What the Heart Wants ; Sealed with a Kiss

by Donna Hill

  She held him, rocked him, relished in the bliss of sharing her body with his, absorbed his moans of release with pleasure.

  Franklin wearily lifted his head and looked down into her eyes. “I’m in love with you.”

  Her heart slammed between them.

  “That’s not crazy-good sex talking, either.”

  Dina smiled, her eyes filled. She cupped his cheeks. “I wondered what was taking you so long,” she said, her voice breaking. “I love you, too.” She leaned up until their mouths touched.

  Dina sighed against his lips as his tongue dipped inside her mouth. Her heart pounded wildly as she gave in to the pleasure of him. She knew they’d crossed that invisible line and exposed themselves to all the ups and downs that come with turning your heart over to another. It was scary and wildly exhilarating all at once. She was finally ready to love and be loved.

  * * *

  “I need to get back,” Franklin said as he fastened his pants.

  Dina rose from the couch and got dressed. “Your brother must be wondering what happened to you.”

  They looked at each other and laughed.

  “We’ll keep this little rendezvous between us,” Franklin said and winked.

  She stood in front of him, placed her hands on his chest. Her eyes scored his face. “I’m trusting you.”

  Franklin drew in a breath. His expression softened in understanding. “I know. I’m trusting you, too.” He slid his arm around her waist and eased her close. “We’ll figure it all out.”

  She nodded. “You better go.”

  “Yeah.” He leaned down and kissed her one last time, sealing their newfound commitment. “I’ll see you later.” He turned to leave, opened the door and stepped out into the corridor.

  Anna was mere steps away walking in his direction.

  “Dr. Grant?” Her tone was as much a greeting as a question.

  “Dr. Lorde.”

  She slid a glance toward Dina’s closed door. “Is your mother out of recovery?”

  “I’m going to check on her now.”

  She did a slow nod, tipped her head slightly to the side. “Is Dr. Hamilton busy? I want to go over some test results.”

  “She was...reviewing some X-rays. I need to get over to recovery.”

  “Of course. All my best to your mother.”

  “Thanks.” He headed off down the hall. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, stopped at the elevator and looked at the number, tapped the talk icon.

  “Lindsay...”

  Chapter 35

  “Franklin, I just heard about your mother. I’m so sorry. How is she?”

  “The surgery went well. I’m on my way to recovery now.”

  “Oh, where are you?”

  He cleared his throat. “On the floor. I wanted to thank Dr. Hamilton.”

  Silence hummed on the line.

  “I know this is a difficult time, but I shouldn’t have to remind you that any contact with Dr. Hamilton or anyone else who was in the OR that day is a major problem and could severely compromise your return. You want to come back, don’t you?”

  “Of course. Listen, Lindsay, I appreciate your concern. I really do, but I need to go.”

  “We’ll talk. And, Franklin, stay away. I mean it. The only place you should be in this hospital is in your mother’s room.”

  “Goodbye, Lindsay,” he managed over a clenched jaw. He disconnected the call, then shoved the phone back in his pocket before stabbing the button of the elevator.

  * * *

  Alonzo jumped up from his seat when Franklin walked into the waiting room. “Where the hell have you been?”

  Franklin held up his hands. “We’ll talk about it later. Any word?” He looked over Alonzo’s shoulder.

  “About ten minutes ago a nurse came out and said they should be moving her to a room in about an hour. She’s still asleep.”

  Franklin pushed out a breath and shoved his hands in his pockets.

  “If I didn’t know better I’d swear you just tumbled out of the sack. You got that look.”

  Franklin ignored his brother.

  Alonzo’s eyes widened. “Wow. For real, bro? Now?”

  “Look, it’s not like that.”

  Alonzo sputtered a chuckle. “Yeah, I think it is.”

  Franklin blew air through his nose, walked over to a chair and sat. He sheepishly lowered his head. “It just happened. Wasn’t planned.”

  “I get it.” He sat down next to Franklin. “Might not have been the smartest move you’ve ever made, though.”

  Franklin grumbled something under his breath.

  “Saw Lindsay a little while ago.”

  Franklin’s head snapped up. “What did she say?”

  “Stopped in. Gave me her regards and asked where you were.”

  Franklin tugged on his bottom lip with his teeth. “How long ago?”

  “Half hour. Maybe more. You’ve been gone for a minute, bro.”

  Franklin rested his arms on his thighs. “She called me...right after.”

  Alonzo’s brow arched. “And, so what? You and Lindsay been a done deal.”

  “It’s not that. Not really. But she asked me where I was. I told her I was leaving Dina’s office.”

  “Does she know about you and Dina?”

  Franklin shook his head. “No. But there was something in her voice, even while she was reminding me to stay away from the hospital—except to see Mom.”

  “Wouldn’t stress it then,” Alonzo said.

  “Yeah, I guess.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  The door to the corridor opened and the head nurse stepped in.

  “They’re moving your mother to her room now. Cardiac ICU Room 2010.”

  “Thank you,” the brothers said in unison.

  The nurse smiled, nodded and turned away.

  Franklin pushed to his feet as his cell phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket. “It’s Monty... Hey, man. What’s going on?” His expression relaxed as he listened. “Great... Okay... Yeah, they’re moving Mom to her room. As soon as she gets settled, either me or Zo will come over and relieve you... Cool. Later.”

  “How’s Dad?”

  “He’s sitting up, asking about Mom. They’re giving him something light to eat. Scans came back clear. There’s no sign of internal bleeding. But there is a cracked rib, a lot of bruising and a very bad sprain on his left wrist. He should be discharged in a day or two. Probably will need a home attendant for a while and rehab for that wrist.”

  Alonzo pushed out a heavy sigh. “Damn. Not bad but bad enough.”

  “Dad is as tough as they come. He’ll be fine.” He put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go see about Mom.”

  Alonzo sniffed, gave his brother the side-eye. “When did you start smelling like a woman, bruh?”

  “What?” He sniffed rapidly and hard.

  Alonzo covered his mouth and laughed. “You smell like something soft and light,” he teased. “She’s all over you, man. In your pores.”

  Any other time he wouldn’t have given a damn, but that was the last piece of news he needed to hear when he spotted Lindsay coming their way.

  “Aww, man,” he hissed under his breath.

  “Franklin. Alonzo,” she greeted, stopping in front of them. “Any updates?”

  “She was just moved to ICU,” Franklin said.

  “That’s good news.” She smiled, flashing dimples. “Well if there’s anything I can do.” She rested her hand on Franklin’s arm, then frowned, looked at him curiously. “Was Dr. Hamilton here?” Her light brown eyes danced around the space.

  “No,” Franklin said, almost too fast.

  “Oh. Hmm.” She shook her head as if to toss away a bad idea. “My senses are working overt
ime I guess,” she said with a half smile. “If there’s anything I can do,” she said again. “And please—stay away from your department.” Her perfectly arched brow rose to emphasize her point. She spun away on five-inch heels that popped like firecrackers against the marble floor.

  Alonzo threw his brother a side “I told you so” glance.

  Franklin held up his hand. “Don’t say anything.”

  Alonzo bit back a snicker. He clapped Franklin on the back as they walked out of the waiting area. “Not a word.”

  * * *

  The last person Dina wanted to deal with at the moment was Anna. What she wanted to do was sit back and replay that last half hour with Franklin. Damn what were they thinking? They weren’t. What they did was crazy risky but beyond thrilling, and it was so good.

  “Dina...”

  Dina blinked, brought Anna into focus. “Sorry.” She frowned in faux concern. “Half-dozen cases running through my head at once.” She forced a smile. “You were asking me about the rotation?” She linked her fingers together and saw them wrapped around Franklin’s incredible erection. She shifted in her seat and squeezed her thighs and knees together.

  “Yes, I was hoping to get an earlier rotation for the next day or so, and I’d like to be on the team for the transplant next week. If possible.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yes. Fine.” Anna’s gaze drifted away for a moment. “Um, I know we’re not besties or anything but if something is going on with you and Dr. Grant, I’d be careful.”

  “What? Why would you think something like that?” she sputtered. Her cheeks heated.

  “I’m not blind. I can tell every time you are around each other. The side glances, the little touches, the tone. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re not paying attention. That whole act that he put on of trying to be hard on you when you first got here. Dead giveaway.” She half smiled. She leaned forward in a confidential pose. “Listen, I get it. The man is everything and then some. Clearly you were able to get past the hard exterior. But right now you need to think about your own ass, and the rest of the team. Word gets out that something is going on with you two and—” she shrugged “—you’re screwed. And Dr. Grant can kiss his job here goodbye.”

  Dina kept her expression neutral. “I really appreciate the advice and your concern. But neither one is warranted.”

  Anna studied her for a moment, pushed out a breath. “Okay. But can you take a look at the schedule for me? I’d appreciate it.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks.” She turned to leave and walked out.

  Dina squeezed her eyes shut. Who else saw what Anna claimed to have seen? Anna never let on that she saw or felt anything out of the way between her and Franklin. Why? She pushed out a breath. She couldn’t think about that now. What she did need was to complete a final check on her patients and go home.

  * * *

  When Dina walked into the ICU she spotted Alonzo standing outside of Ellen’s room. Seconds later Franklin stepped out. He seemed to sense her and looked in her direction. Her stomach fluttered. She steadied herself and walked toward the brothers.

  “I wanted to stop by and do a last check,” she said to them both.

  Franklin nodded.

  She stepped around them and into the room and closed the door behind her. Once inside she took a breath to steady her own racing heartbeat. Anna’s words played in her head, not to mention seeing Franklin again so soon after what had gone down in her office. Add all that to the hospital’s offer, and the offer from Saint Vincent which she had yet to give her answer to either, and it was no wonder her pulse was galloping. Her thoughts swirled, but first and foremost she was a doctor and there to care for her patient. She checked Ellen’s chart, the dressing and the most recent readout from the machines. Satisfied, she made some final notes for the night staff and started to leave when she heard Ellen’s soft moan.

  Dina returned to the bed. “Mrs. Grant,” she said softly. She placed a light hand on her shoulder. “Can you hear me?”

  Ellen’s eyelids fluttered, closed and slowly opened.

  “I’m Dr. Hamilton. You’re in the hospital.”

  Ellen tried to speak.

  “I need you to rest. Don’t try to talk. You have an oxygen mask on. You were in a car accident. You had a major heart attack and underwent surgery to repair some damage. But you came through.” She smiled down at Ellen. “Your husband is fine, too. He was taken to another hospital, but he is doing well. I promise you. Franklin and Alonzo are outside.”

  A tear slid down Ellen’s cheek.

  “Everything is going to be fine,” she said gently. “I’m going to let Franklin and Alonzo in, but only for a moment. I’ll be back to see you in the morning.” She patted her shoulder and walked out.

  “She’s awake.” She looked to Franklin. “You know the routine. Don’t get her too excited. I told her your dad is in the hospital but he’s fine. You can explain. But she needs to rest. Five minutes. Please. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  Franklin nodded.

  “Thank you, Doctor,” Alonzo said.

  Dina smiled. “Good night.”

  Alonzo pushed the door open.

  Franklin and Dina shared a simmering look before Dina turned and walked away.

  * * *

  “She’ll be sleeping for the rest of the night,” Franklin said as they walked out of their mother’s room. “We probably should head over and check on Dad.”

  “Yeah. I’ll give Monty a call and let him know we’re on our way.”

  “Thanks.” While Alonzo was calling Monty, Franklin pulled out his cell and typed a quick text. Expect me later. He hit Send and shoved the phone back in his pocket, then went to join his brother with the thought that there would be pleasure at the end of this day.

  Chapter 36

  When Dina finally crossed the threshold of her town house she was sure her body would crumble. She felt weak. The adrenaline that had fueled and pumped through her veins over the last few hours was slipping away.

  She toed out of her shoes and dropped her purse on the hall table. She unzipped her purse, took out her phone and dragged herself inside where she flopped down on the couch. She held up her phone and saw that she had a text. She tapped in her password and the text from Franklin appeared. Expect me later. Her heart thumped. She checked the time. The text was sent nearly an hour earlier. It was already after eight. She was pretty sure he would visit his father. She got up. No telling what time he would show up. Hopefully, she had enough time to get herself together. Thinking about Franklin coming to see her, sleeping in her bed, and suddenly she wasn’t tired anymore.

  * * *

  It was close to eleven by the time her front doorbell rang, jingling her out of a light doze. She blinked against the twilight that her living room had slipped into, sat up, then walked to the door, pushing her loose hair away from her face.

  She pulled the door open. “Hey.”

  Franklin’s dark eyes grew soft in the moonlight that peeked from between the treetops. “Hey. Sorry I’m so late.”

  She stepped aside to let him in. “No problem.”

  Franklin took her hand as he walked inside, pulled her to him. “I really needed to see you.”

  Dina moved into his arms, looked up into his eyes. She ran her thumb along the curve of his dark thick brows. “I’m tired as hell but I wouldn’t miss tonight for a week of sleep.” She tipped up and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Come on in. Hungry? I can whip up something.”

  “Don’t go to any trouble.”

  “That means you’re starving,” she said with a grin. “Let’s see what I can pull together.” She linked her fingers through his and led him into the kitchen. “How ’bout an omelet. Quick. Easy. Filling.”

  “Sounds perfect. What can I do to help?”

 
“You can pour us a glass of wine and tell me how your father is doing?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Glasses are in the cabinet over the sink. Wine is in the fridge.”

  She took a mixing bowl and dishes from the cupboard, and cutlery and a whisk from the drawer. “Oh, since you’re in there...can you get the carton of eggs, green and red peppers?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.” Franklin placed all the items on the island counter, then poured them each a glass of wine.

  Dina lifted her glass. “To the swift and full recovery of your parents.”

  “Thank you.” He tapped his glass to hers.

  “So how is he?”

  “He’s doing pretty good, all things considered.”

  “Do you know his doctor?” She went back to the fridge for kale, spinach and mushrooms, and tomatoes.

  “Only in passing. But he’s very good. We thought we’d get Dad transferred to Jameson, but I don’t think it will be necessary. Barring any complications they’re going to release him tomorrow or the day after.”

  Dina nodded. She cracked four eggs into the mixing bowl and began chopping the mushrooms, green and red peppers. “Makes sense. When I check on your mother in the morning I’ll have a better sense of how long we’ll keep her, based on her bounce-back from the surgery.” She glanced over at him. “You and your brothers might want to consider hiring someone, just to do a weekly wellness check.”

  He sipped his wine. “Those two are so independent. My mother will have a natural fit. But the idea has crossed my mind. After this, no matter how strong and vibrant they may have been, they will not be the same, no matter what they may think.”

  Dina took the bowl to the stove, poured the eggs and mixings into the pan. She put her hand on her hip and turned to Franklin. “I have to meet with Dr. Freeman tomorrow. He’s expecting my answer.”

  Franklin’s lips tightened. “Know what you’re going to tell him?”