The Doctor Wore Boots. Debra Webb

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СКАЧАТЬ his heart pounding. But he was here now. He might as well give this trading places thing a shot. There was no reason he couldn’t do it. He glanced at the child sitting across the table. She gave him one of those I’m-not-through-with-you-yet looks. Then again, maybe he couldn’t do it.

      Had he lost his mind entirely? Dex slowly studied the people seated around the table. Uncertainty undermined his newly found determination. How in the world was he supposed to fool all of them? When his gaze settled on his Grandmother Cooper again she chose that precise moment to turn toward him. Another of those heartwarming smiles spread across her lovely face. This was why he was here. This was his opportunity to learn what kind of person his mother had been. To see pictures…to learn about her past.

      And maybe to somehow understand how a family as seemingly loving and generous as this one could take one child and turn their back on the other.

      Chapter Two

      Dex felt like a character from an episode of a reality TV show.

      He was mentally and physically drained, but his first meal with the Coopers was nearing an end at last. The moment anyone seated around the large table made a move signaling the event was officially over, he intended to excuse himself for the evening. His senses were on overload. Too much conversation, too many different voices and personalities. He’d definitely taken for granted the experience of quiet dining. He doubted he would do that again anytime soon. This level of stimuli during a meal couldn’t possibly bode well for the digestive system.

      Not to mention he’d ingested more saturated fats in one sitting than he had in a lifetime of eating his usual cuisine. He had to admit, however, that the steak had been more than palatable…tasty even. If what he’d been served tonight was indicative of Cooper beef, then the quality was premium.

      He could see now why Ty felt compelled to pursue larger markets. The product was certainly worth the extra effort.

      “We’ll clear, ladies,” Chad, or at least Dex thought it was Chad, said as he pushed back his chair and stood.

      At this point Dex wasn’t sure of anything except that he had to be alone.

      “Why, thank you, honey,” Chad’s wife—Jenny, if Dex remembered correctly—crooned with a wide smile.

      Following the example of the other men, Dex stood as well. He knew a moment of panic as he considered what he should do next. He’d never had to clear a table before. How difficult could it be? Drawing on years of experience of eating at restaurants, he reached for his plate and glass like the waiters who’d served him in the past.

      “No way, brother,” Court said from beside him. “You’ve got the night off.” Court winked. “Besides, you have company to see to.”

      Dex blinked, uncertain what the man meant. What company?

      “Oh, don’t be silly, Court,” Leanne chided. She pushed to her feet. “I can see myself out. It’s past time I got home.” She leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to Grandmother Cooper’s cheek. “Thank you for having me to supper.”

      “Anytime, dear,” she returned. “Anytime. You tell your mama I said hello.”

      “I sure will.” Leanne glanced at Dex. “Well, I guess I’ll be going.”

      Court elbowed him. “I’ll…ah…see you to the door,” Dex offered, suddenly remembering his manners, and realizing, just as abruptly, that the rest of the family clearly considered Leanne his company.

      Still trying to figure that one out, Dex followed her into the front hall. “Thank you again for picking me up at the airport,” he offered for lack of anything else to say.

      “I didn’t mind,” she said, turning back to him when she stopped at the door. “I hope something good comes of your trip, Ty. I do know how much it means to you.”

      The sincerity in her eyes was so genuine that it moved Dex. Or maybe it was just those big blue eyes that affected him. And all that silky blond hair. For the first time since he’d met Leanne, Dex took a moment to really look at her. She was of medium height, her figure curvy, voluptuous. Nothing like the waif-thin women he usually preferred. The well-worn jeans and button-up blouse were accessorized with scuffed boots and a leather belt that cinched her tiny waist. The smallness of her waist accentuated her womanly hips and particularly full breasts. Dex drew in a tight breath. She certainly had a nice set of…

      “Are you sure you’re all right, Ty?”

      Her question jolted him to attention. He blinked and dragged his gaze back to hers. Though she looked concerned, he could well imagine what she must think at the moment. He’d blatantly stared at her breasts. Thoroughly measured her body with his eyes. He had no doubt he’d lost his mind. The chances of a speedy recovery looked dim at best.

      “I’m fine…really,” he insisted. “Fine.”

      She nodded, the doubt clear in her eyes. “Well, I’ll see you around then.”

      He felt his head bob up and down though he couldn’t recall issuing the necessary command. “Sure,” he managed to choke out.

      She hesitated when she would have opened the door, adding a new layer of tension to his already unbearable state. “I almost forgot.” She stared up at him. “Are we still on for the dance Friday night?”

      Dance? Ty hadn’t mentioned any dance. Worry tightened around his throat like a noose. “Dance?” he echoed his bewildered thought.

      “The annual barbecue and dance to raise money for the volunteer fire department. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

      Faced with her expression of disappointment and maybe even a little hurt he heard himself say, “No, no. I haven’t forgotten. I’m just too tired to think, that’s all.” He shrugged. “Sure, we’re still on,” he added, using her words.

      Her face brightened. The smile with which she gifted him shifted something in his chest. How could a mere smile have such a mesmerizing effect?

      “Good night,” she murmured.

      “Good night.” Despite everything, he just couldn’t help himself. He felt his lips curl upward as he stared deeply into those wide, blue eyes.

      Before he could fathom her intent, she tiptoed and placed a chaste kiss on his jaw then rushed out the door.

      Dex stared after her as she hurried away. He didn’t close the door until the tail lights of her truck had disappeared around the bend. He touched his jaw where she’d kissed him and he felt weak with something he couldn’t name. What was it about this woman—this place—that made him feel so strange? He couldn’t recall ever having felt so flustered, so uncertain of who he was.

      “Dex Montgomery,” he murmured. “You’re Dex Montgomery.” He had to remember that.

      “Ty.”

      Dex turned to find Grandmother Cooper waiting near the bottom of the stairs. He smiled automatically, which was not his custom. He couldn’t say for sure whether he intended the gesture or if he’d simply done it so she would smile back at him. There was something about her smile.

      “I know you’re worn out, son,” СКАЧАТЬ