Doctor's Orders Box Set (Babies in the Bargain, Right Name, Wrong Man, No More Lies)

by Risk, Mona

  “I didn’t say Melissa should marry. Just be out of college with a good degree and settled in her career.” She smiled gently at her mother, trying to pacify her. “Besides, you know my case is special.”

  “Special. Why?” Mama shook her head and slapped her thigh. “Olivia Maria Crane, do you think you’re the only girl who went through a lousy experience? It happens to many girls, but they move on. My father beat my mother every time he drank. During those days in Napoli, a woman couldn’t survive without a husband. My mama stayed with him, but I left home, came to America and met your dad. He certainly didn’t want to get married after the sad accident. I was pretty at the time. I made him change his mind.” Mama reached for another chocolate.

  Olivia chuckled. “You’re still pretty, Mama. If you could only stop gorging on chocolate, you’ll be healthy too. I’m afraid about Melissa learning—”

  “So what if she learns her father’s a rotten ass? She’ll hate him. Big deal. She’ll love you more for protecting her.” Her mother stood on tiptoe to pat her cheek. “Bambina, it’s a great time you think about yourself for a change. Grab him without hesitation.” She tugged at Olivia’s hand and walked toward the door. “I’ll be watching you tonight. I’ll keep Melissa out of the way, and I want to see some action.”

  “You’re kidding.” Olivia sighed. Now she knew why she’d never brought Luc to meet her parents. Mama would have bought the ring herself, handed it to Luc and watched while he slid it on her daughter’s finger.

  They joined Luc and Melissa in the living room. Mama crossed her hands on her ample chest. “Luc, Olivia told me so much about you. I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

  “Merci.” Luc nodded, a smile curving his lips. “Madame Marianna, now that I have met you, I understand why your daughter and granddaughter are so lovely.”

  Mama giggled. “Please call me Marianna. We’re not formal here.” Tugging at Melissa’s hand, she ushered her toward the kitchen and winked at Olivia before walking out.

  Hands on her hips, Olivia scowled at Luc. “You know, you are a darn flatterer.”

  Luc burst out laughing. “Non, ma chère, I am a gallant Frenchman who appreciates beauty. Did your mother give you a lecture?”

  “Something like that. Why, did you hear her?”

  “No.” His blue eyes glittered with amusement. “But I noticed her determined look when she ordered you into the office and your flustered expression when you came back.”

  Disgusting. She’d yet to see him stop acting like an expert shrink and just once, let a look or a move go by without analyzing it.

  “My mother showers me with life lessons as she calls them.” A glance toward the kitchen reassured her that Marianna was too busy with the meal preparation. Nonetheless, Olivia lowered her voice. “I’m used to her speeches and don’t pay attention anymore,” she said with a shrug.

  “Too bad. And here I thought you would obey her and be nice to me tonight.” His lips curled into his trademark smile.

  “Luc!”

  “What? I have the blessing of your maman to court you. I plan to take full advantage.”

  She laughed and felt carefree, her problems set aside for the moment. “You’re incorrigible.” Her session with Luc had definitely helped her relax. She still had to talk to her daughter. After hearing Tony’s, Luc’s and Mama’s admonitions, the need to inform Melissa niggled at her mind, but she was determined to enjoy a fun evening.

  “Can I fix you a drink? Manhattan still your favorite?” Luc walked to the glass credenza where an ice bucket and bottles were neatly aligned.

  “You remember?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “I would never forget anything about you. Not the drinks or food you like. Not the way you walk or smile or kiss.” He handed her a glass and captured her eyes. Raw desire smoldered in his gaze. “Or how you cuddled in my arms after we made love.” He murmured the last sentence, sending a wave of heat up to her throat and face. He raised his glass and clicked it against hers. “A la tienne. To you. May all your wishes come true.”

  Her wishes? Her very secret wishes?

  Oh God, I hope he never guesses what they are. She regarded him above the rim of her glass and blushed. Charming blue eyes, a devilish smile, chiseled angles in a most handsome masculine face, and a muscled body that promised delightful caresses. Was he the illusion of her desperate mind or a fabulous second chance knocking on her door?

  “Cheers,” she whispered as fire burned in her belly.

  I want my second chance. So badly.

  Luc sat beside her on the blue velvet sofa. He extended his arm behind her and sucked in a breath of relief when she didn’t scoot away. Her perfume engulfed him with a delicate fragrance of jasmine and orange blossoms. Olivia was finally learning to relax in his presence. A huge step forward. “I am glad you were expecting an old boring visiting physician.”

  “What? Why?” She looked at him as if she doubted his sanity.

  “Because if you had known it was me, you would have withdrawn the invitation, and I would have continued to waste my life away from you.”

  Her mouth rounded in an O. He inched forward, his eyes trailing the contour of her luscious lips. Easy Lucien. She’s a skittish one. With supreme effort, he wrenched his gaze away.

  “Luc, I can’t think about a relationship until Melissa—”

  “I know.” He took a small frustrated breath and cleared his throat to force the words out. “And I am not ready for commitment either.” How could he allow himself to lie when he detested lies, when all he hoped for was to keep her with him forever? But he wouldn’t let her trample on his feelings as she did a long time ago. “How about sharing some fun? The way we did ten years ago before I turned sentimental and stupid.”

  “Some fun?” She frowned and looked at him, shock written all over her face. “You mean...a fling?”

  “Fling? I don’t know this word, but I like it.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding.” She hissed through pursed lips and scooted away from him, her abrupt movement molding the silk blouse over her generous breasts.

  Luc chugged down his drink, his patience a fragile thread about to snap. He shot a glance toward the corridor leading to the kitchen. Taking the glass from her shaking hand, he set both drinks on the cocktail table. Melissa’s and her grandmère’s chatter reassured him. He trusted Marianna to stay away for as long as she could.

  “I will show you what I mean, chérie.”

  He bent toward Olivia, cradled her nape with his hand and brought her face close to his. Before she could utter a sound, he slanted his mouth over hers and enfolded her soft lips, slowly brushing and fondling, while his fingers raked her hair. He’d kissed her twice since he came back, and each time he’d kept a tight rein on his passion. No more. He wanted to show her what they both had missed for so long.

  With the tip of his tongue he pressed against her teeth. She sighed. He took advantage to play and taste the trace of Manhattan in her sweet mouth. Her moan fueled his ardor. Love me, chérie. Love me as I love you.

  He sucked her tongue into his own mouth and led a savage dance around it. As she leaned into him, her nipples peaked against his chest. He flexed his fingers impatiently, opened his palm around her soft mound...and heard Marianna’s voice.

  “Dinner’s ready.”

  He fisted his hand and straightened up at the same time Olivia lurched away from him and rubbed her lips. She looked at him with dazed eyes. He reached for her half full glass and handed it to her.

  For how long would he have to cope with more restraint and contrived interruptions until he got her to realize she needed him? Maybe loved him? But every time he thought of her with forever in mind, his hopes were dashed. He shook his head. As long as Olivia worried about telling the truth to her daughter, no future was possible with her.

  To think he’d helped so many patients during his career. Why couldn’t he help himself and the woman he loved? He downed the rest of his drink, then refilled
and swallowed it in a single gulp.

  “Luc, Olivia, over here. We are waiting in the dining room.”

  He offered his hand to Olivia. She emptied her glass, and he helped her up, keeping his arm around her waist to make sure she was steady on her feet. “Ça va?”

  “No, I’m not fine.” She kicked off her shoes, wriggled her toes and exhaled slowly. “There’ll be no more of your brand of fun. Understood?”

  “Believe me I know how you feel right now.” Frustrated and hungry for more. His blood still roared in his ears.

  She eased out of his hold, raised her head and walked to the dining room. A delicious smell of roasted meat wafted toward them.

  “Before we eat I’d like to say grace.” Marianna crossed her hands and recited, “Lord, bless our food and those who are about to eat it.” She pointedly looked at Olivia. “And Lord, please give wisdom and happiness to those who so badly need them.”

  Luc stifled a smile as he kept his gaze fixed on Olivia’s pinched mouth. He hadn’t set foot in a church in ages, but he heartily responded amen while she glared at him.

  Olivia’s mother believed in good cooking. She served everyone generous portions. After he savored a few bites, Luc lavished his hostess with compliments that won him an ecstatic grin from a beaming Marianna and a scowl from Olivia.

  Why couldn’t she believe that he sincerely appreciated the scrumptious meal and her mother’s hospitality?

  Melissa asked endless questions about France. Luc gladly regaled her with descriptions of Paris and the French countryside.

  “Thank you, Luc. I can’t wait to visit Paris and the many chateaux,” Melissa said with a beaming smile.

  Olivia’s lovely features finally relaxed into a peaceful smile at her daughter’s interest.

  An hour later, satiated and pleased with his evening, Luc agreed he’d visit often. “Marianna, you are the best cook I have ever met,” he said as he licked the last traces of chocolate pudding from his spoon.

  “Thank you, Luc.” She patted his hand and glanced at Olivia. “I’m writing a cookbook with all my recipes. In case you can’t come all the way here, Olivia may cook something easy for you.”

  “Sure, Mom. As if I have the time. We should leave now, Luc. I’m exhausted. Sorry Mom, I won’t be able to help with the clean up.”

  Olivia hugged her mother and daughter. Luc kissed them on the cheeks three times.

  At the door, Melissa pulled on Luc’s sleeve. “Can I ask you a favor?”

  “Of course.” He looked at her, hoping she wouldn’t mention her fictitious dad again.

  “We have the father-daughter dance at school in three weeks. Would you be my father for the night?”

  His heart melted for the sweet teenager. “I would be honored, Melissa.” He opened his arms and hugged her.

  And he cursed her natural father.

  How could he ask Olivia to break her daughter’s heart by revealing the identity of an unworthy father?

  For a moment he questioned the logic of pushing her to reveal the truth, an ugly revelation that would cause so much hurt to everyone involved.

  Including himself.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Olivia pressed her head against the headrest of her car seat and closed her eyes. She couldn’t deny she’d had a lovely evening in spite of her mother’s lecture. One more or less wouldn’t bother Olivia. She’d stopped paying attention to her mama’s words of wisdom, although tonight she’d been more impatient, with Luc in the next room.

  Talk about Luc and his stupid idea of fun. His scorching kiss had shaken her to the core. She’d forgotten she was in her mother’s living room and even forgotten her problem with Melissa. To think she’d been ready to slip down on the sofa and let him fondle her as if they were a pair of college kids. Her body still tingled. All because of a kiss.

  But what a kiss.

  Olivia wrapped her arms around herself. What if he tried to spend the night with her? Would she let him?

  “Are you cold?” Luc asked.

  “Huh?”

  “I can turn up the heat?”

  “No, it’s fine.” As usual Luc was too attuned to her moods and reactions.

  “I had a great time at your mother’s. She is such a nice lady.” He rubbed his stomach and chuckled. “And a good cook.”

  “I know I have to watch my diet around her.”

  He chuckled. “You are beautiful, Olivia. You don’t have to worry about dieting.”

  She smiled, pleased with the compliment. Last night she’d taken a good look at her face and wondered if ten years had aged her much in Luc’s eyes. Not that it made a difference, of course.

  Be honest, you want him to admire you. To find you desirable.

  Luc kept the conversation light during the long trip. He stopped in front of her apartment building, walked her to the door, but refused to come in when she invited him up for a last drink.

  “Too late now. Besides, if I come...hmm. Let’s not tempt the devil as they say in my country. You need your sleep.” He blew her a kiss and turned to leave. “I will keep your van and pick you up tomorrow.”

  Luc hadn’t even tried to stay with her. A bit miffed, she huffed and promised herself to stop thinking of him and devote more time to her work.

  An hour later, still awake, Olivia tossed in her bed, Luc’s striking face smiling at her.

  You did it again, Dr. Crane. She’d deleted a ten-year code of good behavior and stern resolutions when he walked into her office and kissed her three times.

  Lord, she knew she couldn’t resist his sex appeal. She’d melted in his arms the moment he touched her. But it wasn’t just his good looks and kisses she craved now. She’d learned to appreciate his strength, his kindness and his continuous attentions.

  Why had he come back? Why?

  Forgotten sensations prickled her skin. She remembered what it was like to have Luc snuggled against her, to lay her head on his naked chest and hear his heartbeat, to drift off nestled in his arms.

  Admit it. You love him.

  What was she going to do now? How could she live and work with him every day and feign indifference?

  Get him back. He loved you ten years ago.

  But what about Melissa? She couldn’t forget Melissa. Maybe she could get Luc to love her again, and understand her reasons for keeping the truth from Melissa, and...

  Darn, she punched her pillow and went to fetch a sleeping pill and a glass of water. Her phone rang. Annoyed, she wondered if there was an emergency at the Crisis Center. “Hello. Dr. Crane speaking.”

  “Chérie, I have a big problem.” His laughing voice contradicted the statement.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I can’t sleep. Can you diagnose my ailment?”

  “Bug off, Luc. You scared me.”

  “Okay, I will tell you what is wrong with me, and you will give me the treatment.”

  “Treatment for what?”

  “For my insomnia, Dr. Crane. Here are my symptoms. I am thinking about you, tossing in bed and wishing I had stayed with you.”

  “Oh.” The single syllable lodged in her throat. She’d experienced the same symptoms. And the only treatment would be...

  “The only cure is to take you in my arms. I can come back if you ask me to,” he purred in her ear.

  She bit her lip hard to avoid saying yes. Yes, come. They were both experienced physicians, and she agreed it would be an excellent cure. He would come all the way to her apartment because he wanted her now. As much as she wanted him. She would settle for a fling. And in six months he would leave, and she would cry for months as she did a long time ago.

  Never. She’d never settle for a fling. He could shove his idea of fun down his throat. She looked at the pill in her hand and sighed. “Ever heard of Zolpidem, Dr. Lucien? Take one with a big glass of water. Good night.”

  She smiled at his sharp intake of breath and slowly put the receiver in its cradle. From now on, she’d have her own agenda. Seduce a
nd conquer.

  My dear Luc, I want you, but on my own terms.

  ****

  The week went by at meteor speed as far as Olivia was concerned. With Doc leaving on Sunday for his sabbatical, she spent many hours locked in his office discussing administrative issues. She hadn’t seen much of Luc. He had now taken over Doc’s consultations. In addition, he’d started teaching an advanced class on mental disorders.

  On Friday afternoon Luc had called to remind her of her appointment with him for her second session. He’d insisted they use one of the consultation rooms to talk in a neutral atmosphere without interruption.

  When she strode to the Crisis Center and entered the room, Luc was already there. Sitting behind the desk, he sifted through papers. He closed the folder and stood to greet her.

  “Have a seat. How was your day?” he asked in his impersonal physician’s voice as he sat in the chair next to hers. She smiled, amused by the touch of formality.

  “Good day. No special emergency. What’s that?” She pointed to the folder he’d dropped on the table.

  “Your file.”

  “My—?” Her tongue froze on the word. “You put what I told you in writing?” Panic surged to her throat, and she wrestled to control it.

  “Not what you told me.” He tilted his head in an I-know-better-than-that, and she felt sorry for doubting his discretion. “Only my perceptions of your feelings. It’s just a few pages for you to read and shred right away if you like. Not medical records.”

  She nodded, grateful that he went to the trouble of typing the report himself. “Thanks.”

  “Tell me, how did you feel after we talked last week?”

  “Relieved. Better than I’ve felt in a long time. Don’t say ‘I told you so’ but you were right.” He didn’t say it, but she glimpsed a smirk before he suppressed it. “Now I suppose you want me to talk about what happened after I left Chicago.” She knew the sequence of a routine consultation.

  He nodded. “Exactly. When your parents picked you up from Tony’s place.”