ESCAPE INTO ROMANCE- 4 Book Bundle

by Patrice Wilton

  He answered right away, with hot, greedy kisses that made her pulse race, her blood soar. Raking her fingers through his hair, she squirmed closer.

  His lips moved from her mouth and tasted the delicate lobe of her ear, then skimmed down the length of her neck, pleasuring her even more. She captured his mouth with her own and gave as good as she got.

  It was hot, passionate, and so totally unexpected that it took both of them a few moments to come to their senses.

  He pulled away first. “Wow. That certainly was a kiss.”

  She laughed. “Your fault.”

  He smiled, playing with her hair. “Good night, Ms. Cassali. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Good night, Dr. Marshall. I look forward to it.”

  She slipped out of the car, giving him a smile and a wave of her fingers before walking toward the building’s door. Once inside the hospital she leaned against a wall. Her heart was beating as if she’d run a mile.

  “Wow’ is right. What was that all about?”

  There was no one around to answer.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The following morning Jenna woke feeling refreshed from a good night’s sleep. She took a long shower, washed her hair and selected her clothes carefully. She put on a pair of snug fitting white Levis, and a soft blue sweater set, knowing that the air conditioning could make the hospital rooms cool.

  She knew she was primping for Dr. Marshall, or rather, for Grant. That kiss had definitely put them on a first name basis.

  By the time she got downstairs, her mother was dressed and sipping on her second cup of coffee.

  “What time did you come in last night?” her mother asked. “I thought I heard you, but it was late.”

  “I’m not sure. I think it was close to midnight. I waited around to talk to Dr. Marshall, and then we ended up going out for a drink.”

  “You did what?” Her mother slopped coffee on her Grateful Dead T-shirt. “Your sister’s in a coma and you went on a date?”

  Jenna poured herself a cup of the coffee, added cream, and took a sip before she answered. She didn’t want to start anything with her mother, but she was irritated nonetheless. “I wouldn’t call it a date. He offered to take me for coffee, and we ended up at a sidewalk cafe instead. It was only for an hour.”

  Her mother shook her head. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt. You’ve had a rough couple of days too.”

  “Have you had breakfast, Mom?”

  “No. I was waiting for you.”

  Jenna put some dog food in a dish and watched Beets attack the food. Even this beast of a dog made her smile this morning.

  “How about if I cook us up a nice omelet, and we can skip the cafeteria food?” She pulled the eggs out of the refrigerator and looked for other ingredients to add.

  “That would be nice, dear.” Sharon sat down at the table, now all smiles and eager to talk. “So what was he like—the doctor?”

  Jenna turned away so her mother wouldn’t see her blush. She busied herself with cracking the eggs and adding milk, cheese and chives. “He was very nice. Answered all the questions I had regarding Amy and her care.” She put some whole wheat bread into a toaster and grabbed the plates from the cabinet above her head.

  “That doesn’t sound very exciting.”

  Her mother obviously was hoping for something juicier than that, but Jenna wasn’t going to feed her curiosity.

  Besides, that kiss might have been a spur of the moment kind of thing, never to be repeated. Yet, she hoped not. An enjoyable no-strings-attached romance would be a nice diversion while she was here.

  After breakfast, Jenna let the dog out for a few minutes, and then they headed back to the hospital. The kids were already at school, and would join them at the hospital later.

  Her mother was leaving the following day to go back to Daytona and her husband, and it was time to bring Amy home. Grant had allowed her to stay an extra night, but Jenna knew there were no real health concerns for her niece.

  After an hour with Cindy, Jenna left her mother to go see Amy. She wondered if Grant would be there. Would it be awkward seeing him after the kiss, or would they slip back into the easy relationship they seemed to have developed?

  Amy was awake, and smiled when she saw her aunt walk in. “Hi, baby. Did you sleep well?” Jenna picked her up and carried her over to the comfortable chair, and sat with the baby on her lap.

  When the nurse came in to check on Amy, Jenna asked if Dr. Marshall had been in yet to see her. “I believe he’s going to discharge her today.”

  “Yes, he was in earlier. He’s making his rounds. I’ll let him know that you’re here and ready to take her home.”

  “Thank you.” Jenna smiled at Amy, hummed a little song, and tried to ignore the butterflies dancing inside her stomach.

  This was silly and adolescent. She was damned near forty. Why was she getting all girly over a hot doctor and a kiss?

  She sat and waited an hour, playing with Amy, all the while keeping an eager watch on the door.

  Another half hour passed. Either Grant is awfully busy this morning, she thought, or he’s avoiding this room.

  Returning a sleepy Amy to her crib, Jenna marched into the hall and went to the nurse’s station, inquiring as to his whereabouts.

  “I believe he just left for lunch in the cafeteria,” one of the nurses said. “Why don’t you do the same?”

  She did as the nurse suggested, knowing she had to keep her strength up, even if she wasn’t particularly hungry. After she paid for her chef salad and diet soda, she found an empty table near a window.

  She heard a familiar laugh and turned her head. There he was, sitting at a nearby table with some nurses. His back was to her, but she recognized his wonderful thick, dark hair and strong shoulders.

  She took the opportunity to watch and admire him for a minute. Perhaps he’d glance around, spot her, and then excuse himself to come and join her.

  Jenna toyed with her salad, eyeing the pretty young nurses. They certainly seemed to be enjoying his company.

  A lovely blonde batting her eyes at him. Silly woman—he’s at least twice her age. Why was it that men could always attract pretty young women, and yet if a woman flirted with a man half her age, she looked foolish and pathetic?

  She gritted her teeth, and stabbed the chef salad with her fork, picked up a bite, and forced it down. No wonder she had so much trouble connecting with men. They all had it too easy—well, at least the good-looking ones, like this doctor, and her father, and Kevin.

  She hadn’t thought about Kevin since Cindy’s accident. They’d dated for two years—until two months ago, when he’d broken up with her. A month later, he was engaged.

  It had stung, but she now realized her pain over him had been far overshadowed by her fear for her sister. Funny that she could think of him now and not feel the anguish she’d suffered just a few days ago.

  She swallowed another bite. Hmm…interesting. Had she really been in love? She’d gone along with the casual dating idea because her career was priority one. Dating someone who wasn’t interested in a long-term commitment had been the safe thing to do at the time.

  Grant Marshall definitely could not be classified as safe. He was the kind of man you could take to your bed maybe once or twice—but a third time would be asking for trouble.

  With a guy like him, she’d enjoy his company for a brief time, and then throw him back into the pond to wait for the next fish to come along. Any man that looked that good was not the type to play for keeps. He was a heart-breaker—of that, she had no doubt.

  After that passionate kiss, he’d certainly aroused her interest. Why was he avoiding her today? Hell, maybe he lied to me and is married. Wouldn’t be the first time.

  Well, whatever the reason, she didn’t have all day to wait to speak with him while he flirted with young nurses. She polished off her salad, tossed back her soda, and walked over to his table.

  She tapped Grant on his shoulder, causing him t
o stop speaking. The women at the table eyed her with curiosity. Well, tough. They can have him for the rest of the day. I only need him for a few minutes.

  “Jenna,” he said, standing. As she watched, his neck grew red. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you. Are you here to take Amy home?”

  “Yes.” Her eyes met his, dead-on. “We’re ready to leave if you can just say the word.” She flashed her prettiest smile, acting as if the kiss meant nothing.

  “I’ve already signed the discharge papers, but I’ll come with you to see her off.” He nodded to the nurses. “Enjoy your lunch, ladies.”

  Jenna almost expected to hear a collective sigh as the two of them left.

  “Your fan club?” she asked.

  He laughed. “Hardly. They’re just a bunch of kids, barely out of nursing school.”

  “I see.” Her sandals were making a clicking noise on the tiled floor. The noise irritated her. “Is this a teaching hospital?”

  They were at the bank of elevators and Grant pushed the “up” button. “No, but as first year nurses, they still have a lot to learn.”

  “Really?” Her breathing was kind of mixed up, and her voice didn’t sound like her own. “What wealth of knowledge were you able to impart at lunch?” She kept her eyes on the elevator’s numbers as they waited.

  “I highly recommended the tuna fish. It’s good for the heart.”

  Jenna laughed, and wished she hadn’t. He was very charismatic, but when she walked out of the hospital with Amy in her arms, that would probably be the end of it. They would have no excuse to see each other again.

  It was just as well. Cindy would be waking soon, and then Jenna would be on the next flight to New York. Last night had certainly been nice, but it was just a kiss.

  The empty elevator arrived, and she stepped in. He stood so close to her they were rubbing shoulders.

  “How come a woman like you doesn’t have a family of her own?” he asked.

  “I could ask the same of you.” Her nostrils flared as she caught a whiff of his cologne, mingled with his male scent.

  “I was married for eighteen years. My wife died.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” How very sad. “I was waiting in Amy’s room, but you didn’t come to see me.”

  “I wanted to. I wasn’t sure what to say after last night.”

  They stared at each other, and he looked like he was about to kiss her again. The elevator doors slid open and a young, white-coated man stepped in. “Dr. Marshall,” he said, and nodded at Jenna.

  Grant took a half step away and didn’t look at her again. They got out on their floor and headed for Amy’s room. A nurse came running to meet them.

  “Doctor. We were about to page you. There’s an emergency coming in. A boy on his bike was hit by a car.”

  Grant sucked in a breath. Jenna was surprised at how the news affected him. Surely, he heard this type of thing every day. This was his job. He couldn’t afford to get emotionally involved.

  He turned to her. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ve already signed Amy’s release papers. She’s ready to go home.” He was already on the move.

  She had wanted to talk to him about Amy’s care, but she couldn’t now. She collected the baby and her few belongings, and was about to leave the floor, when a nurse stopped her. Grant had left his business card for her and scribbled his home number on the back. She tucked it into her handbag, feeling grateful and reassured. He hadn’t forgotten their conversation or his promise. He was there for her.

  She wondered what would have happened if the other doctor hadn’t stepped into their elevator. Would he have dared to kiss her right then and there? Or did that only happen on cable TV?

  CHAPTER SIX

  Jenna had bought a new infant car seat and installed it in her rented compact car. Rob was driving the SUV, and she didn’t want to take Nick’s wheels away from him.

  She strapped Amy into the back seat of the car, got onto Interstate 95 and started the half hour trek to her sister’s home. As she pulled into the driveway she was struck by guilt. This was Cindy’s world, and she was nothing more than a cheap substitute. She released Amy’s car seat, grabbed her handbag, and carried both through the door from the garage to the laundry room.

  Rob’s mother had been looking after the kids and might have stayed to help. She hoped so. The thought of being totally responsible for Amy was more than she wanted to deal with right now.

  Actually, a long cool shower and a tall drink were in order. She was eager to dump this crying child into someone’s capable hands. She wasn’t particular who.

  Kelly was in the kitchen when she walked in. “Hi, Jenna.”

  “Hi, honey. Could you take Amy for a sec? I’ve got flowers and things to bring in.”

  “Sure. No problem.”

  Jenna went back to the car and brought in a half dozen flower arrangements and placed on the kitchen counter. She also had a bag with Cindy’s clothes and personal effects.

  “You got any more? Want me to help carry?” Kelly asked. She was wearing a skimpy swimsuit and a pair of unzipped jean shorts, which Jenna immediately longed to zip up.

  At fifteen, her pretty niece looked like a horny teenage boy’s wet dream. Just like her mother had been.

  “Is your grandma still here?”

  “No, she had to leave. Gramps had an appointment.”

  Beethoven was sniffing at the baby and Kelly swatted his nose away. “Be good, Beets. Go sit down.”

  Beets licked the baby’s bare leg. Jenna pulled at the dog’s collar, but he dug in his heels and shook his large, furry head, refusing to budge.

  Kelly lifted Amy out of the carrier and gave her sister a kiss. “I don’t get it,” she said. “Why are you going to stay here instead of one of the grandmas?”

  The thought had occurred to her too. But Rob’s parents were elderly—he was the youngest child—and her own mother had a new husband and life in Daytona. It was too much to ask of them, but more importantly, Jenna didn’t feel right leaving her sister in the hospital and not staying around to help.

  She’d always been the most responsible adult in her family and didn’t expect that to change. “Truthfully, it’s too much work for the grandmas. But your dad will be around a lot. He’ll be dividing his time between here and the hospital.”

  “I know. He’s promised to take us to see Mom every night we don’t have some stupid after-school activity. I wish I could drop out of cheerleading.” Her chin wobbled. “I don’t want to be having fun with Mom in the hospital. It doesn’t seem right.”

  “It is right. Your mom wouldn’t want you to stop doing the things you love. She wants you to carry on and enjoy your life.”

  Kelly wasn’t buying it. “I doubt it.” She looked at Amy, squirming in her arms. “What’s wrong, little one?”

  “She’s been fussing all the way home,” Jenna said.

  “She probably needs her diaper changed.”

  “I figured it was that, or she was hungry. Want to help me?”

  “No, you can handle it. I’m going back to the pool.” Kelly gestured toward the stairs behind her. “You know where her room is, don’t you? It’s next to yours.”

  “Wait. Not so fast.” Jenna put a hand out to stop her from fleeing. “Want to show me where the diapers are kept?” She didn’t want to admit that she’d never changed a dirty diaper before. It seemed ridiculous for someone her age.

  Kelly dumped Amy into her hands. “Under the bed. Have fun.” She took off for the pool.

  Beets turned to face her and baring his yellow teeth, let out a low growl.

  “Nice dog…big dog…go out and play.” She opened the patio door for the mutt and waited until he went outside.

  Jenna lugged Amy upstairs to her room. By now, the baby was pink in the face from testing out her lungs. She stopped the moment Jenna laid her in her crib. Amy cooed, distracted by familiar sights and toys.

  “So what’s this diaper thing all about?” Jenna asked her softly.
“Can’t be too difficult, now can it?”

  She found the big bag of diapers under the crib. Then she noticed the diaper stacker hanging on the side. “Well, that was easy, wasn’t it? Mommy has thought of everything for her little baby-poo.”

  Was why she talking like that? She hated those baby-talking mothers. She was a smart, savvy business woman—who was about to change a diaper for the first time in her life.

  She figured out how to undo the snaps between Amy’s legs and found the diaper wet, but not soiled. Okay, little rump goes in the air, get rid of old diaper, new diaper underneath. Pull up between legs and close. Not so difficult after all.

  Feeling a tiny bit smug, she picked Amy up and swung her around. The diaper dropped down Amy’s chubby little legs. Jenna laid her back on the bed and fastened the diaper a little more tightly around her tummy, giving her a raspberry kiss as she did so.

  Amy made a farting noise. Her little face contorted, and Jenna got a very bad feeling.

  “Oh, no. Oh, no! Don’t do that. Please don’t do that, baby. Wait ’til Kelly’s out of the pool…or your mommy comes home.”

  When the smell and the brown spot on the new diaper showed her that Amy had ignored her pleas, Jenna went to the bedroom window, lifted it, and called out. “Kelly, I need you right now. Get out of the pool.”

  Kelly stopped mid-lap and stared up at her, a frightened look on her pretty face. “What’s wrong? Is Amy all right?”

  Jenna felt bad for scaring her, but not bad enough to deal with the diaper herself. “She’s all right, but there’s a little problem I can’t handle. Could you come up here, please? I just need you for five minutes.”

  Kelly stomped out of the pool, grabbed a towel, and ran up the stairs.

  “You’re a doll,” Jenna said gratefully. “Thanks so much.”

  “For what? What’s the prob?”

  “I changed Amy’s diaper once, and then…and then she had a BM.”

  “What’s a BM?”