Kitabı oku: «Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue / Festive Fling With The Single Dad», sayfa 5

CHAPTER FIVE

CASS WALKED TO the canine center the next afternoon still astounded she had foolishly kissed Lyle. Making her embarrassment worse and her pleasure more, Lyle had actually looked pleased she had kissed him.

But she didn’t do that sort of impulsive thing. Ever. She thought through her actions first. Never had she fallen apart like that in front of anyone. To do something so rash only showed how open the wound was that made up her life. Then there had been her crying jag. Until last night she had held it together despite all she’d been through. Talking about Rufus had broken her.

Lyle had been incredibly kind when she’d really needed someone. Beneath his attention she’d opened up like never before. He’d listened without judgement instead of running away. Lyle acted as if he cared, understood her loss.

Cass shook off that admission.

She’d kissed Lyle. What had she been thinking? She hadn’t been, instead she had just reacted. It had been a stupid, careless move. Being here at the castle was about therapy and making a full recovery, not romance. Her heart couldn’t handle those emotions right now. Even if it could, what did she imagine would come of it? Nothing, that was all that could happen.

As she entered the canine therapy center, Margaret greeted her at the door as if she had been waiting for her. Instead of taking her into the room where she had been the day before, Margaret escorted Cass into another one where the dogs were housed in pens with fenced runs. Cass shoved her shaking hands down into her coat pockets. She didn’t want anyone to see that her hands were trembling.

Margaret stopped in front of the first cage. “The dogs on this side of the building are the ones we call the ‘reimagined’ dogs. They’re working dogs that we get from all over the world. When they’re too old we take in the ones we can, retrain them and give them new purpose. Esme also has a breeding program for specialized therapy dogs for epilepsy and diabetes patients. We train from puppy age until they are just over a year old. Those dogs are Labrador retrievers, Labradoodles and golden retrievers.”

Cass nodded.

“Now, this is Oscar. He’s a sweet dog and has been paired with Mr. Ellis.”

“I’ve seen them together some.” Cass recognized the small black and white, wire-haired dog, along with a number of others. They’d all been paired with patients at the clinic.

“And you should remember this one. He’s the dog I understand that you and Lyle brought in the other night. We’re calling him Dougal.”

Cass nodded. Dougal suited the little dog. Rufus had already been named when Cass had got him, but his name had suited him too.

They moved to the next pen. The dogs were getting larger as they went.

“This is Morrow. He used to be a guide dog.”

He was being “reimagined,” much as Cass was working to do with her life. If she didn’t return to search and rescue, what was she going to do? Could she accept a new partner and try again? A sick feeling welled up in her, but she forced it down with a clenched jaw. She’d already made a spectacle of herself in front of Lyle. She would not do the same in Margaret’s presence.

Margaret kept moving down the aisle, introducing Cass to dogs as they went. Cass battled to remain calm rather than listening until Margaret said, “…and he was a search and rescue dog. A good one, I understand. But he went blind in one eye and that ended his career.”

Cass’s attention remained riveted to the light-gray-furred German shepherd lying quietly in the back corner of the cage.

“He hasn’t adjusted to being here as we would like. I think we’re rather dull to him after his exciting life.” Margaret’s voice was sympathetic.

Cass empathized with the dog’s pain. She, too, was out of her comfort zone for reasons beyond her control.

“Now, this is McDuff. Everyone’s favorite.” A big dog with shaggy fur and wide brown eyes came to greet them.

Cass reached out to him without thinking. He smelled her hand, fluffy tail wagging.

“Now that you’ve met everyone I’ll show you where the supplies are and tell you some of your duties. I have to admit you’re the first resident to offer to help us with dog care and I’m very glad to have you. We don’t have enough help.”

Margaret showed Cass the room where food was stored, the grooming area and where cleaning tools could be found. She explained what Cass needed to do and on which days of the week. “Also, we would like you to walk any dogs that don’t currently have assignments. That’s the list on the board over here.” She walked to the wall where a clipboard hung. “Currently there are just three dogs. You’re free to take them outside for a walk on the lead or a run in the outdoor pen.”

Cass would turn them out in the pen. Leash walking was more than she was emotionally prepared for. Too personal, too risky. She might start caring.

“You think you’ll be okay with the work?” Margaret checked her watch.

Cass nodded. This she could do. She would be active instead of sitting around with a dog in her lap or on the floor beside her. Surely she wouldn’t get attached tending to all the dogs on a daily basis. Having one assigned to her was the danger. She could feed them, walk them, and clean their cages and meet her therapy requirements then move on. All she had to do was make up her mind to do what she had to do. For some people that type of work might be beneath them. But it was the perfect means for Cass to ease back into interacting with a dog without the temptation of completely committing.

Over the next hour she fed and watered the dogs. When it was time to enter the search and rescue dog’s cage, she had to read his name on the sign because she’d missed it when Margaret had said it earlier. She hesitated. Hero didn’t scare her, instead he reminded her too much of herself. He remained in that corner as if he wanted to shut the world out. Was that what she was doing?

“Hey, fellow, it’s nice to meet you. I understand we’ve been in the same business. I’m sorry to hear about your eye. That’s tough.” She moved to fill his food bowl. He watched her closely as she worked. Cass filled his water bowl from a bucket. He came up on his haunches as if he might be thirsty. “Come and get it. I won’t hurt you.”

“He mostly speaks German.”

Cass heart clinched. Just like Rufus.

“I should have told you that.” Margaret stood outside the cage. “But I’m sure he appreciates your soothing voice. I’ve been watching. You’re good with the dogs.”

“I’ve been around them all my life.” Cass unlocked the cage.

“It shows. It’s time for you to go.” Margaret held the gate to the cage open. “I don’t want to wear you out on your first day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. I need to put some things away before I go.” Cass walked back toward the storeroom.

“Can you see yourself out?” Margaret called, heading the other way.

Cass placed the bucket she carried on the floor. “I can.”

“Good. You did well today, Cass.” Margaret gave her a smile and left.

Hopefully each day would get easier.

Three days later Cass was on the minibus to the village with five other residents. She looked out the window at the beautiful and fascinating countryside. She’d seen much of the world and, even covered in patches of snow, this place appealed to her. Her doctors had been wise to send her here.

Going to the canine therapy center still didn’t fill her with excitement but it wasn’t as difficult as it had been on the first day. She’d managed to interact with the dogs while remaining emotionally removed from them. She was pleased to see that Dougal was growing stronger each day. His odd appearance with some weight on him was beginning to make him look cute. The only dog that did disturb her was Hero. He still remained standoffish. Cass was trying not to let it bother her, yet it did.

Today she wasn’t going to think about dogs or therapy or even the past. Instead she was going to enjoy her trip to the village. She didn’t know what to expect of Cluchlochry, but she was enchanted from the moment she stepped off the bus. It looked like a scene from a Victorian Christmas card. Wreaths of fresh greenery with bows were on every building door and window. The main road was just large enough for two small narrow vehicles to pass. Her large American SUV would never be able to make it.

The sun was shining this morning, promising a warmer day than usual, and she was glad she’d left Lyle’s scarf and hat behind, not wanting to have to carry them.

In the center of the village just feet from where she’d stepped off the bus was the cobblestoned village square. She followed the crowd to a building she’d overheard was called the community center. There were a number of tents set up outside, but Cass found the majority of the stalls inside. The individual areas each had their own holiday decorations. It was like entering a winter wonderland. Excitement filled her at the thought of some retail therapy. She wasn’t much of a “girly-girl” where most things were concerned, but she did love a shopping trip. The van had come in early enough that the crowd was still comfortably small. Visiting the stalls should be fun.

She planned to buy boots and socks today as Lyle had suggested that first night. However, she would wait until later to shop for them to avoid carrying them around any longer than necessary. After she was finished at the Christmas market she would ask someone where to do shoe shopping. For now, she was going to see what the market had to offer.

The first stall she came to held handmade wooden figurines. Behind the table sat an older, grizzled man with the air of an outdoorsman. He glanced up for a moment then went back to whittling.

Cass picked up an angel and admired the workmanship. The texture was smooth and there was attention to detail. The face had the kind of expression befitting an angel. It was old-world craftsmanship at its best. Her mother would love any of the items on display. She would return to buy something for her mother before she headed back to the castle. Hoping she would make it home before Christmas, she planned on being prepared to celebrate with her family.

When they’d heard she was injured they had wanted to come to her in Germany. She had convinced them not to, assuring them she was going to be fine. Once she’d been sent to therapy she had persuaded them she would be home sooner if she concentrated on getting better. What she hadn’t said was that she needed time to recover emotionally so she wouldn’t fall apart in front of them, as she had with Lyle.

Cass paused at every stall, fearing that if she didn’t she might miss something. At this rate she wouldn’t see all the market today and would still climb back on the bus with an armload of purchases. However, she needed to get some local money to buy things. She went outside to the street and searched for an ATM sign. Soon she had some pounds in her pocket. Conscious of smiling for the first time in a long while she went to the nearest stall.

This one offered handmade Christmas-tree ornaments. Cass was enthralled. Each one unique, they were made out of natural things like nuts, twigs, and pine cones. They would be perfect on a tree. Once again she resisted the impulse to buy and moved on to the next display.

There she found leather goods of quality craftsmanship. She continued walking, merely looking at some stalls and handling items at others. Coming to town had been a good decision, even though she had initially intended only to buy new walking boots and socks. Nevertheless she was having a nice day. Even the bustle of the growing crowd made her feel more alive. She had needed this kind of therapy.

Spying a sign with the words “Aileen’s Knitting” on it, she made her way over. It was past time to return Lyle’s hat and scarf but Cass wanted to get her own before she did so. And some gloves.

The stall had two tables and a number of hat racks filled with hats and scarfs of every color. Cass went to one of the tables and ran her hand over a few of the items of outerwear, even trying on a couple. She studied herself in a mirror hung on a stand to see how she looked. The pale pink and gray striped scarf and matching solid pink hat she especially liked.

A plump middle-aged woman sat behind the table next to a small heater. Her needles clicked as she spoke. “That looks lovely on you.”

Her Scottish brogue was so thick Cass had to concentrate to understand her. “Thank you. Your work is beautiful. And so soft.” Cass pulled the cap off and picked up another in the same color but with a rosette on the side. She studied it.

At that moment a familiar masculine shoulder pushed a door open just behind the woman. Lyle entered, carrying a box. He turned and the door closed. She must have caught his eye because he looked at her with surprise. A smile curved his lips that made her middle flutter. “Well, hi, there. I see you took my suggestion about coming to the market.”

Her face warmed. This was their first encounter since they had kissed. Surely if she acted like it hadn’t happened, he would as well. “Yeah, I’m doing some shopping therapy, like the doctor ordered.”

Lyle looked over the box at her. “I wouldn’t say I ordered it, but I’m glad you came.”

She nodded toward the box. “I see you’re moonlighting. You don’t have enough jobs already?”

He chuckled as he rested the corner of the box on the edge of the table, continuing to hold it. “It’s more like helping my mother out. Muscles and all that.”

Cass knew those muscles well. She had felt those strong arms around her and the firmness of his chest when she’d pressed her face against it. She glanced at Lyle’s mother, who watched them with pronounced interest, her knitting momentarily forgotten.

Lyle’s head turned as if following Cass’s line of sight. “Mum, this is Cass Bellow. She’s one of our residents at the castle. Cass, my mother, Aileen Sinclair.”

Cass was unsure how to respond. Lyle’s mother was looking between the two of them as if she suspected something Cass was refusing to admit to herself. A second too late to sound natural, Cass finally managed to get out, “It’s nice to meet you. Your work really is lovely. I wish I had your talent.”

The door opened again and a tall man who was undoubtedly an older version of Lyle joined them with a box in his hands. “Aileen, where do you want this?

“Over in the corner will be fine.” Lyle’s mother pointed to the one opposite hers. “I don’t want it near the heater.”

The man put the box down as instructed and turned to Cass. Something about his bearing made Cass want to stand at attention and pass inspection yet he looked in poor health. His was gaunt, far too thin for his height. There wasn’t a sparkle in his eyes like Lyle’s. His skin had a grayish tint to it. Lyle’s father was sick.

“Sir, this is Cass Bellow. My father, retired Colonel Gregor Sinclair.”

Still resisting the urge to salute, she settled for, “Hello, sir.”

“Hello, young lady.” The older man offered his hand. Cass put hers inside his. He still had a firm grip, but his fingers felt fragile in hers.

She looked at Lyle’s parents. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

“You’re not from around here, I can tell,” Lyle’s father said.

Cass chortled. “Is it that obvious? No, I’m from America. Montana currently.”

Lyle’s father nodded. “I worked with many Americans while I was in the military. Good sorts. I expect that Lyle will be working with some as well when he returns to active duty.”

Her look swung to Lyle. Was he going to join the army again? He seemed to love working at the clinic.

Before she could ask, he took the hat from her hand. “This will look nice on you.”

She unwrapped the scarf from her neck. “I think so too. I’d like to get both of them, and the gloves as well. They’re too nice to pass up. Plus I need to return yours.”

“You do?” Lyle’s mother gave him a questioning look.

“Cass didn’t have a chance to prepare for our Scottish weather before she was transferred here.” Lyle turned to put his box on top of the other one as if discouraging more of his mother’s questions.

Cass pulled out her cash, counted out the correct amount indicated on a sign next to the mirror, then handed it across the table.

“Thank you, Mrs. Sinclair. Maybe one day I’ll learn to knit and make something half as lovely as your work.”

“If you’d like to learn I could show you. Lyle could bring you to the house some day for lunch.” Lyle’s mother looked from Cass to her son, a small smile on her lips.

Was Aileen’s maternal intuition working overtime? Cass shook her head. “Oh, no, I didn’t mean to imply you should teach me.”

“Nonsense. I’d love to give you a lesson. And at this time of the year knitting is about all I’m doing anyway, with the Christmas market going until the season is over.” The clicking of the needles started again.

Cass didn’t know what to think about Aileen’s invitation but she said the polite thing. “Thank you.”

“Would you like a bag for those?” Mrs. Sinclair asked, a nod of her head indicating the knitted items Cass held.

Cass glanced down. “No, I think I’ll wear them.” She stuffed the gloves in her pocket, looped the scarf around her neck again and pulled the hat snugly over her head. “It was nice to meet you Colonel and Mrs. Sinclair.” Giving Lyle a swift look as she turned to leave, she added, “Bye.” Hesitating a second, she turned to look at Lyle. “Would you mind giving me directions to where I can buy some boots?”

“Why don’t I show you instead?” he offered.

“I don’t want to put you out. I’m sure your mother needs your help.” Cass didn’t need him thinking she was using that as a ploy to spend more time with him.

“I’m good for now.” Aileen waved a hand. “While you’re gone, Lyle, why don’t you stop by McKinney’s Pub and get Cass one of their pies?” She looked directly at Cass. “Best meat pies you’ll find anywhere.”

Lyle stepped around the table and came to stand beside Cass. His hand touched her back briefly and was gone. He called over his shoulder to his mother, “I’ll do it.”

They worked their way around the people coming and going as they walked in the direction of the door. A couple of times Lyle put a gentle hand in the small of her back while guiding her through the crowd.

“That hat and scarf color is very flattering on you,” he said. “Reminds me of when you blush. Your cheeks turn that shade.” He grinned as their gazes met. “Like right now.”

The compliment gave her a luscious warm throughout her body like a hot drink heating her from the inside out.

They exited the building and turned left down the street. As they continued walking toward the other end of the village green they approached a monument. It consisted of a tall narrow shaft encircled by steps. On top was a small statue.

“What’s this?” Cass stopped and studied it.

“It’s a Mercat Cross. They have been used in Scotland since the eleven-hundreds to distinguish the right by the monarch to hold a market or fair. They were symbols of authority. There’re aren’t many of them left now. We’re rather proud of ours.”

“That’s interesting.” She liked learning historical facts about places she went.

“They’re not only places for merchants to meet but places where state and civic proclamations would be made. Even to this day in Edinburgh the town crier will still make proclamations on occasions.”

She looked up to where the statue stood on top. “I would love to hear one sometime.”

“Maybe you will one day.”

Cass doubted that. She wouldn’t be here long enough for that to happen.

They moved on in comfortable silence until they made their way through the crowd and out into the open again.

“So how have your last few days of working with the dogs gone?”

Cass glanced over at him. “Don’t you already know? I figured you’ve been checking up on me.”

Lyle chuckled. “I have, but I’d like to hear from you.”

She appreciated his honestly. “It’s going better than I expected. I admit it was tough to get started, but I’m getting used to the dogs and them to me.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He did sound pleased, as if her happiness really mattered to him.

She couldn’t say she was happy yet, but she’d moved the needle that direction. “You’re not really surprised, are you?”

“Not really. Canine therapy has proved very effective. Even on those who are resistant.” He gave her a knowing look.

“Is that your way of saying I told you so?” Somehow she didn’t mind if he did. This was the best she had felt since before the accident. Her thoughts weren’t so dark anymore.

Lyle stopped in front of a shop built of brown timber. The upper half of the door had four window panes. A Christmas wreath hung low beneath the glass. Attached above the door was a swag of greenery entwined with red ribbon. On either side of the door were display windows filled with boots, coats and other outdoor wear. All of it was arranged to create the impression of presents under a Christmas tree.

Lyle opened the door for her. “The shoes are at the back on the right.”

Cass followed him down a narrow aisle lined with high shelves stuffed with items. The dim lighting added to the alluring atmosphere. The place smelled of wood oil and pine. Cass inhaled, taking it deep into her lungs. It reminded her of Lyle. She was enchanted with the shop. In fact, she was charmed by everything about the Heatherglen area, including Lyle. What was happening to her?

They arrived at the back of the shop. There in one corner was a small wooden bench along with boxes of boots piled on the floor.

Lyle stretched to his full height and looked over the shelves. “Apparently Mr. Stewart isn’t around. We’ll have a look at these and he should be back soon. He must have stepped out for lunch. I have experience with this so we’ll just help ourselves.”

Cass lowered her chin, eyeing him dubiously. “You’ve been a shoe salesman?”

He gave her an indignant look. “I worked here when I came home on school breaks.”

“Oh. So you are a jack-of-all-trades.”

He stepped toward the boxes. “I wouldn’t exactly say that, but I can handle reading shoeboxes. What’s your size?”

“Eight and a half, US.” She sat on the bench.

Lyle nodded and studied them a moment. Moving a couple, he pulled one out. “I hope I made the European to American conversion correctly. Give these a try and we’ll see.”

She took the box from him and opened it. Removing her shoes, Cass pulled the new boot on her right foot. She stood and wiggled her toes. “Nicely done. Feels good but I would really rather have them in black.”

“I aim to please. Let me see what I can find.” Lyle shifted around a few boxes. With a bright smile on his handsome face, he handed her a box.

Cass sat on the bench again and started trying on the second boot.

“What’s your favorite color?” Lyle asked, his back to her as he straightened boxes.

“Why?”

“You need some good socks.” He studied her with visible curiosity.

She continued trying on her new boots. “Blue.”

He moved down the wall and seconds later handed her a pair of thick socks. “These’ll keep your feet warm and wick the moisture away. I promise you’ll like them.”

Cass removed the boots and her socks then pulled on the new ones. “I can already tell the difference.” She flexed her foot then slipped her foot into the boot. Nice. Quickly she pulled on the other boot and laced them both up.

Standing, she walked back and forth a couple of times, testing the feel of the footwear. “You know, if you ever decide to give up medicine you could have a future as a personal shopper.”

Lyle gave a regal bow. “Thank you. I have to say with complete confidence that’s the first time anyone has suggested that to me.”

They both laughed.

When was the last time she’d laughed like this? How had she not noticed it slipping away?

She liked Lyle’s relaxed view of life. With his job and military background she marveled he wasn’t uptight and domineering. Instead he seemed to accept life as it came and made the most of it whenever he could. Cass needed more of that in her world.

Lyle had a way of making her smile, and she also needed more of that right now. However, she must not start depending on him to make her feel better. She had to depend on herself. She had to regain her strength. Be strong.

If she opened up to him any further, leaving him would be a new trauma, one she knew she couldn’t handle. Her job certainly didn’t lend itself to an easygoing and emotional personality. Even when she was at home her focus had been on working with Rufus to keep them both sharp. Had the men in her life been right? Did she live too closed off? Had been concentrating on her job and Rufus more than she should have?

“You want to keep those on?” He picked up the box.

“I believe I will. Start breaking them in.” Cass picked up her other shoes and placed them in the box while Lyle held it. She met his gaze. “By the way, what’s your favorite color?”

“Green.” His eyes didn’t waver. “I’m particularly fond of the shade of green of your eyes.”

Her breath caught. “Are you flirting with me?”

“What if I am?” He took the box and set it on the bench. “I’ve been thinking about that kiss.”

A tingle ran through her. “You shouldn’t.”

“What? Think about it or think about doing it again?”

“Both, ” she squeaked.

“Why?” His voice turned gravelly, went soft. Lyle stepped toward her.

Because she was damaged. Because she was scared. Because she couldn’t handle caring about anything or anyone again. “Because I’m leaving soon.”

“Cass, we can share an interest in each other without it becoming a lifelong commitment. I’d like to get to know you better. Couldn’t we be friends? Enjoy each other’s company while you’re here?”

Put that way, it sounded reasonable. Lyle moved so close that his heat warmed her. Why was it so hard to breathe? She simmered with anticipation. His hands came to rest at her waist as his mouth lowered to hers.

She didn’t want his kiss. That wasn’t true. Until that moment she’d had no idea how desperately she did want Lyle’s lips on hers. Her breath caught as his mouth made a light brush over hers. He pulled away. Cass ran her tongue over her bottom lip, tasting him.

Lyle groaned and pulled her tight against his chest. His lips firmly settled over hers. Cass grabbed his shoulders to steady herself. Slowly she went up on her toes, her desire drawing her nearer to him. Sweet heat curled and twisted through her center and seeped into her every cell. She’d found her cozy fire in a winter storm.

The sound of the door opening brought both their heads up. Their gazes locked with each other’s.

“Hello? Is someone here?” a man called.

“It’s Lyle, Mr. Stewart. I’m in the boot section.”

“Please don’t do that again,” Cass whispered, and stepped as far away as the small space would allow. She couldn’t deal with the feelings swarming in her. This wasn’t what she needed or wanted. She needed to figure out her life, not complicate it.