The Doctor's Christmas Proposal Read online

  Sleep had eluded him in the nights since he’d run into her at the bookstore. He’d finished the legal thriller in record time, thanks to those sleepless nights, and wondered if Dana had begun to read her copy yet. Any excuse to talk to her again. He saw her seated at the central nurses’ desk, reviewing a chart. When he approached, the unit clerk called out, “Dana? Call for you on line two.”

  “Thanks.” His steps slowed when she picked up the phone. “This is Dana. May I help you?”

  Mitch watched as the color drained from her cheeks. “I told you, there’s nothing to talk about. I’m busy.” She quickly hung up, but fumbled a bit as she set it back in the cradle.

  “Dana?” Mitch couldn’t help moving to her side. “Are you all right?”

  “What?” She stared up at him with a frown. “Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

  There was something about the vulnerable look in her eyes that made him want to hold her close. “Dana, there are laws against harassment.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. No one is harassing me.” She stood up as if to get away from him.

  “Wasn’t that a call from an old boyfriend?” He followed her as she headed over towards Jessica’s room.

  “No.” Abruptly she stopped and swung to face him. “If you must know, the caller was my father, a man I haven’t seen for twenty-five years.”

  He hadn’t expected that answer. “He’s only just getting in touch with you now?” Mitch wondered at the timing. Had the holiday caused her father to call because this was Dana’s first Christmas without her mother? “Maybe he’s finally worked up the courage to get in touch with you.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “A little late, don’t you think?”

  While he understood her anger, he couldn’t help feeling a little compassion for her father. “Maybe he’s trying to make amends.”

  “Oh, please.” Her smile was brittle. “Don’t even try to stick up for him. Excuse me, I need to get some work done.” She tried to brush past him, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interfere.” Mitch spoke quietly. “But, Dana, trust me when I tell you life is too short to carry the burden of anger around with you forever. I know how detrimental it can be.”

  Startled, she stared at him for a moment, then her mouth thinned. “You’re right. I don’t like having anyone interfering in my life.”

  Regret washed over him as she wrenched from his grasp and hurried away.

  The next evening, Mitch hesitated outside the Irish pub, his shoulders taut with trepidation. He hardly noticed the cold, damp wind swirling around him, bringing a light flurry of snow. Why he’d bothered to come to the ICU holiday party at all was beyond him. Dana had barely spoken to him for the rest of her shift last night. Why torture himself? Standing around, chatting and watching the various residents hovering around Dana, would be agonizing but at the same time he found he couldn’t stay away.

  As much as he ached over the loss of his son, Mitch found all those sayings about time healing wounds were somewhat true. Because despite having sworn off women, he couldn’t ignore how badly he wanted to see Dana. To spend time with her. Taking a deep breath, he climbed the steps and walked in. His gaze found Dana immediately, picking her out in the middle of the crowd. She wore a tiny black dress that emphasized her curves and her eyes were bright with laughter at something Ryan, the surgical resident, was saying.

  Mitch almost turned and walked back outside. What was he doing here? Hadn’t he told himself over and over again that Dana deserved something more than he could offer? Ryan Avery was probably a much better match. What could he himself give her except a man haunted by memories? What did he hope to accomplish at a crowded party tonight?

  At that moment, Dana turned and caught sight of him. Her face bloomed with a dazzling smile, but then the light in her eyes faded, as if she’d abruptly remembered they’d parted on less than friendly terms.

  The brief flash of welcome in her eyes, though, was enough to make him weave his way through the crowd in her direction.

  “Mitch!” Someone called his name, making him pause. Therese grasped his arm. “Hey, you don’t have a drink yet.”

  When she tried to pour him a beer from a nearby pitcher, he shook his head, waving her off. “No, thanks. I’m on call tonight.”

  “Oh, too bad.” Therese scrunched up her face in an exaggerated frown. He suspected she’d had a few drinks already. She spilled some of her beer down her front when she took a sip from her cup. “Whoops.” She dabbed at her sweater, calling attention to her well-endowed breasts. With a coy smile, she leaned close. “We’ll have to get together again when you’re not on call.”

  “Sure,” he responded vaguely, glancing over her shoulder to find Dana had managed to get a few steps away from him. “Excuse me, Therese. I need to talk to someone.” He pushed his way through the crowd until he reached Dana.

  “Hello.” Mitch raised his voice over the din.

  “Hi, Mitch. Merry Christmas.” Dana lifted her nearly empty cup toward him in a silent salute.

  “Are you still speaking to me?” He asked.

  She shrugged, her grin rueful. “Of course. I shouldn’t have overreacted yesterday. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Thanks for inviting me. Is that water?” He glanced at the clear liquid in her cup.

  “Yes.” She pursed her lips, staring into her glass. “I don’t drink very often.”

  “I’m on call, so I was just going to order a Coke. Would you like something?” Mitch stepped behind her, toward the bar, and signaled the bartender.

  “A Coke would be great.” She downed the rest of her water and set the empty cup on the bar. Mitch was glad Dana wasn’t the type to hold a grudge. Except, maybe, against her father.

  The bartender handed over two Cokes, and he gave one to Dana.

  “Thanks,” she murmured.

  “You’re welcome.” The crowd surged around them, bringing them closer. He put a hand on her back to help steady her. She stiffened against him and he tried to put her at ease. “You look beautiful tonight, Dana. I like the dress much better than the green tights.”

  She gave him a startled glance, then laughed. “Thank you. Although I’m hurt you didn’t like my elf costume. ‘Are you really on duty in that get-up?’” she mimicked.

  “I liked your elf costume,” he protested. No lie—the image of Dana in her elf costume, consoling Wendy, would stay with him for a long time. “Just not very professional for the hospital. But, I must admit, you have really nice legs.”

  Her cheeks bloomed with color. “Enough compliments already.” She turned and waved a hand at the crowd. “Would you like me to introduce you to the others?”

  “No.” He leaned closer, breathing in the heady scent of her spicy perfume. If he could, he’d sweep her away and have her all to himself. “I’m happy talking to you.”

  “Me?” Her voice rose as if in disbelief. “I thought you were here to meet people. To make friends.”

  “Not tonight.” Ignoring the sharp warning in the back of his mind that he was treading on dangerous ground, he leaned close to her ear. “I’d much rather take you someplace quiet where we can share a meal and talk. Would you mind if we left?”

  She tipped her head up to look at him and it took every ounce of self-control not to cover her mouth with his. Maybe there was something wrong with him because the crowd was already getting on his nerves. He waited for Dana to decide. She looked a bit hesitant at first, then smiled and shook her head. “No. I don’t mind leaving the party.”

  Her husky words sent his pulse skipping. “Good. Let’s get out of here.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  DANA THOUGHT SHE must have completely lost her mind to be following Mitch as he wove his way through the crowd, heading for the door. Serena, drinking orange juice because of the baby, gave her the thumb’s-up sign when she caught sight of them leaving together. Dana flushed and misstepped, assailed by sudden doubt.

&n
bsp; “Are you all right?” Ever solicitous, Mitch returned to her side, placing a supportive hand under her arm.

  “Fine,” she answered, even though she was anything but fine. What was she doing, voluntarily taking the yellow brick road to heartache? She’d been through break-ups before, but none of the guys she’d dated had really mattered much and more often than not they’d parted as friends.

  What she felt for Mitch was different. There was a good chance he wouldn’t just break her heart, he’d shatter it beyond recognition. She’d need a heart transplant by the time he walked away.

  “Dana?” His earnest gaze found hers. “What is it?”

  Someone bumped her from behind, pushing her against him. Her brain short-circuited when his woodsy scent and strong arms surrounded her. He’d dressed casually in black slacks and a deep green shirt, looking far too attractive.

  “Nothing. I’m fine.” A tiny voice in her mind screamed at her to run away, to leave now and avoid getting hurt.

  She ignored the voice of reason.

  “We can stay here if you’d rather.” Mitch must have sensed her uncertainty and his sensitivity to her feelings only made her want him more.

  “No, I’m ready to leave.” Maybe this time, taking a chance on a relationship would be different. Maybe this time, the spark that constantly sizzled and snapped between them was an indication that something more simmered beneath the surface of attraction. Something deeper. Heaven knew, she’d never experienced the sensation with anyone else.

  “Do you have a coat?” He paused in the pub’s doorway.

  “In the coat check.” She dug into her purse for the stub then handed it to him. “A long black wool.”

  “I’ll get it for you. Wait here.” He disappeared round the corner.

  Dana shivered and rubbed her hands over her arms. There was a chilly draft from the doorway when someone walked in. Standing here, waiting for Mitch, seemed surreal, like she should pinch herself to make sure someone hadn’t slipped her something to make her hallucinate. But no, he looked real enough when he returned, holding up her coat so she could slip it on.

  “Leaving already, Mitch?” A brittle voice caused her to glance over her shoulder. Therese pouted and swayed, tipping the drink in her hand to a dangerous level. “We didn’t even get a chance to talk.”

  “Yes, but I’m sure I’ll see you at work soon.” Mitch’s smooth voice didn’t betray a hint of disapproval, even though Therese was more than a little tipsy. “We’ll talk then.”

  “Bye, Therese.” Dana buttoned her coat, then walked through the door Mitch held open. As they left, Dana thought she heard Therese mutter something in a low tone.

  “She’s drunk,” Mitch said dryly.

  Dana chuckled. “Don’t worry. I don’t care what Therese thinks.” Her laughter died in her throat, because she did care what the rest of her co-workers thought of her. And leaving with Mitch had sent a definitive message loud and clear.

  Was it too late to change her mind?

  “My car is over here.” Mitch guided her with his hand. “Watch your step, the ground is icy.”

  When he opened the door of his car for her, she hesitated. “What about my car?”

  “I’ll drop you off here later.” Mitch stood as if there was no rush. She slid into the passenger seat and tried not to jump when he closed the door behind her with a thud.

  She rubbed her hands together, reminding herself that it was ridiculous to feel nervous. He’d only asked her to dinner, nothing more. Why was she letting her imagination run away with her?

  “How do you feel about Italian? We could try Giovani’s. I’ve heard great things about their food.” Mitch started the car and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up.

  “Sounds good,” she admitted. “I wasn’t hungry until you mentioned Italian.”

  “Great. We’ll give it a try.” Mitch drove out of the parking lot and headed north. “The restaurant isn’t too far from where I live.”

  “Did you buy a house when you moved here?” She was more curious about his previous marriage than she had a right to be.

  “A condo.” Mitch peered at the street signs, which were partially obliterated with snow. “I also live close to the bookstore, which could prove hazardous to my bank account.”

  She had to laugh. “I love books, too. Thanks for buying that legal thriller for me, by the way. I stayed up late last night after work, but haven’t quite finished it yet.”

  “Do you like it so far?” Mitch expertly maneuvered the Blazer around a slippery curve. The four-wheel-drive made for a smooth ride.

  “Don’t ruin the ending!” She held up a hand in quick protest. “I can’t wait to see how our hero gets out of the mess he’s in.”

  “I won’t.” Mitch pulled up in the valet parking and handed over his keys to the attendant. Inside, the hostess took their coats before they were ushered to a quiet table in the corner.

  “I’d love to start with a glass of wine.” Mitch ruefully handed the wine list to her. “I’m on call, but if you’d like a glass, just say the word.”

  She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’ll stick with water, too.”

  Mitch slanted her a grin and lifted his glass and touched it to hers. “Cheers.”

  He kept the conversation light and casual as they bantered with the waiter over the house specialties, then placed their order.

  “Thanks for coming with me.” Mitch’s dark eyes captured hers from across the table. She had the absurd thought that she could easily drown in those eyes. “I hope us leaving together doesn’t cause trouble for you.”

  Her throat went dry, so she took a sip of her water. She played nervously with her napkin. “I don’t care about gossip. Although you know Therese will have us sleeping together by tomorrow.”

  “Really?” His deep voice made her shiver as he reached over the table to take her hand then rubbed his thumb along her knuckles. “Sounds intriguing.”

  She swallowed hard, realizing she never should have opened her mouth. If water had her babbling like this, she had no idea what damage a glass of wine would have done. “I’m sure Therese’s version will be tawdry, rather than intriguing, so you’d better be prepared.”

  “My reputation has taken worse hits, but I’m worried about yours,” Mitch said with a frown. “If she really starts something, I’ll have to set her straight.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure rumors won’t carry to your ex-wife in Nebraska.”

  “Kansas,” Mitch corrected. “My ex-wife isn’t interested in rumors about me.” At her skeptical look he added, “She’s married again. And despite what you may think, I’m not pining away for her.”

  A thrill of hope warmed her heart. “You aren’t?”

  “No.” He stared at their joined hands for a long moment then lifted his eyes to meet hers. The echo of pain in them made her catch her breath. “Dana, I really don’t want to talk about my past relationship right now. And my ex-wife is honestly the last thing on my mind when I’m seated across from a beautiful woman like you. I’m more interested in hearing about you.”

  “There isn’t much to tell.” Dana didn’t want to discuss the subject of her father with Mitch any more than he wanted to talk about his marriage, especially when they didn’t agree. She wished the waiter would hurry and bring their food. “I grew up in Chicago, actually, but then my mother and I moved up here when she landed a better job.”

  “How old were you?” Mitch asked.

  “About ten, I think. Anyway, we bought a tiny house in Wauwatosa, which was perfect for the two of us.” She tried to shake off the wave of sorrow that memories of her mother brought on. “My mother was the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She was very busy at work, but always made time for me. She was an amazing person.”

  “Sounds like she also raised an amazing daughter. You must miss her very much.” Mitch reluctantly released her hand when the waiter arrived with their dinner.

  “Yes, I do.” Dana tried to shake off
her sorrow, focusing instead on her food. She inhaled the scent of shrimp scampi with appreciation. “Mmm. Looks great.”

  The conversation became less personal as they ate, sharing bites of their respective meals. Dana felt giddy and light-headed, without ingesting a drop of wine. Mitch had a knack for making her feel like the most desirable woman on the planet. Never once did his eyes stray to other women passing by. It was as if he only had eyes for her.

  When their meal ended, she actually considered inviting him back to her place, then pushed the idea aside. Better that she take this newly found friendship at a slower pace. Besides, he’d only promised friendship, nothing more. Certainly not anything resembling a sexual relationship.

  Too bad, because she was more than a little tempted by the idea. She hadn’t been intimate with a man in what felt like forever.

  Mitch drove her back to the Irish pub where she’d left her car. But when she moved to open her passenger door he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

  “Give me your keys. I’ll go and warm it up for you.”

  “Thanks.” Dana handed over her keys, then waited, enjoying the rare sense of being pampered and spoiled as he started her car, then rejoined her.

  “Give it a few minutes to warm up.” Mitch glanced at her but she couldn’t really read his expression in the dim light. “I had a really nice time tonight.”

  “Me, too.” Dana couldn’t regret her decision to go out with him. She’d enjoyed every minute. “And thanks for being so sweet, warming up my car.”

  “I hope we can get together again soon.” He grinned hopefully. “Next time you can pick the restaurant.”

  Next time? Did she really want there to be a next time? And what about being friends?

  Confused by his apparent about-face, she wondered what to do about the intense wave of chemistry shimmering between them. “I’d better go,” Dana murmured. “I’m sure my car has warmed up by now.”

  Mitch nodded, then surprised her by climbing out of his car to meet her. Before she could open her door, he opened it for her.