Page 99 of Legacy of Danger
Chapter 28
Being around people didn't make Mariah uneasy. Her day job meant she interacted with people all day long. No problem.
But this particular group of people? They intimidated the hell out of her.
The Taggarts and assorted extras weren't mean to her. Just the opposite. The minute she arrived at the ranch house, the family welcomed her as if she were part of the clan already. Yet she caught an uneasy frown on Vaughn's face; they'd never had the Relationship Talk because of the Morning Shower Sex, but at some point a painful discussion would happen. Biding her time until then was like waiting for a second shoe to drop.
So she had two choices. She could enjoy the illusion of family and fitting in and a normal relationship for as long as it lasted.
Or she could stay detached and not let herself be lured into the welcoming arms of this family.
Either option hurt like hell.
Rather than decide right now, she took the BLT Garrison offered instead.
"How do you like working at the hospital?" he asked, watching her intently.
She stared with significant longing at the sandwich, then answered, "Um, yes. Of course. It's challenging."
"But you like it? Here? At the hospital?"
Okay, fifth degree. "Yes. Some days are crazier than others, true. But at the end of the day, it's worth it. And Copper River is a nice place." She winced as a headache zipped across her forehead. Maybe she was more tired than she realized.
"Garrison. Quit it!" Shelby glared a hole into her brother.
Mariah's headache faded as soon as he stood from the table and excused himself, followed by his pretty girlfriend, Sara. The entire time, Shelby scowled at him. Weird. It was like half the conversation had occurred on a different level. It was almost like the headache had something to do with them. Which made no sense.
"So how many Taggarts do you see as patients?" Kerr asked.
"She can't answer that. HIPAA rules and all," a serene, studious woman whose auburn hair was pulled back in a bun walked into the kitchen and interjected. With a wink, the woman held out a hand. "I'm Ruth. A nurse taking care of Mr. Taggart while he recovers from his stroke." The woman studied Mariah with a bemused expression on her face.
"Nice to meet you." She released the woman's hand. "How long have you been here?"
"A few weeks. It's been pretty eventful around here."
Kerr nodded.
Shelby's and Eric's gazes locked for a second. A twinge flashed through Mariah. Fair enough, those two had gone through hell and back and had earned their unspoken connection. It was obvious by the way he rested his arm around the back of her chair and how he homed in on her as she spoke. The red color that tinted her cheeks at his touch. The tiny glances. Those two were in tune.
What would that be like on a daily basis?
"So, Mariah, you've been in town here for what, a year?" Kerr asked.
"Less than that." She chewed and washed down a bite, all too aware of Vaughn's presence next to her. "Started in August, fresh out of residency."
Shelby blurted, "How long are you staying in Copper River?"
"Shel!" Vaughn said.
"It's a legit question." She raised a negligent shoulder. "For medical care needs, of course." With her eyes crossed, she made a face at him. "There. Happy?"
He dropped his forehead into his palm.
Mariah wiped her mouth with the napkin. "Honestly, I'm not sure how long I'll be in Copper River. Part of being here is to pay off considerable debt from medical school. But I like the area and the people." Okay, maybe one person in particular, but he wouldn't be here when her loan amounts rolled to zero. "So I'm taking things as they come," she hedged.
"Sara came here to pay off school loans for her teaching degree, too. Worked out for her long-term future, it would appear." Kerr laughed when Vaughn growled.
Mariah's neck heated. Every part of this conversation hit too close to home. "So, Vaughn fought a great bout last night."
