Page 59 of Seduction

“Love doesn’t hurt, my dear. Losing the one you love does. Doesn’t mean you can’t love someone else.”

“I wish you were right.”

“I know I’m right.” She chuckles. “I’m on husband number three, and I’ve loved them all.” After slowly getting to her feet, she places her hand on my cheek. “I have a confession to make. I’ve seen you around here before, but something about you seemed different today. This Jon sounds like a good man. Give him a chance.”

She winks, leaving me to contemplate her words. She heard me; that’s why she came over.

Could she be right? Could I really learn to love someone else?

Could Jon be that someone?

***Einstein***

My high from last night lasted until about the second time I tried to call Ellen. She’s running. I can feel it. Fuck! I knew she wasn’t ready. I knew, but I let my hunger for her drown out the objections in my head. I sent the prospect over to her house, but he said she wasn’t there. She wasn’t at the clubhouse, her office, or Mikey’s school, either. I’m about to lose my mind.

My patient was having a rough delivery and ended up needing an emergency cesarean. She’s finally out of the woods, resting with her healthy baby girl. My plan was to get the hell out of here and go back to Ellen’s, but she won’t even pick up the damn phone.

I wish Gage was here. I could use his no-nonsense way of thinking right now. Then again, that’s his sister. That conversation may not be a good idea.

What I need is time. I talk to a few of my colleagues about covering for me and end up with a few days off before I leave the hospital.

In the parking lot, I grab my phone and call Tek.

“What’s up, VP?” he answers.

“Ellen. Find her.”

I can already hear him tapping away at his computer as he asks, “Everything okay?”

“I’m not sure.”

After what happened with Raven earlier this year, Gage and I made sure everyone was trackable, especially the women. We all have one item that we never leave home without—a watch, bracelet, necklace. For Ellen, it’s her locket that contains a picture of her mother.

“Uh… VP?”

“What you got?”

“She’s at the cemetery.”

The cemetery.

I let out a sigh rife with both relief and intense disappointment.

“Thanks, Tek.”

I hang up, then call the prospect, sending him to keep an eye on Ellen. With nothing else to do, I hop on my bike and ride home. I’m much calmer, clearer by the time I get there; the wind on my face and the roar of the engine did their jobs. Maybe she just needed some down time. She did take a big step last night. Both of us did. She could have at least sent me a text or something to let me know she’s okay, but I’ll respect her space for now.

After a snack and a long, hot shower, I curl up in bed and try to take a nap. I only got a few hours of sleep last night, but I’m still wired. Being with Ellen was amazing, and I’m not just saying that because I haven’t been with a woman in a while. The connection I’ve been searching for was there; I know she felt it, too. That’s probably why she’s at the cemetery now. She’s confused. She still feels a deep love for Eddie, but knows there’s something between us. Being alone and missing him has become her norm, so she’s just reacting to a visceral fear of change. Her mind and heart are struggling for control.

Eddie, I love you, brother, but it’s time to let her go.I promise I’ll take care of her.

A few hours later, I hop out of bed and get dressed, having had enough of tossing and turning. My mind won’t rest. I need to talk to Ellen.

I check with the prospect to see where she is, relieved when he says she’s at home. Grabbing my keys, I head out. As I walk down toward the Mustang, my neighbor Suzan waves at me, detouring to the fence separating our yards instead of continuing to her house. Suzan is a beautiful and notorious flirt. I usually indulge her, but I don’t have time for it today.

“Hey there, Doctor.”

“Miss Barnes.” I nod. “How are you?”