Page 31 of Coming Home

“As much as I loved that dress you wore the other night or these”—he pointed to her shorts—“it screams co-ed fashion rather than young professional.”

Gaze turned away, she focused on the rows of cottages that poked out from thickets of trees along the lakeshore rather than the swirl of emotions that pricked inside. Was Duncan right? Had she shaped how people saw her by playing the part of the daughter instead of the doctor? The image of her in a lab coat and bright-colored ballet flats flashed in her vision. She'd always thought the colorful shoes made kid patients more comfortable with her as a doctor. She’d appear more approachable and fun. Not to mention, she just liked cute, comfortable shoes. But nowshe feared she was seen as a little girl playing doctor instead of an actual doctor.

“Natalie, you’re very special, but people will miss it if you don’t show them you’re someone to be respected,” Duncan said, placing his hand on her thigh and pulling her attention back to him.

“You’ve given me some things to consider.”

He placed his large palm over hers. “I mean it. You’re special. You’ve always been.”

They sat, quiet, allowing time to drift. Darkness blanketed the sky. The gentle current of the lake swayed the boat back and forth.

Her thoughts bobbed with their boat. Was she the key to changing the village’s and her parents’ perceptions? If she wanted to be taken seriously, did she need to be more serious? Did she need to change who she was?

“I made you a promise,” Duncan murmured. The low timbre of his voice pierced her roaming thoughts.

Nat shifted on the bench, facing him. “You did.”

He took the cup from her hand and placed it on the cooler beside his. Licking his lips, he raised his hand to her face. The smooth pads of his fingers skated across her cheek to her lips. With aching slowness, he traced her mouth with the tips of his fingers.

Her body convulsed in confusion. Some muscles tightened in anticipation. Others jerked as if trying to get away. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax both. To just be in the moment. To be open to this second chance.

Duncan is real. Duncan is here.

“Open your eyes, Natalie,” he commanded.

Her gray eyes opened at the gruff nature of his voice. “I’m sorry. Is there something wrong?”

“I want you to experience this with all your senses. To see.” He leaned in. The heat of his breath was a prelude to what was coming. “To feel.” His full lips pressed, imprisoning her lips in a slow, demanding kiss. “To taste.” The wetness of his tongue licked the seam of her mouth, prying it open. Like a predator, his tongue stalked hers until it found its prey and devoured it.

Duncan’s hands strolled down her torso to her waist. His grip tightened on her middle.

A tornado roared through her. Every muscle grew stiff as if grinning and bearing the whole experience.

Duncan’s kiss slowed and then ceased. “I keep my promises.”

She bit her lower lip.

It was a promise half-kept.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally…”~Louisa May Alcott,Little Women

The slick condensation coated Nat’s hands in wet coolness as she clutched the iced hazelnut latte. Every other Saturday, she and Dad swapped who managed the half-day clinic. This was a rare Saturday where both she and Summer were free to wander the farmer’s market.

“So, we have fifteen minutes before Carmen brings Liam back from story hour at Cow Tales.” Summer tipped her head toward the coffee shop/bookstore down the street from the city hall parking lot turned open-air market.

The colorful stalls were filled with fresh produce, baked goods, homemade jam, and honey. An abundance of craft stands pulled Nat’s attention with an array of jewelry, knickknacks, and clothing.

“How was the date? Did he kiss you?” Summer waggled her brows.

“Yes.”

“How was it?”

“It was good.” Nat shifted her eyes to a pair of ruby-red slipper ballet flats displayed on a folding table at one of the artisans’ stands.

Sometimes you must play the part.Duncan’s words echoed in her ears, forcing her gaze away from the tempting shoes.

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