by Amy Ruttan
She cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “Really? Can you tell me a bit about the scrub nurse in there, then?”
Alejandro grinned. “Of course. Her name is Elizabeth. She’s a married mother of four. She’s been my scrub nurse for a number of years. I like her because she anticipates exactly what I need during transplant surgeries. Her favorite color is yellow and she loves Cuban food.”
Kiri’s mouth dropped open. “Are you kidding me?”
“I make conversations in there when things are going well. It’s how I can focus. Why do surgeons have to be so serious all the time?”
“We’re serious because we’re dealing with lives.”
Alejandro shook his head. “And we’re human too. It makes for a more relaxed atmosphere. Since you’re unlikely to be in any of my other surgeries, what does it matter how I run my operating room?”
He grabbed a paper towel and dried his hands, then threw the towel in the garbage. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lawyer to speak to.”
He walked past Kiri, leaving her standing there stunned.
And he didn’t care.
It was unlikely she’d be in the OR with him again. She was taking over a department and soon she’d have her own patient load to deal with. He would only have to deal with her if there were consults or meetings.
He was an attending, not a resident who needed to be taught a thing or two.
It was better this way. It was better to keep his distance from her, because he’d promised himself a long time ago he would never get married.
Never get involved with someone, not after what had happened with his parents and the pain their deaths had caused. Not when his father’s heart could give out. He was very aware of heart transplant stats. His time was limited.
And he would never put someone he cared about through the pain of loss.
It was better this way. He could bear the pain himself.
Can you?
CHAPTER FOUR
KIRI WAS WALKING the halls of a darkened Buena Vista. She’d been working late again and as she walked she realized that no one else was around.
What was going on?
She turned and the lights dimmed. Alejandro was at the end of the hall dressed in a suit, his head lowered, his hands behind his back. She was completely confused.
“Dr. Valentino?”
Music started and he began to dance. Just like that night in his hotel room in Vegas. Right down to the same suit.
Kiri sat down in a chair that suddenly appeared. She wanted to tell him to stop dancing, that it wasn’t appropriate to do his routine in the hospital, but she lost her voice and suddenly it didn’t matter that he was doing this in the hospital.
She was transfixed as he undid the knot in his tie, slowly pulling it off. Those dark eyes were glittering in the dim light and were focused on her. Holding her captive.
Kiri realized then she was at his mercy. Her body thrummed with need as he pulled off his jacket and shirt. She ran her hands over his body, over his hard, rippling muscles. Then he leaned over her, his lips brushing her ear.
“Mi tesoro,” he whispered. “I want you forever. Always. Only you.”
She closed her eyes and waited for a kiss.
Instead a blaring noise echoed in the hall and he moved away...
Kiri woke with a start. Her alarm clock was going off. It startled her and as she groggily reached for her glasses, she fumbled to find the alarm and shut it off.
With a sigh she sank back into the pillows. Sunshine was peeking in through the venetian blinds that covered the bank of floor-to-ceiling windows in her apartment bedroom.
“Good Lord,” she groaned. Alejandro was invading her dreams again and even though it had just been a dream her body was craving the kiss she’d been waiting for. The kiss that was in her imagination. She hadn’t had an erotic dream about Alejandro in a long time.
Any dreams she’d usually had about him since the miscarriage had brought tears to her eyes and reminded her of what she’d lost. What she’d been denied.
So dreams about him were more like nightmares.
Except for the one she’d just had, which still made her blood burn with need.
The sun coming through her windows was a bit blinding, but it was worth it. She’d chosen South Beach because she liked to be near the ocean, she liked the art deco buildings and there was no city obscuring her view of the ocean.
Her apartment was also a decent size and there was a pool for people in the building to use. It was perfect.
Unlike her small rabbit hole of an apartment in Manhattan.
The only downside was that South Beach was loud at night, but no louder than New York City, so it really didn’t bother her all that much that there were boisterous nightclubs and loud music at night. It reminded her of home.
She glanced at all the boxes still littering her apartment. She had the day off so she could do some unpacking, but instead she decided that she was going to go down to the pool and soak up the sun. Kiri had been in Miami for just over a week and she’d been in so many meetings that she hadn’t had a chance to really make the most of the Florida sun. Checking her weather on her phone made her smile.
In New York City it was raining, dreary and cold.
For the first time she was glad she wasn’t there.
She got out of bed and opened her blinds, squinting as the brilliant sun filled her apartment. It was warm and made her feel alive again.
How long had she been living in a fog?
After she’d lost the baby she’d retreated into herself. Work had been the only thing that could numb the pain. Her life had been on autopilot. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d had a day off. Keeping busy had occupied her mind and kept it off her loss.
A vision of Alejandro holding that little baby from the Dumpster had hit her hard. Would he have been so caring if he’d been holding their baby?
How could he? He didn’t even know about his son and he’d made it clear that he didn’t even want a baby.
And if their baby boy had lived, she wasn’t sure she’d have the position she had now at such a young age, and she doubted very much whether, if she had a child, she would’ve moved so far from her parents and sister.
She would’ve wanted to give her child a family.
Cousins, grandparents and aunties. The kind of family she’d had when she’d been growing up. They say everything worked out for a reason, but she would gladly give up all she had to have had a chance to keep her child. A chance to be a mother.
Stop it.
Kiri shook her head. There was a no point in thinking about the past. She was going to change into her swimsuit and head down to the pool. It was her day off and she was going to enjoy it.
She put in her contacts, showered and brushed her teeth so she was ready for the day.
She found her bathing suit and grabbed a couple of magazines from the stack she had and headed down to the aqua pool in the courtyard. Maybe later she’d stroll through her neighborhood and walk along the white sandy beaches.
The whole day was hers.
It was warm outside, but not warm enough to tempt her to go swimming just yet, even if the pool was heated. So instead she found a lounge chair and made herself comfortable. As she relaxed in the chair she realized that she wasn’t the only one here.
One of her neighbors was swimming laps in the pool.
She watched him, his muscular arms cutting through the turquoise water with ease. She couldn’t help but admire him and then he stood and pulled off his swimming goggles, the water running down over his bronzed body, and she found herself staring at that eagle tattoo she knew all too well.
“Alejandro?”
He blinked a couple of times. “Kiri?”
<
br /> “What’re you doing here?” she asked.
“I live here,” he said. “What’re you doing here?”
“I live here.”
Great. Just great.
He laughed. “Well, isn’t that so like the universe, trying to make sure we’re together?”
“You mean karma? Are you saying I’m being punished?” she teased.
Alejandro laughed and climbed out of the water and she tried not to let her gaze linger too long on his lean, muscular body. Her blood heated as all those naughty thoughts from her dream started creeping back into her head.
He grabbed his towel and dried his face with it before wrapping it around his waist and pattering over to where she was lounging.
“I hope you put on sunscreen. It may not be that hot out, but the sun packs a nasty punch.”
“I’m a doctor. I know and, yes, I did.” She began to flip through one of her magazines, trying to ignore him, but it was no good. He sat down beside her and her heart began to race as the memories of her lingering dream filled her head.
“So when did you move in?” he asked.
“About a week ago. I’m on the eighth floor.”
“I am, as well. I’m Eight B.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“No, why? What apartment are you in?”
“A. You’re my neighbor?” Just what she needed.
“Well, not technically. You’re across the hall from me. I face the ocean and you have a lovely view of the pool here.”
“I think I would rather face the ocean.” She sighed. “I have a partial ocean view from my bedroom, by the way.”
Why did you just say that?
He grinned lazily. “Well, maybe you’ll have to show me your view sometime.”
“Uh...” She faltered. “Perhaps.”
He ignored her. “The ocean is a nice view. Definitely better from where I grew up. You couldn’t see the ocean from where I lived as a child.”
“So you’re a native Miamian. Is that the right term?”
He chuckled. “Sí.”
“Well, is it a nice place to grow up?”
He shrugged. “Here it is. I’ve always liked South Beach, but where I grew up it was a bit different.”
“Where was that?”
“Little Heliconia. It’s a poorer part of the city on the mainland. My parents were from Heliconia and settled near other Heliconians.”
“Ah, that explains why you’re fluent in Spanish. Were you born there?”
“No, here in Miami,” he said. “I’ve never been to the motherland, as it were.”
“I didn’t realize both of us were children of immigrants.”
He lazed back in the chair. “I believe that all Americans are immigrants. It’s just some have been here longer. So you have the day off?”
“I do. And apparently you do, as well.” She tried to feign disinterest in him, but he wasn’t taking the hint.
“I’m on call,” he said absently. “I have one of my best residents taking care of José. I checked on him early this morning and I will probably go in tonight. However, I’m ready to race up there if I get a call.”
Kiri nodded. “And the John Doe infant?”
“I was granted guardianship of the baby and he’s stable. He’s going through a few more tests with the pediatric cardiologist,” Alejandro said. “I haven’t seen him since we found him.”
Kiri found that remark stung. Why didn’t he want to adopt the baby eventually? Why else would he offer to be financially responsible and go through all the trouble of being the baby’s guardian if he wasn’t going to adopt him?
Because he didn’t want kids. He probably liked his life the way it was. She was trying to do that, as well. Enjoy what she had been dealt without thinking about what she didn’t have.
Which could be rectified if she ever found the right man to settle down with and adopt. That was still a possibility.
Then she realized he’d mentioned cardiology.
“Cardiologist?” she asked, concerned.
“His heart is giving the cardiology team some concern. They think he was born at about twenty-eight weeks, but if he has a congenital heart defect he could be younger.”
“Poor mite,” she whispered. “You sure you still want to be financially responsible for him? I mean, the costs already racking up...”
“I’m sure,” he snapped. “End of discussion. I’m responsible for him. Once he’s better, then he’ll have a shot of being adopted into a family who will love him.”
“You still don’t want to adopt him?”
He frowned. “What gave you that idea? I haven’t changed my mind. I’m not interested in a family.”
“Because you’re currently his guardian, I thought you might change your mind.”
“No, I’m not cut out to be a father. Kids were never on the plan. I don’t want kids. End of discussion.”
It was like a punch to the throat. Kids were never on the plan and I’m not cut out to be a father. The words made her stomach turn and gave her the answer she’d always wanted. Alejandro wouldn’t have been happy if she’d come to him pregnant.
He wouldn’t have been there for their child.
It just would’ve been her. Only she’d never got that chance.
She shut her magazine. “Well, I think I’ve had enough sun for the day. I think I’ll go unpack some boxes.”
“You just got here,” he said. “Stay.”
“I really have a lot of unpacking to do.”
“You say that like you’re about to dive into a pool of scorpions. Why don’t I show you around?” he suggested.
No.
Only she did want to get to know the neighborhood and Alejandro had grown up in Miami. Like it or not, he was her only friend here. It couldn’t hurt, as long as she kept reminding herself they were just colleagues. Nothing more, because it was clear Alejandro did not want the same things as her.
“Are you sure?”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t sure.” He stood. “Say we meet in the lobby in thirty minutes? That gives us enough time to change and I’ll take you out on the town.”
“I don’t know whether I should be thrilled or terrified.”
He grinned, flashing those brilliant white teeth at her. “Always thrilled with me. Or have you forgotten? Make sure you wear pants.”
“What? Why?”
“I drive a motorcycle. Skirts and motorcycles don’t mix. Well, at least I’m sure those who wear skirts think that. I don’t mind looking.” Then he winked.
Kiri rolled her eyes and tried not to laugh as she collected up her things and headed back to her apartment. She had never been on the back of a motorcycle before and it frankly terrified her a bit.
Live a little. That’s why you came to Miami.
She’d come here not only for the job but for the change. To escape the fog she’d found herself in in New York City. Staying in the same place, she couldn’t escape the pain of her loss. This was a fresh start.
Not really since you’re going out with the father of your baby.
Kiri groaned as she set her things down on her dining-room table, glancing in the mirror hanging on the wall. “What have I done? What am I doing?”
* * *
Alejandro was pacing as he stared at the elevator.
What am I doing?
He was still asking himself that question as he waited for Kiri to come down to the lobby. He didn’t know what had made him invite her out. That hadn’t been his plan. He’d been going to catch up on some paperwork and perhaps drift over to the hospital. That’s usually what he did on his days off. Not that he was really off, he was on call. There just hadn’t been any calls yet.
; The doors of the elevator opened and Kiri stepped out.
He sucked in a quick breath, bracing himself for the fact she soon would be behind him on his bike, so close to him. And she was just as gorgeous as she’d ever been.
Capri pants, espadrilles and a cotton blouse that made her skin glow. Her long silky black hair was tied back and braided.
“You’re staring at me. Am I dressed okay? You said pants, but all my pants are woolen and more for winter wear in New York. I haven’t had a chance to unpack my spring and summer long pants.”
“You’re fine. You look nice.”
More than nice.
A blush tinged her cheeks. “Thanks. So where are you taking me?”
“Would you like some lunch first? I know a great place.”
She nodded. “Sure. What’s it called?”
“Mad Ron’s.”
She blinked. “Mad Ron’s? Should I be worried?”
Alejandro shrugged. “Depends if Ron is there or not.”
“There’s a Ron?”
“Of course, it’s called Mad Ron’s.”
Kiri shook her head and they headed down to the parking garage together. He handed her the extra helmet he’d been carrying and stowed her purse in the pannier. He waited until she climbed on behind him, her arms wrapped around him, before he started the engine and pulled out of the parking garage onto Collins Avenue.
Her grip tightened as they headed out over the McArthur Causeway.
“Relax,” he shouted. “Enjoy the view.”
Kiri’s nails dug into his flesh so he doubted she was enjoying the view, but Alejandro liked taking the causeway. The islands were dotted with beautiful, expensive homes and large yachts were docked in the channel outside the homes.
He could so be a boat person. Then he could sail around the world, not a care in the world. And if his heart gave out then he could die at sea. It would be peaceful.
Only that was just a fantasy. He’d made a vow to be reliable, work hard and not waste a second of life.
He wouldn’t let his pappi down.
His father had worked hard to get to America and open that bodega to support his family. To give them a better life than they could possibly live in Heliconia. Too many sacrifices had been made on his behalf. Alejandro took his duty very seriously.