Free The Doctor's Runaway Fiancée by Cindy Kirk

what worked...and what didn’t.” Sylvie smiled wryly, recalling those early disasters. “After high school, I received a scholarship to a culinary institute in New York City.”
    A look of awe blanketed the girl’s face. “You must be really smart.”
    â€œI simply loved baking.” Sylvie shrugged off the praise. “Creating feeds my soul.”
    The girl nodded, then shifted her gaze to a spot behind Sylvie. “May I help you, sir?”
    A prickle tickled Sylvie’s spine. She didn’t need to turn her head to know it was Andrew. If she hadn’t been so focused on the conversation, on the girl’s enthusiasm, she’d have felt his presence sooner.
    How long had he been standing there? she wondered. Then again, what did that matter?
    â€œI’m with her.” He gestured with his head toward Sylvie.
    She saw Cole’s gaze sharpen and his expression turn speculative. Keeping her own expression bland, Sylvie shifted and smiled at Andrew.
    When he placed a hand on her shoulder, she felt the heat of his touch all the way through the thin cotton to the skin beneath. “I got caught up on a call.”
    Andrew switched his focus to Cole and Amber. “Any chance we can get a couple of cappuccinos to go?”
    â€œI believe we can manage that order.” Cole smiled at his new employee. “Would you like to make them?”
    The girl hesitated momentarily, then nodded.
    â€œJust remember.” Sensing Amber’s uncertainty, Sylvie spoke in an encouraging tone. “Practice really does make perfect.”
    Amber stepped to the cappuccino machine, squared her shoulders and began to work the controls. She glanced back for a second and Sylvie shot her a wink.
    When Sylvie refocused on the men, she found Cole and Andrew talking sports with an ease that surprised her. “Do you know each other?”
    â€œI wandered in here a couple of days ago.” Andrew glanced around the shop, his gaze lingering on the yellow stars plastered on the shop’s windows. “I asked Cole about the interesting decor.”
    Sylvie had noticed the bright yellow cutouts but hadn’t really paid attention to them. She stepped close for a better look. Each star contained the name of a person and “People’s Health Center.”
    Obviously sensing her puzzlement, Cole moved to the window and plucked one of the stars. “This name represents an individual who contributed to the clinic that will serve the medically indigent in the area,” he explained.
    â€œIs that the building out on the highway?” Sylvie drove by the square, one-story building with the stone facade often. The place had been under construction since she’d arrived in Jackson Hole. “I noticed it now has a big Grand Opening sign out front.”
    â€œThe grand opening is this Saturday. There will be tours and Hill of Beans will have a beverage cart in the parking lot offering free lattes and cappuccinos.” A satisfied smile lifted Cole’s lips. “A lot of people in Jackson Hole have worked long and hard to make this clinic a reality.”
    â€œYou said something the other day about a Dr. McGregor being instrumental,” Andrew prompted.
    â€œMitzi McGregor is an orthopedic surgeon here in Jackson. She and her husband have been pushing for this for a while now.” Cole glanced at Sylvie. “When you grow up in poverty, you understand the challenges kids and adults face in obtaining even the most basic health care.”
    Before more could be said, Amber returned with two “go” cups. “I hope you like them.”
    â€œI’m sure we will.” Impulsively Sylvie placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “I’m going to have you make all my drinks in the future.”
    Amber flushed, but Sylvie saw the words had pleased the girl.
    She picked up her drink.
    â€œIf you end up running short of doctors to staff the clinic, I