And Never Say Goodbye: A Town of Destiny Novel Read online

  “All better. Thanks for the ice—that was an extra touch she appreciates.” He winked and followed her back to the kitchen.

  “I figured she would. Ice is good for all kinds of things.” A smirk cracked her lips as she opened the fridge door.

  He looked through the window for his dog. “Right. Something Lance will need later, I assume.”

  She laughed and got the glass jug filled with iced tea out.

  After locating Sadie through the window, he sat at the table. “Anyway. What sad story did he tell you about Kelly? That she cheated?”

  Pouring the tea into two glasses, she gave one to him and sat down, nodding. “Something like that.” Sipping her tea, she shifted her eyes away.

  “Don’t feel like you’re ratting out a rat. And that is what he is. She never cheated on him.” He drank his tea, his eyes remaining on hers.

  “Oh.” She fidgeted with her hair, eventually giving in and tying it at her nape.

  “Yeah…oh.” He sipped his tea, eyeing her swift action. “Why’d you put your hair up?”

  “It’s hot, Gallagher. Don’t look hurt. Nothing personal.”

  “You sure? Because it feels like it. You wear it down for the real womanizer but not for me. How else am I to take that?” He stood and wandered to the window and then sat back down.

  “Again, why do you care? You getting a thing for me now, Gallagher?” She gave a sly grin, trying not to laugh at his wide eyes.

  Stammering, he said, “No. I was just…concerned. Don’t want you throwing yourself at guys like that when you deserve—”

  “What? Something better? If you haven’t already noticed, I’ve been alone for quite a while. Sometimes any company will do, but I’m not looking to settle down. I’m so sick of the rumors. What if I did sneak lovers here at night. Whose business is that?” She finished her tea and set it down, licking her lips of the droplets. She could have sworn his face went white.

  His eyes focused on her lips before returning to her face, he said, “Do you?”

  She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Yep, I do. It’s like a regular love shack around here. Reason why I’m so damn chipper when I’m at work. Gotta get me some so I can be happy and productive in the OR. Is that your secret?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not. And to answer your question, it’s been a while for me.”

  “What’s a while? Two days…maybe three?”

  “Around that, but it doesn’t even count. I fell asleep. She was not happy to say the least.”

  “What a nice compliment, Gallagher. I’m sure she feels so special now. Let me guess…Tina who likes a tickle?”

  He hid a grin. “I obviously share way too much with you. So it’s actually been about a week.”

  “Whoa—are you okay? Will you live because you haven’t had sex in a week?” How are you able to work…to function?” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but she needed to cool down.

  “Look, I don’t need to explain anything to you, but I put sleep before sex. Work and sleep have been my only pleasures lately. Oh, and your dreaming of me.” A wicked grin tugged at his lips.

  She stared and decided to ignore that last comment. “But I’m sure you still get offers. I mean, I’ve spoken to a few of your conquests, and they’re not happy with you.” She clicked her tongue, shaking her head. A grin played on her lips, trying to loosen him up.

  “Who? Deidra? Rita?”

  “No, but good to know you get around. Now I’ll give them my best pity look.”

  He scoffed. “Pity?”

  She laughed. “I’ve talked to Sonia. Why her? She seems so nice.”

  He sank into his seat and tapped his glass against the table. “Sonia is nice, but not for me.”

  “Why? Don’t you want something more than a good romp in the sack? Doesn’t it get lonely?” She knew she was crossing the line, but part of her needed to know where he stood as a man and not as a prowling wolf.

  “Look who’s talking. You don’t even get the romp, other than the invisible lovers who wander here at night. What’s your story, McShane?”

  “You’re not turning this back on me. Why not Sonia?”

  He sighed. “If you knew what it meant to be in a relationship, McShane, you’d understand the dynamics of a woman and a man. I just didn’t connect with her. She did everything right.” He smiled at her raised brows. “To be honest, I’ve never really had that connection with anyone. I came close in college, but not even then.”

  “How do you know I’ve never been in a relationship?”

  “Have you?”

  She shrugged and grinned before she stood and padded to the window. She laughed watching Sadie run around.

  “What is she doing now?” He came up behind her.

  “Chasing some squirrel. She’s a beautiful dog. You take good care of her.” She felt his breath on her bare neck when he laughed. If she turned, she’d be inches from his face. She envisioned leaning her head back against his chest and feeling his arms wrap around her before clearing her head. The vanilla scent of his cologne swirled around her in a daze.

  “I try. I feel bad when I’m not there for a long time. Sometimes wonder if I should give her to a family who could give her more time.”

  “No, that would be the worst thing you could do. She loves you. I’ll see if I can find someone to help you.” Needed to get away from him. Her frazzled nerves made her body tremble. She wondered what it’d be like to feel his lips graze her neck. No more. She didn’t need this right now.

  “You would do that for me?”

  “Of course.” Again, way too close for comfort. She giggled again at Sadie bowing on her front legs, waiting for the squirrel to make its next move. Strange how similar animal behavior could be to human.

  He sighed, again brushing her skin with his breath. “She’s happy here. You have so much land. I wish I could give this to her.” His page buzzed then.

  “Uh oh, duty calls.” Her smile washed away, replaced by a pout.

  “Damn. I was hoping this case wouldn’t go through. It’s a 70-year-old with perfect health, it seems.” He moved to open his phone and read his text. “I’ll have to run home to drop Sadie off. My things are already in the truck. Can I use your cannulas?”

  “Yes. You can also have my profusion tubing and labels if you need them. Whatever you need.”

  “Whatever I need? Really?”

  She smirked. Chewing on her lip, she said, “You can leave Sadie here. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

  He lowered his phone and gazed at her. “Seriously? I mean I can run her home real fast.”

  Raising her hand, she shook her head. “Not necessary. What does she eat?”

  “I just bought a bag of dog food still in my trunk. You just need a bowl to put it in, put a little water in for gravy, and that’s it. Two scoops. Are you sure?”

  She laughed. “Yes. Why are you so shocked? I like dogs, just not used to them.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. I know how you like your own time.” He surprised her by wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug, lifting her off the floor.

  Her arms flew around his shoulders to hold on, laughing at his attack. “Gallagher!” She slapped his chest as he lowered her—her tiny body sliding down his wide build, her body that was now on fire like two sticks rubbing together.

  “Sorry. It’s just so unexpected. I don’t have to worry about her for once. Or do I?” He grinned, releasing his grip from her.

  With his handprints scorched into her skin through her clothes, she brushed at them while adjusting her top, like stoking a flame. “Ha-ha. She’ll be fine.” She stood with her arms crossed in front, waiting for her body to settle down after the abrupt assault. “When’s the OR time?”

  “Uh, at five. Gives me enough time to get down there. David’s already there setting up.” He caught her look. “What? He’s doing much better, at least with me. I think you make him nervous.”


  She shimmied her hips. “That’s what all the boys say,” she said, winking.

  He laughed. “You definitely make me nervous.”

  “Why?” As much as he did her?

  “Not sure. Haven’t figured that out yet, but I will.”

  Her heart always seemed to beat faster when he gave her a certain look, like he could read her darkest thoughts. She glanced at her feet. “So, which hospital?”

  “Cook County.”

  She lifted her head. “You poor thing. So that really means an OR time of around 10:00 tonight,” she said, laughing.

  “Do you mind me coming back early in the morning to get her? I hate waking you. Don’t you start back tomorrow?”

  She shook her head. “They actually said to have the weekend off and go back Monday. At least I’ll have something to do now with Sadie. Should be fun. And no, I don’t mind you coming in the morning. What time does she eat?”

  “I can feed her now before I go and then whenever in the morning. I might be back by then.” He gave a lazy smile.

  “What?” she said, laughing.

  “It’s a good thing you don’t really have neighbors. I mean, what would they think with a strange man coming to your house in the morning.”

  “I can see if you were leaving at that time, but coming? I think we’re good.”

  He grinned, raising his brows.

  A shiver ran through her. “Get whatever dirty thoughts in your head out, Gallagher. Pick up your dog and go home to your bed.” The temptation was too strong. He was making things very hard on her. But what she had to offer he’d never want and wouldn’t deserve. No. She couldn’t take that chance. He was off limits.

  Again, that mischievous grin. “Damn.” He put his phone back in the case and headed to the door.

  Still standing near the sink, she said, “Hey, what did you mean by damn? There’s nothing going on here, Gallagher. I definitely don’t want rumors of us getting together.” She followed him, still crossing her arms. Needed to squash any thoughts. Did not want to lead him on, no matter how hard the struggle.

  “And what would be so wrong with those rumors? Should I be offended?” He stood by the door with a hurt look.

  “No, I just don’t want to be lumped in with your harem of women is all.”

  “Ah, right. My harem. Don’t worry, McShane. That’ll never happen. Even if you threw yourself at me. I have my own reputation to protect too, you know.” He winked and stepped outside, leaving her with her gaped mouth.

  Returning to the kitchen, she watched him through the window over the sink, running with Sadie and throwing a stick. A smile formed on her lips as she washed the few dishes, shaking her head. Who’d ever think he was like that? It’d be her little secret.

  His muscular arms bulged with every throw. Her eyes lowered to his narrow waist and rounded backside. The water almost filled to the top without her realizing it. “Shit.” She pulled the plug and let the water drain, peeking at Gallagher ruffling Sadie’s hair and showing her affection.

  He stood and turned around, catching her watching. Waving to her, she smiled and put her head down to finish drying the last glass. Heat rose to her cheeks like she was caught doing something naughty. The thoughts that trampled through her head were a little naughty. She watched him go to his truck and retrieve his things. She cleared her throat and shook her head, hearing the screen door bang shut and Sadie’s collar tinkling.

  “Bathroom?” he asked, carrying his scrubs and bag of dog food.

  Sadie ran to her and sat, panting. “Upstairs to the right. You always carry dog food with you?” She bent down to pet the soft fur.

  He lugged the heavy bag to the kitchen floor and grinned. “Just got it the other day and forgot to bring it in. She likes you.”

  “I feel bad I don’t have any treats for her.” She allowed her to lick her face, making her laugh.

  “I have some, but she only gets them when she’s done something good or right after dinner.” He threw a plastic bag filled with small biscuits onto the counter. “I’ll be back.”

  She eyed his scrubs, knowing he’d be changing into them, knowing he’d be naked in her bathroom…

  “You okay there, McShane? She’s giving you paw.” He grinned again. Always laughing at her.

  “Sorry, girl.” She held her paw and shook it. “You’ll have to teach me a few things,” she said to her new furry friend.

  Sadie barked and licked her face again as if she understood her.

  “Want some more water?” She grabbed another bowl and filled it, smiling at the panting animal. “Hot out there, huh?” Why was she talking to a dog? She carried the bowl to a wall and set it down, watching Sadie lap at it until it was halfway gone.

  A ringtone went off, making her turn to see he’d left his phone on the table. Must be the office with more updates. Should she look at it? What if it was important? She shrugged and walked over to it and wished she hadn’t. A text from one of the harem.

  “My phone go off?” he asked, making her jump out of her skin. He laughed and extended his hand.

  “Sorry, thought it might be from Jose.” She dropped it into his hand, his eyes still on her before lowering to the text. He chuckled.

  “She wants to have some fun with you later.” Mallory tightened her lips as she bent to pet Sadie’s head.

  “Jealous?”

  Her voice rose to a scratchy pitch. “Now why would I be jealous? We’re not dating.” She shrugged. “Do what you want. Go do what she’s asking of you there. Sounds…enticing.”

  A raucous laugh exploded in the kitchen. “The only thing enticing about Marie is when she stops talking. All the girl wants to do is talk—before, middle, and after.”

  She scoffed. “Please don’t tell me anymore. None of my business.” So why did it feel like it was? Her heart pounded, blood pooling in her face. Who was this Marie?

  “Hey, your nosy little eyes found its way to my phone. I didn’t tell you about it, so blame yourself.” A grin was still etched in his face.

  “You’re right. Should never have looked. Learned my lesson. So, will you be going out after the case ends?” She sat at the table, petting the dog who wouldn’t leave her side.

  He stared at her with narrowed eyes, trying to decide what his plans would be.

  She cleared her throat, waiting, petting, waiting.

  Shaking his head, he said, “No, I’ll be back here to get my dog. I have no intention of seeing Marie or anyone later. Feel better?”

  She laughed. “Why would that make me feel better? I just wanted to know when you’d be back to get Sadie. Not that I want her gone. She’s so sweet. But she will miss you.”

  “Right. She’ll miss me.” He laughed again.

  Mallory rolled her eyes and pointed to the door. “Don’t you have a case to get to? Oh, follow me to the barn to get your supplies.”

  “I just know I’m gonna get there, open him up, and find something wrong.”

  “Why do you say that? Because he’s old?” She bounced down the porch steps and sprinted to the barn that held her past and present…and future.

  He followed, trying to catch up. “That and they don’t have a complete past medical history on him, so who knows what that means. You’ve had those before and were pissed, so don’t give me that because he’s old crap.”

  She lifted the service door and walked to a cabinet, looking back at him over her shoulder. “Wow, touchy. I’d be pissed because of some poor recipient waiting on a list. You’ll be pissed because it’s a waste of your precious time. Need to go have some fun instead with whatever the next one’s name is.”

  He bent to Sadie and patted her head. “Girl, watch this one. She’s feisty.”

  “Feisty? Oh, you mean a bitch?” She grinned.

  “Take it easy there, McShane. I’d never call a lady that, not even my female dog.” He scoured the dusty barn, glancing at the boxes on the floor. “What’s all this?”

  “Oh, just my life.”r />
  “Who do they belong to? You?”

  “Mostly.” She handed him everything he needed and walked them back out.

  When they walked to his truck, he opened the trunk and packed his bag. He then hooked his phone to his clip on the top of his scrub pants and saluted her. “Thanks again, McShane. You really are a big help. I need to go grab something to eat and get going. Not eating hospital food.”

  “I’m sorry. I never offered you anything. I can make something quick so you don’t need to eat fast food.”

  “No, no. It’s fine. I like stopping at a certain place anyway. The service is good.” He gave a sexy grin that sent a shock right through her.

  “You mean female service?” Fire sloshed through her veins, feeling almost feverish.

  “Nope. Love their Patty Melts, best in town. Right in town called Charlie’s Café. Not sure about their female service. You know something I don’t?”

  “Sure it’s their food. I believe you, Gallagher. Do you think all women are gullible or just me?”

  “I’m serious. I have enough women to call.”

  “A little conceited, aren’t we?” She threw a stick for Sadie with shaky hands. Why did she let him do this to her?

  He grunted and shook his head, opening the door. “Can’t win with you, can I. I’ll call if it’s too early, or do you just want me to bang on the door and wake everyone up?”

  She thought about it. “There’s a key under the mat. I’ll leave the screen door unlocked. Just come in but text me so I know you took Sadie. I don’t want to panic.”

  “That’s so sweet. You’d panic for a dog not even yours? Changing my mind every minute about you, Ice McShane.”

  She laughed. “I hate that name.” She smiled, standing close to him as he leaned on the top of the door. “Well, she’d be in my care so of course I would. And changing your mind about what?”

  He chuckled. “I’ll see you later. Bye, girl.” He ruffled Sadie’s hair as she ran up to him and let her lick his face. “Be good for McShane.” He stood and winked before sliding into his seat and closing the door.

  Backing away, she threw a stick towards the porch for Sadie to run to safety. Before walking back, she smiled at him through the windshield, their gaze locking for what felt like forever before he winked and backed out. Again, her heart picked up pace. She wiped her sweaty palms on her shorts and spun around.