Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue

“I don’t want to put you out. I’m sure your mother needs your help.” Cass didn’t need him thinking she was using that as a ploy to spend more time with him.

“I’m good for now.” Aileen waved a hand. “While you’re gone, Lyle, why don’t you stop by McKinney’s Pub and get Cass one of their pies?” She looked directly at Cass. “Best meat pies you’ll find anywhere.”

Lyle stepped around the table and came to stand beside Cass. His hand touched her back briefly and was gone. He called over his shoulder to his mother, “I’ll do it.”

They worked their way around the people coming and going as they walked in the direction of the door. A couple of times Lyle put a gentle hand in the small of her back while guiding her through the crowd.

“That hat and scarf color is very flattering on you,” he said. “Reminds me of when you blush. Your cheeks turn that shade.” He grinned as their gazes met. “Like right now.”

The compliment gave her a luscious warm throughout her body like a hot drink heating her from the inside out.

They exited the building and turned left down the street. As they continued walking toward the other end of the village green they approached a monument. It consisted of a tall narrow shaft encircled by steps. On top was a small statue.

“What’s this?” Cass stopped and studied it.

“It’s a Mercat Cross. They have been used in Scotland since the eleven-hundreds to distinguish the right by the monarch to hold a market or fair. They were symbols of authority. There’re aren’t many of them left now. We’re rather proud of ours.”

“That’s interesting.” She liked learning historical facts about places she went.

“They’re not only places for merchants to meet but places where state and civic proclamations would be made. Even to this day in Edinburgh the town crier will still make proclamations on occasions.”

She looked up to where the statue stood on top. “I would love to hear one sometime.”

“Maybe you will one day.”

Cass doubted that. She wouldn’t be here long enough for that to happen.

They moved on in comfortable silence until they made their way through the crowd and out into the open again.

“So how have your last few days of working with the dogs gone?”

Cass glanced over at him. “Don’t you already know? I figured you’ve been checking up on me.”

Lyle chuckled. “I have, but I’d like to hear from you.”

She appreciated his honestly. “It’s going better than I expected. I admit it was tough to get started, but I’m getting used to the dogs and them to me.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He did sound pleased, as if her happiness really mattered to him.

She couldn’t say she was happy yet, but she’d moved the needle that direction. “You’re not really surprised, are you?”

“Not really. Canine therapy has proved very effective. Even on those who are resistant.” He gave her a knowing look.

“Is that your way of saying I told you so?” Somehow she didn’t mind if he did. This was the best she had felt since before the accident. Her thoughts weren’t so dark anymore.

Lyle stopped in front of a shop built of brown timber. The upper half of the door had four window panes. A Christmas wreath hung low beneath the glass. Attached above the door was a swag of greenery entwined with red ribbon. On either side of the door were display windows filled with boots, coats and other outdoor wear. All of it was arranged to create the impression of presents under a Christmas tree.

Lyle opened the door for her. “The shoes are at the back on the right.”

Cass followed him down a narrow aisle lined with high shelves stuffed with items. The dim lighting added to the alluring atmosphere. The place smelled of wood oil and pine. Cass inhaled, taking it deep into her lungs. It reminded her of Lyle. She was enchanted with the shop. In fact, she was charmed by everything about the Heatherglen area, including Lyle. What was happening to her?

They arrived at the back of the shop. There in one corner was a small wooden bench along with boxes of boots piled on the floor.

Lyle stretched to his full height and looked over the shelves. “Apparently Mr. Stewart isn’t around. We’ll have a look at these and he should be back soon. He must have stepped out for lunch. I have experience with this so we’ll just help ourselves.”

Cass lowered her chin, eyeing him dubiously. “You’ve been a shoe salesman?”

He gave her an indignant look. “I worked here when I came home on school breaks.”

“Oh. So you are a jack-of-all-trades.”

He stepped toward the boxes. “I wouldn’t exactly say that, but I can handle reading shoeboxes. What’s your size?”

“Eight and a half, US.” She sat on the bench.

Lyle nodded and studied them a moment. Moving a couple, he pulled one out. “I hope I made the European to American conversion correctly. Give these a try and we’ll see.”

She took the box from him and opened it. Removing her shoes, Cass pulled the new boot on her right foot. She stood and wiggled her toes. “Nicely done. Feels good but I would really rather have them in black.”

“I aim to please. Let me see what I can find.” Lyle shifted around a few boxes. With a bright smile on his handsome face, he handed her a box.

Cass sat on the bench again and started trying on the second boot.

“What’s your favorite color?” Lyle asked, his back to her as he straightened boxes.

“Why?”

“You need some good socks.” He studied her with visible curiosity.

She continued trying on her new boots. “Blue.”

He moved down the wall and seconds later handed her a pair of thick socks. “These’ll keep your feet warm and wick the moisture away. I promise you’ll like them.”

Cass removed the boots and her socks then pulled on the new ones. “I can already tell the difference.” She flexed her foot then slipped her foot into the boot. Nice. Quickly she pulled on the other boot and laced them both up.

Standing, she walked back and forth a couple of times, testing the feel of the footwear. “You know, if you ever decide to give up medicine you could have a future as a personal shopper.”

Lyle gave a regal bow. “Thank you. I have to say with complete confidence that’s the first time anyone has suggested that to me.”

They both laughed.

When was the last time she’d laughed like this? How had she not noticed it slipping away?

She liked Lyle’s relaxed view of life. With his job and military background she marveled he wasn’t uptight and domineerin

g. Instead he seemed to accept life as it came and made the most of it whenever he could. Cass needed more of that in her world.

Lyle had a way of making her smile, and she also needed more of that right now. However, she must not start depending on him to make her feel better. She had to depend on herself. She had to regain her strength. Be strong.

If she opened up to him any further, leaving him would be a new trauma, one she knew she couldn’t handle. Her job certainly didn’t lend itself to an easygoing and emotional personality. Even when she was at home her focus had been on working with Rufus to keep them both sharp. Had the men in her life been right? Did she live too closed off? Had been concentrating on her job and Rufus more than she should have?

“You want to keep those on?” He picked up the box.

“I believe I will. Start breaking them in.” Cass picked up her other shoes and placed them in the box while Lyle held it. She met his gaze. “By the way, what’s your favorite color?”

“Green.” His eyes didn’t waver. “I’m particularly fond of the shade of green of your eyes.”

Her breath caught. “Are you flirting with me?”

“What if I am?” He took the box and set it on the bench. “I’ve been thinking about that kiss.”

A tingle ran through her. “You shouldn’t.”

“What? Think about it or think about doing it again?”

“Both, ” she squeaked.

“Why?” His voice turned gravelly, went soft. Lyle stepped toward her.

Because she was damaged. Because she was scared. Because she couldn’t handle caring about anything or anyone again. “Because I’m leaving soon.”

“Cass, we can share an interest in each other without it becoming a lifelong commitment. I’d like to get to know you better. Couldn’t we be friends? Enjoy each other’s company while you’re here?”