by Candace Shaw
However, Raven was more curious to know what the patient was trying to whisper out as her blood pressure and heart monitor continued to drop. Raven spoke Spanish, but the conversation was so intense and fast between the two men, she could only make out what Mrs. Gonzalez kept repeating before the nurse placed a breathing mask over her mouth.
“Por favor, sólo salve a mi bebé. No importa si yo muero.”
Please just save my baby. I don’t care if I die.
Raven turned to Kay. “Prepare her for a C-section.” She sped to the sink and scrubbed her hands.
Armand approached her and whispered, “Dr. Arrington, Mrs. Gonzalez is requesting—”
“I understand Spanish just fine, and I’m not honoring her request. I intend to save both.”
“Dr. Arrington, you can’t promise that.”
“Dr. Phillips,” she began in a loud, stern tone, but remembering where she was—especially when all eyes glanced her way—she lowered her voice, “Mrs. Gonzalez is concerned for her baby. It’s my responsibility to be concerned for both. I’m going to ask you to leave so I can do my job.”
Taken aback, he stepped away from her. “You can do your job, but I’m not leaving.”
“Fine, but stay out of my way.”
A few hours later, Raven sat alone in the break room of the hospital sipping coffee. It was almost six ‘o’clock in the morning, and she was wired from her normal adrenaline rush after bringing life into the world. She was thrilled that the mother and baby were doing fine, even though the baby would have to stay a little while longer to gain a few extra pounds before going home.
The door creaked open and confident footsteps on the tile floor behind her drew near. She sighed reluctantly. Unfortunately, she recognized the same walking pattern from when he approached her at the sink in the birthing room.
Armand slid into the chair in front of her, popped a mint into his mouth, and stretched back, resting his hands across his chest.
“You need something, Dr. Phillips?” she asked in a curt tone.
He let out a nervous chuckle. “No. I just wanted to check on you. Things got a little heated.”
“I’m fine, but never question my judgment again,” she answered in a stern manner.
“Look, Dr. Arrington, I wasn’t questioning your judgment, but as doctors we know not to make promises that may not happen. I didn’t want Mr. Gonzalez getting his hopes up considering she was falling fast, and—”
“I completely understand that. However, have a little faith sometimes. I’ve had patients in the same predicament before. And I wasn’t going to let her die. The baby needs her …” Raven stopped when she found herself becoming emotional, leading her to thoughts of her own personal struggles of wanting a baby. Blocking it from her brain, she focused on the issue at hand.
“Dr. Phillips, while I’m here for the next few months, I would appreciate it if you would let me do my job. I don’t need a young, fresh-out-of-doing-his-residency doctor telling me what to do.”
“Oh really?” He stood as his voice rose, and she stared at him in complete shock. “So you think age and how many years experience I have has something to do with my knowledge and understanding of medical procedures? Sure, you’re older and have many more years of working in the medical profession on me, but what you don’t have is the type of experiences that I’ve encountered by working with Doctors Unlimited, as well as Doctors Without Borders. Your brother wouldn’t have made me the chief of staff if I wasn’t qualified for the position. And if it wasn’t for your brother, I would send you packing back to Memphis. We’re a team around here. I thought you, of all people, would be a team player considering you work at your family’s private practice.”
Raven stood directly in his personal space, and glared up at him with one hand on her hip and a finger pointing at his chest. “Oh trust and believe if it wasn’t for my brother I would gladly leave right now instead of working with an arrogant, egotistical ass like you!” She turned on her heel, grabbed her coffee, and stormed toward the door. The sexy way he looked when angry was a turn on, and the last thing she wanted was to feel any type of sexual desire to a conceited jerk. She couldn’t even fathom why she felt some type of attraction to him in the first place. Sure he had a handsome face, amazing smile, and strong, big hands …
He shouted after her, “Well, you’re stuck here for the next two months, so get used to it!”
She turned around and faced him. He wasn’t going to get the best of her. She shook her head of her unbelievable thoughts. Her late husband had been a down-to-earth guy that rarely raised his voice and didn’t have one arrogant bone in his body. The man standing in front of her now was the complete opposite and nowhere near her type of man.
“I’m not stuck anywhere. I’m here because I want to be. I’m just as dedicated as you are to the medical profession, so never question my experiences. You don’t know me.”
A look of realization crossed his face. “You’re right. I don’t. However, I do know how I run this clinic, and one of the things we never do here is raise our voices or argue in front of patients.”
She nodded her head in understanding, for she knew where the rule came from. Her father had made the rule at their practice, and of course Cannon would pass it on to Doctors Unlimited.
“That was totally unprofessional of me, and it won’t happen again.”
“See that it doesn’t, Dr. Arrington.” His tone was authoritative and in control.
Raven was about to make a smart alec remark, but decided against it. She had to remember he was the chief of staff, and she was Cannon’s sister. She didn’t want her attitude to have an effect on how much everyone admired and respected her brother. She bid Armand good night and turned toward the double doors that would lead her to the elevator.
She stopped dead in her tracks and patted her pockets, pulling out everything except what she needed. The scan card. Without it she couldn’t use the elevator or stairwell to get back to the third floor. She had her room key, but that wouldn’t do her any good.
Great. Just great.
Clearing her throat, she turned back toward him. He had sat back in the chair, leaning back with his tall legs wide and one of his hands under his chin, a contemplative expression on his face. She tried to remember she was mad at him, but all she kept imagining was straddling his lap and kissing his inviting mouth.
“Yes, Dr. Arrington?” he asked calmly, but still in the same manner as earlier.
“I don’t have my scan card on me,” she quietly replied.
He raised an eyebrow and a wicked smile crossed his handsome face. He moved toward her, and she stepped back. Reaching in to his pocket, he pulled out his card. “You’re in luck. I’ll walk you to the elevator.”
“Thank you,” she said softly and turned away from him. They walked in silence, but Raven swore she felt his hot, minty breath on her neck. When they arrived at the elevator, he pressed the button and the doors opened. Stepping in, she leaned against the corner while he stretched his arm around to the silver plate to scan the card for the third floor as his eyes met hers. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but instead he inhaled and backed out of the elevator. As the doors closed, his heated eyes locked with hers.
Raven exhaled once she made it back to her apartment. She grabbed the scan card from the dresser and placed it inside of her badge holder, which she was required to wear, and clipped it on her white coat. Therefore, she was prepared for the next day, or rather in a few hours, since she was supposed to meet Kay for the tour at ten o’clock that morning.
She tugged off her scrubs and hopped into the shower, letting the water cascade down her head as the tears started to silently fall. She’d promised herself before the trip that she wouldn’t mourn over Howard and their babies who were now in Heaven together. She hadn’t given it a thought until now, and she felt guilty about it because Dr. Armand Phillips was invading her thought process, and that scared her. She never wanted to forget her late
husband and the love she had for him, but being away from Memphis was making the pain a little easier, as well as trying to get on with her life in general. She had started dating again a year after Howard’s death, but no one had piqued her interest long enough to feel some sort of attraction toward them. Now she found herself thinking about a man she couldn’t tolerate to work with, much less even think about being with. Besides, he was a wet behind the ears doctor who had been given a little power and now he thought he was the man. Not her type of guy. He’d seem pleasant in the airport, but apparently that was just a smooth façade he displayed with women he found attractive, considering he flirted with her as soon as he’d met her.
She turned off the shower, towel dried, and made a mental note to avoid him as much as possible during the next few months. She thought that could be possible because according to the work schedule that Kay had given her earlier, Armand worked mostly nights in the hospital and her schedule was mostly during the day to see patients. Unless, of course, it was baby time, which could happen at any time. According to Kay, there were only a handful of pregnant women at the moment, and they weren’t due anytime soon, but that didn’t mean anything either.
Sighing, Raven downed the rest of her coffee, which was now cold, and said a little prayer that she could make it through the rest of her time in Ghilaua.
During the next week, Raven met quite a few patients for various reasons. Some pregnant, or others with female health concerns. Her schedule wasn’t as busy as it was in Memphis, for the town only had about five thousand people. Therefore, she spent her free time hanging with Kay, or going to the shops and eateries in the small downtown area where the medical facility was located. She’d managed to avoid Armand whenever possible, except for an occasional nod or information for a patient.
One afternoon Raven sat in one of the outdoor cafés sipping coffee and eating an empanada. She was slowly becoming addicted to the tasty chicken and vegetable filled pastry, and the lady who owned the café would knowingly smile and nod as Raven walked in to order three.
She munched on her second one as her eyes perused the book she was reading on her ereader.
“Good afternoon, Dr. Arrington,” a familiar male voice greeted in front of her.
She slowly tore her eyes away from the words on the screen, which had jumbled together as soon as his tenor voice filled her ears. She wasn’t in the mood to exchange pleasantries with him; she just wanted to enjoy her first day off.
“Hello, Dr. Phillips,” she said in an even, calm tone.
“I see you’re enjoying the empanadas. I did too when I first arrived here, but I’ve had to cut back on them. They can be fattening.”
“I’ll remember that,” she said in a dismissal manner, hoping he would leave.
He stepped back from the table and placed his hands in his pocket. “So … um, I’m going to go inside and grab my order that I called in earlier, and then I’m off to the orphanage.”
“What orphanage?” Her ears perked up, and for once during their brief conversation, she became interested in what he had to say.
“There’s one in Buenos Aires that I volunteer at on Fridays.”
“You do medical exams?”
“Sometimes, but I bring treats and read books. Play games. Help with homework. Whatever they need.” He shrugged and stepped closer to her, placing his hand on the opposite chair.
“How old are the children?”
“All ages, including a few babies, but I mostly work with the toddlers and elementary aged ones. I’m teaching them English as a second language because a lot of the adoptions are from the States or other English speaking countries.”
“How long have you been doing this?” she asked, becoming even more interested. Her family had always been very philanthropic—thanks to their father encouraging them to always give to those less fortunate or lend a helping where need be—which was why Cannon started Doctors Unlimited.
“A little over a year, but not just me. A few other staff members as well. Maybe you can check it out one day.” He paused for a moment with a strained expression, which cleared with a smile. “In fact, how about now? You’re off for the rest of the day, right?”
The last thing she wanted to do was be stuck in the truck with Armand for an hour or so drive to Buenos Aires. However, something pulled at her when he mentioned the children at the orphanage.
“Okay.” She closed her ereader. “I would love to go.”
“Cool. I’ll just run and grab the pastries.”
Moments later they were making the drive to the big city as people in Ghilaua called it. She pretended to read her book as he listened to a Nina Simone CD. She tried to concentrate, but his manly scent was a pure distraction. He had the makings of a five o’clock shadow, and Raven had always found a beard on a man sexy, as long as it was neatly trimmed. Armand was usually fresh shaven, but she figured he would look just as handsome with a beard next to his honey skin.
A warm sensation rushed through her when he glanced from the corner of his eye, and she realized she’d been caught staring.
He tried to muffle a smile. “You see something you like, Dr. Arrington?” he inquired in a lazy, seductive way.
Oh hell no. She’d have to play this off.
“I was just looking at the scenery, Dr. Phillips,” she answered, placing her eyes back on the ereader screen.
He chuckled. “So, I noticed. I’m flattered.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, please. No one is checking for you, so don’t even go there.”
“If you say so.” He glanced at her with a hesitated sigh. “You know, I’ve watched you over the past week, and I just want to say you’re good at what you do otherwise you wouldn’t be here. I want to apologize for the way I spoke to you after you delivered Mrs. Gonzalez’s baby.”
The cadence of his words was genuine, and she really hated the fact that she’d lashed out as well. That wasn’t in her nature, and the last thing she wanted to do was to have a strained working relationship with him.
“I accept your apology, and I apologize as well.”
“Thank you. I’m not that bad once you get to know me. Maybe we can start over again,” he stated in an upbeat manner. “Clean the slate.”
“I think that’s a great idea, Dr. Phillips,” she answered sincerely.
“You know, you really don’t have to call me Dr. Phillips. You can just call me Armand,” he suggested as he turned into a residential neighborhood.
She wasn’t sure if she wanted to be on a first name basis with him, even though she’d noticed over the past week that most of the staff called each other by their first names, except in front of the patients.
“Okay, Armand, but only in private.”
A sly smile crossed his lips. “Perfect … Raven.”
Chapter Three
Raven felt a buzz coming on even though she hadn’t had any alcohol to drink, and yet she was in a complete daze. They’d made it to the orphanage, a huge two-story white home with a wrap-a-round porch and big white columns, reminding her of a southern plantation. However, she couldn’t get the way Armand had said her name out of her head. She’d heard it all of her life, but it had never sounded so light and breezy, yet downright seductive and sensual all at the same time. It was almost as if he should only say it in private or during intimate times … Even though that will never happen, she thought. Raven hoped that when they walked inside of the orphanage, he would go back to calling her Dr. Arrington just so she could remain composed.
She definitely knew something had changed between them when she reached to open her door, he laid his hand lightly on her bare arm, and said in a sexy way, “Let me.” His gentle touch sent tingles coursing through her veins. If a gentle touch could cause such a rapture of desire, she wasn’t sure if she could handle anything beyond that if the time ever rose. Not that it would. She couldn’t believe how far left her mind had gone. She was the practical one of her siblings, yet Armand was unraveling a desire i
n her that she had bottled up, and it was ready to explode like a shaken up soda at any minute.
As they walked up the steps of the grand porch, he moved in front of her and opened one of the double doors, letting her pass through. They were in a two-story foyer with walnut hardwood floors, and pictures of children adorned the walls. A middle-aged Argentine woman approached them, her dark hair pulled back in a bun. Her smile was refreshing and seemed to light up the foyer.
“Hola, Dr. Phillips,” she said, kissing Armand on both cheeks. She turned toward Raven and back to him. “Quién es esta encantadora jovencita?”
“Hola, Maria. Esta es la Dr. Raven Arrington, la hermana gemela de Cannon.”
“Yes, of course,” Maria said in English, turning toward Raven. The ladies shook hands. “Very nice to meet you. I know your brother. He’s such a humble and compassionate man,” she said sincerely. “He’s done so much for Ghilaua and for the orphanage.”
“Muchas gracias, Maria.”
“Dr. Phillips!” Two children, a boy and a girl who looked about age four or five, shouted as they ran toward Armand, nearly knocking him over with hugs.
“Hola, Isabella and Israel.” He stooped down and hugged them tightly as the children’s eyes sparkled. They all laughed affectionately and spoke in rapid Spanish about their day. From what Raven could make out, the children had been waiting for him to show off their handwriting assignments and some finger painting pictures. The children were absolutely adorable. Little Isabella had a cute, precocious face that was framed with two dark, curly ponytails down her back and tied with purple bows to match her dress. Israel had a cute face with the same dimples, which indented when he smiled like Isabella.