Competing for Lisa [The Callens 11] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Melody Snow Monroe

  The driver stopped and turned toward them. “If you take that path, you’ll find a nice view.”

  It would be good to stretch his legs. He helped Lisa out and held her hand to make sure she didn’t trip over anything. It didn’t matter she was as agile a woman as he’d ever seen, he wanted to keep her safe.

  They neared the lookout for admiring the falls. It appeared a lot closer than a few miles because they were so high up. Mitch cradled her in his arms and leaned forward. “What do you think?”

  “It’s fantastic. I think if I lived here, I would spend my day looking at this view and writing a book.”

  “Oh, yeah?” She’d mentioned she’d written one romance and was partway through a second, yet when he’d asked to read it, she’d declined. He could relate. It had taken him years before he had the courage to send in his first manuscript. He twisted her around. “If you could live in a cabin where your goal was to write, would your home overlook the ocean, be at the base of a mountain, be situated in a rain forest, or what?”

  She sucked in her bottom lip and looked tempting enough to kiss, but if he started, the driver might get more than he bargained for.

  “I think I’d like to live by a stream since I love the sound of the rushing water.” She scrunched up her nose. “I don’t want it real loud though.” She nodded to Second Falls. “Not like that.”

  He loved her answer. “Would your cabin be surrounded by woods or be on an empty knoll overlooking the mountains?”

  She glanced to the sky as if she’d find the answer there. “I’d want it to be in the middle of a forest.”

  He hugged her tight, thrilled he’d learned a bit more about her, and as much as wanted to stay here and hold her, they did need to get back. “You ready to boogie?”

  She let out a long breath. “I guess.” Lisa stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Thank you. You’re a nice man, Mitch Dawes.”

  “Nice? I’m nice. I’ll show you nice.” He spun her around and lightly spanked her.

  She laughed and rushed to the Jeep. He prayed that these two days had helped convince Lisa that she belonged with him.

  * * * *

  Lisa would be returning to Denver in a week, which gave Trevor precious little time to reconnect with her. He realized that by fighting with Mitch in the first place, he’d been the one to fuck things up. Now was the time to fix things. If he hadn’t charged into the room, Lisa wouldn’t have run out. He wanted to make it up to her, but how?

  This last week after “the incident” had not only given him a chance to heal but to realize that people could and did change. When he was being honest, he realized he’d been the one to push Sabrina away and maybe the worst part was that he’d never communicated how hurt he’d been when Mitch and Sabrina had gone off into the proverbial sunset and left him to his studies. He’d thought it was obvious how he’d felt but apparently he’d failed to see their side.

  At the time it hadn’t mattered that Trevor had said that a relationship would have mucked things up. In hindsight, he’d been right—at least when the woman was Sabrina. Maybe it had been his sixth sense kicking in and telling him that she wasn’t the right woman for him.

  He knew for a fact now that Lisa was the one for him.

  When he’d called her to see if she wanted to spend some time with him, she’d been in a limousine with Mitch returning from Yellowstone and had sounded excited.

  Dante mentioned she’d loved it when they’d gone riding, but he didn’t want to repeat something either Mitch or Dante had done. Taking her on the Callen property wasn’t special enough.

  Trevor snapped his fingers knowing exactly what he needed to do. He wanted to show her he’d changed. He punched in her number, hoping she would realize that by allowing her into his world, he was opening his heart to her.

  “Hey, Trevor.” She sounded upbeat and excited.

  “I was wondering if you had any interest in coming to work with me tomorrow?” When she hesitated, he rushed on. “I know the kids would love to see someone other than my ugly face. I thought maybe you could read to them.”

  A small gasp escaped. “Oh, Trevor. That sounds so wonderful.”

  His heart beat so hard, he knew he’d not get a wink of sleep tonight. “I’ll need to leave rather early. Can I pick you up at 7:00 a.m.?”

  “I’ll be ready, but knock. I don’t want the doorbell to wake the baby.”

  As soon as she disconnected, he had more pep in his step than he’d had in a long time.

  Dante came out of his room. “Who were you talking to?”

  “Lisa.”

  His brow rose. “About?”

  “I asked if she wanted to shadow me at work. She’s passionate about kids and I thought she’d like to read to them while they’re getting their infusion.”

  Dante’s chin tucked under. “I’m impressed. You really care about her, don’t you?”

  He never let anyone into his other world. “I more than care. These last few days have shown me what I’ve been missing. I want all of us to be a family.”

  Dante raised both hands above his head and did a little jig. “Hallelujah! About time you came to your senses.”

  “I think it took Mitch beating some sense into me.”

  Dante laughed. “Then good luck convincing her that we are what she needs. She has to go back to Denver to see if she can sell her condo, but we need her to be a motivated seller.”

  “Amen. I’ll do my damnedest.”

  Trevor had every intention of bringing her back to their place after work. As much as he loved sharing with Dante, he believed he needed some alone time with her to convince her that he was serious. “Hey, Dante?”

  “Yes?”

  “Tomorrow night is going to be a little tricky for me, so if you—”

  Dante laughed. “If I wouldn’t mind keeping the hell away from the condo until long after you’ve fucked your brains out?”

  “I knew there was a reason why I liked you, but basically, yes.”

  “You got it, buddy. Maybe I’ll see if Mitch wants to strategize about how we can keep our woman here.”

  Dante was a good man. “Sounds like a plan.”

  While the condo was clean, he decided to change the sheets on his bed. He also wanted to make sure he had everything ready for the seduction. He searched through his music selection to find the perfect music only to deem it fairly useless. He’d been so damned focused on helping the kids that he hadn’t spent any time on his personal life. The soft country music would have to do. Trevor located some expensive wine and polished two crystal wine goblets that he bet Lisa would enjoy drinking from.

  Since they’d already be in Cheyenne, he knew of a quaint little place to eat that would be romantic. He’d then suggest they come back here for dessert. With everything set in his mind, he tried to get some sleep. Tomorrow would be a pivotal day in his life.

  * * * *

  Lisa couldn’t put into words what it meant to her that Trevor wanted her to see his “other” life. His passion for his job at the cancer center was one of the things that had attracted her to him in the first place. He loved children and so did she.

  Bright and early, Trevor knocked as she’d asked and a smile spread across her face. This was it. She’d get to have him all to herself for the whole day—well, she’d get to be in the same room with him for most of the day. Only later might she actually “get” him.

  After she grabbed her big purse, which happened to contain some toiletries and a quick change of underwear, as well as a fresh shirt, she hurried to the door and opened it.

  He was dressed in green scrubs. “You look cute.”

  Trevor puffed out his chest. “I am the formidable Dr. Callen. Cute does not inspire confidence.”

  She laughed and immediately slapped a hand over her mouth. “Uh-huh.” She stepped outside and locked the door behind her. Spending the hour in his new Cadillac thrilled her. He ushered her in and then he climbed in the other side.

  She
snapped her seatbelt in place then twisted to face him. “So tell me what we’ll be doing today.”

  He looked over and smiled. “I wasn’t sure you’d really want to drag around behind me.”

  “Are you kidding? Not only do I want to see what you have to go through each day, but I would love to do something to help these kids, even if it’s just to read to them.”

  He smiled. “I’m sure they’ll love that.” Trevor shot down Crescent Road and hopped on I-80 toward Cheyenne.

  “Are most of your patients outpatients?”

  “Depends on the day. Some just come in for their infusion while others stay overnight or longer waiting for bone marrow transplants. A few are too sick to leave—at least for a while.”

  She loved his conviction. “How do you handle not getting too attached to them?” By the nature of the disease, some would succumb.

  “Who says I don’t? It rips me up inside every time I lose a patient but my heart grows back when I save one.”

  She placed a hand on his leg. “You’re a brave man, Trevor Callen.”

  “Brave, huh? Some have accused me of being arrogant.”

  “That’s a defensive shield to keep the hurt away.”

  He looked over at her. “You are a wise one.”

  Heat rushed up her face. “Only sometimes.”

  His grip tightened on the wheel as if he needed some time to steel his heart against the ache. Before long he pulled into the hospital parking lot then into the doctors’ section. He then led her in through the big doors and down a long corridor. Several people tossed him a wan smile, but those in scrubs sent a genuine smile, though she thought a few looked surprised.

  “Do you often bring a guest?”

  “Never. You’re my first. I hope you won’t be bored.”

  “I won’t.”

  While he didn’t take her hand, he walked right next to her. “I’m going to bring you into the infusion room where the kids have to sit for a long time getting their chemo.”

  “Is there where I read to them?”

  His smile warmed her heart. “Yup, and I know they’d love you for it.”

  Will you? Though that wasn’t why she was doing this. Having the chance to help the children would bring her such joy.

  As they made their way down the hallway, her stomach turned queasy. She wasn’t sure she could be brave enough to go through what these kids did. “Is everyone in here getting chemo?”

  “No.” He explained some might be receiving blood transfusions. “Cancer is complicated and I have to work with a lot of wonderful people to give the patient the best chance of survival.”

  When they entered the room, four children were at four stations. Most had a parent or two with them, but one precious child was by himself. She leaned close and whispered. “What’s his story?”

  “Doug. His caregiver has to work. She drops him off in the morning and will pick him up later on.”

  The child was bald and his skin ashen. He looked around five. “Do you think he’d like me to read to him?”

  “I’m sure he would.” Trevor picked up a few books he thought the boy might like then introduced them.

  Lisa held out her hand. “Hi, Doug. Mind if I sit with you and read?”

  His eyes lit up then shot up to Trevor’s as if he needed his doctor’s permission. As if he understood Doug’s silent plea, he squatted next to him. “Ms. Lisa is with me. She’s a real good reader. I’ll be back in a little while to check up on you. Make sure she doesn’t misbehave.” He then winked and stood.

  The boy laughed and her heart sang.

  She pulled up a chair and started the story of a boy and his dog, Ketchup.

  Chapter Twenty

  Lisa leaned her head back in the car seat as they left the restaurant. “I loved that place. It was so romantic.”

  Trevor smiled, reached out, and squeezed her hand. “I thought so, too.”

  During the day, he’d stopped by every half hour to see how she was doing. Once Doug finished his treatment, she was able to help some of the kids in the play area color. Their spirit jacked up hers.

  “You know what’s strange?” she said.

  He glanced over at her. “What?”

  “I thought I might be able to give them some hope, yet I’m the one who came away impressed with their resilience and upbeat attitude. If I ever bitch about something, I’m going to remember them.”

  “You’re a natural with kids.”

  “Thanks. I always dreamed of having a ton.” She hadn’t meant for her voice to trail away. She expected Trevor to say he, too, wanted a houseful of children running around, but he remained quiet as if he had a lot to think about.

  “I have some dessert at the condo. Care to join me for some?”

  Her energy level just shot up and she sat up straighter. “Will it involve me doing a lot of licking?”

  Trevor burst out laughing, the sound sinking deep into her soul. “Caught me, I see. But I did actually buy some really decadent brownies and ice cream.”

  “Have any whipped cream?”

  “Lisa Brightner. What would your law office workers think of you now?” The joy in his voice excited her.

  “Given I don’t have a job, they have no say so in what I do.”

  “Amen.” He pressed the button for the entrance into his garage, pulled in, and parked.

  They rode the elevator to his floor. Had they been the only ones inside the closed cage, she bet his hands would be all over her. From the way he kept brushing up against her all day, he was just as anxious to get naked as she was.

  He let them inside and turned on one table lamp. The house was dark except for the lamp he’d just turned on. “Where’s Dante?”

  “He’s hanging out with Mitch. It’s boys’ night out.”

  Lisa wasn’t sure she liked the idea of them carousing around. “I hope they don’t intend to pick up any women.”

  Trevor stopped in his tracks and pulled her close. “Sugar, you are the one for us. There can never be another one.” He dragged a finger down the bridge her of her nose and over her lips.

  His honesty tore through her. “Thank you.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Now, how about some wine and dessert?”

  “I’d love some.”

  She followed him to the kitchen where a bottle, a corkscrew, and two beautiful glasses sat on the island. He opened the wine. “I’ll let it breathe while I get the dessert.”

  From the refrigerator he pulled a tray containing frosted brownies and placed one on each plate. He then retrieved the ice cream and a scoop. “You want to finish this?”

  “Sure.”

  While he poured the wine, she put the finishing touches on the dessert. It was nice working side by side, almost as if they were a couple. In a few days, she’d be heading back to Denver. She had an interview there and would then have to decide where she wanted to reside. The sale of the condo would be the key.

  The ice cream on top of the brownie looked delicious.

  Trevor carried the two wine glasses over to the sofa. “Let’s eat in here.”

  She was full, but eating the decadent dessert would be a nice segue to the bedroom. The first sip of wine made her moan. “This is so smooth.”

  He smiled. “I actually borrowed it from my dad’s wine cellar. He’s quite a collector of fine wines.”

  “I remember now.”

  She was honored that Trevor had gone to so much trouble. Here was a man who wanted to reach out and she now wanted to take his proverbial hand. By him showing her the hospital, he was letting her know how much he cared.

  To prevent the ice cream from melting, she gobbled down her dessert. “That was fabulous. You didn’t make the brownies, did you?”

  He laughed. “I wish. You can thank my mom for that. She was very excited to help in the name of romance.”

  “It doesn’t matter who made them, I love the thought. You, Trevor Callen, are a sweet man.”

  “Shh. Don’t let any
one know at the hospital.” He grinned then pulled her closer.

  Trevor lowered his head and kissed her so softly, they barely made contact.

  “That all you got, cowboy?”

  “Aren’t you the demanding one?” He tickled her stomach and she bent over laughing.

  “No, no. I’m ticklish.”

  That only seemed to incite him more. As soon as she had the courage to let go of his wrists, she reached for his abdomen, but the man seemed immune. “Uncle.”

  Trevor stopped and she had to swipe the tears of laughter from her face. She was still amazed how he could go from the ultraconcerned doctor to a romantic all in one day. Maybe that’s what intrigued her about him.

  Trevor stood and held out his hand. “I want to show you something.”

  Was this his way of saying he wanted to get her naked and fuck her silly? She sure as hell hoped so. It seemed like an eternity since she first made love with him. She stood and placed her hand in his. Not wanting to spoil the moment, she didn’t ask about the surprise.

  He led her down the hallway to where she suspected his room resided. Dante’s was off the main living area.

  He pushed open a door. “Wait here.”

  Pleasure rippled up her spine. Trevor had been a little on edge since they left the hospital, as if tonight was important. She’d be leaving in a few days and he must want to make the most of their time left.

  The door eased open. “Come in.” His voice was low and as rich as warm maple syrup.

  He held her hand and guided her in. “Oh, my.” The room was filled with candlelight.

  His room was larger than Dante’s by half. A metal bed hugged the side wall and was surrounded by tables that were attached to the wall. While the floors were a dark wood like the rest of the condo, he had a gray and red rug on half of the room. Off to the side sat a cozy seating area.

  “I hope it meets with your approval.” Trevor made it sound as if she was accepting an invitation to move in.

  “It’s very you.”

  Trevor slipped his hands onto her waist and drew her near. “Perhaps I can convince you to try out the bed in a few minutes.”