Kitabı oku: «Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints», sayfa 4

Even he couldn’t believe that fantasy. She might have left him high and dry. She might not have been interested in a future with him. But he’d seen nothing in their brief time together that said she would ignore her—their daughters.

And he intended to play a role in his daughters’ lives, so if she insisted on marriage, then he’d marry her. He didn’t want anyone calling his daughters illegitimate. He’d punch their lights out if they dared.

So, a marriage of convenience?

That was probably what she’d want. He could handle that. Of course he could. He began massaging his temples at the thought of living in the same house with Briana and never touching her. Never.

“Dr. Callaghan? Do you have a headache?” Helen asked. She’d entered his office quietly while his eyes were closed.

“No! No, not at all. I was thinking. That was fast, Helen. I promise I won’t ask you to wait on me all the time. I just needed a little time to myself.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Have you eaten?”

“I picked myself up some lunch while I was there.”

“Why don’t you bring it in here and we can talk while we eat. Unless you would be uncomfortable?”

“Not at all.”

Hunter wondered how long it would take him to lead the conversation to Briana McCallum without being obvious. Because she was the only part of the hospital he was interested in right now.

AT FIVE UNTIL TWO, Briana touched up her makeup, determined not to look washed out, combed her hair, smoothed any wrinkles out of her navy blue two-piece maternity suit, and started out of her office for the welcoming party in the cafeteria.

“Are you ready to go, Bri?” Lisa asked, jumping up from her desk. “Dr. Abby said I was to go with you, in case you felt faint.”

Bri sighed. She was paying a heavy price for her silly fainting spell. But it wouldn’t happen again. Because she wasn’t going to be surprised again. “Fine, Lisa.” She waited patiently for Lisa to reach her side.

“The new doctor sure is a looker. Everyone’s talking about how handsome he is. You should hear all the nurses.”

Bri sank her teeth into her bottom lip. It shouldn’t bother her. She already knew he was handsome. But she also knew he was one of those men who took his pleasure and avoided the consequences. He was a jerk, plain and simple.

“Really? I guess I didn’t notice his appearance all that much.”

Lisa giggled. “I guess not. You were too busy fainting.” Then she covered her lips with her free hand. “Oops, sorry, Bri.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. That about sums it up. So, did you think he was that handsome?”

“Wow, yeah! I mean, I guess he’s too old for me, but he’s very handsome. And he has just a few grey hairs at his temples. They blend in with his blond hair, but still, they make him look distinguished. I’d trust him with my life,” she added, a dreamy expression on her face.

“Good looks aren’t a lot of help in a medical emergency, Lisa,” Bri pointed out, sarcasm in her voice.

“I know, but what I meant is he looks trustworthy.”

“Even jerks can look trustworthy. That’s why they get the opportunity to be a jerk. No one trusts an ugly man.”

“That’s not true. I trust Benny, and he’s not handsome.”

“I trust Benny, too, and I think he’s kind of cute.”

Lisa giggled. “Yeah, so do I.”

Benny was a paramedic who made deliveries to the hospital. Sometimes he and his partner would go to the cafeteria and have a cup of coffee. His nose looked as if it had been broken, and he could use a good dentist, but he had a heart of gold.

They’d arrived at the cafeteria, and Briana immediately began checking to see if everything had been done as she’d asked. The cafeteria supervisor appeared at her side to see if there was anything else to be done.

“It looks wonderful, Mrs. C.,” Bri said at once.

Joanna Carpenter beamed at her. “Oh, thanks, Bri. I think I did everything you asked. Come have a look at the cake. Sam did a great job decorating it. He’s getting very good.”

Bri looked at the cake and offered praise for Sam, the baker in their cafeteria. It hadn’t been an easy task writing Welcome Dr. Callaghan on the cake.

Members of the staff began filling the cafeteria, many of them checking on Bri before they drifted off to chat with friends.

When the new arrival entered with R. J. Maitland, a cheer went up from everyone gathered, and helium balloons were released from bags in several corners of the room. Of course, they didn’t have far to go but soon the strings tied on them were hanging down, allowing those present to take one of them as a souvenir. And they did add a lot of color.

R. J. Maitland raised one hand for silence and again welcomed Hunter Callaghan, obstetrician extraordinaire to the staff, adding an impressive list of qualifications. Everyone cheered again when he’d finished and began shouting for Dr. Callaghan to speak.

Hunter nodded, smiled and held his hand up in appreciation for their welcome. When they quieted, he made a gracious speech about how much he was looking forward to working with them and how much he appreciated the warmth of their welcome.

Bri tried to ignore the warm tendrils of remembrance that curled around her heart as she listened to his voice. How calming that voice had been when they were stuck in the storeroom. How exciting it had been when he’d held her in his arms and made love to her.

Now it meant nothing to her, she assured herself. Nothing at all. But she didn’t approach him at once to excuse herself. She had to have time to regain control, because touching him could be even worse than hearing his voice.

Finally, she approached the table where he was eating his piece of cake and assuring Sam it was the best cake he’d ever had. Sam, beaming, backed away from the table and Bri just barely managed to sidestep him in time.

“Oh, Bri! I’m so sorry! I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, Sam, not at all.”

“Did you get a piece of cake?”

“I’d love one, but my doctor said I had to give up all that sugar for a while.”

“Oh, of course. When you can eat cake again, I’ll bake you a special one.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Sam kissed her cheek and hurried off to the kitchen where he could repeat Hunter’s appreciative remarks to his friends.

Dr. Callaghan, as she was determined to think of him, had risen to his feet and stood waiting.

Bri kept about three feet of distance between her and the table. “Sorry to interrupt, R.J., Dr. Callaghan. I wanted to welcome you again to our wing, Dr. Callaghan. And to excuse myself. Abby insisted I only stay a couple of minutes.”

R.J. stood and crossed the three feet and kissed her on the cheek. “You did a bang-up job, Bri. Now go take care of those girls. I’m sure Hunter agrees that their well-being takes precedence over any party.”

“Thanks, R.J.” She immediately turned to head for the door, but she couldn’t escape quite so quickly.

“Ms. McCallum,” Hunter said, stopping her in her tracks. “Thanks for arranging such a nice party.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, backing up.

“And I believe you said you’d set aside some time in the morning for us to talk?”

Her gaze flickered to his blue eyes and hurriedly looked away. There was an edge to his words, almost threatening. “Yes, at nine in the morning, but only if you want to talk then. If you have more important things to do, we can make it when it’s more convenient for you.”

“More convenient for me? Hmm, I’ll let you know in the morning. Is that all right with you?”

“Yes, of course. Just let Lisa know.”

She hesitated, wanting to leave but not wanting to appear rude. That would start all kinds of rumors flying through the hospital. And endless questions.

Though she kept her gaze down, she couldn’t help but see the hand he held out. Oh, my. She was going to have to shake his hand after all. Maybe she could claim to have poison ivy! Or the measles. Or—or—nothing else occurred to her. And none of her ideas would work. Abby would be all over her if she heard her say any of those silly things.

Come on, Briana, where’s your courage? Just shake his hand and get out of here! She drew a deep breath and reached out to receive his offer of a handshake. It had to be her nerves that caused the trembling, not his flesh. But something happened. She felt like static electricity had shot through her.

With a gasp, she jerked her hand away and fled from Dr. Hunter Callaghan’s presence. She’d think up a good excuse later…if anyone bothered to ask.

Chapter Six

When five o’clock rolled around, Lisa stuck her head through the door. “It’s time to go home, Bri. Are you ready?”

“Not today, Lisa. It’s been such a strange day, I need a few more minutes to work before I can leave.”

“But Dr. Abby said—”

“I know. But she said my life should go on as normal for as long as I can manage it. And I definitely wouldn’t leave all this paperwork for tomorrow. Besides, I’m just going to sit here, no strain. I promise.” She gave Lisa her best smile. After all, she was the boss.

“Okay, but maybe you should sleep in in the morning and come in late.”

“And keep Dr. Callaghan waiting? Not a good career move.” Bri would prefer to do as Lisa said, but she knew she couldn’t.

“Oh, I’d forgotten. Okay, but don’t stay late.”

“I won’t.” She looked down at the papers on her desk, hoping Lisa would take the hint and leave without more warnings. She appreciated all the concern from her colleagues, but she didn’t need a hundred mother hens.

“’Night,” Lisa called, and then there was silence.

She was alone at last. No more questions about her reaction to Dr. Callaghan’s handshake. As she’d figured, there had been a few. She’d told them all it was carpet shock or something. Amazingly enough, they’d believed her. Or appeared to, even Abby, who’d dropped by around three to check on her.

Now, she’d passed all the tests and would probably only see the man at rare intervals. They could handle most of their business over the phone. She’d just have to deal with his voice.

She turned her attention back to her work. She only had a few minutes worth, but she wanted to make sure she didn’t run into the good doctor as he left the building. She figured he’d be gone soon. After all, it was his first day. He couldn’t be behind so quickly.

After she finished the last of her chores, she cleared her desk and made a list of what she needed to deal with when she first arrived in the morning. It was best not to be caught unawares.

A noise in Lisa’s office caught her attention. “Is someone out there?” Briana called through the open door.

“Oh,” Dr. Hunter Callaghan said as he appeared in the doorway. “You’re still here. Good.” He entered her office and closed the door behind him. “I thought we should have a little talk.”

Briana struggled to control the panic welling up in her. “I was about to go home, Dr. Callaghan.”

“Don’t be so formal, Bri. Make it Hunter.”

“I realize I said we’d talk at your convenience, Dr. Callaghan,” she began, ignoring his offer of informality, “but I really think tomorrow morning would be better.”

“Oh, we’ll talk tomorrow morning. But that will be a business meeting. Right now I think we need to have a personal meeting.”

He wasn’t going to play the game. Pretend they’d never met. Okay, she’d take the gloves off. “Why? It’s a little late to explain why you dumped me.”

“Why I what?”

She lifted her chin, not about to be intimidated by his behavior. “Why you left me asleep and disappeared, no note, no nothing.”

“Lady, I went to my room to shower and change. Then I came back down to take you to breakfast.”

She sneered at him. “Easy to say, now, isn’t it? Look, doctor, I prefer that we forget what happened in the past and simply work together as business colleagues, nothing more, nothing less.” She shoved back her chair. “If you’ll excuse me, now that we’ve got that straight, I’ll be on my way.”

“There’s one problem with your suggestion,” he said softly, glaring at her.

“What?”

“You’re having my children.” His blue eyes were piercing, leaving her no—what had he called it?—wiggle room.

But she’d prepared for this moment. “You’re wrong. I’m not having your children.”

“Abby said you’re twenty-eight weeks. That’s exactly how long it’s been since I made love to you in New York City.”

She cleared her throat. “I realized it might seem that way to you, but then you don’t know what happened when I got off the plane.” She held her gaze steady, determined to do the best acting job of her life.

“What happened?”

“My ex-boyfriend met my plane. He convinced me that he was ready for commitment, which was what we argued over. I gave him a second chance. We were together about six weeks when I took a pregnancy test. Abby told me I was four weeks pregnant, she thought. You know how inexact these things can be.”

“So where is he?”

“He panicked and ran. He wasn’t ready after all.” She sat silently, watching him, hoping and praying she’d convinced him.

“Have you told him about the girls?”

“No.”

“Are you going to?”

“Why would I? He doesn’t want any children. Why would we want him?”

“What’s his name?”

She was tempted to make up a name, but she refrained. “I don’t think that’s any of your business, Dr. Callaghan. I haven’t told anyone his name, and I don’t intend to start now.”

He stared at her and she fought to keep her gaze level to his.

“I’m prepared to marry you,” he said abruptly, leaving her without anything to say.

When she didn’t respond, he said, “I assumed that’s what you would want, now that you know how to locate me.”

She leaned back in her chair and lifted her chin another inch. “You’re wrong, Dr. Callaghan. I’m not carrying your children, and I don’t require such a sacrifice of you. You made your feelings toward me and any commitment quite clear that day in New York City when you disappeared.”

“I told you, I was coming back. Of course, then I thought you were a working stiff, like me. Not the incredibly wealthy Ms. McCallum, hiding behind a title.”

Bri tried to remember the need to keep her blood pressure down. Drawing several deep breaths, she counted to ten. Several times. Finally, she said, “You may not care for me personally, Dr. Callaghan, but I will not accept such disparaging remarks about my work.”

“So I’ve heard. All people have done is praise your work. They always mention how hard you work, how efficient you are. I figured you shoveled all of it to your assistant’s shoulders. They’ve assured me that’s not true.”

She gave silent thanks for the support she’d received. She’d worked hard to ensure that no one thought she was taking an easy ride because of her name. “I hope you’re satisfied, then.” She’d discovered the hard way that people assumed wealth meant no work on her part. That she would snap her fingers and get what she wanted.

“Not yet. I like to see things for myself.”

“I understand. And if I don’t meet your standards, I’ll expect you to let me know.”

“You can be sure of that. Are these my babies?”

She stared at the sudden switch of topic again. “No, these are my babies, no one else’s. Now, if you’ve finished with your questioning, I’d like to go home and rest.” She’d like to get away from him, so she could relax. The tension was getting to her.

He stood, but instead of leaving, he came around the desk and began taking her pulse.

“What are you doing? You’re not my doctor. I don’t want you—”

“It’s high. Are you on any medication for high blood pressure?”

“No! And my blood pressure will go down as soon as you leave!”

“How far away do you live?”

“That’s none of your business. Go away!”

He smiled, which, seven months ago, would’ve melted all her resistance. She was made of sterner stuff now.

“I can’t let you drive with such high blood pressure. I’ll drive you home.” He took hold of her arm as if he intended to pull her to her feet.

“Turn me loose. I can stand by myself.”

He lifted his hands, as if surrendering, and stood silently watching her.

Just what she wanted. Her ex-lover to see how awkward she was. “When you leave.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I’ll stand when you leave.” She sat in her chair, glaring at him.

“I’m afraid that’s not acceptable. I can carry you, I can call an ambulance, or I can call your doctor. You may choose which option you prefer. Or you can stand now and we can walk out to my car.”

She felt herself begin to shake, knowing she was pushing her limits. It was time for her to eat, too. Abby had explained the importance of eating regularly. Without saying anything, she stood. Then she bent over to pick up her bag. As she walked to the office door, she was aware of him following her, his tall form leaning protectively toward her.

Even on the nights when she’d hated him, she hadn’t forgotten how protective he’d been—until he walked out on her. She made it to the elevator without him touching her, which was a major accomplishment. But it took a lot of energy to control her reaction.

It didn’t take long to go down one floor. When the door opened, Hunter took one of her arms.

“You’re trembling!” he exclaimed. “Are you all right?”

“It’s time for me to eat. I’ll fix something as soon as I drive home.”

“You’re not driving home. I’m driving you. But there’s a café right here. Let’s grab some dinner there before I take you home.”

Bri debated her choices. If she ate, she should be able to drive home by herself. That would be better than this man taking her home. She opted for the Austin Eats Café, a favorite place of hers. “I’ll go eat at the café. You don’t have to join me. After I eat I’ll be okay.”

“We’ll see,” he said mildly, keeping hold of her arm. “Besides, I don’t like to eat alone.”

“Dr. Callaghan, you’re being outrageous,” she protested.

He pulled open the door to the restaurant. She saw several people she knew, since many of the staff at Maitland Maternity hung out at the diner. She could protest and they’d come to her aid, but how would that look? If she acquiesced to his company, everyone would think she was welcoming the new obstetrics chief.

“A lot of hospital people eat here. Unless you want to start rumors, we’d better pretend to be friendly.”

“Why, Bri, we are friendly,” he assured her with that lopsided smile, one that she’d never forgotten.

“Bri, how are you?” one of the waitresses called as she saw her enter. “Come on in. We’ve got a vacant booth back here.”

Bri cringed as she knew what was coming next. She’d dined in here just recently.

The waitress pulled the table between the two bench seats all the way to one side. Then she looked at Hunter. “You don’t mind sharing the same side with Bri, do you? She needs more room than most people these days.”

“I’d be delighted to sit beside her,” he said with a smile that had the waitress fluffing her hair. “Thank you.”

“Glad to be of service. What can I bring you to drink while you’re reading the menu?”

“I’ll have ice water, please,” Bri said before the waitress forgot she even existed. Hunter had that effect on women.

“Coffee for me,” he said, then added, “Decaf if you have it.”

“Sure do. I’ll be right back.”

After the waitress hurried away, Hunter leaned back and surveyed the diner. “Nice place. Very attentive service.”

Bri rolled her eyes. “Duh. I wonder why?”

“Because you look like you’re about to give birth at any minute?” he said, smiling down at her.

She looked away. “No. Because the waitress can’t resist your smile.”

“Some women manage.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to point out that if she’d been able to do so, she wouldn’t look like a blimp ready to pop. But then she remembered that he would realize she was carrying his children. And she didn’t want that. She wasn’t going to let a heartless man into her life. He might hurt her babies.

She flipped open the menu, though she practically knew it by heart. Not that she could order her favorite things right now. The girls didn’t like the chili or the enchiladas she loved.

“What’s good?” Hunter asked.

She pointed out several of her favorites, but when the waitress came to take their orders, she asked for baked chicken breast and steamed vegetables. Hunter asked for chicken-fried steak and french fries, preceded by a salad.

“You’re a medical professional and you’re going to eat those unhealthy things?” she prodded, irritated that he could and she couldn’t.

He understood completely. “Don’t worry. Not much longer and you can eat them, too.”

She sighed and was so tempted to lean her head on his strong shoulders that she stiffened.

“So, how long are you planning on working?”

She looked up in surprise. “I’m going home. I said I would.”

“No, I mean, how long before you go on maternity leave?”

“I’m going on maternity leave when I go into la- bor.” Her voice was crisp, as if there was no room for discussion.

He frowned at her. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

“My doctor and I have discussed my decision and she agrees with me. And it’s none of your business.” He acted as though he should have a vote in her decision. She hadn’t seen the man in seven months. Even then she’d only spent seven or eight hours with him.

“Maybe not, but as a medical professional—”

“Don’t expect me to bow down. I work with medical professionals every day. While I respect your work, that does not make you God!”

The waitress returned with their food. She also brought a glass of milk. “I forgot, Dr. Abby said for you to drink milk at every meal. Remember? Shelby says it’s on the house,” she added with a smile before heading back to the kitchen.

“Nice place,” Hunter said without actually commenting on the milk. “Who is Shelby?”

Briana took another deep breath. She’d planned to have her glass of milk at bedtime, but she guessed she’d have it now. Sometimes she thought everyone in Austin intended to supervise her babies’ arrival. “She’s the owner of the diner, and sort of family to the Maitlands.”

“Sort of?”

“They’re like cousins.”

“Okay.” Then, as if they were really friends, he began telling her about his day, very innocuous stories that began to soothe her without her even realizing it. If anyone had said she’d share dinner with Hunter Callaghan and enjoy it, she’d have laughed in their faces. Especially about ten o’clock this morning.

By the time she’d finished her milk, vegetables and chicken, Hunter had cleaned his plate. “Very good food. I can tell I’ll be eating here often,” he said with a smile.

“Not much of a cook?”

“I can manage, but usually I put in long hours and I’m just too tired to want to cook. I suspect that happens to you, too. Everyone I talked to today mentioned what long hours you worked.”

“Not lately. Abby’s pretty strict with me.”

“Good. I want my girls taken care of.”

He said those words so casually, as if they both knew these babies were his. But she’d told him they weren’t. “These are not your girls! They’re mine. All mine.”

“You shouldn’t be so greedy, Bri. You’re getting three. Surely you can share.” His smile had a teasing tilt to it, but Bri didn’t see anything to laugh about.

“I told you you’re not the father!”

“A little louder and the rumors will be flying tomorrow.”

He was right. She had forgotten where she was. And she was letting him upset her again. She drew another deep breath. “I need to go home now.”

“As soon as I pay, we can go.”

“I can pay for my meal, Doctor. And I don’t need you to see me home. I’m perfectly fine now.”

He gave her a steady look before saying, “Okay, you can drive home. I’ll just follow you to be sure you get there all right.”

“Ohhh! You’re worse than Caleb!”

“Who’s Caleb?” he demanded sharply.

“My baby brother. He thought he should start driving me back and forth from work. But Abby assured him I could manage a while longer.”

The waitress came over to offer dessert, but Hunter gave her his credit card instead, saying they needed to go.

She rushed away, anxious to impress the doctor with her efficiency before Bri even protested.

She pulled a ten-dollar bill out of her purse and shoved it at him. “I said I’d pay for my meal.”

To her surprise, he accepted the ten and folded it, stuffing it in his dress shirt pocket. “Okay, Miss Independent. Ready?” he asked as the waitress had him sign the receipt. Then he slid out of the booth and offered her a hand.

She started to refuse his help just to be rude, but it wasn’t easy to slide out of the booth with both her and the girls, so she let him help her.

She was startled, however, when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “What do you think you’re doing?” she whispered urgently.

“Escorting you home, just as I said,” he responded, as if his behavior was normal.

“Take your arm down!” she urged, still whispering, not wanting to make a scene in front of people she knew.

“I just thought you could use a little support.” He immediately did as she requested, however, which pacified her.

When they got outside, she said, “I didn’t mean to be rude, but tomorrow there will already be a lot of talk about us eating together. If you appear too friendly, they’ll think—never mind. Let’s just keep our dealings on a business level.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, thank you for—for having dinner with me. I’ll see you around nine, when it’s convenient.”

“Right.”

She started off in the direction of her car, but he didn’t move away. Instead, he fell into step beside her.

“What are you doing?” she demanded.

“Walking you to your car.”

“I told you that’s not necessary.”

“Honey, even if you weren’t pregnant with triplets, my mother would disagree with you. She was very strict about how we treated women, my brother and me. I have no choice, or she’ll never let me sleep tonight.”

She remembered him mentioning his mother when she’d suggested he sit and she stand in the storeroom. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t want your sleep to be interrupted tonight!” she snapped.

“I knew you wouldn’t,” he agreed with a smile. “Do your feet swell these days?”

She considered telling him it was none of his business, but it seemed simpler to just say, “Yes.”

“When we get to your place, I’ll give you a foot massage. I’m pretty good at those.”

As heavenly as that sounded, and only a very pregnant woman would appreciate the sacrifice she now made, she refused his offer.

“Don’t worry,” he said, as if she hadn’t spoken, “I enjoy giving foot massages. Maybe I have a foot fetish. You can give me your opinion afterward.”

He was teasing her and she knew it. She wanted to laugh and tease him back, but the last time she’d decided to quit trying to be strong and lean on Hunter, she’d ended up pregnant. Not something she wanted to try a second time. He’d broken her heart once. She wasn’t going to risk her heart—or her girls—again. She’d been raised to be strong, to compete with her brothers. She mustn’t forget.

When they reached her car, she said, “Thanks again for the escort. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Now, honey, quit trying to ignore the foot thing. My car just happens to be right over there. If you’ll wait just a minute, I’ll be right behind you. We’ll soon have you with happy feet, I promise.”

Bri gave him a sweet smile, unlocked her car door and slid behind the wheel, grateful for her long legs that allowed her to still reach the pedals with the seat pushed all the way back. She smiled again as Hunter waved and headed toward his car.

Then she started the engine, threw her car in reverse and backed out of the parking spot. Putting the car in drive, she peeled rubber out of the parking lot, determined that the hardheaded man who’d been her shadow for the past hour wouldn’t be able to follow her home.