Page 9 of Heartbeat Harmony (Hearts in Hawthorne #2)

“I do. For me, it would be a step backward in my career to simply be hired on as a staff nurse. While I’ve done that job, I’m looking for more of a challenge in this next phase in my life.

I’m happy to work in whatever unit you might specify, though my experience is on the cardiac and obstetric wards.

If either of those positions are open, I would be more valuable there. ”

His gaze met hers. “I’m not going to be offering you a charge nurse position today, Ms. Sutherland.”

Autumn heard what he said, feeling like a deflated balloon as it slowly lost air.

She had no idea where she had gone wrong in the interview, unless he was holding her behavior after yesterday’s accident against her.

Some physicians had what was termed a “God complex,” believing they were superior to others.

She hadn’t picked up on this regarding Dr. Carson, but the medical director might have those inflated feelings of ability and privilege.

He might not have liked the way she had challenged him yesterday.

As disappointment filled her, she rose, saying, “Thank you for your time, Dr. Carson. I hope you find the people you are looking for to staff Triple H.”

He frowned. “Sit back down, Ms. Sutherland.” His tone held authority in it, and she complied.

“I told you I was ready to hire you before having ever met you. Now that I have spoken with you in person, I believe you’ve applied for the wrong position.”

“Wrong?” she questioned. “I’m not following you.”

“I wish to offer you the position as Triple H’s Director of Nursing.”

“ Director of Nursing?” she echoed, floored by his suggestion.

“Exactly,” Dr. Carson said, smiling enthusiastically at her.

“You would work alongside me, helping to hire the nursing staff, as well as create a business plan and budget. You would implement all Hogan Health policies and procedures and work with each department’s nurses to establish their particular goals. ”

“I could impact every nurse in the hospital,” Autumn said, hearing the wonder in her voice.

“You would have the final say in each department’s nursing budget, which would mean acting as liaison between the different departments, as well as with Hogan Health’s corporate office.

You would be the voice—the spokesperson—of the entire nursing staff at Triple H.

It would be your responsibility to make certain all standards are maintained and your staff’s voice is heard. ”

Her head was spinning from what he said. “I would be able to impact every aspect for nurses and patients at Triple H.”

“Exactly,” he agreed. “I know it’s a big career trajectory jump for you. I’m almost certain Hogan Health would want you to earn your CDONA.”

Dr. Carson referred to the Certified Director of Nursing Exam.

“I had thought about a position such as this being down the line for me,” she admitted. “It was in the back of my mind when I earned my masters in nursing several years ago. I know to sit for CDONA, you need a year’s experience at a director of nursing level.”

“That’s right.” He sat back in his chair.

“I can’t think of a better candidate for this position, Ms. Sutherland.

You have the drive, the personality, and the people skills.

You’re articulate and knowledgeable. Is this position something you would consider taking on?

If not, you’d be the first charge nurse I hire, so you would have your pick of which unit you would prefer to be over. ”

Adrenaline rushed through her. “I’m ready for a new chapter in my professional and personal life, Dr. Carson. I would be thrilled to accept your offer to be Triple H’s Director of Nursing.”

He gave her an admiring glance. “I was hoping you would say that, Ms. Sutherland. You’re exactly the kind of person who would fit well into the Hogan Health team, as well as the team I’m wishing to create here at Triple H.

I’ll admit that I’ve been focusing on filling out my staff of doctors first. You could start by filling the open positions for charge and staff nurses.

It would take a huge chunk off my plate and free up time to complete other responsibilities. ”

She was elated. Overwhelmed. And very eager to begin.

“How soon can you start?” he asked.

Autumn beamed at him. “Is next Wednesday good?”

“If that’s the soonest I can get you here, that’s fine, Ms. Sutherland.”

“I only have one request. Would you please call me Autumn?”

“In private, yes. In public, I would prefer to maintain a high level of professionalism.”

“I understand, Dr. Carson.”

He cocked his head. “Since we’re in private, you should call me Eli.”

“I can do that, Eli.” She grinned.

“Then let’s go tell Nancy you’re on board. I’ll have her pull the architect’s master plans of the hospital, so you can become familiar with the layout. Are you free the rest of the day?”

“I need to leave Hawthorne by two this afternoon to pick up my sister at the airport. She’s flying in from New York for our brother’s wedding.”

“Then we’ll quickly review the plans before I walk you around the facility.

I’ll make sure Nancy provides you with a list of your job responsibilities, and you can see the number of nursing positions which need to be filled and start setting up interviews.

Nancy will have the applications you can peruse.

Phone interviews—or even Zoom—for most of them, simply because time is critical, and we need to move fast.”

They left the conference room and returned to Nancy.

Eli told her that Autumn would be the new Director of Nursing.

If Nancy was surprised by this decision, she hid it well.

She joined them on the tour of the facilities and filled in the gaps for things Eli didn’t know the details about.

Once they finished, Nancy pulled together materials and placed them in notebooks, telling Autumn she’d have everything ready and in her office by Wednesday morning when she reported for work.

“I’ll also have the corporate office send over your contract for you to sign when you arrive,” the assistant said. “We’re so happy to have you here at Triple H, Ms. Ferris.”

“It’s Sutherland,” Eli announced. “Ms. Sutherland.”

“Of course, Dr. Carson,” Nancy said smoothly. “I’ll make a note so that we get the right name and spelling on the door.”

She confirmed with Autumn how to spell her last name, who said, “I hope you’ll call me Autumn. In the future.”

Nancy smiled. “I’d be happy to do that.”

Eli escorted her back to the conference room, instructing Nancy to bring them copies of the proposed budgets. The two of them went over these for the next hour. Nancy popped in and asked if she could order lunch for them.

No, I need to get out of the office. Do you have time to grab a bite at Dizzy’s Diner?” Eli asked Autumn.

“That’s one of my favorite places to eat. I haven’t seen Dizzy in forever.”

“He hasn’t changed,” Eli said, causing her to laugh.

He walked her downstairs, and they decided to drive separately. By the time they finished their late lunch, it would be time to drive south to pick up Summer.

Dizzy greeted her warmly, giving her a bear hug. “Been too long, Autumn.”

“I know. Hopefully, I’ll be in more often now,” she told him. Then leaning in, she quietly said, “I’m moving back to Hawthorne to work at the hospital. I just got the job, so not even Mom and Dad know. Keep it under your hat until Monday, okay?”

His eyes full of mischief, the old man said, “It’s under lock and key.” He mimicked locking his lips and tossing away the imaginary key.

Autumn enjoyed her lunch with Eli Carson. He seemed a little aloof, but she didn’t mind. He asked her questions about growing up in Hawthorne and her family.

“My sister and I are twins,” she shared.

“Summer is a book editor in Manhattan, but she’s always wanted to write novels.

She’s hoping to be published soon. Even leave her editing job if that’s feasible.

My brother played for the Dallas Cowboys this past decade, but he’ll be coaching at Hawthorne High School this coming fall. ”

“I guess your parents will be happy to have two of their children coming back to the roost,” Eli said.

“Where is your family?” she asked.

A shadow crossed his face. “I don’t have any,” he said softly. “I’ve always been on my own. Grew up in foster care. Never stayed with any one family for too long.”

Without thinking, she took one of his hands and squeezed it. “I’m sorry to hear that, Eli. Hawthorne is a wonderful, friendly town. I think you’ll find a home here. And the Triple H staff will become family to you.”

Then she realized her hand was over his, and she quickly removed it. “I’m sorry,” she apologized.

“Don’t be,” he said. “It felt nice.”

She felt the heat flood her cheeks. “I wasn’t being forward.”

“I know you weren’t. I didn’t take it that way.”

“I don’t want to get involved with anyone,” she blurted out. “Especially my boss. I’ll be flying back to Houston on Sunday to finalize my divorce. Dating isn’t in my future, Eli.”

“I understand, Autumn.” He dipped a fry into his ketchup and ate it, his face expressionless.

She was glad she had been upfront about things. She didn’t believe any good came out of hospital romances. Working for Hogan Health in such a high-level position would be what she considered a dream job, and she didn’t want anything to ruin it for her.

Not even a shy, handsome doctor. Eli Carson would be off-limits. Autumn just needed to keep telling herself that over and over.

Until she believed it.