PRINCE CHARMING M.D. (10 page)

"Thanks. I know it's stressful for patients, so I try to avoid that."

Walter nodded. "You're good at this, Dana. As I knew you would be, I suppose it's only fair I take all the credit."

"Of course, Walter," she said, and laughed. "I wouldn't expect any less."

"I suspect one day I'm going to regret that you're not more frightened of me."

He'd been teasing, but she responded seriously. "Walter, I have the greatest respect for you. You don't terrorize your staff because you know it's not the right way to get them to do their best. You lead by example and you've set a high benchmark for us to achieve. I work hard because I believe in doing my best and because I want to measure up to your standards."

"You've excelled, Dana. Look how far you've come since you graduated from nursing school. I knew you'd do well and you have. Now, if we're done mutually affirming each other, I'd like to mention a couple of things."

"Sure." She pulled out a notepad. Walter held regular meetings, but he also tended to drop in on his staff and discuss some issues one-on-one. She ran a quick mental check on what was going on in her department, trying to pinpoint any problems. To the best of her knowledge, everything was running smoothly.

"Next Saturday Maggie and I are having a small dinner party. We'd like you to come."

"Thanks, I'd love to."

Walter and his wife frequently entertained hospital personnel. Not just the doctors, but everyone from nurses to kitchen staff, surgeons to janitorial assistants. The food was always excellent, the conversation eclectic, and the relaxed atmosphere allowed people who worked together but would otherwise never speak have a chance to get to know one another.

"About seven. Do you want to bring a date?" He pulled a sheet of paper out of his right front jacket pocket and paused.

Dana pretended to consider the matter, a face-saving measure designed to make Walter think she might actually have a man she could invite. "I think I'll come by myself."

"Great. We're looking forward to it. Maggie and I always enjoy your company." He scribbled a note and tucked the paper away. "The second matter involves business. I have good news. At least I hope you'll consider it good news." He leaned forward in his chair and smiled. "The hospital is sending you to the FMR Management seminar. The course starts in two weeks."

Dana stared at him. All the doctors and senior staff were required to attend the week-long management program in the northern
California
wine country. It was prestigious and expensive, with the hospital picking up the tab. The material was designed to expand problem solving by moving from linear to three-dimensional thinking.

It was rare for someone in her position to be sent to the seminar. Obviously Walter had nominated her and the committee had agreed.

Elation filled her. "I'm thrilled. Thank you."

"I think you'll enjoy your time there. They have some very innovative programs." He grinned. "Just don't go in expecting a lot of classroom-type activities. You'll be surprised by what they ask you to do. Be open and plan to have fun and I'm sure you'll have a great time."

"And learn something," she added.

"You can't help that part." Walter stood. "I have a meeting with some angry family members who want to threaten us with litigation. So thank you for this pleasant interlude, Dana. Maggie and I will see you next Saturday."

"Bye."

She waited until he was gone, then allowed herself one loud "Yes!" of victory. She was going to the management seminar. What a coup! She couldn't wait to tell Katie and Lee. Just think, a whole week away at a luxury hotel in a beautiful part of
California
. As a bonus, she would have an entire week in which she wouldn't have to think about Trevor MacAllister even once.

Walter and Maggie MacAllister's house had a view of Honeygrove in one direction and the mountains in the distance in the other. Dana paused to glance around before ringing the doorbell. The first time she'd been invited here she'd been quaking in her newly purchased pumps. The luxurious 5,000-square-foot custom home was a far cry from the small apartment where she'd grown up. If Katie and Lee hadn't been with her, she would have turned tail and run. Fortunately, they had given one another courage and the night had been a success.

That felt like a long time ago, she thought, remembering how in awe she and her friends had been of the chief of staff. Now, while she still felt a twinge of nervousness, she knew she would find the host and hostess gracious, the food incredible and the company friendly. Even the most difficult staff members relaxed at the MacAllisters' house. The welcoming atmosphere didn't come from expensive furnishing or designer walkovers but was a by-product of the family who lived there. Walter and Maggie were charming people who enjoyed the company of others and it showed.

She turned so she could gaze at the city stretched out before her. The night was surprisingly warm and clear. Streetlights twinkled, as if reflecting the stars up above. She drew in a deep breath and smiled. Things were going very well for her and she was content. Nothing could mar her pleasure at the evening ahead.

A rumble cut through the quiet. Dana stiffened slightly as she recognized that particular car engine. It was quite distinct and one she heard daily. Trevor left for his office long before she left for work. She was usually still in her bathroom getting ready when she heard him back out of his garage. Inevitably, she was forced to picture him freshly showered and shaved, still smelling of soap, in a crisp shirt and tie. If she wasn't careful, she could waste several minutes lost in the reverie of what Trevor would look like as he dressed … or while still in the shower.

She shook her head to clear it and told herself to hurry inside. For some reason, it had never occurred to her that Trevor would be here tonight, although it made sense that he'd been invited. To the best of her knowledge, this was the MacAllisters' first dinner party since their son had returned to town.

She didn't want him to catch her standing on the steps. Better to already be at the party, talking with someone so she could pretend not to notice that he'd arrived. If she was careful, she might be able to avoid saying much of anything to him. Sometimes the crowds were large enough to allow people to get lost.

But she couldn't get the message from her brain to her feet. It was like being at the sight of an accident when one orders oneself to look away but finds the task impossible.

Telling herself she was a fool, she waited for him and whomever he'd brought with him. At least she would have tangible proof that, despite what he claimed, he really
was
dating. Maybe that would help her clear him from her mind.

But the tall, handsome man walking lightly up the walkway steps was alone. He paused when he saw her and smiled. "Dana? I didn't know you were going to be here. We could have driven together."

His comment required a response on her part, but she couldn't seem to think of one. She told herself it wasn't her fault. For one thing, he was giving her his best smile, the one that could reduce steel to a puddle, never mind the effect it had on her bones and muscles. For another, he was in a suit. Dark slacks and jacket, cream shirt, red striped tie. He was stunning.

He continued to stare at her, waiting for her to say something. What came to mind was a brief prayer of thanks that she'd worn her ivory silk dress, picked up at nearly two-thirds off during a going-out-of-business sale at a boutique in a neighboring town. The fabric emphasized curves, making that which was modest appear lush, while the softly flowing cut of the skirt added the illusion of grace to her walk.

"I didn't know you were going to be here, either," she managed at last. While it wasn't witty repartee, it was at least something closely resembling conversation.

Trevor joined her by the front door. "It's my first time," he said, and winked. "I'm a little nervous, so I'm going to depend on you to show me the ropes."

"This used to be your home. You grew up here. How can you be nervous about anything?"

He took her arm and led her to the door. She told herself to ignore the heat that flared under his fingertips, and the darting sparks that seemed to fall from the heavens, only to land in tingling explosions on her skin.

"I don't have a problem coming to visit my folks," he said as he knocked on the door. "But this is my first hospital party with the chief of staff and his wife."

"I'm not sure I believe you," she muttered, hoping that she didn't break into a sweat from all the heat his nearness generated. There was definitely something wrong with her hormones and it had to be more than just a lack of social life. She'd had long stretches without dating, but she'd never reacted like this. Maybe it was some yet undiscovered virus. She refused to believe it was directly related to Trevor himself.

The door opened and Maggie MacAllister welcomed them. Trevor's mother was tall and slender, with dark hair like her son's. Her face and body defied her age and she dressed in conservatively elegant styles that flattered her figure. The first couple of times Dana had been up at the house, she'd been terrified of putting a foot wrong. But Maggie was so friendly she'd quickly put Dana at her ease.

"Hello," Maggie said, motioning for them to come inside. "We're so glad you could make it." She leaned close to Dana and gave her a hug. "You look beautiful, my dear. Such a lovely dress, and you flatter it perfectly."

Dana inhaled the scent of Maggie's subtle perfume and felt her own tension ease.

Maggie turned to Trevor and hugged him, as well. "So, I understand you're the new surgeon at our hospital. What do you think of Honeygrove, Dr. MacAllister?"

Trevor chuckled. "You can't pretend you don't know me, Mom."

"I'm just trying to treat you like everyone else." She stepped back. "Come in. We're out in the family room. There's an open bar and snacks. We're doing Italian tonight and it's wonderful, so save plenty of room." She leaned toward Dana. "I found this wonderful little restaurant and they're catering for me. I know I should cook, but I'm still awful at it. This is so much easier."

"I'm sure you're a great cook," Dana said politely, trying to remember if she'd ever eaten anything Maggie had prepared. But these dinners were always catered.

"No, she's not," Trevor said. "But we love her anyway." He put his arm around his mother. "What's for dessert?"

"I see you haven't changed. I'm not going to tell you, because I don't want you picking at your dinner just so you'll have room for seconds of dessert. And I will be watching to make sure you eat all your vegetables."

"Mo-om."

Dana burst out laughing. At that moment Trevor sounded more like a ten-year-old than a grown man. "He doesn't eat his vegetables?"

"I have to bully him into it. Lord knows what he eats when he's on his own. One would think a doctor would care about nutrition."

"I care," Trevor protested.

"Yes, but not enough to do something about it."

They entered the large family room. There were about fifteen other guests. Dana knew everyone and was soon caught up in conversation. Time passed quickly and she was surprised when Maggie announced dinner. It was only when Trevor was pulling out her chair that she realized he hadn't left her side. Somehow they'd stayed near each other as they'd moved from group to group. She wasn't sure what that meant, then told
herself
it didn't mean anything. It was coincidence, nothing more. After all, they weren't the only people without dates. Several staff members had come with spouses, but an equal number were alone.

"I'm starved," Trevor said, taking the seat next to her,
then
pouring her a glass of red wine. "I've heard the food from this place is excellent."

"Even the vegetables?" she teased.

He grimaced. "Now you sound like my mother. Let me guess. You're going to watch to make sure I eat at least one serving of them."

"Not at all. You're a grown-up. If you want to flirt with malnutrition, that's your business."

"Great. Now I'll feel guilty if I don't eat some."

"Whose fault is that?"

Hazel green eyes dilated slightly. His lips curved up in a slow smile. "Yours."

A ripple of pure desire started low in her belly and moved up. Her breath caught. All this attention was more than her nervous system could handle, yet she couldn't think of anywhere she would rather be.