LITMIR.BIZ

      KRISTI GOLD

      began her romance-writing career at the tender age of twelve, when she and her sister spun romantic yarns involving a childhood friend and a popular talk-show host. Since that time, she’s given up celebrity heroes for her favorite types of men, doctors and cowboys, as her husband is both. An avid sports fan, she attends football and baseball games in her spare time. She resides on a small ranch in central Texas with her three children and retired neurosurgeon husband, along with various livestock ranging from Texas longhorn cattle to spoiled yet talented equines. At one time she competed in regional and national Appaloosa horse shows as a nonpro, but she gave up riding for writing and turned the “reins” over to her youngest daughter. She attributes much of her success to her sister, Kim, who encouraged her in her writing, even during the tough times. When she’s not in her office writing her current book, she’s dreaming about it. Readers may contact Kristi at P.O. Box 11292, Robinson, TX 76116.

      To Belinda,

       for all those Wednesday-night brainstorming sessions in a barn apartment, fighting the dust, deadlines and, at times, insecurity. But most of all, for being there from the beginning.

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Epilogue

      One

      She had a face designed by angels and a body that could incite a riot.

      Unfortunately for Dr. Nick Kempner, Michelle Lewis held him in very low esteem, thanks to that little incident a few months ago at her sister’s wedding.

      Nick still didn’t understand why she had taken such offense at being called a princess. After all, she had looked like royalty in that bridesmaid’s dress. And considering she’d called him a toad in a tux, he should be the offended party. Of course, his ex-wife had probably called him worse.

      Today Michelle Lewis, in the role of San Antonio Memorial’s public relations guru, still looked like a cross between sin and sainthood. She also looked none too pleased to see Nick when he entered the meeting a little late. Okay, so he was more than a little late. Considering Michelle was the only remaining occupant in the hospital conference room, he’d obviously missed the luncheon assembly altogether.

      Michelle offered Nick only a cursory glance when he leaned back against the conference table and watched her. She continued to gather her things without so much as a polite “get the hell out of Dodge, Doc.”

      Feeling like an errant kid, Nick waited for her acknowledgment of his presence. When that failed to come, he gave up and gave in. “So what did I miss?”

      “The whole meeting. It ended about five minutes ago.”

      Nick shrugged. “Sorry I’m late. My nine-o’clock surgery took longer than planned.”

      Michelle shoved her laptop computer into its case resting on the table. Only then did she give him her full attention. “Since this is the second meeting in a row that you’ve missed, maybe you should reconsider serving on the committee if it puts a strain on your schedule.”

      He brought out his best grin. “Maybe we could hold the meetings in the O.R. You could do your presentation while I do a total hip replacement.”

      The beginnings of a smile curled the corners of her mouth but it didn’t form enough to reveal her arresting dimples. “Interesting suggestion. However, most of the physicians manage to work around the monthly meetings without resorting to such drastic measures.”

      “Well, Ms. Lewis, I guess I’m not like most docs around here. I like to put the patient’s needs first. I’m kind of funny that way when it comes to my medical practice.” He’d be glad to give her what she needed, anytime, anyplace, even now.

      Not a good idea to make that offer, Nick decided, when she folded her arms beneath her breasts and pinned him in place with her intense indigo eyes. “I admit that’s an admirable quality, Doctor. But we need all the input from physicians we can get in order to make a successful go of this ad campaign.”

      Time for a dose of diplomacy. “And how is the campaign going?”

      “Very well, thank you. Today we discussed the new pediatric unit’s assets and how we’ll utilize them in advertisement.”

      The only assets Nick cared about at the moment were Michelle’s. The red sleeveless turtleneck traveled all the way up her slender throat but didn’t conceal the outline of her full breasts. The fitted black knit skirt hit her midcalf yet revealed a nice glimpse of leg through the slits up both sides. Her long dark hair gleamed like the polished walnut table behind him, making him itch to test its texture. Those were the kind of assets he could definitely appreciate.

      But Nick realized that he wouldn’t

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