An Unexpected Kiss: A Christmas in Snow Valley Romance Read online

  “Do your ears hurt?” he asked, trying to maintain a steady voice.

  She shook her head.

  “I’m just going to take a quick look.” He grabbed the otoscope and turned on the light. Taking a gentle hold of her earlobe, he got close and peered inside her ear. The ear looked normal. He looked at the other ear, telling himself not to notice how good she smelled. “Both of them look good.”

  She was very quiet, and only nodded her head.

  He unwound the stethoscope from around his neck and approached her. “I’m just going to listen to your heart and lungs.”

  Never before had something so routine felt like it bordered on inappropriate, but he needed to be thorough. The bacteria that caused strep throat could sometimes result in rheumatic fever and damage the valves of the heart.

  Carefully, Cole pulled down the neck of the sweater just enough to get his stethoscope in the right place. Thankfully, he’d done so many exams he knew exactly where to place it, which wasn’t anywhere near her womanly curves.

  The doctor part of him kicked in, and he determined her heart sounded healthy. He listened to her breath sounds, and found them clear. “I’m going to give you a prescription for an antibiotic. Do you have any medication allergies?”

  “I’m allergic to penicillin.”

  Cole pulled out the prescription pad and wrote out the prescription. While his handwriting wasn’t too bad, he missed the computer setup from his office in California. A few clicks of the mouse and he could print out the prescription.

  “Be sure and get started on this right away,” Cole said, detaching the prescription and handing it to Lucy.

  “Thank you.” She scooted forward and got down from the exam table. “How long before I’m not contagious anymore?”

  “You won’t be able to kiss anyone else for at least twenty-four hours.”

  She cut him a scathing look. “Ha ha. For your information, I don’t plan on kissing any more men in the foreseeable future.” She slipped the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “Tomorrow the Polar Express comes to town, and I don’t want to miss going with my family.”

  For the first time, Cole noticed the reindeer print on her leggings. Not every woman could get away with wearing tights, but Lucy looked pretty good. Forcing his thoughts away from how attractive he found her, Cole picked up her chart.

  “As long as you feel up to it, you should be fine. In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids and try to rest. If you don’t see any improvement after taking the antibiotics for three days, call and we can put you on something else.”

  “All right.” She hesitated for a few seconds. “Look, I’m really sorry I made you kiss me. It didn’t even work. Lance still won’t take no for an answer.”

  Cole tried not to be offended, and was tempted to tell her he would be willing to do a more convincing job if she wanted. “Should I apologize?”

  A small smile curved her lips. “Not necessary.” She held up her prescription. “I better go get this filled so I won’t miss out on anymore annual Christmas events. I’m sad I won’t be able to help the kids out this evening with the Christmas cookie decorating party.”

  “There’s always next year.”

  “True.” She turned and opened the door. Before leaving the exam room, she looked back at him over her shoulder. “By the way, your kissing skills were never in question. Lance hasn’t given up in seven years, and I doubt he ever will unless I get married or I find him another girlfriend.”

  With that, she disappeared out the door. Cole stood there grinning like an idiot. So he had kissing skills, did he?

  Over the years, he’d won awards both for his academics and athleticism. Right now, however, praise for his kissing ability from Lucy Phillips was, by far, his greatest achievement. Though he knew he should leave it at that, Cole wanted another chance to demonstrate to Lucy just how talented he was.

  Chapter Six

  Although Lucy’s throat felt better, and she was no longer contagious, she still felt tired and worn out. But not tired enough to miss out on riding the Polar Express. The magical train ride was the perfect start of the Christmas holiday for her.

  As she finished getting ready, she looked out her bedroom window. The recent snowfall blanketed Snow Valley in a pristine white canvas that left her yearning to make snow angels and build a snowman. When she felt a little better, she would try to get her brothers to play outside with her. She supposed she could try and track down her girlfriends from high school, but after graduation they’d all gone their separate ways and hadn’t kept in touch, other than through Facebook.

  She knew Lance would jump at the chance to build a snowman with her. Every time she visited home he complicated things by trying to monopolize her time. To be honest, she didn’t even know if he really loved her or if his pursuit was out of habit. He seemed to be as convinced as her mother that since his name started with L they were destined to be together.

  He’d come over last night after the bake sale with a plate full of thick brownies with chocolate frosting and crushed candy canes on top. Lucy was in the middle of watching one of her favorite Hallmark Christmas shows when Lance stopped by. Lucy hadn’t been surprised her mother had suggested the visit. He’d apologized again for making her sick, and hoped the brownies would make up for it.

  They helped considerably. She just didn’t tell Lance that.

  He ended up staying for the rest of the movie, but never tried to put any moves on her. That probably had more do with Lucy staying bundled up tight in the Christmas quilt her grandmother gave her a few years ago before she died. Plus, every time she had to blow her nose she mumbled something about Lance getting her sick.

  During a commercial break, Lance asked about Cole. Lucy wasn’t exactly sure what to say. It’s not like she could say he’d gone home for Christmas. She finally went with the truth. Cole knew she was sick, and was spending time with his uncle.

  Lance accepted that, and didn’t ask any more questions. Obviously Cole hadn’t attended the charity bake sale or Lance would’ve recognized him. Hopefully, she’d be back in sunny California by the time Lance discovered Cole was his new family doctor.

  Lucy twisted the last strand of her hair around the curling wand, and tried very hard not to think about Cole Taggart. How ironic that the one guy she wouldn’t mind seeing again was totally off-limits.

  Cole might be a handsome, successful doctor, not to mention a fantastic kisser, but he’d just bought his uncle’s medical practice which meant he was here to stay in Snow Valley for a very long time. As much as she loved her hometown, and missed her family, Lucy enjoyed her career and living in Southern California. Plus, if she got the promotion, there was a chance for an overseas assignment.

  “Lucy?” her mom called through her bedroom door. “Are you about ready?”

  “Yes. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” She put on a navy blue knitted beanie, leaving her blonde hair to hang in loose curls around her shoulders.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to ride over with Lance?”

  Lucy rolled her eyes and put on her brown suede Sherpa boots. “No, Mom.” She stood up and made sure her skinny jeans weren’t bunched up above the boots.

  “Why don’t you want to ride with him?” her mom questioned.

  Lucy strode over to her door and opened it up. “Because I’m not dating him.” She slipped past her mom. “I just need to grab my coat and gloves and then we can go.”

  Her dad stood by the fireplace, watching a football game on the television. He turned and whistled when he saw her. “Don’t you look pretty.”

  She went over and hugged her father, loving the familiar smell of his spicy cologne. “Thanks, Daddy.”

  “Lamont,” her mother said, sounding a little exasperated. “Please tell your daughter to be nice to Lance.”

  Her dad pulled back and affected a stern expression. “Lucy, are you being mean to the Christensen boy again?” His eyes sparkled with humor.

  Lucy bit
her lip, trying not to giggle.

  “Lamont, I’m serious. She refused to ride over with him to the train station. If she keeps telling him no, he’ll find someone else.”

  “If only that were true,” Lucy mumbled under her breath.

  Laughing, her dad turned off the television. “Lila, Lucy’s a grown woman. Let her be the one to decide who she dates.” He crossed the room and put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Let’s not forget who your mama wanted you to marry. It certainly wasn’t me. She kept pushing you toward Charles Simpson, and now he’s doing time for embezzling money.”

  “Lance would never do that.”

  “That’s not my point, sweetheart. Stop pushing Lucy, or she’ll never come home to visit us again.”

  Lucy appreciated her father’s directness, although she doubted her mother would change her ways.

  Logan came into the family room, with Landon close behind him. “Hey, me and Landon are gonna head over to the train station now.”

  “Landon and I,” their mother corrected.

  “That’s what I said.”

  “Logan, no goofing around.” Lamont pointed a finger at Lucy’s brother. “One more accident, and you’ll lose your driving privileges for a month.”

  “Good thing I’m not driving, then.” He grinned and sauntered toward the front door. “Jake is coming to pick us up.”

  As if on cue, a horn blared.

  “Gotta go. C’mon, Landon.”

  Lamont stopped the boys by placing one hand on each of their shoulders. “You boys better not miss the train.”

  “We won’t,” Logan said. “We’re gonna try to get on the car where all the cheerleaders are riding.” He waggled his brows and grinned.

  Lucy watched her father fight back a smile. “All right.” He stepped out of the way. “Have fun, and remember curfew is eleven.”

  “Got it,” Landon yelled as they rushed out the door.

  “You girls ready to go?” Lamont asked.

  “Yes.” Lila glanced at her watch. “Our tickets are for the six-thirty train, and I told Lance to meet Lucy by the ticket booth at six.”

  “Maybe I’ll just stay home,” Lucy said, putting on her coat.

  “Nonsense.” Her mother came over and put a scarf around Lucy’s neck. “However, I don’t like the idea of you being exposed to the cold when you’re still sick. The cars on the train aren’t heated well.”

  “I’m not contagious anymore.”

  “I know, I asked Doc Taggart if it was okay for you to come tonight, and he said yes but you should check with your new doctor.” Her mother narrowed her gaze. “Why didn’t you tell me Doc Taggart is retiring, and you saw his nephew?”

  Lucy froze. Had her mother met Cole? “I guess I assumed you already knew.”

  “No. Doc Taggart announced it for the first time last night. His nephew wasn’t at the bake sale, but I hope to meet him soon.” Her mother stepped back and adjusted a few of Lucy’s curls. “You’ve got such beautiful hair. I’m so glad you wear it long. It’s very feminine.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Lucy forced herself not to roll her eyes. When she was little, Lucy wasn’t the typical girly-girl into all things pink and sparkly. While other little girls wanted to be a Disney princess, Lucy liked super heroes. When she was six, Lucy had taken a pair of scissors and cut off her long hair so she’d look better in her Batman costume. She hadn’t grown it out again until high school.

  Her mom patted Lucy’s cheeks. “Even with your tan, you still look a little pale.”

  “Lila, leave the poor girl alone.” Lamont took his wife’s hand, and led her toward the garage. “Honey, do we need to buy you one of those frilly little puppies you can dress up and carry around in a purse?”

  Her mother giggled. “Stop being so ridiculous, Lamont.”

  “I’m very serious. I’ve even thought of a couple of names that start with an L so the puppy won’t feel left out. What do you think about Lady or Lassie?”

  “I don’t want a puppy. I want a grandbaby.”

  “You’d name our grandbaby Lady or Lassie?” Lamont teased, assisting his wife into the passenger side.

  While Lucy appreciated what her dad was trying to do, now her mother would be stuck on grandchildren. She needed to get her mom on another subject.

  “Mom, I forgot to ask you how the bake sale went last night? Those brownies Lance brought by were delicious.”

  That did the trick. The entire ten minute drive to the train depot, her mother boasted about the success of the sale, and what was most popular. Lucy’s dad winked at her in the rearview mirror, and mouthed, “Smart girl.”

  They found a parking spot early on, and headed for the train station. Lucy felt silly tagging along with her parents. She’d hoped her little brothers would be riding with them, but they had their own agenda which didn’t involve parents or an older sister. Of course, since her mother had properly meddled, Lance would also accompany their little group, making it a foursome.

  The train station was decorated to look like the North Pole. There were several booths set up inside the station where you could purchase gifts and souvenirs. One little shop featured items from the book The Polar Express, like the bell from one of the reindeer’s harness the boy chooses as the first gift of Christmas. Lucy already had one. Someday she’d make sure her children all had their own bell. She’d also make sure to keep the magic of Christmas alive for them so they’d always hear the bell ring.

  Another booth featured a souvenir mug of Snow Valley’s Polar Express which you could use for the hot cocoa served on the train. As she trailed behind her parents, she noted most of the shops sold items related to the popular book turned movie.

  Her mother glanced at her watch. “Lucy, since we’re a little early, your father and I’d like to do a little Christmas shopping.”

  “We would?” her father questioned.

  Lucy’s mom shot him a severe look, and he shrugged. “Yep, we want to do a little shopping.”

  “What would you like me to do, Mom?” Lucy asked, already knowing her mother had an agenda.

  “I know you didn’t get to see everything at the Christmas craft fair a few days ago, but they’ve set up a tent outside with some of the same vendors, so I thought you could wander through there until it’s time for you to meet Lance.”

  Lucy’s father reached in and pulled out his wallet. “Here’s your train ticket in case we don’t meet up until after we’ve boarded.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Lucy took the ticket and tucked it inside her small purse. “For a minute there I thought you were going to give me some money.”

  He laughed and pulled out two twenty dollar bills. “Don’t tell your brothers.”

  Lucy wouldn’t take the money. “I’m kidding, Dad.”

  “Hey, if your old man wants to give you a little money, you need to take it.” He took her gloved hand and placed the bills on her palm. “Buy yourself a little something for your apartment. I know how much you love to decorate for Christmas.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “Now Lucy,” her mother admonished. “Don’t you forget to meet Lance.”

  Lucy started to protest, but then Doc Taggart and Beverly were suddenly heading in their direction, and not far behind them was Cole Taggart. Now was not the time to argue.

  “Okay, Mom. I better hurry up so I’ll have time to shop.”

  Lucy darted away, hoping Cole hadn’t seen her. She still couldn’t believe she’d told him he had great kissing skills. It would be nice if she could rationalize and tell herself she’d told him that simply to pay him a compliment, but she’d been flirting with him.

  Now she had two men she had to avoid. One she didn’t want and the other she couldn’t have.

  She slipped behind a crowd of kids in line to write Santa a letter, and made her way toward the exit. A surge of townspeople entering the station blocked the exit. At this rate, Lucy wouldn’t even make it inside the craft tent. Inching
around the outer edge, she got in a slow line of people leaving the building. There were several other exits in the depot, but she would’ve risked being seen by Cole.

  A few minutes later, she stepped outside. The nippy air made her shiver. As she approached the entrance to the tent, she was disappointed to find it also had a long line. Quickening her pace, she veered right to miss a group of teenagers, and smacked into someone.

  “Sorry,” she said, glancing up at the solid mass she’d just hit.

  “Are you hiding from someone?” Cole asked with a smirk.

  Not anymore.

  “Why would you think that?”

  He grinned. “Hmm, I’d say you’re definitely hiding from someone, but from whom?”

  He knew. Somehow he knew she’d snuck away before her parents were introduced to him.

  “I guess it’ll remain a mystery.” She sidestepped around him. “See you around.”

  She quickly moved toward her destination, but Cole was close on her heels. “I met your parents.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “They said I just missed you.”

  “And yet you found me.” She cast him an annoyed look. “Why are you following me?”

  “Why are you avoiding me?”

  Instead of answering him, she increased her pace. The cold air burned her lungs, her breath coming fast. Since she exercised regularly, her overexertion must be related to her recent bout with strep.

  The opening to the craft tent was only a few feet ahead. If not for the group of old ladies in front of her, she could’ve made it inside and ditched the doctor.

  Left without much of a choice, Lucy quietly waited in line, doing her best to ignore Cole. It wasn’t easy since he stood so close to her and smelled absolutely wonderful.

  “So,” Cole said. “Your parents are Lamont and Lila, and you’re Lucy. Any other family members that start with L?”

  “I have two younger brothers. Logan and Landon.”

  “How old are they?”

  Dr. Taggart wasn’t going to leave her alone. She might as well go along with it. “Logan is seventeen, and Landon turned fifteen a few months ago.”