Devil in Disguise Read online

  Kate Winfield would be mine. She just didn’t know it yet.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kate

  I smiled at the receptionist—Stella, according to the name tag on her chest—and introduced myself. “Hi, I’m Dr. Kate Winfield. I just accepted a position here, and I’m supposed to start training today.”

  The young woman returned my smile. “Of course. I’ll let Becky know you’re here.”

  I’d spoken with the woman in the HR department during my initial interview two weeks ago, and she gave me a brief rundown of what to expect. It was strange, working in a practice like this that was government funded. Steve and I had opened our practice in the healthplex right after we graduated, so I’d never had any experience working in a large practice like this.

  I took a seat in the lobby and smiled at one of the patients across from me. Becky came out just a few moments later, greeting me with a smile.

  “Dr. Winfield, good to see you again.”

  “You, too.” I shook her hand, then fell into step as we made our way past the reception desk and down a long hallway. Patient exam rooms lined both walls, and I nodded greetings to the nurses as we passed them.

  “This will be your office.” Becky paused beside a door at the end of the hall and held out a hand, gesturing for me to enter first. “There’s a key in the top drawer of the desk if you’d like to leave your things here. I have some paperwork for you to fill out, and I’d like to show you around.”

  “Of course.” I left my purse, and we began the tour of the facility. It was designed in a basic U-shaped, with the receptionist desk front and center. Doors to the exam rooms were located on either side, and the patients would be directed through the doorways to either station A on the left, or station B on the right.

  A young male nurse in blue scrubs stood behind the desk, and Becky smiled at him. “Chris, this is Dr. Winfield.”

  “Nice to meet you.” He extended his hand with a smile, and I shook it.

  “You as well.”

  “Are you new to the area?”

  I shook my head. “No, my husband and I actually had our own practice over in the healthplex downtown.” Something flitted across his features at the mention of my husband—my ex-husband—but I didn’t bother to clarify that we were almost divorced. I had no intention of dating a man I worked with, and I saw no reason to give him false hope.

  “That’s great. I’m sure you’ll like it here. Everyone’s awesome to work with.”

  “That’s good to hear, thank you.”

  Becky turned to me. “I’ll introduce you to the others later, but if you don’t have any questions at the moment, I have some paperwork for you to fill out.”

  I nodded. “Lead the way.”

  The remainder of the afternoon was spent filling out paperwork and studying the requisite training materials. I also met another dozen nurses and another physician, Dr. Elijah Coleman. As good as I was with names, my head felt like it was spinning trying to absorb all of the new information. It was both the same and completely different from the small practice Steve and I had together. I truly felt like it was a good fit for me, though, and I could see myself there for a long time.

  By the end of the day, I was exhausted. I stumbled through the front door of my condo and absently petted Peanut on the way to the bedroom. As I passed the kitchen, I checked to make sure that he had food and water, then I proceeded on through to the bedroom. Kicking off my shoes, I crawled into the middle of the bed and lay down. I’d just barely close my eyes when the vibrating of my phone caught my attention. Digging it from my purse, I glanced at the screen. I didn’t recognize the number, and I deliberated for a moment before swiping my thumb across the screen.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey.” My stupid heart leapt at the sound of Gavin’s sexy deep voice. Though we’d only shared one night together a week and a half ago, his presence seemed to permeate my bedroom. I could still feel him, smell him next to me, and I closed my eyes as his deep voice washed over me. “How’s the new job?”

  He knew about that? I fought to modulate my voice as I spoke. “Good. How did you know about that?”

  A low chuckle filtered over the line. “You underestimate me, red. I make it my business to know everything about you.”

  “That’s not creepy or anything,” I quipped.

  “I prefer to think of it as dedicated,” he corrected.

  Despite myself, a smile tugged at my lips, and I forced my mind to get back on track, needing to take control of the situation. “I see. Whose number is this? I didn’t recognize it.”

  “It’s my cell,” he responded.

  That’s why it hadn’t looked familiar. When we’d spoken previously, we’d used the office phone number to communicate. We lapsed into silence for a moment before Gavin picked up the thread of conversation.

  “So what do you think? Do you like it?”

  “I do,” I admitted. “I’m actually really excited.”

  “Good,” he responded. “I’m happy for you. This was your first day, right?”

  “Is that a question or a statement? I thought you knew all about me,” I teased.

  “Never know,” he responded in that sexy drawl. “I’ve been known to be wrong once or twice.”

  My brows shot upward in disbelief. “Did you just admit that you were wrong?”

  “Only once in a while,” he replied. “But don’t tell anyone.”

  I laughed, and I had the sense that he was smiling on his end, too.

  “So, did you get all settled in today?”

  “A little bit,” I said as I lay back down and stared at the ceiling. “Most of it was training, getting used to the feel of the office. And the computer system—God, that’s a nightmare.”

  His sexy laugh washed over me like a warm caress. “That’s always the worst, isn’t it?”

  “It is,” I agreed. I let out a long yawn, and I heard Gavin take a deep breath on his end.

  “Well, you sound exhausted. I should let you go relax.”

  “Okay,” I whispered as a pang of disappointment pierced my heart. Silly as it was, I wasn’t quite ready to hang up yet. Neither was I able or willing to offer more at the moment, so I kept my mouth shut. Gavin seemed to understand, because he spoke just a moment later.

  “I’m glad you’re doing well. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  The phone clicked off, and I stared at it for a long moment, a mixture of anticipation and worry settling over me. He’d called... why, exactly? To wish me luck with my new job? I bit my lip and replayed our conversation in my mind. It’d been brief and friendly, but it lacked the overbearing confidence Gavin normally threw my way. He’d said he would talk to me soon, but not when. Was this just a friendly conversation, or was it more?

  I told myself it was stupid, that I was reading too much into things. I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but I couldn’t help the satisfaction I felt that he’d reached out to me. I truly enjoyed Gavin; I just wasn’t sure that I was ready to offer him everything he deserved.

  Chapter Twelve

  Gavin

  I sat at my desk, head bent over a case file, completely absorbed in the details when the knock on the door captured my attention. I jerked my head up and met Larry’s silvery-blue eyes.

  “Mind if I come in for a second?”

  I lifted my chin at him. “Sure.”

  I watched curiously as he stepped inside, then closed the door behind him. His gaze flitted around the room, over the degrees hanging on the wall behind me, then out the window at the perfect summer day. Hands in his pockets, he prowled slowly toward me and stopped in front of my desk. I leaned back in my chair and crossed my ankle over my knee, adopting a casual pose. He remained standing, taking a position of power, towering over me. I hated feeling at a disadvantage, and I had a feeling that was exactly what he was trying to do. I wiped any trace of expression from my face and stared up at him impassively. I refuse to let him see my ire. For several heartbe
ats, we remained that way.

  Finally, he broke the silence. “You have a great record.”

  For some reason, it wasn’t what I was expecting. “Thank you, sir. I do my best.”

  My father had always told me I was too stubborn for my own good, so it was probably a good thing that I got paid to argue for a living. Once I decided on a course of action, I rarely, if ever, strayed from it, and more often than not, I got exactly what I wanted. The only contradiction to that recently was Dr. Kate Winfield, but I’d been working on my game plan for her too.

  I pushed thoughts of Kate away as Larry spoke again. “How long have you been with us?”

  I was sure he knew exactly how long it had been, but I answered regardless. “Three years, sir.”

  He gave a tight little nod. “I have several other men and women who have been here much longer than you.”

  “Yes, sir.” I wasn’t sure where the hell he was going with that.

  “You may have heard that Walker is retiring at the end of the year.”

  I’d heard the rumors, including the speculation that they would be looking for a new partner. I hoped to be the man to fill that spot, but I didn’t come out and say so. Instead, I gave a little nod. “I did.”

  “I’d like you to join me tomorrow night for dinner with a client. I’ve already had Mrs. Hodges add it to your calendar. I hope that won’t be a problem?” He lifted a brow, almost as if he were daring me to decline.

  “Of course not. I’ll be there.”

  “Good, good. You’re always willing to step up. I appreciate that.” Icy blue eyes bored into mine. “Shannon seems quite taken with you. She says you’re always nice and helpful when she needs something.”

  Somehow, I managed to mask my initial reaction. Shannon was a complete space cadet, and she was probably just grateful that I didn’t scream at her for her mistakes like some of the other lawyers here. Still, I didn’t know what to say, so I went with the first thing that came to mind. “I know how hard it is just starting out. I’m glad to be of service.”

  Something entered his expression, but he blinked it away as quickly as it came. “I’m glad to hear that. She means the world to me. In fact...” He let out a little laugh. “I think she has a crush on you.”

  My gut tightened, and I fought to school my expression. The last thing I wanted was for my boss to think I was hung up on his daughter, the apple of his eye. I couldn’t defend myself without looking guilty, even though I had zero feelings for Shannon, so I turned it around. “Like you said, I’m sure she’s just grateful for the help.”

  He stared at me for a moment, then—“I’m sure. You know,” he said slowly, “you’re like a son to me.”

  It was a rather strange thing to say, considering I knew he had a son of his own. If I remembered correctly, the kid was somewhere in his midtwenties, approximately ten years younger than myself. I vaguely recalled Larry holding a grudge against him because he’d chosen not to follow in his father’s footsteps.

  “Thank you, sir,” I said. “I appreciate the compliment.”

  His gaze left mine again for a moment before returning. “It would be nice to have family here. Wouldn’t it be nice to be a partner, with Shannon to help us?”

  Was he implying what I thought he was? I couldn’t formulate a suitable response, so I merely nodded and said, “I’m sure everything will work out.”

  He eyed me for another long moment, then nodded. “Well, I’ll let you get back to it.”

  I watched, confused and more than a little irritated as he left my office. If he thought he was going to pressure me into dating his daughter just for a partnership, he had another think coming.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kate

  Across from me, Victoria and Blake chattered away, their heads tipped close together, and I eyed them with envy. They were so different, but so damn good together. I almost felt as if we were imposing on some private moment, despite the fact that they’d invited me along tonight.

  I adjusted the napkin over my lap, and Clay leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear as he spoke. “You good?”

  I lifted my gaze to his. “Yep!”

  I almost cringed at the high-pitched voice that left my mouth, and by the way one brown brow ratcheted upward, it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Clay, either. I scrambled for something to say before he could read any more into the situation than necessary. “So what are you doing again?”

  Beside me, Clay Thompson’s eyes roved the room once more. “Working.”

  “No kidding.” I rolled my eyes. “But what does that mean?”

  Clay let out a low chuckle. “I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

  “I’m supposed to be your cover tonight, but I don’t get to know what you’re doing?” Victoria had called me last night and asked me to tag along to dinner with her and Blake as well as his friend and coworker, Clay. Not one to turn down a dinner I didn’t have to cook, I readily accepted. She’d mentioned that the guys were doing some recon, but she either chose not to elaborate or didn’t know the details. Having met both men now, I was betting on the latter.

  His mouth kicked up in a smirk. “Tailing a cheating husband.”

  “Ooh,” I whispered as I glanced around the room. “Which one?”

  Knowing exactly how it felt to be on the receiving end of that particular situation, I hoped Clay would catch the bastard in action. An almost unnatural glee filled me at the prospect of the man—whoever he was—getting his comeuppance.

  Clay gave a slow shake of his head. “Be a little more obvious, why don’t you?”

  I bit back a smile. “Sorry. Not really cut out for the cloak-and-dagger type stuff.”

  He smiled. “Cloak-and-dagger?”

  “Whatever.” I lifted a shoulder. “You know what I mean.”

  “Mmm...” He pulled out his phone as if to check something, and I watched from the corner of my eye as he took a few discreet photos, then set it down again.

  The curiosity was killing me, and I fought to keep from looking at the man across the room. “Was that him?”

  “Maybe.”

  I turned in my chair to face him fully. “So, what now?”

  He shrugged. “We eat.”

  I stared at him. “But... you only took a few pictures. Couldn’t you have done that from outside?”

  “I could have, but this was easier. People tend to notice a man hanging around outside a restaurant all alone like a creeper.”

  I grinned. That was probably true, especially a man like Clay. Trying to miss that man was like trying to overlook a boulder. “Fair enough. So what’s with Blake and Victoria?”

  The couple across from us didn’t even look up. “Just an extra layer of invisibility. Right now, we’re just a couple on a double date with friends.”

  Made sense, I supposed. I nodded and picked up a roll from the basket, then tore it into tiny pieces. Clay turned quiet again, probably surreptitiously watching his mark, and I popped a piece of the bread into my mouth as I looked around the restaurant.

  It was beautiful, elegant and intimate, the perfect place for a date—a real date. Though the restaurant was popular, I’d never been here before, and I doubted I would be again. I couldn’t help but wish the circumstances were different, that I was here with someone who cared about me.

  “In case I didn’t tell you earlier, I appreciate you coming out with us. Having a good time?”

  I lifted my head and forced a smile. “Fine, thank you.”

  Clay’s tawny eyes studied me for a long moment, then the corners crinkled up in a smile. “You’re a terrible liar, red.”

  “Don’t call me that.”

  His brows lifted, and the smirk on his lips became a full-fledged grin. “I like a woman with some fire.” My lips parted to shut him down, but he cut me off. “Too bad you’re not my type.”

  I jerked back slightly at his words, not sure if I should be relieved or offended. He rested one arm over the back of my
chair and turned his body to fully face me. “You’re beautiful, no doubt about that, but I know a taken woman when I see one.”

  I dropped my gaze and fiddled with the napkin in my lap. “I’m not taken. I’m not seeing anyone.”

  “Not even the guy who can’t take his eyes off you?”

  I snapped my head toward him. “What?”

  At the very same moment, the sensation of being watched tickled at the back of my neck, and I turned to survey the restaurant. Abruptly, like a magnet drawn to steel, my gaze collided with a pair of familiar dark brown eyes, smooth and dark as melted chocolate, and a thousand times more tempting. I wanted to drown in the deep depths. My heart leaped, and my breath caught in my chest as he stared back at me, unblinking. He flicked his eyes toward Clay before returning them to mine, and his brows lowered slightly. Despite our brief interactions, I knew that look. He was pissed.

  I swallowed hard and picked up a glass of water just to give my hands something to do. I took a tentative sip, but the glass trembled in my grasp, and I quickly set it down again.

  “You good?”

  I tipped my face up to Clay, whose expression now registered concern. “I’m fine,” I assured him.

  “You sure? Because if he’s bothering you—”

  I waved one hand in the air, as if batting the thought away. “No, no, nothing like that. He’s not dangerous or anything. He would never hurt me.” Just my heart.

  Clay’s lips pressed into a firm line, and I set a gentle hand on his forearm. “I promise. I appreciate your concern, though. And besides, it was never serious between us.”

  The charismatic smile returned. “Not sure I believe that. Price looks like he wants to rip my face off right now.” Glancing toward Gavin, I snatched my hand away from Clay’s arm. If he’d looked angry earlier, now he looked downright thunderous.

  Suddenly, his words registered. “Wait—you know him?”

  Clay dipped his chin. “Went to school with him.”