White Wedding for a Southern Belle by Susan Carlisle Page A

cleared up then I’ll get back to my patients.”
    â€œBefore you go I have one other thing to discuss with you.” Her voice had taken on the tone of authority again.
    â€œYes?” He looked down his nose at her.
    â€œNext Saturday is the community block party. You will need to attend.”
    â€œIs that a request or a demand?”
    Ashley’s eyes widened. “Why, I’m asking.”
    â€œThat’s not what it sounded like.”
    â€œAre you trying to pick a fight, Doctor?”
    He leaned toward her. “No, I’m just trying to remind you that I’m not one of your subjects.”
    â€œS-subjects?” she stuttered.
    Ashley truly looked as if she had no idea she’d become so wrapped up in what she wanted that she’d forgotten that others might have different ideas or plans. “I’m not employed by you. I like to be asked to do something, not told. Especially when it has to do with my spare time.”
    She huffed. “Would you please come to the block party?”
    He acted as if he was giving it a great deal of thought before he said, “I’ll be there. Do I need to bring something?”
    â€œNo, all the food will be taken care of. I just need the neighborhood to see you as part of them.”
    â€œI understand. Now, if you’re through with me, I have patients waiting.” He stepped toward the door, stopped and returned to face her. His hands cupped her face. “You know, it’s time I get this out of my system.” His mouth found hers. It was as sweet and perfect as he remembered.
    Ashley made a small sound of resistance before she returned his kiss. Her hands went to his forearms and squeezed.
    Yes, that fire was still there. Flaming.
    He let her go almost as abruptly as he had taken her. She rocked back on her heels.
    Ashley raised her head, giving him a haughty look. “I have an appointment downtown.”
    Kiefer opened the door and spread an arm wide, indicating for her to leave first. Her shoulder brushed his chest as she moved past him. A buzz of awareness shot through him. To make it worse, her scent lingered behind her. He licked his lips.
    He enjoyed pushing Ashley Marsh’s buttons. She exasperated and intrigued him at the same time. As for kissing Ashley, it was far from being out of his system. All he could think about now was doing it again.
    * * *
    Three evenings later Ashley was in her kitchen, preparing a simple dinner after a long day of ensuring that the plans for the block party were properly handled. She wanted the event to go off without a glitch, providing another step toward community solidarity and pride.
    She hadn’t seen or spoken to Kiefer since their last discussion. Or kiss. Boy, the man could kiss. Where the first one they’d shared had been hot, this last one had been steamy and delicious, and far too short. She still didn’t remember her drive downtown.
    If she was honest with herself she might admit she’d been dodging Kiefer. Something about him unnerved her. Made her want to let go of something she’d fought hard to earn. Could she believe in him? Trust him to be who he seemed to be?
    She’d thanked him for the new security light more than once. It had been reassuring that she didn’t have to worry about coming home to no light other than the one over her door. It was also nice to have someone to help her out. She liked it that he’d seen to replanting the flowers. Somehow it made a statement that the clinic and he were here to stay, at least for a while. But how long would that be for? Should she let herself depend on Kiefer? Dared she? She’d trusted people before and been wrong. Could she be wrong again?
    His truck was still in his parking space when she’d come home. She’d made a point not to go into the clinic. Kiefer was correct—it was his domain and not hers to oversee.
    As she chopped the vegetables on the cutting board beside