Page 39 of A Twist of Faith
Alex strode to the doorway, pearly whites in full gleam. His orthodontist must be proud. “No trouble at all.” He offered a hand. “Alex Murdock.”
Rainey shot Dee a humored glance before taking Alex’s hand. “Rainey Mitchell.”
“Mitchell?” Alex looked back at Dee for clarification. “I met another Mitchell when I was here last. Reese Mitchell?”
“He’s my brother. Small town—big families.” She pulled her hand free and braced it against the doorframe. “What brings you to Ransom, Mr. Murdock?”
“Dr. Murdock,” he corrected, gently.
Man, with the proper motivation Mr. Charmer’s skills rivaled Casanova’s. His soft look, a tilt to his head, and any other woman except Rainey Mitchell would probably be swooning. “But please, call me Alex.”
Dee rounded her desk, ready to step in and protect Rainey, if necessary. “Alex came down to check up on me.”
“Ensure she was settling in, you know,” He added.
“From Charlottesville?” Rainey’s brow lifted. “That’s quite a drive just to check on her.”
“Importantpeople are worth the time.”
“Right.” Rainey nodded, her lips stretched into a knowing smile. “Importantpeople.”
“What is your position here, Dr. Mitchell?”
“Clinic coordinator of the Tolliver Speech & Language Center and instructor for childhood language disorders. By the way, it’sMs. Mitchell, not Doctor.” She confronted him with a look. “Important enough for you?”
Alex didn’t seem to note the hint of fire in Rainey’s words. She’d seen right through him in less than a minute. Not one flicker of attraction reflected in her eyes, merely a quirk of mischief in the challenge. Ooh, Dr. Alexander Murdock met his match.
“I’m interested in finding out, Ms. Mitchell.” He drew another ticket from his pocket and placed it in her hand, attention focused on his target.
Rainey did a double take at the ticket and then laughed. “VIP tickets for UVA versus the Hokies. You have got to be kidding? This is awesome.”
A smile so pure spread across Alex’s face, Dee hardly recognized him. All façade fell away, replaced by … admiration? The charmer charmed? Maybe a heart pumped underneath the playboy after all.
“I … um … I’m glad you like them.” He hesitated, a tinyvforming in his brow as he studied Dee. “I gave more to Adelina—one meant for your brother.”
“Oh wow, thanks, Alex.” She squeezed his arm, and Alex’s grin spread wider. He looked like a six-year-old on Christmas morning—genuine, amazed, and a little too strange for Dee’s past experiences. Who was this guy?
“Reese is going to flip. He’s never been to one of the games before, even when he attended there.”
“He went to UVA?” Dee stepped closer to the pair, another kick to her pride. Reese was right. She did make too many assumptions.
“No way. He’s a Hokie through and through. So is Trigg.” She looked back to Alex who hadn’t taken his attention from her face for a moment. “Are you sure I don’t need to pay you something for this, Alex?”
The elf returned. He placed a palm on the doorframe and leaned close. “Your time?”
Rainey’s expression froze, then slowly her eyes narrowed. “I think you like games, Dr. Murdock.”
“There’s always time for a worthy opponent, wouldn’t you agree, Ms. Mitchell?”
She hitched a grin. “Farm girls always watch where they step, Dr. Murdock. It’s an occupational hazard and fabulous life lesson. Besides, I think this game is much too expensive for me. VIP?” She pressed the ticket back into his hand. “I’m a low-maintenance-type gal. Bleachers and binoculars.”
“Keep it.” He covered her hand with his. “In case you change your mind.”
“Um … thanks.” She turned to Dee and barely cloaked an eye roll. “So, lunch?”
“No plans.”
“Then I suggest we go over to Daphne’s,” Rainey said and turned to Alex, smile crooked to match his best mischievous smirk. “And since you’re here for a visit, we might as well give you a taste of the good food and culture you’re missing up in Charlottesville.”
