NHC can swoop in like a superhero and save the hospital’s reputation by including it in their ‘family.’”
“Exactly.” Ella glanced at her watch. “Where did the last hour go? I need to call it a day. I’ve been here since early this morning.”
“You’ve got to be tired, too,” Simone said. “Maybe you shouldn’t have had the coffee.”
“It’s definitely been a long shift, which is the reason I wanted a bit of caffeine.” Ella smiled, her eyes glimmering and her cheeks taking on a pretty flush. “J.D. has been staying with his dad since he quit NHC, but today we started living together, and we’re having a celebratory dinner as soon as I get home.”
The couple had been seeing a lot of each other for the past two months, and apparently things had gotten serious. Ella’s happiness was impossible to ignore.
“Congratulations,” Simone said. “Is he taking you out?”
“No, we’re eating in. In fact, he’s cooking and even has a bottle of champagne chilling. Apparently, I’m in for a romantic evening.” She grinned. “So I need to get out of here.”
Simone could understand why. “Have a wonderful night.”
“Thanks. I intend to.”
Simone’s thoughts drifted to the man who was waiting at her house.
Of course, it wasn’t the same.
Even if Mike thought that it should be.
Chapter Five
Mike, whose primary motivation for being at Simone’s house wasn’t because of the dogs, had gone grocery shopping when he’d gotten off work. And now that Simone was due home within minutes, he had a late-night snack ready for her.
He’d prepared a platter of cheese, crackers and fresh fruit for them to munch on, and if she was really hungry, he had all the fixings for a Dagwood-style sandwich.
Now all he had to do was wait.
Ever since he’d picked up Wags from the pet shop, where the puppy had been harassing Popeye Baxter all day rather than Woofer, the little guy had been playing hard. And now both dogs were resting near the hearth, where a steady flame licked the logs Mike had just added to the fire.
Simone’s little house looked especially warm and cozy tonight. The candles he’d lit and placed on the fireplace mantel gave it a romantic glow.
In truth, Mike hoped Simone liked the idea of coming home to a guy who loved her, a guy who knew what she needed without being asked.
As a car sounded outside, alerting him to her arrival, he met her at the door. Wags, apparently, was too tuckered out to even care that someone had entered, and Woofer merely raised his head and assured himself that Simone was home and that all was now well in his world.
“Good evening,” Mike said as Simone hung up her jacket on a hook by the door.
Even after a tiring shift at work and wearing a pair of blue scrubs, she was an attractive woman who could turn his heart on end with a smile.
She scanned the small living room, took in the sight of the fresh flowers he’d placed on the coffee table. “What’s that?”
“A peace offering,” Mike said. “From Wags. He may not look very contrite at the moment, but he’s very sorry for being such a pain in the butt last night.”
A smile stretched across Simone’s face, but he couldn’t help noting the hint of crescent shadows under her eyes. He suspected they looked worse in the warm glow from the flickering candles.
He didn’t mention how worn and tired she appeared, though. But he would do whatever he could to see that she got plenty of sleep tonight.
“If you’re hungry, I have something for you to eat. And if not, I’ll put it in the fridge.”
“Thanks,” she said. “That was sweet. A little snack sounds good. If I don’t keep something in my stomach, I get…”
“You get what?”
She gave a half shrug. “I get a little shaky. No big deal.”
“You need to have that blood test. Did you call your doctor like you said you would?”
“Yes. And I have an appointment next week.”
“Good.”
Mike went into the kitchen and brought out a tray bearing the cheese, crackers and fruit platter, as well as a bottle of merlot, a corkscrew and two goblets. “I also thought a little wine before bed might help you unwind and fall asleep easier.”
“I’d better pass on the wine, but there’s some apple juice in the refrigerator. That sounds a lot better to me.”
Was she afraid of the effect alcohol might have on her? That it might lower her inhibitions like last time they’d spent the evening together? That she might let down her guard and allow herself to feel again?
If so, he hoped she didn’t think he was trying to ply her with wine. He’d only meant to set a romantic ambience, not get her into bed. The next time they made love, he wanted her to be completely sober and still willing. And, more important, he didn’t want her to have any regrets in the morning.
“Look at this cheese plate.” A smile that reached her soulful brown eyes sent his pulse topsy-turvy. “Have the guys down at the department been reading magazines on entertaining? This is pretty, as well as appetizing.”
“Actually, a lady Leif has been dating invited a few of us over to watch the game and she set out a tray like this. It was pretty cool, and I thought you’d agree.” He shrugged, cheeks warming. He hoped she didn’t think he’d gone over the top.
“It’s a nice touch,” she said. “No one has ever prepared anything special for me.”
Someone ought to.
And often.
“Then you’re welcome.”
As Mike turned to get the juice for her, she stopped him. “I’ll get it. Why don’t you have a seat and unwind. I took care of the dogs yesterday, so I know how tiring that can be.”
“Actually,” Mike said, glancing to the hearth where the canines lay side by side, “they weren’t that bad tonight.”
He’d taken them out in the backyard and thrown a ball to them until they were both worn-out and ready to settle down.
While Simone was in the kitchen, Mike poured a glass of wine for himself.
She’d just returned and settled into a comfortable position on the couch when her phone rang.
“Uh-oh.” She furrowed her brow as she turned and reached for the telephone that rested on the lamp table. “I don’t know who it could be at this hour.”
“A
