Winning The Doctor

He moved away from her, forcing her to release her grip, and seemed surprised at her answer.

She took a few snapshots of the motel. When would this man realize that she was just as career driven as he was?

“I wish this broken-down place was demolished. My wheels are already starting to turn.”

He smiled, and took another step away from the railing. “Agreed. There are a few loose ends to take care of, and I want to have the architect in place before the demolition. In fact, I want that person to select the construction team for the build.”

“That’s not a problem. I’ve already started to make connections and get references from local companies. I think it’s best to hire a builder from the area rather than out of town, because they are more familiar with the regulations.”

She fingered the lens of her camera. “Once the building is razed, we’ll need to have the land graded and surveyed. There are a thousand things to do before we even think about laying the foundation.”

Anthony nodded. “I’ve read up on the LEED rating system. I want my clinic to be LEED-certified, from the ground up.”

Liza tilted her head, hugely impressed and excited. Barring his statement about saving the trees to preserve a natural habitat, she never would have pegged Anthony for an environmentalist.

“That’s great to hear. LEED certification is the gold standard in healthy, resource-efficient building practices. But going green is going to add to your cost and could extend the project timeline,” she warned.

“I don’t care about the cost, but I do want to ensure we are using as many environmentally friendly materials as possible.”

She smiled. “Building green certainly fits with your vision. It will show your patients and employees that you care about their overall health and well-being as well as every aspect of their experience at the clinic.”

“Exactly. My position at Bay Point Community Hospital is secure, and even when the clinic is open, I’ll still be a part of the staff but on a part-time, on-call basis. I don’t want to rush this. I want to do it right.”

Anthony walked over to a small pool. Liza followed and saw that it was empty of water, but littered with trash.

“I can appreciate that sentiment,” she said, stepping away from the edge. “I always suggest that my clients use environmentally friendly materials when available. I’m glad you care about the Earth as much as I do.”

“Another thing we have in common.”

Liza couldn’t help noticing how his eyes quickly traveled over her body.

“And another reason why you should work with me, instead of a huge firm,” she added, with a grin of pleasure.

They toured the grounds for another half hour. His arm brushed against hers every so often, those brief touches warming her in places the sun never could.

As they walked, she listened closely as Anthony gave her a quick lesson on the flowers and shrubs that were native to the region.

“You’re quite the horticulturalist,” she said in a teasing voice.

He shrugged. “I don’t get to garden much with my schedule. So I’m really looking forward to working with the landscaper. I want to keep as much of the existing plants and vegetation as possible.”

Liza took pictures throughout the tour. An hour later, they were back in the parking lot.

“Can I see some of the photos you took?”

Liza nearly gasped aloud. When he wasn’t looking, she’d taken some pictures of him. Just for fun, she said to herself, not for fantasies.

“Um. I’ll email them to you later today, okay?” she blurted, and stuck out her hand. “Thanks again for the tour. Now that I’ve seen the land and that incredible coastal view, it will be easier to design something you like and meets your needs.”

His fingers stroked lightly against her palm as he let go of her right hand, making her want to have him shake the other one.

“You’re welcome. It was fun.”

They both yawned at the same time, then laughed.

A smile stretched across his face. “I gather you’re not a morning person?”

“No,” she admitted. “But I’m adjusting. I keep my windows open at night, and the smell of the salt water in the air helps me wake up better than any alarm clock.”

“As a physician, I’m pretty much on call 24/7, so I have no problem waking up at the crack of dawn, or anytime for that matter.”

Liza couldn’t help giggling a little bit. “I actually had to tip-toe out of the B and B. Otherwise Maisie would have stopped me to chat. I don’t think the woman ever sleeps.”

“Or ever stops talking,” he laughed. “Maisie Barnell, Bay Point’s town matriarch, and the woman who can carry on a conversation longer than—”

“A wave can stay upon the seashore,” she finished, with a fake swoon.

His smile deepened, rounding his cheeks. “Very poetic.”

Liza palmed her camera and grinned. “Maisie has tons of poetry books in her parlor, so I guess I picked up a few lines.”

“She’s a great lady, but she’s forever trying to hook me up with every single woman in town.”

He paused, crinkling his brow. “She means well, but I don’t have the heart to tell her that my taste in women is far more sophisticated than what’s currently available here.”

Liza wasn’t surprised Anthony was sought-after. He was rich and handsome, with the kind of boyish good looks that would appeal to most women. However, she disliked when men thought they were “all that,” even when they were. The only thing that saved him was the hint of playfulness in his tone.

“Oh, is that why you’re still single?” she asked.

“Up until recently, there hasn’t been anyone to consider.”

Her heart clenched at the thought of Anthony’s interest in someone else. She didn’t know his “type,” other than the fact that it definitely wasn’t a small-town girl, and she fought the urge to push him for further details. His personal life was none of her business.

“Don’t tell Maisie that she’s fired. If you do, she’ll redirect her matchmaking skills back to me instead of you,” Liza teased.

“Maisie is easy enough to avoid, if you move out of town that is,” Anthony said drily.

She laughed. “Not a chance. In fact, I’m staying with her while my house is being built.”

Anthony raised a brow, and his grin appeared sympathetic. “You must have the patience of an angel, though I’m glad to hear you’re not simply passing through town.”

“I’m here for the long haul. I found a great piece of land at a great price. I’m going to build one of my own residential designs. The timing is perfect and I can’t wait to break ground.”

The smile disappeared from his face. “If I select you for this project, are you sure you’re going to have enough time to devote to me?”

Liza widened her eyes. “Devote to you?”

He quickly cleared his throat, and looked uncomfortable. “Sorry. I meant to say my project.”