Case of Desire

by Jacquelin Thomas

  Camille sat down in one of the chairs across from where he and Dudley were.

  She couldn’t hear what Maxwell was saying to Dudley, but from the expression on his face, the conversation was an intense one.

  Maxwell stayed with Dudley until the taxi arrived. Just as she had done with Dudley’s wife, he escorted the chief of staff outside.

  “C’mon, I’ll see you to your car,” Maxwell said when he returned.

  “I didn’t drive. I came with one of the nurses. I’ll just call a taxi.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” he told her. “I’ll drive you home.”

  “Maxwell, I appreciate your help with Dr. Dudley, but you don’t have to go out of your way to drive me to my place.”

  “I don’t mind,” Maxwell responded. “After the night you’ve had, I want to make sure that you get home safe.”

  It wasn’t until Camille was inside her townhome that she allowed her tears to flow. She always enjoyed entering her home, where the pride of ownership was evident. Camille had paid great attention to detail in the remodeled kitchen, which included granite countertops and upgraded appliances. The hardwood floors throughout both stories gleamed to perfection.

  However, tonight her efforts were wasted on herself. She rushed up the stairs and into her bedroom, where she quickly removed her clothes and stepped into the shower.

  She felt dirty all over.

  She scrubbed her hands until they were sore. Camille wanted to erase the memory of Dr. Dudley’s touch.

  Afterward, Camille had hoped that watching television would help to ease her mind, but it didn’t. She couldn’t stop thinking about what happened.

  I’m so glad Maxwell was there. I don’t know what would’ve happened if he had not intervened when he did.

  A wave of anger coursed through her veins and she silently debated whether or not to have a conversation with the chief of staff on Monday morning.

  Camille picked up a pillow and angrily tossed it across the room.

  When did I morph into a knight in shining armor? Maxwell wondered as he drove back to his hotel.

  Normally, he would’ve never let such a beautiful woman walk away without so much as a kiss. Most of his goodbyes ended at dawn. Maxwell hadn’t missed the pain and fear that shined bright in Camille’s eyes. She looked terrified of what she was facing and his heart felt for her.

  Camille was in such a fragile state of mind, Matthew thought it better just to make sure she got home safe. He would never do what Dr. Dudley had tried to do.

  A wave of anger coursed through Maxwell. He was furious with Dudley and planned to have a long conversation with him. The chief of staff was not only placing his career in jeopardy, but the reputation of the hospital as well. If he didn’t keep his hands or comments to himself, Hopewell General would find itself in the midst of a huge sexual harassment lawsuit. The hospital had enough legal problems already.

  Fifteen minutes later, Maxwell strolled into the beautifully appointed lobby of Morrison House, a hotel surrounded by the historic neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria. He loved the classic American redbrick building that housed the four-star hotel where he would be staying during his time in Virginia.

  Maxwell stifled a yawn. He was more than ready to dive into the four-poster bed in his suite. He unlocked and opened the door to a room decorated with a soothing color scheme of golds, creams and cranberry reds with accents of forest green.

  He strolled to the adjoining parlor and laid his keys to the rental car on the writing desk. Maxwell’s thoughts traveled back to Camille and how stunning she had looked in her black dress.

  His cell phone rang, cutting into his thoughts.

  “Hello, Kendra.” Maxwell hid his irritation. Although they were no longer seeing each other, she still had a way of getting under his skin and not in a good way. He had finally had the good sense to end things for good.

  “Hey, baby. How are you?”

  “I’m fine,” Maxwell responded dryly. “Why aren’t you out somewhere with your posse?” he asked, referring to the camera crew that followed her around.

  Kendra released an audible sigh. “Maxwell, I know how much you hate my doing this reality show, but, baby, I have to think about my career. I am worth so much more now because of it.”

  “It’s intrusive.”

  “I have nothing to hide,” Kendra stated. “I’m a celebrity supermodel. People want to know all about my life. At least I make money by inviting my fans into my world. Hey, the network is considering doing another reality show to help me find Mr. Right. I told them that I’ve already found the perfect man for me.”

  “Kendra…” Maxwell began.

  She cut him off by saying, “Baby, I love you and I know that you love me, too.”

  “Now you’re telling me what I feel?”

  “Are you saying that you don’t have feelings for me?” she inquired.

  “Kendra, I care about you, but you know what we had is over. We’ve talked about this more than once.” He was growing tired of having the same discussion over and over.

  “Maxwell, I don’t believe we’re over,” Kendra argued. “Don’t you remember how good we were together?”

  He shook his head and sighed in resignation. Once Kendra made her mind up, there was no changing it.

  “When are you coming home?”

  “Not for another week or two.”

  “I miss you, Maxwell.”

  “I’m surprised you have time to miss me or anyone else. You’ve been pretty busy with the show and your public appearances.”

  “We could be filmed while on a romantic date,” Kendra suggested.

  “No,” Malcolm stated. “I told you from the beginning that I wanted nothing to do with that show of yours, Kendra, and I meant it.”

  “People want to see me with the man I love.”

  “I can’t help you.”

  “You mean you won’t help me,” she countered.

  “Kendra, I don’t want to argue with you. I’m tired and I have a breakfast meeting in the morning. I’ll talk to you later.”

  She slammed the phone down in his ear.

  Her actions no longer fazed Maxwell. He and Kendra had been in and out of a relationship for years and he was tired of the cycle. It was time for something new, as far as he was concerned. There were scores of beautiful women in the world—too many to settle for Kendra’s drama.

  An image of Camille formed in his mind.

  Maxwell was concerned about her, but he hadn’t thought to ask Camille for her home or cell number. He would just have to wait until Monday to see how she was doing.

  Maxwell wondered how Camille would interact with Dr. Dudley after what happened earlier in the evening. From a legal standpoint, Hopewell didn’t need any hint of a sexual harassment lawsuit. However, harassment, in any form, was never to be tolerated.

  The decision to file a complaint was solely Camille’s, but he hoped to avoid another scandal while dealing with the Matthews case. Ray had already consulted him on another pending lawsuit in which the hospital admitted fault in giving a patient the wrong medication. Yes, the last thing Hopewell needed was a sexual harassment lawsuit.

  However, he vowed to support Camille in whatever she decided.

  Chapter 3

  Camille had planned to do some Christmas shopping that weekend, but after what happened last night with Dr. Dudley, she decided to stay home. She was still too shaken to be around a crowd of people. Right now she desired to stay in the security of her cozy two-bedroom townhome.

  She spent most of the morning researching sexual harassment, although she wasn’t sure filing a complaint was the right move to make. Dr. Dudley clearly had had too much to drink last night, so most likely it was the alcohol talking. But then, this wasn’t the first time he’d made sexual innuendoes. She had heard comments from Isabelle and some of the other interns about Dudley, but she had chosen to believe that he was harmless until recently.

  She had always been
accused of believing that there was good in every human being. Camille wanted to believe it, but the actions of her chief of staff left her with doubt. She had heard the rumors about him and Nurse Tsang, but had dismissed them as nonsense, especially since Dudley had instituted a non-fraternization policy in the hospital. Nurses and interns—even the doctors themselves—often gossiped.

  Dudley appeared to be a happily married man, although his wife and children traveled frequently to visit family. However, if the rumors were true, Camille could not understand why he would resort to extramarital affairs when he had such a lovely wife at home.

  Camille was torn.

  She didn’t want to say anything out of her affection for Mrs. Dudley and the children. Perhaps she should sit down with the chief and try to get him to see the error of his ways. Camille didn’t want to bring the hospital board into this or subject the hospital to more legal action.

  By the late afternoon, Camille decided to go to the gym. Whenever she was frustrated, she liked to play a game of basketball. Usually on Saturdays, there was a co-ed game going on in her neighborhood.

  Camille really needed to release some of the tension she felt. If Maxwell hadn’t come along when he did, she had no idea how far Dr. Dudley would have gone.

  Even now, she wasn’t sure how she would handle facing her chief of staff on Monday. He had once been a man she respected. Now, whenever she thought of him, Camille felt repulsed.

  Maxwell decided to get some of his Christmas shopping out of the way. He wanted to pick up a few gifts for his nieces and nephew especially. He spent the greater part of Saturday afternoon in Landmark Mall, and then met Ray for an early dinner.

  “So what do you think of Camille Hunter?” Ray asked while they were waiting for their food to arrive.

  “She’s a nice girl,” Maxwell responded with a slight shrug. “Why do you ask?”

  “I saw you two on the dance floor last night.” He grinned. “The two of you looked pretty good together. Camille is a real sweetheart.”

  He gave his friend a sidelong look. “You wouldn’t be trying to set me up with her, would you, Ray?”

  Feigning innocence, Ray responded, “Naw…just thought you might be interested in her. That’s all.”

  “She is beautiful,” Maxwell admitted. “But I didn’t come to Virginia to find a girlfriend or a wife. Once we get this case settled, I’m heading back to New York.”

  Ray took a sip of his iced tea before inquiring, “Are you still in contact with Kendra?”

  Maxwell nodded. “She refuses to accept that our relationship is over. I’ve told her over and over again, but it doesn’t seem to sink in.”

  “Maybe it isn’t really over,” Ray suggested. “You two have broken up and gotten back together so many times, I’ve lost count.”

  The waiter arrived with their meals.

  Maxwell waited until he left before saying, “I used to believe that Kendra was the only woman for me.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  He met Ray’s gaze. “It took me a while, but I eventually realized that no relationship should be that hard or that dramatic. When Kendra doesn’t get her way, she goes out and does something crazy. Take this reality show for example. She wants to air our problems to the entire world and she expects me to be okay with it.”

  Ray chuckled. “She does talk about you a lot on the show.”

  “You actually watch it?” Maxwell asked. He sliced off a piece of his steak and stuck it in his mouth, chewing slowly.

  “You’ve never watched it?” Ray asked. He wiped his mouth on the edge of his napkin.

  Maxwell shook his head. “I don’t intend to watch the show ever, but then I am not a fan of reality shows. I actually find it strange that all of the celebrities I’ve come into contact with complain of not having any privacy—yet half of them are now starring in reality shows.”

  Ray agreed.

  The two men finished off their meals while discussing the Matthews lawsuit.

  After Ray paid the check, he asked, “So what are you getting into this evening?”

  Maxwell checked his watch. “I’m tired so I’m going to head back to the hotel. I’ll see you on Monday morning.”

  “Bright and early,” Ray added. “We’re finishing up the depositions next week.”

  “Good,” Maxwell said. “I’d like to review all of them as soon as possible.”

  They parted ways with Maxwell heading back to the hotel to review the Matthews case file, and Ray on his way to meet his girlfriend.

  Camille entered his thoughts once more. Maxwell could understand why Dr. Dudley found her attractive. He thought she was beautiful as well.

  I really love her green eyes and her gorgeous smile.

  Maxwell gave himself a mental shake. He and Camille were coworkers. He had vowed a long time ago to keep romance and work separated.

  Monday morning arrived much too early for Camille.

  For the first time in her career, she dreaded going to Hopewell General. Seeing Dr. Dudley and Maxwell Wade would only force her to relive one of the more embarrassing moments of her life.

  Camille was thankful to Maxwell for rescuing her, but she was unhappy to be even a little in his debt.

  She was glad that no one was around when she entered the hospital. She just needed some time alone before she started work. However, as soon as she stepped off the elevator on the second floor, she found Maxwell waiting for her inside the public relations office.

  “Good morning,” she greeted him and pasted on a smile, trying to depict an ease she did not feel.

  “Do you have a moment?” he asked.

  She was acutely aware of her assistant watching her interaction with Maxwell. She nodded and responded, “Sure, come into my office.”

  Maxwell followed her inside and closed the door behind them.

  “How are you doing?” he asked.

  Camille sank down in her chair. “I’m okay.”

  He didn’t look like he believed her. She wasn’t acting her usual self, although what could she expect? “Are you sure?” he asked.

  Camille nodded. “Dr. Dudley was drunk the other night. Otherwise he wouldn’t have behaved that way.”

  “Has he ever approached you in that manner before?” Maxwell wanted to know.

  “Not really,” Camille answered. “He has made some comments that I deemed inappropriate, but I’m sure he’s harmless.”

  “Do you know if he’s done this with other employees?”

  “Maxwell, I’ve heard a few comments here and there that he has an eye for the ladies, but that’s about it.”

  “I am going to have a talk with Dudley because the hospital doesn’t need another scandal.”

  Camille couldn’t read his expression, but his tone clearly indicated that Maxwell wasn’t pleased by the actions of Hopewell’s chief of staff.

  “I don’t think he really means any harm,” she stated.

  “Regardless, he needs to take precautions to protect the integrity of the hospital. No employee should have to deal with harassment of any kind, Camille. I just want to make sure that Dudley understands this.”

  “Maxwell, I don’t want what happened at the party to get out.”

  “Neither do I,” he confessed. “But I do intend to make sure it never happens again, especially on my watch.”

  His words gave Camille comfort. She knew that he was sincere and it touched her. Maxwell was so good-looking and charming that it unnerved her. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Camille. If you need to talk, feel free to come to me.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  The gesture was a sweet one, but Camille would never unburden herself on a man like Maxwell. It was not like they were friends or anything. However, she didn’t want to confide in Jerome where Dudley was concerned. Mostly because Jerome would go ballistic and she didn’t want him losing his job over her.

  Maxwell eyed her for a moment, and then smiled. “I don’t doubt t
hat for a moment.”

  His smile warmed her all over. Camille forced her attention from his perfectly shaped lips that could only be described as kissable. She had a lot to do and with Maxwell in her office, all she could do was think about him. After a moment, she said, “Have a good day, Maxwell.”

  She leaned back in her chair, secretly admiring the way his navy blazer fit his muscular build.

  “You, too.”

  When he left her office, Camille released a soft sigh. Why on earth did the man have such a strong effect on her?

  Dr. Dudley appeared in her doorway, forcing her out of her reverie. Camille stiffened in her chair.

  “Do you have a minute to talk?” he asked. The doctor looked just as uncomfortable as she did.

  Camille nodded, unable to get the words out.

  “I wanted to apologize for my actions the other night,” he said sheepishly. “I had a lot to drink and I guess I lost my head for a moment. Camille, I want you to know that what happened…well, it won’t happen again. I give you my word.”

  “Dr. Dudley, your apology is accepted,” Camille responded with no emotion. She wanted to say more—to yell at him for his actions—but she held back. However, she vowed if he ever crossed the line again, she would file a formal complaint. The hospital was already under fire for the actions of another doctor. Camille wanted to spare Hopewell General of another scandal.

  He gave a slight nod and walked briskly out of her office.

  Although she appreciated the gesture, Dr. Dudley’s apology did nothing to relieve Camille’s apprehension. She wasn’t sure if she would ever feel safe around him again.

  Maxwell had wanted to comfort Camille.

  To tell the truth, he wanted to make love to her.

  What is going on with me? Maxwell wondered. He hadn’t experienced such a strong connection to a woman in a long time. Camille was not even his type, which was why this was so puzzling to him.

  She looked professional in her conservative, navy blue pant suit with a pair of comfortable pumps.

  Ray had just arrived when Maxwell walked out of Camille’s office.