Hey, wait, he said. Were all going to dinner in an hour. Youre coming, too.
She cocked her head, not liking the way he told her what she was doing. I dont think so.
You have to eat. And from what the others were telling me, this might be the last normal meal well get until were back here.
I dont want to stay out late.
The excuse was lame. She had no real reason not to join them other than she just wasnt good in casual settings. She didnt do the chitchatty, surface deal that Joyce was so good at. She hadnt learned the fine art of conversation. Living on the street, it wasnt a prioritywondering where the next meal was coming from was. She gave another prayer of thanks for Claire and the teen shelter shed created, which helped get her off the street.
I promise I wont keep you out long. He stepped into the bathroom. Ill come get you in an hour. With that he shut the door.
Gwen frowned. He was awfully pushy, but she couldnt deny that eating alone as usual wasnt appealing. Maybe it was time to step out of her comfort zone and try to have a casual dinner out with the team.
Her team.
She had to keep reminding herself that she was in charge and responsible for the success of the mission and the safety of the people. A heavy load, but one she willingly bore.
An hour later, there was a knock on the door to her room. Her heart leaped and she forced herself to stay calm. This wasnt a date. She wouldnt be alone with Derek. Still she smoothed a hand over the skirt shed brought to wear to church in the village.
She opened the door expecting to see Derek and found only Craig and Joyce standing in the hall.
Disappointment spiraled through Gwen and she forced the silly emotion down. She had no business caring one way or another about Dereks whereabouts.
Still the anxious flutter of nerves warned her that she wasnt as unaffected by him as she wanted to be. Not good. Not good at all.
Gwen forced a smile and stepped into the hall. Hi, guys. Where are the other two?
Ned and Derek went on ahead to secure a table, Joyce explained as they headed down the stairs.
Boy, Im starved. Craig held open the door for the ladies. Gwen smiled at him as she left the hostel, liking his gentlemanly manners.
Joyce had changed into a pair of linen pants and a bright pink tank top that showed off her creamy complexion. Her dark hair curled in appealing ringlets. Craig had shaved, his young face looking even more boyish. His jeans and polo shirt could have used an iron.
They walked two blocks to a quaint restaurant called Monicas. The entryway boasted dark mahogany wood and antique furnishings. Waiters with white aprons hustled about. Tantalizing aromas hung in the air and Gwens stomach rumbled.
At a white linen-covered table near the back Derek waved them over. He looked good, with his freshly washed hair and clean-shaven face, though there was nothing boyish about Derek. His broad shoulders filled out his silk blue shirt. He looked solid and sturdy. The type who liked to be in control.
Gwen hung back slightly, unsure where to sit.
Derek stood and pulled out a chair for Joyce and then turned to her. Here you go. He pulled out the chair next to where hed been sitting.
Thanks, she murmured as she sat. Awareness tingled over her arms. She shivered.
He folded himself back into his chair. Cold?
She shook her head and picked up the menu. Traditional British Cuisine the top read. This is an interesting place. How did you find it?
Derek picked up his own menu. Damon suggested it.
Get a load of this food, Craig commented.
The one-page menu didnt offer a great deal of choice but each dish listed was described in captivating detail, complete with its particular historical background. Gwen put her menu down. She swallowed a lump of dread. Nothing on the menu was traditional for her.
Ooo. Calfs liver and beetroot. Yum, Joyce said with a wince that indicated she thought the dish anything but appealing.
A young woman approached their table. Her short spiked hair was tipped blue and one earring dangled from her right earlobe. Ready to order? she asked, her accent making it clear she was a local.
Each member of the team ordered something different from the traditional menu.
Then it was Gwens turn. She could feel the attention on her. Do you have just fish and chips?
The waitress sighed. Yes.
Oh, come on. Try the Arbroath Smokie with me, Derek said, his green eyes steady on her. Its haddock, smoked over an open fire. Youd like it.
She frowned at the description. No, I wouldnt.
To the waitress, she stated firmly, The fish and chips, please.
Better to go with something shed had before than risk ordering something that she couldnt eat and wasting the food.
Once the girl left, the conversation flowed easily enough. First with mundane get-to-know-you type things. Education, home towns and hobbies. Gwen participated a little, giving short evasive answers that made her sound an awful lot like Ned. She almost giggled, but managed to rein her amusement in.
But the small talk was wearing.
Soon the conversation turned to politics and became more animated as they discussed state issues and abuse of natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. Their food arrived and the conversation died down as they all concentrated on their meals.
Here, try this, Derek said as he offered her a forkful of his haddock.
She wrinkled her nose. No. Too fishy. Using the excuse of the fish, she backed away from the intimacy of his offering her food from his plate.
How can you say that without tasting it?
I can smell it.
Be adventurous. Just taste it.
I am adventurous. You stop being so pushy. She glared at him, but found it hard to be mad when his green eyes sparkled with amusement as he ate the bite intended for her.
When they left the restaurant, Joyce said she wanted to see some sights. Craig and Ned said theyd go, as well.
Count me in, Derek said. Gwen?
She shook her head. I need to sleep.
Thought you said you were adventurous?
There was challenge in his tone and she chafed against the need to prove to him that she could be adventurous. We all should rest for the trip.
We can rest on the plane, Derek replied. We wont stay out too late. Come on. How often do you get to just play?
She felt torn between what she thought she should do and what she really wanted to do. She wanted to go, to be a part of the group, and see London at night.
To play.
But wouldnt the more responsible, practical course be to turn in?
Of course, this could be a perfect opportunity to talk to Derek about how the group provides healing in so many ways beyond just the physical. So much was riding on this mission. She wanted to make Doc Harper proud and fulfill his wishes. She wanted to be a good leader.
All right. Lets go.
The group set out. Ned, Craig and Joyce led the way while Derek walked along with Gwen. She and Derek lagged slightly behind the others. She found herself relaxing and enjoying his lively humor as she took in the sightsthe spectacular Tower Bridge spanning the Thames, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
His stories of growing up on Bainbridge Island, where his parents still resided enthralled her. It sounded so Leave it to Beaver-ish. So far removed from her own experiences as a homeless teen.
His stories of growing up on Bainbridge Island, where his parents still resided enthralled her. It sounded so Leave it to Beaver-ish. So far removed from her own experiences as a homeless teen.
Someone in the office said youre a world-class marathon runner.
He shrugged. Ive had some success.
She waited, expecting him to expound on his successes. He didnt. She liked that. She forced herself to remember why she hadnt returned to the hostel. The place we are going in Africa is very far removed from the rest of the world. You hear so much about AIDS in Africa, but malaria cases are more rampant worldwide. For many, Hands of Healing is the only hope of medical care they have.
You dont have to sell me on the importance of why were going, he stated softly.
No, she supposed she didnt. He was his fathers son after all, but then why did Dr. Harper feel it necessary to ask her to promise to try to make Derek see that the healing they brought went beyond the physical? Shouldnt Derek already know that?
Tell me more about you, he said.
Not much to tell. Born in Portland, Oregon. Went to med school at OSHU in Portland. Pretty boring really, she said, hoping he wouldnt push for more details.
She didnt share the pain of her childhood with anyone, let alone a man who had a perfect upbringing with loving parents. He wouldnt understand.
The group stopped in front of a large cathedral. The spire rose heavenward and was lit from within. The big stone structure made Gwen feel small and insignificant against the history and power of faith that the building represented.
We should get back before we all turn into pumpkins, Joyce announced on a yawn.
Everyone agreed and returned to the hostel. As late as it was, Gwen didnt feel exhausted or tired. She could have stayed out all night and been fine. The time spent with Derek and the others had been unexpectedly fun.
In the hall to their rooms they said good-night. Craig and Ned disappeared inside their rooms. Joyce lingered a moment then she, too, went inside her room, leaving Gwen and Derek alone in the hall.
See, that wasnt so bad, Derek teased.
She smiled. It was nice to play. Thanks for talking me into going with you guys.
He shrugged. All work and no play, as they say.
Remembering Joyces earlier comment, Gwen impulsively asked, Do you find me dull?
His gaze touched her face and lingered on her lips. Not all at. I find you fascinating.
She swallowed the unexpected lump in her throat. You do?
He nodded.
Had he moved closer? Against logic, against her ingrained sense of self-preservation, she swayed slightly toward him as if some invisible force was pulling her forward. Her gaze took in his features, memorizing the angle of his nose, the planes of his cheekbones. The fullness of his lips.
He gave her a crooked grin as his head dipped. She steadied herself, waiting, wondering, and fought the need to run, to protect herself.
Her eyes closed and her hands fisted in an effort to stay put. The air felt heavy as he came closer. Her breath hitched as old fears and unwanted memories battered at her consciousness.
His lips gently pressed against her forehead.
Her eyelids jerked open as confusion and then disappointment rushed in, filling her lungs to bursting.
Good night, Gwen. Ill see you in the morning, he said before he turned and went into his own room.
She blinked. She put her hand to her hot cheeks.
What just happened?
For a brief moment shed wanted him to kiss her. And he had. Only not in the way shed expected.
Dope! Where would a kiss have led anyway?
Nowhere that she intended to go. That was for sure.
Becoming involved with her bosss son was not something she was going to let happen.
Period.
End of story.
She fled to the sanctuary of her little room, wondering why she felt so let down.
By him or herself?
Chapter Three
The next morning Gwen awoke groggy from too little deep sleep. She didnt regret spending the time the night before with the others. The bonding could only be good for the team.
She tried to analyze her feelings for Derek. He confused her and intrigued her. He obviously was ambitious and driven, yet there was a wildness in him that kept her on edge.
She had to keep a tight grip on the magnetic pull he had on her. Yes, he was good-looking. But more than that, something about him called to a restlessness inside her that she refused to unleash.
Best to keep a strictly professional demeanor around him and not form any sort of attachment.
With that settled in her mind, she dressed in black, stretchy yoga pants and a bright pink, long, lace-edged tunic T-shirt, then packed up and went to join the group in the common room where they were munching on scrambled eggs and toast. She immediately noticed Dereks absence.
Wheres Derek?
Craig, sitting on the couch drinking from a water bottle, shrugged. Hed shaved and his dark hair was pulled back into its customary ponytail. His cargo pants and rust-colored Henley shirt made him look as though he was ready to go skateboarding rather than head to Africa.
Took a run. Now showering, Ned replied before stuffing his mouth with a bite of toast. He wore Bermuda shorts and a solid orange, short-sleeved button-down shirt. The outfit suggested he was a vacationer ready to go sightseeing, not travel halfway around the globe to help those less fortunate than himself.
Joyce dipped a tea bag in hot water. Her apparel was much more understateddark jeans and a striped T-shirt. Her dark curls were stuffed under her hat. Shed applied a touch of makeup to accentuate her classical bone structure and wide eyes. I wish Id known he was going for a run. Id have joined him.
An unfamiliar sensation slid down Gwens spine. She frowned and shook it off before pouring some hot water from a silver pot into a flowered china cup. Whatever developed between Joyce and Derek was none of her business. Her only concern was to make sure he understood the work and came away appreciating the importance of what they did.
I hope hes ready soon, she said to no one in particular.
You dont have to worry about me.
Gwens whole being went on alert. She slowly pivoted and watched Derek come into the room wearing flat-front khaki shorts and a white, short-sleeved shirt hanging open over a print screen T-shirt of a basketball player making a jump shot. He exuded confidence and health. With his smooth square jaw and freshly blow-dried hair, he could easily be a model for some sports and fitness magazine.
Gwen forced her gaze from his long muscular legs to his eyes which glinted with a knowing amusement. As if hed sensed her attraction before she had even become aware of it.
Good, she said in a decisive tone that hid the pounding of her heartfar from a professional reaction to the man.
Derek gave her a short nod as he moved past her to the table where the food had been set out. He put a piece of toast on a plate and then poured himself a cup of coffee.
Gwen drank her tea while the group chatted and finished up their breakfast. After paying for their stay they were off to Heathrow. Though Derek was considerate and charming, Gwen sensed a distance that hadnt been there the night before. He didnt tease her or flash his grin at all.