make it clear this was a friendly trip. China excused herself, saying she had to clean the exam room before she left.

Fifteen minutes later China was coming out of the back door as he and Robin drove away. She called China’s name and waved from his open convertible. He didn’t miss China’s weak smile and half-lifted hand in response.

For the next week they circled each other in polite indifference. It did help that they each had a different day off. On the day they both returned and were assigned the morning schedule together, China gave him a civil smile and went about her job with her usual competence.

Just about closing time Luke popped his head into Payton’s office. “Hey, Payton, we’re all going out to celebrate Jean’s birthday tonight. She wants to do karaoke at Ricky’s. Want to join us?”

If he had been in Chicago he wouldn’t have been caught dead in a karaoke bar. His mom and father, his sister even, would’ve been worried that his picture might show up in the society column of the paper. Somehow at this point in his life karaoke sounded like the perfect form of entertainment. Plus he needed something more to do with his time. The people he worked with seemed like a good place to start cultivating friendships.

“Thanks. That sounds … interesting.”

“Seven o’clock at Ricky’s. You know where it is?”

“It that the place on Highway 13?”

“Yeah, that’s it. See you there.”

Payton and China had finished with their last patient and he was headed out the back door when he saw China stocking an exam room. “Aren’t you coming to Ricky’s?”

“What?” she said absently, as she continued to put bandages in a drawer.

“Aren’t you going to Jean’s party?”

“Nope.”

What had happened to the “sir”? He’d been demoted. “You’re going to miss Jean’s birthday party?”

“I have a garden-club meeting.”

“I don’t believe you. Isn’t there an age limit for those clubs? You look to be well under sixty-five.”

“I’ll have you know I’m a member of more than one garden club.”

At least she was speaking to him. He hated to admit it but he’d missed their discussions. “You do surprise me. I guess Jean will get over you not being there.”

A couple of hours later Payton pulled into the gravel parking lot of Ricky’s. It was already filling up with vehicles. The red-brick building didn’t look like much but he had the correct place. A large neon sign stood on the roof, flashing the name.

He pushed a button and raised the automatic roof on the car, got out and locked it. Maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to buy such a conspicuous automobile. The car stood out among the pickup trucks and midsize sedans. A sports car fit his new found need to live on the edge, though.

Payton pushed through the glass door of the entrance and stepped into the dimly lit and noisy room. Not immediately seeing Luke or any of the women, he made his way to the bar. After ordering his first beer in months, he turned his back to the bar and watched the crowd. Just as he was getting ready to search further the door opened and China walked in with Luke at her side.

So she’d decided to come after all. His middle clenched. Were Luke and China dating? Why that would concern him he couldn’t imagine. China had more than made it plain on at least one occasion that she wasn’t awed by him on any level and barely tolerated him at work. Why he was giving it a thought he couldn’t fathom. He had no interest in her and certainly no interest in being rejected again. Even if he let himself become seriously involved with a woman … He didn’t think he’d ever let that happen. Those that stuck with you through thick and thin didn’t come along often.

Despite his conflicting thoughts, China held his attention. This was the first time he’d seen her in anything but scrubs. She wore a simple blue sundress that made her look more like a waif than a siren. But somehow it fit her. Her shoulders were bare and her hair brushed the tops of them. Luke said something close to her ear. The smile she gave him was a little lackluster. Luke directed her toward the bar.

Payton stepped over to meet them. China’s eyes darted from him to the crowded tables to the bar and back. Hadn’t she been here before? Luke acknowledged him with a smile and a nod. China gave him a thin-lipped smile and looked away.

A waving arm drew their attention to a table near the front of the stage. Payton made out Jean’s red hair. Next to her sat Doris and Robin. Luke led the way, making a passage for China. Payton followed behind. He couldn’t help but notice the gentle sway of the fabric over her high rounded behind. She had nice curves that the scrubs had kept hidden.

Payton tore his thoughts away from China and concentrated on making his way to the table. Doris, Jean and Robin had large smiles of welcome on their faces as they reached them. He shouted, “Hello,” over the din of music and melee and took the last available chair, which put him between Robin and China. Robin scooted closer.

Jean leaned over the table and spoke to China. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t think you would. I know how you feel about these places.”

Payton looked at China. She had a smile on her face but it didn’t reach her eyes. Why didn’t she usually come with them?

“Yeah, I was real surprised when she called me for a ride,” Luke announced proudly, looping his arm across the back of China’s chair. His possessive action made Payton tense.

The waitress came by and took their orders. Payton noticed that China ordered a cola, not alcohol.

He leaned in her direction to be heard. A sweet scent that suited her tickled his nostrils. Something floral. “You’ve never been here before?”

She turned toward him, which brought her lips within kissing distance. Her eyes grew wide and she stared at him. “No.”

“Hey, who’s going first?” Luke asked. His hand touched China’s shoulder and she sat forward.

“First?” Payton asked.

“Yeah, to sing.” Jean grinned.

“I’ll do it if you’ll sing with me,” Robin said, looking at Luke.

“Let’s go do it,” he agreed, grabbing Robin’s hand.

Minutes later they were on stage, crooning to a 1960s song from the karaoke machine.

Payton couldn’t resist smiling at the horrible theatrics. He glanced at China. She had relaxed and eagerly clapped when they were finished. He wasn’t sure if it was to be supportive or from relief that they had finished.

Luke and Robin returned to the table to a round of applause. As the night progressed others took their turn on stage. Payton found he was glad he’d come. This was as foreign to him as a visit to the moon would be, and he loved it. There was a freedom to laughing and enjoying himself without worrying about others’ expectations. Close to eleven, Payton decided it was time to call it an evening and told everyone at the table.

“Oh, no, you don’t. You haven’t sung yet,” Jean said.

“Yeah, everyone has to sing,” Luke added.

“Come on,” Robin joined in.

“I don’t think …” Payton looked around the table. They all gave him earnest looks not to back down.

“We’ve all taken our turns at embarrassing ourselves, so you have to also,” Doris said, with all the authority of a judge.

“Last call for karaoke,” a man on stage said into the microphone.

Jean looked at China then back at him. “I guess that means it will be a duet. China, you haven’t sung yet either.”

Payton turned to China. She went pale and shook her head.

“Hey, we have a duet here,” Doris called, raising her hand and pointing to Payton and China.

They shook their heads in unison. The man with the microphone said, “It looks like they could use some encouragement so let’s give them a hand.”

China’s chin went to her chest and her shoulders slumped. Payton didn’t even have to wonder if she was embarrassed. The crowd went into wild clapping, hooting and slapping the table. Payton leaned over and said to China, “I don’t think we have a choice.”

He stood and offered his hand. At least this would be one more experience he’d never had.

China looked at Payton’s outstretched hand. Her heart drummed against her chest wall and her palms became damp. The crowd was still loud with its cheerleading. She hadn’t sung in public since she’d been in the middle-school church choir. This was not the place she wanted to start again, and Payton was certainly not the person she wanted to share the moment with.

She arched her neck to look at him. His smile was reassuring. “Come on, let’s get this over with.” He closed and opened his hand.

China placed hers in his and his large, strong fingers curled around hers. He gave a gentle tug. The crowd had died down some, but when she stood the noise level rose again. Payton led her to the stage, not releasing his grip. She gained confidence from the simple gesture. They’d hardly spoken other than about patient care, and now they had to do something as personal as singing together.

A spotlight circled until it came to rest on them. “I don’t want to do this.” Payton had to bend to hear her. She could only imagine the intimate picture they must be portraying. Panic crept through her.

“Come on, you look like you’re going to a funeral. It can’t be that bad.” He grinned at her.

Payton looked comfortable with the situation. He probably frequented nightclubs regularly and did this sort of thing often. She was completely out of her element. She didn’t go to clubs and certainly didn’t make a spectacle of herself, singing karaoke. He acted as if this could be fun. Humiliating yourself wasn’t fun.

Everyone in town would know about this by morning. Her parents would be horrified she’d even stepped foot in this place. They would be upset when they found out. This had been one of Chad’s hangouts. One of those places she’d been forbidden to go after he’d left.

Some of her friends had used fake IDs during high school to get in. In college she’d been invited on weekends but she’d always made an excuse about why she couldn’t. The only reason that she’d come tonight had been because she’d let Payton dare her into it. Now the worst was happening. She’d disappoint her parents after working so hard not to add to their pain.

The first strain of an old love ballad began. Could it be any worse? “My Endless Love.”

She groaned loudly enough that Payton glanced at her. He no longer had a sappy grin on his face. In fact, he looked a little green. With rising satisfaction, she grinned. This might turn out to be fun after all.

The words to the song began to scroll on the monitor. Payton’s tenor voice sang smoothly. “‘They tell me …’”

He’d surprised her again. The man could carry a tune. She picked up the next line and he took the other. Soon China forgot that she was in front of a group, singing with a man she wasn’t sure she even liked. She had became so caught up in the sound of Payton’s beautiful voice. They harmonized together on the chorus.

On the second stanza, Payton grinned at her when it was her turn to sing. She slipped on the first word but pulled herself together and gave it her best effort. The noise in the room gradually ceased as they finished with a long drawn-out note. The crowd went wild. China glanced at Payton. A smile of pleasure brightened his face. She’d not seen that look in his eyes before.

Payton wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his hard body. She circled his waist with a hand. Briefly she noted she could feel his ribs.

“I think they liked us,” he said near her ear. “We should bow.”

She nodded, overwhelmed by being so close to him and how much she’d enjoyed singing with him. Who would have thought? He led her into a bow.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I do believe that was the best we have heard tonight,” the emcee announced. “Are you two a couple?”

China shook her head vigorously and stepped out of Payton’s hold.

“Well, you could’ve fooled us,” the man said, as China headed off the stage.

She made her way back to the table, not looking left or right, to pick up her purse. She had every intention of walking straight out the door. China pulled up short when she realized Luke was no longer sitting there. He was her ride home. Where was he?

China searched the area, horror making her heart beat faster. She needed to get out of here.

“You were great.” Doris, Jean and Robin spoke in unison.

“Thanks. Where’s Luke?” She looked from one woman to the other.

“He was on call. He had to go in,” Robin said. “We’re going over to the Hut and see what’s going on there for a little while—want to come?” Robin asked.

China had no interest in going to another nightclub. “No. I think I’ve had enough excitement.”

“I can take you home,” a voice she knew far too well said from behind her.

Did she have a choice? A taxi would take too long. Walk? Her house was too far and it was too late. “I would appreciate the ride.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Payton seemed as anxious to leave as she was. Picking up her purse and saying goodbye, she made her way to the door. Payton stayed close behind her.

China took a deep breath as she entered the night air. The wind gusted around her, a sure sign that it would rain before morning.

“I’m parked over here,” Payton said.

He strode through the parking lot but not so fast that China couldn’t easily keep up. At the end of the row they walked between two cars and were at his vehicle. With a soft beep the doors unlocked. Payton opened the passenger-side door for her.

“You know, you really don’t have to hold the door for me.”

“I’m just being a gentleman.”

“Thank you, then.” She slipped down into the low seat. “I may need more help getting out than in.”

He chuckled softly. “I can do that too.”

Payton closed the door and went around to get in behind the wheel. Starting the car, he pulled out of the parking space and asked, “Which way?”

“Back toward the clinic. I only live a mile or so away.”

Payton’s vehicle really was nice. She ran a hand over the smooth leather of the seat. China knew luxury cars. Rob had had one when he’d wheeled into town. He had been a big-time real-estate man from Los Angeles, looking for investment property. He’d come by the clinic and taken a liking to her.

Always a bit of an outsider, Rob made her feel wanted, had filled her head with promises of being the center of someone’s world. Just as quickly as Rob had arrived, he’d disappeared, leaving China crushed. Lesson learned. She rubbed the seat again. Payton’s car and hers were one more thing they didn’t have in common. The feel of the leather reminded her not to pin her hopes on someone. The small-town life, white sands and blue waters and especially her wouldn’t hold a man. She’d accepted what her life was and would be.

She and Payton rode in silence as if they were both glad to have a reprieve from the noise inside Ricky’s. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes.

“Hey, don’t go to sleep on me. I’ll have to take you to my house if you do.”

Her eyes flipped open and she sat up straighter. “Make a right one block past the clinic.”

“So I’m guessing you don’t want to go home with me.”

China wasn’t going to comment on that statement. She wasn’t up to their usual conversation. He made the turn she’d indicated. “Go three blocks and turn left and the house is the second on the right.”

Payton smoothly maneuvered through the tree-lined streets and pulled into her drive.

China opened the car door. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Hey, wait a minute. I’ll help you—”

“I’ve got it. See you later.”

She was out and gone before he could open his door. He watched in the illumination of the headlights as she bypassed the walk to the front entrance of the bungalow and continued toward the detached garage further down the drive. Her dress blew in the wind that was picking up. He caught a glimpse of trim thigh before she pushed the hem back into place. Reaching the stairs, she started to climb them.

So China lived in the apartment above the garage. Flowerpots lined the steps. She really loved plants and seemed to have a green thumb. Maybe he’d been a little harsh with his comment about garden clubs. The plant care he was familiar with was done by someone who showed up in a van and brought new plants to replace the brown ones. Neither his mom nor Janice would ever damage their manicures by messing in dirt.

China was nothing like the other women he knew. She was a dependable nurse, helpful beyond necessary, gardener, a darned good singer, and she had the prettiest brown eyes he’d ever seen. What more was there to discover about Little Miss I-can-hold-my-own-in-a-battle-of-wits?

Payton waited until the light flickered on inside the area above the garage before putting the car in reverse and backing slowly out of the drive.

China was the most interesting woman he’d met in a long time. Did he want to discover more?

CHAPTER THREE

NEAR LUNCHTIME, ON TUESDAY of the next week, Doris stuck her head inside Payton’s office and said, “Hey, Jean needs to talk to everyone. It’s a slow day, which doesn’t happen often around here so we’re going to eat and meet at the picnic table out back.”

She headed down the hall without waiting for a response. That might have been the longest invitation he’d ever received to lunch and he came from a society family who made them a regular affair. Doris, he’d learned, was the mother hen of the group. Robin the precious child they all tolerated, Jean the leader who used a kitten-soft hand but everyone heeded, Luke the fun guy who popped in, and China … He smiled.

Monday morning she’d arrived at work with no comment on their duet on Friday night. He’d overheard the other women teasing her but she had not said a word to him that hadn’t been professional in nature. He would have thought she’d softened toward him after their evening out, but not China.

Still, it was a nice day and he looked forward to taking his meal outside with the others. He was slowly feeling more a part of this close-knit group. There had been none of the same camaraderie at the large E.R. he’d left. The staff had come and gone with too much regularity. Golden Shores was slowly turning into a place he could belong. To make life even better, he’d just received a much-awaited phone call that his boat had arrived. Sailing topped his agenda for his next day off.

Payton stepped out into the bright sunshine and breathed deeply. He felt better just by being in it. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d ever done anything like have lunch with co-workers, other than grabbing something from the machine on the way through the snack room. He wanted to live differently and this certainly qualified. There would have been no “Let’s go out back to eat” if he was still in Chicago.

“Hey, Payton, we saved you a spot.” Jean shifted around on the cement bench, giving him a place to sit. Doris sat next to her and moving around the table was Luke and beside him China. As he maneuvered his leg under the table his knee hit China’s leg. Her gaze jerked to his before she lowered her gaze and pulled her leg out of contact with his.

He glanced at her lunch. She had a sandwich and raw vegetables. At least she didn’t have one of those nasty prepackaged microwave meals with all the preservatives. When she noticed his interest, she moved her meal more squarely in front of her but didn’t meet his look. He couldn’t help but grin. She was self-conscious.

“We’ve been asked to cover the medical tent at the concert Saturday night. I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you more notice. I only do what the higher-ups ask. For your trouble you will all be awarded the next day off.”

Everyone but him groaned.

“It’s Sunday. That’s our day off anyway,” Luke said.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t notice that.” Jean smiled. “Our shift will be from eight until.”

“Until?” Payton asked.

“Until it’s over,” everyone, including China, said in unison.

“Where’s the venue?” Payton asked.

“On the beach near the state park. They put up a large stage and in comes the crowd,” Luke offered between bites of sandwich.

“How do they charge and control the crowd?”

“Don’t. This one is to encourage tourism around the Gulf area to help the economy after the tornado that came through last spring,” Luke said.

Payton remembered it. He’d seen a little of the TV reporting when he’d been in the hospital, recovering from pneumonia.

“People are bused in from parking lots out of town. It’s a big deal. And a lot of fun.”

Jean held up a hand. “Now that Luke has given us an enthusiastic overview of the event we need to get down to the medical particulars. We should expect the usual. Too much to drink, falls, turned ankles, the occasional black eyes from hands being slung during dancing. I’ve already spoken to Larry. He and Robin will take the early shift.”

She looked at Payton then China. “You two will have the late shift. You’ll need to be at the tent no later than nine o’clock and stay to see that the tent is dismantled. That means bringing everything back here afterwards. Remember I said you get the next day off.” She gave them a bright smile. “Doris and I will be splitting up to help with the paperwork. Let’s plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

China had always enjoyed working the concerts. She loved music and it was a great way to enjoy some of the best. The artists were world class and they were giving of themselves to help others.

An hour before she’d been assigned to arrive she stepped off the hospital shuttle bus. She’d left her car parked behind the clinic. China headed for the area where the medical tent was located. The warm-up act was already on the stage and the noise level was rising. Crossing the section of the beach highway that had been closed, she made her way to the entrance gate and showed her badge. As she walked, she passed food venders, T-shirts sellers and trinket hawkers. The excitement and intensity in the atmosphere grew the closer she moved to the stage. The medical tent had been stationed on a concrete area with easy access to the road in case an ambulance was needed and just far enough away from the major activity that it was easy enough to talk without shouting too much.

Larry and Robin were seeing to a patient as she entered. To her surprise, Payton was already there. He wore a polo shirt that hung loosely from his broad shoulders across his chest and a pair of tailored khaki shorts that made her think of preppy men and tennis matches. This was no T-shirt with a slogan and slouchy pants kind of guy, the kind she tended to notice. If she had to pick a word for Payton’s looks it would be classy and they had an appeal.

Her familiarity with guys like him was little to none. No wonder Payton seemed to rub her the wrong way so easily. She had no concept of his kind of guy, didn’t know how to react to him. As long as he kept his criticism to himself, she found he had some positive qualities.

Payton was patiently putting a small bandage on the moving target of a two-year-old girl’s finger. The mom was blissfully watching Payton, not her child. He seemed oblivious to the woman’s admiration.

China had to admit it made an almost Norman Rockwell moment. Payton’s dark head, leaning over the little girl’s blonde curls, had her wondering if he’d ever thought about being a father. He was good with kids.

Had he ever gone skimboarding? The boy had returned to have his stitches removed but she’d been with another patient and didn’t know if they had really made plans. Not wanting to step over the line into personal space, she’d not asked. It was unlike her to be standoffish but every time she and Payton moved beyond the professional—Jean’s birthday was the biggest example—things got too personal. Too uncomfortable. Payton seemed to be from the same mold as her father. She wanted no part of that.

Anyway, he was just another co-worker, and tonight he was more so as they would be partners.

Larry and Robin were still seeing to a patient when Payton finished.

“You’re certainly here early,” China remarked.

“Yeah. I wanted to see what was going on. I’ve never been to a concert on the beach. There really is a crowd.”

“Yes, there is. I never did things like this either.”

“Why? You live right here.”

“I was too busy doing other things.”

Cooking, cleaning, washing clothes. It had needed to be done and she had been the one to do it. Her mom had been locked in her grief over not knowing where her brother was to the point she hadn’t been able to function.

Payton glanced around the tent. “I haven’t had a chance to look around. We’re not busy now and Larry and Robin are here for another thirty minutes so how about you give me a tour?”

“You go on. They …” she nodded to the others “… may need help.”

“Come on, China. Quit making excuses. I’m not going to bite.”

She huffed. “I know that.”

“So have mercy on the new guy and show me around.”

Not wanting to cause a further scene, China nodded her agreement.

“Even though you’re not on the clock yet, carry a radio in case we need you,” Jean said, from where she sat at a small table with a laptop.

Payton took the radio she offered.

China headed out of the tent. Why did he always manage to goad her into doing something she wasn’t sure she wanted to do?

She circled and weaved behind the back of the throng toward the ocean.

“Hey, wait up,” Payton called. “A tour guide is supposed to stay with the person she’s guiding.”

“And the group is supposed to keep up.” She headed down the middle of the beach.

“Where’re we going?” he asked, catching up.

“This is the best way to see things otherwise we’ll always be fighting the crowd.”

They walked through the sand until they got about halfway to the stage and she stopped.

“This is part of the state park area.” She swept her hand around. “I guess you’ve seen it when it is empty. That over there …” she pointed “… is the Beach Hut. The wildest place on the beach. They have mini-concerts and dancing all the time.”

“Do you go often?”

Her head whirled and she glared at him. He was serious. “I do not.”

“You’ve never been?”

She shook her head. That had been more Kelsey’s scene. They were as different as daylight and darkness but Kelsey loved her dearly. Missed her daily. Wished they had the relationship that they had once had as girls.

His look was one of pure disbelief. “Not once? Didn’t sneak in as a teen?”

“No.” That had been Kelsey’s specialty. Thank goodness she hadn’t gotten caught. It would have killed her parents.

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