Craving Her Ex-Army Doc

Men seemed to gravitate to her because she was a socialite and came from money. It was all about status for them, and as she was too focused on her career, she never pursued a man on her own and she never made the time to look for a man beyond her parents’ circles.

Single life was so much easier.

And lonely.

“Do you know how to ski?” he asked disparagingly, breaking her chain of thoughts.

“No.” Then she groaned inwardly at the thought of going back outside in the cold.

“I thought as much,” he said condescendingly. “Well, I’ll give you a few minutes to suit up so we can head out.”

It was the tone that sparked a vivid memory for her suddenly. She could see those dark blue eyes glittering above a surgical mask. Defying her.

Get out of my OR!

Not on your life.

No way. It couldn’t be him. It just couldn’t be him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Don’t like the cold?”

“It’s not that. I think I know you.”

He smiled. “Do you?”

“What’s your name?” she asked.

Don’t be him. Don’t be him.

Then he grinned like the cat who’d got the cream. “Dr. Luke Ralston.”

Damn, but then she was ticked. She’d put that memory of her time in Missoula far from her mind, not giving it much of a second thought because, really, what did it matter? She was in New York, let Luke Ralston have Montana.

Besides, Shane Draven had pulled through.

It was all trivial. Except now she was in Montana, working on their patient’s uncle’s resort and Dr. Luke Ralston was her coworker? This was a totally messed-up situation. Something she was not comfortable with.

“You knew exactly who I was.”

Luke shrugged. “Not at first, but when you fell into my arms it all came back to me.”

“And you didn’t say anything? Like, maybe, ‘Hey, we know each other, we’ve worked together before’ or something like that?”

He shrugged again and then hooked his thumbs into the belt loops on the waist of his tight, tight jeans. “What does it matter?”

“It matters a lot. You’re a jerk!”

“Why am I a jerk? I mean, I did save you from probably concussing yourself or something.”

“You were the guy I talked to in the hallway in Missoula. When I asked who Dr. Ralston was, you said you didn’t know where he was. You lied to me.”

“I didn’t really want to argue with you in the hallway. I was on my way to the ICU to check on my patient. To make sure he pulled through surgery.”

“He was my patient.”

He grinned, smugly. “I brought him down off that mountain. He was my patient. You were just a locum surgeon. You didn’t stay to make sure he made it through the night. You headed back east, to wherever you came from. I knew nothing about you and I didn’t trust you. Of course, now you’re going to be a regular here in town.”

“Had I known there was a Ralston in Crater Lake I would’ve turned the job down.”

Luke chuckled. “You must’ve taken this job on an impulse, then.”

“Why do you say that?”

“If you’d researched Crater Lake you’d realize the family practice in town is run by a Ralston. I wasn’t really hiding my identity. Not in my town.”

Damn. He was right. She hadn’t really looked to see what physicians were in town. She’d taken the job so quickly. She’d just been so eager to get out of New York City and away from her father’s control. Crater Lake had sounded like a nice small town, and a job catering to the rich and famous in a resort had sounded perfect. It was a chance to prove herself to those who moved in her parents’ circles.

Then maybe she could step out of her father’s shadow. She wouldn’t be Sarah Ledet, New York heiress and daughter of Vin Ledet, one of the wealthiest men on the eastern seaboard. She’d be Dr. Ledet, physician.

“You’re regretting your decision to take this job, aren’t you?” Luke asked. “I can see it on your face. You look absolutely horrified.”

“Not the job, just who I have to work with.”

He grinned and then laughed. “You’re still a spitfire.”

“Spitfire?”

“It’s a compliment.”

Sarah tried not to smile. She didn’t want to smile. He was the jerk who’d disrupted her OR, given her a hard time and then lied to her. He was the one who’d questioned her surgical procedure and every move she’d made on that patient until she’d snapped. Only his smile had been infectious and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed, even though she was ticked off that it was him. The thorn in her side from last summer, standing right there in her office.

She should just throw him out. As she should have done from her OR.

When she glanced back up at him the lighthearted mood had changed. He looked annoyed and uncomfortable.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

“Something changed. Just a moment ago you were complimenting me and joking. Now you look annoyed.”

“I’m annoyed we’re wasting the light standing around pointing fingers.”

“Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Well, I would gear up. I don’t have all day to wait around for you.” He walked out of her office leaving her standing there absolutely confused.

What had just happened?

Sarah wasn’t sure, but she knew it would be best to keep her distance from Luke Ralston, though that was going to be tricky seeing how she was about to be dragged out on the mountain in the bitter cold with a man who was a little bit dangerous.

Not just a little bit dangerous.

A lot.

CHAPTER TWO

DAMN. IT HAD to be the spitfire.

Luke had forgotten all about her when he’d returned to Crater Lake after Shane Draven had pulled through. For a while he’d thought of that trauma surgeon he’d butted heads with in Missoula, but as he’d dealt with the last messy stages of his divorce, he’d put her from his mind.

Dealing with his ex just reminded him of all the reasons why he didn’t trust women or romantic entanglements.

It hurt too much, but Christine wasn’t the only reason. Hurt went both ways. He liked his life too much and part of that was doing risky things to save lives up on the mountain.

He’d given up his life in the army for a woman he loved and look how that turned out.

To live the life he’d made for himself since leaving the army, he couldn’t have love. He wouldn’t give up his life for anyone.

He threw himself completely into his work and avoided hanging around the town of Crater Lake as much as possible. It was bad enough being divorced, but having your ex-wife and former best friend, who was now your ex’s husband, living and working in the town you grew up in was a little too much for him.

The problem was, his former best friend was the town sheriff. That was why they were staying in Crater Lake, but Luke wouldn’t be driven out of town.

He’d grown up here. He was going to stay here.

And an injury to his leg during an avalanche last winter prevented him from returning to active duty, even after giving up his commission.

Besides, he preferred being up on the mountain.

He liked being alone in his cabin. He liked the work; though he missed surgery and envied Carson just a bit for seeing patients every day, there was no way he could’ve chained himself to a desk, to an office or a hospital. He would suffocate, but he’d been willing to do it for Christine.

Maybe if you hadn’t joined the army Christine wouldn’t have left. Maybe you could’ve been happy.

Only his call of duty had been strong. He’d always wanted to serve and further his medical education in the army. And Christine had known that when they’d got together.

Luke cursed under his breath.

No, she would’ve left. Just as he hadn’t wanted to change the course of his career, Christine hadn’t wanted to be his wife. Of course now he wasn’t a soldier, but by the time his career in the army was over Christine was over him.

No, he wasn’t going to think about her. She’d broken his heart and he wouldn’t let her or anyone else make him feel that way again.

Why did it have to be her? Why did it have to be the spitfire?

Silas hadn’t told him the name of the physician who would be working at the resort. All he’d said was that she was from out east and had asked if Luke could train her on mountain survival and survival medicine.

She’s from money, Ralston. I’m sure she’s been on skis, but probably not in a way that would satisfy your sensibilities.

Which was why Luke was here. It was just fate was a bit sick and twisted by making that physician Dr. Ledet, the surgeon he’d butted heads with.

As if dealing with her in the summer wasn’t enough? Maybe it was karma? He’d teased Carson when Esme Petersen had come to town. Perhaps this was retribution?

The only difference was Carson had found love with Esme and Luke was not looking for that at all.

Carson hadn’t been looking, either.

“Is this okay?”

Luke shook that little voice from his head and glanced over at Sarah. She had a good parka on, waterproof mitts, a hat with ear flaps, boots, but nothing on her legs except black stretchy pants that fit her curves like a glove. His blood heated.

Think about something else.

“Where are your snow pants?” Luke asked, tearing his gaze away from her. He didn’t want to look at her at the moment. He had to regain control.

“Snow pants?”

“Don’t you ski?”

“I told you before, no. I’ve never skied.”

“Doesn’t every eastern WASP rich girl ski? Isn’t that what the Poconos are for?”

Her stare was icy cold and she put her hands on those curvy hips. Hips he’d thought about touching himself. “Excuse me?”

Luke groaned. He wasn’t going to get in an argument with her. “You need snow pants. If you fall out there and your pants get wet there’s no way we’re turning around so you can change. I’m here to teach you survival skills. If you were out there on your own, there would be no option to change. You’d freeze to death.”

Sarah still looked as if she were going to skewer him alive. “Fine. I’ll find some snow pants, but, really, stereotyping me, that was so not cool.”

“If the shoe fits.”

She cocked her eyebrows and smirked. “Oh, really? Didn’t we have this argument in the summer? I seem to recall bits and pieces of it …”

He groaned. “Fine. You’re right. I did accuse you of stereotyping me. I apologize, but, really, put on some snow pants before we lose the light.”

“Fine and, for your information, not all of us ‘rich girls’ ski. Some of us prefer yachts and sailing.” She winked and then disappeared into her office again.

Luke rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help but laugh to himself. He still admired her spunk.

When she came out of her office again, she was properly attired.

“Good, now let’s get down to the ski shack and get geared up. I’m going to take you up the first of the four main trails at this resort.”

Sarah fell into step behind him; the only sound was the swishing of the nylon fabric rubbing together as they walked down the hall and outside. Luke tried not to laugh, because just under that sound was some muttering. And maybe some bad words, but he couldn’t quite tell.

“I feel like a marshmallow,” she mumbled. “Do I look like one?”

“Yes. You do, but it will keep you warm.” He helped open the door to outside. “Ms. Marshmallow.”

With a huff Sarah pushed past him out into the snow. “You’re a bit of a jerk. Has anyone ever told you that?”

“Several people.”

There was a twinkle to her eye and she smiled slightly. “Good.”

“Well, now that’s all settled. Let’s get the skis on and head out.” He led the way to the ski shack, which was closed up. It would open on more regular hours when the resort had its official grand opening on Valentine’s Day. Right now, Luke had full run of it and of all the equipment.

It was one of the perks he liked about working for Silas Draven. He wasn’t a huge fan of skiing, but cross-country skiing on the mountain trails was the only way to access some of the remote residents of Crater Lake. His horse just couldn’t handle the deep snow that collected on the side of the mountain in the winter.

And he would never put his horse in the way of a possible avalanche.

He glanced over to the southern peak, to the forest that was thick, before it disappeared into the alpine zone of the mountain. Old Nestor lived up in that dense forest.

Nestor was a hermit. He liked to live off the grid and away from everyone else. Luke admired him and went to check on him often. Nestor was the one who’d taught him many things about surviving on the mountain, since Nestor had been living up on the mountain for as long as Luke could remember and before that.

Only, Nestor was getting old and in the winter the cold bothered him something fierce. So Luke was thankful for access to skis and snowshoes. It made checking on Nestor that much easier.

He unlocked the door and headed over to the rack.

“Oh, cool! Snowshoes,” Sarah remarked. “I’ve always wanted to try them.”

“Really?” he asked, surprised.

She nodded. “Anything to make walking on snow easier.”

“Snowshoeing is just as much work as skiing. Skis can move you faster.”

“Yeah, but cross-country skis don’t go uphill. You said you wanted me to learn how to access trails and stuff. Shouldn’t I be snowshoeing?”

She’s got a point. Skiing will only get you so far.

“You’re right,” Luke admitted. “Okay. We’ll add snowshoes to our pack.”

“Pack?”

Luke picked up the large rucksack that he’d stuffed full of emergency and survival gear. The pack was probably half the size of Sarah and when he held it up to her, her eyes widened and her mouth opened for a moment in surprise.

Then she shrugged. “Sure. That’s reasonable. Just out of curiosity, though, what’s in it?”

“Don’t you know?”

She glared at him. “Really?”

“You should know.”

“I don’t. I’ve never lived near a mountain. I’m from Manhattan.”

Luke shook his head. “Hey, I was trying not to stereotype you.”

“I ought to slug you.”

He laughed at that. He couldn’t help himself; it was easy to tease her. He was enjoying the banter. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop.”

She crossed her arms. “Fine or I could start talking about mountain men.”

“What do you know about mountain men?” he asked.

Sarah shook her head. “Tell me what’s in the bag.”

Luke knelt down and unzipped it. “This is a standard pack to help you survive in a winter climate on the mountain.”

“So I’ll only need to carry around this stuff in the winter?”

“No,” Luke said. “Some things can be left behind, but if you’re working up near the Alpine zone or higher, you’d be surprised how cold it can get even in the heat of summer.”

“Okay, so always be prepared for snow?”

He nodded. “Yep. So in this pack you have your essentials like first-aid kit. The only thing I haven’t packed in here is a change of clothes for you so I just packed some of my old clothes. If worse comes to worst you can always wear those.”

Her cheeks reddened slightly, as if she was blushing, but Luke could’ve been wrong. It could’ve been the wind.

She cleared her throat. “Go on.”

“Canteen for water.”

“What about melting snow?”

Luke cocked an eyebrow. “You’re going to need something to carry it in. I also have a pot, ice pick, rope, matches, GPS, topographical map of the area, one day’s worth of rations, sleeping bag and an axe.”

“It’s like you’re camping.”

“If you get lost out there, yeah, you’ll be ‘camping’ until help arrives.” Then he held out something he was sure she’d never seen before. “This is one of the most important things.”

“A compass?”

“Close. It’s an altimeter.”

“A what?” she asked.

“It’s a barometric altimeter. It measures changes in atmosphere. The higher you go, the lower the pressure is. If your GPS or compass isn’t working, this can be used along with the map to determine where you are. I’ll show you how to use it.”

“Good, because seriously my eyes were glazing over there for a second.” She laughed nervously and he handed her the altimeter to look at. “Though, really, won’t you know if you’re at the top of the mountain? How can you get lost if you’re up there?”

“You can get lost all right and if you’re not used to high altitude you can get acute mountain sickness. Dr. Petersen in town suffered from it last year. Just ask her.”

“Dr. Petersen? There’s a female doctor in town? I thought the other doctor was your brother.”

“Dr. Petersen is a cardio surgeon. She’s opened a clinic in partnership with my brother. She sees a lot of heart patients from around this area.”

“Huh, I wonder what would make a cardio-thoracic surgeon settle down in a place like this,” Sarah wondered out loud. “I mean, the nearest hospital is quite a bit away.”

“Why did you?” Luke asked.

The question caught her off guard, because she blushed again and quickly started examining the altimeter.

Did it really matter?

It shouldn’t matter to him, but he couldn’t help but wonder why. There weren’t many single people in Crater Lake. It was small. When they’d first got together, Christine had wanted to stay in Crater Lake, and when he got his posting to Germany she wouldn’t go with him. She didn’t want to live on a base. She didn’t want to be an army wife. So she’d decided to stay and start a family with Anthony.

A family he wanted so desperately.

A family he was never going to have.

Don’t think about it.

“Come on, I’ll pack the snowshoes, as well. We have some distance to travel and some more stuff I have to show you before it gets too dark, and it gets dark here early.” He took the altimeter back from her and packed it in the knapsack.

He didn’t have time to focus on the past. To focus on his past hurts or the things he would never have.

He was here to do a job and that was to show Dr. Sarah Ledet how to survive on the mountain. That was all. Once he’d done that, he never had to see her again and he was going to make sure that happened.

Sarah thought her lungs were going to burst. She was sweaty and exhausted. Parts of her that she hadn’t even known existed ached and each breath was harder to take.

At least I’m not cold.

She just shook her head and leaned up against a tree as Luke set their skis against a fence line that ran on one side of the trail. He glanced over at her.

“You okay? You look tired.”

Of course I’m tired, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. All her life she’d been labelled and she’d had enough of it.

“I’m fine. Just catching my breath.”

He frowned. “If you get a headache or feel ill, let me know right away. That’s a sign of mountain sickness.”

“Will do.” She didn’t feel sick and didn’t have a headache. All she was was sweaty and tired. “You said Dr. Petersen had this? How did she get over it?”

“You get off the mountain.”

“I live on the mountain.”

Luke chuckled. “You don’t live that far up the mountain, though.”

“I thought it was pretty high up, considering I used to live pretty close to sea level.”

“Never thought about it that way.” Luke pulled out the snowshoes that had been strapped to the back of the enormous pack Sarah had had on her back, which was now resting under a fir tree on a bed of needles so as not to get wet.

Maybe she was picking up mountain survival a bit.

“You ready for snowshoeing?”

Sarah groaned. “How about we head for home? I’m sure it will be faster downhill on our skis.”

Luke chuckled. “We’ll head down soon enough. I want to see you practice on these. Just up the trail the snow gets pretty deep. Too deep for skis.”

“No one lives up that trail.”

“Right, not now, but when this trail is groomed regularly and a lone cross-country skier or snowshoer gets injured or lost up there, you’re going to have to know how to get to them.”

Sarah sighed, but then took the snowshoes and strapped them on. They were quite easy and didn’t look like she’d expected them to. They were made of aluminum and nylon.

“Take a step and tell me what you think,” he said as he moved back and then clamped his on.

Sarah began to walk up the trail and it took her a few times to really find her stride, but it wasn’t all that bad.

“I think this is easier than the skiing, to be honest.” She bounced in her step. “I could get used to these.”

“Just be careful,” Luke called out over his shoulder.

“Of wha …?” She spoke too soon as she lost her footing and toppled face-first into a large snowdrift. Snow shot up her nose and into her mouth, burning.

I hate winter. I hate winter.

“Are you okay?” Luke was beside her and she could hear the amusement in his voice.

“Fine,” she said as she wiped her face. “I really wasn’t expecting to do a face-plant with snowshoes on. Skis for sure, but snowshoes. I know I’m klutzy.”

“Well, at least this time I didn’t have to catch you.” He rubbed some of the snow from her face and a rush of butterflies invaded her stomach as she looked up into his eyes. He was smiling at her, but it was tender, as if he really cared that she’d done a horrible face-plant in the snow.

Of course the butterflies could be from that mountain sickness, but somehow she didn’t think so.

“Thanks,” she said, looking away and glad the snow had made her cheeks red, because if it hadn’t he would surely see her blush.

“You should’ve been wearing your goggles to protect your eyes. Goggles don’t belong on your forehead.”

“I forgot to put them back on after my break. I was wearing them when we were skiing.”

Luke helped her to her feet, his strong arms around her waist as he righted her. She liked the feeling of his arms around her, steadying her. It was comforting.

You don’t date. You can’t date.

Her mother would set her up on the occasional date, but those were all with men who would take care of her. Who just wanted her to be this pretty, well-dressed society wife. None of them were really interested in her and she’d been burned too many times.

And she never had time to find men on her own, because she was working so darn hard to show her parents that she could have it all, that she didn’t need a man to take care of her. That she was old enough to take care of herself.

Men were off-limits.

Of course, her father admitting that he’d had a hand in almost every aspect of her career made her think that all that hard work, all those hours she’d put in weren’t worth it. Maybe she should’ve been out there partying, being seen in all the right places with all the right people, just like her older sister.

Really?

She shook her head. That was all in the past, though. She was in Crater Lake now. In a job of her own choosing and she planned to make the most of it. Even if it meant traipsing around in the snow with the sexiest mountain man she’d ever laid eyes on.

A man that also drove her a bit crazy.

“You ready to try again?” Luke asked.

“Sure. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can head back to my apartment in the resort and curl up in front of a fire.”

“Glad to see you’re on board.” Luke went over and picked up the knapsack. “You’re going to need this.”

Sarah moaned as it was placed over her shoulders again. “Thanks. I almost forgot.”

“It’s your lifeline up here. You can’t forget. We’ll do a half-mile hike up this trail through the snow, we’ll triage a fake patient I have up there and then head back down to the resort. That’s after we build a makeshift stretcher.”