Читать книгу Nyc Angels & Gold Coast Angels Collection - Lynne Marshall - Страница 50

AFTER MOLLY SHOT DOWN his invitation before he could even ask her to go with him, Dan wasn’t exactly looking forward to Jack Carter’s going-away party, but as the event would be doubling as a fund-raiser for Nina’s pro bono clinic, he told himself that it was all for a good cause.

Molly seemed to be back to her friendly self by Friday, and it had taken everything he had not to ask her out again, this time for Saturday night.

He sensed there was more holding her back than just the fact that he was the father of her young patient. Molly was bright and cheerful most of the time, but there were the occasional moments when she seemed a little sad. He thought about what his partner had said, about Molly breaking up with her boyfriend about a year ago, and found himself wondering what had happened. Had she broken things off? Or was she still in love with the loser?

The very thought of her being in love with someone else made him feel sick to his stomach. By all rights he should want Molly to be happy, yet somehow he only wanted her to be happy with him.

And Josh.

He donned his tux, which he’d had to dig out of the back of his closet, eyeing himself critically in the mirror. He’d asked Gemma to stay overnight in order to watch Josh, something he hadn’t needed her to do since he’d taken his leave of absence from the hospital. Normally, Gemma only stayed overnight on the weeknights and weekends he was on call.

Luckily, she hadn’t said anything about the fact that he was spending the time going out rather than working.

“Don’t go, Daddy,” Josh whined. “Stay home with me.”

He paused in the act of drawing on his jacket. This was the first time Josh had ever asked him to stay home. The first time his son had indicated he might prefer his father’s company over that of his nanny.

“I love you, Josh,” he said, coming over to crouch down next to Josh’s wheelchair. “More than anything in the whole wide world.”

“I love you, too, Daddy.” Josh leaned against him, burying his face in his father’s chest.

Dan kissed the top of his son’s head, his heart swelling with emotion. He considered calling off his plans. It wasn’t as if anyone would really miss him if he didn’t show up.

“How about I stay here until it’s time for you to go to sleep?” he said, trying to compromise. “We can read another book.”

“Really?” Josh visibly brightened. “That would be awesome.”

“Really.” He followed as his son wheeled himself into his bedroom. He knew the party would start without him. And he’d only be a little late.

His son was far more important. Seeing the progress Josh was making helped ease his guilt for having been distracted the night of the crash. He was beginning to believe Josh really would walk again.

Now, for the first time in a long time, he had his priorities straight.

Molly paid the taxi fare and then walked into the Ritz Carlton Hotel. For several long moments she stood in the opulent lobby, gazing at the impressive high-domed ceilings and ornate white woodwork trimmed with gold as she waited for Kara to arrive. She smoothed a hand down her slinky green dress, and smiled as a couple walked by, wondering for the tenth time if the gown was too revealing. Not that it was extremely low cut or anything, but the way the fabric clung to every curve didn’t leave much to the imagination.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, glancing down at her watch. It was barely eight o’clock, so it wasn’t as if Kara was late. But she couldn’t help feeling conspicuous, standing here alone.

A tall, handsome man with jet-black hair walked into the lobby, talking on his phone. “Hi, Callie, how is life in the great Down Under?”

Molly recognized him as Alex Rodriguez, one of the top neurosurgeons on staff at Angels. She turned away, trying not to eavesdrop on his conversation, although he wasn’t exactly trying to be quiet. She noticed several other heads had turned in his direction, as well.

“I’m glad you’re doing better, because I’m not,” he said curtly. “Can you believe Layla Woods has been appointed as the new chief of Pediatrics? Seems no matter how hard I try to move on with my life, that woman keeps popping back into it.”

Molly moved a few steps away, even though Dr. Rodriguez had certainly captured her attention. Apparently not everyone was thrilled to have a female in charge of the pediatric division. Was there some personal history between him and Layla? She didn’t often pay attention to the hospital grapevine.

“Don’t get involved?” Alex let out a harsh, humorless laugh. “Yeah, thanks for the warning, Callie. You and I are way too much alike, so I’ll say the same right back at you.”

There was another pause as he listened to something Callie said. “Thanks for the invite, but I’m not running away. Especially not from a woman.”

Just as Alex Rodriguez finished his call, Kara walked in, looking very glamorous in a midnight-blue dress that displayed her slim figure to full advantage. Molly quickly crossed over to greet her. “Wow, Kara, you look amazing!”

Kara laughed and hugged her. “So do you, Molly.”

“Maybe, but I think a certain doctor is going to be shocked when he catches a glimpse of you,” she teased.

“From your lips to his ears,” Kara said with a laugh. “And if he doesn’t notice me, hopefully someone else will. So, are you ready to head up there?”

Molly took a deep breath and nodded, telling herself she needed to mirror Kara’s attitude. “I’m ready if you are.”

They took the grand curving staircase up to the main ballroom. A waiter greeted them at the doorway, holding a tray of drinks. Molly and Kara both helped themselves to glasses of sparkling champagne.

“This is the life,” Kara murmured. “I see David is here, over by the bar.”

“Maybe you should wander over?” she suggested.

“Maybe in a bit,” Kara said. “This place is amazing, isn’t it?”

“Absolutely.” Sipping her champagne, Molly gazed out over the audience, quickly verifying that Dan wasn’t among the mingling crowd. Not that she’d expected him to be here. She knew he was likely to be at home, spending time with Josh.

“I’ve heard Jack normally doesn’t flaunt his wealth, but he and Nina are using this party as a way to collect donations for her pro bono clinic,” Kara continued, filling her in on the latest gossip.

“I’d be happy to donate,” Molly murmured. She’d gotten the emerald-green floor-length gown at a steeply reduced price, so she had a little extra money to spare.

“Let’s go say hello to the guest of honor,” Kara murmured, drawing Molly toward the large group gathered in the center of the ballroom. Kara was far more outgoing than she was, and she often wished she had the same confidence.

After signing the pledge card to donate funds for the clinic, she smiled and chatted with the other guests, feeling a little like a fraud. This wasn’t the type of place she normally hung out at. No, she was far more at home eating pizza at places like Fun and Games.

She caught sight of a familiar dark-haired woman in the crowd and stopped dead in her tracks. Sally? Was that really her sister, Sally, standing there with her fiancé?

Before she could turn away, Sally glanced over and saw her. There was momentary confusion on her face before recognition dawned. Instantly, Sally took her fiancé’s arm and dragged him over to where Molly was standing.

“Molly! What a surprise to see you here!” Her sister gave her a quick hug before turning toward her fiancé. “Mike, you remember my sister, Molly, don’t you?”

“Of course. How are you, Molly?” Mike asked.

She forced a smile to her face, trying not to point out that the last time they’d talked had been three months ago, at Christmas. “I’m fine, doing great. Busy at work as usual.”

“Yeah, Sally’s been busy at work, too,” Mike said. She wasn’t surprised, as Sally worked on the orthopedic floor as a nurse. “Angel’s is always hopping, that’s for sure.”

“Molly, guess what?” Sally gushed. “Mike and I are officially engaged!”

She didn’t let on that she’d already seen the engagement notice in the paper. “Really? Oh, Sally, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for both of you.”

“Thanks.” Sally held out her hand, and Molly oohed and ahhed over the sparkling diamond.

“He totally surprised me, didn’t you, Mike?” Sally said with a laugh. “Not that I’m complaining or anything.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet. Congratulations to both of you,” Molly said, meaning every word. Even though they hadn’t included her when they’d first gotten engaged, she was truly thrilled for them. Her sister deserved to be happy.

“Thanks, Molly. We had the best Valentine’s Day ever, didn’t we, darling?” Sally linked her arm with Mike’s. “Oh, look, there’s Aaron Carmichael. Come on, Mike, I’ll introduce you. See you later, Molly,” her sister tossed over her shoulder, before dragging her intended away.

For a long moment Molly couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. Valentine’s Day? Sally and Mike had gotten engaged on Valentine’s Day? Almost a month ago?

And no one had called her? Not even her parents?

Tears burned her eyes and she spun round and hurried out of the ballroom, intending to seek privacy in the ladies’ room. But in her hurry to escape she plowed into a broad chest. “Excuse me,” she murmured, trying to pull away.

But strong hands gripped her shoulders. “Molly? What is it? What’s wrong?”

Belatedly, she recognized Dan’s voice and his familiar musky scent. In some part of her mind she was surprised he was there, but at the same time she was too upset to wonder about that. And when he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, she closed her eyes against the tears and rested her forehead against his chest.

“Shh, it’s okay. Whatever happened, I’m sure it will be okay,” he murmured.

She wished she believed him, but she knew firsthand there was no way to make someone love you. To care about you. She was so steeped in her misery she barely noticed when he led her away to a small private alcove out of range from prying eyes.

Dan had nearly swallowed his tongue when he’d entered the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton and seen Molly dressed in a figure-hugging emerald-green dress, revealing curves he’d only dreamed about.

But then he’d realized she was crying and he’d immediately scowled, searching for the person who’d upset her. He figured it was the guy who’d broken things off with her last year.

The jerk.

Although he was glad the jerk was a jerk because otherwise she wouldn’t be available. Just then she’d barreled into his chest and he’d caught her close, more than willing to hold her in his arms.

Although he wished she was here for some other reason than the fact that she was struggling not to cry. After Suzy, he’d avoided women’s tears like the plague. After all, his ex had turned them on and off at will, using them like a weapon.

But Molly’s tears were different. For one thing, she was hiding them from him, as if she was embarrassed. And for another he could feel her body tense, deep breaths shuddering through her as she struggled to get herself back in control.

“I’m sorry I got your tux wet,” she whispered, pulling away and sniffling loudly. She brushed her hand over his suit, as if to wipe away the evidence of her tears.

“I couldn’t care less about the tux, Molly,” he chided softly. He used his thumbs to wipe the dampness from her cheeks. “I hate seeing you so upset.”

She tried to smile, although he didn’t have the heart to tell her it was a pathetic attempt at best. She straightened and glanced around. “Where’s the bathroom? I need to fix my face.”

There was nothing wrong with her face that he could see. “Molly, you look beautiful, as always. But if you really need to go into the ladies’ room, it’s across the hallway.”

“Thanks.” This time her smile was genuine as she touched his arm lightly. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, okay?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he promised before she hurried away.

And he didn’t move, not even an inch, until he saw her emerge from the bathroom a few minutes later. As before, she took his breath away, only now she was truly radiant as she smiled and nodded at a couple walking past.

His mouth went dry as she approached and he was glad to see that all evidence of her brief crying jag had vanished from her face. Except for the hint of sadness shadowing her eyes.

“I lost my glass of champagne,” she announced. “How about we go in and find one of those cute waiters carrying trays filled with glasses?”

He chuckled and took her hand in his so they could stroll back into the ballroom side by side. “Far be it for me to stand in the way of you and a glass of champagne.”

They found a waiter without too much trouble and Dan picked up two glasses, handing one to Molly. “Here you go. Did you come alone tonight?” He was proud of his casual tone.

Molly took a big gulp of champagne and shook her head. “No, I met up with my friend Kara Holmes. She’s here, someplace.”

He frowned, trying to place the name. “Does she work at Angel’s, too?”

“Yes, she’s a nurse in the neonatal unit. She’s over by the bar, talking to one of the new doctors on staff.” Molly took another sip of her champagne, catching his gaze over the rim of her glass. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Of course not.”

“When you asked me if I had plans on Friday night …” She hesitated, then said, “Were you planning to come here all along?”

For some odd reason he wanted to grin. “Yes, I was planning to ask you to come with me tonight. And you shot me down before I even had a chance to ask.” When her expression fell, he hastened to reassure her. “But none of that matters as we’re both here now.” He was glad, very glad he hadn’t canceled out at the last minute.

“Yes, we are.”

Molly drained her champagne and was looking around for another waiter, so he quickly reached for her hand. “Come on, let’s dance.”

The band was playing a slow number, and he was grateful for the excuse to pull Molly back into his arms. She was several inches shorter than he was, even with her heels, yet somehow she managed to fit into his arms perfectly.

“Wow, you’re a great dancer,” Molly murmured, tipping her head back to look up at him.

It took every ounce of willpower not to lower his mouth to kiss her. He tried to remind himself that she deserved someone better than him, someone who knew how to laugh and love, but logic flew out the window when she gazed up at him like that.

As if she cared not about his money but about him. As a person, not a meal ticket.

He cleared his throat and tugged her close. “You’re a great dancer, too.”

When the song ended, she moved away and he reluctantly followed her over to the side of the room.

“Molly!” A dark-haired woman came rushing over. “Introduce us to your … friend.”

He sensed Molly stiffen beside him, but her smile didn’t waver. “Oh, sure. Sally and Mike, this is Dan Morris, one of the cardiothoracic surgeons at Angel’s. Dan, this is my sister, Sally Shriver, and her fiancé, Mike Drake.”

He made sure that none of his surprise that this woman was Sally’s sister showed on his face as he slid a casual arm around Molly’s waist. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Aren’t you going to ask why we don’t look anything like sisters?” Sally demanded with a slight slur to her voice. She staggered a bit and he sensed she’d already had several glasses of champagne.

“Hey, Sally, watch out there. Are you okay?” Mike stepped in to steady his fiancée. “Come on, honey, I think you need to eat something.”

“Good idea,” Dan murmured. “Molly, let’s dance again before we eat, okay?”

She acted as if she hadn’t heard him, and she didn’t say anything when Mike eased Sally toward the buffet table set up along the far side of the wall. She stared after them for several long moments, before blurting out, “The Shrivers adopted me when I was four years old.”

That explained the difference in their looks, but why did she seem so upset by that fact?

“Molly, look at me.” He waited until she turned to face him. “I don’t like the way your sister managed to upset you. Was she the reason you were crying earlier?”

When she nodded, he was glad to know she hadn’t been pining over her last boyfriend.

“I didn’t know you were adopted, but it’s not the end of the world, is it? Do you think something like that matters to me? I don’t understand why you look like you just lost your best friend. Do you think being adopted is something to be ashamed of?”

“No, I’m not ashamed,” she said slowly, her gaze thoughtful. “But it just occurred to me that maybe Sally is.”

“If so, that’s her problem, not yours.” Dan tried to keep the edge of anger out of his tone. “Besides, why would you listen to her when she’s half-drunk?”

“You’re right, she’s not herself. Although I guess I always hoped we’d be close friends.” Molly sighed and shook her head before she glanced up at him. “Never mind my sister. If you meant what you said a few minutes ago, I’d love to dance.”

As if he needed to be asked twice. “My pleasure.”

He escorted her onto the dance floor and pulled her into his arms. This time, instead of keeping a proper distance between them, she cuddled close, slipping her hand up and around his neck.

His pulse tripled as she pressed against him, her unique fragrance filling his head. For several long moments he could barely think, probably because all the blood in his body had headed south. But he wasn’t dreaming. Molly was really here with him. Because she wanted to be. Not because she was drunk, as he was pretty sure she’d only had the one glass of champagne. After seeing her sister staggering after her fiancé toward the buffet, she seemed to have lost her taste for bubbly.

He smoothed his hand down her back, thinking he would be content to spend the rest of the night like this. Dancing with Molly.

Holding her.

Kissing her.

When she lifted up her head to look at him, he wondered if she had the ability to read his thoughts because she rose up on tiptoe and pressed her sweet mouth against his.