The Mountain Doctor: A Steamy Medical Romance Read online

  Briefly, I thought of the work I’d be doing this summer. I was looking forward to the charity work with my partners and a consortium of other doctors to help children with deformities. We did this work three times a year and it was one of the ways I felt like I could stay in touch with the good human being I knew I was. The person deep inside that most people didn’t see. The man I didn’t let them see.

  I met with patients all morning until lunch. I was just sneaking back to my office when I saw Nora enter Eric’s office.

  “Hey there,” I called out as she smiled at me. “What brings you here?”

  “We’re having lunch. Want to join us?” She asked sweetly, her soft green eyes brightening.

  “Sure,” I replied as I went on to grab my wallet. We left out the back door and walked to a deli Eric favored, chatting about the wedding as we ate our sandwiches. I watched them sitting together, constantly touching and sharing long looks. I’d never seen my brother this into a woman before. They were meant for each other.

  I wondered if I’d ever be ready for something like it. I only worked and went to the gym most of the time, with a few hookups here and there. It was never serious, and I avoided women who wanted more.

  I was still annoyed at Kelly for trying to call so much this weekend. She just didn’t take the hint. I’d probably have to have that conversation with her and that ticked me off even more. I shouldn’t have to spell it out. I’d also have to be a little more upfront with the next one so this sort of thing didn’t happen again.

  5

  Olivia

  I looked into the mirror and smoothed my pencil skirt. I’d paired it with a white, silk blouse. Very professional and no-nonsense. I was pleased as I pulled on the matching jacket and admired my new pair of Louboutins. I was ready for my meeting with Dr. Hampton and grabbed my purse as I left my room.

  I called my assistant and checked in just to make sure nothing was blowing up while I was out of the office. Brandy assured me all was well, and I drummed my fingers on the kitchen counter as I ended the call and thought about the possibilities. My boss was in the loop with my plan, and I knew if I pulled it off, I’d be the shining star.

  Sighing, I filled an insulated mug with my favorite dark roast to take with me, knowing I’d need the caffeine. I really wanted this deal to work out. I didn’t necessarily need it, but I wanted it. There was a big difference. I chuckled. This deal. It wasn’t even a deal yet. Dr. Hampton didn’t even know I’d be seeing him today. My move was either bold and ballsy or presumptuous and doomed.

  Adding half and half to my coffee, I took a sip and then put the lid on my mug. I looked around the kitchen and smiled. Then I blew out my breath as I gave myself another silent pep talk. My home was my cocoon and I briefly hoped I didn’t have to retreat here later tonight to lick my wounds.

  My cottage was small but cozy with a rustic fireplace. I’d added a TV and a sectional sofa with a low coffee table, making it my favorite place to relax. The kitchen wasn’t big, but it worked for me. I loved my little house dearly.

  I needed to get a move on and went into the small garage that barely held my SUV. I got in and raised the door with the remote and looked at the snow in my rearview mirror. It was just a little more than a dusting, so I didn’t have to worry about getting out of my driveway safely.

  I’d grabbed my coat and scarf but shivered despite the preparation. The garage wasn’t heated, and it was cold in the car.

  The engine started smoothly, and I let it warm up for just a moment. I sipped my coffee and turned up the song playing through the speakers. I felt nervous about my meeting, but the song helped relax me.

  The idea I was planning to pitch to Dr. Hampton would be a good move for both of us. Once I felt like I was ready to drive, I backed the car out of my driveway. Damn, I hoped he would agree with my proposal.

  My heart sped up as I headed into town. I was pumped about going through my collaboration strategy with him, but I was also intrigued by him. There was no denying he was one of the most gorgeous men I’d ever seen, but it was more than that for me. I hadn’t been able to get him out of my mind.

  He was a jerk, though. It was so disappointing that a man who seemed to have everything going for him treated others so poorly. I sensed that possibly something else had been bothering him that day, and I was the one who got the brunt of his anger. I’d never know if that was the truth or not, though. His nasty attitude when we first met didn’t mean we couldn’t work together. Once I roped him into the idea, we wouldn’t be working that closely together, anyway.

  At least, I hoped that’s how it would all come together.

  I looked around the well-known resort village, driving down Main Street and through the heart of town. I continued following the directions from my GPS to Brush Creek Road. My turn off would be coming up soon on the right. Finally, I was pulling up to a large, modern building.

  It had a great view of the mountains, offering a reminder of the beauty surrounding them. The modern building sat alone and away from all the tourist action so it didn’t stand out as odd or out of place. I imagined patients could enjoy the surroundings if they needed to focus on something other than their procedures.

  I checked my face and touched up my pale coral lipstick before getting out of my car. I’d taken extra care with my makeup this morning. It was important that I look pulled together and professional. I wanted to look good and I hoped I’d have an edge.

  When we met, he’d had the power from the start in his fitted suit and intimidating stance. I was sure I could match him today. I grabbed my leather portfolio, slipped my keys in the zipper pocket, and headed to the front entrance. The lobby was welcoming in cream and burgundy colors, but not exactly what I’d expected. A little outdated.

  I approached the brunette receptionist with a confident smile. I decided it was in my favor to start off with friendly confidence. “Good morning,” I greeted her, stopped at the counter.

  “Good morning. Are you a new patient?”

  “No. I have an appointment with Dr. Hampton. I’m not a patient, though.” My smile went away as I bit my bottom lip in anticipation.

  Without a flinch, she nodded. “What’s your name?”

  “I’m Olivia Sanders.”

  “Which company?” She raised an eyebrow making me think most people with professional appointments didn’t have to be prompted to share their company name.

  “Oh, of course. I’m from the Rocky Ridge Resort. Lodge and spa. We have a really nice spa.” What was the matter with me? I didn’t need to convince the receptionist I belonged here. Did I?

  She smiled and nodded. “Great. I’ll let him know you’re here. Have a seat and I’ll let you know when he’s ready.”

  “Thank you very much.”

  I took a seat across from an obviously wealthy woman in leopard print wide-leg pants and a flowing black silk blouse. Her jet black hair was cut in a pageboy. Her eyebrows were penciled in and matched her hair. I briefly wondered who she was, and then turned my attention to getting mentally prepared to my meeting.

  My mind wandered back to the woman across from me and then I looked at the only other person in the waiting room. A young and attractive man with light brown hair and a fairly big nose. Hmm. Former street fighter made it big, and now his manager says he needs to get that nose fixed? I didn’t recognize him, but surely he’d be in the next romcom with some up-and-coming starlet and I’d recognize him then.

  I knew from my job that these patients came from money. Our clientele had plenty of disposable income and I knew what it was like to serve them. Dr. Hampton’s specialty was plastic surgery and from what I could gather from my research he was renowned as one of the best. I was sure his patients would be happy to receive even more elite care by choosing his clinic over others. I only hoped he would be open to new ideas for giving his patients the absolute best experience in their preparation and recovery.

  My thoughts were interrupted by someone calling my name. Th
e receptionist stared at me blankly, as if she’d been waiting for me to respond.

  “Ms. Sanders, he’s ready for you. Just go through the door to your right and someone will take you to his office.”

  “Thank you.” I did as she instructed, and another young woman was waiting.

  “Right this way. His office is down the hall.” She started walking as she spoke.

  I followed as my heart fluttered. I was excited to share my idea and was also looking forward to seeing him. I’d have to control the urge to flirt with him—to break through the veneer of harshness. It had to be a front, right? He couldn’t be rotten to the core.

  Before I could ponder further on that, I was standing just inside the door of his office.

  “Olivia Sanders?” His tone was cool and stand-offish. Our eyes locked and my heart almost stopped.

  “That’s me,” I smiled weakly, taking another step into his office. The door closed behind me and we were alone.

  “I’m assuming this isn’t a medical consultation.” He gestured for me to take the seat in front of his desk.

  I’d been prepared to shake his hand, but he didn’t offer it. Not wanting to look like a fool by offering a hand myself and having it rejected, I sank into the proffered chair. I licked my glossed lips and nodded, “You’re right. I’m here on business.” My eyes were drawn to the mountains outside of his window. “Gorgeous view you have here.”

  “It is.” His eyes were hard on me as he remained standing, making me feel intimidated all over again.

  I straightened my shoulders and cleared my throat softly. “I’m here with a business proposal for you.” My voice trembled just a little as I met his gaze, seeing something dark pass through his eyes.

  “Do tell,” he said with a touch of chilly laughter, even though his face remained stoic.

  Maybe the coldness, the aggression, and the attitude weren’t covering up a reasonable personality, after all. It was possible that he really was a jerk in every situation. I searched his face, hoping to see it contained even just a bit of warmth, but it didn’t. I quickly came back to reality. Money and more success. We both wanted those things.

  “I know you’ve been to the Rocky Ridge Resort. Obviously, um, I know that… well, since we met there.” I was stumbling over my introduction. Damn! I took a breath as he cocked his head to the side. He seemed impatient, so I knew I only had a moment to get on track. “So you’ve seen the elegance of the building and the professionalism of the staff.”

  He smirked, and I knew he was thinking about the incident over breakfast. That was him being difficult and had nothing to do with anything but his attitude.

  I pressed on. “I oversee the marketing for the resort and am always seeking ways to improve what we already have. I was thinking that a partnership between the resort and your clinic would be positive for both of us.”

  “A partnership?” His voice gave him away. He was amused and maybe a little annoyed at the basics of my proposal, but he was listening.

  “Yes. I’m sure your patients would enjoy a luxurious spa-style pampering as they recover—or possibly as they prepare for surgery—and we offer the best in Aspen. I’d be willing to set up specialty packages available to only your patients through your clinic. The options are wide open and we’re more than willing to work with you.” I smiled, hoping to see some interest in his gorgeous eyes.

  “What’s in this for you?”

  “Increased exposure, the opportunity to build loyalty, and increased revenue, of course. And surely this would be good for your business as patients would view the availability of extra services as a plus. It’s an excellent marketing tool.”

  “Transformations Reconstruction Clinic is the most well-known west of the Mississippi, Miss Sanders. It is Miss, correct?” I nodded quietly as he seemed to smile. “That being said, I hardly think we need any more marketing tools, as you refer to it.”

  “I didn’t say that you do need more marketing tools. Clearly word of mouth is your number one method for growth. I was just hoping to build on that for both of us.” I made myself stop talking as he looked away.

  He stared out of the window for a moment. “Privacy is of utmost concern with what we do and who our patients are. In fact, it’s one of the reasons our patients feel comfortable coming here. Once they believe in my competency, their privacy is on the line. Maybe even their careers. It’s a big deal. I’d never risk that part of the clinic’s reputation on anything. And I’d also never do that to patients. I took an oath to do no harm and laws are in place for important reasons. Adding an outside group of people to the mix wouldn’t support our mission of security.” His cool gaze told me that he’d decided on the matter already.

  “I understand your concern and I agree that privacy and discretion are import—”

  “Not just important. Vital. Both for medical records security and because of the notoriety of the patients we serve.” He scowled. “I thought I’d explained that clearly.”

  His frown deepened, and I felt somewhat chastised and needed to backtrack.

  “Vital. Yes, I agree. We have some very well-known guests that come to Rocky Ridge for the privacy alone. We host many elite events, from weddings to birthday celebrations, and ensure privacy of all guests with our high-level security. And face it… just being in Aspen demands prudence. It’s not like typical family vacations happen here.”

  He looked at me with annoyance again. Then his features tensed. He drummed his fingers on his desk. I wondered if I’d gotten him to at least consider my proposal.

  “None of your patients would be compromised with this partnership, Dr. Hampton,” I said, staring back at him. I wanted to look away, but I didn’t.

  The way that he looked at me—with fiery intensity—sparked something inside me that had been dead for some time. I’d felt it since seeing him that first time and the heat was rushing between my legs as I took a deep breath and waited for his response, matching the fire in his eyes with the focus in my own. I’d talked a lot and it was his turn now.

  “You’re feisty, aren’t you?” He shook his head as I narrowed my eyes. “I don’t even know how you got in here. They told me you have an appointment, but I normally only see patients. I rarely take business meetings.”

  I didn’t falter. “I called and asked for the meeting and they set up the time. I believe it was your assistant I talked to. Someone named Lila, I believe.”

  He scowled. “That’s why she handles the administrative aspect of the clinic and not the business end. I’d be lost without her, but she can be misguided.” There was something final in his tone and I stood up, ready for our final parry.

  “Think about it, Dr. Hampton. I know it does require evaluation.” I stepped closer to his desk. The scent I remembered filled the room, and I breathed it in. I smelled the woodsy fragrance with a touch of cinnamon and it was intoxicating. “It could work out so well for everyone—especially your patients.”

  “Your dedication is admirable, Miss Sanders, but I don’t think I’m interested. You backed off once with me already, so I suggest you do it again.”

  “You are so incredibly arrogant,” I responded without thinking as I marched around the desk. He stood tall as I paused in front of him, staring into his chiseled face.

  “Well, it turns out that you’re demanding and pushy. Surprisingly, I thought you knew when to walk away, but apparently I misjudged you,” he said, dropping his chin and leaning into me.

  “You did,” I responded, trying to ignore the heat flooding my body at being so close to his muscled torso. If I just stepped forward, I would be touching him. My hand would be against his fitted shirt… I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I was angry at him for being an ass, but attracted to him nevertheless. I’d shut down most of my emotions after my injury ended up Olympic dreams—what was the point of just being disappointed? I’d forgotten what it felt like to want and to be wanted. I felt it with Adam now. My nipples pebbled inside my bra with impulsive need.
But I wasn’t finished arguing with him. “You won’t even hear the details of my ideas,” I shot back.

  Adam reached behind me, closing the distance between our bodies. His hand caught a door handle and he pushed me inside a room I didn’t even realize was there. He urgently pressed his forehead to mine as our bodies crashed together in a dimly lit room.

  “I don’t want to hear you. I want to feel you,” he whispered. His mouth claimed mine in a powerful kiss. I froze first—in shock, in confusion, caught between loving the feeling of desiring and being desired and hated that it was happening with him—but then shut down my brain and let my body go. I reached for him, wanting to touch every inch of him. I moaned into his mouth and he slipped his tongue past my parted lips.

  Adam's hands slid down to cup my ass through my skirt. I pushed back into them, arching my body against his. He stepped us both forward, pushing me into the wall, and I gasped and reached my hands around his neck to pull him closer. I felt the tight sleeves of my jacket restricting my movements and lowered my arms to slip it off. Adam slid his hands over my shoulders to help me, following the curve of my elbow and dropping my jacket to the ground. He stepped away from me to look my body over, and I saw that behind him was a bed, fresh and lush. I reached for his tie, loosened it, slipped it over his head, and tossed it on the bed. An invitation.

  Absentmindedly, I noticed I’d stopped thinking about him as Dr. Hampton.

  6

  Adam

  I shoved Olivia from the Rocky Ridge Lodge and Resort against the wall in my bedroom as she sucked on my tongue. Hooking up with women wasn’t unusual for me. I wasn’t quite the bad boy that people thought I was, at least not deep down, but I’d done my share to earn the reputation.

  But I could honestly say that I had never wanted a woman like I wanted Olivia. She was beautiful and strong and knew what she wanted. And right now, I could tell she wanted me.