Page 121 of The Blessings of Christmas
Irritated beyond belief by the tone, she stabbed a soapy finger his way. “Don't you dare, Dr. D.”
He dipped his head. “Call me Derek.”
“Derek Darling?” She kind of liked the sound of that.
“Just Derek.”
When he pinned her with his eyes, she didn't know who had the redder face––her or “Just Derek.”
The kitchen got even warmer when he came closer, as if someone had opened an oven door and the broiler was on. “Is your eye bothering you again?”
She blinked. “No. Well, yes. I got soap in it.” Whirling around, she found no mirror on the wall. “This place needs a few improvements.”
“You think?” he said in the sassiest way ever. Putting his mug on the sink, he lifted his arms. “Stand still. Please.” The last was an afterthought and they both knew it.
“I’m fine really. Well, almost.” It wasn’t bad having Dr. Darling fuss over her. His fingers were gentle on her cheek. Should she be worried that she felt that soft touch dip down into her tummy and twist? Maybe she should see a reflexologist.
“Look up. Look down. Turn around.”
Like an idiot, she turned around and came back to find him laughing. “Are you messing with me?” The man was exasperating.
“Yes, I’m messing with you. Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.” His gray eyes had flecks of blue in them.
So he was out of control around her? She liked that idea. “When are you going to get a dishwasher? Is this place that...deprived?”
“Deprived?” With a disgusted shake of his head, Derek picked up his mug. “We’re on a tight budget. This is a clinic, not a property on some house tour.”
The old Dr. D. was back. His disgust brought a quick chill to the room. She felt terrible and it must have shown.
“Sorry, Victoria. That was uncalled for. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” Raking one hand through his hair, he was actually apologizing. Wow. That was a new one. “We need more donors. Someone who can drum up money for equipment, medicine...and just about everything in between.”
“I guess so.” She felt his frustration. Throwing the towel on the sink, she whisked the apron off over her head.
He watched her hang the apron on a hook. “Didn’t mean to chase you away.”
She glanced at the clock. “I have to get back to my shop. The lunch hour gets busy.”
“Of course.” Dr. D. looked off balance. “How’s that article coming?”
“Article?” Her mind blanked and his expression changed. The cautious respect thinned into frustration.
Oh, no, Dr. D. Don’t throw me under the bus so fast.“Working on it. I’ll let you know before they run it.” She had some serious work to do.
“Right. Sure.”
He didn’t believe her. And he was leaving. While disappointment and anger churned inside Victoria, he tipped his head to one side. That morning scruff on his chin was a good look. “You planning on coming back again?”
Not on your life.But that was the old Victoria. The Victoria who would run in another direction if things didn't turn out the way she planned.
“Of course I am. What do you think?” That was her anger speaking and he knew it.
“Okay, then.” He managed a hesitant smile. “See you later.”
On the radio, José Feliciano was wailing away on “Feliz Navidad.” Pulling on her leather jacket, she moved to the music. Maybe she should try to learn Spanish some time.
That seemed as possible as getting her article in the paper.
When she finally made it to her car fifteen minutes later, she adjusted her rearview mirror and got a glimpse of her eyes.Holy Mascara, Batman. She was a total mess.
