“You spoil me,” she said with an uneasy laugh.
“You’re easy to spoil. My suite has a kitchen and I had some free time, so I puttered around and put some of it together.” He set a baker’s box on the counter. “And Waver’s Bakery is conveniently beside the hotel.”
She moved beside him, slid her finger along the edge of the baker’s box to remove the tape, and lifted the lid. “Yum. Blueberry’s my favorite.” She glanced at him in surprise.
His smile widened. “I know.” He pressed his lips gently to hers, and her heart stirred. “Show me where the frying pan is, and I’ll get these made.”
To hell with studying. “Or we could skip dinner and get right to dessert,” she said, wrapping her arms around him.
He hugged her back and stroked her hair. “Very tempting, but I won’t be the reason you don’t ace those exams. You’re supposed to be the strong one,” he said, giving her a look. “Maybe we need to have a moratorium on sex until this exam is done.”
“What? I don’t think that’s a good idea. Sex enhances your performance. I’m sure that’s been proven in numerous studies.” She opened a cabinet, pulled out the frying pan, and set it on the stove.
He laughed. “I think that’s for athletes.” He unwrapped the package of tortillas. “Plate?”
“I’m an athlete, sort of. Does being a mathlete count?” She reached behind him, stroked his arm as she moved, and rubbed her breasts against his chest. “I calculate dosages of drugs every day.” She handed him a plate.
“And that’s a large part of the exam coming up?”
She pressed her lips together and then smiled slowly. “I’m wearing my lace bra and matching thong.” She smiled in satisfaction when the front of his pants tightened.
He pointed a finger at her. “That’s low.” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “Glaciers, avalanches, skating ponds, cold drinks,” he muttered, trying to regain control. He opened his eyes and squinted at her. “This is for your own good. Apparently, I’m going to have to be the strong one.” He took her by the shoulders, turned her around, and gently shoved her toward the island. “Go sit down. A safe distance from me.” He moved her tea within reach. “Drink your tea and tell me three things you learned today.” He turned on the heat and layered the cooked chicken and black olive tapenade on a tortilla. He sprinkled cheese on top, covered it all with another tortilla, and set it in the frying pan.
Brianna sipped her tea. “Let’s see. I learned that when patients tell me they drink six beers a week, they probably really drink closer to twelve.”
He flipped the first quesadilla. “A healthy amount of skepticism is important.”
She nodded. “Yes. I also learned that patients would rather take pills than make changes to their diet and lifestyle. My job is to convince them otherwise.”
He removed the first tortilla, assembled the next one, and set it gently in the frying pan. “True, especially when it comes to exercise, alcohol, and, surprisingly, sleep habits. That’s the less glamorous side of medicine. What’s number three?”
Brianna swirled the tea, now cold, in the cup. “I learned,” she paused, “that your net worth is two billion dollars.”
Matt tensed. Brianna’s heart pounded.
CHAPTER 18
M att reached for the handle of the frying pan and accidentally bumped a spoon. It bounced, knocked over the carton of cherry tomatoes, and scattered them all over the counter and floor.
He swore, and Brianna jumped up and came around the island to help pick them up.
It was inevitable, he supposed. He couldn’t put off the conversation any longer. She’d probably be eager to say yes to his proposal now.
He bent down to scoop up the tomatoes. “Where’s the garbage?”
Brianna grabbed a bowl and knelt beside him. “They’re still good. We’ll just wash them again.”
A faint odor of burnt food filled the air. He lifted the frying pan off the heat and transferred the quesadilla to the plate.
Brianna collected the last of the cherry tomatoes and ran them under the water at the sink. She drained the water and handed the bowl to him. “Good as new.”
He took the bowl. “It’s a bit of an exaggeration.”
Brianna raised her eyebrows. “They may be a bit bruised, but I’m sure they’ll taste the same.”
He nodded with a wry smile. She didn’t want to talk about it? It needed to be out in the open. “The two billion.”
“Ah.” She went to sit down. “Unless they’re off by four or five zeros, it’s still impressive.”
“How did that come up today?”
“A couple of young women in the waiting room were drooling over your picture in Forbes magazine. Nice picture, by the way.”
He snorted. “Yeah, thanks. It was better than last year, when they put it on the cover.” He handed her a knife and cutting board and put the cherry tomatoes in front of her. “They need to be chopped in half.” He covered the quesadillas with foil to keep them warm and wiped out the frying pan. “Olive oil and vinegar?”
She pointed to a cupboard above his head. “How did you do it? How did you get that much money?” She paused and looked at him. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
He smiled slightly. “No, I don’t mind. My grandfather founded Poplin Pharmaceuticals.”
“Insulin and vaccines.”
“Yup. And more recently, I’ve run with a product development branch.” He poured olive oil in the frying pan and turned on the heat.
“You have?”
He nodded. “Part of the reason I work part-time on the island. I hold the patents for the Diabetic Foot Pad and the Renal Filtration Meter.”
“You’re kidding? Those are your ideas? They’re both excellent products. I’m always recommending them to patients. The foot pad is so easy to use – affordable and lightweight. I’m sure it’s saved a few patients from amputation.”
He glanced over and grinned. “Thanks. I had the idea during medical school when I saw an elderly diabetic with classic neuropathy who didn’t have the flexibility to check the bottom of his feet.” He added curry powder and garlic to the oil, and the spicy aroma filled the air.
“It’s brilliant. Just stand on the pad and get a scan. The coolest part is the photo it sends directly to their doctor if there’s tissue breakdown.” She cut the last tomato in half and pushed the bowl closer to him.
He nodded and took the pan off the heat. “It’s only been around for three years, but already we’re looking to upgrade the camera and expand into other markets. Same with the filtration meter. Right now it’s marketed for chronic renal disease, but the next step is to combine it with the glucometer so that with one pinprick, diabetics can get sugar levels and a reading for their kidney function.”
“Two for the price of one.”
“Exactly.” He stirred in white vinegar and added the cherry tomatoes to the oil and spices. “I’ve been collaborating on a new product with a classmate of mine who’s an endocrinologist. Let me show you.” He wiped his hands on a towel and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through the photos and showed her. “It’s a ring.”
She took his phone. “Gorgeous.” The simple gold band had subtle beading around the edge.
“There are a few styles to choose from.” He swiped and showed her a plain band and one with a more intricate floral design. “It’s actually a glucometer. It checks blood sugar and sends a message to an insulin pump or a cell phone so insulin dosages can be adjusted.” He couldn’t keep the excitement from his voice. “It uses tiny painless lancets around the base of the finger. The natural movement of the ring means that the site will be rotated. It should be out by the end of the year.”
“That is amazing. How do you come up with this stuff?”
He shrugged and smiled. “The best part is that when I have an idea, I have a whole division to bring it to fruition. I don’t have to be hands-on. I can design and develop from Little Cayman. The best of both worlds.
I’m pretty lucky.”
“And hard-working. Smart, creative, thoughtful.”
He smiled. “Once you get your first billion and invest it wisely, the second billion is a lot easier.”
She snorted. “Something I’ll never experience.” A shadow crossed her expression.
“What’s wrong?” He poured the tomato salad in a bowl and carried it to the table.
“Nothing’s wrong. Exactly.” She sighed and went to get plates and cutlery. “Our worlds are so different. I thought the biggest obstacle was the difference between an island paradise and this.” She waved her hand around her apartment. “A mundane mainland. But that’s not even the worst part. This side of you, the designer, the inventor, is something else completely. You are completely out of my league.”
He set the quesadillas beside the salad. “That’s ridiculous. I’m not in any league.” They sat down across from each other at the table.
“You’re a billionaire.” She looked at him with wide eyes and a sad smile.
He frowned. She was pushing him away? Over his money? No. “That’s just part of who I am.” He searched her face. “And not even the most important part.” Surely she understood that.
Her eyes filled. “It’s a big part, though. It has to influence how you live, who you hang out with.”
Who you marry? She hadn’t said it, but he’d heard the uncertainty in her voice. He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. He wanted to take her in his arms, but he needed her to understand first. “Brianna, you lived with me for three weeks. Was it evident? Be honest.”
She sighed. “No.”
He nodded and sat back. “It doesn’t change anything.”
“It does, Matt. It changes everything,” she whispered. “How would I fit in to your world?”
Matt’s heart pounded. She was slipping away. “I want you to be my wife,” he said firmly. “I love you. You, Brianna. Your smile, your spirit, your patience, your ambition. Your bank account doesn’t even factor into it.” Fear masked as anger colored his tone. “It hasn’t. And it shouldn’t.”
“I wish I could believe that.” She brushed a tear from her cheek.
Matt sighed, stood up, and held out his hand to her. She stood, and he folded her into his arms and held her close. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest.
“I’m scared,” she whispered.
He kissed her hair. “Me too. I want forever with you, Brie, and I’m scared you’ll walk away.”
“I don’t think I’m good enough. I’m afraid your money will come between us. I love you so much.”
Matt pulled back and looked her in the eye. “It’ll only be between us if we put it there. It’s a number, Brianna. The company is responsible for the welfare of a lot of people. It’s their livelihood, and because of that I have a responsibility to keep it viable and profitable.” He smiled. “Plus, I love that side of what I do. But money isn’t what drives me. It never has and it never will.” He rubbed her arms. “The media makes a big thing of it, which is why I love living on Little Cayman. I’m out of the spotlight. I can go where I want, do what I want. And who comes and goes on the island is carefully monitored. It’s the best of both worlds – the security and the freedom.” He hugged her close. “I was pretty content there until you came along and made me see how much more there was to life. I’ve really missed you the last six weeks.”
“I missed you too, Matt. My favorite moments were sitting quietly sharing our days. And, of course, the fact that you cook for me.”
“And I haven’t even made my famous pizza for you.”
She sighed. “Do you really think we can make this work?”
“If we love each other.”
She took his face between her hands. “My heart is bursting with love for you, Matt. I can’t imagine my life without you. I don’t want to.”
He grinned. “Then you’ll say yes?” His heart raced.
She undid her necklace, slid the ring off the chain, and handed it to him.
His hand shook as he held it. “Brianna Scott, I promise to love you and cherish you every day for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes please.”
Emotion washed over him – a mixture of relief and a staggering love for the woman standing in front of him, with shining eyes. He felt his own eyes water. He slid the ring on her finger and kissed her deeply. She jumped in his arms, and he staggered back and then held firm.
“This calls for a naked celebration,” she said, between kisses.
He laughed. “I love that idea, but how’s the studying coming along?”
“Magnificently.”
“You’re behind, aren’t you?”
“Perhaps, but a wise woman once told me that a hot bout of sex was good energy for studying.”
“Doesn’t sound like the advice a mom would give her daughter.”
She chuckled and shook her head. “Nope. It was Maisy James.”
“Maisy. The matchmaker behind us meeting?”
“Yes. Maybe she didn’t send you, but if it wasn’t for her, I never would’ve met you. Turns out, you are the one for me.” She grinned and pressed her lips to his. “Just goes to show, we should heed her advice.”
Matt laughed and carried her down the hall. “I’ll be forever grateful to her. I love you, Brianna.”
EPILOGUE
Brianna checked her email for the umpteenth time, but this time the bold lettering of new mail set her heart racing. She opened the email, skimmed the contents, and whooped with joy. She’d done it! She’d passed her exams.
“Matt,” she called out. She unfolded her legs from her sitting position on the wicker chair and dashed outside.
Matt, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, looked up from the gardening he was doing under the coconut tree. His smile broadened when he saw her expression, and he stood.
“I passed.” She jumped into his arms and he twirled her around.
“Congratulations!” He set her down and kissed her. “That’s awesome. I’m so proud of you.”
Matt had stayed with her in Rivermede for three weeks and then had left to spend a few days with his parents. He’d returned to Little Cayman, and she’d buckled down and studied every waking moment of the three weeks they were apart. They’d kept in touch with video chats and email, but as soon as her exams were finished, she’d packed up her apartment and joined him on the island. She’d completed all the paperwork to practice medicine in Little Cayman. The final step was the confirmation that she’d passed her exams.
“Thanks,” she said breathlessly. “I’m so excited. I can finally work at the clinic. This break has been wonderful, but I’m really looking forward to putting my stethoscope to use.”
“There are patients booked and waiting. They’ll be happy to fill your days for you.”
She smiled and sighed. “Can’t wait.” She leaned back and looked him in the eye. “It’s almost as exciting as planning our wedding.”
He grinned. “Have you decided what you want?”
“I like your idea of a casual wedding on the beach with a gourmet dinner under the stars. Romantic and simple.”
“We can charter a flight and book a block of rooms at the hotel. You can invite whoever you want.”
Brianna nodded. “Guests would love that. Not sure I want to wait until February,” she said, making a face, “but if we do, it’ll be a nice break from winter for everyone.”
“Including Maisy James. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet her.”
“She was sorry she didn’t meet you, too. Wanted to check you out,” Brianna said, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Hah. Tell her you’ll check me out for her.” He brushed her hair from her face and kissed her. “Where would you like to go for our honeymoon?”
“I’d like to stay right here. You and me and our island paradise. It’s all I want, all I need.”
He hugged her tight. “Me too. I love you, Brianna.”
; “I love you, too.” She pulled back, took his hand, and tugged him inside. “And there’s no more studying to worry about.”
He laughed and scooped her up. “That calls for a naked celebration.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda O'Connor started writing a few years ago when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at the local home décor store. It turns out she loves writing romantic comedies and has a few more stories to tell. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic (well, even when she is writing she’s a physician, and it shows up in her stories :D). She hangs out at www.lindaoconnor.net
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Laugh every day. Love every minute.
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Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads Page 46