Page 30 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

"But why?That’s what I don’t get.Do you even know where you're headed next?"

Shelley shrugged, and even though Harper couldn't see the gesture, she continued as if she had."Exactly.You can't give me a single good reason for leaving.And you don't even know where you're going.What's that about?"

Shelley shrugged again."Do you want to know the truth?"

"I'm not badgering you for the fun of it," Harper said.

"He doesn't want a relationship."

Harper was quiet for a long few moments before she asked, "He told you that?Or you're assuming that?"

"He kind of told me."

"Kind of?"

The heavy weight of disappointment had settled in Shelley's stomach as the conversation went on.

"Yeah.And if you want to know the rest of the truth, it makes me sad.But you know me; I’m a realist.So, there you go.We've covered that subject.Now, tell me about you."

"Oh, Shelley, I'm sorry.I'll let it go, but only because you sound so down."Harper sighed."As for me, I'm okay.In between jobs.I’m ready for a break, so I'll get back to pestering you about whether I can come visit before you leave."

She laughed."And just to make it an easy decision, I'll say that if you decide to spend more time with the good doctor, I won't get in the way.If I come to visit, and you want to hang out with him—or spend the night with him or whatever—I can stay in that cute little house you're at all by myself.You know me; I’m no trouble and I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself."

Shelley smiled."It'd be good to see you."

"You too.So, do you have any dates that are better?Any time that’s a no-go?"

Shelley thought about it."Not that I can think of.Why don’t you shoot me some dates, and we’ll figure it out?"

"Sounds like a plan.I'll do that.Crap, I have another call coming in.I’ll have to go.I'll email you dates later, okay?"

"Okay."

"Love you, Shelley-bells.I’ll see you soon."

"Love you too, Harpsichord."

~ ~ ~

After Shelley had gone, Trip wandered around the house, tidying the few things that were out of place.The house felt quiet and still … because it was.

He loved his home.He loved living here.Usually, the quiet and stillness felt peaceful to him, but right now, after all the laughter and good conversation he'd shared with Shelley this weekend, it felt kind of oppressive.Maybe even depressing.

He looked around, wondering what else he could do, and then headed upstairs to collect his laundry.His housekeeper, Anita, usually did laundry on Monday mornings, but if he did it now, she'd have a bit more time to herself tomorrow.

He grabbed the bag out of the hamper in his closet and smiled when he saw the pajamas Shelley had worn folded neatly on top.He picked them up and held them to his face, breathing in the scent of her.

Then he dropped them quickly, chuckling to himself as he did.He'd only wanted to remember the way she smelled, but he had to wonder if he wouldn't look like a perv if anyone caught him.

He put the pajamas back in the bag and headed downstairs.He didn't need to go around sniffing clothes.He'd see her again in the morning.

After he started the washing machine, he checked the time.It was only seven o’clock.He could settle down in front of a movie, but he'd already put in a lot of TV time this weekend.And he knew damn well that if he sat there by himself, he'd spend more time thinking about when Shelley was there with him than actually watching a movie.

He was restless anyway.He grabbed a jacket from the mudroom and headed out.

He paused when he reached his SUV but decided that a walk would do him more good.So, he set out down the driveway toward the barn.He skirted the bunkhouse, hoping none of the guys would spot him.He didn't want to disturb their evening.

As well as he got along with them, he knew they saw him as the boss man.They deserved to relax on a Sunday evening and not feel as though he was out here checking on them.