Читать книгу The Surgeon's Cinderella - Susan Carlisle - Страница 9
ОглавлениеIT HAD BEEN two days since Whitney had spoken briefly to Tanner about the social she had set up for him today. He’d assured her he would be there but he’d yet to show. She’d always had one of her clients meet her early so that they were waiting for the other one when he or she arrived.
Whitney looked around the coffee shop again. Still no Tanner. Picking up her phone, she texted him.
“Were you worried that I wouldn’t show?” a deep voice asked from behind her.
She looked around and into Tanner’s dark, twinkling eyes. He had nice eyes. Eyes she suspected saw more than he let on. “I was more worried about your tardiness hurting your chances with Michelle Watkins. After all, we’re doing this for you.”
“And I appreciate that. It’s the reason I am here. So I’m going to be meeting Michelle. Five-six, brown hair, educated at UCLA and likes the outdoors.” He came around the table and took the chair across from her.
“I see you remember your facts.”
“So what happens now?” He leaned toward her as if what she was going to say was super important. She’d bet he had a great bedside manner.
“When Michelle arrives, I’ll introduce you to each other, then I’ll leave you to charm her.”
His focus didn’t waver. “How do you know I can do that?”
Tanner’s intense attention made her nerves jump. She’d said more than she’d intended. Would he see the weakness and insecurity she worked to keep at bay? Since he hadn’t remembered her she hadn’t planned on bringing up their college years. Now she either lied to him or admitted she’d recognized him. She wasn’t a liar. With her ex, Steve, she’d lived a lie and wouldn’t ever treat anyone that way. “You and I had a few classes together at Berkeley.”
He looked truly surprised. Cocking his head to the side, he asked, “We did?”
“Yeah. They were lower-level classes.” From there she’d gone into business classes, he into sciences. She’d still seen him around campus, though.
He appeared to give that thought, as if searching back through his memories of those days. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember you.”
His tone led her to believe he was sincere. “There’s no reason that you would.”
Tanner leaned back in his chair and studied her. “So how does a woman with an education from Berkeley become a matchmaker?”
“Mostly by accident. I helped some people in college meet someone and then later did the same thing for my boss, and the rest is history.”
He nodded sagely. “Just that easily you started a business matching people up?”
“It wasn’t all that easy at first. But the word got around that I am discreet and, most of all, successful.” She glanced toward the front door then raised her hand, drawing Michelle Watkins’s attention.
Tanner looked over his shoulder then quickly stood. Whitney gave him points for being a gentleman. But she wasn’t the one he needed to impress. Michelle was. She was smiling, which was encouraging.
When the woman reached them Whitney introduced them. “Michelle, I’d like you to meet Tanner Locke.”
Tanner offered Michelle his hand, along with a warm smile that Whitney recognized from their college days when he’d been charming a crowd of women. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Michelle. Please, join us.”
Michelle couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off Tanner. Was she already bowled over by him? Whitney was tempted to roll her eyes. The man’s magic knew no bounds.
“Thank you,” Michelle cooed, and took the chair Tanner held for her.
“Why don’t I order us all something to drink?” Whitney suggested as a waitress came to the table.
“That would be nice,” Michelle agreed, not taking her gaze off Tanner.
Whitney placed the order and the waitress left.
Tanner looked at Michelle. “I understand you like the outdoors.”
“Yes,” Michelle simpered. “I love to hike when I have the time.”
Whitney sat back and listened as the two traded stories about their favorite hikes. They seemed to have forgotten she was there, something that had happened to her more than once in her life. She’d learned to live with it. This time it was part of her business.
The waitress brought their drinks, which swung Tanner’s attention back to her. “Thank you for the lemonade. I’ll get these this time,” he said to Whitney, then his attention returned to Michelle.
Whitney took a long swallow of the cool, tart liquid. Setting the glass on the table, she said, “I’ll leave you both to get to know each other better. I’ll be in touch.”
Tanner nodded.
Michelle said, “Thank you, Whitney,” before her attention went straight back to Tanner.
Whitney walked to the front door. She looked back at them. They made a nice-looking pair. Two dark-haired, well-groomed, professional people who looked as if they were enjoying each other’s company.
That was what her matchmaking was all about. So why couldn’t she do that for herself?
* * *
Two days later, Whitney answered the phone.
“We need to talk.”
Whitney didn’t have to question who she was speaking to. She knew that voice at the first roll of a vowel. This time it wasn’t warm and creamy. It was icy and sharp.
“Tanner, is something wrong?” She kept her voice low and even. She didn’t often have to talk a client down after a social or a date.
“Michelle won’t do. We need to meet again. Bring that file.”
Whitney stiffened. She wasn’t one of his OR nurses to be ordered around. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t have time to talk about it now.”
And he thinks I do?
“Let me see. How about the coffeehouse on Market Street tomorrow morning around nine?”
“I have surgery then. Could you come to the hospital in about an hour?”
What? She wasn’t at his beck and call. She’d already gone out of her way for him once and now he wanted her to drop what she was doing and drive downtown. “I don’t know. That isn’t how I like to conduct business. I thought you didn’t want anyone to know you were using my services. Aren’t you afraid someone might ask you questions?”
“They might but I don’t have to answer. Whitney, it would really help me out if you could come here. I’m tied up with cases but I’d really like to get this other stuff rolling along.”
Other stuff rolling along.
Was that how he thought of the woman who would share the rest of his life? She was glad she didn’t fit his list.
Unfortunately, she didn’t really have a good excuse why she couldn’t help him out. “Okay, but I won’t be doing this again.”
“Great. Just give me a call when you get here.” He hung up.
Tanner hadn’t even said goodbye. It was time to have a heart-to-heart with him about whether or not he was really interested in doing the work needed to find a soul mate.
The traffic was light so she made good time going up and down the hills of San Francisco. The city could be difficult to drive in but the views of the bay made it worth it. She was just sorry a streetcar didn’t run close enough to the hospital for her to take one of those.
She found a parking spot in the high-rise lot next to the hospital. Crossing the street, she entered the towering hospital. In the lobby, she pulled out her phone and called Tanner’s number. Never in her wildest dreams would she ever have imagined having it at her fingertips. She and Tanner didn’t move in the same circles and never would.
He answered as he had before. There was an arrogance to how he responded but the crisp sound of his last name seemed to suit him.
“It’s Whitney.”
“Hey.” His tone changed as if he was glad to hear from her. She liked that idea too much. Obviously since he’d gotten his way he had calmed down. “From the main lobby door continue down the long hallway to the second bank of elevators on your right. They’ll be about halfway down the hall. Take one of them. Come up to the fifth floor. I’ll meet you at the elevator.”
Tanner didn’t wait for her to answer before closing the connection. That she wasn’t as accepting of. She’d rather be told goodbye.
Whitney found the bank of elevators and took the next available car. At the correct floor she stepped off. As good as his word, Tanner stood there, talking to another man also dressed in scrubs. When he saw her he left the man and strolled over to her.
He was the epitome of the tall, dark and handsome doctor. He still had the looks that drew women’s attention. What had happened between him and Michelle she couldn’t fathom.
Michelle had called yesterday morning all but glowing about the social and the date they’d had the night before. How she could have seen it as being so wonderful while Tanner was so unhappy was a mystery to Whitney.
“Thanks for coming.” Tanner ran his hand over his hair. “I know it wasn’t what you wanted to do. I had to come in last night to do an emergency surgery. I just couldn’t get away today. I have one more patient to see. Would you mind hanging out for a little bit?”
If he’d asked her that in college she might have fainted. Now Whitney only saw him as a man who needed her services. “Sure. I wouldn’t mind watching what you do. It might help me better understand you, which would assist me in matching you.”
“All business, all the time.”
“You’re one to be talking,” she quipped.
He grinned. “You’re not the first person to say that. After I see this patient we’ll go to my office to talk.”
They walked down a hall until they came to double doors. Tanner scanned a card and the doors opened from the middle out. They entered a hallway with patients’ rooms. He stopped at the third doorway along the passage. “This is Mr. Wilcox. Let me get permission for you to come in.”
“I don’t mind waiting out here.”
Tanner touched her arm when she started to move to the other side of the hall. A zing of awareness traveled up her arm. “He’s rather lonely. He’d like to have the company. See a face that has nothing to do with the hospital.”
That was a side of Tanner she hadn’t expected. Compassion beyond the medicine. “Then I’ll be glad to say hi.”
Tanner raised his hand to knock on the door but turned back to her. “He has a lot of pumps and drips hooked to him. That stuff doesn’t bother you, does it?”
She smiled. “No, I promise not to faint or stare.”
“Good.” Tanner appeared pleased with her answer. Had other women he’d known acted negatively to what he did for a living? He knocked on the door and stuck his head around it. There was a rumble of voices, then Tanner waved her toward him.
“We’ll need to wear masks.” He pulled a yellow paper one from a box on a table outside the door and handed it to her before entering the room. She followed.
Mr. Wilcox was about her father’s age, but his skin was an ash gray. Beside him was a bank of machines with lights. There was a whish of air coming from one. A clear rubber tube circled both the man’s ears and came around to fit under his nose.
“Mr. Wilcox, I brought you a visitor,” Tanner said.
The man’s dull eyes brightened for a second as he looked at her.
“Whitney Thomason, I’d like you to meet Jim Wilcox.”
“Nice to meet you, young lady,” Mr. Wilcox wheezed as he raised a hand weakly toward her.
“You too, Mr. Wilcox.” Whitney stepped closer to the bed.
“So how’re you feeling?” Tanner asked, leaning forward, concern written on his face.
Whitney was impressed with the lower timbre of his voice, which sounded as if he truly wished to know. She could grow to admire this Tanner.
“Oh, about the same. This contraption—” Mr. Wilcox nodded toward the swishing machine beside him “—is keeping me alive but I’m still stuck in this bed.”
“Well, maybe there’ll be a heart soon.”
“That’s what you’ve been telling me for weeks now. I’m starting to think you’re holding out on me.” Mr. Wilcox offered a small smile and perked up when he looked at her. “At least you were kind enough today to bring me something pretty to look at.”
Whitney blushed. “Thanks but—”
“Aw, don’t start all that stuttering and blustering. I have a feeling your beauty goes more than skin deep.”
Whitney really did feel heat in her cheeks then. “I think that might be the nicest compliment I’ve ever received.”
Tanner’s eyes met hers and held. Did he agree with Mr. Wilcox? Did he see something that others didn’t?
The older man cleared his throat.
Tanner’s attention returned to him. “Okay, Romeo. I need to give you a listen.” He pulled his stethoscope from around his neck. “I might have done a bad thing by inviting Whitney in.”
“If I promise to be nice, will you bring her back again?” Mr. Wilcox asked with enthusiasm in every word.
Whitney touched the older man’s arm. “Don’t worry, he doesn’t have to invite me for me to come again.”
She felt more than saw Tanner glance at her.
“Then I’ll look forward to it. So tell me how you know this quack over here?” Mr. Wilcox indicated Tanner.
Her gaze met Tanner’s. There was panic in his gaze. He probably didn’t want the man to know she was helping him find a wife. “Oh, we were in college together.”
Tanner’s brows rose. He nodded as if he was pleased with her response.
“Where’d you go?” Mr. Wilcox rasped.
“Berkeley,” she told him.
“Then you got a fine education.”
Tanner interrupted them with, “So, are you having any chest pains?”
Mr. Wilcox paused. “No.”
“That’s good. You seem to be holding your own.” Tanner flipped through the chart he’d brought in with him and laid it on the bed tray. “You need to be eating more. You have to keep your energy up.”
“I’ll try but nothing tastes good.” Mr. Wilcox pushed at the bed table as if there was something offensive on it.
“Not even ice cream?” Tanner asked.
“I’ve eaten all those little cups I can stand. I’d like a good old-fashioned banana split that I could share with someone like your young lady.”
Tanner chuckled. “When you get your heart and are out of here I’ll see if I can get Whitney to come back and bring you a fat-free split.”
“Fat-free,” he spat.
“That’s it,” Tanner said with a grin.
“Well, if Whitney shares it with me maybe I can live with it. She has nice eyes. Windows to the soul, they say.” Mr. Wilcox smiled.
“That she does,” Tanner agreed.
Whitney looked at Tanner. Did he really mean that? She’d had no indication that he’d noticed anything about her.
“So is she your girlfriend?”
“Just friends,” she and Tanner said at the same time.
Whitney wasn’t sure that their professional association qualified as friendship. Tanner wanted his personal business kept private, so “friends” seemed the right thing to say. Could they be friends? She didn’t know. What she did recognize was that she liked the Tanner who was concerned enough about his patient’s loneliness to invite her to meet him just to cut the monotony of being in the hospital day after day. That was a Tanner she could find a match for. Sad that the other Tanner wouldn’t let this one show up more often.
“Even behind that mask I can tell she’s pretty enough to be your girlfriend. You can always tell a special woman by her eyes. My wife, Milly, had beautiful eyes.”
Tanner put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “I think we’d better be going.”
Whitney touched Mr. Wilcox’s arm briefly. “I hope to see you again soon. It was nice to meet you.”
He lifted a hand and waved as she reached the door. “You too. You’re welcome to my abode anytime.”
Whitney smiled. She liked Mr. Wilcox. “Bye, now.”
Tanner joined her. “See you soon, Mr. Wilcox.”
“You too, Doc.”
Whitney stepped out into the hall and Tanner followed, pulling the door closed behind him.
As they removed their masks Tanner said, “I’m sorry if he made you feel uncomfortable in there or put you on the spot about being with me. Mr. Wilcox can be pretty cheeky.”
“I didn’t mind. He seems like a nice guy who’s lonely.”
“He is. As a doctor I’m not supposed to have favorites but I really like the man. He’s been waiting too long.”
She watched for his reaction as she said, “That’s why you took me to see him. You knew he needed something to prick his interest. You didn’t mind him assuming I was your girlfriend because that would give him something to figure out, live for.”
“Why, Ms. Thomason, you are smart.”
Whitney couldn’t deny her pleasure at his praise. She also couldn’t help but ask, “I know you can’t tell me details, but what’s going on with Mr. Wilcox?”
Tanner’s eyes took on a haunted look. “Most of it you heard. He’s waiting for a heart. He needs one pretty quickly.”
“Or he’ll die,” she said quietly.
Tanner’s eyes took on a shadowed look. “Yeah.”
“You seem to take that in your stride.” She sounded as if she was condemning him even to her own ears.
“It’s a part of what I do. Medical School 101. But that doesn’t mean I like it.” His retort was crisp. He started down the hall and she followed. At the desk he handed a nurse Mr. Wilcox’s chart and continued on. “My office is this way. I’m on call tonight.”
Whitney had to hurry to keep up with him. They walked down a couple of hallways to a nondescript door. Again Tanner swiped his card. There was a click. He turned the doorknob and entered. She trailed him down a short hall to a small sterile-looking office. It became even smaller when Tanner stepped in.
There was a metal desk with a black high-backed chair behind it and a metal chair in front. What struck her as most interesting was the absence of pictures. Didn’t he have family? Nieces or nephews? A dog?
“Please, come in.” Tanner walked around the desk and settled into the chair. Was his home this cold as well? Could he open his life enough to have a wife and family?
Whitney sat in the uncomfortable utilitarian chair. Apparently whoever visited wasn’t encouraged to stay long. “I understand from Michelle that she had a wonderful time the other night. So what’s the problem on your side?”
Tanner picked up a pen and twisted it through his fingers, a sure sign he wasn’t comfortable with the question. “She wanted something that I won’t give.”
There was a chilly breeze in the words. “That is?”
“Let’s just say she was already getting more emotionally attached than I want to be. You need to go through your file and find me some women who are interested in security, financial comfort, social status, not whether or not they are loved. I’m looking for something far more solid than love. Companionship.”
Whitney felt like she’d been punched in the chest. She’d never heard anything sadder. All the compassion she’d just seen Tanner show Mr. Wilcox was gone. Now all she saw was a shell of a man. For him a heart was nothing more than an organ that pumped blood. Not the center of life she believed it to be. “The women I represent all want to be loved.”
He put his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers, giving her a direct look. “For the amount of money I’m paying you I expect you to find someone who suits my needs. I thought I’d made it clear what I wanted in a relationship. It’s your business to find me that match.”
If he had slapped her she couldn’t have been more insulted. “I assure you I know my business. I’ll set up a social with the next client on my list for as soon as possible.” She looked him in the eyes. “But you should know, Tanner, it’s my experience that most people see marriage less as a business deal and more as an emotional attachment.”
Tanner’s face turned stern. His voice was firm when he said, “That might be the case but that isn’t the type of person I’m looking for. I’ve made my request and you’ve stated you can fill it, so that’s what I expect.”
What had happened to the man? How could he be so compassionate toward his patient but so calculating about the type of wife he wanted? Whitney stood. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
He got to his feet as well. “Good. If you take a right out of my door you’ll come to a set of elevators. It’ll take you down to the lobby. Thanks for coming here.”
She’d been dismissed. That was fine with her. Whitney turned on her heel and left. Right now she wasn’t sure if she should keep Tanner as a client. Truth be known, she wasn’t certain she even liked him.
* * *
Tanner was at Café Lombard for the “social” before Whitney or the woman he was to meet. When Whitney had left his office the other evening she hadn’t been happy. Her lips had been pinched tight and her chin had jutted out. Somehow what he had said she had taken personally. Hadn’t he made it clear what he was looking for in a relationship during their earlier interview? Couldn’t she understand that he had no interest in a love match?
Those only led to pain, not just between the husband and wife but for the children as well. He and his brother were a prime example of that. They hadn’t seen each other in years. Tanner wanted a marriage based on something solid and not fleeting, like an emotion.
His date with Michelle had been wonderful. They’d had a number of things in common. They both enjoyed the outdoors, liked baseball and traveling. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Michelle, but he could tell by her speech and her body language that she was looking for more than he could give. There had been hopeful stars in her eyes. He wanted someone whose expectations were less dreamlike and more firmly rooted in reality.
Statements like “Children should know that their parents care about each other. It makes for a more stable child,” or “I want a husband who can be there when I need him,” showed him that Michelle needed emotional support that he just couldn’t give. Tanner wanted someone who could handle their own ups and downs without involving him.
He looked up to see Whitney entering. The displeased expression she’d worn the other day was gone but there was still a tightness around her lips, indicating she might not be in the best of moods. When had he started being able to read so well someone he hardly knew?
He half stood. She flashed a smile of greeting. It was an all-business tilt of the lips instead of actual gladness to see him. Tanner didn’t much care for that. Yet why did it bother him to have her disgruntled with him?
Today Whitney wore a flowing dress with a small pale pink rose pattern on it that reached just past her knees. A sweater was pulled over her shoulders and the sleeves tied across her chest. She was dressed like an old-maid schoolteacher. Why did she wear such nondescript clothing? Did she do it because she thought people believed that was how a matchmaker should dress? She was too young and too attractive not to flaunt it some. What would she look like in a tight, short skirt? He’d be interested to see. Great, would be his guess. But why should it matter to him how she dressed?
“Hello, Tanner.” She took the chair across from him. “You’re early.”
“My last case was canceled due to a fever so I got away from the hospital sooner than I thought I would.”
Whitney clasped her hands in her lap and looked directly at him. “I think you work too hard and too many hours.” It wasn’t an accusation, more a statement of fact. She didn’t give him time to respond before she continued. “You’re going to meet Racheal today. I think you’ll really like her. She has a master’s degree in business and loves children.”
“I remember reading her profile. Did you make it clear to her what I am looking for?”
“I did. She’s interested in a family but doesn’t want to give over her freedom just to have that. She’s looking for the same type of relationship that you are.” Whitney made it sound as if the idea left a bad taste in her mouth.
“Do you have a problem with that?”
She shrugged then leaned back in the chair. “Not if that’s what you both want.”
He leaned forward, piercing her with a look.
She shifted in the chair.
Tanner crossed his arms on the table. “Tell me what you think this should be about.”
Her eyes widened. She did have pretty ones. Like green grass after spring rain. She blinked. “It isn’t about what I think but about what you want.”
“Spoken like a true matchmaker, eager to please. Are you married, Whitney?”
Her chin raised a notch. “I don’t believe that has anything to do with your case.”
“It might not but it gives me an idea of how good you are at this matchmaking business.”
She shifted in her chair. “If you don’t have any confidence if my ability then I’ll be glad to refund your money minus five hundred dollars for the work I’ve done so far.”
He’d hit a touchy spot. “And add the charge for the hug and kiss after all?”
She relaxed and shook her head. “No. I wouldn’t do that. This isn’t a joke.”
He leaned back in the chair and watched her for a long moment. Her direct look challenged his. This was a woman who wouldn’t give up until she had succeeded. “You’re right—it isn’t. I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet.”
“Then you do understand that I have the same responsibility to the women I introduce you to as I do to you?”
She had backbone and a moral line. What you saw was what you got with Whitney. That was refreshing. Most women he knew were only really interested in themselves. “I realize that. I’ll try to be on my best behavior.”
“I’m starting to wonder what that is. I also expect you to give them a fair chance.” Her tone had become schoolmarmish.
“You don’t think I gave Michelle that?”
She didn’t immediately answer. “Truthfully, I’m not sure you did.”
It didn’t matter to him if she thought so or not. He knew what he wanted better than she did, matchmaker or not. It was his life they were talking about. He’d seen what uninvited and unrequited love did to a person. He wanted none of it. Good, solid, practical thought was what his marriage would be based on.
A blonde woman stepped up to their table. Whitney jerked around as if she’d forgotten all about her joining them. Tanner smiled. She’d been too flustered by his questions to remember why they were there. He liked the idea that he’d rattled Whitney. Too much.
“Hello, Racheal. I’m sorry I didn’t see you when you came in.” Whitney’s voice sounded a little higher than normal.
Once again, Whitney was a contrast to her female client. Racheal had a short haircut and every strand was in its place. Her makeup was flawless and she wore the latest fashion with ease. She certainly looked the part of the woman he thought he would like to share his name. He looked at Whitney and somehow he found her more to his taste. Shaking that thought away, Tanner returned his attention to Racheal.
He stood and offered his hand to her. “Tanner Locke. Thanks for joining us.”
He held a chair out for Racheal and she gracefully slipped into it.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Racheal had a no-nonsense note in her voice.
He looked at Whitney. “I’ve already ordered drinks.”
“Thank you, Tanner. I think I’ll leave you and Racheal to get to know each other better. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Tanner remained standing as she left. A tug of disappointment went through him to see her go. Why?
* * *
Whitney hadn’t heard from Tanner in three days. Far too often she had found herself wondering how things were going between him and Racheal. She liked to give her clients time to get to know each other and digest their thoughts on the new match before she asked. This time she was particularly anxious to know.
Racheal had already checked in. She seemed pleased with Tanner. According to her, they’d had a wonderful time talking at the social and had enjoyed their first date. Maybe she had found the right one for Tanner after all. But she had thought that with Michelle. She would wait until tomorrow and give him a call. See if he was as pleased as Racheal.
That evening Whitney was just slipping into bed when her phone rang. A call this late usually didn’t mean good news. Was her father ill again? “Hello?”
“It’s Tanner.”
His voice was low and gravelly. There was no apology for calling so late. She wasn’t surprised. But with his schedule he probably thought nothing of it. “Yes?”
“You told me to call and let you know how things are going.”
She had indeed told him that but had assumed he would do so during business hours. An edgy feeling washed over her, knowing she was in bed while talking to Tanner. It seemed far too evocative. She flipped the covers back and stood beside the bed.
“Racheal seems to be working out. We went out last night. I have a party on Friday that I’ve invited her to.” His voice was low and calm, as if he had all the time in the world to talk.
“I’m glad to hear it. I’ll check in with you both next week. I look forward to hearing how the relationship is progressing.”
“How have you been?” His voice was warm and silky.
Whitney walked to the window. “I’m fine.”
“That’s good. Goodnight.”
Whitney listened to the click on the other end of the line. She returned to her bed and pulled the covers over herself again. Somehow the sheets didn’t feel as cool anymore.
Maybe Racheal was it. Had Tanner found the one he wanted? Whitney wished she felt happier about that idea.
Even if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t look at her that way. Did she want him to? Turning off the light, she settled under the covers, but it took her far too long to fall asleep.
* * *
Whitney continued to wonder how things were going between Tanner and Racheal. More than once she’d been tempted to call him but had held back. She’d never had that problem before. Normally she let her couples go without thought or overseeing them, but Tanner’s case held too much of her attention.
Whitney was already asleep a week later when the phone rang. She picked up the phone and a man’s voice said, “Just what type of women are you introducing me to? You’re supposed to be the best at this.”
“Tanner, what’s going on? Do you know what time it is?”
“Yes. I know what time it is.” He sounded angry.
At this point the time didn’t matter. She was awake anyway. Despite that, she found herself happy to finally hear from him. “What’s the problem?”
“The problem is that Racheal backed out of a weekend we had planned in Napa. It’s a hospital retreat and I had already said I would be bringing a guest. I’m trying to make a positive impression on the board. This situation could hurt my chance for a promotion.”
“I’m sorry.” And she was. He was a good doctor and deserved it, she was sure.
“You should be. I hold you responsible.”
“Me!” Whitney squeaked and set up in bed.
“I’m paying you to provide me with women who understand the importance of my job and position.”
What was he raving about? “Racheal didn’t?”
“I guess not. She agreed to go and now at the last minute she’s backed out.”
Whitney worked to keep her tone even. “Did she give you a reason?”
“She just said she wasn’t ready for this step.”
That sounded reasonable to Whitney. “You can’t expect her to do something that she isn’t comfortable with.”
“I damn well can expect her to keep her word.”
He had a point there, but what did he imagine she could do about it? She couldn’t make Racheal go with him. “I have to honor what my clients feel they need to do.”
“And you have to honor our contract. I need someone as my girlfriend this weekend.”
It was Thursday. How was she going to find someone who would go away with a perfect stranger on such short notice? “I wish I could help you, Tanner. At this point I don’t know what I can do.”
“Well, I do. If you can’t find me someone then you have to come. At least that way I’ll be bringing a guest. I can make up a story about how we broke up later.”
What? Is he crazy? Spend a weekend with him?
“That’s not possible. It’s unethical. You’re my client.”
“One you’re expected to keep happy. You were supposed to vet the women you introduce me to. You failed in determining Racheal’s true character. I expect you to meet your professional obligation.”
How did that logically extend to her personally replacing a client?
“Look, this weekend is important to my career, just as finding the right woman is. There will be no expectations on my part except for you to be pleasant and act as if we’re a couple.” His voice was firm and determined, as if he wouldn’t accept no as an answer.
Whitney’s heart pounded. Was she seriously going to consider it? “You can’t just demand that I spend the weekend with you.”
“Sure I can.” His voice had turned hard. “We have a contract for services and you need to hold up your end. It was your suggestion that I pick Racheal. She didn’t hold up her end so that defaults to you.”
Whitney wasn’t sure she agreed with his reasoning but she didn’t need him bad-mouthing her around town. She’d taken Tanner on as a client to increase her professional profile, not to hurt it. Plus, she hated that he was in a spot.
If she agreed to his demand she couldn’t imagine the weekend being anything but long and miserable. She didn’t belong in his social group. She was an outsider. Tanner wanted someone who could make a good impression. More than once she’d been judged by her looks. He needed someone who could influence. That wasn’t her. She was good with people one on one but not as a member of a house party. To run in Tanner’s world...
“I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning. What’s your address?”
“Tanner, I can’t do this.”
“Oh, yes, you can,” he all but hollered down the phone.
He wasn’t going to allow her a way out. Apprehension bubbled in Whitney as she gave him her address.
“You’ll need a cocktail dress, swimsuit and casual clothes.” There was a click on the other end of the line. Tanner had hung up. Once again.
Whitney lay there. What had just happened? She’d just gotten press-ganged into a weekend with Tanner as his “plus one.” What was he thinking? What was she doing?
Those bubbles combined into a heavy mass of dread in her chest. She wasn’t part of Tanner’s world. What if she made a mistake and embarrassed him?
If she had really changed from that insecure girl from years ago it was time to prove it.
