Bernard"Hello?" I pushed the door open and set my bag down with a thud. "Rach? Ron? I'm home."Silence greeted my statement.I frowned, stepped into the apartment, and kicked the door shut with the back of my leg. Then I glanced around the house, which looked pristine and untouched, like no one had been there in days. When I took another step forward, I heard a low rustling sound. With a frown, I looked down at my feet and saw the envelope. My heart thudded against my chest as I ripped it open, letting two keys fall out.My stomach dipped as I bent down to pick them up.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flutter and noticed the note taped to the back of the door. Hastily, I snatched it up, but I could barely hear anything past the pounding in my ears. I re-read the letter a few times before I was able to understand anything.Rachel was gone.I couldn't believe it.I let my hand fall to my side and scoured the entire apartment, top to bottom. Once I was done, my breathing was heavy,
Taylor cleared her throat. "She told me not to tell you if you asked.""I know, but I have to find her. I need to make things right and bring them both back home. Please."Taylor tilted her head to the side and stared at me. "She really loves you, Bernard. If you're not going to do right by her, then you should just let her go.""I am going to do better this time," I maintained, my pulse quickening. "Give me a chance. Let me prove you wrong."Taylor waved away the group of similarly dressed people who stood a few feet away. After a brief pause, they shifted and continued down the pavement. Taylor stood up straighter and ran a hand over her face."Rachel is going to kill me for this, but...I believe you.""You do?""She's been miserable without you. I've seen how happy you make her, Bernard. And I've seen how good you are to Ron. I'll tell you where she is, but so help me God, if you hurt her-""I won't." I held her gaze and didn't look away. "Not this time.""My family owns a cabin in
BernardA year later"Slow down, Ron," I called out, shaking my head. "Or you're going to trip and fall."Ron glanced over his shoulders and gave me a sheepish smile. "Sorry, dad.""Come here." I beckoned him forward. He gave the other kids a look before he trudged over, his head hung low. Once he was within reach, I pulled him to me and draped an arm over his shoulders. "You look very handsome today. Has your mom seen you yet?"Ron tilted his head back to look up at me. "Yes, and she started crying."I chuckled and smoothed his hair back. "Because she's happy."Ron tilted his head to the side and frowned. "Shouldn't mommy smile if she's happy?"I crouched so I was at eye level with him. "Sometimes when people are really happy, the only way they can express that is if they cry."Ron nodded."You do look very handsome," I added, pausing to adjust the bow tie around his neck. "Do you remember what you're supposed to do today?""I'm the flower boy, so I'm supposed to walk in front of mom
Book 4 Is another standalone novel that also introduces new plot and characters while still maintaining the MY BILLIONAIRE BABY DADDY WANTS ME BACK series.---------One passionate night with an irresistible alpha shattered all my inhibitions. I never thought I’d see him again, but I just found out he’s a doctor… and my new boss.And I have a secret he can never know about…Dr. Luke Jennings—a renowned neurosurgeon and billionaire—exudes magnetic charm.We met at a bar and shared an unforgettable night. But our connection abruptly ended, leaving me devastated.Seven years later, a twist of fate brings us back together when I discover I’m his new medical assistant.I can’t deny the electricity between us, but he’s off-limits—much older and a total grump.And I would never jeopardize my job.Until our heated tension leads to him pressing me against the office file cabinet.Where his kisses devour me and his touch sends an intoxicating thrill down my core.Then, one night, the secret I’v
LukeThe files are all messed up and it's all I can think about. Which puts me in a bad mood.Which is bound to make me snappy and unbearable later, but that's just how things work."Are you planning to burn those files by drilling holes into them?"Realizing he means my glare, I look up at James Sanders, who gives me a look of amusement. I roll my eyes. Not everyone can say they can do that to our hospital's director, but I suppose I'm an exception since James and I have worked together for years.At some point, I was up for the director position, too, but I turned it down because he's much more pleasant than I am and I might make an enemy out of everyone if I were in that role. Being the head of neurosurgery is perfect for me, allowing me to do my thing and still have enough time for my business."I'm just arranging them."He tilts his head curiously. "How's that going?""I already organized this week's schedule for patients and operations, but the rest isn't going as fast as I want
Olivia“Can’t you just call the father?”“The father’s a one-night stand, Janessa. We met in a bar and parted ways the same night.”“So, you don’t have anything else?”“I have his number.”“Then call him, Liv.”I sigh. “It’s a fake number. He gave me a fake number, probably not to let me down hard. I don’t know. I just know it goes to a restaurant when I dial.”“Bastard.” My friend and old coworker, Janessa Parker, makes noises in her throat. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”“It’s not even his fault. We weren’t looking for anything in that place.” Except I thought there was a connection there, our souls intertwining as sex became much more than sex. He said it, too, eager to meet up with me another time after giving me his number. What a loser I am for believing him. “And he wore a condom. It’s just terrible luck on my end.”“Still, this is as much his luck as yours. His responsibility, too.”I take a deep breath, then shudder it out. Then I tremble all over as I look my friend in the eye, te
If only she knew.Thankfully, the topic shifts and I no longer have to think about Dr. Grump.They weren't kidding with what they said about him. I always thought reputations were built on a smidgen of truth and a lot of exaggeration, but apparently, I was wrong."Miss Davis, when I ask you to bring me a file, you're supposed to bring all the files connected to it. Otherwise, what's the point of me reading an incomplete one?"I freeze, glancing at the folder in his hand before I note the frown on his lips. Grump, like they said. Then my body snaps into motion as I hurry to get the other files, frantically looking in the still-not-sorted pile until I find them."I'm sorry, Dr. Jennings. Here they are."He frowns at me, then takes the files. It feels like passing over a hurdle, but it's not the only hurdle."The files should be by order of date and how they're dealt with, not alphabetical.""Right away, Dr. Jennings. I'll reorganize them.""I need everything on the table thirty minutes
LukeThe clack of the keyboard on the other table is soft and shouldn't bother me, but it does. Maybe it's because I know who's typing and what she looks like today, with her hair in a loose braid and the added liner that highlights her green eyes. Maybe it's because, despite how many times I've tried to nitpick everything as she accused me of, she retaliates by doing such a good job that even the perfectionist inside me is impressed.Or maybe it's because I'm ashamed of how I'm acting while still annoyed with how aloof and cold she is.At the next firmer press of the keyboard button, I glance up and catch the satisfied smirk playing on her lips as she looks at her computer. It's so reminiscent of the triumphant look she gave me long ago that my body responds before I can control it. I look away immediately, my jaw clenching as I try not to look again.I don't have patients today, but I have a lot of case studies to review after surgery supervision. The surgeries took most of my morni
Olivia“This is completely unprofessional. We’ve scheduled this checkup for days, and he should be here on time.”Bryan Wells looks at me like it’s my fault, his scowl darkening his features. I don’t know what to say. I’ve already informed him that Luke’s in the middle of an emergency surgery and it’s running longer than anticipated due to some complications—and we already informed Bryan this morning, too, which makes this the second time.I clear my throat and try again.“I’m sorry about this, Mr. Wells. We didn’t expect Dr. Jennings to handle a surgery today, but it can’t be postponed. Rest assured, though, that he will cater to you first thing as soon as the new appointment is set. If you could kindly tell me when you are available again?—”“I’m available now. I came here expecting the checkup now.”I pause. “This morning, we sent you an email informing you about the situation and?—”“Are you his secretary?”I blink, not missing the condescending tone. My shoulders stiffen, but I k
I nod, not about to tell her that I'm confident there will be. I can see the clear enjoyment on her face as we stroll toward the flowers, which are even more beautiful up close. When the breeze picks up and she shivers, I remove my coat and place it over her shoulders, then openly appreciate her dress."You know what my new favorite is?"Olivia sends me a curious look. "What?"I wink. "Black dresses. Specifically, you in them."She laughs hard, and it's the most melodic sound there is. I rub her shoulders to add an extra layer of warmth, but really, it's just an excuse to pull her closer to me.And when she doesn't protest, I can't think of a more perfect date than this.When I walk Olivia to her doorstep, I thank her for spending the night with me and for giving me a chance. Her smile turns shy."I should be the one thanking you, Luke. You made so much effort and I like how we spent the date.""You do?""Yeah. It was pretty amazing."I can't help but agree. Then I can't help looking
Luke"I'm not going to lie, I was expecting you to go a different route. You know, the typical fancy dinner in a fancy restaurant, with you showing off your knowledge of wines and some menu that I can't even pronounce."Olivia's tone is laced with humor, and I can't help but laugh. Then I shake my head as I guide her inside the movie theater, where the carpets are lush, and the most lit area is the concession stand."To be fair, I've taken most of my dates to fancy restaurants, but I want it to be different for us."Curiosity shines in her eyes as she looks around before we stop at the concession stand. It's a long area filled with glass displays of goods and a menu on the wall. I wait for her to read everything."Wait...shouldn't they just offer stuff like popcorn, candies, and soda? They have quite a variety of food." She then glances from side to side. "And where is everyone?"I bite back a grin. "Don't be mad, but I kind of rented the whole place for the night so we could have it
My skin buzzes at the sound of his deep voice. I have a second to wonder if it's my imagination before I glance toward the door where Luke is standing.In the flesh. Looking so good that it hurts.At my lack of response, he cautiously slips in and closes the door with a lock clicking, shutting us out from the rest of the world. My heart picks up speed as his gaze roams over me, then settles on my face. I swallow and finally push down my speechlessness."Luke...what are you doing here?"He's silent for a while as he just looks at me. Then he clears his throat."I saw you earlier. Wearing that...looking like that. You took my breath away, but you were gone just as quickly."The way he says it...I can hear his longing. The smile from earlier is gone, replaced by a desire glimmering deep in his gaze. There's a triumphant feeling inside me that he never looked at the gorgeous woman in white this way, but it's immediately smothered by the knowledge that they're still a much better pairing t
Olivia"Hey, Liv! I'm glad you could make it!"I grin at Wanda, who's already with Maria and Jasper when I find her. The three make a beeline toward me, giving me hugs before they take in what I'm wearing. A round of oohs and aahs come, and my cheeks heat up."Come on, guys. I just got this from a thrift shop. And it's basic black."The event was announced long ago: a small charity party with the doctors, the staff, and some of the hospital's major sponsors in attendance, held at the largest conference room. It didn't sink into my mind that it would be a semi-formal event or that it would fall on my day off until yesterday, but the black dress that has always been in my closet is a lifesaver.Medical assistants are not obligated to go, but the director wants us to. Nurses don't have to, but Maria and Jasper are free and said they wouldn't miss getting all glamoured up for the world.Maria rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Sweetheart, if I looked like that in black, I would wear it every
I nod. "Yeah. For when the software has some technical problems and someone has questions about how to use the device."Henry shakes their hands, including Riley's. A seasoned veteran of life, he's friendly, outgoing, and pretty much will shake anyone's hand, which makes him perfect for his department. "Pleased to meet you both. Luke hasn't brought a lot of guests here, so it's good to see some new faces. Are you customers of the product? Or perhaps you're a new member of the team?" He beams at Riley. "And who's this sweetheart?"I look at Olivia, unsure how to play this. But before I can answer, Riley speaks first."I'm Luke's daughter."It's like a bomb dropping-at least, it feels that way to me and Olivia, if her wide eyes and stupefied expression are any indication. My head whips toward Riley, who is smiling at Henry, with Henry eyeing her curiously."You are?"She nods. "Luke is my dad." Then she turns to me. "You're my dad, aren't you?"Color me stunned and rendered speechless.
LukeBeing in Olivia’s house again after taking her so thoroughly a week ago feels more intimate than I anticipated, but it’s also exciting. It’s my third playdate with Riley, who doesn’t have movie-watching in mind this time.“I still have homework, Luke, and I should finish it today.”“Oh. Do you want help with it?”“No. I want to do my homework by myself. Mom says to ask for help if I’m confused, but I’m not confused.”It’s another way of saying she’s independent, which amuses me as I follow her to a room that her mom made into her homework area. The small table is already littered with books, crayons, and the like. I watch Riley start coloring before I gingerly sit on the stool beside her.Immediately, she giggles. “You’re too big for the chair, Luke.”I grin. “It’s okay. I just want to watch you.”She finishes coloring and starts on some math problems. I wait for her to ask for help. But she doesn’t. Realizing my presence might be a detriment more than anything, I carefully stand
I curl my hand inward until his head tilts just a little bit to rest on it. Luke emits a longer sigh, his weariness visible. But he doesn't even care about that.The guy who acts out in front of everyone, sometimes even to patients, has a good heart. I've seen glimpses of it throughout our interactions and the way he treats Riley, but I guess I've been holding back from fully seeing this side of him. He's also just human-the type who, at the end of the day, feels for his patients and gets affected by their condition no matter how hard he tries to separate himself from them.It's this understanding that propels me forward until I'm no longer just cupping his cheek but hugging him, too. I can sense his surprise from his sudden tension, but it's gone in a blink as his arms wrap around me. I know I'm the one comforting him, but the warmth he emits is a source of comfort for me, too."Liv...what is this?"His voice is gruff and just a little bit confused."I just thought you needed a hug."
OliviaI pace the office, done with work, and find myself stuck with nothing to do. I’m sure many people would kill for that problem, but without anything to do, my mind can’t help running a mile a minute as I wait for the person I need to speak with the most.I jump at the knock on the door, then turn to Wanda as she peeks in.“Hey. Wanna get some of that fresh bread down the street before we head home?”I force a smile out. “Sounds great, but I’ll have to pass. I’m staying for a bit.”“Isn’t it past your work hours?”“Yes, but I need to check in with Dr. Jennings about the surgery progress. It’s easier to record everything now than tomorrow.”She shakes her head and mutters about me working too hard, then waves and leaves. I glance at the clock. I should be going home, but it’s one of those lucky days where Nancy asked to stay longer since she needs the extra cash.But as it turns out, I don’t have to wait long as Luke walks in a few minutes later, already scrubbed down.I already h