Leaving the warmth of her bed so early was hard enough. Having Cole sprawled out naked and tempting made it nearly impossible. Sharma had a job to do and calling out wasn’t her style, but if there was a day she wanted to, it was now.
She couldn’t just sneak out and leave him without saying goodbye. Sitting at the table, she began jotting down what came to her mind. When she read the note back to herself she knew it was too much. It was all about how much she cared about him and what last night meant to her. How she couldn’t picture her life without him. She crumpled it and threw it in the trash.
Grabbing another sheet, she tried again. This time she thanked him for a good time last night. She couldn’t believe how impersonal it was. That one hit the wastebasket too.
One last time. This time she closed her eyes and let the words flow. “Missing you.” It was so simple but exactly how she felt the moment she left his side. She left it out on the table so he couldn’t miss it then headed to work.
There was no time to stop for coffee, not that she wanted to after her embarrassing exchange yesterday. It sure as heck was better than that donut.
“Something funny, Sharma?” one of the nurses asked as she walked into the ER.
She hadn’t realized she was laughing out loud. Rose was the only one who’d appreciate such a comment. There was no way Sharma was going to even try to explain it to anyone else. It was bad enough Rose knew that part of her personal life. She and the entire staff at the coffee shop.
“No. I’m just in a good mood, that’s all.”
“Hope it stays that way. HR left a message for you at the desk. They want to see you in their office at ten.” Sharma wasn’t worried. There probably was paperwork to fill out regarding her resignation. “Looks like you pissed someone off.”
Sharma walked past her and headed to the desk. She told herself she didn’t care what they thought. She was going to be in Quinton for only two more weeks. Let them talk.
That wasn’t all true. Words hurt more than she would admit. Their lack of acknowledgement of her, the newbie, even being there also troubled her. She was good at putting up a front, but that’s all it was. As far as she was concerned, she couldn’t get out of there and start the next chapter in her life fast enough. I don’t know yet what that is.
She was a planner, and this was so out of character for her. Sharma hadn’t told Rose she quit her job. It wasn’t that she was worried Rose wouldn’t understand; Rose was the kindest person she knew. She was embarrassed she acted without totally thinking things through. Just like last night.
Sharma didn’t regret a thing about what she and Cole shared last night. Amazing wasn’t even close to describing it. Cole was one heck of a lover, but it was something deeper than that. Emotionally she connected to him as if their hearts were speaking to each other. Two hearts beating as one.
She wasn’t a romantic, but that was exactly how she felt when she thought of Cole. Sharma needed to shake those thoughts off right now. Although the ER was quiet at the moment, it could change in a blink of an eye, and she wanted to be focused. Not dreaming about where I wish I was. Back in Cole’s arms.
Sharma sat at the nurses station, her eyes burning from lack of sleep. It was becoming a habit since she met Cole. Sleep was overrated as far as she was concerned.
The phone rang and she picked it up. “ER, this is Sharma speaking.”
“We were expecting you in our office at ten.”
Sharma looked at the clock. She’d totally forgotten. “Sorry. I’m on my way.”
She let one of the other nurses know that she’d be unavailable for a short time and rushed up to HR. When she got inside one of the security guards was there. She couldn’t help but think that was a bit odd but there were a lot of things that seemed odd there.
“I’m really sorry I’m late.”
The woman said in a firm tone, “Please sit down.”
It had been years since anyone had used that tone with her, and Sharma knew she was about to get scolded. It was almost comical because they were all professionals. Or so I’d hope.
“We wanted to speak to you about your employment.”
“Yes, I know. I gave my notice yesterday.”
“You did. And we appreciate you are willing to work two weeks as per your contract, however we are ending your employment immediately.”
Sharma was shocked at that. If anything she anticipated them asking for more time since they were short-staffed already. “You’re letting me go now? Why? My performance has been good.”
“This is not about your performance.”
“Then what is it about?”
The woman turn her eyes away as she said, “The company you choose to keep.”
Sharma couldn’t believe it. They were firing her because of Cole. “You’re not serious, are you?”
The woman waved to the security guard who came and stood next to Sharma. “Yes, I am. Your badge, please.”
Sharma stood and handed the badge to the woman and said, “I don’t think I need an escort.”
“We believe otherwise.”
She left the office with the security guard following right behind her. “My keys and phone are at the nurses station downstairs.”
“They have been retrieved and will be given to you once we are at your vehicle.”
As they made their way through the building, she could hear the soft chatter of the other staff. They were staring at her and some even shaking their heads. One had the nerve to say Sharma was sleeping with the enemy. She wanted to spin around and tell them where they could all go but she didn’t. They were all consumed by anger about the old hospital being torn down and weren’t thinking rationally. It wasn’t as though these people were heartless. It actually was the opposite.
Sucking it up she held her head high and walked out of the building with a smile on her face. It was too bad it wasn’t reflecting to her heart.
The guard gave her the belongings they’d collected. “I’m really sorry about this, miss. It’s my job. Nothing personal.”
Sharma turned to him puzzled. “Don’t worry. Change can be a beautiful thing.”
The guard smiled at her and said, “I’m looking for that change myself. Do you think you can give your boyfriend my number? I would love to work security at the casino when it opens.”
She took the paper containing his information. “I’ll make sure he gets it.” Then she got into the car and headed back to her apartment. It wasn’t the day she expected, but it was the one she was dealt.
Once home she thought she’d find Cole there, but her apartment was vacant. She went to the kitchen and found the note she’d left him had been moved. At least he knows I was thinking of him. That didn’t mean she wasn’t disappointed he wasn’t there. She was tempted to text him and let him know she was home earlier than expected, but she really didn’t want to explain why. Something told her he’d be pissed off if he knew the truth, and she didn’t want to lie to him.
It was a beautiful day, and she didn’t want to spend it inside. She couldn’t remember the last time she was out of work and could actually do something fun. She wasn’t sure what that was going to be. The only place she ever walked was in the park. Then she remembered there was a place that rented bicycles between the park and the apple orchard. It was cold outside, but the sun was shining bright.
She quickly changed out of her uniform and put on a pair of jeans and a sweater, grabbed a jacket and hat, and headed out. When she arrived at the rental spot she found the cutest bike with a basket in the front. She handed the man twenty dollars to rent it for a few hours. Instead of going into the park she decided to go to the orchard. She might not have made time to smell the roses over the past few years, but she was determined to make time today to pick apples and maybe make Cole a fresh apple pie. Who am I kidding? I’m not sure if my oven even works.
It wasn’t that she didn’t know how to cook. Living alone, it made no sense. Thinking about doing something like a home-cooked meal for the two of them warmed her chilly bones. As she picked a combination of Gala and Granny Smith apples she ran through a list of other things she’d need to pick up on the way home. She could die of embarrassment just picturing what Cole thought when he looked for something to eat before leaving. No wonder he didn’t stay. Mice would starve to death in my apartment.
Once her basket was full she decided to take a quick ride through the park. She received a text from Cole. Dinner?
She smiled, knowing he was thinking of her. Yes. I’ll cook. She knew that meant a much longer grocery list than she first considered, but she really wanted to do this . . . not just for him, but for herself too.
Where are you?
She thought that was odd; she should’ve been at work at this time. At the park.
Wait for me by our bench.
Our bench. That had a nice ring to it. Okay. She was all the way on the other side but on a bike it wouldn’t take too long. She slipped the phone back into her pocket and turned her bike around. When she arrived no one was there. She had no clue where he was when he texted her. Actually, I have no idea where you stay. She was sure it wasn’t any place like where she lived.
She couldn’t believe she had him in her house last night. From what she knew about Cole Wright, he was rich and powerful like Trent Davis. What someone like him wanted with someone like her was beyond her. He could have anyone he wanted. There was no way he could possibly want her. At best I’m a short term distraction.
If she didn’t have feelings for him, then maybe she’d be okay with enjoying the here and now with him. But that would only cause her some serious heartache. What am I doing? Why tell him I’ll cook? I don’t want him at my place again. He probably wants to go someplace fancy with good food. So far their dates had included casual places, and he must’ve hated them.
She heard the dog bark long before she saw either of them. Bear was half pulling Cole down the path to where she stood with her bike. Sharma wasn’t sure if Bear broke free or if Cole let go of the leash, but the dog bolted in her direction. She dropped to one knee and called out to him. Bear ran full speed to her, and instead of stopping, he plowed her over onto her backside. Bear was excitedly licking her hands and tried to lick her face. Sharma turned away laughing and said, “Yeah Bear, I’m happy to see you too.”
A second later Cole was pulling him off her. “Bear what the heck has gotten into you?” Cole reached a hand out to her to help her up. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
She could see the concern in his eyes as he looked her over. “No. I think he couldn’t stop because he slipped on the leaves on the ground.”
Cole arched a brow. “You’re making excuses for my dog’s bad behavior?”
Sharma chuckled. “He’s too cute for me to be angry.” She bent down and gave him a scratch behind his ear. Bear leaned his head into her hand for more. “See, he loves me.”
“He’s not the only one.”
Sharma stopped petting Bear and shot Cole a look. “What did you say?” She knew there was no way she’d heard him correctly.
If she thought he’d repeat the words she was wrong. Instead he asked, “Why aren’t you working?”
She didn’t want to answer that any more than he wanted to repeat his comment. She pointed to the basket filled with apples. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“You blew off work to pick apples? That doesn’t sound like you.”
Even though they hadn’t known each other long, they’d spent enough time talking to get a feel of each other’s character. He was right. That wasn’t her. Lying wasn’t either. “I’m no longer employed. So with the time off, I figured I’d do something fun.”
Cole obviously was surprised by her announcement. “What happened?”
She wasn’t going to tell him she was fired because of him. Yet she had to tell him something. “We didn’t see eye to eye, and it was better we parted ways.”
“I spoke to Trent. You’re a damn good nurse. They’d be crazy to let you go.”
“Then crazy they are, because they terminated me today.” She could see the anger building in Cole. She reached out and touched his arm. “But don’t worry, I’d given them my notice of resignation before they fired me.”
“So you quit?”
“Technically, yes I did.” That was providing him the truth without making a hostile situation. She knew things were just cooling off between him and the protestors. The last thing their relationship needed was a wedge. And that’s what this would’ve been. Relationship? What’s wrong with me? We’re just . . . There wasn’t a word coming to her that fit.
“Good, because they really wouldn’t like me if I showed up there.”
Oh, I bet. “Well no reason to now.”
“You’re making dinner. From what I see can I expect dessert?” The last word was filled with a sexual innuendo.
Smiling, she said, “Maybe we can skip dinner altogether.”
He pulled her into his arms and said, “I like the way you think. But I’m hungry. I’m not sure if you noticed, but you don’t have any food at your house.”
She blushed. “I know. I’m sorry. I keep meaning to go shopping but never do.”
“So why don’t we eat out tonight and tomorrow we shop?”
That sounded lovely, but he was planning on tomorrow, and they hadn’t discussed anything about today. “I don’t want to get too much as I’m not going to be staying in Quinton long. I need to find a new job. Since this is the only hospital here, I figure I better relocate.”
She was worried he’d hop all over her with a bunch more questions. But he didn’t. Instead he said the same words that she’d given to the security guard. “Change can be a beautiful thing.” Right then her heart melted all over again. Sharma stepped into his arms and hugged him tightly. “Not that I’m not enjoying holding you, but what’s this hug for?”
She didn’t let go. “Just for being you.”
Cole stepped back and looked down at her with a puzzled look on his face. “That usually isn’t a good thing.”
“To me it is. I don’t care how others view you, Cole. That’s how I do.”
“You’ve piqued my interest. How do you view me, Sharma?”
She was sorry she brought that up. There were so many things she liked about him, but there was no need to stroke his ego by telling him. That didn’t mean she could get away without saying something. Humor might help. “You’re tall.”
He waited as though there was more to come. When he figured that was it he laughed and said, “I bet your list would’ve been longer if I’d asked you about Bear.”
Sharma couldn’t contain herself. “Well he does have the most amazing chocolate eyes. Totally irresistible.”
Cole reached out and put a finger under her chin, making her look at him instead of at his dog. “I’d rather look at yours any day. Sharma, do you know how amazing you are?” She swallowed hard and shook her head. “You’ve got me all tangled up in knots. I have no idea where we go from here, but I know I don’t want this to end.”
“What are you saying, Cole?” Her heart was racing, and she felt as though she couldn’t catch her breath.
“That I think we both need change. I’ve been living a life I never realized was lonely until I met you. Only then did I know there was something missing.”
“What is that?”
“I’m not good with this kind of stuff, Sharma. All I know is that thinking about you not being part of my life is suffocating. We have a lot to learn about each other, but since you’re no longer employed, and I’m between projects, I was wondering if you might consider spending some time with me and Bear while we get to know each other better.”
She looked in his eyes and saw the man who’d come to her last night. The one who had always treated her with tenderness. The man who the nurses and the news spoke about was foreign to her. This was the only one she needed to know. The real man. “I’d like that Cole.”
He reached behind his back and pulled out a box he must’ve had tucked away. When he handed it to her he said, “I thought you’d like this.”
She took the box and opened it slowly. She had no idea what a man of his stature might have gotten her. There was pink tissue paper covering it. Sharma looked up at him again before removing the paper. “Cole, you didn’t need to get me anything.”
“I know, but I wanted to. I’ve never actually shopped for someone myself, but doing so for you, sweetheart, was a treat. You’re my sweet treat.” He winked at her.
“Your treat?”
He shrugged. “What’s the matter?”
“Me? The billionaire’s treat? Why me?”
He cupped her face in his hands and said, “Simple. Because you stole my heart. And before you, I never knew I had one.”
Her eyes welled up; until now she’d felt her heart had closed for good.
“Now open your gift.”
She moved the pink paper with no idea what he had gotten for her. Inside she saw a paper all wrinkled up. When she looked closely it was the first note she’d written him this morning before she went to work. It was her telling him how she loved him. She didn’t need to read the letter that had come from her heart. “What is this?”
“Your gift is underneath that beautiful love letter you wrote me.”
She moved her letter and underneath she found a legal document. Sharma scanned it but wasn’t sure what she was reading. “I don’t know what this is?”
“It’s the deed to the location where the old hospital was.”
“And you’re giving this to me why?”
“I knew I was going to build a casino there. Now I’m not sure that’s what belongs in Quinton. It was a place of healing for so many before us. I thought maybe you’d be a better person to decide what it should be next.”
She looked at the form again. “You’re asking my help to build something?”
“No. I’m giving this to you. When you decide what you want there, I’ll help you build it.”
“You’re crazy; you know that, right?”
He pulled her into her arms and lifted her off the ground. “Crazy for you, sweetheart. So, what do you say? Want to run away with me and Bear for a month while you think about your next adventure?”
“A day, a week, a month or—”
“Forever.”
“Or forever. I don’t care where we go, as long as we go together.”
Cole squeezed her tightly, and she almost told him not to break her ribs, but being in his arms was a slice of heaven. When his lips claimed hers, the world disappeared. All except for Bear, who didn’t want to be left out. He jumped up making sure they knew it was a package deal.
“I love you, Sharma.”
“I love you too, Cole.”
“Tell me you really don’t have your heart set on cooking tonight.”
“Just dessert.”
When he claimed her lips again she knew they were both right. Change could be beautiful when it was with the right person. She thought she had met and lost her true love years ago. She was so wrong. Cole, you are my Mr. Wright.