Page 14 of Love's Cure

“Let’s sit on the front deck and watch the activity in town,” said Crystal. “In the morning, before the town awakes, I sit and watch the fog rise from the lake. It’s pretty and peaceful then.”

“Don’t you ever get tired of being such a part of Main Street life?” he asked.

“Sometimes,” she admitted, “but I love this town. It’s not a house but the town itself that has always been home to me. Maybe because the people here are very kind. Without the help of Whitney’s grandmother, Genie Wittner, I might never have been able to buy the Café.”

“I’ve met her,” said Emmett. “She’s very nice, though I had the feeling she was interviewing me for the job of local physician.”

Crystal laughed. “It sounds just like GG. She’s helped many of us in town and elsewhere. Especially before she lost a lot of her money in a financial scam from what once was a well-respected firm in Boston.”

“Sort of like a Bernie Madoff scandal?” he asked.

“Yes. It’s quite awful to lose your money that way. And for GG, it meant she had to sell the inn and move into The Woodlands, where she lives.”

“I’ve been asked to do a presentation there, to introduce myself and to ensure that the residents know they can rely on me, that I come with Dr. Johnson’s recommendation.”

“While you’re there, you might meet JoEllen Daniels, Brad’s ex-sister-in-law, who works as an aide at the facility. JoEllen has a lot of problems. But then,sheis a problem.” Crystal spoke quietly so people below them wouldn’t hear. She might know a lot of people in town, but she wasn’t a gossip.

“Thanks for the ‘heads up.’ Even though the town is small, it’ll take time to learn about all the residents,” said Emmett. “It’s important to me. As I’ve mentioned before, that’s why I chose family medicine and a small town.”

“So, family is important to you?” She studied him.

“Mine is complicated but, yes, it’s something I look forward to—having a family of my own.”

“I grew up raising my sister, so I’ve never been eager to have children of my own. Until recently. Now, I’ve begun to think of it. Who knows if it will happen.”

“I like your honesty. It’s something I admire.” He reached over and clasped her hand.

Her lips curved then she grew serious. “Honesty is very important to me.”

Emmett looked away and then turned to her. “It’s getting late. I think I’d better go.”

When he stood, Crystal got to her feet puzzled by his abruptness. But when he bent down and kissed her on the lips, a sweet gentle one, she felt a spark that took her by surprise.

He grinned as if he knew her feelings and said, “Would you be willing to show me around the area a bit? I have Wednesday afternoons and Sundays off.”

“I’d be happy to do that. Do you want to aim for Wednesday afternoon? We could drive over to Portsmouth and look around there and the southern coast of Maine.”

“That would be a nice start. Thanks. I have a meeting with the Collister Construction people in the morning, but the afternoon will be fine.”

“My brunch rush will be over by one. And I can leave things in the hands of my staff.” Crystal walked him to the door. They stood gazing at one another. Emmett’s turquoise eyes seemed to reach deep inside her. Then he lowered his lips to hers.

A warmth enveloped Crystal. Her response was as much spiritual as sexual. And when they stepped apart, his cheeks were as flushed as hers.

“Goodnight,” Emmett said softly and turned and went down the stairway.

Crystal hugged herself to stop the chills that still ran through her with his absence.

She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. “Wow!”

Holding onto that thought, she turned off the lights and went to bed.

There, she hugged her pillow and relived that kiss over and over again.

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