by Robin Gianna
“Yes,” she murmured. The hand on her good arm rested on the back of his head, her fingers tangling in his hair. “I’m feeling better already.”
“How about this?” His mouth replaced his hand on her other breast, his fingertips stroking along her collarbone, her armpit, down her ribs, and he reveled in the way she shivered in response.
“Yes. Good.”
He slowly tugged her nightgown farther down her body, gently touching every inch he could with his mouth, his tongue, his hands. He could feel her flesh quiver, felt the heat pumping from her skin, and marveled at how excruciatingly pleasurable it was to take it this slow. To think only of making her feel good, to feel wonderful, to feel loved.
The shocking thought made him freeze and raise his head.
Loved? He didn’t do love.
But as he looked down at her eyes, at the softness, heat and desire in their green depths, his heart squeezed at the same time it expanded.
He did love her. He loved everything about her. He loved her sweetness, her toughness and her stubbornness and was shocked all over again. Shocked that the realization didn’t scare the crap out of him. Shocked that, instead, it filled him with wonder.
He lowered his mouth to hers, drinking in the taste of her, and for a long, exquisite moment there was only that simple connection. His lips to hers, hers to his, and through the kiss he felt their hearts and souls connecting as well.
He drew back, and saw the reflection of what he was feeling in her eyes. Humbled and awed, he smiled. “Still feeling good? Or do you need a little more doctoring?”
“More please.” She returned his smile, which changed to a gasp when he slipped his hand beneath her nightgown, found her moist core and caressed it.
“We need to lose this gown. I want to see all of you. Touch and kiss all of you.” He dragged the gown to her navel, her hipbones, his mouth and tongue following the trail along her skin. He wanted nothing more than this. He wanted to help her forget her pain. For her to feel only pleasure.
She lifted her bottom to help him pull it all the way off, and he took advantage of the arch of her hips, kissing her there, touching and licking the velvety folds until she was writhing beneath his mouth.
“Trent,” she gasped. “You’ve proven how good you are at making me feel better. But I want more. Why are you still dressed? I don’t think I can strip you with only one hand.”
He looked at her and had to grin at the desire and frustration on her face. “You want me to strip? I’m at your command, boss lady.” He quickly shucked his clothes and took one more moment to take in the beauty of her nakedness, before carefully positioning himself on top of her as she welcomed him.
With her eyes locked on his, he moved within her. Slowly. Carefully. She met him, moved beneath him, urged him on. The sounds of pleasure she made nearly undid him and he couldn’t control the ever-faster pace. There was nothing more important in the world than this moment, this rhythm that was unique to just the two of them, joining as one. And, when she cried out, he lost himself in her.
* * *
Curled up with Trent’s body warming her back, his arms holding her close, Charlie felt sated, basking in the magic of being with him; wanting to know more about him.
“Tell me about being a rich boy. That’s what you said you are, isn’t it?”
He didn’t respond for a moment then a soft sigh tickled her ear. “Yes. My family is wealthy and I have a trust fund that earns more money each year than most people make in ten.”
“And yet you work in mission hospitals all over the world. Why?”
“For the same reason you live and work here—to give medical care to those who wouldn’t have any if we didn’t.”
She turned her head to try to look at his face. “When did you decide to live your life that way instead of working in some hospital in the States? Or being a plastic surgeon for the rich and famous?”
The laugh he gave didn’t sound like there was much humor in it. “Funny you say that. My dad and grandfather have exactly that kind of practice. I was expected to follow in their footsteps, but realized I didn’t want to. When I was about two-thirds of the way through my plastics residency, I knew I wanted to do a surgical fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery instead.”
Wow. She’d known he had amazing skills, but he did brain surgery too? “Did you?”
“No. I couldn’t get into a program. Was rejected by every one I applied to. Then found out why.”
She waited for him to continue but he didn’t. “So, why?”
He didn’t speak for a long time. She was just about to turn in his arms, to look in his eyes and see what was going on with him, when he answered. His voice was grim. “My mother was hell-bent on me joining the family practice. I didn’t realize how hell-bent until I found out she’d used her family name, wealth and the power behind all of that to keep me out of any neurosurgery program. All the while pretending she supported my decision, when in fact she was manipulating the outcome. So I left. Left the country to do mission work, and I haven’t been back since.”
Charlie’s breath backed up in her lungs and her heart about stopped. His mother had deceived him and lied? He’d obviously been horribly hurt by it. So hurt that he’d cut his family from his life. So hurt that he’d left the U.S. and hadn’t returned.
It also sounded horrifyingly similar to what she’d been doing to him, too.
Her stomach felt like a ball of lead was weighing it down. “I’m...sorry you had such a difficult time and that you were hurt by all that.”
“Don’t be. It’s ancient history, and it was good I learned what kind of person she really is.”
The lead ball grew heavier at his words, making her feel a little sick, and she couldn’t think of a thing to say. He kissed her cheek, his lips lingering there, and a lump formed in her throat at the sweetness of the touch.
“I’m going to fix you some brunch. Something better than the toast you didn’t eat.” He nipped lightly at her chin, her lips. “And, just for you, I’m going to perform a surgery today that I think will make you happy. But I’m not telling until after it’s done.”
She squeezed his hand and tried to smile. “Can’t wait to hear about it.” She drew in a breath and shook off her fears. He wouldn’t find out. It would be okay. They’d get the donation check, the new wing would open and, when all that was behind them...then what?
She knew, and her heart swelled in anticipation. She’d ask him to stay, and not for the hospital. She’d tell him she was crazy about him, that she wanted to see where their relationship could go. The thought scared her and thrilled her; she was not sure how risky that would be. How it would feel to share her life and her world with someone. But she knew, without question, it was a risk she had to take.
By the way he’d made love to her, looked at her, taken care of her, maybe he’d actually say yes.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
TRENT LEFT THE OR, feeling damned pleased at the way the cleft palate surgery had gone for the child. He knew Charlotte would be happy too and couldn’t wait to tell her.
The satisfaction he felt made him realize he’d been too hasty believing the skills he had were superfluous and not a good way to help people, and children in particular, as he wanted to. Working in his family’s cosmetic surgery practice hadn’t been what he wanted. But Charlotte had helped him see that those skills really were valuable in helping people have better lives.
While he’d done plastics procedures at many of his other jobs, it had taken her dogged persistence to make him see how important those techniques could be to those without hope of improving their lives that way except through a hospital like this one.
Striding down the hall, he couldn’t believe his eyes, seeing the woman who was on his mind. There she stood, talking to John Adams, like it had been a
week instead of a day since her ordeal. Hadn’t he specifically told her to stay home and rest?
“What possible excuse do you have for being here, Charlotte?”
“I got bored. There’s too much to do to just sit around.”
“You’re not just sitting around.” He wanted to shake the damn stubborn woman. “Resting helps your body heal. Gives it a chance to fight infection. Which, in case you don’t remember, is particularly important after a nasty dog bite.” He turned to John Adams. “Can you talk sense into her?”
“Last time she listened to me was about six months ago or so,” he replied, shaking his head.
Trent turned back to her, more than ready to get tough if he had to. “Don’t make me drag you back there and tie you down.”
She scowled then, apparently seeing that he was completely serious, gave a big, dramatic sigh. “Fine. I’ll go rest some more. Though every hour feels like five. Can I at least take a few files with me to go over while I’m being quiet?”
The woman was unbelievable. “If you absolutely have to. But no moving around unnecessarily. No cooking dinner. I’ll take care of that.”
“Yes, Dr. Dalton.”
He ignored the sarcastic tone. “That’s what I want to hear from my model patient.” He noted the blue shadows beneath her eyes, the slight tightness around her mouth that doubtless was from pain she was determined not to show, and couldn’t help himself. He leaned down to give her a gentle kiss, not caring that John Adams was standing right there. “I just finished the cleft palate surgery I promised you I’d do. Now I want you to give me a promise in return—that you’ll take care of yourself. For me, if not for yourself.”
Her eyes softened at the same time they glowed with excitement. “You fixed the boy’s cleft palate today? That’s wonderful! Did you take pictures like I asked you to? I need pictures to— Well, I just think we should keep a record.”
“All taken care of. Now for your promise.”
“I promise.” She sent him a smile so wide, it lit the room. “I’ll see you at home.”
At home. That had a nice sound to it. He found himself admiring her shapely legs beneath her skirt, watching the slight sway of her hips all the way down the hall and out the door, and when he turned he saw John Adams eyeing him speculatively.
“So, is something going on between you and Charlie? I thought you were leaving in just a day or two. Speaking of which, did you go over everything Thomas needs to know about her stitches and the rabies vaccine course?”
He looked back at the door Charlotte had disappeared out of, and realized if he left it would be just like that—she’d disappear from his life and he’d likely never see her again.
With absolute conviction that it was the right decision, he knew he wasn’t going to leave. He had to be here to take care of her, to improve the scarring on her arm after she was healed, to see exactly what a year with her would be like.
He turned back to John Adams. “I’m staying.”
The man smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to hear. Welcome to the family.”
* * *
Trent changed out of his scrubs, cleaned up and called Mike Hardy before going to Charlotte’s so he could tell her his decision. He could only hope she’d be as happy about him staying as he felt about it. Thinking of the way they’d made love just that morning, the look on her face and in her beautiful eyes as they’d moved together, he had a pretty powerful feeling that she would be.
“Mike? Trent Dalton. How are you?”
“Good, Trent. Great to hear from you. Are you enjoying your vacation in Italy?”
“No.” Had the man forgotten about all the delays? “I’m still at the Edwards Hospital in Liberia.”
“You’re still in Liberia?” The man sounded astonished. “Why? Perry Cantwell went there last week, so you should be long gone by now.”
“Perry was delayed, so I had to stay on until he could get here.” How could Mike not know all this? “I’ve decided I want to stay here for the next year. I’d like you to find a replacement for me in the Philippines and draw up a new contract for me.”
“Trent, we never have two doctors at the Edwards Hospital. We just can’t afford it.”
He frowned. Mike usually bent over backwards if he had a special request, which he rarely did. Trent was one of only a handful of GPC docs that worked for them full-time, year-round. “I don’t need another doc here with me. I’m sure Perry wouldn’t care if he’s here or in the Philippines. Ask him.”
There was a silence on the line, which made Trent start to feel a little fidgety, until Mike finally spoke again. “I just found your file to see what’s going on. Your release papers were sent well over a week ago. And I know Perry was about on his way when I had Colleen send them, so I’m confused. This is all a real problem, messing up your pay and vacation time and next assignment. I need to talk to Colleen and find out how these mistakes happened before we have any more discussion about you staying there. I’ll call you back.”
“All right.”
The conversation with Mike left him feeling vaguely disturbed, but he brushed it off. He couldn’t imagine there would be a problem. It probably would just come down to shuffling paperwork.
Since he had no idea when Mike would call him back, he went on to Charlotte’s house. If he didn’t find her resting, he was going to threaten her with something—maybe refusing to kiss her or make love with her would be a strong enough incentive, he thought with a smile. He knew that if she threatened him with something similar he’d follow any and all instructions.
He let himself in the door. Seeing her curled up in the armchair, her hair falling in waves around her shoulders, her expression relaxed, filled his chest with a sense of belonging that he couldn’t remember having felt since before he’d left the States. Since before the betrayal by his mother. A cozy, welcoming old home with a beautiful and more than special woman inside waiting for him was something he’d never thought he wanted until now.
He stood there a moment, knowing he was beyond blessed to have been sent to this place on what was supposed to have been a fill-in position for just a few days. Another example of the universe guiding his life in ways he could never have foreseen.
“Hey, beautiful.” He leaned down to kiss the top of her head, his lips lingering in the softness of her hair. “Thank you for being good, sitting there reading. I’m proud of you.”
Her hand cupped his cheek, her eyes smiled up at him, and that feeling in his chest grew bigger, fuller. “I decided I should do what you ask, since you did that cleft palate surgery today like you promised. Not to mention that whole saving my life thing.” Her voice grew softer. “I’m so lucky to have you here.”
He was the lucky one. “I want you to eat so you can take some more pain medicine before that arm starts to really hurt again. Let me see what’s in the kitchen.”
His cell rang while he was putting a quick dinner together and he was glad it was Mike Hardy. “What’d you find out?”
“You’re not going to like it.” Mike’s voice was grim and a sliver of unease slid down Trent’s back. “Colleen’s over here wringing her hands.”
“Why?”
“She sent your release papers to the director of the hospital, instead of to you, because Charlotte Edwards asked her to. Apparently she’s a good friend of Colleen’s, and said she’d pass them on to you. Ms. Edwards also told her not to schedule Perry’s travel yet because she claimed you’d agreed to stay on another two weeks.
“According to Colleen, the hospital has to have a plastic surgeon on site when the Gilchrist Foundation rep comes there in another day or so. If it doesn’t, she won’t get the donation she needs and won’t be able to pay the bills. I guess they’re pretty deep in the hole over there, might even have to shut the whole thing down. Charlotte Edwards’s
solution was to keep you there—get you to do some plastic surgeries she could impress Gilchrist with and pass you off as her new plastic surgeon. After that, Colleen was going to get Perry there and you could be on your way. But it’s obvious you didn’t know about any of this.”
With every word Mike spoke, Trent’s hands grew colder until he was practically shaking from the inside out with shock and anger. Everything Charlotte had said to him spun through his mind: praising his plastic surgery skills, begging him to do those surgeries and take photos, telling him there were problems with his paperwork, delays in getting Perry there. Coming up with a fake excuse when he’d found his release papers in her office.
Flat-out lying to him all along. Manipulating his papers, his life. His heart.
It was like déjà vu, except this was so much worse. Because she’d obviously only been pretending to like him. She’d obviously only had sex with him to keep him there, to tangle him up with her so he wouldn’t leave until after the Gilchrist rep came.
And what had Mike said? After that, Colleen had the green light to get him out of there. Bye-bye, have a nice life, I don’t need you anymore.
How could he have been so stupid, so blind? It was all so clear now, all the plastic surgery crap lines she’d fed him.
She hadn’t cared when he’d left the first time and she sure as hell wouldn’t care this time.
Balling his hands into fists, he sucked in a heavy breath, trying to control the bottomless anger and pain that filled his soul until it felt like it just might rip apart.
He had to get out of there. He’d already gone over with Thomas what had to happen with the rabies vaccine. She’d be all right. And the fact that the thought came with a brief worry on her behalf made him want to punch himself in the face.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I’m obviously a pathetic moron.
“Thanks for telling me, Mike. I’m going to make my own arrangements to leave.”
