An Unexpected Kiss (10 page)

Unfortunately,
Cole’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He stepped back and answered the call. “This
is Dr. Taggart.” He started cleaning up his equipment, his eyebrows drawn
together as he listened to his caller. “All right, I’ll be there as soon as I
can.”

He ended
the call and glanced over at Lucy. “The on call doctor for the ER tonight just
ended up as a patient with an emergency appendectomy. They need someone to
cover the rest of the night.” That was one thing Cole needed to get used to
about living in a smaller town. The hospital contracted ER doctors during the
day, but after hours, weekends and holidays, the doctors in Snow Valley took
turns covering the ER.

“How long
is that?” Lucy asked, climbing down from the table.

“The
shift ends at six in the morning.”

“I’m
sorry. That’s got to be rough.”

“If it
isn’t too busy, I can catch a nap in one the sleep rooms.” He folded the blue
cloth over the tray and put it in the sink. “If not, tomorrow is Sunday so I
can sleep then.”

Lucy
picked up her coat, and knew she couldn’t slip it over her injured finger. “I
guess wearing my coat isn’t an option,” Lucy said as Cole turned around.

He walked
across the room and picked up his jacket. “Wear mine. The sleeve is bigger and
will fit over your hand.”

“Then
what will you wear? Mine?”

He
grinned. “I’ve got another coat in my office.”

He held
out the jacket and she carefully slipped her injured hand inside the sleeve.
Cole helped her put on the other side and then stood in front of her and rolled
up the cuffs for her. The scent of his cologne enveloped her and she had to
force herself not to bury her nose in the material.

“Keep
that hand elevated.” He took her coat, and held the door open. “I just need to
get my coat out of my office and write you a prescription for pain medicine.
You aren’t allergic to anything, right?”

“Not that
I know of.”

She
followed him into the office which still had all of Doc Taggart’s things in it.
Cole unlocked the top drawer and pulled out a prescription pad. After finding a
pen, he filled out the paper and then tore it off and handed it to her.

“We can
swing by the pharmacy to get this filled before I take you home.”

Lucy
slipped the paper into one of Cole’s pockets. “My mom or dad will get it filled
for me. You probably need to get to the hospital.”

Her phone
chimed an incoming text. “Can you get my phone for me?” Lucy asked Cole since
he held her coat.

He put
his hand inside her pocket and pulled out her phone. “Need help opening the
message?” he asked.

“I got
it.” She swiped the screen with her ring finger and read the message from
Lance.

I
stayed out of sight so I could watch the Parkers and I’ve never seen kids so
excited about a Christmas tree and lights on a house. Thanks for letting me
help out. BTW how is your finger?

It
occurred to Lucy that text messaging would be a little harder. She’d have to
use her voice to text option, but not with Cole standing there. She handed him
the phone. “It’s from Lance. He said the Parkers were pretty excited about the
lights.”

Cole read
the message and smiled. “Do you want me to text him back for you?”

“If you
don’t mind. Just tell him I got a few stitches and thank him again for his
help.”

He typed
the message quickly, and a few seconds later he read Lance’s reply out loud.
“Sorry about the stitches. I’ll call you later. I think we need to talk.”

Lucy felt
her cheeks heat up as Cole looked up, his brow wrinkled. “Any reply?”

This was
so stupid. She owed Lance an explanation, but didn’t know what to tell Cole to
say. “Um…maybe tell him to call tomorrow. Once I take the pain meds I won’t be
coherent.”

Cole
studied her for a few seconds then dipped his chin and typed in the message.
Lance sent a simple “okay” just as Cole handed her the phone. After locking up
the doctor office, he escorted Lucy to the passenger side and helped her in.
Using her left hand, she clicked on her seatbelt as Cole walked around to the
driver’s side.

“I’ll
call you as soon as I wake up tomorrow.”

“Okay. We
can talk about our next plan. Mom has the list of things the kids want for
Christmas. Her quilting group wants to help out too.”

The ride
to her house didn’t take long. Her parents should be coming home from the
carnival at any time. They didn’t like to stay out in the cold too long. Cole
walked her to the door, and helped her unlock the front door. Lucy reached
inside and flipped on the Christmas lights.

“Thank
you, Cole. For everything.”

“You’re
welcome. I’m sorry you got hurt, though.”

“I heal
quickly,” Lucy said, hoping that was true. She had to be back to work before
the new year.

Cole
stood there for a minute, and Lucy wondered if he would kiss her goodbye. “Text
me if the pain medicine doesn’t help. And be sure and watch out for signs of
infection.”

“Yes, Dr.
Taggart,” she teased.

He
smiled, and took a step backward. Lucy swallowed her disappointment. “Have a
good shift.”

“Thanks.”
He hesitated for a few seconds and then said, “Good night, Lucy.”

She
watched him walk down the steps and climb inside his SUV. She lifted a hand and
waved as he backed out of the driveway. Lucy felt like crying as his taillights
disappeared. She sniffed, and caught the scent of Cole, making her realize she
still wore his jacket.

Stepping
inside her house, Lucy sat down in front of the Christmas tree and snuggled
into Cole’s coat. She had a lot of thinking to do, and some hard decisions to
make.

Late
Sunday
afternoon, Cole pulled up in front of Lucy’s house, and debated about whether
or not he was making a mistake coming without calling her first. He hadn’t
heard from her all day, and he was done waiting.

All
night, in between patients, he’d thought about her, and what he was going to do
about his growing feelings for her. It would be nice to know how she felt about
him too. The only way to figure her out was to talk.

After
leaving her last night, he’d regretted not kissing her goodbye, but at the time
it hadn’t seemed right. Especially when she shot down any hope of her moving
back to Snow Valley. He didn’t get it. She loved her family and her hometown.
Why wouldn’t she want to live here?

Already the
small Montana town was growing on him. He liked how down-to-earth the people
seemed. The ER had been fairly steady last night, but everyone he treated had
been appreciative and friendly.

Since it
had been busy, he’d had to sleep for a few hours after his shift ended, and
missed church. After Sunday services, Uncle Will and Beverly went to another
couple’s house for the day, leaving Cole a note that dinner was in the fridge. They
would be back in time for the firework show tonight, and invited him to go with
them if he didn’t already have other plans.

Cole was
losing track of how many Christmas events this small town had. If Lucy hadn’t
already altered his opinion of her favorite holiday, he would eventually have
to embrace it just to survive living here.

Cutting
the engine, Cole exited his car and slipped the Christmas present he’d bought
for Lucy in his pocket. The slender rectangular box had been expertly wrapped
by the girl at the jewelry counter. The charm bracelet he’d found her was
perfect. Each of the charms—a Christmas tree, a train, a tiny reindeer
bell, and a sprig of mistletoe—represented their time together. He
especially liked the reindeer bell because if you held it up to your ear you
could hear it jingle.

He made
his way up the walkway. He really should’ve texted her, but didn’t want to
chance her blowing him off, or asking him to meet her somewhere other than her
house. Besides, it was time he met her family, including Lucy’s mother.

The
temperature had dropped a little with the clear skies, and the air felt like it
penetrated through his parka. The wool jacket he’d loaned Lucy was a little
warmer, but he liked the idea of her wearing his coat.

He pushed
the doorbell, and smiled when he heard the chime of another Christmas song. His
pulse accelerated when the door swung open, and he recognized Lucy’s brother,
Landon.

“Hey, you
here for Lucy again?” the kid said before Cole could introduce himself.

“Yeah, is
she home?”

“Luce,
someone’s at the door for you!” he shouted. Then he stepped back and motioned
for Cole to come inside.

Just then
a petite blonde came to the foyer. It had to be Lucy’s mother. “Landon
Phillips. That is no way to answer a door.”

Landon
rolled his eyes. “Sorry, Mom.”

“Please
go and get your sister.” She turned to Cole. “Pardon my son’s manners.” She
held out her hand. “I’m Lila Phillips.”

“It’s
nice to meet you, Mrs. Phillips. I’m Cole Taggart.”

Her
eyebrows shot up. “Dr. Cole Taggart?”

“Yes,
ma’am.”

“Well,
it’s so nice to meet you. Please come inside and have a seat.” She led him to
the living room. Cole sat down on the couch, and Lila took a seat in the chair
next to the Christmas village.

“We can’t
thank you enough for taking care of Lucy last night,” Lila said. “It was kind
of you to see her in your office instead of making her sit at the ER.”

“I was
happy to do it.” Cole wasn’t sure what all Lucy had told her mother. He decided
it would be better to keep quiet until Lucy joined them. “How is her finger?”

“Sore,
but the pain medicine is helping her stay comfortable.” Lila sent Cole a warm
smile. “I must say, it’s so wonderful to have a doctor willing to make house
calls.”

Making a
house-call wasn’t exactly what Cole was here about, and he hoped that didn’t
get around town. He’d never have any time off if people thought he made a habit
of making home visits.

“Actually—”
He didn’t finish his sentence as Lucy rushed into the room, her eyes wide.

“Lucy,”
Lila said, “Dr. Taggart came by to check on your finger.”

“Oh.” Lucy
pinned questioning eyes on Cole. “How nice.”

The
bewildered look on her face contradicted her words. Cole felt slightly annoyed
that Lucy didn’t want her mother to know she and Cole were seeing each other.
His gut clenched with uncertainty. They were seeing each other, weren’t they?

Lila
stood up, and motioned for Lucy to come take her seat. “Dr. Taggart, can I get
you something to drink?”

“No thank
you. And please call me Cole.”

“All
right, but only if you promise to call me Lila.”

“Thank
you, Lila.”

“Well,”
Lucy’s mother looked at her daughter and then Cole. “I’ll just leave you two
alone.”

“Thanks,
Mom,” Lucy said.

Lila
hesitated for a brief moment before pivoting and leaving the room.

“What are
you doing here?” Lucy whispered.

“Coming
to see you.”

“Are you
crazy?” She cast a furtive glance to where her mother had been. “I’ve finally
gotten through to her about Lance, and now she’ll set her sights on you.”

Irritation
worked its way through Cole. He leaned forward. “Would that really be so
horrible?”

Her face
softened. “Don’t take it personally. I’ve already told you it’s me, not you.”

“Lucy, I
like you, and—judging from the exceptional kisses we’ve shared—I
think you like me too.”

“I do
like you.” Her eyes strayed to his mouth for a brief moment. “That’s not the
issue.”

“Then
what is?”

She
opened her mouth, but her mother came back into the room. “Excuse me, Dr.
Taggart, er, Cole. We’re about to have dinner and we’d love to have you stay
and join us.”

Cole
purposefully avoided looking at Lucy. “I’d like to. Thank you, Lila.”

“Wonderful.”
Lila backed out of the room her face glowing with satisfaction. “I’ll set
another place.”

Once she
left, Cole slowly met Lucy’s eyes. She looked both confused and bothered.
“This is a mistake, Cole.”

“How is
it a mistake?”

Lucy’s
gaze narrowed, and she took a few seconds to answer. During that time a man—whom
Cole assumed was Lucy’s dad—came into the room.

“Hello,”
he said as Cole stood up. “I’m Lamont Phillips. Lucy’s father.”

“It’s
nice to meet you, sir.” Cole took his outstretched hand, and gave it a firm
shake. “I’m Cole Taggart.”

“I
understand we have you to thank for taking such good care of our Lucy.” He
turned and winked at his daughter. “She said quite a few nice things about you
last night.”

“I did?”
Lucy said, sounding alarmed.

Her
father grinned. “Yep. About an hour after you took your pain medicine you came
into my office and told me all about the cute doctor who took care of you. You
might have also mentioned something about mistletoe and kissing too.”

Cole felt
his neck flush with embarrassment. Mr. Phillips had to be questioning Cole’s
professionalism. To be fair, though, he hadn’t kissed Lucy after she’d been
injured.

“Please
tell me you didn’t tell mother,” Lucy said, her face a tad on the pale side.

Her dad
laughed. “Not yet.”

“But you
won’t say anything, right?” Lucy asked.

Smiling,
Lamont looked at his daughter and then to Cole. “I have a feeling I won’t have
to say a word.” He chuckled as he left the room.

Lucy sat
there staring after her father. Cole felt bad. Maybe he should just go home and
warm up his dinner, and forget about Lucy Phillips.

“I’m
sorry, Lucy.”

“It’s not
your fault. Obviously, I should avoid narcotics from now on.”

He wanted
to laugh, but he felt sick inside. She might have issues that had nothing to do
with him, but he couldn’t risk his heart again. Falling in love had never been
part of his transition plan to Snow Valley. His work would keep him busy, and
converting his practice to what he wanted would require a lot of his spare
time.

“Hey, I’m
not looking for any kind of relationship, and neither are you.” He tried to
gage her reaction, but couldn’t tell what she was thinking. “We’re friends.
Let’s just keep it that way.”

“I’m
the one who’s sorry.” Her voice trembled. “I know I’m a little screwed up.”

“Aren’t
we all?” He gave her a soft smile. “So can we be friends?” He held out his
hand.

“Yes.”
She moistened her lips, and slowly placed her palm against his. He ignored the
zing of attraction and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before dropping it.

“By the
way, how is your finger?”

“Better.”
She smiled, and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “It really hurt like
crazy once the lidocaine wore off, hence my use of Lortab. But this morning, as
long as I keep it elevated, or don’t bump it, it seems to be okay.”

“Good.” They
stood there for a few uncomfortable seconds. He went to shove his hands in his
pockets, and felt the box containing the bracelet. Should he even give her the
gift?

“Oh,” she
said brightly. “Allie and her children were at church this morning. Pastor John
introduced them to the congregation, and people were very welcoming. Lance’s
mother Vivian invited Allie and the children to Sunday dinner and my mom said
she accepted.”

“That’s
great. I wish I could’ve been there. People are going to think the new doctor
is a heathen. This is the second week in a row I haven’t been able to attend.”

“Doc
Taggart has your back. He proudly told everyone how you covered for another
doctor at the last minute.”

Cole
hated how stilted their conversation felt, but it was necessary in order to
preserve their friendship, and his heart.

“I think
Uncle Will is going to enjoy retirement.”

There was
another awkward pause. She glanced around the room and then said, “My mom and
some of her quilting friends have gotten the word out, and donations have come
pouring in to Pastor John. There are a lot of people who want to help, so
getting things for the family won’t be hard.”

Cole had
looked forward to shopping with Lucy, but now he didn’t think he could take
being around her, knowing she’d return to California soon after Christmas. “I’m
glad people are willing to help. I don’t know how busy these next couple of
days are going to be at the office, so maybe your mom and some of the women can
help you out with the shopping.”

Lucy
stared at him for a few heartbeats. He thought he saw her bottom lip quiver
before she gave him a rigid smile. “That’s a great idea. I’m sure they’d love
to help.”

They were
spared from further conversation when Lila came in. “Dinner’s ready.”

“It’s
smells delicious,” Cole said, as he and Lucy followed Lila into the dining
room.

Lucy’s
parents made Cole feel welcome, and introduced him to her younger brothers.
Throughout the meal, Cole marveled at the family dynamics. They loved each
other, and weren’t afraid to show it. He knew it wasn’t an act. Someday he
hoped to have a family like this, and it gave him hope that it was possible. He
just needed to find the right woman. Once Lucy returned to California, maybe
Cole would meet someone else.

He and
Lucy maintained the facade that they were nothing more than friends. When the
family questioned him about attending the fireworks with them tonight, he
declined stating he needed to catch up on sleep after pulling an all-nighter at
the hospital.

Just as
the meal finished, Cole got a call from his mother. Never before had he been so
grateful for her timing. “I need to take this call,” he said, silencing the
phone and scooting back from the table.

“I
suppose as a doctor you get called away often,” Lila said kindly.

“I do, and
I apologize for having to eat and run. The meal was delicious.” He couldn’t
bring himself to look at Lucy. “Thank you for having me in your home.”

“Any
time, son,” Lamont said.

Cole
noticed the amusement from before was replaced with concern. He could probably
sense the tension radiating between him and Lucy. After telling Logan and
Landon goodbye, he finally met Lucy’s gaze. “I hope your finger continues to
heal. I’ll be in the office Monday and Tuesday if you need anything or have any
concerns.”

The usual
light in her eyes was absent. She scooted back from the table. “Let me walk you
out.”

Thankfully
his mother was persistent, and Cole’s phone started buzzing again. “Thank you,
but that’s not necessary.”