winced at the comment about her father, half wanting to defend him, the other half wanting to scream that she hated public displays. Surprisingly, Seth spoke, saving her from commenting.
“Mother, Dad, that’s enough,” Seth said. “What happened between Hannah and myself is our business. Not yours.”
Mrs. Broadhurst bristled while Mr. Broadhurst’s nostrils flared.
Hannah searched for a plausible, rational approach to winning their understanding, but she couldn’t think of one. She remembered the crazy dream, the legend—no, she could not tell them about the legend. They would think she’d lost her mind.
Which, of course, she was beginning to think also. Especially considering how composed and levelheaded Seth appeared in the aftermath of their canceled wedding.
Dr. Porter folded his hands on his desk and cleared his throat, cutting off her thoughts. “That brings me to the reason I asked you all to meet here. The personal lives of my staff are really of no consequence to me, Dr. Hartwell, except where their behavior affects the ethical code and the respect of other professionals. I must admit I’ve heard some gossip about you in the halls, and I’ve seen the newspaper photos.”
“I’m sorry, Dr. Porter. I had no idea the reporters would mention the hospital.”
“I’m concerned that this debacle might affect both your working relationships and the morale at the hospital.”
Hannah chewed on her bottom lip. “I can assure you that I’ll remain professional. I know I can work with Seth…” The Broadhursts shot her a stern look, “…um, with Dr. Broadhurst.”
“I certainly have no problem with Dr. Hartwell,” Seth said amicably.
Dr. Porter stood as if dismissing them. “Well, I, for one, thank you for your honesty, Dr. Hartwell. And I will hold you to your word. If not…”
Hannah nodded as he let the sentence trail off, wincing at his silent warning.
Seth’s parents shook Dr. Porter’s hand, Hannah apologized to them again, and the Broadhursts left with a brief thanks, although Hannah sensed they weren’t totally satisfied. Seth’s gaze caught hers, an awkwardness between them that she hated. He forced a small smile for which she would forever be grateful. Maybe they could remain friends. Maybe he would recommend a good shrink….
When the door had closed behind them, the chief of staff caught her hand. “Dr. Hartwell, you are aware how much the Broadhursts’ contributions mean to this hospital?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m asking you to do everything you can to rectify your relationship with them. Do you understand?”
“Yes sir.”
Hannah’s stomach plummeted. She would do everything she could to smooth things over with the wealthy couple, except marry Seth. With a heavy heart, she slipped out the door to follow through on the promise she’d made to her father the night before.
She was going to find Jake Tippins, the man who had virtually seeped unwanted into her dreams and caused her to go crazy for a day and drive him home. And she’d have to do it without letting the man know that she’d seen him naked in her dreams. And that he was the very reason she’d called off her wedding.
JAKE RUBBED his hand over his eyes, trying to block images from his latest dream. After Trevor had left, he’d dozed off, but instead of having another nightmare about his childhood he’d had erotic dreams of sleeping with a blond vixen—Hannah Hartwell.
She’d been naked and hot and writhing beneath him.
Boy, he was in trouble.
As if temptation had his number, the good doctor walked through the door. “Hi, Mr. Tippins, how are you feeling today?”
“Like I’ve been to hell and back.”
Dr. Hartwell lifted a narrow blond brow. “You don’t mince words, do you, Mr. Tippins?”
“No reason to,” he said. “What you see is what you get.” Except for the fact that he wasn’t a car salesman, he was a cop. And that he could lie at the drop of a hat.
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