Taken By The Heart (4 Contemporary Romance Novellas)

by Sierra Rose

He hadn’t left a message so she pressed the button to call him, putting him on speaker so she could continue cutting vegetables.

  “Dr. Thompson.”

  “Dad, it’s me.” Charity tried not to roll her eyes. He had caller ID so he knew it was her.

  “Charity. How can I help you?”

  She shook her head. “You phoned me earlier and tried again a bit ago. I was in the shower and just saw the missed call. I assume you wanted to talk to me.” No ‘how are you doing?’ or ‘how’s Atlanta?’.

  “Oh yes. I did. I was going to have my secretary call but I knew you’d say no if she asked.”

  Charity set the knife down. She didn’t want to stab her phone. “Nice, Dad. I really appreciate you starting a phone conversation on the negative. Why don’t you just ask me what you need and I’ll let you know what I think?”

  “Fine. I’m turning sixty-five next year.” He paused.

  “I know.” A strange thought crossed her mind. She never assumed he would, but what if… “Are you retiring?”

  “Hell no! I’m more than competent as a doctor, probably still better than most of the doctors I know.”

  No lie there. He was one of the best doctors in the country, even had a hospital named after him. “I didn’t think you would, but why the phone call just over six months before your birthday?”

  “The hospital wants to make a big deal with it. I guess they need to. I said I would take care of it since I don’t want it to be about me. I want the focus on something else.”

  She had no idea where he was going with this.

  “I was wondering…” He swallowed and a quick sigh echoed through the phone. “We’d like to hire you to do the party.”

  She blinked in surprise. He hated her job and always made sure she knew how disappointed he was that she’d dropped out of med school. “I’m not a party planner.”

  “You don’t organize parties and plan big events?”

  Good point. “I do but they are for hospitals wings, additions, equipment. The galas are to raise money for non-profit issues hospitals need.” Not some retirement party where the birthday dude wasn’t even retiring.

  “Exactly. That’s what I—what we want to hire your for. To make money for some new equipment at the hospital. My milestone age marker is just the excuse to do it.”

  Charity tapped her fingers against her lip as she thought. It was actually a very good idea. Everyone knew and liked her father. He never made a fuss about himself publicly so a lot of doctors from all over the country would fly in for the night. Plus the countless patients whose lives he had saved. It was a great idea.

  So why her?

  “I’ve just signed a two year contract down here in Atlanta. I can’t drop everything for them for six months and help you. That wouldn’t be fair.”

  “I’m not expecting anything spectacular. It’s fine. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

  Giving up that easy? That wasn’t her father. That competitive side of her kicked in. He didn’t think she could do spectacular? Boy was he in for a surprise. “How much money are you hoping to raise?”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “How much?”

  “A hundred thousand would cover half the price of the equipment in the emergency room.”

  “Your gala could easily raise quadruple that.”

  He scoffed. “Really?”

  “Easy.” She thought about going back home. Did she want to? Part of her did. The kid in her wanted to prove to her father that she was good at her job. That she deserved to be patted on the head and told she’d done a good job. That her career change hadn’t been a bad choice. “Look. If you can handle working on the weekends for this, I can do it. The flight to NY from Atlanta is direct. It’s only a one night gala. I can work online from here and fly up twice a month or whatever to get it set there.” Six months wasn’t that long.

  “You’ll do it?” The surprise in his voice made her smile.

  “Sure. I’ll have to come up this weekend to find a location. It’s going to be a time crunch, but it’ll work.”

  “Perfect.” Scribbling of a pen made its way through the phone. “I need to go. Duty calls.”

  “Life of a doctor. I’ll meet you at the hospital Friday afternoon sometime. I’ll email you my flight details.”

  “I can send someone to pick you up.”

  “Don’t worry. It’ll be easier if I rent a car.”

  “Sounds good.” He paused. “And thanks, Charity.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She stared at the phone after her father hung up. What had she just gotten herself into?

  Chapter 4

  Once off the plane Charity waited for her bags and then picked up her rental car. The mid-size car she hired wasn’t available so the young teller bumped her up to a Mustang. Blue. Sapphire blue. She laughed out loud in the parking lot when she tossed her suitcase and bag in the trunk. The weekend might actually turn out to be fun.

  The week itself had been busy. She’d painted the office, had it decorated, went through the email list, and set up a luncheon with Malcolm for Monday. They needed to go over a few plans and she also needed to meet with the board next week. Juggling the two jobs would be interesting.

  She drove straight to the hospital and parked in the visitor parking section. The newly designed hospital almost looked inviting. They had torn down the older hospital two blocks away months ago. The grey outer walls had loads of windows and sections of it spread like rays of sun around the nucleus.

  The warm heated air brushed the cold autumn air away as she stepped though the sliding doors. She headed for the elevator but slipped into a restroom just before. She washed her hands and looked in the mirror. Her ponytail had slipped down so she grabbed two chunks of hair to tighten it. The pony band snapped and shot off like an elastic.

  “Crap!” Charity searched through her purse for another one but found nothing. She ran her fingers through her hair and tucked a few strands behind an ear. It would have to do. Except now she needed to touch up her makeup. Little makeup worked with a ponytail but not with her hair down. She grabbed a lip gloss and added eyeliner and mascara. She stepped back. Dark jeans and white button up would have to do.

  She squared her shoulders and exhaled a long breath. “Please give me patience and don’t piss Dad off,” she mumbled before leaving the bathroom. She hit the elevator button and the far door slid open. Perfect timing.

  An older couple walked off together and she smiled at them before stepping into the lift. Leaning against the wall, a tall glass of hot water stood in medical scrubs. Short, dark, slightly mussed brown hair, bright blue eyes, and a sexy five o’clock shadow held Charity’s gaze a moment longer than what was considered polite. She quickly turned and pressed the sixth floor button. It was already lit up. Hot muscle guy had to get off on the same floor.

  She closed her eyes and silently sighed. She should have looked at his badge instead of his face. The thought of his chest made her wonder what he might look like with his shirt off. She forced herself to open her eyes and stare straight ahead. You’re being ridiculous. Cute guy and you act like a thirteen-year-old boy-crazy kid.

  She turned around and smiled, willing her eyes to stay on his face, not cruise down and then back up. “Are you a doctor here?”

  “I am.” The stranger smiled but offered no more information.

  Sexy smile. She tried again. “Is your office on the sixth floor?”

  “It is.”

  Did she detect an accent? Her eyebrows furrowed together. Had they met before? She would have definitely remembered. She glanced down at his hospital tag just as the elevator came to a stop. Dr. Bennet. The door slid open so she turned to step out. She stopped short when she realized she didn’t know where to go.

  Dr. Bennet walked right into her and grabbed her elbow so she wouldn’t fall.

  “I’m so sorry. Are you a’right?”

  Definitely an Australian accent, or something by there. �
�It’s my fault.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure where Dr. Thompson’s office is. Last time I was here they were still finishing this floor.”

  Two young nurses walked by. One winked at the doctor. “Hi, Elijah.” The other nurse elbowed her. “Oops. Hello, Doctor Bennet.” The two disappeared into the nurse’s room.

  Elijah? Charity remembered her dad’s phone call when she’d spoken to him. “I’m Charity.” She held out her hand. “I’m Dr. Thompson’s daughter. We spoke earlier this week on the phone.”

  Elijah reached for her hand. His warm, strong fingers enclosed around hers and he smiled at her again. “I remember. You’re much more beautiful in person.”

  No wonder the nurses were so friendly. He was a lady’s man.

  “I can take you to your dad. I was just about to see him myself.”

  “That’d be great.” If he was a flirt, she could flirt, too. “Lead the way.”

  He pulled his phone out of his chest pocket and checked his messages. “I just need to call downstairs to see if my x-rays are done.” He headed past the nurses’ station and down the hall.

  Charity followed and admired his lean muscular shoulders that dipped into a firm derriere that looked fantastic in hospital pants. She felt her cheeks grow warm. There’s nothing wrong with appreciating a fit body. Get over it, girl.

  “…Thanks. Have someone send them up to the sixth floor review room. I need them quick.” Elijah tucked his phone back in his pocket. “Sorry about that. So, how long are you in town to see your dad?”

  “Just the weekend. He wants a fancy to-do for his sixty-fifth. He’s asked me to plan it.”

  “I’m sure you’ll make it amazing.” He scratched the stubble on his chin. “I have to admit, I Googled you after we spoke on the phone. You’re quite the successful donor-fundraiser… party planner… thing.” He shrugged and made a confused face. “I don’t know what your official title is.”

  “Neither does my father,” she teased, “but at least he knows what I do or he wouldn’t have called.” She noticed the wing they’d been walking down now had expensive wooden doors. The first office had her dad’s name on the plaque, and across the hall was Elijah’s name. “You must be pretty special to have an office right here.” By my dad is what she wanted to say but held back. Her opinion of her father was not shared with fellow doctors. He was the man. The Dr. Scott Thompson. Lifesaver super-hero.

  “The chief gets the next best office.” Elijah dropped his head a bit and grinned like a little boy. “Sorry, just trying to impress you.”

  Charity blinked, surprised at his honesty. “I’m impressed. A little.” She pretended to shrug. “You’re pretty young to be chief. I’d ask who you had to sleep with to get the job, but since my dad’s in charge, I don’t really want to know.”

  Elijah’s head tilted back and he burst out laughing.

  The door to her father’s office swung open, probably from the sound in the hallway. “Charity!”

  Chapter 5

  A bit more grey in his hair and a little more tired, her father still commanded power. Years of hard work and respect earned from success gave him that posture. He was one of the best doctors in the country, even at almost sixty-five. He would always be distinguished and handsome. Charity sometimes wondered why he hadn’t remarried since her mom passed away. He’d probably had a lot of offers.

  She hadn’t seen her dad in over a year, almost two years. Two Christmases ago she had flown home to spend the holidays with him. Christmas day ended in a big row right after they had gone to the gravesite to drop some flowers off on her mother’s stone. She’d left early the next morning, not even sure if her father was still in the house or already gone to the hospital. Last year she made up the excuse she had to work so she wouldn’t have to fly home. She felt guilty, but guilt was better than fighting with a man who couldn’t be wrong.

  They still called each other once every two or three weeks and never discussed the fight. He had made the first call and she had called him the next time. It continued until he called earlier this week. Four days and two phone calls had broken the pattern.

  “Dad!” She awkwardly stepped forward to shake his hand at the same time he leaned over to hug her.

  “I trust your flight was all right?” He stepped back so she could come into his office.

  “It was fine.” She stepped through, absently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

  Elijah followed her into the office. She’d momentarily forgotten he had brought her down the hall. “Why don’t I let the two of you catch up and I’ll chat with you later, Scott.”

  “No!” both Charity and her father said at the same time.

  “I mean,” said her father, “I want your opinion on what I’m hiring Charity to do for the hospital. As chief you also need to sign off on it.”

  Charity glanced back and forth at both men. Did her dad seriously mean that, or was he just as afraid as her to be in the same room alone together?

  Elijah checked his watch. “I can really only stay a moment. I have surgery in thirty minutes and need to scrub in with a first year. It’s a cardiothoracic, so I’m not leaving my attending in charge.”

  Her father harrumphed. “Right.” He clapped his hands and walked around to his desk and sat down behind it. “Why don’t you meet Charity and me for drinks after?” He stared at Charity. “What’s that place we went to before… the Threaded Cork? Yes, that’s it. Meet us at the Threaded Cork when you are done.” It wasn’t a request.

  Elijah nodded. “Sounds good. You’re treating then, right?” By his smile and relaxed stance, it was obvious to Charity that he wasn’t intimidated by her father. Elijah just earned a new level of respect from her. He smiled at her, and just as he turned to leave he winked, then strolled out the door.

  An uncomfortable silence filled the room after the door closed. Her father cleared his throat as he rested his fingertips against each other. “I really appreciate you being willing to take this on.”

  “It’s not everyday your father turns sixty-five.” She crossed her legs and then uncrossed them. “Do you want this gala to be a dinner or just a party?” Part of her dreaded planning it, but another part really wanted to show her father how good she was at her job.

  “What do you think?” His thumbs tapped a steady beat while he waited for her answer.

  “Well, it all depends on how you want the evening to go. Do you want to focus on raising money for the hospital, or your birthday, or the fact that you’re stepping down?”

  “I’m not stepping down.” He straightened against the back of the chair.

  Charity had to make herself resist the urge to let her eyes roll upward to the ceiling. “Okay, but from a professional standpoint, I need to know what the theme is going to be. If I don’t ask you and set the wrong theme, you are going to hate it.”

  “Right. Sorry.” He relaxed his straight posture by a tenth of a degree and ran his fingers through his hair. “I built this hospital so we could be a leader in research and innovative surgeries. I plan to keep up the research end and help run the board, but Dr. Bennett is the chief now. He’s good at his job.” He looked Charity directly in the eye. “Lousy at staying away from the women. Ask the nurses or first years or anyone who seems to look good in a skirt.”

  Charity burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it. “Are you jealous, Dad?”

  “Just warning my head-strong daughter.”

  “And I wonder where I got that from.”

  “Yes, well okay then.” He checked his watch and stood. “I really don’t care what you do with the evening. I’d just like the focus to be on the hospital. I figured my sixty-fifth would be a good excuse to throw it. If it makes money, great. If not, that’s fine too.”

  “Sure.” She knew what he meant. He wasn’t expecting much from her. Well, she would surprise him. Six months to plan it would be tight, but if she flew up two or three weekends a month she could make it a great turnout. “What time do you want to
meet at the Threaded Cork?”

  “Meet? I just thought we’d drive back to the house together and go from there.”

  Charity’s cheeks grew warm. “I, um, I booked a hotel room. I just thought it’d be easier for me to work and –”

  “Right,” he cut her off. “I have some work here to do as well. Why don’t we aim for six o’clock then?”

  “Six o’clock it is. I’ll have some ideas and check out some possible venues. We’re going to need to pick a spot as soon as we can.”

  “Perfect.” He went to the door and held it open for her. “I’ll see you there.”

  Charity pressed her lips together as she bent to grab her purse. Six months of being uncomfortable seemed like a prison sentence at the moment, but she owed it to her mother to make the effort.

  After leaving the office, she took the stairs down to the main floor and let the cool wind soothe her face. Heading to the parking lot, she grinned when she found the Mustang. Maybe a new outfit to go with the car might be something to cheer her up. She could shop and brainstorm at the same time.

  Charity turned the blow dryer off as she finished straightening her hair. She’d managed to find a simple black sleeveless dress at Michael Korrs and a pair of black shoes with just the right amount of heel to look sexy without looking like a stripper. She wondered how Elijah would be like outside of the hospital. She mentally kicked the thought out. Tonight’s dinner had to do with her father’s fundraiser gala. Her dress was fun but also completely business suited. Eye shadow followed by mascara and a dab of lip gloss and she was ready to go.

  She stuffed her iPad into her briefcase and her jacket. Its length matched the dress’s – perfect without even trying.

  Parking downtown turned out to not be as easy. Friday night in a busy city had everyone and their neighbour looking for a parking spot. Charity drove the block around the Threaded Cork three times before getting slightly lucky and spotting a couple getting into their car. She flipped her blinker on and carefully parallel parked the car. Good thing she hadn’t gone with the higher heels, as she had a few streets to walk. Tossing her keys into her purse, she stepped out and walked around the car to grab her briefcase.