They went to a little coffee house that also served a light lunch menu and found a pair of comfortable armchairs in a corner. Val balanced her plate on the arm of the chair and picked up her turkey panini. She hadn’t really been hungry when Nate had suggested they break to eat, but the panini was delicious and she polished it off in no time. If only she’d had a glass, or three, of a dry, crisp white wine to go with it the day would’ve looked up.
They’d been quiet for a bit, as they began eating, Then Val couldn’t stand it any longer. “How are you doing regarding Doug’s firing?”
Heat, and not of a good kind, shone in his eyes and he took a moment to chew and swallow before saying, “I don’t get it. I understand the concept of a scapegoat, of course, but this is ridiculous. It’s a horrible time to leave the hospital rudderless, and none of this–none of it–is Doug’s fault.”
“No, it’s not,” she agreed softly. “Are you really going to stay here even with Doug gone?”
Val was surprised how much she was anticipating that he’d stay. Though she hated the thought of relying on anyone else, Val could admit, at least to herself, she was counting on his strength. In both her personal life and her professional life she’d been alone for far too long. She had no staff yet, since the hospital had wanted to see more results from her PR efforts before they hired some assistants for the department. Now that might never happen. Despite that, it was nice to have someone else around to pick up a little bit of the burden. She knew it would be a rough go without Doug there, but was determined to see the hospital through this crisis.
Nate’s jaw set. Through obviously clenched teeth, he said, “I’m not leaving.”
“Oh, okay. Good.”
His eyebrows drew down. “Did you think I would? You heard what I told Doug.”
“I wasn’t sure. I thought maybe you were trying to placate him. I wouldn’t blame you for fleeing this disaster. Doug was the reason you were here and now he’s gone.”
“You’re still here. I’m not leaving,” he repeated. “I’m pissed as hell, but I’m not abandoning you. No freaking way.”
Val nodded, so choked up she didn’t trust herself to speak, and they continued their lunch in charged silence.
When they returned, Nate went back to his office and Val sat down to make her nearly daily phone calls to the press. She also called the local AM radio station about their annual trip to the hospital. One of the afternoon hosts was a cancer survivor and every year he came and did a remote from the hospital’s lobby. Val was in the late stages of crafting talking points for their star doctors and going over the schedule with the station manager, but with Doug gone there was a hole left right at the beginning of the show. She was hoping the host had some ideas for a filler there but, if not, she had a few suggestions of her own, like talking to one of the patients in the pediatric ward, or highlighting one of the hospital’s myriad fundraisers.
After she delivered the bad news about Doug being fired and she and the station manager had decided on a course of action to fill the hole, she called one of the cable stations that was slated to come in the next month for a documentary to make sure they hadn’t changed their plans. Thankfully they hadn’t and, after going through the shooting schedule again, she hung up and sat back, considering the hospital’s current position. The doctor still hadn’t been found, but they finally had some leads—she had to believe they were valid leads or she’d go crazy—and other projects were still on, despite some having been canceled. All in all, things might be looking up, even when she considered Doug’s firing.
Thankful for having something to do that didn’t involve their current mess, and with the deadline for getting it to the printer looming, she was working on the quarterly glossy donor magazine, when Nate stuck his head in through her doorway. “How’s it going?”
“Good, actually. I just talked to WBRN and we decided to use a pediatric patient to fill the hole in the schedule left by Doug’s departure.”
Nate nodded. “Excellent plan. People love hearing about kids.”
“Yes, and they’re always very positive. They amaze me. It’s one of the things I love most about this place. It’s a truly top-notch pediatric center department.”
“In spite of everything that’s happened you still think this place walks on water, don’t you?”
“Is there something wrong with that?”
“No, not at all. I wish there was something in my life I could believe in.”
He sounded so dejected, so un-Nate-like, and Val wasn’t sure what to say in answer, so she changed the subject.
“I also spoke with the cable network doing the documentary on the hospital’s lung reduction surgery program. I’m sure Dr. Zhang will be relieved to hear they’re still planning to come.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“I feel bad—she’s been nothing but gracious since she got here and I feel as if I’ve thrown her to the wolves.” In retrospect Val was happy that epic disaster of a press conference had ended without Dr. Zhang having to face that hostile crowd, and the cable channel sounded excited, but who knew what would happen? There were still a few weeks until shooting started.
“How late are you planning on staying?”
Val glanced at the clock on her monitor and gasped. “Oh my God, I guess time flies when you’re having fun, huh?”
“Yeah, fun.” Nate rolled his eyes. “We didn’t even go to lunch until almost one-thirty.”
“Yeah, but I can’t believe it’s already nearly six. No wonder it got so quiet around here.”
“Want to grab some dinner?”
Val thought about how nice lunch had been, but then also considered how things usually ended up when they went out at night. She bit her lip, not sure it was a good idea to tempt them both.
“Come on. Eating alone isn’t fun. I’ll treat. I’m in the mood for a big steak.”
Her mouth watered. Val loved steak, as she’d mentioned to him, and he’d no doubt remembered and used the knowledge against her, the conniving man. “All right, you win.”
Nate grinned and her belly dropped. Why did she respond to him that way? He stepped back and made a sweeping motion toward the exit at the end of the hall. “After you.” Throwing a quick glance his way, Val gathered her stuff. As she passed him, he whispered, “You can drive the Porsche.”
She couldn’t help the shiver that ran down her spine, both from his smooth-as-silk voice in her ear and the prospect of driving that beautiful machine. Nate chuckled behind her. Holding her head high, she walked out of the doors to the department and headed for the parking garage.
They reached Nate’s Porsche and she couldn’t help running her hand down the side of it, her fingers fluttering over the flare of the back quarter panel and up the sloping roof. Nate tossed her the keys. “Stop fondling her and get in.”
After stowing her things in the tiny area behind the seat, Val climbed into the car. She was a beauty, all right. Val was enamored of the black leather seats, cherry red console, and bright chrome steering wheel. Placing her hands on that shiny wheel, she checked out the controls in front of her. Nate snickered and Val turned to glare at him.
“What?”
“You’re like a kid in a candy store.”
“You know I like cars.”
“Yes, I do, but I had no idea it would consume all your attention.”
“What do you mean?”
Nate shook his head, a mocking grin forming on his delectable mouth. “I’ve asked you twice where you suggested we go for steak and you’ve completely ignored me.”
“You did not!”
“I did. Swear to God.” Val’s neck and face grew hot. Nate’s eyes darted down briefly before returning to hers. “So are you ready or do you want more time to stroke the steering wheel? I have to admit I’m getting pretty jealous, between that and your treatment of the outside.”
“I was not–” Val reached over and shoved him. “Shut up!”
Nate put his hands
up in mock surrender. “Okay, okay.”
“Anyway, let’s go to EB Green’s. They have this great New York strip steak that’s sliced up and topped with a cabernet demi-glace. It’s a two-person entrée, but if you want something else that’s fine too.” She’d rushed more as she’d kept talking, and had to force herself not to fan her hot face.
“That sounds absolutely divine.”
“Oh. Okay. Then, um, let’s go.”
Val drove the short distance to the restaurant, silently cursing herself for having chosen one so close to the hospital. If she’d thought ahead more she would’ve chosen the excellent steakhouse in the casino way up in Niagara Falls. She considered asking him if he wanted to go there instead, but decided that was stupid. Getting a good night’s sleep had to take precedence over indulging her love of classic cars.
When they arrived she turned to Nate. “Do you want to valet the car or park it yourself?”
Nate looked around. “Where’s the valet parking lot?” Val pointed at a parking garage across the road and waited for his decision. He considered for a moment and then nodded. “We can valet. I’ll just watch them drive the car away to make sure I don’t hear a sonic boom.”
Val laughed. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
They gave the keys to the valet and, after Nate was satisfied the car was in good hands, he held the door to the restaurant open. It was actually part of an opulent hotel in downtown Buffalo, and Val took a moment to appreciate the understated elegance of the lobby before making the right-hand turn into the hallway leading to the restaurant. Once inside, she glanced around. On weekends an ancient man who seemed to know every song ever made played the piano, but tonight the instrument sat silent in the corner. Val wasn’t surprised, but she wished they could’ve listened to the man. He was simply amazing.
The hostess showed them to a cozy booth on the side of the dining room and Val settled into the plush leather upholstery with a contented sigh. Nate grabbed the wine list and ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, telling Val, with a sheepish smile, “I figured it would go well with the Cabernet sauce on the steak.”
Val couldn’t help but smile. “I would think so.”
The waiter came back and Nate ordered their entrée while Val looked for an appropriate side dish. The sides were served family-style and fed two or three people, so she figured one would suffice. She picked the twice-baked potato and impulsively also ordered the iceberg salad with crumbly bleu cheese. Val knew it hardly qualified as a salad, but she loved crumbly bleu cheese and she hadn’t had it in months. Nate ordered a Caesar salad, which was prepared tableside, and they sat back to wait for the wine and their salads.
When the wine came, Val swished it in her glass like she’d been taught on countless trips to the wineries in the Finger Lakes. After taking a few sips, she put her glass back down again and looked up. “Do I have wine on my face?”
“Um, no.”
“Why are you looking at me so funny?”
Nate blew out a loud breath. “I’ve never been jealous of a wine glass, but I’m reconsidering my stance.”
Val’s eyebrows rose as heat suffused her face. “Okay, I didn’t expect that…”
“It’s the truth.”
The waiter arrived with the cart to make Nate’s Caesar salad. “Saved by the bell,” she mumbled. They both watched as the ingredients for the dressing were expertly mixed before the man added the romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons. He tossed the entire concoction and then piled it high on a plate, presenting it to Nate with a flourish. Val wasn’t sure if they were supposed to clap or just tip the guy, but Nate smiled and discreetly handed a bill over. The waiter nodded in acknowledgment and left, and soon Val’s iceberg salad appeared. She took a bite and let the tangy taste of the cheese settle on her tongue.
“I love bleu cheese. It’s so bad for me, but I love it anyway.”
“I can see that.”
She gestured toward his half-empty plate with her fork. “Looks like yours wasn’t too bad either.”
“Best Caesar salad I’ve ever had.”
“Really? But you live in Manhattan.”
“Yes, and I’ve been to LA, Las Vegas, even Paris, and haven’t had a better one.”
“Wow. You should tell someone here. I bet they’d like to know.”
“Maybe I will,” Nate answered. “So tell me about Buffalo and why you like it so much.”
Val smiled. “It’s home. Always has been.”
“But there must be more to it than that.”
“Sure there is.” She went on to describe the many attractions of the area and how great the people were. Nate just watched her as she talked, nodding and interjecting the occasional word. After a while Val fell silent. “I feel silly going on and on about Buffalo. It’s just home.” She shrugged and Nate grinned.
“Don’t feel silly. I think it’s great there’s somewhere you feel so comfortable.” Nate leaned back so the waiter could take away his plate. “So you’d never want to leave? Explore the big, bad world?”
“No, not really. I love it here. I think it’s a great town.” She stabbed another piece of lettuce drenched in bleu cheese and continued. “Besides, my whole family and most of my friends are here.”
“That does count for something.” Conversation turned to more mundane topics until their steak was served on a sizzling platter. Val took a couple of pieces, not wanting to look like a huge pig after having already downed the whole iceberg wedge, but Nate rolled his eyes. “Take more.”
“I’m fine. If I eat these and I’m still hungry I’ll have some more.”
Shaking his head, he loaded up his own plate. “Women…”
Val laughed. She cut into the succulent steak and popped the first bite into her mouth. “Man, I love steak.”
“Glad you’re enjoying it.”
“Thanks for suggesting it. I haven’t been here in ages.”
“Surely that’s not true. Where do your dates take you?”
Val snorted. “What dates?”
“Val, honey, don’t think you’re fooling me. What red-blooded man is dumb enough not to take the opportunity to ask you out?”
“Um, most of them?” She didn’t want to have this discussion with him, but he looked disgusted.
“Then the men of this town might be nice, but they’re idiots. Oh well, less competition for me.” He winked and she squeezed her thighs together. Feeling her face heat again, she took a big gulp of the wine to try to cool herself off, but it went down the wrong pipe and she began to cough. “Val?”
“I’m fine,” she managed to wheeze out.
“Are you sure? Are you choking?”
“Wrong pipe.” She picked up her water glass and found it almost empty.
Nate signaled and the waiter scurried over. “Water.” When the waiter returned, Nate knelt next to her. “Drink it, sweetheart. It’ll help.”
Taking the glass from him, she forced a little down in between coughs. Now she really felt like an idiot.
Smooth, Val, very smooth.
“I’m all right.”
“Are you sure?” Nate looked unconvinced, but she motioned for him to take his seat again and after a brief hesitation, he did. They ate in silence for a while, and then Nate said, “I wish I could eat this entire thing, but if I do they’ll have to roll me out of here.”
Val smiled at that image. “I’m full too.”
Chapter Thirteen
Nate asked for the check and, after he paid, they left the restaurant. Val could feel the warmth from his hand on the small of her back. She knew what those hands could do and shivered.
“Cold?” He moved closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Better?”
Not even a little bit.
“Yeah.”
“Good.” Nate smiled down at her, and she thought for a minute he was going to close the space between them and kiss her, but then he turned and began walking again. She hurried to keep up with his long strid
es. The valet brought the car around, and Nate went to the driver’s side. “I only had one glass of wine early. I’m driving.”
“Hmpf.”
Grumbling to herself, Val got into the passenger’s seat. She pivoted to complain good-naturedly to Nate, but his hand came up to knead the back of her neck. He pulled her closer. “I have to. God, I have to right now.”
His mouth covered hers and a million points of light zinged around the car. She shouldn’t want this, shouldn’t want him. But, oh, how she did. Nate’s masculinity, his absolute sense of self overwhelmed any objections. His tongue demanded entrance and she opened for him on a soft sigh. Nate growled in response, tilting her head to his liking, as he pushed into her mouth again and again, simulating a far more intimate act, and Val’s hands scrabbled for purchase around his neck. After several moments he pulled away, panting, and she realized they’d been making out in the car right in front of the hotel. For how long, she had no idea. Val had never lost herself the way she did around Nate. It was a toss-up whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.
“Please tell me you’re as into this as I am. It’s killing me.”
She nodded, too overcome to form a coherent sentence.
“Thank God.” He put the car in gear and swung out of the parking area in front of the hotel. Val grabbed for the door handle as the Porsche careened around the corner. She prayed Nate wouldn’t get pulled over or kill them both. In what seemed like mere seconds they had arrived at the parking garage adjacent to both the hospital and the hotel Nate was staying in, and he took Val’s hand, rushing her across the street.
“Slow down, Nate!”
He looked down at her and frowned. “Sorry.” Slowing his pace, he nonetheless kept a solid grip on her hand. When they got into the elevator to take them to the wing with the hotel, he pushed her against the stainless steel back wall and gave her a brief, hard kiss. “I want you so much. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I literally feel like I’ll lose my sanity if I don’t touch you.”
They crossed the hotel lobby and entered another elevator. Nate punched the button for his floor and she watched as he shifted his weight from side to side. His intensity both scared and thrilled her. Once inside his room he picked her up and tossed her onto the bed, following closely behind so he was lying fully on top of her, his weight pressing her into the mattress. She’d hardly caught her breath before he was kissing her again.
Seducing Chase Page 12
