Chapter Four
Markie drove away from the ranch, then pulled onto the shoulder of the road, put the vehicle in park, and sobbed. Her body still buzzing from the sex. It was so hot, but she knew it shouldn’t have happened.
“But it did.”
She leaned her head back against the headrest as tears rolled down her cheeks. How in the world would she ever face him again? He was right. She was attracted to him, and she hated it.
This would be the last time she went to the ranch. If Tess wanted to fire her for it, so be it. There was no way she’d go back. No matter what. Yeah, that’s BS and you know it!
Taking a deep breath, she checked traffic, then pulled onto the road and drove back to the hospital. She wanted to get back to work and hopefully Nate Jefferson would get out of her head.
After parking her vehicle beside the steps to her apartment, she entered the hospital through the back door. She saw Tess walking toward her and tried to put on a happy face, but she must not have succeeded because Tess frowned at her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Something is. Did it go well at the ranch?”
Did it go well? Boy, did it ever, but it shouldn’t have.
Markie shook her head. “That cut should have been attended to yesterday after it happened. If the horse hadn’t had a tetanus shot, it could have gotten infected.”
“It happened yesterday?”
Markie could hear the anger in Tess’s voice. “Yes, Nate said he found it this morning, then said someone was supposed to have checked all the horses yesterday.” She shrugged. “I don’t know if he’s shifting the blame—” She stopped when Tess shook her head.
“No. Nate would never do that. If he had seen it yesterday, we would have been called right away. I’m sure whoever didn’t do as they were supposed to will be reprimanded. Nate loves animals, but especially horses. He’d never let an animal get injured and not care for it.”
Markie nodded. So, he had told her the truth. “I suppose you know him better than I do. We got into it and if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not be the one to go there again. For anything.”
“Come to my office,” Tess said, then walked along the hallway to her office.
Markie entered and Tess motioned for her to close the door and take a seat. Once she did, she stared at Tess, wondering if she was going to get fired.
“Markie, I cannot tell you I won’t send you there again. There are times I just can’t do it. That’s why I hired another vet. If I have surgeries to perform, or a ranch or farm has an emergency, what am I supposed to do? Stop the surgery and go?”
“No, of course, not.”
“Exactly. So, even though you don’t want to go back to the McCallister ranch, there will be times you’ll have no choice. It’s another reason I never schedule us both in surgery the same day. One of us has to be on call.” Tess raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a problem with Nate or Beau?”
Markie nibbled on her bottom
lip. She knew she couldn’t hide it from her forever.
“I don’t care for Nate.”
“I see,” Tess said, then shook her head. “No, actually, I don’t. He’s a great guy.”
“You’re entitled to your opinion, Tess. Just as I am.”
“You’re right, but I’ve known him a lot longer than you have and he has always been cordial. His parents raised him right. He’s a good, honest, hardworking man, and there is no way Beau McCallister would have him working for him if he wasn’t. Sam likes Nate too, and he wouldn’t if Nate was not a good man. It is your decision on how you feel about him, but it is my decision about you going there if you have to. Okay?”
“Yes. I’ll just ignore him if I have to go back out there.”
“Well, unless there’s an emergency of some kind, we rarely go back once vaccines are given.”
“Yeah, you’re right. He just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.”
“Not that he’s a hot, sexy man?” Tess grinned.
Markie narrowed her eyes. “That has nothing to do with it.”
Tess laughed. “So, you do think he’s a hot, sexy man.”
Markie gasped. “You tricked me into that one.”
Tess stood. “Yes, I did. Look, Markie, if you don’t like him, that’s fine. I don’t get it, but we don’t all like the same people. If it’s possible, I’ll go if there’s another emergency.”
“Thank you.” Markie stood, made her way to her office, and looked at charts to see what patient was next. As she looked around for her medical bag, she couldn’t find it. Not that she needed it, but her stethoscope was in it. There were plenty in the hospital she could use, but she liked hers.
“It must be in the car,” she murmured, then gasped. “Shit! I bet it’s in Nate’s office. Damn it!”
She remembered dropping it when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She moaned. Damn, that was the hottest sex ever. Now, she’d have to face him to get her bag back.
****
The next day, Nate sat in his office behind his desk, going over the books on the computer, when a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” he called out. He glanced up to see Bart entering the room.
“You wanted to see me, boss?”
Nate sat back in his chair. “Have a seat, Bart.”
“Yes, sir.” Bart sat and Nate could see he was nervous.
“Weren’t you supposed to check the horses after they ran through the fence the other day?”
“Yes, sir. I did.”
Nate sat forward, folded his arms on the desk and looked him in the eye.
“You didn’t do a very good job of it, Bart. One horse had a bad cut on his leg.”
Bart’s eyes widened. “I didn’t see a cut.”
“Exactly, so you didn’t check them over very well.”
“It couldn’t have been too bad if I didn’t see it.”
“It needed stitches,” Nate snapped. “Do you realize that if no one caught it, it could have gotten worse? I know they have their tetanus shots, but wounds on the lower legs can damage underlying structures, and lead to chronic inflammation.Damage to tendons, ligaments, or bony structures could cause lameness. You should know this, Bart.”
“Am I being fired?”
“No. Not this time, but don’t ever let this happen again. Are we clear on this?”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry.”
Nate sighed. “I know you are. Just do better. You can head back to work.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
Nate nodded as Bart left the room. As he looked toward the door, he frowned, stood up, and walked toward it. He swore when he saw Markie’s medical bag on the floor. He knew she wouldn’t come back for it.
Picking it up, he carried it to his truck. He had to make a trip to town anyway, and he’d just drop it off at the front desk. He didn’t want to see her any more than she wanted to see him.
As he drove into Clifton, he clenched his jaw thinking about what had happened between them. It got out of hand and should never have happened. But, damn, she was so beautiful and once he felt her lips under his, he wanted her then and there.
Shit! He was no better than her step-mother’s husband if he couldn’t keep his hands off her.
“You’re a real dumbass,” he muttered as he pulled into the hospital parking lot. He picked up the bag, then entered the lobby.
“Hi, how can I help you?” the pretty young woman behind the counter asked him.
“I’m just returning this. Mar—Dr. Russell accidently left it behind when she was at the McCallister ranch.” He set the bag on the counter.
“Oh! Let me call her for you.”
“No, ma’am. I’ll just leave it with you. Have a nice day.” He touched his hat and walked out.
As he headed toward his truck, he heard his name and turned to see Markie walking toward him and everything that happened between them hit him like a runaway train.
“Yeah?”
She took a deep breath and continued to him until she was about five feet from him.
“Thank you for bringing my bag back.”
“You’re welcome. I knew you wouldn’t come back for it.” He turned away to head for his truck.
“Nate.”
He sighed, then faced her again. “What is it, Markie?” When she didn’t say anything, he sighed again. “Look, I know you think I’m like your mother’s husband and especially after—”
“No, I don’t. In fact, that’s why I wanted to talk to you. I’m sorry for even thinking that about you.”
“What?”
“Jarrett is a good-looking man who thinks every woman on the planet wants him, and, yes, I did think you were like that because you’re a very handsome man, but I know you’re not like him at all.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I’d bet my career if I had said to you no, you would have stopped. I doubt he would.”
“What makes you think I’d take no for an answer?” He folded his arms and stared at her.
Markie shrugged. “I just do.”
“So, why didn’t you? Say no.”
When she nibbled on her bottom lip, he held back a groan.
“Because I wanted you too. I am attracted to you, Nate, but I thought…”
“I was like him.”
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
Nate stared into her eyes, then nodded. “Apology accepted. Have a nice day, Dr. Russell.” He turned and strode to his truck, climbed inside, then pulled out of the lot. She was still standing in the same spot as he drove past.
****
Markie blinked tears back as she watched him drive past without even glancing at her. Shaking her head, she walked back toward the hospital, entered, and made her way to her office. She’d get back to work and try her best to forget all about Nate Jefferson.
When lunchtime rolled around, she called Sydney to see if she wanted to meet up for lunch, but she didn’t answer her phone, so she called the bookstore.
“The Wright Bookstore, how may I help you?”
“Is Sydney around today?”
“Yes, she’s in her office and asked not to be disturb.”
“I see. Could you tell her Markie is on the phone?”
“Uh…”
“I promise you won’t get in trouble. Just ask her, please.”
“Yes, ma’am. Please hold.”
Markie waited a few minutes and hoped she didn’t get the clerk in trouble.
“Hey, Markie, what’s up?”
“How about lunch together?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Well, something. If you can’t make lunch, we could meet for dinner.”
“Let’s do that. I’ll meet you around five-thirty at the diner. Is that good?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” Markie hung up and stared at the walls in her office.
Damn it, she really blew it with Nate. He might have accepted her apology, but he would stay away from her.
“How did you get into such a mess, Marjorie Ann Russell?”
With a heavy sigh, she pushed her chair back, stood, and went to see the next patient.
The hospital was open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, but the techs handled Saturday appointments, which were usually just vaccinations. Markie loved having the weekend off, unless an emergency happened. She worked from nine in the morning until five in the evening, and living upstairs, she got home very quickly.
Although some days did go a little longer if an emergency surgery happened. If it was serious enough, both Markie and Tess would perform it together.
At five, she sat at her desk, entering the information on the last patient. The dog had an encounter with a porcupine. Markie didn’t even know those animals were in Montana, but though a rare sighting, they did exist here.
“A rare sighting and this dog just had to find one.” Markie laughed. Poor thing. His nose was covered in quills. She had to sedate him to get them out.
“Markie, I’m heading home. Will you lock up?”
“Of course, Tess. I’m meeting Sydney for dinner, so I’ll stick around here a little while.”
“Oh, okay. Then I’ll lock the door behind me. Everyone else is gone.”
“Sounds good. I don’t feel like going home then back out, so I’ll just stay here until I meet her.”
“Alright. See you tomorrow.”
“Have a good evening, Tess.”
“Thanks. You too.”
Markie heard Tess go out the door, then lock it. She enjoyed working for Tess and hoped to keep working here for years to come.
Her cellphone buzzed from her desk, and she picked it up and groaned. Taking a deep breath, she answered.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Markie, honey. How are you?”
“I’m fine. You?”
“Wonderful. You are going to make it to my party next month, right?”
Markie hesitated but knew she couldn’t disappoint her mother. Despite the fact that her husband was an ass, Markie loved her mother.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I’m so happy to hear that. Jarrett is taking me on a cruise this summer.”
“ He’s taking you ?” Markie clenched her jaw.
“Yes. Look, I know you don’t approve of him being so much younger—”
“Mother, that has nothing to do with it, but considering it is your money, and he doesn’t have a job anymore, he is not taking you .”
Her mother’s sigh came over the phone. “Well, I thought you would be happy for me.”
“About the cruise? I’m sure you’ll have a good time.”
“You know that is not what I meant, Marjorie Ann Russell.”
Oh, boy. Full name. Her mother was angry.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I am happy you found someone, and his age has nothing to do with it as long as he makes you happy and does nothing to hurt you in any way, shape, or form.”
“He’d never hurt me, honey.”
“Not as long as you have money,” Markie muttered.
“What’s that, honey?”
“Nothing. I’ll see you next month. I have to go now and close up.”
“You don’t need that job, Markie.”
“Mom, I like my job. I’m too young to sit around and do nothing.” Markie hoped her mother got the message on that.
“Alright, honey. See you next month. I love you.”
“Love you too.” Markie hung up the phone, put it on her desk, and shook her head.
The last thing she wanted to do was go to that party and dodge Jarrett all damn night.
At five-thirty, she entered the diner, found a booth, and waited for Sydney. She didn’t have long since she had just sat down when Sydney entered the restaurant.
“Hi, sorry I’m a little late.”
“I just got here, so no problem.”
“Hello, ladies. What can I get you?” Connie asked them.
“My usual, please.” Markie smiled.
“Same here. Thank you, Connie,” Sydney said as she removed her jacket. “So, what’s going on with you?”
“I messed up.”
“How?”
As Sydney listened, Markie told her what had happened between her and Nate. When she finished, she looked at her friend to see her sitting there with her mouth open, and Markie couldn’t help but laugh.
“You… you had sex with Nate?”
“I did.”
Sydney sat back in the booth. “Holy shit. I thought you didn’t like him?”
“I didn’t. I don’t.”
“Oh, you already said, didn’t. Don’t try to change it now. So, how was it?”
Markie fanned her face with her hand. “Hotter than hell.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“It was because we were having an argument. It just… happened.”
“I need more than that.”
“I went to his office to raise hell with him about a horse not being cared for—”
“Whoa, Nate would never let that happen. That man loves horses.”
“Yes, well he pointed it out that someone missed the cut on the leg and he just saw it that morning. That was why the hospital was called. I was the one to go and I just jumped all over him about the wound. It got heated between us, he asked me what my problem with him was. I told him he appeared cocky.” She shrugged. “And when I said I didn’t like him, he said he bet he could prove me wrong.”
Sydney bit her lip. “And did he?”
“What he proved was that he is not self-centered, just a man confident in himself, and I know he’s not like Jarrett at all. If he had been, he would have boasted about getting me to have sex with him. I also know, and I don’t know how, but I know if I had said no to Nate, he wouldn’t have pressured me. He would have let me alone.”
“So, why do you think you messed up?”
“I left my medical bag in his office and today he brought it by. He left it with Jodi. When she told me, I ran after him to apologize to him for thinking of him the way I did. I told him I wanted him too, and I was attracted to him, but I thought he was like Jarrett and I’m sorry I did.”
“And? God, Markie, it’s like pulling teeth getting you to talk about this.”
“Sorry. It just hurts that I did that to him. He said he accepted my apology and to have a good day… Dr. Russell .”
“Oh, wow. Yeah, he’s not happy with you.”
“Gee, ya think?”
“Sarcasm does not become you, Markie.”
“I’m sorry. What should I do?”
“I don’t think there’s anything you can do. You apologized, he accepted. Move on.”
“But—”
“But what, Markie? You treated him like dirt since you first set eyes on him. It’s best to stay away from each other.”
“I can’t get that sex out of my head.”
“Well, you’re going to have to. I’ve known Nate for years and he never holds a grudge, but he won’t kiss your ass to get back in with you. Trust me, he’s done. He was attracted to you, and you shoved it back in his face.”
“Why don’t you say what you really think, Syd?”
“No, that would be way too harsh.”
Markie sighed. “I’m an idiot. Maybe if I apologize again.”
“You do what you want, but I’m telling you, as far as Nate’s concerned, there will never be anything more between you. He’s confident about his sexuality, but he’s not stupid. He probably thinks you’d just change your mind about him again.”
“I am not a fickle woman,” Markie snapped.
“Are you sure about that? You don’t like him; you do like him. Make up your mind.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it?”
“Honestly, I don’t know, but I do know him. He’s not the type of man to stay where he’s not wanted.”
“I’m usually not so quick to judge, but he has an air about him that just made me think of Jarrett. He acts just like that.”
“No, he doesn’t. Jarrett is a pompous pig, and a narcissist. For no reason, from what you’ve told me. Nate is none of those. I wish I knew what to tell you, Markie, but I think it’s best to just let it go. Forget about it and hope you and Nate never cross paths again.”
Markie toyed with her napkin. “That’s just it. I do want to cross paths again. I like him, Sydney.”
“You liked the sex.”
“That’s a start, isn’t it? He’s all I’ve thought of since. I wanted to give myself a chance to know him. Yeah, we butt heads, but that’s not always bad.”
“No, it’s not. Sometimes, the best part of that is the making up.”
“Right.”
“Look, I’m not going to tell you what to do. It’s your decision no matter what I think.”
“But you know Nate.”
“I do.”
“Will he let it go? That I treated him like that?”
“He accepted your apology.”
“But made it clear that he only thinks of me as Dr. Russell.”
Sydney shrugged and Markie knew there wasn’t much more to say about it. She messed up and felt horrible about it.
When their dinners arrived, Markie had no appetite. No matter how good that burger smelled, she just couldn’t eat. After a few minutes, she waved Connie over.
“Could you put this in a to-go box, please, Connie?”
Connie frowned. “Of course, I can, hon. Are you alright?”
“Just not as hungry as I thought.”
“Okay.”
“Mine too, Connie, please,” Sydney said.
“Alright.” Connie picked up both plates, carried them around the counter and disappeared into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry, Markie.”
“It’s my fault, Sydney. It’s just that I deal with Jarrett every time I visit. I look at every man the same way. I don’t trust them. Especially since I’ve been cheated on time and time again. Then my mother marries this… pig who can’t seem to keep his hands to himself. When I met Nate, he just seemed condescending to me. But I know he’s not like that at all now. And it’s too late.”
Sydney reached across the table and touched her hand.
“If you think it would make you feel better, than explain that to Nate. Maybe he’ll see where you’re coming from.”
“Do you think I should?”
“I’m not saying one way or the other. Only you can decide on what to do.” Sydney glanced over her shoulder. “Connie has our dinners ready.”
They slid from the booth, walked to the register, paid for the meals, added a tip, then picked up their bags and walked outside.
“It’s gotten so cold again and flurrying.” Sydney pulled her jacket on.
“Yes, it has. I’m glad I don’t have far to walk.”
“No, but it’s dark. Let me give you a ride.”
“It’s just down the street.”
“Please. I’d feel better making sure you got home alright.”
“Okay.”
They walked to Sydney’s SUV, climbed in, and pulled out of the parking lot. Sydney stopped beside Markie’s stairs and waited while she went inside. Markie heard her pulling away as she closed the door.
After undressing and showering, she pulled on her lounge pants and T-shirt, then watched some TV but for the life of her, she couldn’t get Nate out of her mind. She had a long night ahead of her.