Mine at Last

by Celeste O. Norfleet

“Shauna, relax. I don’t have a wife and I don’t have any children and I gather neither do you.”

  She continued to shake her head. “No. I have to get someone else to do this review now. I compromised everything—my ethics, my professionalism, my principles, my...”

  “Shauna,” he interrupted, taking her hands, “it was a kiss. We just got caught up in impulse, the heat of the moment.”

  “I don’t do impulse and my impartiality has been tainted.”

  “Listen to me, it was a physical need. We both felt it and we both enjoyed it. Are you saying you’re unable to separate your professional life from your personal life? You can’t have a purely physical need satisfied without compromising your professional ethics?”

  “Yes, of course I can. It’s just that...”

  “What?” he asked.

  She stared at him. She knew he was right. She could separate her personal feelings from her job. She’d already done it by coming here. “Yes, of course I can,” she relented again.

  He nodded. “Good. Then I suggest we move on, unless of course you’d prefer to kiss me again, because if you do...” He stepped closer to her.

  She gasped. A scant instant later, the office door opened and Dr. Gilman came in. Shauna and Dominik looked at her as if they’d been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Dr. Gilman looked at the two of them, then focused on Dominik. Her brow furrowed in warning. “Am I interrupting something?” she asked.

  Dominik smiled, being overly charming as he picked up the papers that fell on the floor the second time. “No, not at all, Dr. Gilman. Ms. Banks and I were just discussing professional ethics and its emotional place in our respective professions. A few papers fell off the desk.”

  “Really?” Dr. Gilman said.

  “I have to go. Thank you, Dr. Gilman, for seeing me. I appreciate your time. If you could find me a quiet place to work for the next few weeks, I’d be grateful.”

  “Yes, the first-floor conference room would be perfect. I’ll have the boxes and files delivered there first thing Monday morning. Dominik can show you when he takes you around this evening.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary,” she said abruptly.

  “But, Ms. Banks, what about your tour of the E.R. this evening?” Dr. Gilman said. “Didn’t you want see it today?”

  “Actually, I’m running late for another appointment. I’ll see the conference room and the E.R. department Monday morning, if that’s okay with you, everyone,” she said, deliberately not looking at Dominik the whole time.

  “Sure, no problem,” Dr. Gilman said, then looked at Dominik.

  “I’m available for you at any time,” Dominik said eagerly.

  “Good. So, thank you for seeing me today, Dr. Gilman, Dr. Coles,” Shauna said as she grabbed her jacket and briefcase. “Have a good weekend.” She walked out quickly and hurried to the elevator. As soon as she pressed the button, the doors opened. She got in and pressed the button to the lobby repeatedly. When the doors closed, she she took a deep breath and watched the red numbers descend. When the doors opened again, she hurried out to her car, blasted the air conditioner and drove off.

  Her heart was still pounding like a jackhammer when she stopped at the first traffic light. She glanced up at her reflection in the rearview mirror. She looked the same, she felt the same, but she knew she wasn’t. “That was stupid,” she chastised herself, openly banging her fist on the steering wheel. She shook her head in complete disbelief. “What were you thinking? You kissed him. This isn’t high school.”

  She was headed to the hotel, intending to change clothes, when she realized it was later than she thought. Dinner with Pearl was at seven, so she turned toward town to find the bakery Pearl mentioned. What she needed to do now was exactly what Dominik said—move on. She stopped at a small specialty food store and bought two bottles of wine and got directions to Nikita’s Café. It was on the next block.

  As soon as she crossed the threshold of the bakery, she relaxed. The smells permeating the café were heavenly. She chose a number of small sample desserts and had them boxed. Feeling much better, she drove to her old neighborhood. She knew she had to go back to the E.R., back to him, but not right now. Everything was fine for right now.

  Chapter 5

  “That was odd. All right, what was all that?” Dr. Gilman asked.

  “What was all what?” Dominik asked innocently.

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about,” she said, walking around to the back of her desk and scanning his face the whole time. “Shauna Banks ran out of here like her tail was on fire. What happened?”

  “Nothing happened. Seriously, nothing of note happened.”

  “Of note,” she stipulated and repeated. “Elaborate anyway.”

  “Ms. Banks and I were talking and she accidently placed her hand on the files on the desk. They fell all over the floor. I helped her pick them up and that was just about it.”

  “You didn’t upset her or tell her your feelings about the Cura Group and the buyout?”

  “I might have mentioned it,” Dominik said.

  Dr. Gilman shook her head. “If you weren’t the best damn doctor in this medical center, I’d...” She shook her head, not finishing the sentence.

  Dominik laughed. They both knew she’d never get rid of him. He was way too valuable of a medical professional and a community leader. He drew nothing but positive attention to the center and to her as the administrator. “Everything will be fine. Trust me.” He winked and backed up toward the office door.

  “Get out,” she said jokingly, drily. “Carry on and have a good weekend.”

  Dominik left Gilman’s office still chuckling. He headed back down to the E.R. He quickly assembled and met with his evening staff, then went back to his office. As soon as he sat down, he reached up and touched his lips.

  The kiss was definitely unexpected but most certainly enjoyed. He knew they both wanted more, and given the slightest provocation, there was no telling where they might have taken it. The thought of their making love in an unlocked office excited him. He had never been one for reckless behavior; he usually left that to his older brother, Mikhail. But there was something about Shauna that made him want to open her up and taste the rewards.

  Perhaps it was her seemingly closed mind or the sexy body and stunning eyes or maybe her perfectly fitted clothing juxtaposed with her no-nonsense attitude. Whatever it was, he made up his mind that he wanted more. There was a tigress beneath all that prim-and-proper work ethic, and releasing her would be an interesting, not to mention enjoyable, challenge. He was always up for a challenge. He smiled.

  There was a knock on the door. His assistant had left for the day and because he’d just spoken to his staff, he doubted it was one of them. He smiled as a stray thought crossed his mind—Shauna Banks. Perhaps he’d have the opportunity to start his little challenge right now. It would be just like her to show up unannounced. He stood up, crossed the room and opened the door.

  His brother stood at the door smiling. “Hey.”

  The expression on Dominik’s face was far less than thrilled to see him. “Hey, come on in,” Dominik said as he turned and headed back to his desk. He sat down and looked at the computer monitor and then began typing. “I’ll be ready in ten minutes. I just have to finish up a few things.”

  Mikhail strolled in after his brother and took a seat. “No problem. So, who were you expecting?” Mikhail asked.

  “What? No one. Why?” Dominik said, answering an email and reading through the daily E.R. medical report.

  “Well, because the deliriously happy smile on your face turned around as soon as you saw it was me at the door. Ergo, you were expecting someone else—a woman, I’d gather.”

  “Yeah, I guess I was, kind of.” He shook his head. His brother was good. Most times he’d put both Sherlock Holmes and Watson to shame. The scary part was that deduction and reason were the least of his many talents. “It’s this woman. I don’t know what kind of
game she’s playing, but I swear she’s getting to me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She comes into the E.R. at five o’clock this morning and sits in the waiting room talking to one of the patients about the staff. She’s dressed in jeans and a top with a baseball cap on. I thought she was a reporter, so I toss her butt out. The next time I see her, it’s hours later and she’s back in the E.R. waiting room. This time she’s totally professional, wearing a dress and heels. Then later Gilman calls me up to her office and she’s in there waiting for me. She works for the Cura Medical Group.”

  “You mean the company trying to buy the hospital?” Mikhail asked.

  “Yeah, she works for them as a consultant. Her job is to check us out and perhaps make the final decision.”

  Mikhail shrugged. “Reconnaisance. It’s all good. It’s not like we’re talking Harris Bowman. You’ve turned the E.R. department completely around one hundred percent in just a few months.”

  “Yeah, I know. The department is on point. That’s not the thing. So, we’re alone in Gilman’s office and we’re discussing the Cura Group, and she’s trying to defend them when she turns around and knocks some files off the desk. We pick them up and she kisses me.”

  Mikhail laughed out loud. “She what?” he said.

  “Yeah, you heard me. She kissed me.”

  “Whoa, I did not see that coming. I like it—unpredictable.”

  “And I’m not talking about some ‘thanks for helping me pick up the papers’ peck on the cheek. I’m talking about a full-frontal, hot-and-heavy, about-to-clear-the-desk-and-throw-down-serious-lip-locking kiss till the end kiss. Bro, I gotta tell you, she took me completely by surprise. I had no idea it was coming. And I gotta say she had me one hundred percent.”

  Mikhail continued chuckling. “Well, it’s about time you get out of that self-imposed celibate groove you’ve been in lately.”

  “I’m not in a celibate groove. I’m selective and you know I’ve been too busy for all the drama. And truthfully, the women I’ve been meeting lately are just too clingy. They want all or nothing right up front. You gotta put a ring on their finger on the first date. I can’t do that.”

  “You know it’s the doctor title that gets them, don’t you? So, I hope you locked the office door and got busy.”

  “Nah, nothing happened. But afterward she was stunned. For real, I could see it in her face. And I swear she was furious with herself, and she apologized to me.”

  Mikhail shook his head. “Bro, you got me. I’m good, but I’m the last person to try to figure out women.”

  “Yeah, but the thing is, there’s something about her, just like before. I’m intrigued.”

  “What do you mean, ‘just like before’?” Mikhail asked.

  Dominik smiled. “There’s no way I’d forget her. We went to school together.”

  “College or med school?”

  “High school, Key West High, to be exact.”

  “What? When?” Mikhail asked.

  “You had already graduated when she came. And it was only for junior and senior years. We graduated and then she just disappeared. She didn’t have any real friends, so I never knew what happened to her, but I was always curious.” He smiled.

  “Sounds like you had a little crush on her.”

  “I’m not gonna lie—I had something. She was fine and now she’s stunning. I don’t know if it was a crush or what, but I remember her.”

  “Does she know you remember her?”

  “No, and I’m gonna let her have her moment. Like I said, I don’t know what kind of game she’s playing, but that kiss definitely said something.”

  “Hell, yeah, of course it did. You’ve been challenged. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Now, I’m not saying she was teasing you or playing you, ’cause it doesn’t sound like that was the case. The fact that she was stunned with her own actions and apologized to you says something. But still, something prompted her action and your response. I think it only fitting you explore the possibilities.”

  “Words of wisdom?” Dominik asked his brother.

  “Yes, of course, that and treasure every minute you have. Each is special and will never come again. Carpe diem, seize the day.”

  “That’s pretty deep. Anything I should know about, Mikhail?”

  “Nah, nothing,” he shook his head. “Just like you said, words of wisdom.”

  Dominik knew his brother held secrets pertaining to his job and he never pressed him, but they both knew they could count on each other no matter what. He turned off his desktop and stored his laptop in his briefcase, then placed it in a locked drawer. “You ready to go?”

  Mikhail nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it,” he said, then stood and headed to the door. “I’ll drive, then drop you off back here. Everybody’s showing up, so parking is going to be a pain.”

  “All right,” Dominik said as he nodded and waved to several E.R. staff as they passed. He stopped to speak with one of the nurses and then a doctor afterward as they continued out through the security doors.

  “What time are you coming in tomorrow morning?”

  “I’m not. I’m off tomorrow and Sunday.”

  “Wow, that’s a first. The whole weekend. Any plans?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll be at the clinic all day tomorrow, and Sunday I’m gonna sleep.”

  Mikhail chuckled knowing his brother would more than likely be at the clinic all day both days. “Yeah, we’ll see how that works out for you. So, what’s she like?”

  Dominik glanced at Mikhail, then understood. “Opinionated, callous, arrogant,” Dominik said.

  “Is she attractive?” Mikhail asked. Dominik nodded. “Very attractive?” Mikhail asked again.

  “Yes, very attractive.”

  “Perhaps I’d better check her out for you.”

  “Nah, you sit this one out,” Dominik said.

  Mikhail chuckled. “All right. So, what’s her name?”

  “Shauna Banks.”

  “Does she live in Key West?”

  “The Cura Group is out of D.C., so I presume she’s from that area, or maybe Maryland or Virginia,” Dominik said as he and his brother walked through the parking lot to Mikhail’s car.

  Twenty minutes later, the front door opened as they walked up the path. Mia Morales, their cousin’s very pregnant wife, stood waiting. “Hey, you made it,” she said, smiling happily.

  “Yeah, sorry we’re late,” Dominik said. “How are you feeling?”

  “I feel fat and happy,” Mia said, hugging and kissing him.

  “Ah, but you look gorgeous,” Mikhail said, kissing her cheek while giving her a hug.

  “I totally agree,” Dominik said.

  “You guys are so sweet. And thank you so much for helping out. We really appreciate it. Tonight is the only time we could get everyone together. Spencer is about to go in the studio, Chase and Nikita are headed to Alaska in a few days, and David’s got to make the junket rounds for his new movie. Natalia and the boys are going with him this time.”

  “Hey, it’s our pleasure,” Mikhail said. “So, where is everybody, upstairs already?”

  “No, we decided to eat first,” Mia said, tucking herself between her two cousins and escorting them down the hall to the back of the house. “Everyone’s out on the deck.”

  “Great, I’m starved,” Mikhail said, smelling the aroma of grilled meat.

  “Mmm, something smells fantastic,” Dominik said as they neared the kitchen. “Who cooked?”

  “Everybody,” Mia said. “Nikita and I prepped the food, then Spencer and Chase manned the grill. Natalia and David did the vegetables, and Tatiana supervised. Then of course we all changed places fifteen minutes later.”

  Dominik and Mikhail laughed. “Yep, that sounds about right,” Mikhail said as they stepped out onto the deck. There was a loud, resounding “Hey!” from the family. Hugs, kisses and handshakes were exchanged. Three hours later, the once-empty room beside Mia and Stephen’s bedroom was p
ainted, wallpapered, polished, furnished and decorated. It was the picture-perfect

  nursery.

  After his brother dropped him off, Dominik went back to the hospital. The first person he saw in the E.R. waiting room was a woman in jeans and a baseball cap with her head lowered reading a book. He walked over. “Good evening.” She looked up. “I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else.”

  He walked away and went to his office. He sat down thinking about the evening with his family. His sisters and his cousin looked so happy that he couldn’t help but think about his own life and his future happiness. He’d always wanted a family and children, but his profession required his steadfast dedication to his field. The rewards were heartwarming when he saw a child’s sparkling smile or a patient overjoyed with good news, but the solitude it entailed was lonely. He knew he wanted more. He needed more.

  He stood, grabbed his briefcase from the drawer and checked in with the night-shift medical team quickly, then headed back out to the front. As he passed through the waiting room, he looked around once more, this time seeing a sight that made him smile. Shauna was standing at the security desk and speaking with one of the guards. Perfect.

  Chapter 6

  After the fiasco in Dr. Gilman’s office, Shauna drove to her old neighborhood and down her old street. Here, the tropical laissez-faire lifestyle was at its best. She parked in Pearl’s driveway behind her car. She got out, grabbed the wine and dessert box, and headed up the brick path to the front door. She looked up at the grand old Victorian home with its wraparound veranda and lush, verdant gardens. As soon as she stepped up onto the open porch, Pearl opened the door smiling with a huge hug for her. “Oh, my God, look at you. I don’t care what they say, that Skype is nothing compared to real life. You look sensational. Come on in,” Pearl said, overjoyed to see her.

  Shauna couldn’t stop smiling as she walked in. Pearl always knew how to make her feel great even if she didn’t know she was doing it. “Thank you, Pearl, and you look sensational. You lost weight and look great. I love your hair like that.”

  “Me, too,” Pearl said, reaching up and pressing down the short, curly hair cut Afro-style in the back. “I got so tired of washing that longer hair, so I had it all cut off. Then I decided to just let the gray come in. Dyeing it and rinsing it every other week is nonsense. So, I’ve gone natural and it feels fabulous.” She shook her head and flipped pretend hair over her shoulder.