LITMIR.BIZ

       CHAPTER FOURTEEN

      “HERE’S SOME NEWS I think you’ll want to read with your breakfast, Gabriella,” Rafael said, sliding several newspapers in front of her on the table.

      “I’m enjoying being pampered by you in this beautiful house.” She scowled and took a fortifying swig of the delicious coffee Rafael had made. “Why would you want to ruin that for me by making me read the news?”

      “I don’t think this news will ruin your morning.” He refilled her cup and she looked up to see his lips were curved and his eyes were dancing.

      Moving on from her past didn’t mean she wanted to read the awful stuff that had continued to be plastered in all the media but she had to admit his expression made her curious. She glanced at the headline and her heart stumbled.

      “What...is this?” She slowly picked up the paper, staring.

      “The world is defending you, querida,” Rafael said. “Shall I read a few of the quotes? ‘Gabriella Cain is the best thing to ever happen to The Hollywood Hills Clinic.’ I like that one, since she’s definitely the best thing to ever happen to me.” He dropped a kiss on her head. “And how about this? ‘Anyone who knows midwife Gabriella Cain knows this trash being said about her can’t possibly be true.’”

      “Oh, my gosh.” She stared up at him, her heart somehow squeezing and swelling at the same time. “This is incredible!”

      “And my favorite, from Cameron Fontaine,” Rafael continued, flicking through another paper. “‘If Gabriella Cain isn’t hired back by The Hollywood Hills Clinic there will be a boycott. And if there isn’t an immediate retraction from the media, taking back all those ridiculous and inflammatory statements, influential actresses and studio directors like me are going to sue the hell out of every single one of them.’”

      Gabby put her hands to her cheeks and laughed. “Oh, my gosh, that’s so Cameron. I guess she liked me after all.”

      “Loved you. As I do.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, moving on to her mouth, and just as Gabby was clutching his shirt and sinking into another delicious kiss, the doorbell rang.

      “Well, who could that be? Maybe it’s the media come to apologize.”

      “Like that would ever happen.” There was something odd, secretive even, about the smile playing on his lips, and Gabby had to wonder why.

      “You never know, when a woman like you has so much clout behind her.” He winked and headed for the door, and when he returned a moment later a familiar voice came with him.

      “Gabby. You’ve got to help me out,” James said. “There’s a near-riot at the clinic!”

      “A near-riot? What are you talking about?”

      “Several of your pregnant patients are refusing to see anyone else, and they’re threatening a sit-in if you don’t come back. They’re mad as hell that you’re gone and they’re blaming me.” James threw his arms wide, and she nearly laughed at the look of alarm on his normally cool, impassive face. “Will you come back? Please? Tell me what it would take and I’ll make it happen.”

      The swelling of her heart grew so much she could barely hold in all her joy. Then remembered she wasn’t living her life alone anymore. That there were two of them now. Someday, maybe, she might even be ready to add a few more to the wonderful life she and Rafael would share.

      She turned to him, and her face must have told him exactly what she was thinking because he stepped close, pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.

      “The clinic is a pretty great place to work, isn’t it?” He tipped her chin and his beautiful eyes smiled into hers.

      “Yes. It is.” She pressed her palms against his chest and smiled back. “How would you feel about us both working there?”

      “You already know, Gabriella Cain,” he said, his warm gaze a steady promise, “that wherever it is you want to be, I’m right there by your side.”

      * * * * *