Read Online THE LAST TEMPTATION OF DR. DALTON by Robin Gianna - Free Book Online Page B

“I’m sorry, Charlotte. As soon as my release paperwork comes through from the GPC, I have to head out.”
    “Trent, all I’m asking is...”
    The room that had felt so warm and welcoming now felt claustrophobic. He turned his attention to John Adams so he wouldn’t have to look at her wide and worried eyes. “I have a few patients scheduled for surgery early, so I’m going to get to bed. If either of you know of patients needing surgery, you should schedule them in the next couple days before I leave.” He scratched the dog behind the ears before he walked out the door, finding it impossible to completely stuff down the conflicting emotions that whirled within him.
    As he walked through the darkness, a possible solution struck him that would assuage his guilt. Maybe a phone call to an old friend would solve all his problems and let him move on.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    “H OW THE HELL are you, Trent?”
    Trent smiled to hear Chase Bowen’s voice on the phone. He’d worked with Chase for a number of years in different parts of the world, and the man had been the steadiest, most committed mission doctor he’d ever met. Until a certain wonderful woman had swept into the man’s life, their little one in tow, and had changed him into a committed dad rooted in the States.
    “I’m good. Decided to try to get hold of you during my lunch break before I see some patients in the clinic this afternoon. How’s Drew doing?” When he’d heard the shocking news that Chase and Dani’s little boy had cancer, it had scared the crap out of him. Thank goodness they’d caught it in time and the prognosis was excellent.
    “He’s doing great.” The warmth and pride in Chase’s voice came through loud and clear. “Completely healthy now, swimming like a fish and growing like crazy. So where are you working?”
    “I’m filling in as a temp here in Liberia, hoping to head off on vacation soon, but there are some issues getting a new doc here.” A problem he knew Chase was more than familiar with.
    “So who’s the lucky woman vacationing with you this time? Where are you going?”
    “Still figuring all that out.” No reason to tell Chase about his weird feelings, that he hadn’t been able to find an interest in calling anyone. The man would laugh his butt off, then suggest he see a shrink. “How’s Dani?”
    “Wonderful. I haven’t told you that Drew’s going to have a baby brother or sister.”
    “That’s great news. Congratulations.” Of all the people he knew, Chase was the last one he’d ever have expected mostly to leave mission work to have a family. But he had to admit, the man seemed happy as hell. “You doing any mission stints at all?”
    “Dani and I have gone twice to Honduras together, then I stayed for another week after she headed home. It’s worked out well.”
    “You have any interest in coming to Liberia for just a week or so to fill in for me until the new doc gets here? The GPC needs me to head to the Philippines as soon as possible.” Which wasn’t exactly true, but he was going with it anyway, damn it.
    “I don’t know.” Chase was silent on the line for a moment. “I’d really like to, but I’m not sure now’s a good time. Dani’s been a little under the weather, and I wouldn’t want to leave her alone with Drew if she’s not up to it. Let me talk to her and I’ll call you back.”
    “Great. Give her a hug for me, and tell her I’m happy for both of you. And Drew too.”
    “Will do. Talk to you soon.”
    Trent shoved the phone in his pocket and headed back into the hospital. He’d known it was a long shot to think Chase might be able to fill in for him, but with any luck maybe it could still be a win-win. Chase could enjoy a short stint in Africa and Trent could shake the clinging dust of this place off his feet and forget all about Charlotte and her work ethic, spunkiness and warmth.
    He thought about Dani, Chase and Drew and their little family that was about to grow. A