A Perfect Homecoming. Lisa Dyson

be it. The scenario made more sense than if it had fallen off during the accident.

      Tom hesitated before answering. “It’s been known to happen.” He consulted his notes. “My investigator says this was a first date for the pair. They’d met through an online dating service.” He looked up at Kyle. “It’s possible the guy didn’t want questions about his addiction. A medical-alert bracelet or even a necklace would have brought up obvious questions.”

      “But we can’t prove that.”

      “Exactly.”

      “I’m positive he had no medical-alert jewelry on his person.” Kyle ran his fingers through his hair.

      “That’s exactly what you should say in the deposition next week. No more, no less.”

      Kyle considered the advice. “Will this actually go to trial?” He’d never been involved in a malpractice suit before.

      “That depends on whether or not we can get any information from the passenger. You know I’ll do whatever I can to make this go away.” He paused and stared at Kyle. “I owe you.”

      “Not true.”

      Back in high school, Tom and Kyle became friends through football. Kyle was the school’s starting quarterback and Tom was the best receiver Grand Oaks High had seen in two decades. He caught balls that most players didn’t even try for.

      Which was how Tom’s football career ended. He’d been scouted by several top football colleges and finally decided to go to the University of Southern California. Unfortunately, he tore up his knee in the second game of his freshman season while stretching full out for a pass, ending his football career.

      Kyle had been there for him, flying to California to see him and later suggesting he transfer to a Virginia school so they could all support him.

      Tom never let Kyle forget how much that meant to him.

      “I’ll let you know if there’s any change in the woman’s condition,” Tom said.

      They spent a few more minutes discussing the deposition before they ended the meeting and went their separate ways.

      Kyle had stepped into the elevator to go to the fourth floor to check on Stan when Ashleigh’s familiar voice called out, “Hold the elevator!”

      Kyle was close enough to the doors to hold them open with his hand as Ashleigh came rushing down the hall.

      “Thanks,” she said breathlessly.

      Did the blood really need to drain from his brain to his crotch because he had a déjà vu moment at the sound of her voice? Okay, not just her voice—that had been her sexy bedroom whisper. The tone she took when she seduced him.

      He inhaled deeply and took control of his body. “How did it go with your patients?”

      “Pretty routine.” She focused on her hands as she folded and unfolded them.

      “What brings you to the hospital?” For some reason he couldn’t be silent on the short elevator ride. “Are you visiting Stan?”

      She shook her head.

      Fine, she didn’t want to talk to him.

      The elevator doors opened on four and Kyle stepped into the hallway. He turned to say goodbye and realized how pale she was. “Are you okay, Ashleigh?” he asked.

      She shrugged, still concentrating on her hands.

      He was about to walk away but instead stepped back into the elevator.

      “What are you doing?” she asked.

      This time their gazes collided and he realized how upset she was.

      “Trying to be considerate.” His words were clipped. “Although you definitely make it difficult.”

      Her eyes widened. “How am I doing that?”

      “By denying that practicing medicine again is one of the most difficult things you’ve done in a long time. That’s how.”

      Her shoulders straightened and she shot back. “What business is it of yours anyway?” The elevator reached her floor and she stepped out before the doors were completely open.

      He gritted his teeth. “You’re right, it’s none of my business. You made it none of my business when you took off for Richmond.” He punched the number for his floor again and the close doors button, but she was already gone.

      * * *

      “DR. WILSON!”

      Ashleigh turned at the male voice calling to her from down the hallway and couldn’t help but smile. She’d just checked on her teenage patient, which had given her a chance to cool down after her run-in with Kyle. Now, seeing her old friend, her mood lightened considerably.

      “Dr. Wilson?” she teased Tom. “Is that how childhood friends greet each other, Attorney Patterson?”

      They hugged and he kissed her cheek. “Good to see you, Ashleigh,” he said. “It’s been too long.” He paused a moment and winked when he added, “And I prefer Thomas Patterson, Esquire.”

      They shared a chuckle and Tom asked, “What brings you back to town? Not enough happening in Richmond?”

      She smiled, surprisingly relaxed as she told him about Paula’s condition. “And now I’m also filling in for Stan Mitchell until he’s ready to come back to work after his heart surgery.”

      “What?” Tom’s eyes widened. “I met with Kyle earlier and he never mentioned any of that.” He checked the time on his watch.

      Ashleigh wasn’t surprised that Kyle hadn’t talked about her being in town. After all, he didn’t want her here in the first place.

      “You had a meeting with him?” she asked. Tom was the hospital lawyer. Could their meeting have been about Kyle’s lawsuit?

      Tom checked his watch again, as if he’d forgotten what time it was a few seconds ago. “I did.” He sounded rushed all of a sudden. “Ashleigh, I have a meeting in ten minutes that I’m probably going to be late for.” He cocked his head. “How about lunch tomorrow?”

      Ashleigh didn’t hesitate. “Name the time and place.” Tomorrow was Saturday, which meant drop-in morning hours at her office, but then she was free. She’d discharged both of her hospital patients, so as of right now she had no hospital rounds to perform. “Maybe a late lunch since I have to work in the morning?” She recalled times when her waiting room was filled with sick children and she hadn’t finished seeing them until midafternoon. Hopefully tomorrow wouldn’t be one of those days.

      “One o’clock at The Tavern?” he suggested.

      “Perfect.” She smiled, then gave him a quick hug. “Thank you,” she whispered close to his ear.

      Puzzlement clouded his eyes when he asked, “What for?”

      She shrugged, a little embarrassed. “I haven’t gotten what you’d call a warm reception since I’ve been back, so I appreciate that you actually want to spend time with me.”

      “Of course I do.” He rubbed her upper arms in a friendly gesture of support. “I could never take sides between you and Kyle. You know that.”

      She did know that. She’d been friends with Tom since they were kids, neighbors on the same street.

      “I can’t imagine not being friends with either of you,” Tom added. “In fact, I’d love to get your opinion on something at lunch tomorrow.”

      Ashleigh’s throat tightened at his sincerity. “Of course. You know our friendship goes both ways.” She’d worried about him after Theresa broke their engagement. Hopefully, enough time had passed and he’d gone on with his life.

      “I know.” He glanced at his watch a third time.