Charlie's Last Stand Read online

  “I'm going to help Julie with the phones.”

  Di held up a finger while she swallowed. “You barely ate anything.”

  “I'm not really hungry and Julie's been out there for a while on her own.”

  “Charlie....”

  She forced a smile. “It's okay. Really. Enjoy your lunch.”

  She gave in to her curiosity and walked past Chris's office before backtracking to the reception area. Things were worse than she had imagined.

  His door was shut. Chris never shut it unless he absolutely could not be disturbed. A closed door usually meant he was on the phone with a patient with difficult news, not romancing a doctor in two-inch heels and a degree from Harvard.

  She threw herself into one of the reception chairs and looked at the sign in sheet.

  Julie hung up the phone. “Charlie, there's a pharm rep here to see you. I was just about to call you.”

  Charlie stood to look over the high counter and recognized the crooked grin of the man looking straight at her.

  She walked out through the waiting room entrance. Rob stood as soon as he saw her. His hand extended to shake hers. She always marveled at his soft but strong grip. He was a good guy. Not smarmy or pushy like some of the other reps, and he always brought cupcakes.

  He handed the pink striped box over to her but she couldn't stop herself from looking him over before taking it. Rob wore faded light blue jeans and a black leather jacket.

  “I stopped on the way over to pick them up. Your receptionist said that today wasn't a good day but I was wondering if you'd have a few minutes for me.”

  “Sure.”

  She gestured for him to follow her down the hall. His motorcycle boots treaded heavily on the thin industrial carpet. She couldn't help but wonder over the sexy biker look. He was usually strictly a suit and tie guy when he came in to meet with Chris.

  They passed Di as she walked out of her office. Di gave her a big toothy grin and Charlie could have sworn she winked at Rob before continuing down the hall.

  They entered her office and Charlie put the box of cupcakes down on her desk and faced him. “Dr. Ainsworth is overbooked. Maybe I can block some time for you early next week?”

  “Actually, I'm here to see you.” He didn't sit and it was the first time she noticed that he wasn't carrying his bag of the usual samples, pens, and files.

  The pharm reps usually came in with goodies to keep the staff on their side but beyond that, Charlie had little interaction with them. “Is something wrong?”

  “No. I came because...” he paused, giving her that wicked smile again. “I was wondering what you were doing tonight, if you'd like to ring in the New Year with me.”

  “Oh.” She looked around, as if the answer to his question would be found in her little square-shaped office. She thought about Chris down the hall with Dr. High Heels. It was the first time she'd been asked on a date in a long time. But she’d been on the cusp of admitting defeat and agreeing to watch her niece and nephew for the night.

  “I think I'm already booked, babysitting my brother's children.” She ran her fingers over the box before looking up at him. “Exciting, right?”

  “I'd be doing the same thing, except my sister decided to stay in. Since I found myself free for the evening, I thought I'd test my luck.”

  Holy smokes. He was hot. Little dimples winked out from his cheeks, and his dark green eyes always seemed to hold a smile. He was always a little flirtatious but she never thought he was serious.

  Maybe she’d been too focused on Chris.

  Every part of her was holding out for him. If there was any chance of today turning around, she wanted to seize it. But his meeting with Dr. High Heels had her keeping her options open. “Let me check with my brother and see if he's found a replacement for his babysitter yet.”

  He pulled something out of his pocket and took a step toward her. It left him only inches away. Her heart raced a little at his closeness and the room seemed to heat up around them. She couldn't help but feel like a teenager again, except the super-sexy, hot bad boy had never had any interest in her back in high school.

  “Here's my card. Call my cell and let me know.” He held the paper out to her but let his fingers slide against hers when she took it.

  She tried to maintain eye contact and not stumble over her words. “I'll let you know.” She couldn't pull her eyes away from his dark emerald gaze.

  She felt rather than heard Chris at the door. He focused on the paper they both still held between them, Rob's finger just skimming hers.

  He looked to Rob. “Atkins. Today's not a good day for me.”

  Rob didn't take a step back but he did drop his hand. “I'm not here for work.” He looked back at Charlie. “It's personal.”

  Chris's forehead crinkled before he looked back to her. “I just came by to see what you wanted to show me. You can bring it by later. I have patients waiting for me.”

  She didn't think she was imagining his frosty tone or the way he stiffly turned and walked away.

  The man in front of her caught her attention once more when he reached for her hand. “There's not some kind of policy against dating pharmaceutical reps, is there?”

  “Oh, no.” She laughed awkwardly. “I would know since I would have been the one to make it.” She looked down at his business card. “So...umm...I guess I'll call you and let you know.”

  “Please and if you think it would be okay, I wouldn't mind helping you babysit. We can watch a movie or something after your niece and nephew are in bed.”

  She walked him out and returned to her office a moment later still wondering what had just happened. She finally had the potential for a real date. It just wasn't the one she was planning on.

  ****

  Jealousy was a three-headed dog that chewed on his insides. He walked into the exam room, greeted Mr. Lincoln, and went through the routine of washing his hands and listening to his patient's complaints.

  All the while, his mind was on Charlie and that too smooth, too smiley dude in her office. So now he knew who her date was for tonight and he couldn't help but be a little pissed that the guy had stolen her out from under him at his own office.

  He refocused his attention on Mr. Lincoln, got through the routine check-up, shook his hand, and then stepped out of the office for his next appointment. On the way to his work station, he passed Charlie's office and was relieved to see that Rob was gone. She had her head down, reading some paperwork.

  She looked up at him as he was about to turn away. “Why was Dr. Hi...Harris here?”

  “Lunch. Diane tried to cancel our appointment but she insisted on bringing me food.”

  Charlie nodded, her face pulled down into a frown.

  “Something wrong?”

  “No. I was just curious.” Her voice was soft. It wasn't like Charlie to not get to the point on work stuff.

  “You don't like her?” He leaned against the door frame. He'd been working like crazy to see every patient that had called in for an emergency appointment. He'd given each one the time they deserved. He could take five minutes to see what was bothering Charlie.

  She dropped the pen she was holding and leaned back in her chair. He noticed she had the sweater back on and buttoned to the top. He started to apologize about his comments earlier when she interrupted him.

  “I don't dislike her. Like I said, I was just curious.”

  “Well, what about the pharm rep? Why was he here?”

  She pushed her shoulders back and he wondered why they were both awkward with each other. That had never been the case. “He came to talk to me about tonight.”

  “Oh.” He had kind of assumed that but it didn't stop the sinking feeling in his stomach. “Okay. I have patients waiting for me.”

  He turned but Charlie's voice stopped him. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “What makes you ask that?”

  “The comment about my dress today. The way you've been acting around me. Things aren't
usually so uncomfortable or is it just me?”

  “I shouldn't have said anything about your dress, Charlie. It was wrong of me. You look...nice.”

  She bit her bottom lip. “And everything else? What is going on?”

  “Nothing.” He almost laughed at her little harrumph. “Okay, maybe there is something going on. I'm just trying to figure out what's the best for us, the office.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He took a deep breath. Maybe this would give her an opportunity to talk about what was eating at her. “Celeste has asked me to consider merging our practices together.”

  Charlie's jaw dropped. She snapped it shut and he could see her review what he'd just said, as if little puffs of steam trailed out of her ears. “And you were going to tell me this when?”

  He raised his hands. “It's just something she's been alluding to for a few months and today she came out with it.”

  She pushed her chair back and stood. “And you told her no, right? That you wanted your own practice because you wanted control over the policies and decisions made.”

  “It's not like I'd be joining an established practice as an associate, Charlie. It would be a merger. Taking two busy practices and bringing them together so that we can have each other's backs.”

  She turned her head but he could hear her say, “I think there's more than backs involved.”

  He walked further into her office and shut the door behind him. “What are you implying?”

  She swung back to him and the high color of her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes stole his breath. She walked around her desk. “I'm not implying anything. I think there's more to this merging than the practice. I think Dr. High Heels has been after you for months and I think she finally found a way to merge with you.”

  “Whoa, Charlie. Relax. I don't see why you'd even care if Celeste was interested in more than just the practice. Wasn't it just an hour ago that I found you cavorting with the pharm rep? It's okay for you to blur the line of professional and personal relationships but it's not okay for me and Celeste?” He had walked toward her, a brief space separated them, but he was feeling a deep chasm opening between them.

  “I don't see what Rob has to do with this conversation.” Her eyes focused on his button down shirt. Finally she pushed her shoulders back and looked up at him. “The practice is yours to do with as you please. If you think it's best for you and it to merge with Dr. Harris's, you should do it.”

  “But...there's a but there. I can hear it.”

  “No, it's okay. You're right. Ultimately I have no say in the practice or your personal life.”

  “Charlie...” he reached out and grabbed her elbow before she could spin around back to her desk.

  She froze and he grabbed her other arm to face her towards him. “Of course, you have a say. I would never make a decision like this without you. You have to know that I value your opinion. As my right hand here at work and as my friend.”

  She nodded but her eyes stayed fixed on his hands on her arms. He slid them up and looked down on her pink lips. He wanted to taste them. He wanted to know she was seeing him, really seeing him as more than just her brother's friend.

  ****

  Oh. My. God. He was going to kiss her. She couldn't turn away, eager to get the feel of his lips on her, and yet she couldn't bring herself to touch him either, afraid the slightest move would ruin the moment. They stared at each other for what seemed like minutes. His blue eyes warmed and his fingers tightened on her arms. She took slow, deep breaths, waiting while her heart pounded heavily in her chest.

  She tilted her head and imagined how that first touch of lips would feel. Would his lips be soft or firm against hers? Would his long fingers slip into her hair or would he keep them on her arms, giving her room to return the kiss as she pleased?

  The blood rushed through her veins as she tried to keep herself grounded in front of him. She'd be a puddle of goo at his feet if this lasted much longer. She wanted Chris so desperately, she wasn't sure if she'd burst into flames when they finally kissed.

  “Charlie...” His lips barely moved as he said her name. Chris, the man she thought she understood above everyone else, confused her. She couldn't tell if it was need or something else laced in the way he looked at her.

  She couldn't stay suspended in this moment of expectation forever. Even with her heels, she was still inches shorter than him. She lifted herself up on her toes. The frustration of needing him closer finally urging her to move. Then the look in his eyes changed and he almost knocked her off balance as he pulled her closer into a hug.

  Her breath escaped out of her in one disappointed huff but it was muffled by his shirt. She held her body stiff against his. The need to sink into him dissipating in the wake of utter confusion.

  Had she been so completely blind in her own feelings that in those twenty seconds she read desire and need in a friendly glance?

  “Charlie, your friendship means more to me than anything else. I'm not making any decisions without your input.” He stepped back and looked down at her face.

  She nodded to give him some indication that she understood and he let go.

  “I have to get back to work.” He paused with his hand on the door. “We're both busy tonight but maybe you can save some time for me tomorrow to talk about the offer. How's breakfast sound?”

  She answered on autopilot. Her disappointment turning into disillusionment and bitterness. “Better make that lunch.” She felt a thin smile cross her face. “Just in case.”

  His eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth to say something but seemed to think better of it. He left her office, taking every bit of hope and faith she had with him.

  She didn't let the feeling settle over her until she had reached the door and clicked the little lock. She turned around, taking in the small space. Every little detail, from the dark wooden bookcases to the paint on the walls had been chosen by her. The rugs and the magazines in the waiting room, the medical supplies she'd poured over in catalogs. All of it had been lovingly picked out for him. And now their relationship was reduced to a hug over a major business decision.

  Where was the kiss that was going to make him realize that he couldn't live without her? Where was the passion that she knew was brewing underneath their comfortable friendship?

  She felt the first sob well up and tried to stifle it. She was at work, and she’d promised herself she wouldn't cry. No matter what the day brought. At least she hadn't humiliated herself in front of him. How horrible would it have been if she’d actually initiated a kiss with Chris, when all he was intending was a friendly embrace? When a second tear ran down her face, she grabbed up a tissue and dabbed at them, taking care with her makeup.

  Chris had plans for the night? Well, so did she. She picked up the business card she'd left by the phone on her desk and dialed the number.

  She smiled when she heard Rob's rough voice on the other end. Her message was short. She was on. She left her cell phone number and told him that she was up for whatever he wanted to do.

  No need to worry about babysitting. After all, her brother already knew she wasn't available.

  She hung up the phone and imagined his smile. Rob was a cutie, wore motorcycle boots, and brought her cupcakes. New Year's Eve didn't have to be a total waste.

  She pulled out the mirror she kept in her desk and fixed her makeup. All the while, she pushed Chris out of her mind and dragged Rob into focus. A hot guy was interested in her, and she wasn't going to lose her chance with him on memories and wishful thinking. She got through a painful divorce, the loss of a career she loved, and possibly the loss of another. God knew that if Chris merged his practice or anything else, she wasn't sticking around long enough to fight with Dr. High Heel's office manager to keep her job.

  She'd land on her feet. She always did. This time she’d just have to do it without Chris’s help.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Chris was the last one to leave. He sent Charlie home
at five to get ready for her date. After Diane left with the last patient, he finished writing up his notes and then dug into a six pack he kept in the staff refrigerator.

  A small Styrofoam package with a fork on top and his name taped to it sat just beside his last winter ale. He popped it open and recognized the cheesecake from his favorite restaurant, the one he always grabbed take out from with Charlie.

  So there was the thing she’d wanted to give him at lunch time.

  Damn, he should have spent lunch with Charlie. Not with Celeste, dodging her propositions, personal and professional. It wasn’t Celeste he wanted. It was and always would be Charlie. He cringed at the thought of how close he'd come to screwing things up with her. Kissing Charlie...in her office of all places…would have been romantic in a scary, possible sexual harassment way. Not to mention that they’d been surrounded by patients with all sorts of stomach complaints. No, that wasn't the best place or time to move their relationship up to the next stage.

  It could wait until tomorrow.

  After her date.

  He used the bottle opener to pop the top on his beer and sat the cheesecake on his desk. He ate a few bites before stopping at the thought of Charlie dating that muscle-bound pharm rep.

  Jealousy raged through him. He tried to pull it back. What could Charlie possibly see in guy like that? He clearly spent more time at a gym than doing anything else. Charlie hated the gym. She'd rather spend the time playing tennis with her brother or out rollerblading with his kids then running on a treadmill or lifting weights.

  He stabbed his fork through the strawberry, slicing it in half, and bit into it.

  She'd spend one date with the guy and realize how wrong they were together. This was actually going to work in his favor. It had to. Tomorrow he wouldn't have to do anything to convince her that they were perfect for each other. Rob would do that for him, simply by being so obviously not right for her.