Cindy's Doctor Charming (10 page)

“What? When did this happen? How come you know and I don't?” Mary Frances glared at both of them. In spite of her small size, she looked fierce enough to do great bodily harm.

“Harlow knows because she was in the NICU working on a baby and picked up on some vibes,” Cindy explained.

“So, she's right? This is Nathan Steele's house? You didn't win ten million dollars playing Megabucks?”

“No, I didn't win money. Yes, it's his house.”

“How come you didn't tell me about this?”

Harlow shrugged at the accusing look. “You've been busy. I've been busy. And I didn't know Cindy moved in with him. What's up with that, anyway? I guess you finally gave him your phone number. Or went out with him. Or both.” She looked around the beautiful, spacious room that could be from a photo shoot in
Decorator's Digest
. “I'd say he got both.”

“Please tell me her imagination is on crack and she's gone to the bad place for no good reason.”

“I can't.” Cindy glanced at both her friends. “I'm pregnant and he's the father.”

Harlow didn't shock easily, but she was now. “That's a place my imagination didn't even consider.”

“No way.” Mary Frances shook her head. “It's a joke, right? You guys think I'm gullible, but I'm not falling for it. You know better than to do something like that.”

“I'm not kidding,” Cindy confirmed. “And you both are a little bit to blame.”

“Someone needs to learn how to take responsibility for her own actions.” Harlow tsk-tsked.

Mary Frances stared at her. “How do you figure this is our fault?”

“You guys did too good a job styling me for that dinner I won the raffle ticket for.”

“What?”

“Steele didn't recognize her,” Harlow explained. “She made him guess where he'd seen her before, but he drew a
blank. Then she ran out of the ball and he only caught up with her because the heel on my shoe broke.”

Mary Frances pointed at them. “Do either of you see the parallel here?”

“What are you talking about?” Harlow demanded.

“Fairy tales. Cinderella.” She nodded emphatically. “Am I right?”

“He's a doctor, not Prince Charming,” Cindy said. “And he doesn't believe in love, so that ball had nothing to do with him finding a wife.”

“But we digress.” Harlow looked at each of them to get their attention. “He bugged her for her phone number and I advised her to let him call but dodge everything else. Bob and weave until he got bored and turned his attention elsewhere. Clearly that didn't happen. Which begs the question. How did you get from giving him your phone number to… You know.”

“Sex?” Cindy clarified.

“Yeah,” they both answered.

“It started with dinner at an Italian place—”

“Not Capriotti's.” Mary Frances slid a knowing look to their friend.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“Doesn't matter. Go on.”

What did they know that she didn't? Cindy wondered. Although it wasn't really important because the final outcome was the same. “There was candlelight, flowers, wine and food.”

“Isn't that always the way?” Harlow was their token skeptic.

“So you got swept away. I understand that. But what about birth control?” So spoke the Labor and Delivery nurse who every day saw the result of planned and unplanned pregnancies.

“The condom malfunctioned.” Cindy shrugged.

“That explains getting pregnant,” Harlow said. “But why are you here in his house?”

“I had cramps and some spotting. The obstetrician said stress can sometimes be a factor. She ordered me to stay off my feet for a few weeks.”

“You have a bed at your house,” Mary Frances reminded her.

“Nathan watched over me and refused to leave. He's too big to throw out and there was no bed for him. So I agreed to move in here temporarily. It's really sweet when you think about it.”

“Don't go there,” Harlow warned. “I know that look.”

“She's right. It's the soft and gooey expression. The one that happens just before you throw caution to the wind,” Mary Frances said knowingly.

“I'm not throwing caution anywhere.” Cindy folded her arms over her chest.

“Oh, really?” Mary Frances lifted one auburn eyebrow. “You're not the first woman he's taken to Capriotti's.”

“I never said I was. That was obvious when he was on a first-name basis with the waiter. Who also knew his favorite wine.” Cindy blew out a breath. “Look, you guys. I appreciate your concern. Really. But it happened. It was an accident and he's taking responsibility. That's all this is about. He's helping out. For now.”

She didn't need her friends to warn her not to count on anything but today. She warned herself enough for both of them.

“Why is it that you didn't come to us for help?” There was challenge and a little hurt in Mary Frances's blue eyes.

It was a very good question. Cindy wasn't sure she had an answer. She shrugged. “It happened fast. I knew there
was a chance of pregnancy, but really what were the odds? Then I did the test and figured Nathan should be the first to know. And I was pretty freaked out. I guess I felt stupid about it all. Please say I'm forgiven.”

“Of course.” Harlow patted Cindy's knee. “What are friends for? Show me a woman and I'll show you someone who's made a big mistake with a man at one time or another.”

“Doesn't mean you have to compound the situation by falling for him.” Mary Frances patted her other knee. “Don't go gooey. Stay tough. Get an attorney.”

“She's right,” Harlow agreed. “It's a well-known fact that Nathan Steele is a good doctor but a bad boyfriend.”

Cindy nodded. “I'm well aware of his flaws.”

“Then our work here is done.” Mary Frances looked at her tummy and smiled, a soft and tender expression on her elfin face. “So we're going to be aunts?”

“Yeah.” Cindy put a hand on her abdomen. “Can you believe there's a little someone in here?”

“We'll throw you a baby shower,” her friend said.

And talk turned to babies, night feedings, dirty diapers and how her life was going to change. As if she needed the reminder. Everything had turned upside down the night Nathan noticed her.

As they chatted, Cindy figured out why she'd kept this to herself for as long as possible. She knew her friends would give her a reality check, bring her down to earth. Part of her didn't want to feel the thud. The same part that wanted to stay in the land of denial. But she couldn't hang out there anymore. Past mistakes had taught her she could take care of herself, but it was comforting to know her friends cared. It had been stupid to hold back, and they'd forgiven her without question. They would be there for her.

Their loyalty included reminding her of the truth:
Nathan was an exceptional and brilliant doctor. He was also a bad boyfriend. It was up to Cindy to get over the if-only-that-could-be-different feeling.

“I
don't cook and Nathan would not be happy if I let you do it.” Shirley sat down on the family room sofa and set a big, fat Las Vegas directory on her lap. “I can, however, dial the phone. What kind of food are you craving?”

“Don't go to any trouble. I'm happy with a peanut butter and banana sandwich,” Cindy protested.

In spite of the resolve her friends had instigated just yesterday, she realized a lot of that sandwich appeal had to do with Nathan making and eating it with her. She needed a refresher course in not setting herself up for a letdown.

“I had a thing for peanut butter and pickles during my pregnancy with Nathan.” Shirley's smile was small and sad. “But as delicious as that all sounds, I think a meal is the way to go. What about Chinese?”

“I like it.” Although not right now, she thought.

“That was distinctly lacking in enthusiasm.” The other
woman studied her. “I don't have to read your astrological chart to know you're humoring me. Mexican?”

Just the mention of spicy made her stomach lurch. She put a hand on her abdomen. “Probably not.”

“Italian?”

That brought back images of candlelight and atmosphere the night this baby was conceived. Whatever happened, it would always be a lovely memory.

Before she could respond, Shirley said, “We have a winner.”

“How did you know?”

The older woman tilted her head and tapped her lip, never taking her eyes off Cindy. “You just got this look on your face. All soft and sort of glowy.”

If she was that easy to read, The World Series of Poker was out of the question.

“What would you like?” Shirley was flipping through the phone book.

“I guess fettuccine alfredo.”

“Coming right up. I'll make the call. There's a place not far away that delivers.” Shirley stood and started to walk away, then stopped. “When Nathan called, he said he'd be home in a little while. I'll get something for him, too. What does he like?”

Apparently he hadn't shared that they'd had exactly two meals together before conceiving this baby. One was rubber chicken at the fundraiser. The other had been Capriotti's.

“He likes fettuccine alfredo, too. And caesar salad.”

Shirley nodded. “Okay.”

Pretending to read her book, Cindy heard the other woman on the phone in the kitchen, placing the order. Then there was the sound of glasses set on the counter and the refrigerator opening and closing. Shirley brought wine for herself and a glass of water for Cindy.

After handing it over, the older woman sat on the end of the sofa. “So, what do you do, Cindy?”

There was a whole lot more that Nathan hadn't shared. Cindy should have expected the question, but she hadn't. She wondered if he talked with his mom about anything. It was possible he only told her about the baby because the pregnancy had turned risky at the same time Shirley showed up.

“I work in the housekeeping department at the hospital,” she said. “I'm also doing an administrative internship for my degree in hospital administration.”

“Aren't you a little old to still be in school?”

Way to find the exposed nerve, Cindy thought. But she was only ashamed that being a fool had cost her time in getting an education, not that she was still pursuing the goal. “Personal problems delayed me. But I'm almost there.”

“Ambition. Good for you.” Shirley sipped her wine.

“It definitely keeps me busy.”

“You'll be even busier after the baby is born.” The other woman's comment held more question than statement.

How was she going to juggle her career and child care? Pay for it all? And a lot more things that Cindy could only guess at. Curiosity mixed with suspicion in Shirley's expression. That was understandable. On some level she must be concerned about her son.

“To tell you the truth, I haven't really thought that far ahead.” She turned down the page of her book to mark the place then set it beside her. “I'll be able to finish up my degree before the baby is born. And I have medical insurance through my job at the hospital. I have a tight-knit group of friends for support.”

“Your parents?”

“Both passed away,” she said. It wasn't a fresh loss, but a wave of sadness washed through her that her folks would
never see this grandchild. “I have a brother in school at UCLA.”

“So, you're basically on your own.”

“Yes. And I'll deal with decisions as necessary and make the best ones I can make.”

“What about Nathan?”

“What about him?”

“How do you see his role in this?” his mother asked.

“Whatever he wants it to be.” Cindy hadn't expected him to do as much as he already had. She also refused to picture the three of them as a happy little family.

“So, the two of you haven't discussed marriage?” Shirley swirled the wine in her glass.

They had but only in jest or sarcasm. In one of her least shining moments, Cindy had said if her life was a romantic comedy, Nathan would have proposed to her. But she knew what his mother was asking.

“No. We're not getting married.”

Shirley's expression gave no clue about her reaction to that—either positive or negative. She nodded and said, “That's very progressive of you not to feel the need to marry because of the baby.”

Cindy recalled the old movie they'd watched, filmed at a time when a baby out of wedlock ruined a woman's reputation. But men got a free pass, even then. The old double standard. If there was any silver lining in this situation, it was that no stigma would be attached to her or the baby. She would be raising this child as a single mother. But the question reminded her about his revelation that he'd been married before.

“From what he's said, Nathan shows no inclination to get married again.”

Shirley's gaze jumped to hers. “He told you about Felicia?”

“Not much. Just that he'd been married.” The information had been offered only to validate his claim of not being anti-matrimony. “And that she died in a car accident.”

“Such a tragedy.”

“Losing someone so young is just horrible.”

“It was awful. They'd only been together a little over a year.” Shirley set her glass on top of the table, then reached down and picked up an album on the shelf below. “Their wedding was just perfect. And so beautiful.”

“May I see the pictures?” Cindy wasn't sure what made her ask. Maybe it was like the all-too-human reaction to gawk at a car accident or stare at a train wreck.

“Of course.” The older woman stood, then settled the heavy book of photos on her lap.

Cindy opened the cover. There on the first page was Nathan looking ecstatically happy and incredibly handsome in his traditional black tuxedo. She'd personally experienced him in a tux, including the dance that had started her world rocking. Her heart had been beating so hard she could barely breathe.

What would it be like seeing him so tall and strong while he waited impatiently at the front of a church while you walked down the aisle in a white dress and veil?

Cindy turned the page and saw his bride. Her big dark eyes sparkled with excitement. Long black hair fell past her bare shoulders in the strapless, beaded wedding gown. The veil was attached to a three-banded, crystal-studded headpiece. She'd been a beautiful woman and was absolutely stunning in the photographs.

As she flipped through, there were countless images of the blissful couple at their reception. The white tent was situated on an estate with a bricked-in patio, a crystal-clear pool and an endless expanse of grass. Table settings of delicate china and crystal glasses were set up on white
tablecloths. A photo showed the first dance as man and wife, cutting the cake, the happy bride and groom chatting with friends and family.

And just over a year later his wife was dead.

“Have you ever seen a more fabulous wedding?” Shirley asked.

“No.”

“Or two people more in love?”

“They look very happy,” Cindy answered, closing the book.

“When she died, Nathan blamed himself.”

“Why?” She looked up and saw the sadness in Shirley's eyes. Obviously his mother had cared a lot about the woman her son married. Would anyone ever be able to fill that void?

“I've heard people say that it happens when you lose the love of your life. Although I wouldn't know about that since my husband walked out because he
didn't
love me.” Shirley rubbed a finger beneath her nose. “Felicia was like the daughter I didn't have.”

What about the son you
did
have?

Piecing together the little Nathan had said, she knew Shirley had buried herself in projects to get through a hard time in her life. Cindy couldn't help wondering how that affected Nathan. But it wasn't her place to judge.

The pain of losing someone you love could do funny things to a person. Some ran away from life. Others ran away from love. She knew which category Nathan fell into after seeing how happy he looked in his wedding pictures.

So the question had to be asked. Did Nathan not believe in love? Or was denying it existed at all his way of hiding from an unimaginable loss?

Either way, this little stroll down memory lane confirmed
that she was wise to guard her heart. It was unlikely that he was open to caring about someone no matter how much Cindy might wish he could care just a little bit about her.

 

Nathan had driven Cindy to Rebecca Hamilton's office and now sat nervously in the waiting room while the obstetrician examined her. Over the last few weeks, his initial fear for her and the baby had receded when there were no further symptoms. And without further symptoms it got harder and harder to keep her quiet and resting as the days passed. When he wasn't working, he was home with her, making sure she ate right and got enough sleep. The rest of the time they watched movies and played quiet board games.

Although quiet was a relative term. Cindy was a ferociously competitive Scrabble player and pretty darn good at gin rummy. She was anything but quiet when she beat him badly at whatever game they were playing. It had both amused and entertained him. Mostly he hoped that she was entertained and the enforced R&R had done the trick.

Sitting by the door that led to the back office, Nathan looked around the waiting area feeling like a fly in a glass of milk. He was the only guy, caught in some gray area of this crazy journey to fatherhood. Though he'd never experienced it himself, he figured husbands probably accompanied their wives into the exam room. Even men in a committed, intimate relationship would be allowed in with the woman carrying their baby.

He felt like a sperm donor, relegated to benchwarmer. It was damn disconcerting because he was normally elbow deep in the action and calling the shots. The urge to pace was pretty overwhelming, but he wouldn't give in to it. If Cindy didn't emerge from the back office bastion of femaleness, he would take the necessary steps to get any
answers he deemed appropriate to his involvement in this adventure. Ten more minutes, he decided, looking at his watch to start the clock ticking on his plan.

Eight minutes and forty-five seconds later the door opened. Every woman in the waiting area looked up and so did he. Cindy walked out, and he studied her expression for elation or agitation. If she'd just bested him at Scrabble, she'd have pumped her arm and shouted “yes” as a victorious gleam sparkled in her brown eyes. When he beat her at anything, the gold flecks disappeared. Before he could decode the current color, she slid her sunglasses on and stopped at the reception desk a few steps from where he was sitting.

Nathan joined her there while she made another appointment, then settled his hand at the small of her back to escort her out. It jolted him how strong and instinctive the inclination was to slide his arm around her. But he stopped just in time.

When the office door closed after them he asked, “Well? What did she say?”

“Everything's fine with the baby. There's no reason to assume there will be any more problems. It just happens sometimes. All is currently well and I have her dispensation to resume all normal activities.”

Nathan's mind went immediately to sex, not that it was a normal activity for the two of them. But the need was more than he wanted it to be.

She let out a long breath. “What a relief.”

Yes. And no.

He was incredibly grateful that the baby was okay, but the risky pregnancy had effectively kept his mind off ideas he had no business having. Their situation already defied reason, and factoring in sex made it off the chart in terms of complicated.

The sun was hot when they left the medical building's courtyard, but visions of getting Cindy naked made his skin burn for reasons that had nothing to do with the UVA index. In the June heat, she wasn't wearing all that much— a little yellow cotton sundress and white sandals. He could put the flat of his palm on her belly and feel the way his baby was already changing the feminine curves of her body.

That was about the sexiest thought he'd ever had. The wanting that he'd been suppressing for weeks broke free and the only thing preventing him from pulling her into his arms and kissing the living daylights out of her was the way her lips pulled tight.

Something was wrong.

They walked through the parking lot and found the car. He opened the door, then handed her inside without exchanging a word. After he got in, he turned the key in the ignition to give it just enough juice to get the cool air going, but he made no move to drive anywhere.

“What aren't you telling me?” he demanded.

Cindy glanced sideways. “Nothing.”

“Then what's bothering you?” He knew her moods pretty well now and something wasn't right.

“It's nothing really.”

“Nothing really means it's really something. Tell me,” he urged.