Because of the Baby(41)

“So she’s intimidated.”

“Why should she be? She has seniority in the department and everyone except the head nurse defers to her.”

“Everyone except the head nurse and you,” Keaton guessed. His eyes glowed. He seemed to understand something Lark wasn’t grasping.

“She’s lazy and sloppy. I’ve tried to be nice, but I draw the line at pandering to her ego.”

“And she’s working in the ICU where your sister is. You told me you transferred from surgery to the ICU to watch over Skye. Why did you feel that was necessary?”

Lark caught her breath. Was that it? She didn’t trust Marsha to take good care of Skye, and the other nurse had picked up on that? In the days following the tornado, Lark had been frantic about her sister’s condition. She’d spent long hours at Skye’s side, overseeing her care like a fierce mama bear. Looking back, Lark realized she probably hadn’t made any of the nurses’ lives easy, but Marsha’s least of all because her level of care had been subpar in Lark’s opinion.

A week later, Lark had requested a temporary transfer to the ICU. Marsha couldn’t have been happy. No wonder she’d been so unfriendly.

“I really need to work on my people skills,” Lark muttered. “I did not connect the dots.”

“How do you feel now?”

“Better. At least I have an idea why Marsha hates me. It will make dealing with her a lot easier.”

Her father often complained about how aloof Keaton was. Said the Holt boy thought he was too good for any of them. After spending time with Keaton, Lark decided her father was wrong. Keaton didn’t believe himself superior. Rather, he was focused on his ranch and spent more time thinking than talking. Thus, when he had something to say it was worth listening to.

During dinner their conversation turned to the town’s recovery efforts and the projects Keaton had been involved in. Lark had no idea how much he’d pitched in.

“I haven’t really kept up with what’s been going on,” Lark said, pushing vegetables around her plate. “I should’ve pitched in.”

Keaton shook his head. “You’ve had your hands full taking care of Skye and watching over Grace and we haven’t been short any volunteers.”

“I feel like I should be doing something.”

“Most of what’s going on now involves demolition or construction, but I can check and see what other things might be available.”

“That would be great.”

Despite the easy flow of conversation during dinner, Lark’s tension grew. They were minutes away from heading home and she hadn’t yet figured out how to take advantage of the camaraderie they’d achieved. Her mind and body were eager for another round of lovemaking, but she didn’t know how to go about communicating that to Keaton.

It didn’t help that his relaxed manner gave no clue if his thoughts ran in the same direction. She declined dessert. Even if her mouth hadn’t been dry and her stomach in knots, she wouldn’t have enjoyed anything sweet. She was far too eager to get Keaton alone. Maybe in the privacy of her home she could tempt him to kiss her and maybe that would lead to more.

While they awaited the check, a dark-haired man clapped Keaton on the back, but the newcomer’s curious gaze was fixed on Lark.

“Keaton, good to see you out enjoying yourself for a change.”

“Hello, Gil.” Keaton stood and greeted the tall man with a hearty handshake before turning in Lark’s direction. “I’m not sure if you two have met. This is Lark Taylor.” He gestured toward the carrier beside him. “And Grace, our niece. Lark, this is Gil Addison, president of the Texas Cattleman’s Club.”

“Both Keaton and my father have spoken of you.” Lark smiled. “It’s nice to put a face with a name.”

“You’re Tyrone’s daughter?”

She nodded, seeing the way his eyes narrowed as if surprised she and Keaton were so relaxed with each other.

“Okay, date night is on.” A tall woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair appeared at Gil’s side. “There’s no emergency at home.”

“This is my wife, Bailey,” Gil said, putting his arm around her waist before finishing the introductions.

“Nice to meet you,” Lark murmured, realizing how much she’d isolated herself these last few years.

The couples chatted for a few more minutes before Gil and Bailey returned to their own table where the waiter had just delivered their appetizer.

On the ride back to her house, Lark realized her earlier anxiety about the rest of the evening had dissipated. Gil Addison’s surprise at finding her and Keaton together reminded Lark how many obstacles stood between them. Letting herself get further wrapped up with Keaton would be asking for trouble. She was better off chalking up their single encounter as a lightning strike. Life-altering and never to be repeated.