Flirting with the Society Doctor by Janice Lynn Read Free Book Online Page B

records, compiling data for his article, wishing Faith was there. Before he’d thought twice about the day being Christmas, he’d dialed her cell number. “You came.”
    â€œYes,” she agreed, her eyes taking on a far-away look. “You called, and I came running. Even on Christmas Day. My career is important to me, remember? Havingmy name next to yours in a prestigious medical journal looks good on my résumé.”
    Had she been with her someone special? Unwrapping presents and sitting on the sofa, watching multicolored lights flicker on the tree?
    â€œDid I interrupt a Christmas dinner?”
    Her face pinched. “Nothing that I minded having interrupted.”
    â€œYou weren’t with lover-boy?”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œWhoever you spend your time with when you’re not with me?”
    â€œI spent Christmas Day with my mother and stepfather. Your call was a mixed blessing.”
    He’d met Faith’s mother once. A vivacious woman with lots of spirit who’d stopped by the clinic unexpectedly. He’d liked her instantly, but a flustered Faith had rushed her mother and her stepfather out the door within minutes of their arrival. “What’s your stepfather’s name? Curtis?”
    Nose curling, Faith sighed. “Curtis was her previous husband. This one’s name is John.”
    â€œThat’s right. She remarried earlier this year. John Debellis, the stockbroker you don’t like.”
    â€œIt’s not that I don’t like him. John’s okay.” Her lips thinned to white lines and her eyes stayed on her freshly manicured hands.
    He’d never seen her nails painted, missed their usual natural gleam.
    â€œI can tell you’re jumping for joy over how okay he is.”
    â€œHe’s my stepfather. One of many I’ve had.” She shrugged. “There’s no point in liking him. Within another year or two he’ll have found someone new and mymother will become involved with someone else that she’ll likely go on to marry, and he’ll do the same. It’s the way life is.”
    Just how many times had Faith’s mother been married?
    He would have asked, but the front door flung open and his cousin bounded down the steps, flinging herself at him full force, practically knocking Faith out of his arms.
    â€œVale!”
    Faith squared her shoulders, stood her ground, as if bracing herself for an unpleasant experience. Immediately that unwanted protectiveness came forth in Vale. Did she think his family wouldn’t accept her?
    â€œMeet my cousin Sharon.” He set his cousin on the ground next to him, placed his hand low on Faith’s back. “Don’t mind her antics. She’s been throwing herself at men since she was three.”
    Sharon slapped his arm. “Behave. You’ll give your friend the impression I’m wild.”
    â€œYou are wild,” he replied, smiling indulgently at the blonde beauty he’d spent most of his youth exploring with, despite being two years older than her. In addition to their Wakefield blue eye color, they’d shared an adventurous spirit.
    â€œNot any more.” She flashed her ring finger in front of his face. A large, multi-faceted diamond twinkled in the sunshine.
    â€œIf Steve thinks a rock is going to make you settle down, he’s in for it.”
    She grinned. “What makes you think Steve wants me to settle down?”
    Vale threw his head back and laughed. “Brave man.”
    â€œSmart, scrumptious man.” Sharon turned to Faith and hugged her as enthusiastically as she’d leapt into Vale’s arms.
    He should have known his cousin would make Faith feel welcome. Sharon might be renowned for her outer beauty, but her real beauty came from within.
    â€œIt’s so good to meet the woman Vale deems worthy of attending my wedding as his date.” Sharon plopped a kiss on Faith’s pale cheek. “You