by Lexy Timms
Brant looked down at her like a puppy looks at a mirror, and began laughing. He held her tighter, but the laughter wouldn’t stop.
And because it was so ridiculous, she almost laughed, too. Only, she was serious, and scared suddenly that if she told him this particular truth that he would leave after all. “Doctors International called and said you were drumming up business at the resort.”
“What?!” The laughter stopped. The look on his face was one of shock and even a certain amount of anger.
“You did that for me, didn’t you?” she asked, touching his cheek with her fingertips, because she couldn’t be this close to him and not touch him. He was here. In the flesh. “Because they threatened my clinic…”
Brant nodded mutely.
“And you punched the dentist…”
“That was stupid of me—”
She cut him off as she reached up on her toes and silenced him with a kiss. “I love you, Doctor.” There was nothing more to say.
He slid his hands under her shirt in the back and pulled her to him. They fell into the soft loam and she rolled on top of him. There was no time for clothing, nothing so messy as undressing, the need too great, too savage. She was stripped of her shorts, his pants made it down to the sneakers and he lay there with his ankles bound. She rode him, kissing him, taking him in fully.
When they came it was in unison, and she fell onto him. Her breath in his ear, his arms around her, their legs wrapped together.
He looked up at her, clearing a stray hair from her.
“Come with me,” he said softly. She stiffened a bit. “Not forever, for a while…a few weeks. I’m willing to bet you’ve never had a vacation. Take one now.”
“I can’t.” She bit her lower lip because reality was already intruding on what had been wonderful, and she wasn’t prepared to go back to it just yet.
“Please don’t hide out here. Come back. If just for a while.”
And for the first time in years, it sounded good. The idea of going back to the States, maybe for just a little while. “I need some time to find a replacement. It takes time to set this kind of thing up. I can’t just up and leave.” Responsibility settled over her again. A little voice that screamed all the protests she should have already been thinking. Leave? Just up and leave everything I built?
“Then how about this?” he said and held her. “When she’s ready, bring Maria to the States. I can help her, I can repair a lot of the damage…I can’t exactly take a minor across international lines.”
Mel laughed. “Not for lack of trying.”
Brant smiled the acknowledgement of that. “But you can. Maria thinks her mother would allow you temporary joint custody. That would allow her to come to L.A. And you.”
She pondered this. “Wh-When?”
“She should be ready in a month. That’ll give you time for a replacement and me time to set up a hospital stay. Please, Mel. Come.”
Mel held his head in her hands. “A whole month? How am I supposed to survive a month away from you now that I found you?” She hadn’t intended to say that, but somehow lying in the jungle, still straddling the man you’d just had sex with led one to speak one’s mind a bit more than one normally would.
“As it happens…” He smiled. “I have three days left on my vacation.” His smiled turned wicked. “Do you think you can run the clinic and spend your nights in the resort? Since I’m no longer allowed resident’s quarters here.”
She found herself grinning. “I’ve always wanted to check that place out.”
“Then get dressed, Doctor.” He smacked her exposed butt playfully.
She gasped, and grabbed the spot as though the pain were unbearable.
Brant’s face took on a look of panic.
“Just kidding.” Her grin was positively wicked.
The next smack was a lot less playful.
But a whole lot more satisfying.
THE END
… but to be continued
BOOK 2 Description
He came into her jungle, now the tables have turned and it’s her turn to conquer his.
L.A. is an intimidating city for even the most seasoned of traveler’s. To Dr. Melanie Bell, after several years of living in the jungles of Belize, the City of Angels seems to have been created by the devil himself. Her new boyfriend, Dr. Brant Layton, is of no earthly help right now. He’s so caught up in the politics at work, that you’d have to be a celebrity to get his attention. And Mel is no celebrity.
What she is though, is a woman on a mission. Change the life of one badly scarred little girl – oh and somehow increase the funding of the clinic that has come to be her whole world.
It should be easy, right?
L.A. is the city where dreams are supposed to come true…except they come at a terrible price. Do you sacrifice love for career? Integrity for passion? The decisions Mel and Brant make next will impact hundreds of lives…and might cost them everything that matters.
Note from Author:
I hope you enjoyed Forever Perfect! While working on this story, I thought back to my first romance series I’d written and wished to step back in time to those characters.
I loved Dr. Elijah Bennet and Charity Thompson. They had such fun chemistry and a love that transcended time.
I’m including book one of SAVING FOREVER here for your reading enjoyment.
Cheers,
Lexy
Xx
Saving Forever - Part I
SF Description:
Charity Thompson wants to save the world, one hospital at a time. Instead of finishing med school to become a doctor, she chooses a different path and raises money for hospitals – new wings, equipment, whatever they need. Except there is one hospital she would be happy to never set foot in again--her fathers. So of course he hires her to create a gala for his sixty-fifth birthday. Charity can’t say no. Now she is working in the one place she doesn’t want to be. Except she’s attracted to Dr. Elijah Bennet, the handsome playboy chief.
Will she ever prove to her father that’s she’s more than a med school dropout? Or will her attraction to Elijah keep her from repairing the one thing she desperately wants to fix?
SF Chapter 1
“You do realize you have a very unique name for the business you’re in?” The doctor smiled and winked at her. His hazelnut eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’m sure you’ve been told that a million times.”
Charity laughed. “My mother must have planned it all while I was in her tummy.” She tucked a chunk of her long blond hair behind her ear. It had been six years since her mother had lost her battle against cancer, which had completely changed Charity’s career course. The day after the funeral, she had dropped out of medical school and hadn’t looked back since. She couldn’t say the same about her father. She forced a grin and focused on the moment. “It’s even more ironic now that I’m signing a two-year contract with you guys. How shall we put the press release? Forever Hope Hospital hires Charity Thompson as their new Fundraiser Liaison. Kind of a tongue twister, ‘eh Dr. Parker?”
“Just Malcolm, please. We’re working together now. It’s in the two-year contract you just signed. It says you are to refer to Dr. Parker as Malcolm only.” He held it up, teasing her.
Dr. Parker—er, Malcolm—couldn’t be much older than Charity, maybe five years tops. Cropped hair and chiselled features probably made him popular talk among the staff and patients. She knew he was single, recently divorced, with no children. She wondered how long it would take a first year or nurse to ‘make the rounds’ with him. Or maybe he would surprise her and actually be a decent guy.
“As for the press release, I can’t wait to see everyone and anyone’s reaction. It’s going to be a big success. Between the humor in your name and job, your awesome track record for success…” He pointed and in a very kind voice added, “Your beautiful face, plus the fact that your father is the Doctor Thompson, I’m not sure we should send the press release to the local pape
rs or to the American Journal of Medicine.” He stood and reached out his hand. “I’m teasing again, of course. We’re all very excited to have you on board.”
Charity stood and shook his hand, making sure to add just the right about of firmness to show her strength and still remain feminine. “I’m excited to get started.”
“This hospital needs your help. We’re in dire straights. Between the state cut backs, the simple lack of funds, our long-term care ward and our outpatient surgery floor is anciently outdated, we either need to update or close down. People are starting to skip past us and driving the extra forty-five minutes to Atlanta General.” He shook his head. “You already know this, sorry. I just hear it everyday, a million times a day.”
Charity sat back down and pulled her iPad out of her briefcase. “Then we need to get started right away.” She flipped to the screen she’d written the list of things she needed from the hospital. “I’m going to need the hospital’s financial records, and a calendar of events you already have set up. I’d like to plan a charity luncheon in about six weeks to get the ball rolling. Remember, this isn’t going to be fixed over night. It’s a process and two years is the goal. We’ll get there.”
Vibration from the doctor’s cell phone on his desk made her pause. They both looked at the phone and then at each other.
“Continue, please.” He glanced at the phone and then back at her.
“You’re busy. You need to take care of hospital issues. Why don’t I talk to your assistant and check your calendar? We need to pick a day in five or six weeks that you can take a long lunch break.” She thought back to his comment about her having a pretty face. “We need to use those good looks of yours and get some lovely high society ladies wanting to spend money on the hospital with the hot doc.”
He blinked, surprise clear on his face. “I’m not sure if I should be insulted or pleased. Hot doc?”
She laughed. “Sometimes pretty works and you have to use it.” She stood and slipped her briefcase strap over her shoulder. “Sorry doc, but you’re single, good-looking and funny. I’m going to have to use you as a marketing tool to get a few charities going.” She held up her hand. “I promise no cheesy date auctions or prostitution. Just need to use your… your atmosphere to see how awesome the staff and hospital really is.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes. I love this place and want everyone else to love it as well.”
They were going to work together just fine. “You need to go be a doctor and I need to set up my office.”
The doctor slapped his forehead. “I almost forgot! Your new office is to the right of the elevator. I’ve had it cleared and your name’s supposed to be up on the glass by the end of the day. I’ll get my assistant to show you where and she’ll also bring any information you need.” He pressed the red button on the intercom phone on his desk. “Amanda, do you mind helping Ms Thompson?”
A millisecond later the office door opened and in rushed a tiny, petite lady. Her silver hair in a messy bun held a pair of reading classes stuck on the top of her head. “Doctor Parker, Doctor Mallone is trying to get a hold of you. He needs you in emerg right away.” She turned, almost floating like a little fairy. “Ms Thompson, let’s go.” She disappeared out the door, her little shoes tapping down the hall.
It felt like being in third grade all over again. Charity raised her eyebrows but wasn’t about to disobey Amanda. As she took a step towards the door, a smooth hand touched her elbow
“She’s harmless,” Malcolm whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear, “but I’ve never crossed her.” He chuckled as he let go of her. “Good luck.”
Charity mouthed a sarcastic Thank-you and hurried out the door. She could feel Malcolm’s breath cooling on her skin as her long strides slowly caught up to Amanda.
“I had a two-sided desk set up in your office. I also had them set up a bookcase but didn’t know what else you would need.” Amanda’s words punched out with each tap of her shoes. She stopped in front of a frosted glass door and pulled a key out of her pocket. “This is yours.” She handed to key to Charity. “I’m glad you’ve come. Welcome to Forever Hope. Just let me know if you need anything else.” She stood waiting.
“Thanks.” Charity realized the woman wanted her to open the door so she hurriedly put the key into the lock and turned it. She pushed the door open and grinned when she stepped inside.
“Will it work?” Amanda asked.
The office was actually two rooms, kind of like a waiting room and then an archway that showed a glimpse of a large light wood stained two-sided desk. The walls were completely bare except for a fresh coat of pale yellow paint. Bright without feeling like a hospital. It gave her an idea. “It’s going to be perfect!”
“Lovely. I’m down the hall if you need me.” Amanda disappeared out the door.
Charity set her briefcase against the wall by the door and pressed her lips together. She’d done six large figure multi-million dollar fundraisers but never had an office like this. Two rooms!
Racing through the brightly painted white arch, she surveyed the second room. It was a bit smaller than the first room but both had large window panels to look over the city. Day or night the view was probably amazing. The two-sided desk had a brand new computer still in its box sitting on the far side, along with a phone already set up. The leather chair behind seemed to beg her to try it out. Well, she couldn’t disappoint it.
The soft leather felt perfect under her. She tested out the wheels and tried sliding from one side of the desk to the other. No problem. She slipped her heels off and felt the wood floor against her bare feet. It made her want to dance. Focus Charity.
She pushed her chair away from the desk and went back to the first room to look around. The bright empty room would make a perfect conference room. Give it a laid back, homely atmosphere and possibly donors would relax the minute they stepped in. She pulled her blackberry out of the short-sleeved red jacket that went with her black dress.
Maybe a love seat, definitely a round table, four comfortable chairs, two ottomans, plant, fridge, cabinet to hold glasses, wine rack.
She glanced around. There were three walls to work with since she didn’t want to put anything but a low table near the windows. If she painted the one wall with chalk paint, that would be a perfect note-board and would also work as a projector screen for presentations.
A buzzing in her hand caught her attention. She had a call. Quickly saving the shopping list she then switched screens to check the caller ID. She almost dropped the phone when she saw the number.
SF Chapter 2
“Dad!” Her father never rang unless there was an emergency. “Is everything alright?”
“Hullo?” The voice that answered wasn’t her father’s. It was husky, with a clear accent.
It took her by surprise and sent a shiver down her spine at the same time.
“I’m sorry, is this Charity?”
She scratched her head, trying to recognize the caller. Australian accent? Or New Zealand? “Where’s my father?”
“I’m not too sure actually.” The stranger chuckled. “I was just in a meeting with him an’ he said he needed to call you. Suddenly he tosses me the phone and rushes off to some code three over the intercom.” A slight grating noise echoed through the phone like the stranger was rubbing a five o’clock shadow. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know what he wanted to tell you.”
“That’s okay. He does have a habit of rushing off to save the day. Who is this by the way?”
“I’m Elijah.”
“Hi Elijah, I’m Charity.” She shook her head. Was she honestly flirting with some stranger over the phone? Her father’s phone on top of it. She really needed to get out more.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He chuckled. “Well, over the phone anyway.”
She smiled. “Not to make you the messenger but you can let my dad know I’ve arrived and he can call me when he has a free moment.”
“Arrived?”
She absently waved her hand in the air and walked around the room surveying what she needed to do first. Hardware store, the furniture store. “I just started a new contract down here in Atlanta.”
“A little warmer than New York at the moment.”
“Definitely.”
Muffled voices carried over the phone. “I apologize again,” Elijah said, “but Dr. Thompson needs me.”
“No problem. Have a great afternoon.”
“You too.”
Charity slipped her phone into her jacket pocket and grabbed her briefcase. She wondered what Elijah looked like. Sexy accent surely belonged to a good looking guy. She rolled her eyes. The guy was over a thousand miles away and she had a new job with a lot of work to do.
Speaking of work. She needed to get a list of past donators, skim through the local papers to find the elite social class. The first group would be women. Doctors’ wives and local celebrities. She already had connections to a couple of popular bands that would do charity concerts for her. It was simply a matter of getting dates and plans to coincide.
She headed out the office and back down the hall to Amanda’s office.
Amanda sat behind her computer, reading glasses on the bridge of her nose. She smiled at Charity. “What do you need, sweetie?”
Charity dropped into the chair in front of Amanda’s desk. “I need lists. People who have donated to the hospital, anyone big named or wealthy who have been here. Even those who wished to remain discreet. I’ll contact them on the down low but I need names.” She went through her mental list of things she wouldn’t have access to find. “Has the board made blueprints or hired architecture to design the new wing Malcolm wants to add?”
Amanda shook her head. “I don’t believe they have.” Her hand slid her computer mouse and she clicked it a bunch of times. Pages started printing out of the massive computer behind her. “Dr. Parker started collecting data when he was pretty sure you would agree to help us out.”
