She glanced over with a smile. “Love to.”
He tried not to frown. That acceptance had been a little too quick. Red flag. He needed to lower her expectations. “I was thinking something simple like grilled fish and salad.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“At my place?”
“That sounds lovely, but do you live far?
He shook his head. “I’m close to the clinic. It’s only about a five-minute walk from your villa.”
He could see her weighing the pros and cons and appreciated her caution. He could use more of it.
“Are you sure it’s not too much trouble? Maria said they were serving their special curried plantains for dinner. That might be easier.”
Was she trying to call the shots? Or being careful? “If you’d be more comfortable, that works too. It’ll be a packed house. Kirk and Ava will be there for sure. No one makes curried plantain like Maria. She says it’s just the right balance of Caribbean red and chocolate habaneros.”
Her face fell. “Sounds hot. Does the chocolate make it sweet?”
“No,” he said with a laugh. “It’ll clear your sinuses and melt your fillings, but if you love spicy, you should try it. Maria will insist.”
Brianna sighed. “I really don’t like spicy food.”
“No? This is about an eight-hundred-Scoville-heat-unit dinner.” He shrugged. “But there’s a whole menu to choose from.”
“How insulted would Maria be if I picked something else?”
“The price you pay…” Matt smiled. “The offer of grilled fish and salad is still on the table. And I promise, no shenanigans.”
She smiled and looked him in the eye. “Thank you. I would love that.”
“The no-shenanigans part? Or the meal part?”
“I appreciate both,” she said with a laugh. “As long as I can help cook.”
“I will never turn down help peeling carrots.”
“Awesome. That’s a job I can do. Can we stop at the villa so I can change?”
“Yes, of course. It’s on the way.” And he could see how long it took her to get ready.
The light was starting to fade when they pulled up to Brianna’s villa. Matt sat on the porch and started the timer on his watch when Brianna ran inside to change. Forty-seven seconds later, Brianna came out to join him dressed in a flowery sleeveless sundress, her hair piled up in a messy bun, and smelling of roses and fresh air.
“Ready,” she said with a nod.
He blinked. Maybe she was, but was he?
CHAPTER 7
Brianna and Matt debated whether to cycle or walk to Matt’s house, but since the light was fading, they decided to leave the bikes at the villa.
The air was warm, with a slight breeze, as they made their way along the main street. Matt reached for her hand as they strolled, and her heart fluttered at the contact.
This was turning out to be the best holiday ever. Paradise island, beautiful weather, peaceful days, new adventures, and the sexy, smart, fun Dr. Matt Gaelen asking her to dinner. She owed Maisy another huge hug.
They passed a liquor store, and Brianna tugged his hand. “Can we pop in here? I’d like to buy a bottle of wine for dinner. My treat.”
Matt smiled and held the door open for her.
Brianna perused the selection. She didn’t drink much, and they all looked the same, but it seemed so … unsophisticated to admit that. She should have paid more attention to her dad when he’d tried to share some of his expertise. She recognized one of her dad’s favorites and, suppressing a grimace at the price, took it to the cash to pay.
As they stood in line, a raven-haired beauty, in high heels and a curve-hugging outfit, walked in on the arm of an older gentleman.
Brianna tried not to gawk. Was the dress painted on that woman?
As the couple passed, the woman leaned back, wiggled her fingers in a wave, and winked at Matt. Matt nodded stiffly in return.
Brianna raised her eyebrows at the exchange.
“Patient of mine,” Matt explained briefly, as Brianna handed the wine to the clerk.
“Good choice,” the man said with a smile. “That’ll be thirty-two dollars and forty cents.”
Brianna reached in her purse for her credit card and … realized it was still hidden in the bottom of her suitcase. The small amount of cash she had wouldn’t cover the cost.
“I am so sorry.” She felt a flush rise on her cheeks. “I thought I had my credit card with me, but I’ve forgotten it. I can return that to the shelf.”
“That’s okay, ma’am, we’ll put it back.”
She turned to Matt, who stood watching. “I can’t believe I did that. We’re not far from the villa. I could run back and get my wallet.” This wasn’t embarrassing. And she’d worried about appearing unsophisticated. Jeez.
Matt looked at her with his brows drawn together. “I can get it.”
“Oh, no, don’t worry about it.” Would suggesting they get a cheaper bottle seem tacky?
He pulled out his credit card and handed it to the clerk.
Brianna cringed. “I can pay you back.”
Matt didn’t say anything. They completed the transaction, and the clerk handed Matt the bottle. “Thanks.”
As soon as they went outside, Brianna turned to him. “I’m really sorry. I hid my credit cards in my suitcase for safekeeping, and I forgot to put them back in my purse. I really will pay you back.”
“Don’t worry about it.” His smile looked forced.
Brianna nodded glumly.
Matt pointed out the clinic when they passed, but otherwise was quiet. He didn’t take her hand again. She couldn’t help but think she’d done something to strain their relationship.
Matt’s home was set back from the road, separated by a beautiful garden lush with succulents and two large palm trees. Matt unlocked the front door and stepped back to let her go in first.
The foyer opened into a large space with a sitting room off to the left and a kitchen to the right. More garden, a sandy beach, and ocean waves were visible through floor-to-ceiling windows across the back of the bungalow.
Matt flicked on a light. “Why don’t we sit outside with a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset?” He led her through the kitchen. Plain white glossy cabinets created a stunning backdrop for an aqua-blue glass backsplash and elegant stone countertops. Soft blue drapes and matching chairs, with an added pop of orange, gave the room an airy, tropical feel.
“I love these colors,” Brianna said, looking around while Matt opened the bottle.
“Thanks. The house was completely renovated shortly before I bought it two years ago.” He poured the wine into two goblets and handed her one. “Considering the island didn’t have electricity before 1990, I’m sure it was a big job. I’m very happy it was done before I had to worry about it.”
They went out a French door, and under the shade of a palm tree, Matt pulled two patio chairs closer together. Brianna sank down into the soft cushion and sipped her wine. “What a view.”
The sun was a fiery glow low in the sky. Bands of orange, pink, and yellow reflected off the water. The rich sweet scent of lilies filled the air and a bird flitted around clusters of yellow bells.
“I never tire of it.”
“I bet. It’s mesmerizing.” Brianna smiled. “I can see a sliver of Lake Ontario from my apartment. The view isn’t bad, but it’s nothing like this. Actually I took a picture the other day.” She pulled out her phone and scrolled through the photos to find the one she wanted. Over the back of her sofa, she had snapped a raging snowstorm. “Here.”
He took her phone and studied the photo. “Something you won’t ever see here,” he said with a laugh. “Or at least I hope not.” He pointed to the sofa in the foreground. “That looks like a Boca do Lobo. I have a similar one in my living room.”
“No kidding?” She took her phone back and studied it. “It’s a hand-me-down from my parents. One day my mom decided she needed a change. I don�
��t think my dad could bear to let it go.”
“It’s an expensive piece. Limited edition, I believe.” He studied her over the rim of his wine glass.
Brianna shrugged. “And super comfortable.” She grinned. “Great for napping.”
He looked at her with speculation in his eyes, but she dismissed it. She was being too sensitive.
When the sun went down, they went inside to make dinner. Brianna peeled and chopped the carrots. Matt seasoned the fish, drizzled the vegetables with a marinade, and grilled them together.
Brianna cut up a crusty loaf of bread into thick slices, and then sat watching Matt while he finished. He’s done this before. His movements were efficient and sure. She’d tried not to ogle him when he’d swum beside her that afternoon, but it was hard to resist staring now. Strong arms, broad chest, sculpted quads, really cute butt. He brushed his hair back in an absent gesture. Brianna sighed and wished she could run her hands through it, too.
When the meal was ready, they filled their plates and sat outside to eat. Matt lit a candle, and they listened to the sound of waves breaking on the shore.
They chatted easily and when they were done, Matt collected the plates. “I don’t have much for dessert unless you like chocolate chip cookies.”
“You had me at chocolate.” She started to get up to help him with the dishes.
He laughed. “Just relax. I’ll get it.”
Brianna sat back and enjoyed the warm breeze lifting her hair and brushing against her skin.
The quiet was broken by a loud clattering in the kitchen and Matt swearing.
Brianna jumped up and went to look. “Are you okay?”
He stood behind the counter, blood dripping from his hand. He reached for a roll of paper towels and awkwardly tried to rip off a piece.
Brianna took the roll, tore off a section, and folded it into a square. “Let me see.”
Matt held out his left hand. Blood flowed from a clean slash across the side of his palm. Brianna pressed the dressing against it.
“I didn’t realize there was a knife under the tea towel. I went to move it out of the way, and the blade nicked my hand,” he said with an impatient sigh.
Brianna raised her eyebrows. “I think it’s more than a nick. It looks deep.” Blood soaked through the dressing. She ripped off more paper towel and added it to the dressing, holding it firmly to stop the bleeding. “Come and sit down. Keep pressure on that.” Brianna held his elbow and led him to the kitchen table.
He sat down heavily. “I’m okay.”
“Really? ’Cause you look a little pale. I don’t want you passing out.”
“I won’t.” He shook his head irritably. “What a nuisance.”
“Let’s see it.”
He removed the paper towel and held it out to her. “It’s not too bad.”
“The bleeding has slowed, but it needs to be explored. Likely needs stitches, too.”
Matt looked at it. “No, it’s fine.”
“No, it’s not. It won’t heal well and then you’ll be at risk for infection.”
Matt rolled his eyes and gave a crooked grin. “And where did you get your medical degree?” he asked with a short laugh.
“Cantech University,” Brianna said wryly.
“Seriously, I don’t want to fly to Grand Cayman for this. There’s no one on the island who can do it.”
Brianna put her hands on her hips. “I can suture it.”
Matt blinked. “What?”
“I can do it. I just came off a four-week rotation in the emergency department.”
“You’re serious? You’re a doctor? I thought you were joking.”
Brianna laughed, wondering if she should be insulted. “I’m serious. I’ve got three months left in my family medicine residency, a slew of exams to sit, and then I’ll be out there saving the world.” She frowned. “Someone asked me about it the very first night at the restaurant. Weren’t you there?”
“No, I don’t recall that at all.”
She shrugged. “Ava and Emma must have asked me on the dance floor. At any rate, I am highly qualified, or at least qualified enough to suture that for you. If you want.”
“You’re qualified in Canada, not here,” he pointed out.
“True, but there are extenuating circumstances in an emergency.” She smiled at him. “For you, I’m willing to risk it.”
“Living on the edge.” He sighed. “I’d appreciate it.”
“It needs to be cleaned, too.”
“Yeah, I know. I think I cut the fish with that knife.” He dabbed at the cut. “It’s probably easiest to head over to the clinic. We have everything you’ll need.” He looked at her. “Do you want me to call Becky in to help? She’s the nurse.”
“No, I should be fine. Unless you need someone to hold your hand.”
“No. Might need you to kiss it better, though.”
She laughed and kissed his cheek. “Of course. Another exception to the deal.”
He grinned weakly. “Huh. Almost worth it. Something you usually offer your patients?”
She put her arm around his waist when he stood and gave him a side hug. “I reserve it for the cute ones who take me snorkeling and make me dinner.”
“Oh, lucky me.”
“Yes, lucky you.” She smiled at him. “Just remember that when I’m injecting the freezing.”
CHAPTER 8
M att unlocked the side door to the clinic and went in first to disarm the alarm. Brianna followed him inside, curious to see where he worked.
“My office is down that way,” Matt said, pointing to the right, “but we can use the procedure room for this.” He flicked on lights as they walked down the hallway and into one of the examining rooms. The white walls were broken up by a colorful painting of tropical fish. “Most of what you need should be in here.” He opened a cabinet.
Brianna walked over and picked out the bottle of lidocaine, a syringe, a package of sutures, and the instruments she needed. “Do you want me to irrigate it with normal saline or tap water?”
“Tap water should be fine.”
He ran warm water and let it cascade over the cut. Brianna opened the edges until she was satisfied that it was clean.
“Why don’t you lie down on the stretcher?”
She drew up the lidocaine and injected it slowly, wanting to apologize when Matt winced. “Sorry, that stings.”
Before she sutured it, she explored it to ensure that the tendons and nerves were intact. “You’re lucky. It’s fairly superficial.”
Matt grunted. “Not superficial enough.” He sighed and looked at the ceiling. “So you’re a Cantech grad?”
“Yup. Two years ago, with a lot of pomp and ceremony. Actually, the best part was getting a bicycle from my parents as a graduation gift. The one I told you about.”
Matt nodded. “Nice. They must have been proud.”
Brianna tied off the second stitch. “I guess. I think my dad hoped I’d follow in his footsteps and do obstetrics and gynecology.”
He turned his head quickly to look at her. “Is Dr. Gerald Scott your dad?”
Brianna nodded. “Chief of OB-GYN at Rivermede General.”
“Oh, wow. I have a lot of respect for him. I consulted him briefly on a project about a year ago.”
“You’re kidding?”
“No, we needed an expert opinion on an issue with pre-eclampsia, and his name came up. He was really helpful. Changed the direction of the design concept, actually.”
She laughed. “Small world. My father would’ve loved that. He enjoys his patients, but he lives for research and teaching.”
“And he’s good at it. He has a worldwide reputation of excellence. Do you have any desire to jump into the world of academia?”
She inserted the needle driver in the skin at ninety degrees for the last suture. “I prefer clinical medicine.” She shrugged. “Ideally, I’d like to set up a family practice in a smaller community. I’ve done a few electives in small
towns, and I really like the responsibility and wide scope of practice outside of a teaching center.” She sighed. “But we’ll see. Crunch time is coming in three months,” she said with a grimace. “I’ll be done my exams, and I’ll have to decide. It seemed so far away when I started the residency.”
“It goes by fast. Nice that you have a bit of a break now before the home stretch. Was it hard to get a block of time like that?”
“No, it’s just how the schedule worked out. Most of the residents wanted their holidays in the fall or spring. This time of year, I could take them all at once.”
“It’s the perfect time of year here.”
“I’m loving it. Actually, I probably would’ve stayed home and studied, except the week before my holiday I won two hundred and fifty grand in the Rivermede Hospital lottery.”
He whistled. “Congrats. That’s sick. Can’t say I’ve ever won a lottery.”
She laughed. “Me either, before this one. Most of the money went to pay off my student debt, some I invested, but I decided to splurge on a holiday.” She set the instruments down on a tray and pushed it aside. “All done.”
Matt examined her work. “Awesome. That looks great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Are you up to date on your tetanus?”
“I am.” He sat up and smiled. “You said you’d kiss it better.”
She removed her gloves and threw them in the trash. Then she walked over and stood between his legs. She gently reached for his hand and kissed the fingertips, and then she pressed a kiss to his lips. “All better?” she asked softly.
“Not quite.” He brushed his lips against hers and teased her lips open. Her heart tattooed when his tongue swept inside. She wrapped her arms around him to steady herself.
When her legs turned to jelly at his touch, she pulled back reluctantly. One-handed, he could turn her to mush. “I believe you promised me dessert. Something about chocolate.”
He smiled slowly. “I did. Are you in the mood for something sweet?”
Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads Page 42