The Good Doctor by Karen Rose Smith Read Free Book Online

now recognized as Linda Clark.
    When Peter’s gaze fell on Violet, he took a good long look from her upswept hairdo to the pearls around her neck to the formfitting gown. The light that came into his eyes excited her, and she told herself to chill. Her work had always mattered more than relationships. Deep down, she knew she used work as an excuse to protect her heart, especially now when her life was in transition and she had to make some tough choices. Her stay in Red Rock was temporary and a short fling wasn’t on her agenda. Despite all that, her pulse raced and excitement tingled up and down her spine as she moved closer to Peter.
    â€œThe woman who finally ended my misery,” he said lightly. “Linda, meet Violet Fortune. Violet, this is my sister, Linda Clark.”
    Peter’s sister was gracious and friendly as she shook Violet’s hand and smiled. “You two should have a wonderful time on the Riverwalk.” She waved to someone behind Violet. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to be in ten places at once tonight. It was nice to meet you, Violet.” She gave her brother a pat on the arm. “Don’t be a stranger. Remember, Charlene and Dad’s anniversary party next Sunday evening.”
    In the space of a second, Violet saw consternation slip over Peter’s face, but then it was gone and she wondered if she’d seen it at all. Didn’t he want to go to his dad’s anniversary party?
    They were standing in a room with about three hundred people, yet when she looked into Peter’s eyes it was as if they were stranded on a desert island all alone. That idea was fanciful and she had to put a stop to the thought now. “I bid on you to give a donation to a good cause and so you and I didn’t have to pretend we were strangers around Ryan and Lily. I’ll understand if you really don’t want to go on a date.”
    â€œA date was part of the bargain,” he said seriously. “I haven’t been to the Riverwalk for a while, but if you really don’t want to go—”
    â€œI’d like to go,” she hurried to say. “I just wanted to let you off the hook. It would almost be like a blind date.”
    â€œI’m not blind, Violet.” His gaze as it passed over her made her stomach flip-flop, and she didn’t know what to say to that.
    â€œDo you plan to stick around here much longer?” he asked.
    â€œI don’t know. I have to pay for my bid.”
    â€œI’d like you to meet one of my patients. Would you come with me to San Juan Hospital?”
    â€œNow?”
    â€œYep, right now.”
    She waved to her gown. “Dressed like this?”
    â€œBelieve me, no one’s going to care.”
    He intrigued her with his request. “All right. I’ll pay for you.” She abruptly stopped. “I mean for our date…then I’ll meet you in the lobby.”
    â€œI’ll go with you. I want to give a donation of my own.”
    Then his hand was at her elbow and he was guiding her through the people and the tables.
    Violet wasn’t used to any man besides her father and brothers being protective of her, but as Peter’s fingers scorched her skin, she glanced up at him, tall and strong and broad-shouldered. She felt a quickening inside she’d never felt before. What was wrong with her?
    They had to wait in line at the table set up near the doors where other women were also paying for their bids.
    â€œDid your sisters help organize this?” she asked.
    â€œThey certainly did. They’ve been very involved with the pediatrics wing ever since it was built.”
    â€œThey did a wonderful job. Is your father here?”
    â€œNo,” Peter said tersely. Then when he realized that had sounded sharp, he offered, “After my mother died, my father went on with his life.”
    â€œThat’s a good thing, right?” Violet prompted, hoping Peter would reveal