King Me (King Me Duet Book 1)

by Terri E. Laine

  Connor stood out in the cold as I did my preflight check. I gave him a thumbs up when I was ready. He put his phone to his ear and spoke. Shortly, Royce King was wheeled out. It was hard to imagine this man who appeared so diminished causing my mother to cry. But then, karma was a bitch.

  After Connor got Royce in, I realized, I’d be forced to get him out once we reached the hospital. The upside was with my helmet on, I could ignore my passengers.

  Even if Connor hadn’t warned me otherwise, I treated Royce with the respect he didn’t deserve while helping out. His nurse took over once the man was in a hospital-issued wheelchair.

  I followed them and was met by a hospital administrator when I got inside.

  “Mr. King has given us your contact information.” I took that to mean Connor. “We will let you know when the elder King is ready to leave.”

  “The helicopter?” I asked.

  “You can leave it here. It’s unlikely we won’t have multiple emergency flights coming in or out, but I have your information if we need you to move it.”

  I didn’t argue as it was clear they didn’t want me to know where in the hospital Royce was being taken. She gave me directions to the cafeteria and I nodded.

  That wasn’t where I went. I took a chance and headed to the maternity ward. I tried to stop a few nurses I passed, and they pointed toward a central desk.

  A nurse with dark red curls looked up and grinned at me. “How can I help you?”

  “I’m looking for someone.”

  “Please tell me it’s your sister giving birth and not your wife or girlfriend.”

  I chuckled. “Actually, I’m looking for a nurse named Natalie Peterson.”

  Her face soured. “Oh. I think she’s busy right now.”

  “She’s with a patient?”

  “Actually, she’s on break.” I didn’t like what she was insinuating, though I had no right to that feeling. “I have a break soon, handsome.”

  Before I could answer, I heard Natalie’s giggle before I saw her. She wasn’t alone. She was with a doctor or a man who wore a white lab coat.

  Our eyes connected and she stumbled. The man she was with was there to give her a helping hand. I fisted a hand at my side as the nurse I’d been talking to said, “There she is. She’s still with Dr. Love, I see.”

  Natalie had mentioned that she thought a doctor was into her. Instead of coming alone, as she made her way in my direction, Dr. Love, as the nurse had called him, followed, having spotted me.

  He was staking a claim. He didn’t stand a chance if I didn’t want him to.

  Fifteen

  Natalie

  There hadn’t been enough time to grab anything more than a yogurt during my morning break. There was one nurse who had it out for me for reasons unknown and kept assigning me task after task. I’d barely had time to breathe.

  Before I entered a doorway to find a quiet place to eat, one of the nicer nurses stopped me. “Ignore Nurse Ratched.”

  I burst into muffled laughter. She didn’t need to clarify who she was talking about. “Is that her name?”

  “No, but that’s what we call her. Anyway, she’s just jealous. Don’t let her get to you.”

  So far, I hadn’t. Fetch this and clean that was a part of my job. “Thanks.”

  She nodded and kept walking down the hall. I slipped into a storeroom that Ms. Allen had tipped me as a place to grab a short bit of privacy that I was standing next to. I huddled in what amounted to the size of a cleaning closet with supplies on shelves all around me. There was a chair and a little more room for another person if you wanted to have a quick conversation that had nothing to do with work. I sat and ate my yogurt blissfully alone.

  The door opened and the hot doctor all the nurses were talking about came in. “Oh. Sorry. I thought I’d eat a granola bar while I had a few seconds.”

  “Yeah, no problem. You can stay. I’ll only be in here another few minutes.”

  As good looking as the man was, my crush on Liam had only grown after our conversations and our sightseeing adventure.

  “Natalie.” I shifted to face him. “Your name is Natalie, right?”

  I nodded with a spoon full of yogurt in my mouth.

  “I’m actually glad I ran into you. I wanted to see if you’d join me for dinner one night.”

  My first thought was to say no, but I stopped myself. Why was I really saying no? Because I liked a guy who’d made it clear we could only ever be friends? I had to let go of the lunacy. Who knows? I could end up liking this doctor more than Liam if I gave him a chance.

  “I’d like that,” I said when my phone alarm buzzed. “I should get back.”

  I got up and shoved the last spoonful of yogurt in my mouth. I’d been so hungry; I practically licked the spoon clean before dumping both in the trash. The doctor was right behind me and I didn’t notice him follow me out until he was at my side.

  “I’m Brian Love, by the way.”

  I grinned and maybe even giggled. ‘Yes, I’m well aware of your name.” The other nurses had told me when I first started.

  “I hope you heard good things,” he teased.

  “I think you know every nurse in the ward has the hots for you.”

  “Actually, I don’t. I’m pretty sure Mildred has been married fifty years and loves her husband very much.”

  An undignified snort left me, and I covered my mouth, but it didn’t hide my laughter. When I looked around to see who had heard, I locked eyes with Liam. What was he doing here?

  Thinking didn’t come into play as my feet steered me in his direction. Brian might have said something, but it was white noise in the background as my heart raced the closer I got to Liam.

  It had only been a day since we’d seen each other, and I was still blown away. His eyes were focused on me as I neared. I studied his rugged jaw line that led to that kissable mouth of his. Those lips had scorched memories in my brain.

  “You’re here,” I said when I reached him.

  It wasn’t lost on me how Nurse Ratched stared at him like I didn’t exist.

  “So are you.” I might have bit at the corner of my lower lip as my insides went all tingly.

  “We’re still on for dinner,” Brian said, breaking the spell.

  Nurse Ratched didn’t let me speak and jumped right in. “Dinner. That sounds great. I was just asking Liam about a meal. The four of us should go out.”

  “I—” Liam and I both said.

  Brian on the other hand, said, “Sure. Though what’s open?” He didn’t sound as excited.

  Most restaurants that were open only allowed for delivery or pickup.

  “We’ll figure out something. It’s a date,” Nurse Ratched said.

  Then someone called for Doctor Love and he said, “Duty calls,” before leaving.

  The phone rang and Nurse Ratched was forced to answer. I took Liam by the arm and dragged him halfway down a less busy hallway.

  “What the hell?” I asked him.

  “What?”

  “You’re hitting on people I work with?”

  “You’re going out with a love doctor?” he tossed back.

  “His last name is Love,” I defended.

  “Not any better.”

  “That doesn’t answer the question if you came to see me or if you were looking to hook up with one of the nurses.”

  “She started flirting with me first.”

  I crossed my arms and gave him a look that said, seriously, without using the words. His response was to give me a cheeky grin. I let out a wordless laugh because damn him for being too cute.

  “Are we really going to do this?” I asked.

  He folded his arms and leaned on the wall to mirror me. “Do what?”

  “Go on a double date?”

  “Why not?”

  I opened and closed my mouth like a fish because I couldn’t think of what to say for a second. “I don’t know. Like wouldn’t it be weird?”

  “We’re friends, ri
ght?”

  I nodded.

  “Then I’ll be your wingman and you can be mine.”

  I eyed him like he was crazy. “I bet you don’t even know that nurse’s name.”

  “As my wingman, you can find out.”

  I gaped, which I was doing a lot of. “And what else would you like me to find out? Like, if she wants to marry you and have your babies?”

  He pointed at me. “Exactly. That would mean I should stay far away from that craziness.”

  I giggled as I spoke. “I can’t believe you’re serious.”

  “I told you I was no prince.”

  “That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? You want me to think you’re an asshole?”

  “No. I could do the same for you. While we’re out, I’ll let you know if he wants to marry you and have you be the mother of his babies.”

  I let my hands fall to my sides exasperated. “And that’s a bad thing?”

  “Not for you. That’s a good thing. Like if you told me that nurse just wanted to bang me, that would be a green light for me. Whereas, if I told you the love doctor just wanted to bang you, that would be a red flag.”

  I pressed fingers to my temple. “I hate to admit there is some logic in what you said.”

  He flashed me a smile with that dimple on full force. “It will be fun.”

  “I think you’re crazy.”

  “And you love it,” he said.

  I hesitated to speak because I didn’t want to think about the word ‘love’ as I fell harder for this man.

  “Natalie.” Over Liam’s shoulder and several feet away stood Nurse Allen. “Isn’t your break over?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m coming,” I called to her. To him, I said, “I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Text me the details,” he said with a lopsided grim.

  I rolled my eyes and quickly made my way to my boss. I didn’t like the frown she had on her face.

  The rest of the day, I wondered how I could possibly play wingman for Liam when all I wanted to do was claw Nurse Ratched’s eyes out.

  How could I get through dinner with them both?

  Sixteen

  Liam

  It was probably a very bad idea to go on this double date. How could I give her advice when there was a part of me I was trying to ignore that wanted her for myself? Truth was this doctor could be the man of her dreams. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to reenlist with the military so I could fully utilize my skills. Then there was this job. So far, it felt like babysitting. That was the nature of security though, wasn’t it?

  “Hey, handsome.”

  I glanced up to find the dark redhead waving me over. With time to kill, I obliged and walked over to the spot I’d stood earlier.

  “We should trade phone numbers,” she said.

  Her toothy grin faded as I spoke. “Natalie has it. When you guys have the details, she can get it to me.” I didn’t wait for her to respond. I left and was reminded why I was the asshole Natalie didn’t think I was.

  Not wanting to wait around in the hospital, I took to the streets. It was quiet and I didn’t think I’d find an open restaurant when I spotted a pizza place declaring they had the best original New York-style pizza. Though indoor dining wasn’t open, the owner took pity on me as I stood out on the sidewalk trying to eat a slice. He waved to me and pointed at an empty table in the back away from the windows. I ended up with another slice. When I was done, I was sure I’d found my go-to late night restaurant.

  The call to grab my father came about twenty minutes later. I was already headed that way and didn’t rush.

  “You took your time,” the grumpy Royce complained.

  “They didn’t give me advance notice. I’ll work that out for the next time,” I said.

  “You better. No reason I can’t fire you. You aren’t any son of mine.”

  I sighed heavily, resisting the urge to say anything. He was the client. I could be the bigger person. In the end, I had truth on my side. But after I secured his seatbelt, the look he gave me, like I was worth less than dirt on the bottom of his shoe, set me off.

  “Would it really be that bad if I turned out to be your son?” I asked.

  His one-word answer shocked me. “No.”

  It was then the nurse tapped me on my back and I remembered she was waiting to get out of the cold and into the helo.

  “Sorry,” I muttered to her, stepping aside.

  After she was in and the door was closed, I got myself in. Flying this bird had been a rush I’d missed. The flight was far too short and Connor was waiting at the elevator door when we landed. He was helping our father out before I opened my door after shutting things down. I didn’t get to ask Royce any further questions. Like had he changed his mind about me?

  The nurse took the elevator with Royce. Connor and I took the stairs. When we made it to the second floor, Bailey stuck her head out of a room where an amazing aroma of cooked food was drifting from.

  “Can you stay for dinner?” she offered.

  She reminded me of the double date dinner, and I checked my phone as it had chimed while I was flying. Natalie had messaged me. “That’s really nice of you, but I have plans tonight. Maybe another time.”

  She looked disappointed. I had to say, I didn’t like seeing her upset. She was such a sweetheart from the little I knew about her.

  “Yeah, next time I’ll invite you in advance,” she said.

  I nodded and Connor took me down another flight of steps. That’s when it hit me that the kitchen was on the second floor. New York was strange because, from what I’d seen, the house was big enough to have the kitchen on a lower floor.

  “Thanks,” Connor said when we reached the door. This time instead of catching me off guard and slamming me into a wall, he held out a hand. I shook it. “Father had no complaints. I appreciate you being professional under the circumstances.”

  “My mother taught me no less.” It was important for me that he had respect for her because he thought that she was sleeping with both brothers.

  “She raised a solid young man.”

  “We’re not twenty years apart,” I scoffed.

  “I know how old you are. I’m still older… and wiser.” His smile was a lot friendlier, and I hoped we were breaking down the barriers from our first meeting. “By the way, the girls want to go to the park with you and not with Kalen or me. Something about you not hovering. Do you think you could come by tomorrow?”

  “Sure.”

  Then I was down the steps and in my truck. Before I left, I checked Natalie’s message.

  Natalie: Dinner at the hospital at 7pm. Don’t make it weird. Indoor dining is closed with this exception.

  Me: I’ll be there. Maybe I can get a sponge bath after.

  I put my key and turned over the engine before I got her reply.

  Natalie: Just Eww.

  I sent back a winking emoji and headed to my temporary digs. I could’ve shaved but I didn’t. The stubble drew a clear distinction between me and the clean-shaven love doctor. I also didn’t change my jeans and flannel shirt. This was me, love it or hate it.

  When I arrived, Natalie was there. Damn she was beautiful. She too was dressed casually and blissfully covered up. Her top fit against her curves, hinting at what lay beneath. I slid next to her because I didn’t want the love doctor to play handsy with my girl under the table.

  “Hey,” I greeted. She looked at me almost surprised as if she’d been deep in thought. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, I just got off the phone with my mom.”

  “Is she still sick?”

  “No-Yes. I mean she’s got a lung infection, but it’s being treated. I don’t know. I feel guilty about not being there.”

  I covered her hand with mine and squeezed. “You said it’s being treated. I’m sure it’s fine.”

  She granted me a half smile when the love doctor arrived. She pulled her hand away and I hated him for it.

  He stood next to
the table as if he expected me to get up and let him sit next to her. I didn’t move. Finally, he sat across from her.

  “You look nice,” he said.

  “Thanks.” I plucked at the corners of my flannel shirt. “It’s my favorite.”

  Natalie burst out laughing, which had been the goal. I didn’t want her to be down. I ignored the love doctor’s smile.

  “I should formally introduce you. Liam, this is Brian. Brian, this is Liam.”

  He reached his hand across the table. I eyed it like it was slime. “Yes, I think not. This virus and, besides, aren’t you a pussy doctor?” I said it for shock value. I wanted to push his buttons and see how he would react.

  Natalie’s eyes grew. “Liam,” she admonished.

  “Okay, gyno or something like that,” I said.

  “I’m an obstetrician. And the correct term is vagina. In actuality, in most cases a vagina is more sanitary than the average mouth or even a belly button. Also, I should note, that we’re required to cleanse after every exam and procedure. My hands are clean.” He held them up for show.

  “Thanks, doc,” I said, but made no move to go for a handshake. “I do have another question.”

  He appeared weary but said, “Go ahead.”

  “How can you tell a good pussy—uph,” I said, when Natalie elbowed me. “Um, a good vagina versus a bad one?”

  When the auburn nurse appeared at the table, I remembered Natalie hadn’t given me her name. I turned in Natalie’s direction and implored her with my eyes to tell me her name.

  “Christy,” she whispered under her breath.

  Before I looked up at the newcomer, I caught Doc Love eyeing Natalie and me. I didn’t waste time with an explanation and said, “Christy.”

  A smile spread across her face from ear to ear. “Liam.” Then she took the empty seat next to the doc. “What are we talking about?”

  The doc jumped in, probably to head off anything crude I might have said.

  “Liam wants information about the inner workings of a vagina. Seems he didn’t get the bird and bees talk as a child.”

  I chuckled and pointed at the doc. “Good one.” He didn’t exactly grin, but there was a pleased expression on his face. “Believe me, Christy, I know my way around a pussy. Just ask Natalie,” I admitted.