One Night with the Doctor (11 page)

Poppy blinked. The fluttering in her stomach increased.

As if sensing her unease, Ben glanced at the time displayed on the dash and changed the subject. “Do you want to stop somewhere? Or shall we eat at home?”

She swallowed hard. Cleared her throat.

“We don’t have to take meals together.” She could have cheered when her voice came out casual and offhand. During her marriage, she and Bill had come and gone as they pleased. Or rather, Bill had, leaving her to fend for herself most evenings.

“Because of our schedules, it’s not always going to be possible but I’d like to try.” His gaze searched hers. “The reason we’re under the same roof is to get better acquainted, to forge a relationship.”

Forge a relationship.

Three simple, but terrifying words. She’d agreed to this arrangement for the sake of the baby. But today, she’d spent far more time thinking about the man sitting beside her than her unborn child.

Her intense physical attraction to Ben worried her. Still, she reassured herself that it was likely the more she got to know him, the less she’d like him. “I guess we could try.”

“At least in the evening,” Ben said. “Mornings are hectic. I try to be out the door by six.”

Poppy wrinkled her nose. “I’ll probably be rolling out of bed when you leave.”

“You’re pregnant. You need your sleep.”

The understanding had tears stinging her lids. She didn’t expect this consideration from him. Didn’t want it. Didn’t know what to do with it.

Rain had begun to fall by the time her apartment building came into view. On the sidewalk, a man and his cattle dog picked up the pace as they made their way to a 4x4 parked by the curb. Poppy smiled when the guy let the dog into the vehicle first, before he rounded the front and hopped inside.

She thought of Groucho, remembered how forlorn he’d looked, standing on the porch while they drove away. “I’m sorry my place doesn’t take dogs.”

With studied nonchalance, Ben lifted one shoulder, as if leaving the animal he’d rescued wasn’t a big deal. Poppy knew differently.

“You’ve given up a lot to move in with me,” she continued quietly when he eased the car into a parking space close to the building. “Not only Groucho, but your beautiful home.”

No wonder his father had been confused. Ben agreeing to move in with her didn’t make sense to her, either.

He flicked off the engine, released his seat belt and shifted to face her. “There’s nothing more important than us getting to know each other.”

“Agreed.”

The words had barely left her lips when Ben framed her face with his hands and kissed her.

“As sweet as buttercream frosting,” he murmured.

She should call foul. Make it clear that unless they were with others and playing a part, there would be no touching or kissing.

Instead Poppy grabbed his arm and pulled him back to her. After all, she could be spontaneous, too.

She kissed him longer, harder, deeper. By the time they broke apart, they were both breathing hard.

“There,” she said triumphantly, her breath coming in short puffs. “We’re even.”

His gray eyes glittered. “For now.”

Chapter Twelve

O
n a scale of one to ten, with ten being the best day ever, Poppy concluded Monday was destined not to rise above a two. She had a mountain of paperwork to wade through and, to top off the morning, she’d had to testify on an abuse situation involving a sixteen-month-old. By lunchtime, she was already on overload.

It didn’t help she hadn’t slept well the night before. His kiss. Her kiss. As they enjoyed a meal of chicken stir-fry, all she could think was how his mouth had felt on hers. They might have ended the night even but by the time she’d closed her bedroom door, her body had been so revved up, all she’d been able to do was lie there and think about getting naked with him.

Spontaneity, she decided, had its downside.

Although Ben had tried to be quiet this morning, she’d heard him get up before the sun rose. He was out the door before she tossed back the covers and swung her feet to the floor.

Poppy told herself she was happy he’d already left. But simply smelling the scent of his soap in the shower brought the longing flooding back. As well as a slight ache in her chest. An ache she didn’t understand and didn’t want to examine too closely.

She figured all these tangled emotions and feelings had to be the result of surging pregnancy hormones. She could only hope a walk in the fresh air over lunch would clear all thoughts of Ben—and this preoccupation with sex—from her head.

* * *

Once outside, her feet clad in sensible canvas shoes, Poppy began to walk briskly. She was making good time on her lunch break when she ran into Hailey Randall on the sidewalk outside Hill of Beans, a popular coffee shop and bistro owned by her high school classmate, Cole Lassiter.

“Poppy.” Tripp’s younger sister greeted her like a long lost friend. “Are you as desperate for a latte as I am?”

Poppy grinned. Something about the perky blonde with the wide smile always lifted her spirits. “I love a good latte.”

“Let’s get one then. Unless you have other plans?”

Poppy saw the look of hope on Hailey’s face and recalled that like her, the young woman had only recently returned to Jackson Hole. After checking the time, Poppy gestured toward the door. “Lead the way.”

They ordered then took the drinks and the salad Poppy hadn’t been able to resist to a table by the window.

Poppy stabbed a piece of endive with her fork. “How do you like being back in Jackson Hole?”

Hailey sipped her latte and heaved an appreciative sigh before responding. “I enjoyed going away to school and the year after graduation I spent working as a speech therapist in Denver. But when my dad got so sick and it looked, well, bad for him, I needed to be close.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Much better.” There was no mistaking the relief in Hailey’s voice. “A new chemo regimen ended up being an answer to our prayers.”

“Now that his health has improved, will you be returning to Denver?”

Hailey appeared to give the question some thought then shook her head. “I didn’t realize just how much I missed my family until I came back. I like having dinner with my parents and hanging out with Tripp and Anna. I always wanted a sister. I now have one in Anna.”

“The move worked out.”

“It did.” Hailey took another sip. “Other than I don’t have a job. Unless you count being a part-time server at Wally’s Place. But I’m a speech pathologist. I want to work in my field.”

“Something will turn up.”

“I’ve applied everywhere.” A shadow passed over Hailey’s pretty face. “I’ve come close, but they ended up hiring someone with more experience.”

“That’s tough,” Poppy said.

“My mom says everything happens in God’s time.” Hailey’s lips twisted in a wry smile. “I only wish God and I could synchronize our watches.”

Poppy understood the frustration in Hailey’s voice. “When I moved back, not having a job drove me crazy. You and I are alike in that way.”

Hailey nodded and peered over the top of her cup. “There’s another way we’re alike.”

Poppy cocked her head.

“We’ve both dated Ben Campbell.”

Poppy nearly choked on a leaf of lettuce. She took a gulp of the water she’d gotten in addition to the latte. “That’s true.”

“He’s a nice guy, don’t you think?”

“Very nice.” Poppy paused, considered the best way to tell Hailey that Ben had moved in with her.

“I think he likes you more than me,” Hailey said philosophically, “though it appears neither of us have the inside track.”

Poppy took a sip of water.

“If we did, we’d be the one he’d asked to lunch.” Hailey gestured her head toward the door. “Instead of her.”

Poppy swiveled in her chair. Her heart rolled. Standing in line to order was the father of her baby and his one time girlfriend, Mitzi Sanchez.

* * *

Ben had never thought of himself as being particularly intuitive. While he had good instincts and a brain made for problem solving, the sixth sense that so many people seemed to have eluded him. Until this moment.

The tiny hairs on the back of his neck tingled and he turned toward the dining area. He spotted Poppy immediately, seated by the window.

He lifted his hand in greeting. Both Poppy and Hailey acknowledged his wave before turning back to each other.

“Who is it?” Mitzi asked. “More importantly, do they have a table big enough for us to sit with them? This place is packed.”

“Let’s order first.” Ben turned back to the counter where Cole Lassiter stood, waiting to take their order.

Cole was a local boy who’d started from nothing to become a successful entrepreneur. His multistate Hill of Beans empire was run out of Jackson Hole. His wife, Meg, was also a successful business owner, having started a physical-therapy clinic several years earlier.

“They trust you to take orders, Lassiter?” Ben joked with an easy smile.

“Keep that up and your order could mysteriously end up in the circular file,” Cole said, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “You’re looking especially lovely today, Ms. Sanchez.”

Ben shifted his gaze. His colleague wore a green dress with boots. She looked nice, he supposed.

Mitzi smiled. “Kelvin tells me your wife is really cracking the whip.”

“That’s why I suggested he see her for his physical therapy when he’s in Jackson,” Ben told Mitzi. “Meg gets excellent results.”

“I’ll pass along the compliment,” Cole said, then took their order.

Once they received their food, Ben scanned the crowded dining area. There appeared to be room at Poppy and Hailey’s table but he decided to take his food back to the office.

“It’s crowded,” Ben told Mitzi. “Let’s bag this stuff and eat at the clinic.”

“Where’s your spirit of adventure?” Mitzi’s eyes narrowed then lit up. “Unless they’re meeting someone, Poppy and Hailey should be able to fit us in at their table.”

Without waiting for a response, Mitzi began weaving through the tables.

Ben saw no choice but to follow.

“May we join you?” Mitzi asked, resting her tray on the table.

“Of course,” Hailey answered immediately.

“Please, join us,” Poppy echoed.

She’d been in bed when he’d left this morning. He didn’t think he’d ever seen the red suit she had on with the silky white blouse underneath. It looked good on her. Sexy. Poppy was meant to wear red.

“Mitzi and I were at a continuing education seminar at the hospital this morning and decided to grab something to eat before heading to the clinic.” Ben felt compelled to explain, yet not sure why. He and Mitzi were in the same medical practice. There was nothing odd about them having lunch together.

Then why
does being with her feel wrong?
Ben thought.

“Poppy and I ran into each other outside and decided to grab some lunch,” Hailey said.

“I thought you made a sandwich last night.” The words were out of his mouth before he considered them.

“I did.” Color rose high in Poppy’s cheeks. “But I forgot the sack in the refrigerator.”

Hailey paid no attention. She was too busy complimenting Mitzi on the necklace with copper strands and brightly colored stones that hung around her neck.

But his colleague never missed a beat. Mitzi was an expert at reading between the lines and delving into the nuances of any situation.

“How did you know she made a sandwich for lunch last night?” Mitzi asked him. “Did she call you up and tell you?”

Hailey gave a snort of laughter.

Poppy stilled, then placed her fork carefully on the table.

“I watched her make it,” Ben said with equanimity. “Poppy and I are living together.”

Hailey dropped her cup to the table, the hot liquid splashing over the rim.

Mitzi’s eyes brightened as if she’d been doing some simple mining and had unexpectedly struck gold.

Poppy gave him a look that said he was going to have a lot of explaining to do tonight.

“Since when?” Mitzi leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table, her eyes skipping between Ben and Poppy.

“Yesterday,” Ben told her.

Hailey stared at Poppy, a reproachful look in her eye. “You didn’t say a word. You let me go on—”

“I was going to tell you but—” Poppy began, but Hailey had already risen.

“I just remembered somewhere I need to be.” Hailey’s smile appeared strained. “I’m happy for both of you.”

“Hailey,” Poppy called out, but the girl disappeared out the front door.

“Looks like she still has a thing for you, Ben.” Mitzi took a dainty bite of her egg salad sandwich.

“You’re mistaken,” Ben said, but a niggle of doubt remained. Though he and Hailey had dated a few times, it hadn’t been anything serious. At least, not on his part.

Hailey was a nice woman. They’d laughed and talked and done a little kissing, but that was it. Since Valentine’s Day, he’d only seen her once. That was only because he’d run into her downtown and they’d gone to a movie they’d both wanted to see.

He hadn’t been lying when he’d told his parents that since last fall the only woman he’d been interested in pursuing had been Poppy.

Poppy sat back down but it was apparent his arrival with Mitzi had ruined her lunch. And he had the feeling that whatever ruined her lunch was going to ruin his, as well.

“So you two are an item.” Mitzi’s blue eyes sparkled as her gaze shifted from Ben to Poppy. “Spill.”

“I’d love to chat but unfortunately I need to get back to work.” Poppy flashed a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Enjoy your lunch.”

She was quick. Ben would give her that. Poppy was out the door in five seconds flat.

He pushed back his chair with a clatter, keeping his eyes firmly focused on Poppy’s bright red jacket.

“I’ll see you at the clinic,” he said to Mitzi without waiting for a response. He sprinted and reached Poppy as she turned the corner.

“What’s the rush?”

“Don’t you want to get back to your ex-girlfriend? Or—” Poppy paused “—is she back to current girlfriend status?”

Ben blew out a harsh breath. There were a dozen words he could have said to her, but the hurt underlying the anger in her eyes had him swallowing them whole. When he spoke his tone was matter-of-fact.

“Mitzi is my associate,” he said, falling into step beside her. “Nothing more. Whatever we once had is over. It’s been over for a long time. We decided to catch some lunch after a CME lecture at the hospital. I didn’t mean to interrupt your lunch with Hailey or make you or her uncomfortable.”

“You and Hailey dated.” Poppy’s fingers twisted the handle on her purse. They were headed in the direction of her office but the sedate pace told him she still had time on her lunch hour.

“We did.”

“She likes you.”

“I like her, too,” he said, then quickly added, “as a friend. There was never anything more between us.”

The skeptical look on her face almost made him smile. With great restraint, he controlled the urge.

“I never slept with her,” he said, though she hadn’t asked. “Tripp was on target when he said Hailey was too young for me. We’re in different places in our lives. But she’s a beautiful, intelligent woman and I enjoyed the time I spent with her.”

“I don’t think she’d have been quite so upset if you’d made it clear we’re not sleeping together, that living together is only a way for us to get to know—”

“That’s too much information,” Ben interrupted, his tone firm and unyielding. “And no one’s business but our own.”

“But isn’t that lying by omission?”

“What goes on in anyone’s bedroom is their business. If they want to assume we’re having sex, let them.”

“And that’s what they’ll assume when they find out about the baby.” She stopped walking. “I need to speak with Hailey. Though I’m not sure how much to say. What are you going to tell your friends?”

Ben didn’t hesitate. He’d given this matter a lot of thought. “That from the first moment I saw you, I couldn’t get you out of my mind. That you’re pregnant and we’re living together now because we really want to give this relationship a shot. For the sake of the baby and for us.”

Poppy brought a finger to her lips. “That sounds good. And remarkably sincere.”

Ben nodded, his eyes steady on hers. “I figure it’s always best to go with the truth.”

* * *

Poppy told Lexi “the truth” that afternoon.

Her friend’s hazel eyes searched hers. “I know about your infertility struggles during your marriage. Discovering you were pregnant had to be both a shock and a great joy.”

Poppy glanced at the closed door. The office she and Lexi shared was small, and with the door shut, completely private.

“I wanted a child, but I’d given up on that dream.” Poppy remembered the terror—and yes, the unmitigated joy—when she’d gazed down at that thin blue line. “It’s a miracle.”

“How does Ben see it?” Lexi asked in a tone that seemed a little too casual.

“Are you asking if he blames me or somehow thinks this is my fault?”

“Does he?”

“No,” Poppy said, and realized it was true. “It wasn’t his fault and it wasn’t mine. It’s almost as if...”

“As if,” Lexi prompted when Poppy didn’t continue.

“As if this child was meant to be. I find myself lying there at night, thinking there’s a child growing inside me and I’m so happy. Then I feel guilty for feeling so much joy.”