One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series)

by Norfleet, Celeste

She smiled. “You barged into my exam room.”

  He returned her smile. “You barred me from the ER.”

  “With good reason.”

  “Ah come on, you make me sound like some kind of ogre.”

  “Let’s just say that you make a lousy first impression.” She began to laugh. He joined in.

  “I love that you stand up to me.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Exactly, I’m not an ogre.”

  “That remains to be seen.”

  Raymond sat back and enjoyed the playful repartee. “You’re not all that bad Dr. Adams,” Raymond admitted.

  Hope tilted her head and nodded. “You’re not too bad yourself Dr. Gates.”

  “I’m glad we can laugh about it now.”

  “Me too.”

  “Seems we have combustible encounters.”

  Hope remained silent. She sipped from her tea again as Raymond began to stare. “What?”

  “Nothing,” he replied as he continued staring at her.

  “You’re staring at me again, why?”

  “Because you’re so beautiful,” he said. “Why else would a man stare a woman unless he’s overwhelmed by her beauty.”

  “That is such crap. Does that pick-up line really work for you?”

  “First of all, I’m way past pick-up lines. Secondly, I never say anything I don’t mean. And lastly, you are beautiful.”

  Her cheeks began to warm. “Don’t say that.”

  “Why not? It’s true.”

  She quickly looked away. Her heart began beating faster as the knot in her stomach tightened.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I was just stating the obvious. You possess a beauty that’s tender and caring. You hide behind this tough exterior hoping no one sees the beauty inside. But I see it. And when I see an attractive woman I say something.”

  “Raymond, look, I’m flattered by the attention, but I’m going to have to be up front with you. I don’t like wasting time, yours or mine. This isn’t going to happen.”

  “What isn’t?”

  “This thing, between you and me…. We’re colleagues. That’s all. As soon as your grandmother is discharged you’ll be gone.”

  Raymond smiled. His dimples played havoc with Hope’s stomach. “Are you so sure about that?”

  “Yes.”

  “What else do you see in your crystal ball?”

  Hope laughed.

  Raymond watched her face as she laughed. It was a nice face. A face he could love. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

  “Let it go Raymond.”

  “I don’t think so.” His voice was low and sexy.

  “I think we should keep this strictly business,” she said. Her nervousness was obvious.

  Raymond reached across the table and grasped Hope’s hand. “Hope, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I’m not a distraction Raymond.”

  “I know that.”

  “We’re from different worlds, and I learned a long time ago that those two worlds never come together.”

  “Looks like I have my work cut out for me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m going to do everything within my power to prove you wrong.”

  Hope watched the determined glint in his eye. She had no doubt that he would as he said would, do everything within his power to prove her wrong. But the problem wasn’t his. “That wasn’t a challenge.”

  “I’m very attracted to you.”

  “I’m attracted to you too.”

  “So what are we going to do about it?”

  “Nothing, we’re going to be adults about it and do absolutely nothing. Because you and I are like oil and water, nothing good can come from it.” Raymond was about to rebut when Hope interrupted. “And before you say anything else, let’s change the subject.”

  Raymond laughed uncontrollably as their server entered the little room and served their final course.

  The conversation for the remainder of the evening was light and easy. Unfortunately, Hope’s insides were in turmoil. She listened to Raymond as he excitedly discussed his foundation and the building that was under construction. She held onto every word as he described a delicate surgery all the while chastising herself and suppressing the increasing desire she felt.

  She wanted him. The realization was staggering. She knew that she was attracted to him. She just wasn’t aware of how much.

  As they prepared to leave, Raymond conversed with the owner in his native language and thanked him for an excellent meal. Hope leaned over to him once they were out of earshot and said, “I didn’t know you could speak Japanese.”

  He helped her up from the floor. “Neither did I.”

  Hope burst into laughter until she realized that as Raymond helped her up her body was pressed dangerously close to his. She took a deep breath but didn’t pull away.

  Raymond looked down into her soft brown eyes. The desire she felt was mirrored in his eyes as he leaned down to touch her lips. The kiss was gentle at first, but deepened as wanton lust sated their yearning. As their lips slowly parted, breathlessly she held onto him.

  Hope reached up and touched his face. This was the face in her dreams, the face that had haunted her since the moment they had met. Clean-shaven, the angles of his strong jaw line were smooth to the touch.

  Hope drew her hand away suddenly and headed to the door of their private room. She turned back to him. “That was probably not a good idea.”

  “You’re right,” he followed her through the restaurant. “That was a great idea.”

  As soon as they stepped outside they realized that the weather had changed while they were inside. Lightening lit the sky as the sound of thunder rocked the quiet night.

  Raymond handed the valet his ticket. The attendant ran off to retrieve his car as they waited under the awning. An awkward silence passed between them.

  Within a few minutes Raymond’s car pulled up in front of the awning. “Thank you for dinner I had a really good time,” she said. She couldn’t help but smile.

  “You’re very welcome. I had a good time too.”

  “I’m gonna get a cab.” She began looking down the street for a taxicab.

  “I don’t think so,” Raymond said as he opened the passenger side door. “I’m taking you home.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  He gave her a no-excuses expression as he held the door open. She got in. Raymond handed the valet a nice tip and slid behind the wheel. He asked Hope for her address and pulled off onto the street.

  The drive to Hope’s apartment was too short as far as Raymond was concerned. He tried to focus on the light evening traffic and the pouring rain, but all too often his eyes glanced over at Hope sitting next to him. They arrived at her front door quickly.

  Raymond pulled out an umbrella from the back seat and walked Hope to her brownstone. Lined with oak trees and flower-boxed windows, the street was clean and neat. He looked up at the tall building. Its wide double doors were welcoming. “This is nice,” he said.

  “I’m subletting for the moment, but the building is going condo. I either have to buy or leave.”

  “What have you decided?”

  “I’m still weighing my options.”

  As they approached the front door Raymond held his hand out for her keys. Hope hesitated then relented. He slid the key into the door lock and held it open for her. Once inside they walked up to the second floor to her apartment. She stopped at her front door and he repeated the action then handed her the keys.

  An uncomfortable silence swelled between them as they just stood and looked at each other. “Well,” the both said at the same time. “I’d better go now,” they said again in unison. “You first,” he said. “No after you,” Hope said. Then out of nowhere he kissed her. His lips were soft, gentle and possessive. Neither embraced the other, making the kiss somewhat sweet and innocent despite the passion they both felt at the touch.

  “What was t
hat for?” she asked when he leaned back.

  “Every first date should end with a kiss.”

  “This wasn’t a first date.”

  He smiled knowingly. “Are you sure?” She decided to ignore him as they stood awkwardly in the open door. Raymond stared down at her. She looked away refusing to look into his eyes.

  He reached down and took her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. “Good night Hope.”

  “Good night Raymond.”

  He turned to head down the steps. She stepped back but stood in the open doorway. He walked down a few steps then stopped. He turned to meet her eyes then slowly walked back to her. He leaned down to kiss her gently. The kiss was chaste. He turned and walked back to the steps a second time.

  Hope closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of his lips. She smiled realizing that she hadn’t stopped smiling and laughing since she’d left Raymond’s office. It was an incredible evening and the most perfect, almost-maybe, date she’d ever been on. It wasn’t a date, was it? It was just two colleagues getting together to discuss a patient.

  So why did it feel like a date? Why did she want to reach over and touch his hand during dinner? Why did she need to laugh at the silly jokes he made? Why did she hang on every word he said?

  Lightning flashed and a low rumble of thunder shook the building. She wanted to call his name, but knew that if she did she’d want to call it out all night. She touched her lips. She still felt the imprint of Raymond’s kiss.

  What am I doing? Raymond was charming and thoughtful and attentively listened to her. He laughed and listened as she told funny stories about things that happened in the ER and described some of the more outrageous patients in his private practice. He made her feel like she was the only woman in the universe. So, why was she letting him go?

  “Raymond,” she called out before she could catch herself. He stopped midway down the steps. She heard his footsteps returning. Within seconds he was standing in front of her.

  He reached out and touched the side of her face. She backed away slightly when his hand grazed the small scar. He smiled at her and leaned in and kissed the tiny mark. Hope nearly collapsed from his tenderness.

  She backed up to allow him into the apartment.

  Raymond stepped inside and slid his arm around Hope’s waist in one smooth move. He kissed her with all the passion he’d been feeling.

  Breathless she backed away and held her hand up to him. “I don’t know what to feel when I’m with you. I’m off balance.” She looked up at him and shook her head. “You confuse the hell out of me.”

  Raymond smiled. “You have the opposite effect on me. Suddenly everything in my life is crystal clear. I know exactly what I want.” He stroked her brow lovingly. “I want you in my life Hope.”

  “Where is this going?”

  He smiled easily. “All the way.” Raymond began gently kissing the soft plains of her face.

  Hope shuddered as butterflies filled her stomach. “What am I going to do with you Dr. Gates?”

  “Love me.”

  “I can’t.”

  “You already do.”

  Hope took Raymond’s hand and led him through the dark hallway to her bedroom. Her heart beat faster than it ever had. She wanted this, she wanted Raymond. Any apprehension she felt vanished with his first touch. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of his hands on her.

  Raymond stopped as soon as he reached her bedroom. He stood in the doorway. Hope turned to him and slowly loosened the tie knotted around his neck. She pulled one end, slowly drawing the other end from his collar.

  She willed her hand to remain steady as she unbuttoned his shirt and pulled the tails from his pants. When the shirt was completely undone she ran the palms of her hands over his bare chest feeling the powerful muscles beneath his honey-toned skin.

  Slowly, with suddenly confident fingers, she released his belt buckle and unzipped his pants sliding them down his legs. Her hand brushed against the manhood revealed by her handiwork. She trembled inside as anticipation eclipsed her fears. She reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers. The kiss joined their souls as the torrid sweetness of his mouth made her bolder.

  She slipped her hand between their bodies and felt the firmness of his arousal. Raymond muttered something inaudible as her hands, finding new talents, began their exquisite torture.

  With a steady gaze, she stepped back a bit, unzipped her pants and removed them.

  Raymond quickly drew her body into his arms and carried her across the room to the bed. Hope’s body trembled in anticipation. Raymond felt the slight tremor and stopped with her still wrapped in his arms. “If you’re not sure…” he began.

  She placed her finger to his lips. “I’m very sure.”

  Raymond laid her across the bed, and taking his time, unbuttoned her blouse. He pushed the fabric away, exposing the lacy swell of her breasts. He leaned in to gently kiss her taut nipple, then using his tongue he teased her until she moaned out loud.

  He undid the front clasp of her bra and released the mounds of tender flesh. He relished one and then the other as he tormented her until her body writhed with desire.

  His kisses increased as he traveled down her stomach and across the thin band of lace. Teasingly he nipped at the elastic band sending wave after wave of pleasure through her. “Raymond,” she moaned, as his skilled hands caressed her body. His touch brought her to ecstasy. Slowly he untwined their bodies lifting her to her knees as they knelt in front of each other.

  Face to face they touched, kissed, caressed and embraced. She stroked his chest feeling her way down to the waistband of his boxers.

  He taunted her with kisses that set her body afire.

  “Take this off,” she commanded brazenly as she ran her finger around the waistband of his boxers. Raymond smiled and obeyed her request, then pulled out a condom packet from his wallet and protected them. Both naked, she gently pushed him back onto her bed and straddled him.

  She leaned in and kissed him. His hand came up and grasped her waist holding her in place. She lifted her hips and opened herself up to him. She gasped in pleasure at the exquisite fullness of him as her body swayed. Raymond’s hands covered her beasts massaging and kneading her nipples tenderly. As she began to rock, he sat up, taking each breast into his mouth. Her nails dug into his flesh with each suckle of her breast.

  They rocked in rhythmic passion, their bodies undulating in waves. Moving up and down in a slow steady motion, they felt the sexual energy drawing them closer and closer to a climax. As their pace quickened, each wave of passion yielded pleasure-filled tremors until their bodies peaked in a quake that shattered their control, taking them over the edge. Their bodies exploded with repeated spasms, leaving them weakened and drained.

  Raymond gathered Hope into his arms and relaxed on the bed, bringing her down on top of his body. She lay there for what seemed like an eternity.

  “Sleep?” he asked, as he stroked her back. And for the first time in a long while, she slept peacefully and calmly as never before.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Raymond was feeling good.

  Although he had broken the only two rules he’d always lived by: rule number one, never have a romantic relationship with someone you work with; and number two, never forget rule number one. But he didn’t care. He had Hope.

  He smiled just thinking about their evening together.

  They had made love, slept, then awoke in the middle of the night and made love again. She was so giving and loving, he could have laid there with her all day. But unfortunately, he had an early meeting.

  With top down on his convertible and the radio on, Raymond headed south with a broad smile on his face. He had the perfect day planned. First, a meeting on the Lower East Side, then a quick stop at the hospital and finally back to the office to clear his desk of the mounting paperwork. After that, a quick visit with his grandmother and finally, a nice quiet dinner with Hope.

  Thankfully, it would
n’t be the usual day filled with high-maintenance patients.

  He breezed in and out of traffic like a cab driver. He easily maneuvered his 1956 Jaguar Roadster with the precession and accuracy of his surgical blade. He veered to the far lane to avoid the double-parked cars and trucks. Checking his rearview mirror, he swerved to the right, and zipped along two blocks nearly traffic free. But then came to a screeching halt. Traffic was stalled because of a minor fender bender.

  After creeping along at about a block-a-minute pace, Raymond finally found a window of opportunity and accelerated around a slow moving car. He wheeled his car into the next lane and accelerated to make up for lost time.

  With the wireless attachment in his ear, Raymond finally found time to listen to a message left by his assistant the day before. He smiled when he heard the exasperation in her voice when relaying a message from Mimi Brown. Apparently, she had called several times yesterday and insisted on speaking to him.

  Raymond knew exactly what she wanted. There was no way he would perform any more cosmetic surgery on her. They’d had had the same conversation before. Obviously she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He made a mental note to call Mimi back to reiterate his decision.

  Raymond continued listening to the message. His assistant reviewed his morning meetings, and then continued to list his afternoon appointments. Raymond listened as his mind focused on rescheduling certain appointments and canceling others. After listening to his schedule, he dialed his office and left a voicemail message with his changes.

  Raymond used the drive-time to think about the proposal he was making to the board of directors of his foundation. Since the new building would be completed in a few months, he decided he needed to come up with a name. After last night, he knew the perfect name for it. He smiled as his thoughts returned to his evening with Hope. She was indeed what he had been waiting for all his life. He laughed at the thought of Mamma Lou telling him that he needed hope in his life. Then, his laughter suddenly subsided as he wondered if she had anything to do with their meeting. But how could she?

  He turned the corner to view the magnificent sight and all questions faded from his mind. Under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, the nearly finished building that would house the foundation stood strong and imposing. The unnamed building was surrounded by an old cobblestone street.