Taken By The Heart (4 Contemporary Romance Novellas)

by Sierra Rose

Charity’s thoughts envisioned him in a tuxedo and a black mask, making his eyes even bluer. She moved at the sudden heat burning inside her. “We could set it up so we have the masks available to purchase online or at the door. Or people attending could get their own. People like the easy button. I’ll have to see if it would work. Either way, we can guarantee this will be a very formal occasion.”

  “Easy button?” Her father’s eyebrows shot up.

  “Just a way to make things easy. A couple of clicks and they order them. It’ll raise extra funds as well. I’ll look around today to see what is available locally. I’m meeting Julie in a few hours and we can do some shopping and checking around.” Elijah liked the idea and suddenly she loved the idea.

  Elijah stood. “I need to check on my patient before their surgery.” He shook Dr. Thompson’s hand and then touched Charity’s knee as he turned to go. “See you.”

  Charity’s knee tingled and the feeling ran up her inner thigh. It stayed long after Elijah left the room.

  Chapter 13

  “Let’s go check one more place.” Charity checked the list on her phone and the address of the last place. She zipped up her coat and pushed the door open. She turned to go to the right.

  Julie grabbed her elbow to stop her. “Let’s not and you just tell Elijah that we did.”

  “Elijah? This is for my dad.”

  Julie shook her head. “That’s the excuse you’re using. Can we just skip it and you can tell him we looked everywhere? Then you get to impress the boy and we can go grab something to eat. I’m starving.”

  Charity forced a smile but glanced away. She couldn’t look Julie in the eye. “I’m not trying to impress the boy.”

  “What?” Julie stomped her foot. “I bloomin’ hope you are! Why else are we running around doing this then?” She stuck her hands on her hips.

  “For the gala.” Charity didn’t say anything else; she didn’t know what to say to her friend.

  “Come on, Charity. You’re falling for the guy. Just admit it.” Julie smiled, slightly teasing but in a positive way.

  “I’m not. He’s not my type.” She shook her head but her words did not sound convincing. “It’s complicated.”

  “Why? Because he’s here and you’re down in Atlanta? Because he’s chief of your father’s hospital? Because he’s a doctor and you’re not?”

  Darn Julie knew her too well. “Aside from the last one, I hadn’t thought of those reasons, but they are valid points. It’s even more complicated now.”

  “You’re a lousy liar.” Julie gave her a half smile. “Bull stinkin’ crap.”

  Charity burst out laughing. “Seriously? You say that?”

  Julie shrugged. “I work in pediatrics, I try to keep it clean.” She poked Charity in the shoulder. “Don’t change the subject.”

  “I’m not!” She tried to grab Julie’s hand, but her friend pulled it away just in time. “It doesn’t bother me he’s a doctor, nor does it bother me that I’m not. I love my job.” She stared down at her hands, not sure how ready she was to admit she had a crush on the guy. She could hardly say it to herself, let alone out loud to Julie. “Elijah’s a lady’s man. I may not be here every day, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. I’m not into that.” She started walking again. No way was she about to tell Julie that they had already kissed.

  Julie didn’t try to argue. She walked beside Charity silently for a bit before quietly saying, “You’d be good for him, you know. And he likes you.”

  Charity’s eyebrows shot up and her heart sputtered a moment before kicking back into its regular rhythm. “Just out of the blue, he told you that? She lowered her voice and tried to mimic Elijah’s accent, ‘Juls, I like Dr. Thompson’s daughter. I’m thinking about hanging up my lady killer pants and taking up a chastity belt. Instead of having sex on a regular basis, I’m thinking a long distance relationship with my boss’s daughter looks ten times more inviting.’ Something like that?” She cleared her throat and had to work to keep a straight face as she stared expectantly at Julie.

  Julie kept the straight face gimmick better than Charity. “Holy smokes! Those were his exact words. Oh, hold on a sec…” She stopped and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Hey, Simon, what’s up?” She listened then grinned mischievously at Charity. “Uh-huh… You’re both off? Cool. Why don’t I ask Charity and we’ll meet you for dinner. We’re almost done here.” She paused while Simon spoke on the other end. “Give us half an hour. See you then. Love you.” She tucked the phone back in her pocket and slipped her arm through Charity’s. “Simon’s surgery got cancelled so he’s done early. He wants to meet us for pizza.”

  Charity gave her friend a sideways glance. “What’s the catch?”

  “Nothing! I’m excited to get to hang with my husband and best buddy tonight. We can have a bunch of drinks and hit a few clubs. Maybe go dancing.” She pointed to a shop window as they passed. “Let’s go see if we can find something fun to wear. Then go meet them.”

  “Them?”

  Julie pulled the shop door open and glanced back over her shoulder. “Elijah’s coming, too.”

  Luckily Julie ran ahead a few steps or Charity’s boot would have connected with her backside.

  “You can’t back out,” Julie said as they stood flipping through a rack of tops a few moments later. “You were going out to eat with me anyways. We’d be going clubbing no matter what – boys or no boys.”

  “True.” Charity glanced down at her red top and dark blue jeans. At least she’d worn a cool pair of shoes she could dance in. Excitement started spreading inside of her. It would be fun. Dancing always was. She might even impress Elijah. “If we’re dancing, I need a tank top.”

  Julie pulled out a black sleeveless top with a leather collar that ran down into a V-cut. Sultry with just the right hint of temptation. “You need this. It’s totally you.”

  Charity caught it as Julie tossed it to her. “I’ll go try it on.”

  Fifteen minutes later they left the shop with Charity wearing her new top and Julie in new pants.

  “Where are we meeting them?” Charity asked as the two headed back to Julie’s car in the parking garage.

  “Cherie’s. Do you remember it? They’ve got that awesome oven baked pizza.” After Charity nodded, Julie added, “We can walk if you want. Car’s already parked in the garage and it’s like five minutes from here. Let’s just toss our bags in the trunk.”

  They dropped the things off and freshened their makeup before heading back to Main Street. It was just starting to get dark when they reached Cherie’s. Julie walked into the crowded pub first and Charity followed a few steps behind. When Julie threw her arm in the air and waved toward the end of the bar, Charity’s stomach danced with butterflies. No running now.

  A few empty bottles and an empty appetizer plate sat on the table by the boys. Julie dropped in the seat beside Simon and gave him a big hug. “Missed you.”

  Charity pressed behind them and smiled at Elijah as she had to squeeze by him to get to the empty stool beside him. “Hi again.”

  “Hello.” He flashed her one those dashing smiles only he seemed capable of doing. He wore a grey long-sleeved top and jeans. Hot in scrubs, hot dressed up and in casual clothes. He could have been a model instead of a doctor. She almost laughed out loud at the thought.

  The bartender walked over and cleared the empty bottles. “What can I get for you, ladies?”

  “Do you have Captain Morgan?” When the bartender nodded, Charity smiled at him. “Awesome. Can I get a spiced rum and Coke?”

  “Sure thing, love.” He turned to Julie, who ordered a vodka and cranberry.

  “Spiced rum?” Elijah turned in his chair. “I took you for a sweet beverage drinker.”

  She grimaced. “That’s Julie’s bit. She likes the sweet stuff.”

  Julie leaned over Simon. “There’s nothing wrong with girlie-drinks.”

  Simon held her back. “Now that’s sexist. Wha
t did those drinks ever do to you?”

  “Give me horrible hangovers,” Julie replied.

  The bartender returned with their drinks and more bottles for the boys. They ordered pizza and wings and sat back to wait.

  “We tried to get a table, but the place has been busy since we got here.” Elijah leaned toward her so Charity could hear him talk.

  “How’d your afternoon go?” she asked him. She tried to stare at his face but her eyes seemed to have their own agenda.

  “Good. Your father scrubbed in for my last surgery. Simon and I finished and decided to grab a few beers.”

  “How long have you guys been here?” A twinge of guilt shot through her as she wondered if her father had hoped to spend the evening with her or if he’d just wanted to stay at the hospital. Her dad never asked her and she had no intention of offering.

  “About an hour. Halfway through, Simon decided he wanted of us all to hang out so he called Julie. I hope you didn’t have other plans.”

  Did guys talk? Would he have told Simon about their kiss last week? What else had he said? Charity had to avoid staring at his mouth as he took a drink from his beer bottle. Tantalizing. She wondered if she pressed her lips to his, would his be hot or maybe cool with a slightly beer taste. She blinked and almost rolled her eyes. How old was she? She signalled the bartender for another rum and Coke. “Julie and I were checking if there were any masquerade shops or places to order from.”

  Elijah grinned, ear to ear. “Really? You liked my idea?” He touched her leg and let his hand remain on her thigh. “Did you find anything?”

  She enjoyed his excitement and the zing which ran up her leg and deep into her belly that came from his touch. “There isn’t much selection around but online it’s a diamond mine.” She laughed at her own use of words. “I ordered a few things so I can show my dad when I’m here next. I think a Diamond Masquerade would be a huge hit and a load of fun.”

  “So do I.”

  Would he want the mask to hide from those he dated before? She crossed the thought from her mind. She wanted to enjoy tonight, flirt, and just see where the night led them. “Have you been to Hidden Beat?”

  Julie handed out plates the bartender had just dropped off. She also ordered everyone another round of drinks. “What is it?”

  The pizza came and everyone grabbed a slice.

  “It’s a club not far from here. Kind of one of those underground places that only the locals know about. I can’t believe you haven’t been.” She glanced at Elijah. “What about you, have you been?”

  “No, but I’m game to go.”

  Charity grabbed a napkin and wiped a bit of sauce from her lip. The bartender set their drinks down and winked at her as he walked away. She took a sip to sample the new glass. It was twice as strong as the last one.

  Julie laughed. “Maybe we should stay here. Looks like Charity’s getting hit on by the bartender. She could use a bit of action.”

  Charity’s cheeks burned. She was too embarrassed to look at Elijah.

  Simon, being Simon, saved the day. “Julie, are you jealous? Someone getting more attention than you? Do you want me to slip around the bar and serve us? I can hit on you if you’d like.”

  Julie must have realized her remark had gone a way she hadn’t meant. “Sorry, let me just get my foot out of my mouth.” She grinned sheepishly at Charity.

  Charity didn’t care. She knew Julie and knew she didn’t mean it as a jab. “Let’s use the guy for free drinks and then bust out of this joint. Poor guy will probably be heartbroken, but I’m sure he’ll survive.”

  It was past ten o’clock by the time they finished at Cherie’s. They continued joking around and headed out of the bar.

  “Charity, lead the way to our next stop.” Simon made a grand gesture of trying to bow and nearly stumbled on top of Julie. She kept him on his feet and then nearly fell from laughing at him.

  “We’ve apparently enjoyed Bob the bartender’s services tonight.” Elijah slipped his arm over Charity’s shoulder. “Where’s this club you were talking about?”

  “Follow me.” Charity’s arm found its own way around Elijah’s waist. She glanced back to make sure Julie and Simon could follow them and then checked her watch “It’s already ten, the club’s going to be busy. Last time I went, the place was already crazy by nine p.m. It’s going to be awesome.” She giggled in excitement. “Hidden Beat awaits.”

  Chapter 14

  The beat from the music reverberated against her chest. Charity couldn’t wait to get onto the dance floor. They walked past people talking and drinking by tall tables. Julie tapped her shoulder and pointed to an empty one on the far side. Charity looked back to Elijah and Simon following close behind. They nodded and headed to the bar to get drinks.

  Julie leaned her elbows on the table and glanced around the room. “This place is awesome! I can’t believe I never knew it was here.”

  Charity bounced her head to the music, absorbing it like a drug. “An old buddy of mine bought the bar about eight years ago and redid the whole thing. Every year, just before summer starts, he repaints it some funky color or design.” This year the walls were painted a charcoal grey with mirrors everywhere – the walls, ceiling, even parts of the ground had some kind of mirror flooring.”

  “It’s super cool. Where do you know the owner from? How come I haven’t met him?” She giggled. “Maybe I don’t want to know.” Julie stared at the people dancing. “The dance area is huge. There are some die-hard boogie boppers out there.”

  “Boogie-boppers? Seriously?!” Charity laughed; her friend’s use of words always cracked her up. “Kyle, the guy who owns the bar, and I met at a jazz class. He loves dancing. Used to be a dancer for a big UK pop singer. He met his wife here and bought the bar when he retired.”

  “Really?” Elijah came up behind her, his warm body pressing with just the exact right amount of pressure against her derriere and back. He brought his arm around and handed her a drink. “Spiced rum and Coke.”

  “Thanks.” She took a long sip and smiled when a new song started. A proper dance version of Battlefield. It had a heavy bass and great beat line. The drinks of the evening were giving her liquid courage. She set the drink down and pulled Julie away from Simon. “Come on, let’s dance.”

  She heard Julie tell the boys, “Wait till you see this.”

  Without looking back, Charity slipped by a group of guys and down the five steps to the dance floor. Julie was close behind. Grabbing Julie’s hand Charity led her to the middle of the floor. She waved to Elijah and Simon drinking their beers at their table.

  Charity threw her arms into the air and let the beat take her away. Every class she’d ever taken threw a bit of its knowledge into her movements. In no time, people had moved away to give her space and watch her move. Julie was a decent dancer and the two of them mimicked and challenged each other with moves. Charity clearly outshone, but didn’t care. She just wanted to dance and have fun. It was the same story every time.

  She could feel Elijah’s eyes blazing through her and she wished he was down on floor dancing with her. She’d make more than just his eyes smolder.

  A cute guy moved his way between Julie and her. He danced with the two of them. He grabbed Julie’s hand, spinning her into him and then letting go of her as she twirled away. Julie bowed and dramatically fluttered her fingers in Charity’s direction so she could have a spin as well.

  Charity offered her hand to the cute guy’s extended one. He twirled her around and then pulled her to him, wrapping both arms around so she couldn’t step away. His dancing turned into rough, hard grinding and the dirty grin on his face was unmistakable.

  Similar situations had happened before when she went to clubs to dance. It had never happened at the Hidden Beat, though. It ticked her off… big time.

  Resisting the guy would be useless. She knew exactly what to do. Moving to his jagged thumping, she shifted slightly to the left and dropped down to match his grind and
slipped around to face him. His hot breath hit her face like venom. Driving her knee as she rose up, she nailed him right between the legs. The guy fell and writhed on the floor, holding his balls.

  “Sorry ‘bout that. You might want to put some ice on those.” She spun and banged into Elijah, whose arm was drawn back. His eyes were dark and his face red with anger. Calm him down. She slipped her arms around his neck and pulled him to a less busy part of the dance floor. His chest heaved and his jaw crushed so tight she could see his facial muscles twitch and clench. She touched his cheek. “It’s fine. Dance with me.”

  His hands slipped around her waist but his gaze travelled over to the not-so-cute dancer now limping his way off the other side of the dance floor. “I should punch the shit out of that guy.”

  Charity laughed, the moment’s adrenaline running its course and calming now. “That’d be smart, doctor. And break your wrist or fingers for some schmuck? How would that work for performing surgeries?”

  Elijah stared down at her, his eyes intense. “Good point.” His hand ran over her derriere. “So this is the reason for these firm muscular glutes?”

  “Are you liking my assets?” She pressed closer to him, still easily carrying the beat of the music.

  “Damn right.” His fingers trailed up and down her sides, sending sparks deep inside her. Music could drive her crazy but his touch went further. “You do realize you just let your little secret talent out and now I’m going to bug you to dance just for me.”

  She playfully punched his shoulder. “I like dancing, but I’m no strip dancer.”

  “Lap dance then?” He raised his eyebrows.

  She rolled her eyes and then leaned close to his ear. As she spoke her lips brushed against his skin and it took everything not to start nibbling on his neck. “You show me your hidden talent and maybe I’ll dance just for you.”

  Elijah stopped moving and his eyes grew bright. “You are seriously killing me here.”

  She grinned and slipped her fingers through his. “Come on, I could use that drink about now.”