A Man to Believe In. Kathleen Pickering

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СКАЧАТЬ through the winter with the proper gear. Arriving in Montauk now, he’d have time to adjust to the area before the traditional surfing season.

      “A nursing career and surfing? We might not ever see you again.”

      Peter glanced through the rearview mirror at the bed of his pickup, which carried his few belongings. Three surfboards and a trunk with some household basics, his clothes, the LEGO he’d loved as a kid. Maybe one day he’d have a kid of his own to pass them on. After he outgrew LEGO, he had discovered the water, and surfing had become his saving grace. When Mom wigged out, he put her to bed and hit the beach where he didn’t have to think about anything but the next wave.

      Cresting another hill, Peter slowed the truck way down. A woman riding a mountain bike glided from the center to the side of the road. He wanted to pass her safely. Besides, the flash of her long-sleeved T-shirt and tight biking shorts made him want to see more. He pulled up beside her, slowing enough to enjoy the view, especially that trim butt. A mass of blond curls fell down her back. Sunglasses and a baseball cap shielded her eyes. Hey, no bike helmet? He’d like to give her a lecture on biking safety. Any excuse would do to pull over that beauty and engage her attention. What a great mouth and just enough determination to that chin. All in a glance. She was his type of girl. He was gawking like a schoolboy and couldn’t stop himself.

      She glanced his way then did a double take. She must have liked what she saw because her frown turned into a smile that nearly floored him.

      Not wanting to look like a jerk, he sped up. “Nice!” The move to Montauk kept getting better and better.

      “What is?” Gil asked.

      “Bro, I gotta go. Riding next to some local wildlife and she looks promising.”

      Gil laughed. “Why don’t you stop her and ask for directions?”

      “Great idea. I’ll call later. Love you, bro.”

      Not wanting to ogle the woman, he passed giving her enough room for safety. She waved her thanks. He smiled but really wanted to whistle. He’d keep an eye out for her around town. Meanwhile, he became so preoccupied watching this awesome female in the side mirror that he swerved to miss a deer darting into his path from the woods across the street. Glad to miss it, he didn’t expect a buck following the doe to bolt in front of the truck. He yanked the wheel too hard, veering off the road toward a shallow ditch. No room to maneuver.

      “Damn!”

      The truck nose-dived into the narrow embankment. Impact stopped his truck, but not before Peter’s head smacked the steering wheel. The clatter of his surfboards flying around the flatbed filled his ears.

      “What the...?” His forehead stung. Wet warmth trickled into his eye. His vision began fading, and he realized he was bleeding and blacking out. He couldn’t stop the sensation. Almost as an afterthought, the air bag released to catch his fall.

      * * *

      BUZZING IN HIS ears grew louder. An antiseptic scent invaded his nostrils. Hospital. Familiar. Peter tried to open his eyes, but the light hurt. He closed them once more.

      “Well, this is a fine way to introduce yourself to new coworkers.”

      The laughter and warmth in the woman’s voice made him want to see the person coaxing him awake. An odd satisfaction filled him. The calmness in her voice tugged at his awareness until he could no longer resist.

      Peter opened his eyes. In the few seconds it took to focus, he was pretty damned sure an angel stood over him. A halo of honey-gold hair framed clear blue eyes and the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. Surely he’d died and gone to heaven.

      “Who are you?”

      Her smile widened. “Cassie Michaels. Your ID says that you are Peter Chapman. You passed me on your way into town. Good thing I was there when you ran off the road.”

      Ahh. The beautiful wildlife of Montauk on the road. Sans hat or sunglasses. Man, was she pretty.

      “You shouldn’t ride without a helmet.”

      She winced. “I know. I know. I broke my helmet in my last fall. I’ll take care of that.”

      “Your last fall?” He closed his eyes. If he had any say, she’d not ride again until properly equipped. “Am I at Mercy Hospital?”

      “Yes. We were expecting you next week. Thought you’d walk through the door instead of arriving early by ambulance.”

      “You were expecting me?”

      “I work here in the E.R. Today is my day off.”

      His new coworker? Could it get any better? He managed to grin. “I like to make memorable entrances.”

      She laughed. “I’ll bet you do.”

      Despite his throbbing head, he didn’t miss that she spoke with just enough emphasis to be flirting. He liked that. He also liked the way she rested her bombshell blue gaze on his. Oh, yeah. This one had keeper written all over her. He glanced at her left hand. No wedding ring.

      “Did I hurt the deer?”

      “No. They got away.”

      “Thought so.” He closed his eyes, but the vision of her burned in his mind. He opened his eyes to find her staring at him. She was smiling, and he wanted to die. “You were the first local I saw, and we’re meant to work together. That’s a coincidence.”

      “Not really. Montauk is a small town.” She looked around the room with a satisfaction that seemed soul-deep. “I hope you like it here. I’ve worked at Mercy full-time for three years now. My mother retired and I took her place. I’ve been haunting these halls since I was a little girl.”

      “I guess you like your job.”

      “You could say that.” Her affable gaze turned serious. “So, how do you feel?”

      He closed his eyes again to assess the damage. “Bit of a headache, but I’m okay.”

      Her voice grew quiet. “You have a black eye, which will probably swell more. You were out for a while.”

      Her concern zapped right through him. “I probably needed the sleep. I drove through the night.” He touched the tender spot on his forehead. Bandage. Tape.

      “You took a few stitches,” Cassie explained.

      “That’s it?” He didn’t really hurt anywhere else, but his throbbing forehead held his attention.

      “Otherwise you’re fine. We did a pan scan.”

      Full-body X-ray. Standard procedure. Check. “Good news. My truck?”

      She laid a reassuring hand on his. He must be delusional because he felt a tingle, like electricity, where her fingers rested. “Towed to the station. Jack, one of the local police, is making sure your possessions are safe. He was a great help. I left you in his care once the ambulance arrived so I could ride the bike home and get my car.”

      “Thanks.”

      “You’re СКАЧАТЬ