by Risk, Mona
“I don’t want the news all over the hospital.” She could just imagine the grapevine rattling with juicy assumptions. “People may assume...may imagine things.” She knew Chris would jump all over her if he heard she’d be living with Marc. Of course, it was none of his business, but still, as a good friend, he’d voice his opinion loud and clear.
Concern wrinkled Marc’s forehead. “I’m certainly not going to advertise it, but realistically, we won’t be able to hide our arrangement for long. Does it bother you that much?”
She thought about it for a moment while gazing into his eyes. Little twinkles sparkled in their depths, sending rays of warmth to her heart. She decided she didn’t give a hoot about people’s opinion—not even Chris’s— and shook her head. “Nope.”
“I promise I’ll behave like a perfect roommate. Like a gentleman. Huh...like a bro...brother.”
He chocked on the last word as if it scratched his throat.
“Oh, I’m convinced of that.” She stifled a chuckle.
“I’ll make sure the administrator doesn’t put us on the same team. We can stick our schedule on the fridge door.”
“Condition number two. I don’t want interference in my life.”
What life?
Her social activities consisted of an outing here and there with the hospital gang. Other than that?
Nothing. Nada.
“Absolutely no interference in each other’s lives.” Marc raised a hand in pledge.
That didn’t mean she’d allow him to bring girlfriends when she was around, or to leave her alone at home babysitting while he was out on a date. No way. She needed to clarify this in a tactful way.
“I’ll babysit Paulito only when you’re at work.” To hell with tact. She preferred a direct, crystal clear approach to the subject.
His lips twitched. “I hear you. Agreed.” Did it mean he’d eliminate dating from his schedule? She swallowed, not daring to insist he spell out what he’d agreed to.
“What else?” he asked as he relaxed against the back of his chair.
“I don’t have time to waste. Who’s going to buy the groceries and household needs? Handle the housecleaning?”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of that.”
“Are you sure you have enough space? I mean for the baby and me? I mean...” Her face burned as the words caught in her throat.
Marc continued to eat while she fiddled with her fork. “The condo has three bedrooms and two and half baths. You’ll have your own bedroom and bathroom. And I’ll prepare the third room for Paulito.”
Discussing the sleeping arrangement was more than she could stomach. She deposited her fork on the side of her plate and sipped her wine, hoping he wouldn’t notice the red spots she felt creeping on her cheeks, then she bristled and quickly added, “I want you to know I’m doing this for Paulito. I want him to be well taken care of. Happy.”
Marc fixed his gaze on her luminous eyes and read the depth of her emotion.
Bless you, Holly. She really loved the baby.
Even if she seemed determined to keep him at arm’s length. He reached out and squeezed her hand. “Paulito will be fine. I promise. As you can see, I’m doing my best for him. And you’ll be here to check,” he added with a smile.
“I don’t doubt your dedication.”
“I’m taking a day off tomorrow to prepare his room. Are you on call tomorrow night?”
“Nope. I’ve done a lot of nightshifts in the last month to justify my staying in the on-call room.”
“Then, we can move him in the evening. You’ll be able to check if something is missing.”
He saw a gleam of uncertainty in her eyes.
Mierda. She was hesitating. Still upset by his stupid comment at All For Babies?
“Yeah...but...” She averted her eyes and gnawed on her lip.
“But what?”
“I haven’t studied much in the last few weeks.” Frustration creased her forehead as she exhaled loudly.
“Oh.” Her board exam.
Damn it, but he’d been a selfish jerk and hadn’t even thought about her exam until now. How could he make up to her for the time she’d generously given up to Paulito when he was away?
“I’m sorry, Holly. I’m deeply sorry.” Since he’d been back to WCH, he’d apologized more than during the last twenty years of his life. Was there no end to his sins? “I promise I’ll help you study for your boards. You’ll pass with flying colors.”
“Thank you for your faith in me. But passing doesn’t happen without studying. And studying requires quiet time for concentration.” She shrugged and repressed a sarcastic smile. “Our eminent doctor should know that better than a mere fellow.”
“You’re not just a mere fellow. You’re a brilliant doctor with a promising career. Starting tomorrow, we’ll make sure you have your own time without interruption.”
“Right, you’re going to work a little magic and create time.”
A little magic. Exactly.
He knew how he was going to thank her for taking care of Paulito, how he’d help her pass her board exam. The Medical Board Exam Review in ten CDs.
He suppressed a smile, delighted with the idea that had popped into his mind. She needed to make up for the lost time. He’d provide her with the means to do it efficiently. He should have thought about it earlier. “Just trust me.” He squeezed her hand again. “Please.”
Don’t change your mind, Holly. Give me until tomorrow and you’ll see.
She shrugged. “I’ll have Paulito ready by three.”
Marc released the breath he’d been holding. The baby was incentive enough to persuade her to stay with him. But one thing was certain. Tomorrow night, with Holly settled in his condo, in the next room, Marc was the one who’d have a hell of a time falling asleep.
CHAPTER TEN
Holly’s heart squeezed painfully as she finished packing Paulito’s clothes. Her on-call room looked empty and anonymous without the baby clutter. Stacey had taken her crib, and Jenna had returned the items borrowed from the hospital nursery. Holly would not linger in this room once Paulito was gone.
“All set?” Marc asked, from the door. “I brought his new stroller.”
“Did they deliver the furniture?”
“Everything. So many boxes. I did some more shopping on-line last night.” He threw a glance at his nephew. “Can’t believe such a small person needs all that stuff. I organized as much as I could.”
Holly settled the baby in the stroller and shoved his emergency bag inside the bottom net. “I’ll bring his baggage.”
“No, it’s too heavy. I’ll take it.”
She smiled. His innate courtesy never failed.
“Let’s go.” He grabbed the overstuffed suitcase, his muscles bulging under the red T-shirt that contrasted with his olive skin.
Her mouth went dry. Damn it, stop looking at him. “I’ll follow in my car.”
“I’d rather have you come with us and sit in the back to watch the baby. I want to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
Marc was doing his best to protect the baby. Nothing could please her more. So why did she feel a pinch in her heart?
He carried the suitcases and boxes while she pushed the stroller down the hall, wondering for the hundredth time if she’d be able to cope with their new living arrangement.
As they reached the elevator, Jenna came toward them. “Is Paulito ready to go home?” Her hips, hugged by the white uniform, swayed with the languorous rhythm of her voice while the stethoscope bounced enticingly off her breasts.
Jeez, couldn’t the woman walk straight?
“Dr. Suarez, do you mind stopping by in the waiting room? The nurses want to say goodbye to Paulito.”
Marc acknowledged the nurse with a polite nod and a hint of a smile. To his credit, he kept his gaze focused on Jenna’s face and away from the stethoscope and its hilly frame. “Of course. You ladies have been so nice to Paulito. I don’t know how to thank you.”
Count on Jenna. She’d find a way to help Marc repay her. He’d have to be made of marble to ignore her enticing looks. Holly’s fingers itched to slap her into professional behavior.
In the waiting room, a dozen nurses cheered Dr. Suarez and his adopted son. Someone poured punch in plastic glasses. The staff toasted Marc’s new fatherhood and presented him with a high chair for the baby.
Holly raised her glass like everyone else, loudly wishing Paulito a happy life in his new home. Did any of the nurses realize Holly would be sharing that same home?
The baby went from one pair of arms to another. A half-hour later, Marc thanked the nurses and they left for his condo.
The drive seemed to take forever. Contrary to his speedy habits, Marc maneuvered the SUV with extra caution. They finally unloaded the baby and his luggage and took the elevator to Marc’s apartment on the tenth floor. Holly paused at the doorway, scanning with wide eyes what used to be the elegant living room of a bachelor’s residence. “Oh, my God.”
Marc deposited the suitcase and boxes they’d brought from the hospital in a corner. “See what I mean,” he said, with a comic frown furrowing his forehead. He pointed to the portable Pack-and-Play opened next to the music center, the bassinet standing against the sofa, and the bouncer sitting on the Oriental rug.
Holly picked up the baby from his stroller and walked to the glass cocktail table. Bending over a pile of books, she read, “Baby’s First Year”. She removed the book to uncover another one and another. “The Happy Baby. Infant Development. Are you serious? When will you find the time to read these?”
“I started last night on Pediatric Notebook. It’s on my night table. Very interesting. Unfortunately, I’m an anesthesiologist, not a pediatrician. This new daddy needs some self-instruction. I read till two.”
“You’re amazing.” The eminent physician was good at everything he tried. Holly lifted her gaze toward him, admiration and warmth mingling in her chest.
“Come see the rest.” Marc led her along a small corridor into the baby’s room. A lovely room with the crib in a corner away from the window and the changing table across from it. There was even a Teddy bear on the sky blue sheets.
Holly laid Paulito in his crib. “Welcome home, sweetheart. You should be proud of your daddy.” She faced Marc with a smile of approval.
He reached out and gently squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you, Holly. That’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever heard.”
The warmth of his hand seeped to her neck. For a brief second, Holly felt like hugging him for trying so hard to be a good father. His chocolate eyes shone with gold sparkles and locked with hers. He took a step forward, his head coming dangerously close to hers. A clean smell of after-shave filled her senses.
Dizzy with need, she backed up and dropped into the blue cushions of the white rocking chair. The baby’s room was pretty, but suddenly too small and too hot with Marc looming above her.
No kisses, please.
She’d never find the strength to withdraw from his arms if he wrapped them around her waist.
“I’d better... What about the other rooms?” she managed to stammer. Anything to shake herself out of this daze and stop him from coming closer.
His scalding gaze burned her face, ready to consume her. Then he straightened. “Your room and mine? Come and see. They’re across from the baby’s room. Next to each other.”
Ah, next to each other.
Separated by a wall. One thin wall.
He showed her to the doorway. Holly scanned the guestroom. “Very nice.”
“And this is my bedroom.” Marc pointed to the room next door.
Holly’s throat constricted. The daybed in her room lay on the other side of the wall against which the headboard of his bed rested. She flipped her gaze from one room to the other. From one side of the wall to the other.
It would be almost like sleeping in the same room. If Holly turned or moved, Marc would hear her. And vice versa.
“It’s full of boxes. See the mess.” Marc gestured to a stack of boxes in a corner.
“Yeah, I see.” There was something else she could see without a shadow of a doubt. “Marc, this arrangement isn’t going to work.”
“What? Holly, please.” He dropped the box he was about to open.
“This place is too small.” She turned around, squirming with discomfort, and glanced at the silk rug, the beige and gold bedspread and matching curtains. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s elegant, but impractical for two people and a baby.” Too cramped. The closets were filled to capacity and every corner was crammed with various boxes.
“I know. I’ll have to look for a house. Just give me time.” His eyes pleaded as he opened his arms in frustration. “Where else can I go with Paulito on such short notice?”
“I sympathize, but let’s be realistic. Your whole beautiful condo can fit in half the first floor of my old crummy house.”
“Well then.” Marc’s desperate expression broke into a dazzling smile. “That solves my problem. I’ll rent your house.”
“Are you kidding? I live there.”
“Of course, I’ll expect you to stay according to our arrangement.”
“You can’t be serious?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “The house is not for rent. It belongs to me. I mean to my mother. Besides, it’s in lousy shape. Nothing like the luxury you’re used to.”
“Don’t worry about your house’s condition. I want you to be relaxed and at ease while helping me care for Paulito.”
Holly studied his face. He was damned serious about going to her house with his baby. She chewed on her lip while thinking. She’d certainly be more comfortable in her own place than in the tiny guestroom next to his.
Still, she felt embarrassed by the condition of her house. “It’s spacious but very old, unfashionable, and messy.”
“It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re more comfortable in your own place. Please, don’t make it so difficult. For Paulito’s sake.”
His coaxing grin and pleading voice loaded her heart with a ton of guilt. She sighed. “Whatever.”
“It’s already six. Would you rather spend the night here and go to your house tomorrow?”
Out of the question to be stuck on the other side of the wall from his bed. She shook her head vehemently. “Let’s go now.”
“I’ll take the bassinet and the stuff you brought from the hospital. Tomorrow, I’ll have someone help me move the rest. Just bring the baby in his stroller.”
His hand on her back, he ushered her to the baby’s room, without allowing her another minute to reconsider.
She had to give it to Marc. He never took No for answer and always bounced back from any situation. To think Holly had praised him warmly on his fatherly performance and had come close to kissing him again tonight. She’d hold back any more compliments till she got herself under control.
Let’s see how this first week proceeds.
****
During the twenty-minute ride, Holly didn’t open her mouth. Marc kept his fingers crossed that she wouldn’t come up with more protests about their living together.
To be honest, he preferred settling in Holly’s house rather than in his own modern condo. Her house was more spacious and comfortable for everyone, and he planned to remain there, come hell or high water, until the Puerto Rican nanny arrived. He hoped by then to have bought a nice, roomy house, something more appropriate than his condo for a child to grow up in.
As he stepped into her living room with the baby in his arms, Holly’s expression darkened. “I’m sorry this place is old and falling apart.” She threw her purse on the worn-out burgundy sofa.
Marc shook his head. “It’s spacious and airy. Just what we need for a baby.”
She raised a concerned look toward him, her turquoise eyes blinking in discomfort. “Let me show you the rooms on the second floor before you make a decision you may regret.”
How could he reassure her that her place was a welc
ome haven at the moment? The entry hall was old, with an antique flavor that appealed to his artistic sense. The huge crystal chandelier with two dozen branches reflected sparkles of light on her porcelain skin and on the blonde strands cascading down her shoulders.
Mesmerized, he braced his feet on the parquet floor. She was as intoxicating as a margarita heavy on the tequila. No wonder he’d rejected the darker beauties of his homeland. If he wasn’t holding the infant in his arms, he would put them to better use and crush her against his chest to savor the full lips he’d tasted weeks ago.
“Holly, you are beau–” He cleared his throat, realizing he’d better keep a tighter rein on his thoughts. “You have a beautiful house.”
Careful amigo. You pledged respect for as long as you cohabitate.
Keeping away from Holly was going to be damn difficult, but absolutely necessary to have her appreciate his metamorphosis into a suitable Mr. Right. He followed her up the wooden staircase, an old-fashioned feature with sculpted banisters badly in need of polishing.
Holly crossed the upper landing and entered a bedroom furnished with twin beds and a desk. “We can put the baby here.” She pointed to another room next to the first. “And you can use this one.”
“They’re good-sized rooms. I couldn’t ask for more.”
“Sorry, they look crummy. I was planning to have the whole house painted as soon as I got a real job. I wish I’d done it before you two moved in.”
“If that’s what you want, I can have them painted soon. Just tell me which color you’d like for each room. The Puerto Rican guy who took care of my condo did a great job. He’s a friend of Carlos’s. I’ll call him right away.”
Her scowl relaxed and a weak smile brightened her face. “That would be great. I’d like the baby sleeping in a clean, pleasant environment. But I’d rather wallpaper his room to avoid the smell of paint.”
Marc pushed the speed dial on his cell phone. He talked in Spanish for a couple of minutes, then closed his cell. “He’ll start tomorrow.”
“Wow. Way to go.” She laughed, a crystalline bubbling that chimed like music in the old house.