Chapter 10

I forgot to say that Doc Martin belongs to Buffalo Pictures. I just have fun playing with the characters.

The next chapters explore how Louisa tries to develop her relationship with this complex man. He couldn't have everything his way all the time but getting him to see that would take careful and thoughtful handling. Could she do it?

The next morning, Louisa woke up to an empty bed, disoriented for a moment. Then she remembered, stretched hugely and had a smile of contentment on her face. Who knew? Martin was the lover of any woman's dreams – considerate, knowledgeable, thorough and so passionate! And the way those full lips could kiss! The bedroom was one place where his inhibitions flew out the window along with his modesty. They explored and tasted lips and flesh before they reached utter fulfillment – actually more than once. She could hear him in the shower and made plans to lure him back into bed for one last thrill before they got up to face the day. She ran downstairs, grabbed her purse where she had packed her toothbrush, paste and clean undies then visited the office loo. Then ran back upstairs and jumped into the bed and assumed what she hoped was an alluring pose. Being naked should be enough but just in case…

Some women pursue doctors because of the money they make and their stature. Martin was famous, well respected by his peers and quite wealthy, and though he wouldn't believe it if anyone told him, fitted the tall and distinguished requirement. And he was rumored to be a very good lover, so more than a few women tried to attract him. If someone met his meticulous requirements, he would take what was freely offered. It took some effort to convince them that there was no relationship, just sexual need. After that was satisfied, he walked away. Maybe cold and indifferent, he was always honest.

He finished in the loo, clean and smooth shaven and thought again about his plans to extend the pleasures of last night by waking her up with caresses on that warm oh so smooth silky skin. Damn the pheromones, she just smelled so good! He quietly opened the door and stepped into the bedroom and saw her. One glance was enough and he couldn't get back into the bed quickly enough! She was the perfect lover - receptive, adventurous and passionate.

When they eventually made it downstairs, him in pajama bottoms and grey tee shirt her in another one which he thought had never looked so good! They were both starved from their activities. He made omelets, the usually forbidden bacon and toast. It was the best very late breakfast either had ever had.

He didn't smile and certainly didn't talk much but his face! She looked at his face. It was relaxed and his eyes were tender when he looked at her which was often. She matched his behavior and kept her comments to the minimum. Ok, he didn't like breakfast conversation. Noted.

While they were cleaning up their dishes, he asked what she was going to do for the rest of the day. She had expected to spend it with him but he evidently thought otherwise. What to do?

"Well, I thought about taking a drive somewhere up the coast this afternoon. The views are magnificent and I know a couple of good restaurants. Would you like to come with me or do you have other plans for supper?"

His lack of confidence out of the bedroom was palpable. Spending the day with her was exactly what he wanted to do. He stared at her face, honestly surprised that she wanted to spend more time with him. "Yes, that would be agreeable. Let me drive though since my car is roomier. What kind of restaurants are they?"

"Mainly fresh seafood. One makes it a point to, whenever possible, serve local produce and offers healthy menu choices. They have a grade A rating, too so I really like to eat there." Did she know her man or what? Healthy, seafood, local vegetables and grade A. She hit all the right buttons.

"That sounds safisfactory! I have some paperwork that I really must finish. I'll do that and then pick you up. 3:00? Is that agreeable?"

And the date was set.

She made her face up lightly and wore her amethyst necklace and matching earrings. She dressed in a soft, filmy outfit that swirled about her legs when she walked. It shimmered between blue, green and purple so you were never sure what color it actually was. A pair of matching sandals and she was ready.

If it had occurred to him to compliment her, he would have said that she looked satisfactory but his expression said she looked beautiful. Her smile was brilliant as she silently thanked him. In his usual elegant suit, he made an excellent companion and she didn't hesitate to tell him so. "You look wonderful Martin. Is that a new suit? I don't think I've seen it before."

He blushed at receiving the compliment and answered her "Er…hm-m…well, you probably haven't. PortWenn seems determined to ruin all my clothes and shoes so I've learned to keep a couple in reserve for occasions like this."

They drove through the village with several people smiling and waving at them. Again, Chippy Miller gave Martin a thumbs-up. "Humph! Mumble, mumble their own mumble ness!"

"What was that? I didn't quite catch what you said." She definitely had a knowing look in her eyes and he snorted in answer. She laughed in pleasure with the day and at her grumpy companion.

They drove in silence for a while and he remembered a question that he had for her. "Last night when you were telling me about your life in the village, you said something that confused me. You said the village raised you. What happened to the council? How did Bert and Mary keep the fact that you were basically an orphan a secret? How did they handle your medical records?"

"Oh, sorry. I left that part out. Bert was completely open and above board about why I was living with them. They got my Dad to sign papers giving the council authority to make Bert and Mary my legal guardians until I was eighteen. I know Bert can be a little dodgy at times, but never with me or my well-fare. That clear everything up for you?"

"Yes. It makes me think better of Bert. Thank god you had him. And his wife. I shudder to think of what could have happened to you."

"Yes. He's such a softy. You have no idea how many people he gives a meal to who wouldn't eat otherwise. Fisherman who've had hard times, hikers who are out of funds for one reason or another, children like Pauline whose parents were worse than mine in a way. I sometimes don't think her mother is capable of love and practically threw her out way before she was old enough to be on her own. Bert made sure she always had a place to stay, food to eat and made it to school every day. I'm sure Joan helped out, too."

"Hm-m-m." And silence reigned until they reached their destination.

They walked into the restaurant and he realized that he had never enjoyed walking behind a woman so much. They were shown to a quiet table looking out over the ocean and given menus. Louisa ordered a glass of the house white wine and Martin his usual water.

"Do you like the menu selections?" she asked a little nervously.

"Yes, very satisfactory. The fresh grilled salmon with just a simple citrus glaze is very tempting." He motioned for their waiter and asked "Are all your vegetable choices bought locally?"

"Yes, sir. From a farmer who grows certified organic produce. I think by the name of Norton. We can cook them to your specifications of course."

Martin nodded his head and went back to reading the menu.

She chuckled a little and said "Well, we can be sure that they will have a familiar taste! If I have time to cook a meal with fresh veggies, I make sure they come from Joan."

"Another mark in favor of this restaurant. I'm choosing the salmon, asparagus cooked in a little olive oil and garlic and roasted new potatoes. What's your choice?"

"I trust your taste so I'll have the same."

They ate mostly in silence, not that she didn't have anything to say. They were too busy eating to talk. They finished and after the waiter cleared the table, she asked for the dessert menu.

He looked disapproving and said "You know, Louisa, that the consumption of sugar and fat laden calories does the body no good. You would be much better served if you chose fresh fruit with a little cheese." He said entering his doctor mode.

"Thank you Martin but dessert sometimes is good for the soul." She could tell he was ready to lecture on the subject so she raised a hand to stop him, "How about this, I won't try to talk you into eating dessert if you won't try to talk me out of eating dessert. Deal?"

"Humph! As long as you don't over indulge."

"Do I look like I over indulge?" He blushed and shook his head no. As a concession, she offered "I won't have clotted cream in my after dinner coffee. Acceptable?"

He looked at her suspiciously and said "But, you never take cream in your coffee! What kind of a compromise is that?"

She grinned and looked at him from under her lashes and said "Oops!"

They took advantage of the deck just up the path from the restaurant to watch a full moon rise over the ocean. After checking that they were alone, he pulled her close for a sweet kiss and whispered "Thank you for this. It's been…ah, quite satisfactory."

She kissed his again and whispered back "And it's not over you know. I hope the rest of the night is ah…quite satisfactory, too!"

Needless to say, the drive home wasn't leisurely and the night was more than satisfactory.