by Jill Downey
5
Ella would be lying to herself if she said she didn’t take a little extra care with her hair and makeup preparing for work. Even as she applied lip gloss, she admonished herself for it. Two weeks into caring for Mr. Bennett had added a little lift to her daily grind. She refused to overanalyze. She would just enjoy the sexy distraction while she had it.
A half hour later she arrived at the hospital coffee in hand. She listened to the update on Mr. Bennett; he was progressing, but he had a long way to go. Apparently, he had been quite restless during the night.
Kari rolled her eyes saying, “Quite the pain in the ass frankly.”
Stowing her purse in a cabinet behind the nurses’ station, Ella grabbed a stethoscope and hung it around her neck. “Are you surprised?”
“Not really. Rich, arrogant and entitled. Hey, that could be the name of a romance novel,” she joked. “He fits right into your wheelhouse—after dating our resident god Dr. Shelby, Mr. Bennett must seem like a walk in the park.”
“Very funny Kari. Actually, he’s not so bad.”
Kari rolled her eyes, “For you maybe.”
“Thanks, I’ll take it from here.”
Kari smirked and said, “Have fun.”
“Knock knock,” she said as she quietly entered room 2016. Kyle was sitting up in bed trying to feed himself with his sprained but not broken extremity. “Need some help?”
Kyle did a double take. “You’re here. Thank God, that other nurse is a real tyrant.”
“Why do you say that? Is it because she makes you get up and walk?”
“Because she bullied me. Dammit!” he snapped, as a blob of chocolate pudding fell off his spoon and onto his lap.
“If you don’t comply you won’t get better. Now let me help you with that pudding.” Taking the spoon from his bandaged hand she said, “Open wide.”
His eyes gleamed with fire, but he complied. She couldn’t help but tease him a little by taking her time approaching his mouth while he held it open. He grabbed her hand and squeezed even as he winced in pain from the effort. It was like an electric jolt going up her arm. She sucked in her breath sharply as she licked her lips.
Kyle, seeing her eyes widen with awareness, couldn’t stop himself from staring at her full lips and felt an immediate tightening in his groin. He didn’t want to examine too closely the fact that he was overly happy to see her. Her thick dark hair, as silky as a mink, made him want to remove the clasp and rake his fingers through it.
He reached for her hand with his better arm and guided her toward his mouth. He brushed his fingertips up her forearm while she held the full spoon of pudding. Opening his mouth for the bite he leaned forward and closed around the spoon. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he glanced up at her through his dark lashes. She visibly gulped.
“Mm, more.”
“Excuse me?”
“Another bite please.”
“You are definitely feeling better today, Mr. Bennett.”
“Yes, there are some parts waking up that would be better left asleep.”
Ella’s cheeks turned bright pink when she realized what he was referring to as her eyes automatically dropped down to the bulge beneath the sheet.
He laughed as he saw her eyes get big. “Now you can’t tell me this hasn’t happened to you with just about every male patient you ever laid your hands on.”
“No, most of my patients behave themselves.”
“It must be the drugs.”
“I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, Mr. Bennett,” she said primly.
“It’s Kyle, remember?”
“I remember.”
“Don’t act all innocent. You felt it, too.”
“Are you flirting with me Mr. Bennett?”
“More to the point I’m seducing you, and if I’m not mistaken, I think you like it.”
“You’ve got a high opinion of yourself. Not to mention that misplaced imagination we’ve talked about,” she said.
“Whatever you say Ms. Palmer.”
“I’m inclined to think you don’t need my help with this pudding, you seemed pretty strong when you gripped my hand.”
“Yeah but it hurt like hell. Plus, I have no coordination in my non-dominant hand which is why I’m wearing my pudding. Just one more bite,” his eyes gleamed wickedly.
She jabbed the spoon into the plastic container and practically shoved it toward his mouth.
“Whoa, Nurse Ratched, go easy!”
She wanted to smack him with the spoon but resisted the urge. “I think I liked you better when you were a ball of pain,” she said.
“You know you were a much nicer person when I was hurting. You might think about that. I’m totally at your mercy and you practically lodged that spoon down my throat.”
She couldn’t help it, she laughed out loud. She would have rather stayed irritated with him, it seemed a safer bet, but she never had been good with the odds.
“I never!” She exclaimed.
“Some kind of nurse you turned out to be.”
“Just wait until I have a fork in my hand,” she warned him.
He leaned back against the raised bed and smiled at her, his eyes oozing warmth. Ella felt it all the way to her toes. “I’m glad you’re back. Please no more days off. Nobody compares to you. I’d be dead now if it were up to the others, seriously,” he said.
“Ha! Not true,” she said. “I know for a fact that every nurse that has been assigned to your care is highly competent. Haven’t you heard the old saying that you catch more bees with honey than vinegar?”
“Takes too much energy. Everyone keeps telling me I have to focus on myself. How am I supposed to get better if I have to waste time being nice to everyone?”
“It takes just as much energy… maybe even more, to be negative as it does to be positive. You get what you put out in the world.”
“So, what do you put out?”
“Your lights if you don’t watch it.” His laugh was warm and hearty and made her belly flutter.
Kyle studied her face as she changed the bag on the IV drip. She had the healthy glow of someone used to spending time outdoors. Her skin was smooth and tan, “You are stunning,” he said abruptly.
Her hands stilled at the sudden change in topic. An army of internal butterflies began doing the samba in her belly. Ella took a steadying breath before replying, “Thanks, I’m sure after being cooped up in here, most anyone would look like eye candy.”
“Have you thought anymore about my invitation? What’s going to happen once I’m no longer your patient?”
Flustered she said, “Right now I’m still your nurse and I’m on the clock. I told you I keep my personal and professional lives separate Mr. Bennett.”
“Kyle.”
“Whatever.”
“Don’t get all prickly. You could look at it as throwing your patient a bone. A guy needs some hope…a reason to get better. Mental health should certainly count as patient care.”
“If only you needed an injection, it would give me infinite pleasure to jab you with a needle right about now,” she responded.
“Hot damn! I knew you liked me!” he said with a chuckle.
“You are a mess,” she said, giving in to a smile.
“In all seriousness, what do you do for fun? You look healthy and kind of outdoorsy,” he said.
“I love the water, sailing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, swimming, you name it, if it’s water I’m in. I also run, three to four times a week. Only about four miles at a time, but it keeps the brain and bod happy.”
“I’m impressed but not surprised. You’re graceful, I kind of figured you to be an athlete. Not to mention your killer body.”
“How about you? No, let me guess, gym four days a week, dictating while you run on your treadmill.”
“Um, busted. I’m lucky to squeeze three runs in a week. I have two pools one indoors and one out. I do laps most evenings. And yes, I have a gym at home which comes in handy.
I manage to get in a few workouts during the week. On the rare occasions that I take a day off, I take my boat out on the water or sometimes it’s my plane.”
“You poor dear. I’m sorry I asked. But the pool is really going to come in handy for your rehab, once the cast comes off. For that matter so will the gym. You’re fortunate to have them.”
“I’ve been thinking about that, I can’t wait to be home floating around. If I wrap my arm in a plastic bag, I should be able to get in the pool, right?”
“Yes. You don’t strike me as the ‘floating around’ type. But you’re going to have to take it easy for the next month or so to give your body time to heal.”
“Yes ma’am,” Kyle replied.
“Is there anything else I can get for you?”
“I’m good,” he said.
“I’ll be back in to check on you, I’m glad you are doing so well. Just press your button if you need anything.”
“I’ll rest a lot easier now that you’re here.” He winked as she rolled her eyes at his smooth talk.
Ella was trying to temper her attraction, but it was increasingly difficult. He would soon be stepping down from the intensive care unit, and she felt a wave of loss at that thought. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been this attracted to a man, maybe never.
6
“I hate to bring this to your attention while you are recovering but I think you need to know,” Kyle’s assistant Elenore said.
“Spill it.”
“We had to call nine-one-one yesterday because Gillian noticed something suspicious about a package delivered to the firm. No return address, dirty, too much postage, and excessive tape. It just didn’t look right, and it smelled funny.”
“Did you have to evacuate?”
Elenore nodded her head, “Yes, they advised it when we called. We were instructed to call the fire department as well. They sent the HAZMAT unit. It was chaotic to say the least. Gillian was freaked out because she is the one who handled it.”
“Who wouldn’t be?”
“The police questioned everyone at the office. Wanting to know about any threats from clients or adversaries. I told them about the sabotage to your father’s equipment at the building site that happened a few weeks ago. Other than that, there hadn’t been anything else to my knowledge. Pete was out for the day, so I filled in this morning. I’m sure they will be asking you questions. I’m surprised they haven’t shown up already.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, “Damn, not good. Of all times, when I’m stuck here and useless really. It’s so fucking frustrating. Where the hell was Pete all day?” He asked referring to his partner and best friend from law school.
“He has been MIA all week. I did relay everything to him when he finally returned my phone calls.”
“I haven’t heard from him since I was first admitted.”
“The test results from the powder came back already and were negative for any harmful substances, but it is still disconcerting,” Elenore said.
“Was it delivered with the regular mail or just left at the door? We could check out security camera footage.”
“Dropped off with the mail, but it might still be worth reviewing to see if there are any suspicious looking people lurking around after hours. I’ll have one of the junior partners get going on that when I get back to the office.”
“I could probably manage that much if someone could bring me my laptop,” Kyle said.
“That would be a no,” Ella said catching the tail end of their conversation. He looked sexy as hell with his dark stubble and wickedly blue eyes.
“You aren’t my boss,” Kyle grumbled. “I’m tired of feeling like a feeble invalid. Viewing my laptop hardly qualifies as strenuous activity.”
“If we let you open that can of worms, you’ll be working full time within hours. Do we look stupid?” she and Elenore exchanged knowing looks.
Elenore stood up to leave. “Listen to your nurse. She seems to be familiar with your Type A personality traits. I’ll keep you posted if there is anything that needs your attention. I’d expect a visit from the police.”
“Technically she’s not my nurse anymore since I’m no longer in ICU.”
“Maybe not, but she still knows what’s good for you,” Elenore said.
His mouth twisted, “Her and everyone else it would seem. Thanks for holding down the fort Elenore. Can’t say you made my day, but I needed to know.”
“I’ll walk out with you,” Ella said. I just popped in on my way out to pick up carryout lunch for some of the staff. Kyle, I’m going to Panera; can I get you some real food?”
“Yes! Please, I’ll have soup and a sandwich.” He frowned and said, “I just realized that I don’t have any money on me, I guess I’ll have to pass.”
“I’m sure I can conjure up the coins,” Ella said smiling at the irony of a penniless billionaire. “I’ll be back.”
“Real food. Thank you.”
“See you, Elenore. Please tell my asshole partner to swing by as soon as possible.”
“Will do.”
When Ella returned with their lunches, Kyle had a visitor. A blonde blue-eyed beauty who was currently sizing Ella up.
“Hey, come on in with my food, you aren’t interrupting anything.”
“Excuse me?” the blonde said obviously miffed.
“I just ran into your doctor and he told me you’ll be going home soon,” Ella said. It had been over three weeks since Kyle had been admitted. She was off for the next several days and more than likely he’d be discharged before she worked again. He had been moved from the ICU unit a few days prior and Kyle was chomping the bit to get out of there.
“That’s what they say, I sure as hell hope so. But I will still have to have a home health care nurse for some time. Know anyone?” he asked.
“I’m sure the hospital will make recommendations.”
“What about you?”
Her eyes widened in shock, “Me?”
“Yes, you. I’m serious. I’ll pay you double what you’re making. You can take a temporary leave, a month to six weeks is what they’re telling me. Why not?”
“Kyle, my love, she already has a job,” the blonde interjected clearly trying to derail this discussion.
“Yes, and she still would after her temporary leave.”
“I don’t think my head nurse would take too kindly being one nurse down. They depend on me. I can’t take a leave of absence just because I feel like it.”
“You don’t know until you ask.”
“Trust me on that. You don’t know the head nurse. She makes Cruella de Vil look like Mary Poppins.”
“I find it hard to believe you’d be intimidated by anyone. Come on just think about it. Everyone can use a change, think of this as an adventure. You’re young, don’t you have even the tiniest inkling to try something new?”
“Not really.”
“What could I throw in to entice you?”
“Kyle quit pressuring her. She said no. You can’t buy everything or everyone. She is not for sale. I can certainly come around more and help out,” the blonde said.
Stinging from her comment, which was a little too close for his own comfort and way too much like his father, he bitingly said, “I’m sure your money marketing skills would be invaluable as a home health nurse. Forget it Charlene.”
“No need to be ungrateful and rude about it,” she said huffily.
Ella jumped in before the conversation could become more heated, “I’m flattered. Honestly. The answer, which I’m sure you aren’t accustomed to hearing, is still no.”
Kyle’s eyebrows furrowed and his lips tightened with displeasure at being rebuffed. His scowl might be intimidating to some and most likely useful in court, but in Ella’s opinion, it only made his entitlement more glaring and brought out her own stubbornness.
Her fists balled up and she took a deep calming breath before speaking, “I wish you luck and continued healing. I am glad you ha
ve that level of confidence in me and that you think so highly of the care you received here, really I am.”
“You might consider thinking outside of the box. I’m sorry if you find the idea of working for me so distasteful.”
“No, I’m not saying that.”
He could see her body soften, signaling to him an opportunity to make his case. “Look Ella, you’re by far the most competent nurse in this unit. I wish you’d at least agree to think about my proposition for a day or two, would you do that for me?” He said his voice low and persuasive.
“I just can’t right now. Please don’t take this personally. I’m sure you’ll find someone you’re just as comfortable with,” she said firmly.
Kyle was pissed that she wouldn’t even consider his offer. Most people would jump at the chance for the freedom this job would afford, not to mention flexible hours and luxurious accommodations. Money was no object. If he thought it would make a difference, he would have offered her five times her current salary. Damn her.
“Listen I’m going to take my lunch to the lounge area and eat with the staff. If I don’t see you before you go, take care. It’s been great getting to know you and please give my best to Faye. I love her.”
“You’d get to hang out with her more if you’d take me up on my offer…just saying.”
Charlene jumped up from her chair as if trying to push Ella’s exit along.
“Goodbye, thanks for taking such good care of my man.”
Kyle rolled his eyes behind her back and Ella had to stifle a grin.
“See you.”
“Bye Ella.”
Thank God Deb was coming over for dinner tonight. She felt desperate for someone to talk to about her attraction to Kyle. Since Deb was also a nurse, she’d get the conflict of interest more than most. Ella had already decided on the menu and selected a wine to compliment the meal. The timing couldn’t have been better. She enjoyed cooking when she had the time as long as it wasn’t cooking for one. This was a welcome distraction. Girls night couldn’t get here quick enough.
