Page 17 of Safe With Me

“Jonathan Baker. Welcome.” They shook hands then he turned to Steph. “This is our security guard, Stephanie Giordano.”

“Ms. Giordano. Call me Jon.”

“And I’m Steph.”

Another person came through the door.

“Alice Carson, hi.”

“Steph and Jon, this is our nurse.”

They greeted each other. Pax checked his watch. “We’re waiting on one more person. We have a few minutes.”

Not long after, Noreen showed up. “Hello, everyone.” She gave an easy smile to Pax. “Dr. Barry.”

“Noreen Shannon, our second doctor.”

The others introduced themselves.

“In an effort to get to know each other, let’s sit at the table. Anyone want water or coffee?”

No takers. “Steph, would mind giving a bit about yourself including why you accepted the position.”

“Not at all.” She gave some background and a few personal details.

“Alice?”

The ordinary woman was sturdy of build, wore her brown hair pulled off her face. “I’m an LPN working slowly to get my RN. But I have two kids so it’s hard as I’m recently divorced. I needed a job to make more money.” She smiled at Pax. “Besides, I live down here and am grateful you started this clinic.”

Jonathan, tall and lanky, was working his way through college and needed a part-time job. He was single, no kids.

“Noreen, you’re last.”

“Hi, I’m a medical doctor, recently retired. I know I’m young to do that, but I have a second career, writing books.”

“You seem familiar,” Alice said. “What do you write?”

“Medical thrillers.”

“Ah. You’re on the book jacket. I’ve read your last book. It was wonderful. Tell me you’re writing another.”

“I am. And thanks for the compliments.”

Pax noticed Stephanie was watching Noreen. Doubt was written across her pretty face.

Right then, Mutt came out of the office. This time, he crossed to Steph and she petted him. “Hello, Mutt.”

The others greeted him, as Pax had made clear that the dog would spend his days at the clinic. He took in his staff and felt buoyed by having gotten good people to help out here.

* * *

Two days later, a group of friends gathered in the backyard of Jackson Kane’s house. It was a beautiful Indian Summer day. Steph wore a one-piece denim outfit with cowboy boots. Pax had on jeans and a light sweater the color of his eyes. He looked…nice. Really nice. Steph felt the pull of attraction in her belly.

She sipped her drink, which their hostess had made with either a shot of Kentucky bourbon or without one. Chicken sizzled on the grill, making Steph’s stomach growl.

“Hungry?” Maisy asked.

“Yeah. I skipped lunch.”

---