The Mountain Doctor: A Steamy Medical Romance Read online

  “Do you miss it?” Olivia asked, moving her slow circles to my chest. Goosebumps covered my skin from her touch.

  “It is a very intense way to live, but I do sometimes. I miss the comradery. I regret how abrupt the end was. But, I think it worked out like it should have. I’m happy doing what I do. I have more money now, there’s no doubt that’s a nice bonus.” I smirked and she laughed softly. My hand trailed to her breast, playing with her nipple as she sighed. “My brother graduated from Harvard Business School. He handles that side of things while I focus on what I’m meant to do. I have a battle axe of an assistant, too. She makes everything smooth for both of us but she’s like a second mom.”

  “Where are your parents?”

  “They lived here for years. My dad was a lawyer and retired early. They moved to Montana. They have a place kind of like this at the edge of a cute little town.” I smiled as I thought of it. “There’s only one main intersection in the entire place and a few local businesses. He still takes on a few clients here and there to keep him busy. They love it there.”

  “I can relate to that in a way. I need to drive into Denver for a Costco run,” Olivia joked as I smiled and slid my hand down her stomach. “I eat a lot at work. I make sure that I exercise it off every week.” I’d noticed how firm her body was when I had my hands all over it.

  “You look amazing, Olivia. I’d imagine you’re in the same shape as when you were competing,” I observed as she laughed.

  “Not exactly but there was no reason to let myself go. I enjoy being healthy,” she admitted as she reached out to stroke my rippled abdomen. “I’d say you feel the same way about yourself.”

  “Life in the Navy was very structured. I never really let that part go and it serves me well. I think the gym is just a part of my regular day. It’s my place to just get away from it all.” She nodded in agreement.

  “I’m not that structured, but I do take it seriously. Maybe I’m just vain rather than trying to be healthy.” Olivia shook her head as I smiled, thinking back to watching her work out in the gym while I was there. It was a gorgeous sight. I remember how attracted I felt for her then. It made me want her again.

  “Your motivation doesn’t matter to me, but I do like the results.”

  Olivia gave me a long look. “How often do you actually make it home? It looked like you were set up to live in that back room.”

  I chuckled and felt a thrill that she was bringing up my room at my office. That meant she remembered the details of that encounter. “I sleep there a lot. When I’m not treating patients, I’m researching their cases or looking into new developments in the field. Sometimes it’s easier to just stay there. Eric teases me that I should give up my place.” I laughed as I pictured his face, so much like mine.

  “Eric?” Olivia raised an eyebrow as I looked at her smile.

  “My brother,” I admitted as she nodded. “He’s getting hitched in a few months. He and Nora are ridiculous together.”

  “My best friend is a newlywed. It makes me nauseous sometimes,” she admitted to me with a soft smile.

  “They think it’s so easy to get that,” I muttered, thinking that it was his idea for me to stalk Olivia. It worked. I’d give him that.

  “I know. Life isn’t that easy.” There was a hint of agony in her voice and I circled her stomach with my fingers before moving to her thighs.

  “Agreed.” She moaned as I found her soft heat, leaning in to kiss her neck. This conversation was more intimate than sex. I didn’t do this with women I slept with—or any woman, for that matter. But doing it with Olivia felt right.

  I pressed wet kisses along her skin as my fingers teased her. Olivia reached out to take me into her hand, stroking slow and tight. “That’s it,” I choked out before sucking her ear lobe into my mouth. I made her cry out with my fingers and thumb stroking and sliding, watching as she jerked with pleasure. I reached down to cover her hand, but Olivia surprised me. She moved to her knees and pushed me to my back. I watched in awe as she took me into her mouth, sucking gently as she moved to her knees beside me. I watched as she lowered her mouth down, taking all of me.

  This woman was amazing in ways I never expected. I knew that I should walk away right now and move this back to a business relationship. In fact, I’d be much safer if I severed the business relationship, too. I knew all this, but I let her keep going, feeling a stirring in my belly that I couldn’t ignore.

  I felt alive.

  After she fell asleep in the bed beside me, I watched her even breaths and the rise of her perfect chest. The sex wasn’t the part that I was worried about. It was the fact that I was still here, beside her while she slept. It scared the hell out of me that I wanted to stay with her. I was freaked out that I hadn’t already gathered my clothes and sneaked away to my Range Rover parked outside to steal away without her knowing. I was in a big mess.

  13

  Olivia

  I made coffee the next morning as I tugged nervously at the ties of my silky robe. I hadn’t expected Adam to still be here, but he was. I suppose it was normal to fall asleep together after such a night. People did it all the time, I just didn’t know how all this really worked.

  He came out to the kitchen, dressed in the jeans and shirt he’d been wearing the night before. I poured him a cup and gestured to the counter where the cream and sugar was. Adam took the cup of black coffee and leaned against the counter.

  “I’ll call Lila and set up a meeting this week. Does that work?” He nodded and didn’t give any sort of resistance. “Will your brother be there?”

  “Since he’s in charge of the finances, I’ll make sure of it. We’ll negotiate pricing and services. Eric and I can work on our side of how we’ll manage customer costs. You won’t need to be involved in that, of course.” I nodded.

  “That sounds great.” I smiled and sipped my own coffee nervously. I didn’t know what to do the morning after once we were out of bed, though I certainly had known what to do for the morning sex. I had pressed myself into Adam this morning, still half asleep but wanting him inside me. It had been raw and slow and delicious.

  But now, making small talk in my kitchen, it felt awkward. And it seemed to be focused on work, though that was my fault for even bringing it up.

  “Hey, I need to get to the office. I have paperwork and stuff. So…” He looked at me hesitantly, but I waved at him with a brief smile.

  “No worries. I have some things to do, too.” I knew he’d have to leave eventually, I just wish it didn’t have to be now. Having him here was exciting even though I didn’t know how I was supposed to act.

  Adam put his cup down and came over to me. He placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned in to kiss me softly. My heart sped up as I thought of the possibilities. That might be our last kiss. Or it may be one of many more to come.

  “So, I’ll see you this week, then?” He was about to walk out to his SUV when he turned.

  “Yep. See you later.” I watched from the window as he pulled out of my driveway, careful to stand to the side so he wouldn’t know I was watching. The last thing I needed was for him to think I was creepy or that I was going to turn into a stalker.

  I went to my laptop and wrote up a detailed proposal. I put a great deal of thought into this particular proposal because it was so important to me. It felt personal now, even though that was a very bad thing I’d allowed to happen. I’d put many proposals together before and this was one of my strengths, but I was pressuring myself to make this one stand out as the best one ever.

  Adam remained on my mind. I couldn’t shake the memory of being naked in his arms. His handsome face and smoldering eyes burned into my soul. I still felt his mouth on my skin as I shivered and reached for my now tepid coffee.

  I needed to get over this infatuation I had with Adam. People slept together twice and even spent the night together a lot. They all moved on, didn’t they? No big deal. The walls I’d put up around me as an athlete and even more so after my
injury had served me well. They’d kept life simple and controlled just like I wanted. I needed those barriers now so Adam Hampton didn’t break my heart.

  I finished my proposal and sent it along to Brandy to look over. She was always my second pair of eyes. I took a shower and washed off every trace of Adam, trying to ignore the parts of my body that his touch lingered on. There was that small bruise on my hip from the door. There was the way my nipple burned just a bit from his teeth.

  Damn it. I wanted all of that again. Why did I bring him home with me? I was a little buzzed from the drinks. That was a good reason. I found his jealousy of Jackson sexy and realized we never talked about him. Would we ever?

  I got out of the shower and dressed for a quick trip to the grocery store in town. I started the laundry as I left so I would have everything done by this evening. I was too busy during the week for chores and now I might have a meeting with Adam and his brother. I dropped things into my cart as I shopped, absently thinking ahead. I needed to get through this business plan, get the Transformations Reconstruction Clinic contract set up, and then step away from Adam. I needed to end this sex thing that seemed to be starting.

  I went to bed that night after washing my sheets, getting his scent out of my room. I didn’t need the memories in my house. I crawled under the covers and turned to my side, facing the window to look out at the moon. It felt a bit lonely and I sighed. It was a restless night.

  The next morning, I took a fast shower before dressing in a business suit and silk blouse. I went with low boots and pulled my hair into a loose bun at the back of my head.

  I drank one cup of coffee as I got ready and poured another for the short drive. When I arrived at the office, I spent a good portion of my morning on my computer, verifying the details and tying up loose ends for upcoming events. When I was finished, I stared at my phone for a few minutes. I picked it up and dialed the direct number to Adam’s assistant. A woman answered and I smiled brightly to ensure my voice was as friendly and cheerful as a business call would allow.

  “Good morning, Lila. This is Olivia Sanders from the Rocky Ridge Resort. How are you today?”

  “Oh, yes. I heard about your proposal to Adam, I mean Dr. Hampton, and I think it’s a great idea. Different.”

  I smiled. That had to be a good sign that he’d told someone besides his brother about my idea. “Oh, that’s great. I’m glad you like the idea. I’ve put together a proposal that’s more detailed. I’d like to present it to Dr. and Eric Hampton if you can find a time slot for me this week.”

  “I can clear the conference room for eleven on Wednesday. It might take about an hour or so?” Lila asked.

  “Yes, an hour will be perfect.”

  “Tell you what… I’ll order in some sandwiches and make it a lunch meeting. The boys barely have time to eat some days, so I’ll make it easy for them.” I heard the warmth in her voice and was glad Adam had someone like Lila looking after him.

  “That sounds great. I’m sure you know what their favorites are and anything you choose will work for me.”

  We ended the call with her assuring me that she’d call if any issues came up with the timing and I thanked her. I hung up, resting my head on the desk before the phone rang again. It was Selena, and she came over to meet me for lunch. That was a rare treat, and I smiled as I asked her when she’d be here.

  I told Brandy that the meeting scheduled and she gave me a thumbs up. She had loved the proposal. I needed her opinion because she helped me with just about everything. I showed her my appreciation often and made sure that she had a salary that matched her worth.

  “I’m meeting Selena for lunch. She rarely makes time for lunch dates, so I can’t wait to find out why she’s doing it today.” I told Brandy as she giggled. “Want me to bring you anything?”

  “I’d love a salad. A chicken Caesar, please.” I nodded and grabbed my purse to head to the lodge restaurant.

  I stepped in and glanced around. I saw my friend already sitting at a small table and waving at me. Smiling, I walked over and joined her. Beth brought me a water, and I asked Selena if she was going to order anything else to drink.

  “Water is perfect.” Selena beamed, and I raised an eyebrow at her. This wasn’t normal when Selena was splurging on lunch.

  We ordered, and I added the salad for Brandy to be brought when we were just about finished.

  “Is the salad for someone in the office?” Jenna, our waitress knew what happened with many of the “to go” orders for lunch.

  I nodded and smiled. “It’s for Brandy in the marketing office.”

  “I can go ahead and put it in now and someone can take it to her if you want.” She tilted her head to the side and nodded all at the same time.

  “Sure. I’m sure she’d really appreciate that. But put it on my tab, though. I’m picking up her lunch today.”

  Jenna grinned. “Will do. I’ll get you some bread in just a jiff.” And then she was on her way to put our food order in and make sure all her tables were taken care of.

  “So, what brought you here today?” I asked her as she bit her lip. “You’re in a really good mood, Selena. Is love that transformative? No, you’re over that sticky sweet stage. It’s something else.” And then it hit me. “Wait a minute! Are you pregnant?”

  “I am. Only about nine weeks now, but I couldn’t wait to tell you!” She clapped, and I jumped up to hug her.

  “I’m so excited. What does Colt think?” I asked, and she filled me in on how happy they both were. I walked back to my office an hour later feeling a combination of excitement, joy, and longing. I told myself that it was natural for someone to feel a bit jealous of their friend in that situation, just like I had been at her wedding. Everything had happened so fast for the two of them and I was still just working here. I didn’t tell her about my second night with Adam because compared to her news, it was nothing.

  14

  Adam

  I thought about Olivia all damn week. I couldn’t stop thinking about her sweet taste or hearing her voice crying out my name. I stayed busy at the clinic with patients and glanced up as Lila walked into my office.

  “You will be meeting with Miss Sanders on Wednesday at eleven along with Eric. She’s got something written up for you. I’m going to order from that deli that you like.” She winked at me as I leaned back.

  “Okay. That sounds great,” I said warily as she looked me over.

  “She’s the blonde who was here, right?”

  “Yes, that was Oliv… Miss Sanders.” I replied, seeing the pleased look in her eyes. “Lila, stop it. We’re business partners and that’s it.”

  “She’s a pretty girl.” She raised an eyebrow, which was one of her trademark expressions. “It’s sad what happened to her after she was so close to being in the Olympics. She was so talented and then one fall changed her life. I’m glad she seems to be doing well now.”

  I nodded, wondering what she was trying to accomplish with this conversation. Yes, I was attracted to Olivia, and yes, it was a fun fling, but I wasn’t looking for anything serious. She seemed uncomfortable that morning at her house, so I assumed she was happy to let it go. I’d miss her talent in bed, though. Olivia was the best I'd ever had. No way Lila would ever get that private little tidbit, though.

  “I know a little about it and yes, it’s sad. She enjoys the resort and presumably still skis, so there is that.” I kept my voice even as I pretended to be interested in something on my computer screen.

  “That must be how she still looks so good. Staying in shape and all…” Lila was being particularly cheerful today. “I’m going to clear your schedule and let your brother know.”

  “Perfect. Thanks, Lila.” I told her as she walked across the hallway. She was going to play matchmaker with Olivia. That was obvious in her happy face. Too bad it was already finished. She’d gotten to this party a little too late.

  About ten minutes after Lila walked out, my brother walked in. I looked up and groane
d as he took a seat.

  “It seems that we’ll be meeting with a certain Olivia Sanders this week. I assume you went to talk to her. How did that go?” he asked me as I forced a casual shrug.

  “I guess if her formal proposal makes sense we’ll negotiate a limited partnership with the resort. That’s good news, no?” I reached for my water, sipping it slowly.

  “That’s it? You didn’t want more from her?” Eric asked.

  “No. It’s business, and that’s fine. It’s better,” I assured him as he stared at me.

  “You need more than work in your life, Adam. You’ve devoted your life to other people. You’ve gotten crusty and grumpy. You make people think you’re an ass when you’re not. So let someone take care of you for a change.” He gave me a small smile. “Random, one-off sex isn’t going to be enough forever—in fact, I doubt it’s enough now.”

  “It’s been working so far.” I smiled confidently as he shook his head.

  “Whatever. I need to go. Later.”

  When he’d shut the door behind him, I leaned back in my chair. I had a few minutes before my next patient and thought about the night I’d spent in Olivia’s bed. She’d asked me why I chose plastic surgery for a specialty. I think I surprised her with my answer about helping people with scars. I had seen some terrible injuries and tough recoveries in the Navy, and I wanted to help people make their lives as normal as possible. Most people thought of my job as just breast enhancements or cosmetic work, but it was so much more than that.

  The lucrative practice we’d put together made billions and most of that came from high profile and wealthy patients. Though the partnership was with the three of us, we employed other doctors, technicians, and practitioners to see patients. Not all procedures were performed by one of us, yet we made a profit from every single patient.