Читать книгу Sweet Southern Nights - Rochelle Alers, Rochelle Alers - Страница 9

Chapter 2

Levi had spent a restless night wondering why he’d allowed himself to be set up on a blind date. The last time he’d been on one was his second year in college when he’d taken his roommate’s sister to her senior prom. Going to the prom with a college student as her date had appreciably elevated his roommate’s sister’s “geek” image. What her brother hadn’t realized was that his sister wasn’t a nerd, but really more of a freak. He was fortunate to have survived the night without being sexually assaulted. Of course, Levi didn’t tell his roommate about his sister, but it was the last time he’d agreed to go on a date with a woman without first meeting and talking to her.

It was after two o’clock before he’d come to the conclusion that he hadn’t been set up, but instead had willingly agreed to escort a woman to a wedding that was just a day away. Admittedly, his social life had been pretty much nonexistent over the past few months, and it was time he enjoyed a few hours of female companionship.

If Levi had been in New York, his free time would’ve been filled with dinners, parties, occasional trips to Philadelphia to see his relatives and having fun with his circle of friends in his off-hours. If he needed a date, all he had to do was call. He’d established a coterie of female friends who were willing to step in at a moment’s notice, and he was always quick to reciprocate whenever they needed an escort. He made certain never to blur the lines between friendship and intimacy. Women he counted as friends he didn’t sleep with. Those he’d slept with, he relegated to the past. When he ended a relationship, he never wanted to send mixed signals.

Levi planned to meet Angela Chase later that evening. He wanted to find out whether they both were on the same page in case someone asked how long they’d known each other or where they’d met. After all, the wedding guests were Angela’s friends and family and he didn’t want to do or say anything that would embarrass her.

His head popped up when he heard the knock on his office door. He stared at the receptionist-slash-secretary-slash-insurance claims manager as she peered through the slight opening. He turned off his tape recorder.

“Yes, Krista.”

“I just got a call from a mother who would like you to examine her son.”

Levi capped his pen, slipping it into the breast pocket of his lab coat. “What’s wrong with him?”

“She claims he fell out of the back of her dad’s old pickup and hurt his arm.”

“Tell her to bring him in.”

Office hours were over and he’d just finished updating notes for his last patients’ medical records. If he hadn’t been thinking about his dinner date with Angela Chase later that evening, he probably would have already left for the day. Ten minutes later Krista returned to tell him the patient was waiting in one of the examining rooms.

It took only a glance for Levi to know the boy was seriously injured, and would need X-rays. He gave the six-year-old a shot to minimize the pain, stabilized the limb with a splint and sling, and then called the local hospital to alert them that the boy’s mother was bringing him in, and that he needed emergency medical attention. He promised to fax over the incident report.

He ended the call, and then turned to stare at the young mother sitting on a chair cradling her son to her chest. The boy’s eyelids were fluttering. “Mrs. Godfrey, I want you to go and start up your car. I’ll carry Jeremy for you.”

Debra Godfrey stared up at the tall doctor with the friendly smile. Within minutes of bringing her son to the clinic, Dr. Eaton had managed to ease her son’s fears by asking him what his favorite cartoon was. When Jeremy said Sponge Bob Square Pants the pediatrician pretended to be one of the cartoon characters. It was enough to stop the flow of tears while Dr. Eaton deftly injected him with a painkiller so he could examine the child’s arm to better determine the severity of the injury.

Debra nodded as she bit her lip to stop it from trembling. “I… I don’t have enough gas in my car to make it to the hospital. “I’d hoped you would be able to take care of Jeremy’s arm here at the clinic.”

Levi gave the mother a reassuring look. Most of the patients who came to the clinic were hardship cases, living at or below the poverty level. Many were on Medicaid, and those who were uninsured were charged a nominal fee. He knew Debra Godfrey was the mother of three school-age children and had moved in with her parents after her husband was sentenced to an eight-year prison sentence for armed robbery. If she’d come into his New York office, Jeremy would’ve been x-rayed by a staff technician, an orthopedist would have set the child’s arm and fitted it with a lightweight cast. The fully staffed medical group offered an array of services including minor surgery.

“I’ll call Larry at the gas station and tell him to fill up your car.”

Debra’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ll pay you back soon as I get paid next week.”

Levi patted her hand. “Don’t worry about paying me back, Mrs. Godfrey,” he said, smiling in hopes of putting her at ease. “Just take care of your son.”

Reaching into the pocket of his lab coat, he took out his cell phone, scrolled through his contacts, and tapped the button for the gas station. It took less than a minute to relay his instructions to the station owner. Scooping up the boy, he carried him out to the parking lot, placed him gently on the passenger seat of the old pickup truck, and fastened the seatbelt, adjusting it to prevent further injury to his arm.

Levi watched as the taillights disappeared when Debra Godfrey drove away. Treating the child had meant he’d have little time to prepare for his meeting with Angela Chase. He didn’t want to read more into the blind date than just doing a favor for a colleague. He reasoned that this was only going to be a one-time thing.

Angela checked the table setting to make certain she hadn’t forgotten anything. For reasons she couldn’t fathom, she wanted dinner to be perfect. Maybe it had something to do with not having a man over for dinner in almost six months. It wasn’t as if she’d soured on the opposite sex. It was just that she didn’t trust men.

She’d decided to have dinner in the enclosed terrace. After making sure everything was perfect, she returned to the kitchen to check on the chicken that had marinated overnight. She opened the oven door and checked to see if the roast was fully cooked and perfectly browned. A smile tilted the corners of her mouth when tantalizing aromas wafted up to her nostrils. The stuffed bird was perfect for the cool late-spring evening.

Most nights when she returned home from work, she didn’t go into her home office to turn on her computer, but retreated to the enclosed back porch where she spent countless hours catching up with her pile of reading material or watching a movie.

Glancing at the clock on the oven, Angela lowered the temperature, closed the door and walked out of the kitchen to the staircase that led to the second floor of bedrooms. She had an hour before Levi Eaton arrived.

Stripping off her tank top, sweatpants and underwear, Angela covered her hair with a shower cap and then stepped into the stall in the en-suite bathroom. She turned on the shower spray and adjusted the water temperature. She squeezed a generous glob of her favorite bath gel onto a sponge and went about soaping her body.

As his gaze shifted from the map on the dashboard to the road in front of him, Levi decelerated. Apparently Angela was right. The roads were confusing. It was the third time the automated voice had recalculated his programmed route. After his last patient, he packed an overnight bag and a garment bag with the suit he’d planned to wear to the wedding, and drove fifteen miles from Maywood Junction to Louisville. He planned to check into a downtown hotel where he’d take advantage of the hotel’s full-service salon for a haircut and shave.

As he continued driving, a wooded area gave way to a paved road and a sign pointing the way to Magnolia Pines—a private residential community. The sun had set and the light from the nearly full moon reflected off the rails of the white fencing surrounding the property. The rails were a constant reminder that he was in horse country.

He’d come to Kentucky at the beginning of January and planned to leave at the end of June. And during his six-month stay, he’d made a promise to himself to attend a horse race. And his race of choice was the Kentucky Derby.

Reining in his thoughts, and remembering why he was driving along unlit roads in a Louisville suburb, Levi recalled the conversation he’d had with Duncan earlier that morning. He’d told him that he’d contacted his sister and would be meeting her for dinner tonight. Duncan seemed surprised that Angela had agreed to go out with him. But Levi didn’t want answers from his colleague, but rather from his sister. The outline of the gatehouse came into view, and Levi maneuvered up to the security gate as the guard slid back the window.

“Good evening, sir. May I help you?”

He nodded, smiling. “Good evening. I’m here to see Miss Angela Chase.”

“Your name, sir.”

“Levi Eaton.”

“I need to see your driver’s license, Mr. Eaton.”

Shifting in his seat, Levi removed a small billfold from his back pocket and handed his license to the guard. He drummed his fingers on the leather-wrapped wheel as he waited to be announced.

Angela stood in front of the full-length mirror, half an hour later, grimacing when she realized she looked like one of the heroines in her novels before her glamorous transformation. The white, man-tailored blouse, black cropped slacks and a pair of black patent high-heeled sandals were more appropriate for an afternoon luncheon than a dinner date.

A pair of pearl studs was the only jewelry she wore. Even her hairstyle was conservative. Instead of leaving it loose or in a ponytail, she’d pinned it into a chignon at the nape of her neck. She moved closer to the mirror and examined her bare face. She’d applied a moisturizer, lip gloss but nothing else. She went completely still when the distinctive buzzing from the intercom echoed through the house. She knew it was Levi Eaton—and he was early. Walking over to a wall panel, she punched a button on the intercom.

“This is Ms. Chase.”

“Miss Chase. Mr. Levi Eaton is here to see you.”

“You can let him in.”

Well, her blind date was about to see Angela Maxine Chase without any artifice. It would be a test to see if Dr. Levi Eaton was as superficial as most of the men she’d dated over the past three years. She left the bedroom, walked the length of the carpeted hallway to the staircase leading to the living room. She unlocked the door, opened it and came face-to-face with a man whose masculinity literally took her breath away.

To say the man standing on her front steps was tall, dark and handsome was an understatement. Angela hadn’t realized she was gaping until she saw his gaze shift from her eyes to her mouth. Opening the door wider, she gave him a bright smile.

“Please come in, Dr. Eaton.”

Levi’s expressive eyebrows lifted a fraction, and she wondered what was going through his mind. Now, she thought if his personality was as good as his looks, then Levi Eaton would definitely become the prototype for her next romance novel.

“Please, it’s Levi.”

Her smile grew wider as she extended her free hand. “And I’m Angela. Welcome.” Her fingers disappeared in his large grasp.

He handed her a decorative bag filled with wine. “I didn’t know what you were serving, so I bought a bottle of red, white and rosé.”

She peered into the bag. “You really didn’t have to bring anything.”

Levi smiled for the first time, attractive lines appearing in his lean face. “I guess it has something to do with home training. My mother would be mortified if I showed up at someone’s home empty-handed. At least the first time,” he added, his smile becoming a full grin.

Angela angled her head, staring up at the man who made her heart beat a little too fast for comfort. It had been a long time—at least five years—since she’d found herself slightly off balance. It hadn’t happened since she’d been introduced to Robert Gaskin. And if she could turn back the clock, Angela never would’ve given him a second glance. She opened her mouth to tell Levi that tonight would be the first and last time he would cross her threshold, but changed her mind when she remembered Levi was to be her date for her cousin’s wedding.

“Please come with me. It’ll be another twenty minutes before dinner is ready, so I thought we could take some time to become better acquainted,” she said instead.

Levi glanced around the alcove off the living room where two facing club chairs, one with a matching footstool, a low mahogany table with rosewood inlay and two floor lamps with Tiffany-style shades created an inviting and comfortable seating area. A decoratively carved credenza doubled as a bar, its surface covered with lead-crystal decanters filled with clear and amber-colored spirits.

He hadn’t known what to expect, but it wasn’t the young woman who appeared to be no nonsense and all business. What he did like was her natural, flawless face. Beyond her beauty, he didn’t know anything about her other than her name and that she lived in a sprawling, exquisitely decorated house in a gated community. Yet he was curious and wanted to know more about her.

A woman’s looks were not as important to him as her intelligence and femininity. Levi had come to the conclusion that he was somewhat old-school when it came to women. He wasn’t a chauvinist, but he liked women who were more traditional.

Angela suddenly turned and stared at him, her eyes large and her gaze unwavering in the flattering warm light. “Please sit down, Levi.”

“After you, Angela,” he said, smiling.

He waited for her to sit down, then followed suit, trying not to stare at her legs, which were stretched out and propped on a footstool. The soft light from the floor lamp spilled over Angela’s delicate features, and her serene expression reminded him of the female images in Renaissance paintings. Her rich golden-brown complexion was reminiscent of autumn leaves and his gaze lingered on her temptingly curved lips.

Angela was slender but with enough curves to get a man’s attention. If he had to describe her looks, Levi would have to admit that Angela Chase was easy on the eyes—very, very easy on the eyes.

He smiled. “I suppose you’d like to know a little something about me before our big date tomorrow.” The question was more of a statement.

Angela’s smile matched his, charming him with the gesture. “I’d like to know more than a little something about you.”

Levi sobered. “Ask me whatever you like.”

Settling back in the chair, she studied the man sitting only a few feet from her. His close-cropped hair, smooth jawline and dark suit, white shirt, striped navy and white silk tie and imported slip-ons bespoke exquisite taste and grooming.

“How old are you, and where were you born?”

“I’m thirty-six. Born in Philadelphia and grew up in Miami, Florida.”

I know you’re a doctor, but do you have a specialty?”

“Pediatrics.”

Angela’s expression did not change as she continued to stare at Levi, wondering why Duncan had neglected to tell her that he’d added a pediatrician to his staff. After he’d set her up with his part-time dentist, Patrick Demorest, she’d stopped visiting her brother in Maywood Junction to avoid Patrick. “Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?”

Levi stared at his hands. “I like children. Why do you ask?”

“If I had to take a guess as to your specialty, it wouldn’t have been pediatrics.”

“What did you think it would be?”

“I would’ve thought cardiology, or maybe obstetrics.”

“One ob-gyn in the family is plenty.”

“I take it you come from a family of doctors,” Angela said.

Levi nodded. “There are quite a few doctors, lawyers and teachers. What else do you want to know about me?” he asked.

“How long have you lived in Kentucky?”

He paused before saying, “I’m only here for six months.”

Angela sat up straight. “Why just six months?” she asked.

“When I was in med school I agreed to do community service and provide medical care to places like Maywood.”

“So, when your commitment is up you plan to return to Florida?”

“No. I live and work in a suburb just north of New York City.”

Angela digested this information. She usually spoke to Duncan several times a month, but he hadn’t said anything about Levi. The fact that Levi worked with her brother provided the perfect reason for why they were attending the wedding together.

“Perhaps you should tell me about yourself, Angela, and why it’s so important that your brother recruited me to be your date for tomorrow’s wedding,” Levi said, breaking into her thoughts.

“It’s not that I couldn’t get a date, but—”

“That’s obvious,” he interrupted, “because you’re beautiful, and I assume you’re quite intelligent.”

Her cheeks grew warmer. “Should I take that as a compliment, Levi?”

He shook his head. “No, Angela. It’s the truth.”

Angela knew she had to be careful with Levi Eaton. Very, very careful or she would find herself succumbing to his charisma and obvious sex appeal.

A slow smile ruffled the corners of her mouth. “Thank you.”

Levi shook his head. “There’s no need to thank me.”

“My cousin is marrying the cousin of my ex-fiancé.”

Levi crossed his arms over his chest. “Is there bad blood between you and your ex?”

“No. The truth is I haven’t seen him in five years.”

“Is he married?”

Angela nodded. “Yes,” she confirmed after a pregnant pause.

“You need a date because you don’t want him to believe you’ve been pining away for him.”

She wanted to tell Levi that she hadn’t been pining away for Robert, since right after their canceled wedding she plunged back into the dating scene with a vengeance. It was only when she began writing in earnest that she’d slowed down so much that she hadn’t been on a date in months.

“I need you to dispel any idea he might have that I’m pining away for him since I’m still single.”

Levi’s expression remained impassive. “Are you single by choice?” he asked. His voice was barely above a whisper.

Angela angled her head, offering him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Are you single by choice?” she asked, answering his question with one of her own.

“What makes you believe I’m single?” said Levi, asking her another question.

This time Angela’s smile spread over her face like bright rays of morning sun. “If you weren’t, or should I say if I were married to you, I doubt that I’d let you go away for six months without me. And I’d hope if you are married, you wouldn’t accept an invitation to escort other women.”

Levi leaned closer and gave her a prolonged stare. “Perhaps I’m more like your cheating ex than you think.”

She went completely still, as if she’d been hit by a bolt of lightning. A slow, uneasy panic seized Angela, making it virtually impossible for her to speak. Had Duncan told Levi the circumstances of her breakup with Robert even though he, along with everyone else in her family had sworn never to talk about it?

“What makes you think he cheated on me?”

“Did he, Angela?”

“Yes!” she spat out, annoyed that she’d allowed herself to dredge up the past. “Do you cheat on women?”

“No. And even if I were seeing someone, I still wouldn’t cheat. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, but I need to know what I’ll be dealing with if we encounter your ex,” Levi said apologetically.

“His name is Robert Gaskin.”

He gave Angela a smile he usually reserved for his patients. “We’ll be ready for Mr. Gaskin,” he said confidently.

Angela noticed he’d said we. It was the first time a man, other than her father and brothers, had offered to protect her. It was too bad she wasn’t looking for a man in her life, because Dr. Levi Eaton would’ve been the perfect candidate.

The grandfather clock in a corner of the living room chimed the hour. It was seven o’clock. She stood up as Levi rose to his feet with her. “Please excuse me, but I have to check on dinner.”

“Do you need help?”

She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Do you cook?”

Levi winked at Angela. “I’ve been known to burn a few pots. Maybe next time we get together I’ll return the favor and cook for you.”

Angela stopped short, forcing Levi to bump into her. His hands went to her shoulders to steady her. He was close—close enough for her to feel his body heat, close enough to feel the whisper of his breath over her ear, and close enough to inhale the subtle masculine scent of his cologne.

“You want to go on another date?” Her query was a low husky whisper.

Levi’s gaze moved slowly over her face. “Why wouldn’t I? After all, you owe me one.”

She tilted her chin. “When will I have to pay up?”

“At my family reunion. We always get together over the Memorial Day weekend. This year it will be in Philadelphia.”

Angela shook her head. “You can’t just spring something like that on me at the last minute. I have a business to run.”

Levi dropped his hands. “What kind of business?”

“I operate a gift shop with my cousin in downtown Louisville.”

“Do you ever take a vacation?” he asked.

“Of course I do.”

“Do you have anything planned for that weekend?”

“My parents usually host a cookout that weekend.”

“Maybe we can work something out so that we’re able to attend both,” Levi suggested.

Angela’s smile reminded him of a high-wattage bulb. “Why don’t we wait until after the wedding to see if we can stand each other before we talk about a second date?”

“I’ll agree, but under one condition,” Levi said in a seductively deep voice.

Her smile faded. “What’s that?”

“Tell me how I can get a ticket to the Kentucky Derby.”

Angela waved her hand as if swatting away a fly. “That’s easy. You can come with me.”

Levi froze. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not. Come, Levi. I have to take the chicken out of the oven before it’s as dry as sandpaper.”

A smile curved Levi’s strong mouth as he stared at the swaying hips of the woman who was as charming as she was intriguing. Duncan was right. There was nothing wrong with his sister—at least not on the surface.