Doctor's Delight Read online

  Cherry thought that Rick would more than do. Dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and bow tie, he oozed sophistication. The epitome of the dark, handsome, successful doctor. One look at the width of his shoulders in the jacket, those strong hands, those long fingers…oh yes, those long, skilful fingers—

  “Jesus, Cherry.” With a groan, Rick swung her around and proceeded to propel her down the hallway while still keeping her tucked into his side. “You keep looking at me like that and I’ll skip the dinner and go straight to dessert. And you’re the dessert.”

  “Am I going to have to be your chaperone?” Susie asked sternly.

  “No, Ma’am,” Rick replied, gently swinging Cherry ahead of him through the front door. “I’m sure I don’t need you to show me how to undress and eat dessert.” He guffawed at her snort.

  Cheeks blazing, Cherry sent her friends a wave over her shoulder before they walked to his car. Ever the gentleman, he opened the door for her, and she got in and leaned back against the backrest, searching for the seatbelt. Leaning over her, his smile a wicked glint of white teeth in the darkness, Rick brushed her hands away and pulled the seatbelt slowly between her breasts and across her lower abdomen, brushing the apex of her thighs as he went, clipping the clasp securely before slowly drawing back, the back of his hand brushing across her breasts.

  Cherry blushed even as her heart picked up pace, and without thought she caught his wrist and leaned up, meeting his grinning mouth and daring expression with a deep kiss of her own.

  “I know you’re up to something, Rick Reed!” Susie yelled. “Keep your hands to yourself!”

  Kissing Rick was like licking hot honey, sweet and decadent yet somehow masculine. At Susie’s words, Cherry drew back and looked into his eyes.

  Eyes twinkling, but a hot flash deep within, he murmured, “I’m going to have to have a chat to Robbo about Susie’s interference.”

  “She’s just protective.”

  “I know.” His gaze grew tender for a few seconds. “But that’s my job now.” A quick kiss and he straightened and shut the door.

  Blowing out a breath, she concentrated on slowing down her heart rate and regaining control of her senses. Rick said something to her friends while he walked around the car. Opening the door, he got in and started the engine. Backing out of the drive, he pulled onto the road and they sped away.

  Cherry relaxed back into the seat and watched the lights of the houses flicking past. It was comforting, the purr of the engine, the smell of an expensive car, and the warm presence of the man in the driver’s seat.

  “Well,” Rick said into the silence, “That was fun.” He gave a short laugh of amusement.

  “You really like teasing them, don’t you?”

  “Oh yeah. They’re a grand pair of girls. Unlike you.” When Cherry cast him a startled glance, he smiled. “You’re a knockout.”

  “Really? I mean, thanks.”

  Reaching out, he caressed a finger down her cheek. “You look beautiful, love. I’m proud to have you by my side.”

  Pleasure rippled through her. “I hope I don’t embarrass you tonight.”

  “Embarrass? No, you won’t.” He said it with complete confidence. “You never embarrass me.”

  “I’ll surprise you one day.”

  “Sugar, you surprise me every day.” His teeth were a wicked gleam of white in the dark. “In the most delicious ways.”

  The man knew just the words to say to get her all hot and flustered. Clearing her throat, Cherry returned her gaze to the houses flashing by while trying to get her suddenly hot, pulsing blood to a smooth flow. “I wonder if there’ll be any normal people there.”

  Rick’s bark of laughter was pure amusement.

  She groaned. “See? I knew I’d say something stupid tonight. I have to keep my mouth shut.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’d find it quite amusing to watch you say something like that to a couple of the more obnoxious guests tonight.”

  “Trust me, you won’t find it amusing.” She started to twist the little chain on her clutch. “The cream of the medical profession will no doubt be at this dinner, seeing as it’s being held by one of the oldest and richest of the families in this state, and the prestigious paediatrician, Dr Margaret Clarke. I could ruin your career chances.”

  “Not a chance,” he replied cheerfully. “There will be some of the medical profession, as you label us, there, but there will also be other rich people of non-medical background. Dr Clarke likes a variety when she holds these dinners.”

  “I’m out of my depth.”

  “Just be yourself, love. You’re beautiful, you’re my girlfriend and date, my lover, my sugar, my—”

  She couldn’t stop the half laugh, half groan. “Rick, be serious.”

  “I am.” Another glint of a wicked smile. “How about if I assure you that if you do embarrass me – which would totally shock me and I don’t really care anyway – I will punish you when we get home.”

  That sent a thrill shivering down her spine, even if he was joking, and she tried for nonchalance. “You don’t say.”

  “Dr Discipline will be visiting Nurse Naughty, you can count on it.”

  “I’ll be sure to behave myself.”

  “Oh please, don’t.” There was a definite erotic edge running through his lowered tone now, and a street light cast a gleam in his eyes as he looked briefly at her.

  Placing her hand on her cheek, she shook her head. “I had no idea you were like this.”

  “Trust me, there’s a lot to me you don’t know, but you soon will.” He winked. “If we skipped the dinner and continued to my house, we could play dirty—”

  “I’ll tell your mother.”

  “Now that’s a mood killer. I had no idea you could be so cruel.” Rick turned off the road and onto a driveway that led up to wrought iron gates guarded by a security guard. “Hey, we could always play security guard and naughty trespasser who needs spanking. You’d be the trespasser, of course.”

  “Of course,” she said dryly.

  She had to admit to disappointment when Rick pulled up and wound down his window, giving the security guard his name. While the teasing had her amused, it also fire her imagination. She was nothing if not imaginative.

  But then the thought fled as they approached the mansion, and Rick pulled into the area assigned for cars. BMWs, Volvos, Mercedes and fancy sports cars were lined up neatly. It seemed as though lights spilled from every window, and music drifted out into the still night air.

  Rick got out and by the time he got to Cherry’s door, she was already standing beside it. She flushed when he quirked an amused brow at her.

  “Sorry.”

  “Oh baby, you are so needing discipline.”

  “Don’t start.” She laughed, relief sweeping through her, feeling so comfortable with him that if they hadn’t been standing in front of the mansion and able to be seen by anyone, she’d have leaned into him.

  Coming to her side, he laid his hand on her back. “Come on, Nurse Naughty. Let’s get you inside and drunk so I can have my wicked way with you later.”

  “I bet Dr Clarke has no idea what a scoundrel you are.”

  “Dr Clarke has known me for years. Tim and I were school buddies, remember?”

  “Oh yeah.” She looked up at the mansion. “Does he live here?”

  “Not bloody likely.” He guided her up the steps. “Tim and his mother have a history. I’ll tell you about it one day.”

  They entered the mansion and Cherry tried to appear cool and sophisticated, managing not to stare with her mouth open.

  Rick ushered her over to Dr Clarke who was standing beside a strange man and greeting the guests as they arrived.

  “Rick.” Dr Clarke leaned forward and air kissed him. “So nice of you to come. And this is your dinner companion.”

  “Hello, Dr Clarke. This is Cherry Williams.”

  His hand was warm and reassuring on her back, and she was grateful for it as
she smiled at the tall woman with the haughty face. “Dr Clarke.”

  Eyes narrowed, Dr Clarke studied her closely. “Don’t I know you?”

  Uh-oh. “I’m a nurse at the hospital.” Please don’t let her remember, please don’t let her remember. Please. Please.

  “Ah yes, the nurse who dared to question me about my treatment of a patient.” Those cold eyes studied her like a bug on a pin.

  Oh shit. A hundred responses went through Cherry’s mind in a matter of seconds. The flight instinct was strong, but more than conscious of Rick’s supportive presence, and the fact that she was too old to run and hide behind her mummy’s skirts, she summoned a small smile and a calm reply. “That would be me.”

  “Not many nurses have the nerve to question me.” That ruthless gaze seemed to pick her apart, sweeping from the top of her head, down to her shoes, and back up again.

  “I guess not.” As much as she dreaded this, Cherry refused to back down. In matters of patients, she knew where she stood. “But when it comes to quality of care, I believe one can never be too efficient.”

  “Once upon a time, Ms Williams, nurses never questioned doctors.”

  “Once upon a time, Doctor, we never had lawsuits.” Oh shit, did I really say that?

  “Are you saying I did something that could have resulted in a lawsuit?”

  Hiding her trembling hands in her skirts, Cherry lifted her chin and met the prestigious paediatrician’s unwavering gaze. “Ma’am, you can tie me up in knots with words. We can argue here all night. What happened was simple – you did something that I would never discuss outside of the hospital due to confidentiality clauses, and I questioned you as is my duty as an advocate of the patient, and as a nurse watching my own back. That won’t change.” She was going to add an apology, but knew there was no reason for it.

  Inwardly she cringed, suddenly aware of the silence from the man beside her, and the two elegant people standing before her. That silence seemed to stretch for an eternity, although it could only have been seconds.

  Rick’s hand slipped down to her hip, squeezing gently, and he stepped in behind her, sharing his body warmth and at the same time showing his unwavering support. She nearly sagged with relief, aware now of how much value she placed on his opinion of her.

  Unexpectedly, Dr Clarke smiled. Coldly, admittedly, but a smile nonetheless. “I admire your tenacity, Ms Williams, and your honesty. Do enjoy your evening. Rick.” She nodded dismissingly at them.

  The man beside her smiled, introduced himself as Martin Shaw, and shook both Rick’s hand and Cherry’s before he turned back to Dr Clarke to greet the couple approaching through the doors.

  Worried that she’d embarrassed him, Cherry glanced up at Rick as he guided her through into the main room. He drew her to the side and swung around to face her, his shoulders blocking the room from view. With relief, she saw the warmness in his eyes.

  “Before you say anything,” he said quietly, “You didn’t embarrass me, and I’m so proud of you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. So you can stop wringing the heck out of your gown.” He laughed when she abruptly released her skirts.

  “Dr Clarke’s your friend.” She watched his face closely. “I don’t want to make things bad for you.”

  “Dr Clarke is my friend’s mother, and my work colleague. You, love, are wholly mine. Big difference.”

  Her cheeks pinkened, pleasure sweeping through her, and she smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

  “Plus I have dirty sex with you. Huge difference.”

  “Oh my God.”

  “That’s what you say.” He leered. “Only louder.”

  “I think my friends are a bad influence on you.” Laughing and blushing at the same time, she slapped him lightly on the arm. “Now stop it before we’re overheard and both kicked out. And trust me, I will get the blame for it.”

  “Very well.” Grinning, he turned and surveyed the room while tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Shall we stroll around and introduce ourselves?”

  Personally, Cherry would rather stay in the corner with him, but she saw it as her duty to be the agreeable dinner companion, so she smiled and nodded and walked beside him.

  As they did the rounds of the huge room, she admired the elegant decorations. Waiters appeared with glasses of champagne and she took one when Rick handed it to her. Taking a sip, she wrinkled her nose, not really liking it, and took the first opportunity she could to place it back on a waiter’s tray when Rick’s attention was elsewhere.

  He stopped and spoke to people she didn’t know, introducing her and drawing her into the conversations, but mostly she stood beside him and smiled politely, murmuring appropriate words of agreement, for being amongst so many strangers was something she personally wasn’t comfortable with, nor accustomed.

  Some of the surgeons and doctors greeted her by name, and surprisingly, these people she was able to talk to on a more even level, though again she didn’t really feel comfortable. A couple of the surgeons raised their brows at the fact that she was accompanying Rick and they studied her, making her feel conspicuous in her beautiful gown. If she’d been facing them in her nurses’ uniform, she’d have felt much more comfortable. But again, for Rick, she wore a façade of polite pleasantness.

  The wives and girlfriends of the men wore their beautiful gowns and jewelry with ease, and she wondered if she looked like a fish out of water, for she certainly felt it. It was small comfort to note that she wasn’t the largest lady in the room, but there were far more slim women whose gowns looked so much more elegant for their figures.

  But Rick loves me the way I am. He’s not embarrassed by me. If he’s okay with me, I’m okay with me. After all, think about it, if any of these beautiful people were in hospital and required a suppository, I’d be giving it to them. That’d certainly level the playing field. The unexpected thought made her give a muffled giggle, which she suppressed as quickly as it started. When Rick looked down at her inquiringly, she met his gaze with an innocent face.

  “Everything all right?” His hand rested reassuringly at the small of her back

  “Absolutely,” she replied, meaning it. After her irreverent thought, she was able to look around at the elegant people with new eyes. Nothing like the thought of suppositories to put things into perspective.

  Relaxing, she joined in the smaller conversations with some of the wives she was introduced to, sharing inane gossip about celebrities mentioned, the latest fashions, and general chitchat that didn’t require much brainwork.

  “Hello, Rick,” a cool voice said from behind them.

  Rick turned and Cherry followed him, since his hand was still at her waist, and she nearly swallowed her tongue.

  Annabelle Forbes stood before them, tall, blonde, beautiful, and elegantly dressed in the exact same gown as Cherry’s. Only Annabelle looked gorgeous, her hair upswept faultlessly, her make-up flawless, her jewellery stylish and tasteful, and the dress fit her like a second skin, framing her slender curves, cupping her breasts, the lace throw trailing down to touch her narrow waist. Gold stilettos showed her red nail-polished toes to perfection. She looked exactly what she was – a beautiful, slim woman who made many male heads turn in her wake.

  In that second, Cherry felt very small. Very small and very fat, a poor imitation in a gown that couldn’t hide her voluptuous curves and now made her feel a pathetic copycat of Annabelle. She could feel many eyes on them, and fancied she heard whispers. Her cheeks flamed.

  “Annabelle,” Rick said pleasantly, though an edge of steel threaded through his deep voice.

  “And this is…Cherry, isn’t it? The little nurse from the hospital?” Annabelle’s smile was condescending. “My, what a lovely dress. It’s the same as mine.” She looked down at herself, then back to Cherry, sweeping her gaze over Cherry’s form. “You look…nice.”

  Cherry wasn’t even aware that she’d taken a step back until she felt Rick shift slightly, a calculate
d move that placed him partially behind her, thwarting her retreat while giving silent support.

  “You look lovely, Annabelle,” Cherry said quietly, fighting to maintain her composure, so conscious of how different they looked even though they were dressed the same.

  “Thank you.” Annabelle’s gaze lifted to Rick. “This gown does require a certain, how shall we say, figure? Doesn’t Cherry look nice, Rick?”

  If a hole had opened up right then, Cherry would have crawled into it and pulled it closed over her head. Humiliated by Annabelle’s nastiness in pointing out the obvious difference in their figures, part of her wanted to run and hide,

  Rick looked down at Cherry, his eyes flaring with anger, but softening as he met her gaze. “Cherry looks breath-taking. Absolutely breath-taking.”

  Though grateful to Rick, she wanted the attention off herself, so she cast around for something – anything – to say, settling on, “I don’t see your date, Annabelle?”

  “Oh, he’s coming.” Annabelle shrugged elegantly. “He’s just a friend of the family.” She smiled at Rick, cutting Cherry out of the conversation by simply ignoring her. “How are you settling in, Rick?”

  “Very well, thank you.” Wrapping an arm around Cherry’s waist, Rick drew her against his side in open proclamation of their togetherness. “Cherry and I have been spending time checking out the sights of the city, and work is going well. Do excuse us, Annabelle, I see Tim heading this way.”

  Annabelle smiled and moved away with a murmured “See you later, then, Rick”. But her gaze when it slashed to Cherry was hard and filled with dislike.

  He stiffened, but Cherry leaned up to whisper, “Don’t. Please don’t say anything.”

  Looking down at her, he ran his hand soothingly up and down her back. “I won’t have anyone hurt you, Cherry. I’ll have a word to her and—”

  “Don’t. If you really care for me, don’t,” she pleaded. “Please, Rick. Please.”

  It was obvious that he fought an inner war with himself, but finally he nodded. “Very well. But don’t take any notice of that bitch. She’s a vindictive woman and nasty to boot. She’s no comparison to you.”