The Doctor's Private Visit

by Altonya Washington

  Tiberius backed toward the front door. “Capri, I—I’m sorry, um…” He winced at the laughter shimmering in her dark eyes. “I’m just gonna, um, go.”

  Capri smoothed a hand across his back. “You’re more than welcome to stay, but I just can’t be responsible for what goes on…or off.”

  Tiberius uttered a tiny sound of fear. “It’s okay, I’ll leave. Walk me out?”

  “Are you gonna be all right?” She watched him gulp several breaths of night air when they stepped out onto the porch.

  “Come see me later?”

  The soft-spoken request removed all traces of humor. She only nodded. Tiberius kissed her mouth and sprinted for his house.

  As promised, Capri found herself knocking on Tiberius’s front door about four hours later. She’d rehearsed the apology she’d come to deliver twice before realizing he wasn’t coming to answer the door.

  Instead of knocking again, she went around to inspect the back of the house. She found him lounging on his patio and smiled. What her female guests wouldn’t have given to see the man as she did just then. Capri’s dark gaze was soft as she studied him there, stretched out in nothing but a pair of sleep pants. His massive chest was deliciously bare.

  Unable to resist, she strolled over quietly and grazed her fingers across the toned curve of his shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat when his hand snaked out to catch her wrist. A second later she was tugged down softly to straddle his lap. A hard, delicious kiss ensued and she snuggled down more comfortably on top of him. Tiberius’s hands roamed and squeezed her thighs as she began to grind upon the rising hardness below his waist. He savored the sudden power behind her kiss and uttered low affected moans in response to the pleasure she provided.

  “Where are your girls?” he asked, when their kiss broke for a second.

  It took Capri some time to realize who he was talking about.

  “Still at my house.” She snuggled closer and dropped tiny moist kisses across his jaw. “They’re unconscious, but still there.”

  “So I guess they won’t be needing you for a while?” His hand eased beneath the uneven hem of her dress.

  Capri tugged at her top lip and shook her head. “Uh-uh, not for a while.” She moaned as she felt his fingers inside her panties and then inside of her.

  Capri stirred the next morning, cuddled and content in Tiberius’s bed. As she slept, he watched her. He’d been awake for quite some time and maintained his spot on the edge of the bed, just studying her as she slumbered. He was recalling his conversation with Alan Thomas. For Tiberius, changing his way of thinking after letting it shape him for a lifetime would be easier said than done. What happened if he was wrong and wound up hurting her as he feared he would? What happened if he did nothing and wound up losing her anyway?

  Capri stirred once more and turned to her back as she woke.

  “Hey,” she purred and stretched like a satisfied feline. Though she was just getting up it wasn’t hard to see the pensive emotion tightening Tiberius’s features. “You okay?”

  “Mmm-hmm.” He reached out to smooth the curls from her face.

  “Oh, damn!” Capri gasped and bolted up in the bed. Her eyes were wide as she checked the digital clock on the nightstand. “The time. I gotta get home.”

  Tiberius was already settling her back into bed.

  “I need to check on them over there.” Capri tried to push back up. Again, she was pushed back into bed. “Tibe, I need to go see them. Especially Kiva. I hope she made it home before dawn or Rod’s gonna have a fit and I’ll be the one in trouble.”

  “Listen, I’ll check on things over there.” He kissed her neck. “I want you to stay,” he spoke against her skin.

  Capri let her lashes flutter closed. “I don’t even know where my clothes are anyway.”

  “So I guess I’ve found the perfect way to keep you here, huh?” He cast a wicked glance at the sheet that barely covered her breasts.

  “I’ve gotta go home sometime,” she spoke in the midst of a yawn and missed the pained look on Tiberius’s face at her mention of leaving.

  “Not yet,” he whispered when she looked at him. He leaned down to kiss her curls. “Not yet.”

  Chapter 21

  Once Tiberius gave Capri his undying appreciation for the incredible job she’d done on the memory project, he decided a party was in order. Capri complained that she hadn’t partied so much even when she lived in the heart of Miami. Still, she eventually warmed to the idea. Another party couldn’t hurt, she figured, especially since Tiberius wanted to thank everyone on his committee for all their hard work.

  The event was really more of a little appetizer/cocktail party at his home on the evening of Dr. Alan Thomas’s retirement gala. A few guests brought dates and Tiberius realized he should have insisted on everyone bringing a friend once he discovered how many of his male colleagues were interested in Capri.

  He barely managed to hold his temper when he was cornered by Sam Tremont. The radiologist spent some time raving over Capri—her looks, her work, her looks…

  “If I could just talk to her a little more about it.”

  Tiberius scratched his eyebrow and glanced over Sam’s shoulder. “She’s still here.”

  Sam grinned and knocked his fist against Tiberius’s arm. “A date is more along the lines of what I had in mind, man.”

  “What’s the point in a date to talk about her work when you can talk to her about it right here?”

  “Talkin’ about her work isn’t all I had in mind.”

  “Forget it. A date’s not gonna happen.”

  “Aw, Tibe, man, I thought we were boys?”

  “We are,” Tiberius reciprocated by knocking his fist against Sam’s arm and smiling when Sam flinched. “But she’s mine.”

  The appetizers were about to be served when Capri found Tiberius nursing a drink at the rear of the living room.

  “Hey? This party was your idea, remember?” She pulled the stout glass from his hand. “I’ve done the bulk of the schmoozing with your colleagues.”

  Tiberius trailed his fingers along the chiffon sleeve of her gown. “You’re really good at that, you know? That schmoozing? There’s an art to it, and you’ve perfected it.”

  “So I’ve heard,” Capri quipped, as thoughts of Felicity Thomas and her predictions regarding herself and Tiberius came to mind.

  “Besides,” Tiberius cast a glance around the room, “they’re all more interested in speaking to you.” He thought about Sam Tremont then.

  “Tibe? Are you okay?”

  He watched her toying with the knot in his tie and fought the urge to kiss her. “I’m good,” was all he managed when she looked up at him.

  “Well, they’re about to serve appetizers. You may want to eat something. Who knows how long we’ll have to wait for dinner when we get to the retirement party?”

  “You’re right.” He put a smile in place, offered her his arm and escorted her toward the appetizers.

  Everyone left Tiberius’s home for the hospital a little over an hour later. The Ezra C. James Events Gallery at Kelly Memorial was filled almost to capacity. Everyone wanted to be on hand for Dr. Alan Thomas’s big night.

  Each segment of the evening proved to be a huge success. But it was the photo account of Alan Thomas’s remarkable career that stole the show. The account showcased Dr. Thomas’s charitable endeavors, of which he was most proud. It was however, the segment featuring the man with his family and friends that the crowd truly enjoyed.

  Once the sit-down portion of the event was done, the real celebration began. Tiberius received tons of congratulations on his contribution to the evening. He was quick to tell everyone who the true genius had been. His ease faded when he saw Capri speaking, a little too close for his comfort, with Sam Tremont.

  Capri was just handing him her card and telling him to call so they could talk more when Tiberius arrived. Sam didn’t even bother to explain and simply raised his hands defensively while he
backed away.

  Capri’s confusion was evident and it took her some time to register Tiberius’s offer to dance. She could all but see the tension radiating from his body when he held her. She was grateful for the few times his hold loosened and she was able to take a deep breath.

  “Sam.” She cleared her throat and focused on the navy blue handkerchief peeking out of the front pocket of his jacket. “Sam’s sister is getting married. His wedding gift is to pay for the photography. He’s calling next week to discuss it. We’ve got some fantastic assistants who’d do a great job.”

  “Did I ask about it, Capri?”

  She could feel his chest swell with more tension. “Tibe, it’s obvious something’s wrong. I thought it might be about Sam. Are you all right?”

  “Come on, Capri, how many times will you ask me that?”

  “Forget it then,” she patted her hand to his chest. “Forget I asked.”

  They danced only a while longer and then Tiberius was escorting Capri from the dance floor.

  “Want a drink?” he asked when they’d returned to their table.

  Capri tossed back her hair and fixed him with an agitated stare. “No, why don’t you have one? Or a few?”

  Tiberius watched as she turned and walked away from him. He almost went after her but chose the coward’s route and headed for the bar. Halfway there, he ran into the guest of honor.

  “I can’t thank you enough, son.”

  Tiberius grinned and accepted Alan Thomas’s hand to shake. “You’re an easy man to honor, sir.”

  “And where is the lovely Capri? I don’t think I’ve seen you two more than three feet from each other tonight.”

  Tiberius rolled his eyes. “She’s off somewhere, pissed at me.”

  Alan chuckled and clapped Tiberius’s shoulder. “I know you think it isn’t safe for a cute li’l thing like that to roam around alone amidst all these dirty old men, but these guys are harmless, you know that.”

  Tiberius tried to laugh but realized his mentor was serious.

  “You need to do something about this, son.”

  “I’m open to suggestions, Doc.” Tiberius massaged the dull ache in his chest.

  Alan leaned close. “Stop letting your head rule your heart,” he said, and moved on into the crowd.

  Chapter 22

  Capri pressed the tip of her finger beneath her eye and hoped her mascara wasn’t too badly ruined. She and Pepper had just arrived at Rod and Kiva’s pre-wedding party. As usual, one of Pepper’s off-the-wall remarks had sent Capri into peals of laughter.

  “Pep, you can’t do this all day,” Capri warned, though the laughter coloring her voice made her words sound more playful.

  Pepper smoothed her hand over the back of her hair, which was pulled into a high, curly ponytail. “What?”

  Capri simply took her hand and looked around at the impressive yacht that had sparked Pepper’s humorous comments.

  Capri wondered if a yacht would hold all of Rod and Kiva’s guests. When she saw the mammoth vessel, her fears were put to rest. The beautiful boat was decorated with white roses and lilies. There was also a huge buffet and a stocked bar on each end. All that, combined with elegantly dressed guests, set a scene that was cool, lovely and undeniably sensual.

  “This thing is incredible,” Pepper marveled, stepping around Capri to get a better view of the deck. “I don’t know where to go first.”

  “Well, I’m headed in the direction of the buffet table.” Capri sighed, rubbing her empty stomach.

  Before Capri could make a move toward the food-laden tables, she heard her name being called. She stood looking around the crowded area for a moment, until her dark gaze landed on Tiberius.

  Pepper heard the happy sigh Capri uttered and turned to stare at Tiberius as well. He was devastating in a stylish white tux.

  Tiberius made his way over to Capri and Pepper, shaking hands with the people he passed on the way. He wore his confidence like a piece of clothing. It was evident in everything he did. Capri pressed her lips together and willed her heartbeat to slow as Tiberius approached them.

  Tiberius pressed his hands against the small of Pepper’s back and smiled down at her. “How are you, Pepper?”

  “Tibe,” Pepper exclaimed, smiling into his handsome face, “I guess I don’t need to ask how you’re doing?”

  A small crease formed across his brow. “And why’s that?”

  “Because you look just fine,” Pepper drawled, her gray eyes traveling over Tiberius’s tall form.

  Capri rolled her eyes as Pepper and Tiberius began to laugh. When Tiberius turned his light-brown eyes toward her, she unconsciously took a deep breath.

  “And how are you?”

  Capri looked way up to meet his warm, light stare with her darker one. “I’m good,” she whispered.

  Tiberius enjoyed the sight of Capri standing before his. His intense gaze trailed the form-fitting tangerine spaghetti strapped gown. The eye-catching outfit had a split that reached her mid-thigh, while the bodice gave tantalizing peaks of her full breasts.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” he told Capri, clearing his throat when she noticed his unwavering stare.

  Capri smiled. “You know I couldn’t miss this. Rod and Kiva are like family.”

  Tiberius closed his eyes briefly and nodded.

  “So, are you nervous about being best man?”

  Tiberius shook his head and pressed his hand against his chest. “I just hope I don’t lose the ring.”

  Capri laughed. “I’ll bet being in a wedding is the last thing you ever thought you’d do.”

  A pensive look fell over Tiberius’s handsome face. “Nah, it doesn’t bother me like it used to,” he quietly replied.

  Capri was the first to look away. She rubbed her shaky hands over her dress and thought of an escape. “I really need to find that buffet table, I’m starving.”

  “I know what you mean,” he told her, his words holding a special meaning.

  Capri smiled and turned away. Pepper had distanced herself a bit, but she still heard the conversation. When Capri walked by and pulled her along, Pepper leaned close.

  “Coward,” she whispered to her friend.

  Amidst all the festivities, Capri and Pepper parted company. Pepper had gone to share a dance with an old boyfriend, while Capri mingled amongst the growing crowd.

  The upper deck of the yacht had been designated for the dance area. Capri enjoyed watching several couples grooving to the smooth jazz and R&B coming from the state-of-the-art sound system.

  She stood for a while, slowly swaying to the beat of the music. Suddenly, the most delicious caress trailed across her bare back. It traced the smooth skin between her shoulder blades and Capri closed her eyes to enjoy the shivers it sent up and down her spine.

  Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and looked behind her. She wasn’t surprised to see Tiberius staring down at her.

  “I meant to ask you if you heard anything about the photo spread at the retirement gala?” She latched on to the first thing that came to mind.

  Tiberius chuckled. “All good things. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly have several new clients wanting you to produce their next family reunion or bar mitzvah.”

  The discussion then surrounded the successful celebration. Capri actually forgot how tense she was and enjoyed herself. Unfortunately, the conversation couldn’t last forever and when silence settled, the electricity that always crackled between them simply sparked even more furiously.

  Tiberius shifted closer to Capri. Bowing his head, he pressed his mouth next to her ear. “Will you dance with me?”

  Without hesitation, Capri placed her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor. Laying her head against his shoulder, she breathed in the clean scent of his cologne.

  They took advantage of the mellow sounds wafting from the speakers, relishing the opportunity to be so close. Tiberius pressed his face against Capri’s soft curls and inhaled the soft perfume of her
hair. His large hands smoothed across her back before he slid his arms around her.

  “I could stay like this forever.” Tiberius spoke softly, but Capri heard every word. She ordered herself not to be taken away by them and tried to laugh off the intensity of the moment.

  Undeterred, Tiberius continued. “I think we’re on our way to having something worth keeping. Something neither of us wants to lose.”

  Capri paused and leaned away from him. It was clear that she was completely surprised. She had never expected to hear words like this from Tiberius. “Are you serious?”

  “Very.” He noticed the lack of certainty in her expression and tilted her chin up with his index finger. “Listen, I’m not trying to push you or anything, but I had to tell you, I…”

  “What?”

  “That I am in love with you. Do you believe me?”

  Capri paused again, trying to keep her feet on the ground. She looked up at Tiberius with uncertain eyes.

  “Capri, listen. I’ve known a lot of women, so I know what I’m feeling now is more than anything I’ve ever felt for anyone else. I’ll tell you something else, too, it’s scary,” he admitted, running a hand through his black hair. “I never intended to get this caught up over any woman.”

  Capri rolled her eyes. “Thanks.”

  Tiberius shook his head. “Listen, you know why I’m saying that. Other than my grandparents, every marriage or relationship I ever saw in my family ended in divorce or unhappiness. Every one—aunts, uncles, cousins…I was just determined not to let it happen to me, I guess. Which is ironic because a romance like my grandparents had is probably the one thing I ever really wanted. Maybe it was the fear of failure on my part about this particular aspect of life.” He grinned. “That fear was something I could never admit to. I guess I looked at the actions of others and allowed that to make up my mind for me.”

  “Even now?” Capri asked, not certain where this was going.