From Doctor...to Daddy (12 page)

“I'll help you make the bed,” he assured her, and laughed when she looked surprised. “I do great military corners.”

“But you weren't—”

“In the military? No. But my stepdad was, before he worked on the oil rig.”

“There's so much about you I still don't know,” she said as if that bothered her a great deal.

“The more we're together, the more you'll learn.”

He saw the flicker of hesitation in her eyes, the reluctance to believe they could have a future.

 

A short time later, Dillon walked beside Erika into the lobby of the lodge. What he wanted was to pull her into his arms and kiss her again. And every time she glanced at him, he thought she wanted to do the same thing.

In the lobby someone called Erika's name. Dillon saw the woman at the counter beckoning to Erika. “Go ahead,” he said. “I'll make sure everything is quiet in the infirmary.”

Erika's gaze lingered on his face. She probably wondered what he was thinking, just as he wondered what
she was thinking. Then she broke away from him and headed for the desk.

As Dillon went down the hall and into the reception area, he noted it was empty. Ruthann was in her office, typing information into the computer.

He stopped at her doorway. “Thanks for covering over lunch.”

“No problem. All was quiet. I understand the need to escape from here every once in a while. The resort can begin to feel like a prison. Especially when you're on call day and night.”

“Well, we'll both have free time this weekend when Dr. Babchek covers. Are you going to sample chili and listen to the campaign speeches?”

“Arthur Swinton has been around for a long time. I know what he's going to say. He spouts off to the town council whenever he gets a chance. But Bo Clifton? That could be interesting.”

Before Dillon had a chance to comment, his cell phone chimed. Taking it from his pocket to check the caller ID, he was surprised to see his stepfather's name. “Excuse me,” he said to Ruthann. She nodded as he went to his office and closed the door.

“Hello, Peter,” he answered. “What can I do for you?”

“I just thought I'd check in. With a job at a resort I thought you might be having a massage or off hiking on the trails.”

Dillon's hackles rose and he told himself the best thing was just to stay silent.

After a few moments, Peter cleared his throat. “Just making a joke. I know you're working hard there. You always do. It's your nature.”

Yes, it was his nature. Did Peter actually know that?
Did he know
him?
Dillon had always thought that, since he'd detached himself from Peter, his stepfather wouldn't see things. But detachment didn't make a person invisible. “This is a different kind of practice than I'm used to.”

“I imagine so. You might even have children to treat.”

Peter wasn't asking but he
was
probing. Had his mother told him to? After her first few attempts to discuss Megan and Toby with him, she had seen Dillon was shut down on the subject. But now time had passed and maybe she had told Peter to have a go at it.

Making an attempt to relate to his stepfather, knowing his mom would appreciate that, Dillon replied, “I did have a couple of children to treat. One was an eight-year-old with an allergic reaction to something he ate. It was quite serious but we turned it around.”

“Really?” Peter seemed surprised he'd discuss it. “Did you…handle it okay?”

“I didn't have time to think about anything but the emergency.” He thought of Emilia and how he was attempting to deal with the idea of getting involved seriously with her and her mom.

“Did you decide whether or not you're going to join the concierge practice?”

“No, I haven't decided. I've been weighing all my options.” His conversation with Erika at D.J.'s had planted a new idea in his mind. “Actually, I was considering using some of that oil money I inherited for a free clinic. If not that, maybe doing a stint of volunteer work somewhere.”

“That's a substantial change. You'd really do that?”

Again Dillon went silent, not knowing if his stepfather had thought he was driven, shallow or simply not
altruistic. Dillon knew he'd been self-absorbed in med school and when he'd joined the practice. That was one of the reasons his marriage to Megan had faltered. It was one of the reasons he hadn't had the relationship with Toby he should have had. Now in some ways everything seemed clearer.

Dillon could hear Peter let out a long breath. Then his stepfather said, “The money is yours to use as you want. Your dad would be proud of the way you've invested it well.
I'm
proud. Not only of the way you've handled the money, but of the man you've become. I know that might not mean anything to you coming from me—”

“That's not true,” Dillon cut in. “It does mean a lot.” In fact it was the first time he'd heard his stepfather say anything like that. Then again, when had he given him the chance?

“Well, good. Your mom's proud of you, too. I'm sure you'll give a lot of thought to whatever you choose to do. Your mom sends her love. She said she'll call you soon. She wants to know the best time.”

“Evenings are good.”

“I'll tell her that. Take care, son. I'll see you when you get back to Midland.”

Dillon said goodbye to Peter and closed his phone, the word
son
still echoing in his mind. He suddenly realized the wall he'd built between himself and Peter all those years ago might finally be falling down.

 

When Erin Castro beckoned Erika over to the receptionist's desk, Erika didn't know what to expect.

“Do you have the cabin ready for Zane Gunther?” her friend asked.

“You want a backstage pass, don't you?” Erika asked with a smile. Erin was a huge Zane Gunther fan, too.
She'd talked to Zane's manager about those and she could get about ten of them.

“I'd love one. Will I really be able to meet him?”

“It's called a meet 'n greet. You'll probably have about three minutes with him and you can have your picture taken.”

“I can't wait for Saturday night. His concerts are supposed to be the best.” Erin hesitated a moment and then said, “I saw you come in with Dr. Traub. Did you two have lunch together?”

Actually they'd forgotten all about lunch. Something must have shown on her face because Erin asked in a low voice, “Are you two involved?”

Erika liked Erin and they'd had a pleasant lunch together last week. But she didn't want to reveal too much. Employees talked, though Erin seemed as isolated sometimes as Erika herself did. “Not exactly involved.”

“I heard he has lots of brothers and sisters. Is that true?”

Was Erin fishing? Just curious about Dillon? “He has four brothers and a sister.”

“Do they all live in Texas?”

“I think so. Why so interested?”

Erin was quick to say, “Oh, I'm not cutting into your territory. I was just curious, that's all. I know he's Dax and D.J. Traub's cousin. But Dax and D.J. don't have anything to do with the oil fortune, right?”

“I'm not sure about that. But it was Dillon's father who was involved in oil.”

“And he died,” Erin filled in.

“Yes.” Erika didn't feel comfortable going into more detail. After all, Dillon's private life was his private life. If anyone could appreciate that, she could. She changed the subject before Erin could ask her more questions.
“So, will you be attending Frontier Days or will you be working?”

“I'm off Saturday afternoon, and of course in the evening for the concert.”

“Before I forget, Emilia's birthday is Sunday. Would you like to come to her party?”

“Sure. Will Dr. Traub be there?” Erin asked slyly.

“I haven't asked him yet,” Erika admitted.

“Well, you can count on me to be there. Just let me know what time.”

“Will do,” Erika replied. “I'd better get back to work. As soon as I have the backstage passes I'll make sure you get one.”

Erin impulsively gave her a hug. “Thank you so much. This means a lot.”

Erika smiled, glad she and Erin were becoming friends. It would be nice to have an ally at the resort.

Yet as she hurried to the infirmary, she wondered why Erin had been so curious about Dillon. Maybe at Emilia's birthday party, she'd find out.

If she invited Dillon to the party, maybe she could figure out where they were headed. On the road to a romantic dream…or on the road to heartache?

E
rika checked the cabin one last time Friday morning, almost in a panic. Everything looked perfect. Zane Gunther's favorite foods were stocked in the kitchen. The scent of fresh lemon polish still lingered in the living room. But Dillon wasn't here yet, and he'd said he'd introduce her to Zane.

Since when had a man in her life ever done what he'd said he'd do?

Dillon is different,
that little voice inside of her heart reminded her. But she was afraid she'd be disappointed again. She was afraid she'd be hurt.

Being in this cabin once more reminded her of what she and Dillon had done here. They'd become intimate in a way she'd never been intimate with a man before. It hadn't been about undressing and kissing and touching. The difference was the way Dillon had treated her…so
passionately, yet so gently. The way he'd protected her, foregoing his own pleasure.

Yet still she had doubts. Had her father's desertion given her these insecurities? Or was Scott's desertion to blame?

Suddenly Erika heard the sound of tires on gravel and hoped Dillon was arriving. But then she realized the sound was the lumbering hum of a bus rather than a car. Leaving the cabin for the front porch, she spied a huge silver bus come into view. It rambled up the lane, and she felt excitement zinging through her veins. She was going to meet Zane Gunther!

As the bus found a place to park under the trees alongside the cabin, another vehicle sped down the lane faster than it should have.

Erika expelled a huge sigh of relief when she saw Dillon had indeed arrived in time. Why hadn't she trusted that he would?

As Dillon strode up the walk, he extended his hand to her with a huge grin on his face. She saw he was almost as excited as she was.

Seconds later the door on the bus opened with a swoosh and Zane Gunther himself stepped out. She spotted a huge burly man waiting on the steps.

Dillon leaned close to her. “That's his bodyguard, Roscoe. He'll be close by. He goes anywhere Zane goes.”

When Zane spotted Dillon, he tapped his Stetson harder onto his head and rushed forward to greet him. His green eyes sparkled with pleasure. The two men clapped each other on the back, each chiming in with “It's great to see you” and “Today was a long time coming.”

Erika could tell from their enthusiastic greetings that
there was true affection between the two men. Then both of them were suddenly looking at
her.

Dillon said, “This is the coordinator of Frontier Days, Erika Rodriguez. Erika, this is Zane.”

She extended her hand to shake his. “Mr. Gunther, this is such a pleasure.”

His grip was firm and strong. “Call me Zane, please. My manager said you're a pro at this.”

“Hardly. This is the first time I've handled arrangements for someone like you.”

Zane chuckled. “Honest, too. I think we'll get along just fine.”

Erika was ready with one of her business cards, and she handed it to him. “If you need anything, anything at all, you just call my cell number. I'll be in town this afternoon, but if I can't get here myself, I'll send someone with whatever you need. Your manager said you wouldn't need a car.” She looked at the bus. “Are you sure about that?”

“I'm sure. If I go anywhere, I'll just do some hiking. I don't want to raise a ruckus in town with a festival going on. Dillon knows how ugly that can get.”

“We almost had our shirts torn off once,” Dillon admitted with a wry smile that Erika felt in her belly. She was standing here with Zane Gunther, megastar, but it was Dillon who turned her on.

Struggling to maintain her composure, she said, “Come on inside. Make sure everything's to your liking.”

Zane tossed another smile at Dillon, then went inside to check out his quarters.

Five minutes later he'd rejoined Erika and Dillon in the living room, his Stetson removed, his hand raking through his red-brown hair. “The cabin is great.” He
crossed to the cupboards and opened them, then did the same with the refrigerator. “Dillon must have told you what to stock up on.”

“He did. I was glad for his advice.”

Zane looked from one of them to the other. “Mmm-hmm,” he said, and Erika wondered exactly what Dillon had told his friend. That they were a couple? Maybe that they were becoming a couple?

Zane was speaking again. “Roscoe will bring my gear in, then I'll get settled.” He told Erika, “My manager will be arriving later.” Turning to Dillon, he asked, “Are we still on for tonight? Some of that beer in the refrigerator has your name on it. And if we are—”

“Yep, we're still on. Dr. Babchek's going to cover for me tonight. I'll take over in the morning, but he'll be on call again tomorrow afternoon and evening. Grant's giving him a room in the lodge so he'll be on site.”

Zane said to Erika, “My band was pleased with their condo. You can meet them all tomorrow if you want, if you decide to stop by at the sound check in the afternoon.”

“I'd like that. I have to be in town for the mayoral speeches, so I'll drive over afterward.”

“That sounds great.”

Zane walked with them to the door and gave a shout to Roscoe. “Bring it on in. I'll get the guitar. See you later,” he called to them both as he ran to the bus.

Dillon took Erika's hand and walked her to her car.

“He
is
just a regular guy,” she said with surprise.

“Always was, always will be.” As Dillon's gaze held hers, her heart started racing in a different way than it had with the excitement of meeting Zane Gunther.

“So,” Dillon drawled, “I happen to be free tomorrow
afternoon. I can go with you to the speeches and stop in on the sound check with you if you'd like.”

“I'd like,” she said with a smile, knowing he wanted to kiss her, knowing she wanted to kiss him. Yet they still weren't free enough with each other to just do it. Because they both still had doubts?

“Let me take you to the concert tomorrow night. We can spend some time together afterward.” He paused. “In my suite.” Obviously not wanting to pressure her he gently added, “You don't have to decide now. Think about it.”

What he was asking almost took her breath away. Did she want to take the leap of spending the night with him?

“I'll think about it,” she promised him.

“Good luck with the start of the festival today. And everything tomorrow.” His smile slowly faded away. “I'd like to spend time with you tonight, but I supposed you wouldn't want to be away from Emilia two nights in a row.”

He was talking about the concert. He was talking about her spending tomorrow night with him. “I'm glad you understand.” As soon as she said the words she knew she shouldn't have. Of course he understood. He'd been a father, too. She saw the cloud across his face, the pain darken his eyes. How could he ever get close to Emilia when he was still recovering from the loss of his son?

Dillon dropped his hand from her face. Their lighter conversation had turned very serious and she could feel him withdraw.

Roscoe's booming voice sailed to them across the yard as he said to Zane, “Nice place for a stopover.”

“You've got an apartment on wheels all to yourself,”
Zane quipped. “What are you complaining about?” Roscoe's laugh was as loud as his voice.

Dillon said, “I've got to get back and make sure everything is in order for Dr. Babchek when he arrives later. You're heading into town?”

She nodded, sorry they'd lost the connection that had been there just moments earlier. “I'll call you later,” she said, trying to regain it.

But Dillon just waited for her to get into her car, then he climbed into his. He drove down the lane, leading the way.

If she stayed with him tomorrow night, would that be the biggest mistake of her life—or the start of their future together?

 

On Saturday afternoon, as Erika worked her phone, made sure the microphone in the town square was functioning properly and consulted with other employees of Thunder Canyon Resort whom she'd delegated detail work to, she couldn't erase her conversation with Dillon from her mind. She couldn't forget the look on his face when he thought about his son. She couldn't even imagine the pain she'd feel if something happened to Emilia.

She glanced toward the campaign tents that were set up on the square's grassy area, one for Bo Clifton and one for Arthur Swinton. All of a sudden she recognized the man striding toward Bo's tent and her heart skipped.

Dillon.

He looked so sexy in a football shirt and jeans, his Stetson tilted over his brow. Broad shouldered and long waisted, he'd stand out in any crowd. She watched him approach Marlon Cates and his fiancée, Haley Anderson.
Grant was there, too, a stack of campaign brochures for his brother in his hand. Connor McFarlane, who a couple of months ago had been rumored to be thinking about buying out Thunder Canyon Resort, had his arm around his fiancée, Tori Jones, a teacher at Thunder Canyon High School. She was speaking to Allaire, and D.J. was in conversation with Dax.

Erika's gaze returned to Dillon just as he looked up onto the platform where she was standing. The whole town square seemed to vibrate with the attraction that kept pulling her closer to him. Her longing and need to find happiness with Dillon was so intense it was making her tremble. She knew she had to trust to find happiness. She knew she had to make a decision about to night. When she'd asked her mother last evening if Emilia could stay with her tonight because she might be very late getting in, her mom had said at once of course Emilia could stay. But she'd looked worried and concerned, as if she knew exactly what Erika was really planning.

Not that she had come to a decision yet. But maybe the rest of the day could help put her life in perspective…could help put her relationship with Dillon in perspective.

The crowd was thicker now. Bo was going to make a dramatic entrance instead of just walking up the steps to the platform. His campaign manager, Rose Friedel, would be introducing him. Erika's work here was finished for the moment. She made her way to Dillon, unsure how he'd greet her after his withdrawal and quick departure yesterday. Is that how he'd leave Thunder Canyon, too? Quickly, without a second thought for her or Emilia?

Shoving those disturbing thoughts into the back of
her mind, she approached him with a smile. He smiled back and her world shook again. She didn't want to be an easy conquest or a quick affair. She didn't want to have her heart broken. But she also couldn't deny this chemistry and connection to him any longer.

When she was within reach of Dillon, he dropped his arm around her shoulders. Although the brim of his hat shaded his face, she saw the simmering heat in his eyes. All she had to do was give a signal and he would kiss her. But it seemed as if the whole population of Thunder Canyon—plus every tourist at the resort—was gathered around them. There were employees from the resort who were doing her bidding, a couple of women and their families from her neighborhood, Dillon's family and friends. The whole gossip chain, just waiting to rattle.

So she didn't give a signal, and Dillon's hand simply tightened a little on her shoulder. “Everything looks great. You've done a good job.” He motioned around from the red, white and blue banners on the grandstand, to the tents and refreshment stands and the booths along the street.

“I just did some of the organization. Did you and Zane have a good time last night?” She looked for signs that Dillon might have a hangover, but his eyes were clear, his jaw was freshly shaven and he looked rested. She remembered how Scott used to drink, sometimes after they made love. The next morning he would be blurry-eyed and sluggish, grumpy, too.

“We did,” Dillon replied. “We talked until after midnight when Zane's manager arrived. We had a lot to catch up on.”

And a lot of their past to relive?
Erika wondered.

“Zane said he wrote a song that I inspired. He
wouldn't play it for me. He said I'd hear it tonight. It's going to be on his new CD.”

“Most of his songs sound so very personal. Does he draw on real-life experiences for them?”

“Zane has a great imagination,” Dillon said with a wry smile, “but yes, most of them are personal. Are you excited about the sound check?”

She was. But she had to admit she was even more excited about being with Dillon while they listened to the sound check. “I am. I have to remember to get backstage passes from his road manager. He has a list from his fan club already signed up for the meet 'n greet.” She shook her head, thinking about the planning that went into tonight. “And all this happens before the concert. Zane will be exhausted before he goes on.”

“Not Zane. He loves to sign autographs and have pictures taken. It revs him up. He says he performs better when he personally knows the fans who are out there.”

Dillon's hand was warming Erika's shoulder. She could feel the heat of his fingers through her suit jacket. She felt protected…cared for. Was that an illusion or real?

Allaire wound her way through the crowd to stand beside Erika. “Everyone really turned out. Did you do much advertising?”

“Radio, Internet, flyers and posters. Grant gave me a nice budget. The resort has many guests traveling here today just for the concert. A lot have extended stays to enjoy the resort. Even strangers have turned up here, interested in the campaign. But it's the townsfolk who count for votes.”

D.J. came up behind Allaire and circled her waist with his arms. “Even Swinton's tent is overflowing. Bo
might have the younger vote, but as the family-values candidate, I think Swinton has the couples over forty.”

“We'll see what they both have to say,” Dillon remarked, as if he had a stake in this election.

Did he? Erika wondered.
Was
he thinking about staying in Thunder Canyon? That was a question to ask him in private because she wanted to know if
she
was the reason he'd consider staying.