Between The Sheets Read online

  “That so?” She dried her hands and glanced down at his hand. “I’ll shake that later. I’m not washing my hands again, and you look like the class playboy. There’s no telling where that thing’s been.”

  “Ohhhh...” He laughed loudly and crossed his arms over his thick chest as he took a step back. “Our tainted love affair begins. You got the first jab, but I’ll get the second.”

  “Give me your best shot.” She lifted her eyebrow, and I honestly couldn’t tell if she was interested in or attracted to Parks. It was a bit annoying, but some part of me knew they were perfectly suited for each other. At least in their looks.

  “All right, you two. Now isn’t the time.” I walked around them with my hands in the air as Karen moved in and put my gloves on for me. “Karen, this is Elizabeth. She’ll be working as my shadow for the next three years. Say hi.”

  Karen lifted her eyebrow at me. She was too much like a motherly figure in my life. I would be peppered with a million questions later that day, and it would be best to avoid her if I could. I smiled at the thought.

  “Until next time, princess,” Parks called after us, and I shook my head at him. If his antics worked, then good for him, but I had a hard time thinking that a woman would fall for his shit.

  “Friend of yours?” Elizabeth asked me as her pretty mouth pulled up into a smile. She was stunning, and I wanted to tell her, but I simply shook my head.

  “No, but don’t tell him that. I think he was calling me ‘princess,’ by the way. Not you.”

  She laughed, and the sound was delightful, warming me and calling me into a desire I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I needed to know her and to become friends. I wanted far more than that, but I forced myself not to think about it. There would never be anything between us other than a working friendship, but I could see her become the female equivalent of Parks in my life.

  “Interesting.” She chuckled and moved up toward Karen. “Good morning. I’m Elizabeth. Nice to meet you.”

  “You as well, dear. Watch out for this one. His mood swings are like the wind. You never know when they’re coming, and they often have the power to knock you off your feet.” She laughed. I turned back to give them both a look.

  “Watch it.” I smiled and walked into the OR to find a group of nurses and another doctor waiting for us to start. “My resident is observing today. Answer her questions and give her hell, please.”

  The nurse beside me pulled up my mask, and I looked over to Elizabeth, loving the challenging smile on her face.

  She was going to be fun. Maybe too much.

  * * *

  “Wow. That was incredible.” Elizabeth walked beside me down the hall back to my office. I couldn’t help but notice how her hand rubbed across the top of her chest, just over the top curve of her breasts. My body hardened, and I had to find some way to get rid of her.

  “It was a great surgery. I love the ones that provide a bit of challenge.” I walked into my office and sat down, crossing my legs and pulling a file into my lap as I opened it. I didn’t need the girl knowing that her praise turned me on far more than her looks might. She was an intellectual and would be my equal within the next ten years.

  Her knowledge in the OR when questioned on next steps was impeccable. She came up with a few thoughts that shortened the surgery time and were new to the teachings at NYU this last year. I wanted to pick her brain just before I forced her to stretch out on my bed for a long night of hearing her cry out in pleasure.

  Stop it. Shit.

  “Well, you were fantastic. I’m so far beyond turned on by the idea of being that calm and collected in the middle of the chaos.” She gave me a huge smile and tugged her bun down. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, and I stifled the urge to groan. The girl was going to be the death of me.

  “Turned on? I’m not sure that’s the appropriate phrase.” I smirked and glanced down at the file.

  “Of course it is.” Her voice was steady and forced me to look back up, though I’d rather she just left sooner rather than later. I needed her to. If anyone was turned on, it was me. Her features were beautifully complementary to each other, from her button nose to her long eyelashes and full lips. She held her shoulders back, and there was a gleam in her eye that beckoned me to push her, to challenge her, to force her to greatness.

  She wanted my title, my position.

  And I wanted her.

  “How so?” I kept my tone steady and quite academic around her.

  “Being turned on isn’t just sexual. It’s the idea that you’re alive inside, buzzing with a tingling need for more of whatever stimulated you so intensely.” The innocence on her face left me grasping for straws. Did she know she was incredibly sensual? A tease, even? Or was she just so in tune with herself that she didn’t have to placate anyone, least of all herself?

  “Very true. I’m quite stimulated by my career. It’s my mistress.” I winked at her and glanced back down to the file. “We’re having a dinner tonight at my house. It’s several of the cardiologists and their residents. It was last minute and pushed on us by the head of our department. You’ll be there? Six on the dot.”

  She leaned back in her chair and tilted her head a little to the side. “Of course I will. Do I need to bring anything?”

  “Just your winning personality and cocky sarcasm.” I chuckled and sat up, tucking my lower half under my desk. The delicious pulse that shot through my stomach danced along my erection and left me starving for attention. It was a disturbing place to be, and yet my mind had already walked through how easy it would be to close the door and reach for her.

  Would she reach back? Let me touch her? Taste her?

  “Funny, Doc.” She stood up. “Anything else from me right now? If not, I know you have plenty to do. I’ll use the small office down the hall to type up my report from the surgery. I’ll need it for my advisor at NYU.”

  “We’re good for now. Tell me, who is your advisor? I might know him.”

  “Her. Dr. Cynthia Martin.” She watched me as if I might have some reaction.

  “She sounds familiar, but I can’t place her in my memory. I must be getting old.” I glanced down and flipped through the patient file in front of me.

  “Let’s hope we all age as gracefully.” She walked out the door, leaving me with far more desire than I appreciated.

  “Right,” I mumbled softly under my breath. “Keep it up, you little sexy tart. I’ll get Parks on you, and you won’t live to tell about it.”

  Funnily enough, the thought of my only friend in the hospital hitting on Elizabeth left me with something bordering on rage.

  Not good. Not good at all.

  7

  Elizabeth

  I walked down the hall and tried to catch my breath. I wasn’t being saucy or trying to tease him. It just rolled off my tongue without thought. Wrapping my arms around myself, I let out a short yelp as someone turned the corner and plowed into me.

  Parks.

  “Oh! Shit. Sorry, Lizzy.”

  “It’s Elizabeth, and watch where you’re going, playboy.” I gave him a cheeky grin. I would never date a guy like him in a million years, but he seemed like the right man to know. He was outgoing from what I could tell, and I had no doubt that he knew everyone in the hospital.

  “Now, look. If you get to call me playboy, then I get to call you Lizzy.” He extended his hand. “Come on. Shake it. You know you wanna.”

  I laughed and shook his hand. His energy was contagious, his smile wide and welcoming. With what was sure to be a killer personality and his light green eyes and spiky dark hair, I had no doubt that Steph would be talking about him soon. Him and Aiden.

  Aiden. Just the thought of him had my heart racing, my body aching for something I’d never in a million years get.

  “Better? Satisfied?” I pulled my hand back and started to move past him.

  “I figured your hands were soft.” He moved in beside me.

  “Why’s that? Do I look l
ike a soft type of gal? Fluffy and squishy?” I gave him a sideways glance as he visibly paled. I couldn’t help but laugh at his discomfort.

  “What? No. Ugh. You girls are so damn difficult.” He held the door open for me to the women’s locker room.

  “This one especially.” I glanced over my shoulder as he stopped. He wasn’t allowed in the girl’s side, which was a perfect getaway for me.

  “Come have a drink with me tonight.” His eyes moved down me, and where I should have felt something, I didn’t.

  “I will!” Stephanie moved up beside me and extended her hand. “I’m Stephanie, Elizabeth’s best friend.”

  “Well, this day just keeps getting better.” He reached in as far as he could while keeping one foot out in the hallway and shook Steph’s hand. “Come have a drink with me tonight, and bring your uptight friend.”

  I growled and lifted my eyebrow. “I’m not here to have fun.”

  “She’s always like this. I’ll drag her along. Give me your cell, and I’ll put my number in it.” Steph moved away from me, and I turned my back and walked to my locker. She’d be pissy about me not going, but hopefully, it would be a good time for her to win Parks over. They’d be cute together, though I was pretty sure the hospital had rules against that sort of thing.

  “Give me Lizzy’s digits too.”

  I turned and narrowed my eyes at both of them. “Don’t you dare. I’m dating someone. Stop being a flirt, playboy.”

  “Come on, Lizzy. I just want to be friends.” He gave me one of the cutest looks I’d ever seen. He was a panty-melter, no doubt. The sound of Steph’s girlie sigh had me barking out a sharp laugh.

  “You’re corrupt. Stay away from me. I’m not available for anything, including a friendship.” I turned back to the locker and rolled my eyes, unable to help myself. There was no way in hell I would ever consider dating someone like Parks. He was looking to score, and then he’d be on to the next victim.

  “All right, but don’t deny me the right to say that I told you so when you’re asking for my digits.” He laughed, and I ignored him, giving Steph a chance to hopefully take his attention off of me.

  “Don’t forget to text me where and what time,” Stephanie called after him.

  I glanced back and lifted my eyebrow as she approached. “He’s nothing but trouble.”

  “I know. I love it.” She giggled and wrapped me in a side hug. “How are you? Working different shifts than you is killing me.”

  “At least you got the evening shift.” I bumped my forehead against hers softly. “I miss you too, though.”

  “Come with me tonight. This guy is obviously interested in you, but just deny him, and I’ll clean up the mess you leave behind.” She gave me a silly smile and moved back. “Please?”

  “I really can’t. I have a dinner at Dr. Crawford’s house tonight. It’s something I’m not missing.” I turned from her and finished putting my stuff up before grabbing a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. “I’m running home to shower and change into something a little dressier.”

  “I’m still jealous over you getting Dr. Crawford as your mentor. Mine’s a mean old woman with a thick accent that I can barely understand. Who’d you sleep with to get your good deal?” She pushed against my shoulder with hers.

  “No one. I haven’t had sex in at least a few months.” I glanced over at her and shrugged. “And I’m not sure it was worth talking about the last time I did.”

  “Oh, Liz. That’s horrible. You’d better act fast on that pact we made.” She turned to me, but I diverted. I’d spent too much of my time talking about my relationship with Dex. It was time to do something about it.

  “Yeah. I’m going to handle things as soon as I have some time off. I need to get my thoughts in order. He’s going to have questions.” I pulled my hair into a ponytail and quickly changed. “Have fun tonight. We’ll catch up when you get home. I’ll try to stay up and wait for you.”

  “All right. Good luck tonight. Wear your hair down. Oh, and Lizzy?”

  I closed my locker. “Yes?”

  “Tonight is the time to wear lipstick.” She winked.

  “I think you’re right.” I gave her a quick hug and walked out into the hall to find Aiden and Parks standing at the far end, laughing about something. It was nice to see Dr. Crawford smiling and relaxed. His laugh was warm and wrapped around me, pushing me toward them. I forced myself to keep walking, but he glanced at me and waved me over.

  “Elizabeth. We’re cardiologists. We’re here to save hearts, not destroy them.” The cheeky grin on his handsome face left me breathless.

  “Yeah, Lizzy.” Parks clamped his hands over his heart and stumbled back. “You’re killing me.”

  “You should be cupping your crotch, not your heart.” I winked at Parks and walked to the door. “I’m not sure it’s love you’re after.”

  Aiden’s laughter filled the hall, and several of the nurses just ahead of me stopped what they were doing and looked back, smiling much like I was.

  “All right, princess,” Parks called after me. “That’s another one for you. You’re up by two, but I’m coming after you.”

  I turned and winked at him as I stopped by the exit. I was playing so far out of my normal comfort zone that it was comical.

  “Bring it, playboy, but you should know that you’re not getting anywhere with me.” I shrugged, caught Aiden’s eye for a second, and turned, walking out into the warm autumn afternoon.

  I wanted my teasing to be with the handsome doctor who pretended to be stern and unyielding. He wasn’t going to be an easy nut to crack, but I wanted to give it a go. Even if it was just for a fun friendship like he and Parks had.

  I was jealous of the younger doctor who had Aiden’s attention. I wanted it too.

  * * *

  As I stood in front of my open closet, I realized how woefully unprepared I was for a dinner party at Aiden’s house.

  For starters, I had nothing to wear that seemed appropriate.

  And secondly, I had no idea what was deemed as appropriate for a dinner party anyway. Especially a work-related dinner party.

  I groaned and flipped through my blouses and skirts and dresses. “This is too much pressure.”

  Scrubs were easy. Mindless. I didn’t have to worry about showing too much or too little, or about what paired with what.

  But I couldn’t very well show up at his place in my scrubs. That was not the impression I wanted to make. Although it would probably help me stand out from the crowd.

  If only Stephanie was home to help me get ready. She was better than me at this kind of thing. She knew what looked good, and she didn’t overthink things the way I was overthinking this. Hell, if she were here, she’d already have me dressed, and she probably would have convinced me to let her do my makeup and hair.

  And then I’d be walking out the door looking like I should be going to a sultry lounge with my boobs on display and a dark smoky eye. That would be too much, too fast.

  Although I wondered how Aiden would behave around me if I upped my game a little.

  No, I thought sharply. That kind of thinking is dangerous. Get it together.

  After staring into my closet for another paralyzing five minutes, I texted Steph, asking what she thought I should wear that would be attractive and yet still professional.

  She was being cheeky and informed me that the tight red dress I’d worn to a gala we went to a few years back was the winner.

  That wasn’t happening. It screamed, “Take me upstairs and fuck me against a wall.” Not that I didn’t want that to be the ending to my night with Aiden, but I wasn’t so sure my strict mentor would appreciate me much afterward.

  Or he’d appreciate me too much, and my career would be in jeopardy. I wanted fair, equal treatment. I didn’t want to be the girl who slept with her mentor to get ahead. I was better than that. Stronger than that. My education and my grades proved that I didn’t need to whore around to get ahead.

  I was fai
rly certain Aiden knew that, too. At least, I hoped he did.

  With a disgruntled sigh, I tossed my phone on my bed, planted my hands on my hips, and stared down my closet like it was a deadly adversary. “All right. Talk to me. What do I wear?”

  My eyes were drawn to the tight dress Steph suggested. It was deep red, a little low cut, and ended a few inches above my knees with a pretty lace trim.

  “Too much,” I said decisively. “Way too much.”

  The solution was in here somewhere. Something that was in the middle of the road. Not too sexy but not too plain, either. I could do better than plain.

  I settled on a flowy black skirt and silky blue top. Hopefully, I would fit in just enough not to be noticed and yet stand out to my newest fantasy. He’d yet to give me more than a few brief nods and tight smiles. I wanted more from him that night, and I was praying that I could figure out how to get it.

  As I fastened a gold belt around my waist, I stepped into a pair of four-inch pumps and looked at my reflection. I never wore heels. Ever. But tonight called for me to show my other side. I could do this.

  The heels flattered the outfit and made my legs look ten times longer. Satisfied with where this was going, I took my hair down and raked my fingers through it. I plucked my hairspray off my dresser and sprayed it in a halo around my hair before scrunching the loose curls upward to give it a bit of volume. Then I slapped on a shimmery lip gloss and slid some dangly earrings into my ears.

  “Well,” I said, smoothing out my skirt and straightening out the belt so the little buckle was centered. “This is as good as it’s going to get.”

  With any luck, Aiden would appreciate the effort.

  And maybe, just maybe, I’d hold his attention in a new way.

  The way I’d been craving since he first walked through the door to take me on a tour of the hospital.

  8