Susan Carlisle – White Wedding For A Southern Belle (страница 1)
I’ve had a love affair with Savannah, Georgia, for over thirty years. I should—I spent my honeymoon there! The setting of this book made it extra-fun to write. When my fabulous fellow Medical author Lynne Marshall suggested that we place our Summer Brides books in Savannah I didn’t hesitate to agree.
I knew who my characters would be as well. Ashley, a feisty local politician who believes deeply in improving her community, and Kiefer, a doctor who starts a clinic in the neighbourhood. These two have so much in common, but both have such strong personalities they almost can’t get past themselves to see the love they have for the other.
It was an exciting story to write, and I hope you enjoy reading it. I love to hear from my readers. You can find me at susancarlisle.com.
SUSAN CARLISLE’s love affair with books began in the sixth grade, when she made a bad grade in maths. Not allowed to watch TV until she brought the grade up, Susan filled her time with books. She turned her love of reading into a passion for writing, and now has over ten Medical Romances published through Mills & Boon. She writes about hot, sexy docs and the strong women who captivate them. Visit susancarlisle.com.
White Wedding for
a Southern Belle
Susan Carlisle
To Joan May, my mother-in-law.
Thanks for sharing your son with me.
‘Gripping, stirring, and emotionally touching…A perfect medical read!’
Contents
ASHLEY MARSH PUSHED through the crowded ballroom filled with St. Patrick’s Day revelers dressed in costumes and lit by nothing but small green lights. As an alderman on the Savannah City Council, part of her job was to attend these types of events. Still, a fund-raiser hosted by Maggie Bradford wasn’t an invitation she could ignore.
Savannah, Georgia, with its large Irish history and a disposition toward a good party did St. Paddy’s Day right, even to the point of turning the river green. She’d always enjoyed the festivities but costume parties were a little over the top for her. Recognizing who she was speaking to tonight probably wasn’t going to happen. It made her a little nervous knowing that when people were behind a mask they tended to do things they wouldn’t otherwise. Experience told her that she wasn’t always a good judge of character anyway.
The crowd around her wore anything from big green shamrock glasses to Irish kilts. She’d chosen a green tunic and tights, and a leprechaun hat. With a glittery gold mask over her eyes, she had some anonymity yet she didn’t look as foolish as many of those in the room. She smiled to herself. More than once someone had told her to lighten up. Maybe tonight she would...a little. After all, few in the room could identify her.
“Ms. Marsh.”
Maybe she was wrong.
She knew that voice. It was Alderman Henderson, a thorn in her side most of the time. He was dressed as if he were the mayor of an Irish village in a green suit with yellow plaid vest and buckled top hat.
“Ralph, how’re you doing? Having a good time?” She already knew he wasn’t.
He shrugged. “I guess so. The wife is really into these things. Anyway, I want to let you know that the hospital has agreed to partner with us on your clinic idea. I just spoke to the administrator a few minutes ago. I’m going to agree to support it for the trial period of six months. Be aware, if there’s just one issue I’m going to withdraw that support.” His tone was firm, indicating he wouldn’t be changing his mind if all didn’t go well with the clinic.
Excitement filled her. She’d been working for this opportunity since she’d been elected. “Thanks, Ralph. You’re doing the right thing here.”
“I’m not sure about that yet, so we’ll see.” He wandered off into the crowd and Ashley wasn’t disappointed.
Suddenly feeling like celebrating, she looked around the room and spied a tall man with brown hair standing by himself. He was near a door to the outside as if he was preparing to run at any moment. He wore a dark suit with a green tie. Over his eyes was a mask of small yellow plaid. He was certainly understated for the occasion. Surely he would be safe enough for a dance or two?
Ashley made her way in his direction. Stopping in front of him, she said, “Happy St. Patrick’s Day. How about giving a leprechaun a bit of luck by dancing with her?”
Dark green eyes looked at her for a long moment. He nodded then set the drink he held down on a nearby table. Following her, they moved out onto the dance floor. A fast song was playing and she turned to face him. The man was a good dancer. They shared two more songs.
When a slow number started she said, “Thank you for the dances.”
He inclined his head. “You’re welcome.” The sexy timbre in his deep, rich voice was something she wouldn’t soon forget.
Ashley walked away. She wasn’t into being held by strange men, so she was both surprised and relieved that he hadn’t insisted she dance the slower song. If she was less cautious she might have enjoyed being in this stranger’s arms, but she knew too well what could happen when you weren’t careful...
* * *
Dr. Kiefer Bradford watched the tiny leprechaun cross the room and speak to a few people as she left him on the dance floor. He might have pursued her but his mother wouldn’t appreciate him picking up a one-night stand at her event and he’d no interest in anything longer. After what his ex-wife had done to him he had no intention of stepping into a serious relationship again. She’d seen to it that he didn’t believe anything a woman said.
The only reason he was at his mother’s costume ball was because he’d been in town for a job interview. When his former best friend, Josh—now his ex-wife’s husband—had been made director of the ER at the Atlanta hospital where Kiefer worked, it had been time for him to get out of town.
He was tired of dodging Josh. The whispers of the staff. The pitying faces of his friends. And, worse, the anger he continued to feel. Savannah was his home. He still owned a place here. He’d come back and leave all the ugliness behind.
Kiefer saw the leprechaun a few more times around the room but never on the dance floor. Twice they were almost close enough to speak but then she was gone. Anyway, he’d done his duty and he was ready to go. Enough green for him today. He’d watch and hear the rest of the fun from the balcony of his apartment.
As he was on his way out to the lobby, the leprechaun was coming out of a door to the right. Just as he was about to pass her Kiefer saw his ex-wife, Brittney, and Josh coming toward him among a group of people. Despite the festive dress, he recognized them.
Apprehension and anger rushed through him. Even here they still interrupted his life. They must have come to town for St. Patrick’s Day. Brittney was from Savannah as well. Regardless of their history, his mother’s party was the go-to event in town, so of course they wouldn’t miss it.
Kiefer didn’t want to speak with Brittney and Josh or want them to see him leaving alone. Without thinking, he grabbed the leprechaun as she passed.
Her small yelp of surprise made him pause for a second before his mouth found hers and he backed her against the wall. Her lips were soft and sweet beneath his. Her hands braced against his chest, pushed and then relaxed against him. Seconds later they slid to his waist. He shifted his mouth to gain a better advantage. One of his hands moved to cup her cheek.
Through the fog of desire welling up Kiefer heard the group pass. He forced himself to back away, letting his lips slowly leave the leprechaun’s. The longing to find them again filled him but he’d already stepped over the line.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?” she hissed, standing between him and the wall, his hand still cupping her face.
“Saying thank you for those dances.”
The leprechaun huffed. “By accosting me?”
He shrugged and removed his hand. As he did so the button on the sleeve of his coat caught in the necklace around her neck.
“Stop. Be careful. Don’t break it.” Her voice rose.
Why was she overreacting about a simple necklace with a funny-looking stone on it?