masculinity that she simply stood there while memories came flooding down on her. She couldn’t help but recall that moment in his office when they’d almost kissed. Now that the crisis in the E.R. was over, she fully understood her predicament. No matter what almost happened in his office, which she still hadn’t gotten over, she was an intern and Dr. De Winter was her boss. She would do well to remember that and not do anything to put her job and her career in jeopardy. That was probably why he was in such a hurry to talk to her.
She knew what he was probably going to say. She’d been crying and he’d only taken her into his arms as a way to comfort her and nothing else. Anything else that she assumed she saw or thought transpired was a figment of her imagination.
When he came to a stop in front of her a lock of hair fell in her face and she pushed it away at the same moment she shifted her backpack to another shoulder. “Yes, Dr. De Winter. Is there something you need me to do before I leave?”
Lucien thought that was a loaded question if ever there was one. He could easily respond by saying yes, there was something he needed her to do before she left. Returning to his office so they could finish what they’d started earlier would be nice.
Then he could take her mouth, make love to it, mate with it without any distractions or interruptions. Or if she didn’t want to go to his office, they could go anywhere. She could name the place and he wouldn’t hesitate to take her there.
“No, there isn’t anything I need for you to do,” he said, studying her features. She looked tired, but exhaustion in no way detracted from her beauty. “You did a hell of a job in there today. I appreciate everything you and the other interns did. The group was awesome.”
One thing Lucien subscribed to was that it didn’t pay to bully his group of interns. He was not one who believed in group spankings. He dealt with those individually who did not pull their weight. On the others he didn’t mind bestowing compliments when they were due. After what had gone down in E.R., praise was certainly called for. He would tell her now and the others when he saw them again.
Although he’d given her a compliment, what was on his mind more now than anything else was the kiss they’d almost shared in his office. A part of him knew in a way he should be grateful it didn’t happen and regret that it almost did. But the truth of the matter was that the memory of holding her in his arms, inhaling her scent, bringing his lips so close to hers sent a flood of heat rushing through his veins and made his breath catch in his throat.
“Thanks,” she said. “You did an outstanding job yourself. It amazes me how well you do what you do and know just when to do it, seemingly without thought.”
He chuckled. “It comes with practice, trust me. Don’t forget I was an intern once and made my share of mistakes. Thankfully none of them cost anyone their life, but still. One day you’ll look back at these years and smile and accept them as your growing period.”
She smiled. “I hope you’re right.”
“I am.” He glanced at his watch. “I can’t believe how late it is—or how early, depending on how you look at it. We never did finish our discussion from earlier today.
I know a coffee shop across the bridge that stays open twenty-four hours. This time of morning there won’t be a lot of people around so we’ll be able to hold a private conversation.”
He paused when she hesitated in accepting his invitation. He didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable and think she had no choice in meeting with him, so he added, “Of course I’ll understand if you prefer going home. You’ve pulled a double today so I’m sure you’re tired.”
Jaclyn couldn’t help but smile. She doubted she could ever be tired enough to not want Lucien’s company, regardless of the reason. “No, I’m fine and yes, we can finish our conversation from earlier.”
In a way finishing up their conversation wasn’t what she really wanted. She believed she had done the right thing in turning Terrence in, and she figured the stress, frustration and all kinds of emotions had gotten the best of her earlier and had driven her to a mental meltdown. The activities in E.R. had revived her, given her an adrenaline rush.
“You sure?” he asked.
She felt her heart slamming against her ribcage with his question. Was she absolutely, positively sure when she didn’t know what he would say to her? For all she knew he might criticize her for giving in to a crying spell earlier today. But she would take her chances. “Yes, I’m sure.”
He smiled. “We can take my car.”
“All right.”
Lucien wasn’t surprised they couldn’t make it out of the hospital and to the parking lot without encountering someone he’d rather not have seen. Nurse Tsang was walking toward them as they were leaving. She stopped, causing them to do the same.
“Good morning, Ms. Tsang,” he said, his tone formal.
“Dr. De Winter.” The woman then glanced over at Jaclyn with a speculative eye. “Dr. Campbell.”
“Good morning,” Jaclyn acknowledged.
“The two of you are leaving?” the woman then asked.
Lucien lifted a brow. “Yes, we’re going to get coffee. I think we’ve earned the right because we’ve been here for the last eighteen hours. We had one hell of an emergency.”
“So I heard,” Ms. Tsang said drily. She then looked over at Jaclyn and then back at Lucien. “Need I remind the two of you of the hospital’s nonfraternization policy when it comes to managers and their subordinates?”
Lucien looked down at the woman. He smiled a little, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “No. Just like I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of the hospital’s contact policy whenever an emergency occurs. I understand no one could reach you yesterday, Ms. Tsang. Nor did you call in.”
Her gaze sharpened. “It was my long weekend and I caught the train to New York. That’s why I couldn’t be reached.”
“I’m sure you had a nice time,” he remarked.
“Yes, I did.”
“Glad to hear it. Now if you will excuse us.” He didn’t wait to see if she would excuse them or not, nor did he care. He and Jaclyn walked off, leaving the woman standing there staring at them.
The woman had a problem with sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. He had mentioned it several times to Dr. Dudley, especially when the interns had come to him complaining, but it seemed the chief of staff always found some excuse or another for Ms. Tsang.
“If you want to cancel our having coffee, I’ll understand, Dr. De Winter,” Jaclyn said.
He glanced over at her and he knew the smile he gave her was a lot different than the one he’d bestowed upon Ms. Tsang earlier. This one not only reached his eyes but it also spread throughout his entire body like a beacon of light. “There’s no way I’m going to let Nurse Tsang’s nosiness dictate what I do and how I handle my business.”
He opened the car door for her, paused a moment and then asked, “I guess I’m the one who should be asking you if you still want to share a cup of coffee with me.”
She
