by D. F. Jones
Ralph placed his hands on her calf and squeezed her muscle. “Maybe, but I don’t think Luwenia sees me as a romantic interest. The kidney shot would have put me in our treatment center, but Luwenia healed me. Any member of my team would have responded the same way.”
Anna grinned, and before she nodded off to sleep, she yawned and said, “You have to make a move, Ralph. She may be afraid of the same thing. You need to flirt with her once or twice and see if she responds.”
Ralph rubbed her shin and said, “Maybe I will.”
Chapter 14
All She Wants to Do Is Dance
Anna had been scheduled to work the night shift this week. She took the opportunity to shop during the day for a new dress for the ball. After finding the perfect dress, she made a quick trek to the dreaded grocery store. Anna hated fighting people in the grocery store aisles and check-out lines. Anna chuckled a few times thinking about her newfound powers. She’d never abuse her powers but giggled as she imagined pushing the people who blocked the aisles out of her way.
After putting up the groceries, Anna wolfed down leftover lasagna and drank a glass of milk. She needed to remind Ralph to start cooking lighter meals, or she’d gain two hundred pounds. She stacked her dishes into the dishwasher and turned it on.
On the way out of the kitchen, she found a note. It was from Ralph.
I’m so proud of you. Last night, I didn’t have time to work on the power of love. Remember, love is the greatest power within you. The love of light when properly used will work miracles beyond what your mind can comprehend.
May love light the way, daughter of my heart,
Ralph
* * *
After Anna had clocked in for the night shift, she noticed Jack sitting on a stool in the nurses station talking with his groupies—two female residents and one male resident. They were so far up Jack’s ass Anna was surprised he could even sit down. Why she cared brought up questions she didn’t want to face, much less answer. Jack walked over and handed her the patient cases for the night without so much as a how do you do or a kiss my ass.
On the night shift, Anna was the one in charge. No two patients were ever the same. For the rest of the week, Anna worked with patients who experienced varying respiratory conditions, chest pain, broken bones, and abdominal pains.
The hours were long and hard, but also rewarding. The staff respected Anna, and it felt good to know they could count on her, depend on her. And whether Jack wanted to admit it or not, he knew she was a good doctor.
Anna’s shift was ending and the day shift was clocking in. She looked up to see Frank walking down the hall with the Chief of Staff, Charles S. Vanburen, M.D. Frank smiled and threw up his hand to wave to her, and she waved back. Anna spotted Jack stepping out of the elevator. Anna nonchalantly moved to the end of the nurses station to hear their conversation while she continued filling out the remaining forms for the day.
“Jack, have you met our newest board member, Frank Howard?” Dr. Vanburen asked.
Jack grinned and held out his hand. “Frank, good to see you again. Yes, I took Frank out last Friday night.”
Frank shook Jack’s hand. “I had a great time going to Temps. I met Dr. Kelly and some of her friends. Chaz, Dr. Kelly is a real gem.”
Dr. Vanburen clamped his hand down on Jack’s shoulder. “Dr. Forrester, I always hear good things about Dr. Kelly. She’s doing an outstanding job in the ER. Her residency is ending soon, and I want to keep her. I know you’ll make that happen for me, won’t you, Jack?”
Anna turned slightly to watch Jack’s reaction. Jack tensed but replied quickly, “We’re proud of Dr. Kelly. She’s one of our best and brightest. I’ll do my best to keep her at Hall of Saints.” Anna wondered if Jack meant it.
A few minutes later, Frank walked over to Anna at her workstation. “Hey, if you’re about ready to wrap up, I thought we could grab some breakfast.”
Anna smiled at Frank and quickly looked at Jack, who looked like he was on the verge of a coronary watching her with Frank. She said, “I just finished my last report, and I’m starving. Let me grab my bag.”
* * *
The day of the ball filled Anna with both excitement and anticipation. She had the day off and booked appointments to pamper herself with a massage, followed by her hair stylist for a few highlights. Anna typically wore her hair in a French twist at the hospital, but tonight she was letting her hair down. Her stylist used a skinny curling iron to make long cascading curls down the middle of her back and cut bangs to frame her face superbly. After her hair appointment, Anna proceeded to have a manicure and pedicure. And for the pièce de résistance, she had her makeup professionally done.
Anna bought a beautiful backless evening gown at Tina’s Wedding and Formals on Wednesday. The silver dress had a wide, rounded neckline that fastened at the back with a deep oval cutout and small shimmering sequins. The skin-hugging dress accented Anna’s curves, and she paired it with silver sandals that had three-inch heels. Last, she added simple diamond earrings. Anna took one last glance at her reflection in the mirror and made her way to the garage.
Cary met her and dangled his keys to his black Jaguar. He kissed her cheek and said, “If I were twenty years younger, I would sweep you away, my dear. You’re stunning.”
Anna’s cheeks reddened. “Cary, the Jag? Are you sure?”
He placed the keys in her hand. “Absolutely. More than sure. Have fun.”
Oh, she felt like Cinder-freakin’-rella. “You’re too good to me. Thank you, Cary.”
It was dark by the time Anna pulled into the valet parking, and the young male attendant was falling over himself to help her out of the car. Anna grinned and tossed the young man the keys, and he whistled, either at her or the Jag, maybe both. She straightened her shoulders and walked inside the country club.
Patrons of the hospital and its faculty filled the ballroom. Anna made small talk with a couple of the residents and turned to go and say hello to the chief and his wife when Jack intercepted her. Anna looked straight into his smoky gray eyes, and her mouth went dry. Jack wore a black shawl collar tuxedo and a batwing bow tie with a white shirt. If she was playing Cinderella, then Jack filled the bill as Prince Charming.
In a low throaty voice, Jack said, “Anna, you’re truly ravishing tonight.”
Anna trembled under his intense stare, but she managed to say, “Thank you.”
“Do you have a date?” Jack asked, looking over her shoulder for an escort, and slid his hand inside his coat pocket.
Anna looked down and glanced quickly to the left as the big band began to play “At Last.” The female singer had a voice that would make Etta James proud. She said, “No, I’m solo tonight.”
Anna’s spine tightened as Jack reached out his hand and said, “Then may I have this dance?”
Anna found herself nodding as Jack guided her onto the dance floor. He placed one hand low on the small of her back, and the other held her hand. Anna placed her other hand on his shoulder and concentrated hard on dancing the waltz.
Jack gave her a look that made her pulse race. “Anna?”
Anna breathed in his spicy lavender scent. “Yes, Jack?”
“I want to kiss you again. I want to make love to you, Anna.”
A slow smile curved his lips and stabbed her with an intense longing. Gazing into his eyes, Anna allowed herself to be swept away in the moment.
Cinderella danced the waltz, and she was having fun for a change. Anna floated on air as she swayed with the rise and fall of the waltz. Jack, an excellent dancer, moved with grace as he circled her around the ballroom dance floor. And he wanted her.
Everyone in the room stared at them, but Anna ignored them. In her mind, all the people simply faded away, and she and Jack were the only ones left dancing in the room. A feeling of passion washed over her like the turbulent waves of the ocean.
Jack desired her, but her heart still belonged to someone else. She said quietly, “Jack, you know I
’m moving back to Tennessee. Whatever might be happening here won’t last.”
Jack pressed her tightly against the length of him and whispered, “You haven’t even given me a chance.”
The music ended. Anna let go of Jack’s hand and walked away from him. She turned down the long corridor of the club and ran into the women’s restroom. Anna went over to the mirrored vanity. She’d been so tempted by Jack. After years of missing the warmth of a man’s love, Anna shook with need. Jack could satisfy her physical need, but her emotional tie had always been with Jerry. At one time, he filled the need of her heart, but now Jerry had a fiancée.
Anna entered the ballroom and walked over to talk to Dr. Vanburen and his wife, Lisa. “Good evening, Dr. Vanburen. Lisa, I love your dress. It’s a wonderful ball. Thank you for inviting me.”
With a smile, Lisa said, “Anna, you’re simply too gorgeous for words. You’re quite the belle of the ball tonight. There’s not a gentlemen or lady here who has taken their eyes off of you. Did you come with Jack?”
“No, I’m alone. Jack just asked me to dance,” Anna replied.
Dr. Vanburen said, “I want you to have a great time tonight.”
“I intend to do my best.” Anna grabbed a flute of champagne from a waiter when he offered his tray to them. She took a long drink and left the chief and his wife to the bevy of people vying for their attention.
Anna waved at Dr. Jones, another resident in the ER. He stood near the bar, and she walked toward him. Wes had been her neighbor in Gainesville. “Hi, Wes. You’re looking very dapper.”
He pushed his glasses back into place after checking her out. “Anna, you have curves? What’s up with Wolfman Jack?” he said with a chuckle.
“Oh, Jack just asked me to dance.” Anna had no more gotten the words out of her mouth than someone walked up behind her. She turned to find Jack staring into her eyes. Wes excused himself, leaving Anna to fend for herself.
“Why did Wes leave? I know some of the staff call me Wolfman Jack. No biggie,” Jack said jokingly.
Anna shifted uneasily on her feet. “I’m not sure why Wes left. Hey, I see some ladies looking over here, and they seem to be very unhappy. Why would you waste your time with me when you could be scoring somewhere else?”
Jack’s expression turned serious. “Because I don’t want to talk to anyone else.”
Anna’s inner goddess did a couple of cartwheels. “I don’t know how to respond to you. You’re my boss.”
Jack placed his hand on her bare back, and a soft breath escaped her lips. He said, “Not for long. And if I don’t tell you now I how I feel, I may never get another chance.”
A tall, leggy blonde came over and kissed Jack on the cheek. “Jack, your parents said you would be here tonight. I would love to catch up.”
Before Jack could reply to the blonde, Anna said, “Jack, I’ll talk to you later. I see Dr. Chandler, and I want to say hello.” Anna turned to leave, and Jack grabbed her hand.
“Anna, don’t leave.” Anna’s hand dropped away from his grasp.
She said, “I’ll be around, and you know where I work.” Anna walked away, leaving Jack with Blondie. Anna was moving soon, and her heart couldn’t take another disappointment. She didn’t turn back to see Jack with the gorgeous blonde.
Just like Cinderella in the fairy tale, Anna decided to flee the ball before she turned into a pumpkin. She made a hasty exit before she did something stupid like run back to Jack.
Anna pulled out of the club parking lot and drove down the highway. The stars shimmered across the velvety sky. It was a beautiful night for riding along the beach highway. Tonight had been fun. Anna loved dancing and glowed with happiness.
Anna pulled Cary’s Jag into the main garage and placed the key on the wall. She locked the door to the garage behind her and took her time walking toward the front door of her house. The warm ocean breeze blew her hair off her shoulders. The lights from the pool shimmered, and the palm trees slowly swayed.
Suddenly, Jack appeared out of nowhere and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her with uncontrollable passion. Anna’s body responded to his touch, to the feel of his hard body pressed close to hers. Jack’s lips were gentle yet demanding, his tongue exploring hers. His hands seemed to be everywhere.
* * *
Jack excused himself from Caroline Wilkins, a family friend, and he ran after Anna into the parking lot. Out of desperation, he jumped into his car and flew to Anna’s home. Something inside him told him if he didn’t pursue her tonight he wouldn’t have another chance.
After he had parked in Anna’s driveway, Jack stepped out of the car and followed the sidewalk to the main garage. He froze. Anna walked beside the pool with the ocean breeze blowing her hair off her shoulders. A goddess, a five-foot-four goddess. Anna had more strength and courage in her little pinky than most people did in their entire body.
Jack burned for Anna, craved her like an addict did his favorite drug, and she was his drug of choice. He ran to her and pulled her into his arms, crushing her with a kiss, and the passion between them exploded in the warm night air.
Anna pulled away slightly, her lids heavy with desire. She stared into his eyes and said breathlessly, “Would you like to come inside, Jack?”
Jack kissed her hand and held it. “After you, beautiful.”
Inside her house, Anna threw her purse and keys on the table next to the door and her phone rang. She answered it. “Hello?” The color drained from Anna’s face. “I’m so sorry, Ruby. I loved him so much. He was like my grandfather, too. Yes, I’ll get a flight tomorrow… Yes, honey, I’ll stay with you. I love you, sister.” Anna placed the phone back into the dock on the table and looked at Jack with a sad smile. “I have to go to Tennessee. Ruby’s grandfather passed away. He was like family to me.” A tear threatened to spill down her cheek. “Granddaddy Campbell was the patriarch of Everglade Farms and mentor to so many. It’s an end of an era.”
Anna slipped off her shoes and walked barefoot into the kitchen. She pulled a phone book out of a drawer and called the airlines to make flight arrangements. Anna hung up the phone and reached for Jack’s hand. “I’m sorry. I like you very much, but I have to pack, and if you stay, I’m afraid I won’t get anything done. When I get back, we can go to dinner, okay?”
Jack felt like a silly teenager. “Okay, if it’s what you want.” Call it instincts, but Jack had the feeling he’d lost Anna before he ever had the chance to make her his.
Anna grinned, lifted a brow, and released his hand. “Yeah? Good, Jack. It’s a start in the right direction.”
Jack shoved his hands into his pockets and took a step away from her. “I’ll change your schedule at work. Please call me when you arrive in Tennessee and let me know you’re okay.” He kissed her briefly on the cheek and walked out the front door.
Chapter 15
Crazy for You
Anna flew into the Nashville airport and picked up her rental car at Hertz. She drove straight to Ruby’s house. Anna had called her parents before she left Florida. She explained she would be staying with Ruby while she was in town and would see them later at the funeral home.
Four cars and a truck were in Ruby’s driveway, so Anna parked in the grass. She stepped out of her rental, took a deep breath, and exhaled. She loved the Tennessee air. She went around to the back of the rental car and grabbed her suitcase out of the trunk.
Anna walked along the sidewalk with her heels clicking on the concrete. At the front door, she knocked with no answer and pushed the doorbell with her finger. Anna was about to let herself in when Jerry opened the door. She looked up into the deep blue pools of his eyes and sucked in a breath. Her butterflies danced wildly in her chest.
Dang. Jerry had turned into one hell of a good-looking man. Anna nervously glanced down at her bag. Jerry reached down to pick up her luggage and barely grazed her arm, and she jumped from the electricity of their contact.
Sparks flew in the air between them as he stared do
wn into her eyes and a slow smile curved his lips. “Hi, Anna. I’ll put this in their guest room. Everybody is out back on the patio.” Jerry turned and took the stairs two by two with her suitcase.
Anna had been holding her breath and began to breathe again. The instant she looked into his eyes, she knew she still loved Jerry and neither time nor space had lessened her feelings.
Anna gathered her wits and stepped through the French doors onto the patio. An overcast sky cast dark shadows on the people sitting around the table. It took a second for her eyes to focus on Reed, Ruby, Sandy, and Rachel. Anna’s spine tightened when she met Rachel’s eyes. Anna ran over to Ruby and hugged her. “Ruby, I’m sorry. I loved Granddaddy so much. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Ruby’s eyes and nose were red from crying. She sniffled and said, “He loved you so much. He didn’t suffer, thank God. Mama found him in bed and said he just looked like he was sleeping. He went peacefully in the night. Sit by me.” Anna sat down beside Ruby on the chaise.
Sipping on a glass of tea, Reed sat in between Sandy and Rachel. He said, “I’m glad you were able to get a flight on such short notice. Do you need to freshen up? We aren’t heading to the funeral home for another hour. You have time.”
Anna held Ruby’s hand and smiled at Reed. “Yes, I think I will freshen up and change clothes. Are we riding together?” The thought of riding with Jerry and Rachel made her queasy.
Ruby gave her a squeeze. “Reed and I are going to leave a little early to be with Mom. Sandy’s going to drive you, and Jerry and Rachel are coming later.”
Anna glanced over at Rachel. “Hello, Rachel. I trust you’re well?”
Rachel sat with her fingers linked and her forearms on the wrought iron table. Her eyes widened, and she smiled a little too brightly for the circumstance of their gathering. “I’m great.” Rachel’s expression turned solemn, and she shook her head. “It’s just very sad about Granddaddy.”