Perhaps a glass of wine would help settle her nerves. She headed for the bartender, who’d set up in one of the corners, and on the way over snuck a peek inside the huge ballroom. Her breath caught in her throat.
There stood JT looking handsome and tall, his dark, wavy hair touching the top of the collar on his tailor-fitted suit, one hand casually in his pocket, the other being used in conversation. He stood amidst a small group of men and women who looked to be hospital benefactors. All eyes were on him, and he seemed confident in his role as great communicator.
The last bit of anger she’d managed to hold onto evaporated at the sight of him.
He must have sensed her presence. His head turned…and their eyes met. The jolt of mutual recognition made her knees go weak. She almost lost balance on her near stiletto-height shoes when his face lit up and he gave the most dashing smile she’d ever seen. All she could do was stand and grin back at him, frozen to the spot—the near paralysis was entirely his fault. His blue eyes contrasted with the darkness of the suit, and they crinkled at the edges when he beamed at her. Electrical surges of nerves and tingles almost caused a personal power outage. She couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to.
He immediately excused himself from the group and rushed to her side, his stare decidedly darker and more intense as he approached.
“You look gorgeous, sunshine,” he said in a husky voice. “Follow me.”
He reached for her hand and set off a small burst of fireworks all the way up her arm. She spun around and followed him without having a choice. They snaked through the crowd until he reached a set of French doors and pushed on through.
The brisk December night prevented anyone else from gathering there. Out of sight from the rest of the party he stopped, grasped her arms and backed her into the cold brick wall, causing her to move closer to him. His mouth covered hers before she had a chance to speak.
Hot. Frantic. His lips caressed hers as though they hadn’t seen each other for ever. It felt like for ever to Mallory, anyway. She’d missed him more than she could imagine.
His hands cupped her face so he could alternately kiss her, gaze into her eyes and kiss her again. His tongue danced around hers and she gave in to the taste-of-passion-and-wine kisses. Sweet heaven, she wanted more.
Light-headed with desire, her arms anchored around his neck and she dug her fingers into his thick hair when she kissed him back. She found the warm velvet of his mouth and a pleased sound escaped her throat. Only the tightness of her skirt kept her from wrapping a leg around his hips.
He broke the kiss and found her neck. She gasped for air. His hot breath cascaded over her shoulder and chest. Chills fanned across her breasts and tightened the nipples. Heat and moisture brewed in her core. If he’d wanted to take her right here and now, she’d have let him.
The tinkling of a distant bell grew louder. They noticed it at the same time, pulled apart and glanced at each other with a question in their eyes.
A server dressed in a short white waistcoat stepped out the glass door, rang the bell again and announced, “Dinner is served!”
Mallory sputtered a laugh. JT quickly joined her. He leaned his forehead against hers and looked deeply into her eyes. “We’ll pick up where we left off later…after my announcement.”
He pulled away and said, “Do you see what you do to me? I promised myself I wouldn’t lose control. I swore I’d act like a perfect gentleman. All my best intentions flew out the door the instant I saw you. Did I mention you look gorgeous?”
Mallory beamed, touched her lips to his ear and said, “Once or twice.” She inhaled his spicy cologne and promised, regardless of what happened tonight, to never forget his scent.
He reached for the handkerchief in his pocket and wiped at his mouth. He smiled again and winked. “You may want to fix your lipstick.” He dabbed at her kiss-swollen lips with the handkerchief.
She arranged her hair over her shoulders. “That was one hell of a greeting, Dr. Prescott,” she said breathlessly.
“For you, Nurse Glenn, only the best.”
He took her hand in his, this time less urgent, and strolled with her back inside the building. “The powder room is over there.” He pointed in its direction. “I’ll save you a seat at the table.”
Amazed that she’d made it inside the ladies’ room door without her knees buckling, she leaned against the wall to gather her wits. Obviously he had been glad to see me. She smiled at herself in the mirror, and then, to her horror, caught a glimpse at how smeared her lipstick was.
After several minutes of fixing her face and hair, she gathered her ever-increasing confidence and walked through the door to join JT for dinner and, more importantly, to await the big announcement he’d promised.
All through dinner their eyes danced together and away from each other. His knee intentionally rested next to hers. The thrill of knowing they’d touch more later that night kept her excited and engaged in conversation with the other guests throughout dinner.
Joel Hersh sat next to her. A small man, he reminded her of a hummingbird. She smiled at him while thinking about his quick entries to the hospital ward each morning at work, even quicker patient visits, then his eventual flitting out the door in record time. Just like a tiny bird. Even during the dedication dinner, he moved constantly, talking, thinking and adjusting the salt and pepper shakers just so.
His wife, on the other hand, was a picture of stately calm. Her harshly sprayed out-of-date hairdo topped off an expensive periwinkle-colored evening dress with glittering jewels around her neck. By the way Dr. Hersh looked at his wife with adoration in his eyes, Mallory figured they were a good match. And she was incredibly thankful that he’d agreed to take over the job that JT loathed so he could pursue his true calling, bedside medical doctor.
At one point JT reached under the tablecloth and held her hand. The feel of his skin sent shivers up her arm. If only they could be a couple in public like the Hershes. If only she didn’t have to play by someone else’s rules.
When coffee and dessert were served, a familiar hospital personality took to the stage. Rick Morrell, the charming ER supervisor, had once again agreed to host a Mercy Hospital event. Before Mallory had finished her coffee he’d explained the history of the Mercy Revives Life Rehab Wing. And for an explanation of the fundraising efforts he called on his wife, China, the hospital public relations diva.
The young woman with silky black hair approached the stage with confidence. If she hadn’t turned to the side and made her baby mound more obvious in the form-fitting black evening dress, her pregnancy would never have been noticed. She beamed with blooming motherhood and passion for her fundraising role. Mallory knew that she’d once been scared to death about speaking in public, but now handled the job like a seasoned professional.
According to China, they’d managed to raise over $100,000 from the local community to assist with the rehab wing.
The crowd broke into applause at her announcement.
“That sounds like something to celebrate,” Rick said. “How about some music?”
Again the room erupted with approval, and loud dancing music poured out over the speakers.
“Shall we?” JT asked with confidence.
In all her fantasies of being with JT, she’d never once dreamed about dancing with him. Now was a chance in a lifetime, and she had no intention of missing it.
A crooning sexy song brought Mallory and JT together on the dance floor. He took the lead without a moment’s hesitation, one palm firmly planted on the small of her back, the other lifting her hand in the air. He moved gracefully for a big man who until recently had walked with a cane. She hadn’t danced in years, but JT was so sure of himself she followed easily.
They grinned at each other and finally she relaxed. JT pulled her closer to his chest and looked into her eyes. The familiar sizzling hooded look reappeared, zinging her with desire. He glanced obviously down her cleavage. “Nice. Remember when I kissed you there?” The h
and holding hers for dancing squeezed tighter.
Her eyes widened with an explosion of memories, and she felt heat between her thighs.
He lifted her hair from her shoulder and lightly blew across her skin. “Remember when I kissed you there?” He delved deeply into her eyes with a smoky blue stare.
A jolt of sensations coursed down her spine, she throbbed between her legs with wanting him so much, and didn’t think she could bear another moment of his public seduction.
He kissed her cheek. “And here,” he whispered into her ear. “I liked to kiss you here.”
His hot breath melted the last of her resolve. Why couldn’t they just leave, go to her house and rip each other’s clothes off? The only antidote for the heat he’d started percolating throughout her body would be the cool flesh of the long and lean J. T. Prescott.
Fortunately the song ended before her breathing became ragged to the point of hyperventilation. The last thing Mallory needed was to pass out in front of everyone from Mercy Hospital and make a fool of herself once again.
Her feelings were mixed between relief that it was over and wishing they could dance longer, titillating and taunting each other with secret glances filled with promises. The other dancers applauded while they all slowly ambled back to their seats.
Mallory lifted a glass of ice water and held it to her cheek. JT gave a naughty half-smile, knowing he was responsible for her flush. She had to look away.
Once the room settled down, Rick invited JT to join him at the podium.
With cool aplomb JT rose, glanced at Mallory with a reassuring wink, straightened his tie and jacket and approached the stage.
Was he ever out of control? Well, yes. When he’d practically made love to her the moment he’d seen her tonight.
She smiled, realizing that she had caused the old control freak JT to lose his composure…again.
When he reached the dais he cleared his throat.
“The only way Joel Hersh would agree to become Medical Director was if I promised to do all of the speaking gigs for him.”
The crowd chuckled, especially Joel, sitting to her left, and JT smiled until they grew quiet.
“But, seriously, we come here tonight to celebrate a new beginning for Los Angeles Mercy Hospital. My duty tonight is twofold, to celebrate the opening of our new rehab wing, and to honor the caregiver of the year.
“First, our rehab wing. We live in a time when more and more heroic surgical repairs are being performed, but who takes over when it’s time to learn to walk again? Or when a person needs to relearn the activities of daily living after a stroke? How does a patient learn to use that hand we’ve reconstructed for them?
“In the past, we’ve always sent our patients to other rehab facilities. But even in a time of the California statewide budget crunch such as we’re currently in, Mercy Hospital has been committed to being self-sufficient. After a great deal of planning, we developed the idea to design and build a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center of our own. And thanks to the tireless fundraising efforts of China Morrell and our responsive community, we are proud of our results.”
Applause erupted in the room.
“So tonight we celebrate our success and look forward to the dawn of a new day at Los Angeles Mercy Hospital.”
A screen dropped down, and music played over a short film made to promote the new facility.
The crowd sat enthralled by their joint accomplishments. When the film ended and the applause died out, JT continued his portion of the evening’s presentations.
“Most of you know that recently I was stricken with Guillain-Barré syndrome. I’d never been on the receiving end of medicine until I was sick and helpless. Those who know me well also know I like to be in control of things.”
Knowing laughter erupted throughout the crowd. He waited for it to quiet down.
“Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m a control freak. But I had time to think while being held captive in my paralyzed body. I’d been relegated to coexist with my greatest fear—helplessness. During that time I realized how important good bedside care is for any recovering patient. I also learned that there are good doctors and nurses, some not so good caregivers and occasionally, if you’re lucky, there are angels. I was lucky. I discovered an angel during my rehab.”
He glanced at Mallory. Heat warmed her cheeks. So this was why she was there. He wanted to thank her publicly for being his nurse. A wave of disappointment threatened to bring her down from her euphoria.
“The second part of my task tonight is to announce our caregiver of the year award. This award is given to the nurse or doctor most highly respected by their patients and defined through hospital surveys. You’ve all seen those papers mailed to your home shortly after your most recent medical encounter. Well, guess what? Some people actually fill them out. And as is often the case, a pattern was noticed with those surveys.
“Tonight it gives me great pleasure to announce the first annual Mercy Hospital Inspirational Caregiver award. The person chosen for this award comes with the seal of approval from the people who count the most in this profession, the people with the most experience. You guessed it, the patients.”
Applause broke out for the people who kept the hospital in business—the clients of Mercy hospital.
JT grinned as widely as a Cheshire cat, and Mallory felt he’d been acting as sneakily as one all evening. Why had he dragged her here just for some dumb patient survey award?
“This award goes to my personal angel. The person who assured me that I was in good hands, when she cared for me. The nurse who handled my ailing body with an angel’s healing touch. The nurse who willed me to live. So I did.”
He smiled gently in her direction. Even Joel Hersh glanced her way.
So this was all it was—an award for being a good nurse. She’d been foolish enough to hope for more. Was she really not worth falling in love with?
“Mallory Glenn, will you, please, join me on stage?”
How could she refuse? The entire audience sat expectantly, waiting for her to stand up. Always willing to please, never wanting to let anyone down, she did as she was told. The cold fingers of disappointment crawled up her spine and pushed her toward the stage.
When she reached JT, he offered his hand, an anchor she needed to latch onto to keep from falling off her high heels.
He drew her close to the podium and casually let his arm come to rest on her shoulders.
“Doesn’t she look beautiful tonight?”
The crowd responded with applause.
Flames lit her cheeks. Keep smiling. Just keep smiling. Don’t let anyone know how disappointed you are.
“First off, I have a check made out to you, Mallory, for five thousand dollars.” He handed it over. She took it with shaking hands.
“That should help with some of Morgan’s tuition next year. Oh, and a plaque. Of course a plaque.” He handed it to her. She dutifully took it and showed it to the crowd, as if they could read it from a distance.
The crowd chuckled at the absurd requisite gift that seemed to accompany any achievement at hospital awards events.
“But there is a string attached to this award, Mallory. I have a special request.”
What was this?
“I observed at first hand your skill and talent with rehab medicine. I have encouraged Mercy Hospital to offer you the job of Nursing Supervisor of the rehab wing. Will you accept?”
Both angry and shocked by being put on the spot with his invitation, a million thoughts ran through her head. More pay, more responsibilities, more pay, more headaches, more pay, more prestige, more pay. Apparently JT couldn’t offer her a personal commitment, but at least he’d made sure she’d be financially set. Though feeling more like it was the booby prize than a golden chance, Mallory was wise enough to recognize opportunity when it knocked. She made a snap decision.
“I’d love to take the job. Thank you.” She’d been acutely aware of the need to look out for herself all her life.
And as she wouldn’t be having a future with JT, it was even more important to take whatever opportunity she’d been offered.
She and JT blandly smiled and posed for a picture together, holding the plaque between them.
“I have one more request,” he said with a sparkle in his eyes. He took the plaque and placed it on the podium.
What else could he want? How else had he thought to torment her with expectation, only to let her down?
“As proof of how great Mallory’s rehab efforts have been on my behalf, I’d like to remind everyone that I am no longer using a cane. And this leg…” he lifted and bent his right leg “…now has the ability for full range of motion. Allow me to demonstrate.”
He dropped to one bended knee to prove his point. “Mallory, can you help me here, please?”
He reached for the hand she offered and held it, then fished inside his pocket with the other.
Tender eyes stared up at her. He cleared his throat.
“Mallory Glenn, in front of all these good people, and with a promise never to hide my feelings for you again, I’d like to ask one question.”
He produced a ring while she fought to keep from falling off her heels.
“Will you marry me?”
Had she heard correctly? J. T. Prescott, the king of control, had just asked her to marry him in front of several hundred people without having a clue what her answer would be.
Her pulse rate soared. Fireworks went off in her chest. She gasped for breath so she could answer him. How hard was it to say yes?
He smiled expectantly up at her, his hand steady and strong. He held a simple diamond ring in readiness. But she couldn’t make herself answer. Sure, she was still angry with him for paying Morgan’s tuition fees without asking her first, but wasn’t he everything she’d ever wanted? Hadn’t he come out of the closet with their romance? My God, the man was on his knees in front of a room full of people!
All she’d ever wanted had been a simple declaration of love, not going overboard like this.
Mallory glanced down at JT, the sparkle in his eyes beginning to wane. A few nervous coughs could be heard in the quiet audience.
In His Angel's Arms Page 15