Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(4)

I raked a hand through my hair. “I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Why? Because I’m from a small town?”

I shook my head. “No. Because you’re willing to forgive.”

She exhaled, and her frustration was obvious. “It hasn’t been very long. Perhaps in time you’ll figure out how to forgive too.”

“Not likely.” I moved back to the desk, needing space from her kindness. It felt awkward and uncomfortable. I didn’t want it or deserve it. “I’ll need you to call our pharmaceutical rep and order some things.”

She shifted as if annoyed. “That’s it for the heart-to-heart?”

I met her gaze. “We’ll need sterile gloves, paper exam gowns, and tongue depressors.”

“I’m a good listener. You don’t know that about me, but I am.”

“Be sure to order syringes and hydrogen peroxide too while you’re at it.” I shifted some papers around on the desk.

“I can see you’re going to be a tough case.”

“Girdy, don’t make me your project.”

“Too late.”

There was a knock on the examining room door, and I gave her an impatient glance. “Didn’t you lock the front door?”

She shook her head. “No. Why would I?”

“People could be robbing us blind even as we speak.” I moved toward her.

“It’s an awfully polite thief to knock before they come in.” She laughed as she opened the door.

All I saw at first was a black Stetson and broad shoulders. But as the man entered the room farther, I noticed he was tall and lean with a square jaw and sharp gaze. A gold badge glimmered on his dark blue shirt, and blond hair poked out beneath his hat.

“Sheriff. What are you doing here?” Girdy squeaked, a big smile on her face.

As his brown eyes met mine, I was surprised by the punch of attraction that rippled through me. I wasn’t the kind of guy who got rattled easily by a good-looking man, but I couldn’t deny the sight of him made my pulse spike.

“I wanted to come meet the new doctor.” His voice was husky. Confident.

“You and half the town.” She laughed.

He moved into the room, and as he neared, I caught a whiff of bergamot and lemongrass from his cologne. It was a nice change from the smell of livestock that seemed to permeate this town. He held out his hand, and I hesitated.

“I don’t bite, Doc.” A little smile hovered on his full lips.

Feeling annoyed at my swoony behavior, I took his hand. His grip was firm and warm against mine. “Dr. Maxwell Thornton. Nice to meet you.” Was he here for a checkup like the rest of the town? For some reason, the thought of that wasn’t nearly as annoying as it had been earlier with the rest of my patients.

“Sheriff Royce Callum. Most folks just call me Royce.”

I let go of his hand, but my fingers still tingled.

“How are you settling in?” He put his hands on his narrow hips and glanced around the area. His gaze dropped to my solitary suitcase next to the desk. “Rest of your stuff coming later?”

I shook my head. “No.”

He frowned. “You travel pretty light for a city boy.”

Narrowing my gaze, I said, “Is that against the law?”

“Nah.” He pushed his hat up, and I could see his face clearer. He was gorgeous, his skin tanned and firm, with long dark lashes and teeth as white as I’d ever seen. “But maybe you pack light so you can make a quick getaway.”

His challenging tone did weird things to my gut. “No.”

“Any skeletons in your closet you want to tell me about?”

“No.”

He smiled and little dimples appeared. “You say anything other than no?”

“Yes.”

Girdy sniggered. “You two could take this show on the road.”

My face warmed, and I crossed my arms.

Royce pursed his lips. “Well, like I said, I just came by to introduce myself.”

“Okay.” I nodded.

Girdy gave me a tolerant look. “I’m sure he means nice to meet you, Sheriff.”

I grimaced. “Yeah. Thanks for dropping by.”

He leaned closer. “Welcome to Rainy Dale, Maxwell.” The sound of my name rolled nicely off his tongue, and I shivered unexpectedly. He seemed to notice the effect he had on me because he smiled and winked. “Just let me know if you need anybody to show you around town.”

“No.” I winced. “I mean, I don’t… need that.” Certainly not from someone as disturbing as him. I had no desire to get to know anybody in town. I just wanted to focus on building my new practice. I wanted things to go back to normal. I wanted to feel in control again. I wanted to know everything that was going to happen before it happened. Like the old days.

Royce tipped his hat. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

He smiled. “Good luck to you, Doc.”

I chuffed as I turned my back on him. “Luck.”

“You don’t believe in luck?” He sounded amused.

“Not really.” I shot him a sardonic look over my shoulder. “Let’s be honest, Sheriff. Would a doctor of my caliber be in Rainy Dale if luck existed?”