From temporary fling...

...to baby bump!

Labor and delivery nurse Amanda is in Sydney for work, not to be distracted by “the baby whisperer”—neonatal specialist Dr. Lucius West. But Amanda loves a challenge—especially an intriguing, handsome one. Their fiery clashes in the OR soon turn into passion in the bedroom. But there are consequences to Amanda and Lucius’s insatiable desire...and they’ll have nine months to face them!

SUSAN CARLISLE’s love affair with books began in the sixth grade, when she made a bad grade in mathematics. Not allowed to watch TV until she’d brought the grade up, Susan filled her time with books. She turned her love of reading into a passion for writing, and now has over ten Medical Romances published through Mills & Boon. She writes about hot, sexy docs and the strong women who captivate them. Visit SusanCarlisle.com.

Also by Susan Carlisle

A Daddy Sent by Santa

Nurse to Forever Mum

The Sheikh Doc’s Marriage Bargain

Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue

Firefighter’s Unexpected Fling

Miracles in the Making collection

Risking Her Heart on the Single Dad by Annie O’Neil

The Neonatal Doc’s Baby Surprise

Available now

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

The Neonatal Doc’s Baby Surprise

Susan Carlisle

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-0-008-90235-3

THE NEONATAL DOC’S BABY SURPRISE

© 2020 Susan Carlisle

Published in Great Britain 2020

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

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Thanks for our years of friendship.

Love you, War Eagle!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

Extract

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

AMANDA LONGSTREET PULLED her large suitcase behind her as she exited the Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney, Australia. The heated air touching her skin put the winter weather of Atlanta, Georgia, well behind her. She enjoyed traveling but she had never gone this far. Twenty-two hours in a small seat flanked by two strangers hadn’t been as much fun as she’d envisioned, but still the excitement of coming to Sydney grew within her.

She was counting on the destination making up for the discomforts of the flight. The Piedmont Women and Baby Pavilion, where she worked back in Atlanta, would have probably paid for a first-class ticket for her, but she was too practical to ask. She’d much rather see the money spent on helping a couple wanting a baby.

Making her way across the street to the pick-up area, she remained mindful that in this country they drove on the opposite side of the road. Some people called it the wrong side, but it really wasn’t—it was just different. She located the sign for airport pickup and stood beneath it, waiting for her car to arrive.

She scanned the area and harrumphed. Dr. Kirri West had told her Sydney was an amazing city. So far it looked like any other big airport.

Jet lag was no doubt affecting Amanda’s attitude. Given a few days, and a chance to explore, she’d surely agree with Kirri’s opinion. Right now, all she wanted was to get to her apartment—home for the next six weeks—and crawl into bed.

Still, excitement sizzled in her. She anticipated checking out the city, but only after she’d had some rest and started her job at the clinic. After all, the experience of working at the Harborside Fertility and Neonatal Centre had been the reason she’d come here.

Sighing, she looked up and then down the paved area. Where was the car? Her contact at the clinic had said there would be one coming for her. She was past ready for it to arrive.

Patience wasn’t her virtue. More than once her mother and friends had told her that her life plan wasn’t the be all and end all of existence. That she should lighten up a little.

Even with that advice in mind she’d tucked into her purse a list of things she wanted to do and see in Sydney. As a child, she’d been just as focused on her goals. She had a plan for her life. So far she’d remained on track. In every aspect but one.

Amanda pushed her hair out of her face. Having the chance to work with Kirri had been a real pleasure, but to be under the tutelage of Kirri’s brother would only help Amanda rise in her profession. She’d heard enough about Dr. Lucius West from Kirri to know he was a focused and exacting doctor, who had little time for anything but his work. He sounded like a doctor who liked things done by the book. They should get along well.

Where was this car? Was she waiting in the wrong place?

Amanda checked the sign once more. She paced down the sidewalk and then back again, squinting into the sunshine. Had she misunderstood the instructions?

A few minutes later, to her great relief, a black car with the clinic’s logo on the door pulled to a stop beside her.

She smiled as the driver climbed out.

“Ms. Longstreet?” A ruddy-faced, heavy-set man came around the back of the car.

“Yes.”

“I’m here to pick you up.” He pushed a button and popped the trunk lid, taking her luggage.

“I’m glad to see you.”

He gave her a brief smile, stowed her suitcase in the trunk, and then opened the passenger door. While she settled in he quickly returned to the driver’s seat, and they were soon moving.

She shivered. The air-conditioning blasted cold air. At least it would help keep her awake long enough to get to the apartment.

A swift movement outside the car caught her attention. A blond-haired man with long determined strides was hurrying toward the car. He carried a satchel over one shoulder and pulled along a small overnight bag. His suit jacket was slung over one arm and his tie had been pulled away from his neck. It lay twisted and askew, as if he had done it in frustration.

Her heart jumped.

Dr. Lucius West. She recognized him from her internet research on the Sydney clinic.

He raised his hand and the driver pulled to the curb. After a rapid tap on the front passenger window the driver lowered it. Dr. West glanced at her with tight-lipped agitation. He said to the driver, “I’m Dr. West. I expected you thirty minutes ago. Why are you late?”

Amanda sighed. She was too tired for this drama. Maybe Kirri hadn’t been exaggerating about her brother.

“Yes, sir. I was on my way to you.” The driver nodded his head toward Amanda. “I had another pickup to make first.”

Dr. West didn’t wait for the driver to get out and open the door for him. Instead he deposited his bag in the front seat and joined her in the back. Amanda quickly moved across the seat, fearing that if she didn’t he would sit in her lap. The space shrank with him inside. She hadn’t expected he’d be such a large man.

In addition to that unsettling fact, his pictures hadn’t done him justice. He was far better-looking in person. A sliver of silver at his temples in his wavy blond hair shimmered in the sunlight, giving him a distinguished look. One that meshed with his reputation and position. On one of the websites she’d seen he had made the shortlist of most eligible bachelors in Australia. Amanda wasn’t surprised. She couldn’t help but be awestruck and stare.

“You are...?” he demanded as he settled in, holding his satchel in his lap.

“Amanda Longstreet.”

Dr. West studied her for a moment. His eyes were a deep blue, like the ocean, instead of bright blue like his sister’s. There were creases at the corners and telltale dark smudges below. Had he been on a flight as long as hers?

“You’re American.” His words were flat, as if he were determining a diagnosis.

“I am.”

Why didn’t he recognize her name? Hadn’t he been told she was coming?

He continued to study her, as if trying to pull up something that was filed away in his mind.

He nodded slowly. “Ah, yes, I remember now. You’re the clinical nurse specialist in the exchange program. Kirri mentioned you.”

He should remember, since he had been one of the doctors to start it. His clinic and the clinic where she worked were two of the most prestigious and innovative in their care for mother and baby, with a special emphasis on infertility issues. Dr. Lucius West, along with Dr. Sawyer, the head of her clinic, had decided during a conference that a staff exchange to share information would be productive for both clinics. Kirri had come to Atlanta for six weeks and now, it was Amanda’s turn.

She gave him her sunniest smile. “Yes, that’s me.”

He continued to watch her. “I’m Lucius West.”

“Yes, I know. You resemble your sister.” And she had ogled his picture on the computer screen more than once. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The opportunity to work with the world-renowned Dr. Lucius West would be the honor of a lifetime. Although Kirri had warned Amanda that her brother could be difficult. She had already started to see signs of that!

“Mmm.” His attention remained on the electronic tablet he’d pulled from his satchel. “I’m sorry, I have work to attend to.”

“I understand.”

She did. He was the head of the clinic and she knew he must have many demands on his time.

A short while later Lucius glanced at the pretty woman huddled in the seat corner with her arms across her chest and her eyes closed. Was she asleep?

He’d forgotten all about the person coming from Atlanta for the staff exchange. It had been mentioned during one of the recent staff meetings, but he’d been checking his emails, only half listening. He’d paid no mind to the date and time of her arrival.

Not that it really mattered, but he had expected a man. Although the gender of the person was of no consequence, since he had little to do with the staff in Labor and Delivery. If he remembered correctly, that was where she would be assigned.

Giving her a closer look, he found her attractive enough, with short brown hair, clear skin and a faint tan. Her figure of full curves instead of bony angles enhanced her appeal. She wore little make-up—but that might be because she’d been on a plane for hours.

Further testimony to how drained she must be feeling was in the dark smudges that shadowed her eyes. Those green eyes which had brightened when she’d realized who he was. All in all she made for an interesting package—if he had been looking for one.

Despite her clear anticipation of working with him, he doubted he’d have much contact with her during her visit. He spent most of his time on the in vitro side of the clinic—not where she would be working. He did follow a few cases from start to finish, but there were many others on the staff who handled ninety-nine percent of the deliveries.

It would be awkward when she woke. He couldn’t remember her name...

Amanda. That was it.

He mentally rolled the name around for a second. Had he ever known an Amanda? Not that he could remember.

He looked at her again. Her hair curtained her face. In her sleep she slumped further into the corner, with her chin falling to her chest. She appeared uncomfortable.

Leaning toward her, he eased his arm around her back, pulling her upright with gentleness until her head rested on his shoulder. She released a small sigh and settled against him.

He returned to his electric pad to review his emails.

A stack of work always awaited him. He liked it that way. His work was his life. He had a major part to play in making great medical advances in infertility. Once he’d tried to have a life outside the clinic. But what had that gotten him? A shattered marriage and a disillusioned heart.

Amanda snored softly. Lucius smiled.

He was tired as well. The trip home from Melbourne after a three-day conference and a return flight delay had been topped off when his ride hadn’t been waiting for him. It hadn’t left him in the best of humors. Disruption of his timetable was a constant irritation. That must have shown in his manner. He undoubtedly hadn’t made a good impression on his visitor.

The driver was making excellent time through the city’s afternoon traffic. It wasn’t long until he pulled up in front of a small apartment complex in a neighborhood Lucius didn’t know well.

“Why are we stopping here?”

“This is where your young lady gets out.” The driver looked at him in the rearview mirror.

She wasn’t Lucius’s young lady. He hadn’t had one of those since his ex-wife had walked out on him.

Lucius cupped Amanda’s shoulder and shook her. “Amanda, wake up. You’re here.”

“Uh...?” Long dark lashes fluttered upward.

The action mesmerized him. He hadn’t reacted to a woman like this in years. Not since the early years of his relationship with his ex-wife. Amanda’s eyes were the green of tree leaves in early spring. And there was a sparkle in them even though she’d just awakened.

“What’s wrong?”

Sleep had made her voice a little coarse. Sort of sexy.

He swallowed. That wasn’t a thought he should be having about a woman he’d just met.

“Nothing. We’re at your place.”

Her unfocused gaze met his and he watched as reality dawned on her.

Her cheeks turned pink as she pushed at her silky hair and quickly straightened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”

“Hey, I’ve made that flight to America. I know what it takes out of you.”

He gave her a sympathetic smile. Now that his sister had moved there permanently he would be going a lot more often.

Amanda returned a weak one. “That doesn’t ease my embarrassment.”

“No reason to be embarrassed. We’re at your apartment.”

Lucius opened his door to climb out. Grudgingly, he conceded that her appeal grew with her confusion. Most of the women he met never appeared ruffled, or would never admit they were. He found Amanda’s obvious mortification utterly charming.

Not to mention her lovely accent...

Amanda scrambled from the car behind Lucius. The driver had placed her large suitcase on the sidewalk.

Lucius said to him, “I’ll be right back. Wait for me.” Then he pulled out the handle of her bulky bag and started toward the apartment building.

Stunned that this busy, world-renowned doctor planned to escort her, Amanda just stood there.

He stopped after a couple of steps and looked at her. “Well...?”

“It’s not necessary for you to see me to my apartment.”

“I was taught that a gentleman doesn’t leave a woman stranded on the side of the road.” He grinned. “Especially one who has come so far.”

Amanda blinked twice. Her first impression of him had been that he was a self-absorbed person, too busy for casual conversation. Yet he’d allowed her to sleep on his shoulder and now he was insisting on carrying her luggage like a bell hop.

Who was the real Dr. Lucius West?

“Surely the driver can help me with that?” She indicated her oversized suitcase.

“I’m sorry,” the driver said as he moved back around the car. “I’m not allowed to do more than load and unload the trunk and drive. It’s a liability issue.”

Amanda looked at Lucius for confirmation.

He nodded.

“Oh, okay...thanks.”

She followed Lucius to the apartment building entrance, conscious of the thump-thump of the tiny wheels of her heavy case on the sidewalk.

“Do you have a key, or do you have to call someone?” he asked.

“I have a key. I was sent all the information. I’m in Apartment 203.”

She held the glass door open for him to enter. She looked for an elevator, and finding none led the way up the stairs. “Well, at least I’ll be getting some exercise,” she said.

“Yeah, and you’re going to get plenty more of that at the clinic,” Lucius drawled behind her.

He must have switched to the carrying handle, because she didn’t hear the expected bumping of the luggage as they climbed.

“How far is the clinic from here?”

He placed the bag on the floor in front of the door with the gold numbers 203 tacked to it. “Maybe half a mile?”

“Great. That’ll be a nice walk every day.”

“I don’t know this neighborhood well, but you’ll need to be careful about being out at night by yourself. Get a ride with someone or take a taxi on late nights.”

Amanda stopped searching through her purse for the door key and met his look. “I’ll keep that in mind, but I’m very capable of taking care of myself.”

He studied her from head to toe, then brought his gaze back to hers. “If you say so.”

She wasn’t sure she liked his tone. Thankfully she found the koala bear key chain and pulled it out.

“I see you’ve already gone native.” He nodded toward her hand.

“I couldn’t resist. Bought it off the Internet. I was so excited about coming to Australia.”

“Is this your first time here?”

“Yes.”

Amanda slid the key into the lock, turned the knob and opened the door. This exchange had been a blessing. She’d needed to get away.

It had been only two months since John had left without warning, breaking off their relationship. Before that unforeseen night she’d thought he was the one. Then out of the blue he had announced they were over. His reason being he couldn’t compete with her. He’d said she intimidated him.

After that ugly scene she’d decided to put the priority on her career objectives. This trip gave her an opportunity to do just that.

Lucius picked up the bag. Again she waited for him to go first, and he stepped in and placed the luggage on the floor, beside a small sofa that stood in the middle of the room.

Amanda entered slowly, taking in the small but efficient-looking apartment. It consisted of one large room with a beige couch and chair, along with a TV on a stand. A galley kitchen was situated in one corner. She moved further into the room and looked through a door to find the bedroom. The space would be all she needed during her stay.

“I wondered what kind of place the board would put someone up in,” Lucius murmured. “I’ll have to admit this is about what I expected.”

“I’ll be comfortable here. I don’t have much more than this in Atlanta.” Amanda walked to the kitchen counter and put her purse down. “I’m hoping to spend more time at the clinic than I do here anyway. Thanks for bringing up my case. If I’d had to carry it up, I’d be out of breath. By the way, I’m looking forward to working with you at the clinic.”

He extended his hand. “It’s been nice to meet you.”

She placed her hand in his. A jolt of awareness spurred a quick withdrawal. The second Amanda did so she missed the size, heat and strength of his hold.

“I’m...uh...as I said, I look forward to working with you. I’ve heard some amazing things about you.”

He grinned. “I hope you don’t believe all my press.”

“I imagine at least some of it is true.”

Amanda walked toward the door. She needed him to leave so she could reorder her nerves, rattled by their brief contact.

“Thank you again.”

“Goodbye, Ms...”

“Longstreet.”

“Ms. Longstreet. I hope you enjoy your stay in Sydney.”

He closed the door behind him as he left.

For some odd reason it seemed as if all the electricity had left the room with him. Shaking off that odd notion, Amanda carried her luggage into the bedroom. There she found a double bed and a nightstand. Off to the left was a door that led to a small bath.

She left the bag near the bed and returned to the living area. Putting away her clothes could wait. She needed to find a place to buy some food and then she could tend to some other things. After that she’d get a shower and some sleep. Tomorrow would be a big day at the clinic.

Would she see Lucius?

That didn’t matter. She wasn’t here to dissect and admire Dr. West. Even if he was drool-worthy, with his fathomless eyes, sexy grin and square jaw.

Kirri had told Amanda he was brilliant, and everything Amanda had read about him confirmed that. However, Lucius West in person was larger than life.

Enough of that kind of thinking. She needed to get busy.

Seeing a notebook on the kitchen counter, she opened it. Inside she found typed details of places to eat, the closest grocery store, laundry, and drug store, along with general information about the area. She was grateful for it.

Now that she was actually here, in the apartment, she felt more invigorated than when she had first stepped off the airplane. All she’d wanted to do then had been to sleep. After her nap—on Lucius, no less—she wanted to do a little exploring and see if she could pick up some food.

Who knew when she would have another chance? There was no telling what the week ahead might bring. She at least needed to buy breakfast items.

All her life she’d been a Girl Scout type of person. Always prepared. In fact, she was known for it. Many a friend in college had turned to her because they knew she’d have what they needed.

Once her roommate had asked to borrow a stapler. Amanda had directed her to the middle desk drawer, in the back, on the left-hand side.

Her roommate’s response after she had located the stapler had been, “How do you do that?”

Amanda had answered, “I always put things back where they belong.”

That part of her personality hadn’t endeared her to her stepfather. Despite her being so prepared, and planning things down to the detail, he hadn’t accepted her. No matter what she’d done or how good she had been it had never been enough for him. Yet she was loved by the rest of her family.

After washing her face and brushing her hair, she slipped on a clean set of clothes and put on a pair of sunglasses. She needed to stay up for a little while to get acclimated to the time-change. To help with that she decided to walk around the neighborhood in search of the store she’d read about in the notebook.

Heading outside, she turned west along a tree-lined sidewalk. After a few missteps she soon found the small grocery store, not far down the street. She smiled at the girl behind the counter and went down the first aisle.

Picking up a couple of boxes of macaroni and cheese she could use in an emergency, she added a few more items that she could pop into the microwave. She would have liked to buy a gallon of milk, but that would have been too heavy to carry back with all the other stuff she’d gathered.

If she continued to do this type of shopping she would definitely need a rolling bag to make the transportation easier... And if she wanted a wider choice, like fresh produce, she would have to either rent a car or hire a taxi and go to a larger supermarket.

The thought of renting a car came and went. Her trying to drive in town on the opposite side of the road would be more nerve-racking than beneficial especially when she wasn’t familiar with the streets. She’d maybe ask someone to drive her when she became acquainted with more people.

She did know one person. Yeah, right. Like she would ask Lucius West to drive her around while she shopped. That wasn’t going to happen.

With both hands full of heavily loaded plastic bags, Amanda left the store and trudged back to the apartment. She had to admit she might have over-bought, but still she had little choice but to keep walking. Not soon enough for her, she arrived.

Setting the bags on the floor, she collapsed on the couch. She wouldn’t have considered herself out of shape, but after such a long plane ride, and not having rested properly, she’d overdone it by going to the store. She’d learned her lesson.

On autopilot she put the cold groceries away, leaving the others until later. With that done, she took a hot shower and climbed into bed.

Her eyelids lowered. The bed was comfortable enough, but somehow the memory of Lucius’s shoulder seemed just as nice.

CHAPTER TWO

THREE MORNINGS LATER, as Lucius walked down the hallway toward the procedure room, he thought of Amanda Longstreet. She’d been interrupting his thoughts more often than he wanted to admit. Somehow she had made an indelible impression on him during their brief encounter. But right now he needed to concentrate on his patient. This woman had been trying to have a baby for three years. Nothing so far had proved successful.

As an infertility doctor, he considered hers the type of case he lived for. As a human being, it tore at his heart. He only ever saw women who were desperate for a baby. They either had trouble conceiving or carrying a baby to term. Whichever, his encounters with them invariably included high emotions.

Because of that he always went in and spoke to his patients, instead of just showing up to do the procedure. They were often nervous and fearful, which might contribute to whether or not the in vitro procedure was successful. The calmer and more confident the woman could be, the better the chance of conception.

Entering the room, where his patient waited on the procedure bed, he walked toward her with a sincere smile and hopefully warm assurance. He noticed his nurse, Lucy, was laying out instruments. Another person standing nearby caught his eye. His smile faded a little as he did a double-take.

Amanda.

She grinned and he nodded.

What was she doing here?

He understood she was a Labor and Delivery nurse. Surely that was where she should be. His role was getting women pregnant. It was what he excelled at, although he always had a hard time figuring out how to describe what he specialized in. Usually he defaulted to a very clinical definition.

He raised his chin and nodded to his nurse, then concentrated on his patient.

When he reached Nancy Davis, the prospective mother-to-be, he placed his hand over hers for a moment. “How’re you doing?”

“I’m fine. Just a little nervous is all.”

He quickly shook hands with her husband, who stood meekly in the corner.

The woman added with a desperate undertone, “This has to work.”

“I understand. I know you’ve been through this a couple of times before, but you don’t need to worry. I’ll be doing all the work here, and I’m going to try something a little innovative during this procedure. I think it will make a difference. I’ve had success in the lab with it, and that gives me reason to be optimistic. We’re not only going to hope this takes—we’re going to believe it will.”

She offered him a weak smile. “I sure hope so, Dr. West.”

He did too. “You’ve taken your medication?”

“Yes. But I really need...” She gave a soft sob.

He didn’t doubt her need. Even for him, forty thousand dollars or more each time to try and have a baby was a lot of money. It could even grow into more if there were complications. Like multiple babies...

“We’ll get started here in a moment. I’m just going out to wash up and then we’ll be ready to go.”

He left, and soon returned to find Lucy prepared to proceed. Amanda stood beside the patient, near the end of the table, so they could easily see each other. The two women were talking quietly. Nancy’s face was expressive as Amanda spoke.

Lucius approached just as Nancy laughed softly. Apparently Amanda had said something funny. The unease he’d seen on his patient’s face earlier had disappeared.

He appreciated what Amanda had done. It was crucially important to this procedure that the patient was relaxed. For some unexplained reason it seemed women were often more likely to conceive when they stopped fixating on becoming pregnant. When they just let go. Amanda was helping with that part of the transfer.

He pulled his rolling chair out, settled on it, and moved to Nancy’s feet. “I’ll be telling you what’s happening every step of the way.” He moved closer. “Let me know if you feel any discomfort.”

“Okay.” Nancy’s answer was weak, unsure.

“This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Then we’ll let you sit for a while.”

The patient’s husband moved closer and took Nancy’s hand.

“Just like last time?” Nancy asked.

“Yes.”

Lucius removed the long flexible tube that held the embryos from the incubator Lucy had rolled to his side. He literally held this couple’s hopes in his hand. If all went well, they would soon have a baby.

“Now, this may feel a little different from last time. The embryos aren’t at body temperature yet. I want your body to warm them to your own natural temperature.”

Amanda’s soft gasp caught his attention for a second as she stepped back to stand at his shoulder. Was she planning to interrupt? She made no further move. He returned his full attention to the procedure, forgetting everyone and everything but positioning the embryos in just the correct spot.

Moments later he’d finished, and pushed the stool back so he could see Nancy.

“Now, we’re going to let you sit quietly for about thirty minutes. Remember you may have breast tenderness, bloating, cramping, or constipation during the next week or so. I want to see you back in two weeks for your pregnancy test.”

“Thank you, Dr. West.” Nancy looked at her husband and gave him a hopeful smile.

Lucius headed out the door. In the process of removing his gloves and gown he looked back as the door opened. Amanda entered.

“Nurse Longstreet.”

“Hello again, Dr. West.” Her words were almost as cool as his.

“How’re you adjusting to the clinic?”

“Fine. I’ve met a lot of great people here.” She followed him in the removal of her sterile clothing.

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Done, he started out the other door of the room.

“Can I have a minute of your time?” she asked suddenly. “I have a couple of questions about the procedure.”

“Oh. Like...?” Something about her tone made him think it might be less curiosity and more concern—or, worse, censure.

“I understand it’s not protocol to put embryos in until they’re at body temperature, so I was wondering exactly why you felt the need to do it?”

His eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened. He wasn’t used to hearing that tone in relation to his work. “And you know about this protocol how...?”

“I’ve spent the last few days reading your clinic handbook.”

Oh. That wasn’t the answer he’d expected. “I see you are thorough.”

“I try to be.” She continued to look at him, as if waiting for an answer to her question.

Lucius shoulders stiffened as he stood straighter. His staff didn’t ever question his methods or motives. He was considered by most to be ingenious and successful and his staff followed his lead.

“Do you have concerns about my technique?”

“I’m not exactly concerned about it. It’s more like I’m wanting to understand why you did it that way. What if the embryos don’t take because of the temperature? Couples invest too much of their life savings, time and emotion in trying to have a baby for you to go rogue. To do something on a hunch.”

“Hunch!” He stepped toward her, outraged. “I’ll have you know that I’ve been doing this type of procedure for a long time. There is experience and knowledge behind everything I do. I don’t do hunches. Couples come to me for one reason and one reason only. They want a baby and I can often make that happen for them.”

Amanda’s eyes were heated as she glared at him. “I don’t mean to hurt your feelings. I’m asking so I can better understand your thought process.”

“That wasn’t how it sounded to me. It sounded more like you were questioning my ability and my judgement.”

“I’m here to learn about the procedures here from conception to delivery. That’s all I’m trying to do.”

“I appreciate that, but if you’re going to question my skills the entire time you’re here then this exchange may not work.”

He ran this clinic and he wouldn’t have anyone—especially an invited guest—questioning his ethics.

“I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. And I understand your position, Doctor, but that doesn’t mean I’m not supposed to learn and gain knowledge. Part of that’s asking questions. I can’t learn anything from this exchange if I’m not allowed to ask questions.”

“Oh, you’re allowed to ask questions. What you’re not allowed to do is question or react to something I say or do in front of a patient. You are also not allowed to imply, via your questioning, that I might have done something wrong.”

Ms. Longstreet certainly had gall.

“So the great ‘Baby Whisperer’—” she used sarcastic air quotes with her fingers, which made him grind his back teeth “—doesn’t have to explain himself regarding following protocol, or answer to anyone when he has done something outside of the norm. Is that what I’m to understand?”

Lucius shifted from mildly irritated to angry. He took a step closer to her and look down his nose. He couldn’t help but admire the fact that Amanda didn’t move.

“I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Isn’t that what they say?”

Amanda straightened to her not inconsiderable height, but still only reached to his shoulders, and took a step toward him. Her nose was now an inch or two from his.

“I’m sorry, Doctor, but where I come from the nurses and the doctors are partners. We’re all working toward the same result. We get to question what’s being done because it’s in our patients’ best interest. Our doctors’ egos have to take a back seat to that.”

His lips thinned into a fine line as he glared at her. How dared she imply that he had less than the best interests for his patients in mind?

“I can assure you that my patients always come first.”

“I appreciate that. So why do you mind being questioned about how you do something?”

His ire eased a little. “Maybe it’s the way you asked me. The tone.”

“I didn’t realize I had applied any ‘tone.’”

She appeared innocent. Lucius stepped back. “I think this conversation has become unproductive. I have work to do.”

He left the scrub room and headed down the hallway toward his office. How dared Amanda come into his procedure room for the first time and start interrogating him? Just who did she think she was?

Lucius shook his head. Far more baffling was the fact that he was impressed she had.

An hour later Lucius was still dwelling on his heated conversation with Amanda. Maybe he’d been too rough on her. But Amanda’s questions had reminded him too much of his father. He’d always pushed Lucius to explain his decisions, and had questioned his methods so often Lucius had often ended up second-guessing himself.

With his father now in a care home it had been a long time since that had happened. He’d thought he’d outgrown his reaction to having his authority examined. But clearly one small American woman was all it took to bring his youthful insecurities straight back to the surface. He found it infuriating to have his ego on the carpet.

Doctors who did his type of work had to have a strong sense of self-worth—otherwise they would give up. Too often disappointments outweighed celebrations. He lived for the uplifting and exciting times when a woman became pregnant. He needed those to fortify himself against the times when he had to tell a couple the process had failed. He’d seen the pain and the agony too many times. He thoroughly enjoyed the days he attended the Labor and Delivery Room, to see a couple holding a baby after clinging to that dream for so long. Because of those moments he hated to have his efforts second-guessed.

At one time he’d planned to have children of his own when he married, but he had been young and had thought he had plenty of time. The clinic had just opened and it was doing amazing things with great outcomes. He’d nurtured his work, thinking his wife was happy. Instead she had become steadily disgruntled with his long hours.

Melanie had been left to herself too much.

He’d known she enjoyed the social side of being a doctor’s wife, and the perks of being married to a rising star in infertility medicine. He’d believed she’d be satisfied with that for a while, but he’d misjudged the depth of her loneliness.

Even when he’d realized he still hadn’t been able to tear himself away from the clinic. And when he’d finally tried to make it work, to make changes in his schedule, her answer had been a firm no. Melanie’s parting remark had been that he seemed a lot more interested in giving other people babies then he was in having his own.

That hadn’t been true. And yet he hadn’t felt Melanie’s loss like he should have. He’d decided maybe she was right. He was more married to the clinic than to her. After she’d left, he’d seen a few women on and off, but had never let a relationship get past casual. He’d made his mistake and learned from it. He wouldn’t try that again.

There hadn’t been enough time then and nor was there now to give to a wife and family. There wasn’t time for the attention they deserved. He would need somebody who understood the importance of his work and who didn’t demand to have his attention on her full-time. That would be a rare person, indeed. One he didn’t have time to search for.

Amanda remained perplexed about what had gone wrong between her and Lucius. She’d had no idea asking questions would overstep any professional boundary down here. But she was used to protocol being closely followed and she’d only wanted to know why he hadn’t stuck to the usual script.

She had been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. All she’d wanted was to understand the logic behind his decisions.

But apparently she’d overstepped his boundaries in general—personal as well as professional.

She’d done it again. Another man was feeling challenged by her. Intimidated. Some of the men she had dated had accused her of being too rigid, too controlling. She hadn’t been what they wanted. She was too demanding. Time after time with a man, as soon as she’d let her guard down and allowed her true nature to show, he’d found fault with her character. None had been tactful in their criticism.

After the shock and heartache of her last love interest’s rejection, she’d put her dream of finding Mr. Right, getting married and starting a family to one side for a while. Instead she’d turned her concentration on her career goals and put all her energy into achieving them.

That had meant coming here to Harborside and being involved in the amazing work Lucius and his staff were doing in reproduction. The experience would be an important stepping-stone to becoming Director of Nursing at her clinic back home.

Somehow she had to neutralize Lucius’s animosity and earn his respect. She had to put them back on the footing they’d been on before he’d left her apartment that first night.

She had no doubt he was a gifted and dedicated doctor. But how could she have known that asking forthright questions about his procedural decisions was off-limits? Come to think of it, he’d become annoyed with her far too quickly. Did that unexpected reaction mean she’d called attention to him doing something he shouldn’t? Or was he hyper-sensitive for some other reason?

She shook her head to clear the unanswerable questions away. She’d spend her time learning and gaining all the invaluable experience she could while she was here, and stay out of his way as much as possible.

After he’d left her in a huff she’d gone back to the Labor and Delivery Department. There she’d joined one of the nurses she had met on her first day at the clinic.

Apart from Lucius, everyone on the staff had been friendly, and more than willing to answer her questions. If they didn’t know the answer off the top of their head, they’d made an effort to find out.

Now, as Amanda strolled toward her apartment, she found herself continuing to be distracted by her confrontation with Lucius.

The clinic was amazing, and doing some outstanding work—it was everything Kirri had said it was. The only issue Amanda had was with Lucius. Her unintentional professional offense had put a damper on her visit. He had been so kind about taking her luggage up to her apartment, proving her first impression of him wrong. And from that she’d assumed they’d gotten past the initial rough spot of getting acquainted.

Yet here they were.

Kirri was such a charming person Amanda hadn’t imagined there’d be any issue with her brother. And when Lucius had made the comment about the exchange not working Amanda had been shocked. She didn’t appreciate being threatened. She’d actively campaigned to participate in this exchange and she needed to record it on her résumé as being a successful experience. Lucius’s subtle implication that he might send her back to Atlanta in disgrace made her feel sick.

She had to figure out some way to work this out...smooth things over with him. After a night’s sleep and a good think she’d form a plan to convince him that she’d respect his professional space in future.

Climbing the stairs, she entered her apartment. She’d bought a few things at the local department store to make the space a little more “hers”. A vase with a few flowers now sat on the coffee table. She had also found a couple of inexpensive yellow throw pillows to add to the sofa. The items gave the tiny space some personality. She liked living in Sydney. It would be easy to make it like home.

The next morning, she arose determined to speak to Lucius as soon as she could. She’d tossed and turned all night, rehearsing what she would say. Somehow she needed to get him back on her side.

As soon as she had a free moment at the clinic, she went in search of him. After being directed to his office she discovered he wasn’t there. She pulled up the procedure schedule to see if he was doing one. He wasn’t. She finally found somebody who told her to check the nursery.

Despite being sure she’d heard the nurse correctly, she couldn’t imagine why Lucius would be in the baby nursery. But Amanda didn’t argue and went to look.

To her great surprise, she did find Lucius there, sitting in a rocking chair holding a sleeping newborn.

Amanda’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart softened at the sight of the big man holding the small child so tenderly. He looked at ease, like she hadn’t seen him before. As if he had no worries in the world or any concerns about this famous clinic and his part in it.

The man before her now and the man she’d known yesterday were two vastly different people. Never would she have guessed that she would see him like this.

It took her a few moments to compose herself. She stood there enthralled, wanting to take in this perfect example of what was right with the world.

A nurse brushed by her and broke the mood.

Amanda took a couple of steps forward. “Dr. West—Lucius?”

He gave her a preoccupied look.

The fleeting thought that he’d make a good father went through her head. She didn’t need to have those types of ideas about Lucius. They weren’t going to become friendly enough for her to have that kind of opinion about him. Hadn’t Kirri said he was married to his job? So much so his marriage had failed?

“Yes, Nurse Longstreet?”

“I...uh... I was wondering if you had a moment so we could talk?”

“I have a procedure in about twenty minutes.”

She looked around. Was that a no? She wasn’t giving up. “Maybe I could buy you a cup of coffee?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t drink it this time of the day.”

He wasn’t making this easy for her. “A soft drink?”

One of the babies cried. “As you can see, I’m a little busy here. What do you want to discuss?”

She clasped her hands together and took a step toward him. “I’d really appreciate it if we could talk about what happened yesterday.”

He looked toward one of the cribs and nodded his head to the side. “Grab that baby and have a seat.”

Amanda scooped the newborn into her arms. A nurse entered, saw Amanda, and stepped out again. Amanda took a seat in the rocking chair across from Lucius. Holding the baby close, she rocked and cooed. The child settled.

“I believe you have a knack for handling babies,” he said.

The admiration in his voice warmed her in an unexpected way.

“I can do more than deliver them. And I’ve held more than one in my time. Including a niece and a nephew.”

A shadow entered Lucius’s eyes and then was quickly gone. Great—she’d said something else to upset him when she had been trying to gain his trust.

Softly she said, “I thought the babies stayed in the room with their mothers.”

“Most of them do, but we take in foundlings without question. This is a safe place for mothers to leave their unwanted babies. And one or two babies belong to mothers who had difficult deliveries and need their rest. That’s why we have this many in here right now.”

The baby Lucius held let out a gentle sigh.

“I see you have some skill in this area too,” said Amanda.

“Thanks. This is a good place to come and decompress.”

Lucius needed to decompress? He gave the impression he had everything under control at all times.

She looked around to see if the nurse had returned. “Look, Lucius...um... Dr. West, I want to apologize about yesterday. I didn’t intend to question your authority. I certainly would never undermine you in front of a patient. I’m sorry if you felt I had.”

“I appreciate that. However, after some thought I believe I might have overreacted to what you asked me.”

Amanda struggled to conceal her astonishment. She hadn’t expected him to say anything like that.

Lucius continued. “I was raised by a man who constantly questioned what I did. Consequently I don’t like to be interrogated about my decisions.”

For a moment he frowned, as if confused about what he’d said.

When he didn’t continue, she offered, “Thank you for sharing that. Now I understand your negative reaction to my professional curiosity. This exchange program is important to me. I need it to go well.”

“Why’s that?”

Should she reveal something as personal as her hopes and dreams? But her career plans weren’t a secret, and she was too far from home for it to matter if she talked about them.

“I believe coming here is my opportunity to get an important promotion back home. The fact that I’m here watching you perform such innovative procedures, and learning how and why you operate as you do, can only be good for my career. As lofty as it sounds, I want to help hurting women have babies.”

“In that we’ll always agree.”

For some reason that gave Amanda a warm feeling—as if they had found solidarity on this particular point, no matter their personal issues.

The nurse stuck her head in the door. “Dr. West, they’re ready for you in the procedure room.”

“Please tell them I’m on my way.”

He slowly rose and gently laid the baby in a bassinet. He looked at Amanda, still holding the now sleeping infant.

“I’ll see to it that you get every opportunity to learn while you’re here. Including getting answers to any questions you may have.”

“Thank you, Lucius. I’d really appreciate that.”

He lifted the child from her arms with practiced ease and lay her in the empty crib.

Amanda stood and Lucius extended his hand.

“Agreed?”

She slipped her hand into his. An electric volt shot through her, as it had the first time he’d clasped her hand. They shook hands.

Too soon, or perhaps not soon enough, he let her hand go and headed for the door leading to the hall.

“See you around,” he threw over his broad shoulder with a sincere smile.

He left her feeling muddled in his wake. One minute he had been angry with her and the next he’d acted with understanding and been agreeable.

And he hadn’t reacted to the revelation of her career ambitions as she’d expected. What a challenge he had become to understand.

Still befuddled, she checked the sleeping baby before leaving. She liked challenges. Especially intriguing and handsome ones.

The next afternoon in Labor and Delivery, Amanda prepared to help deliver a baby. This one was the result of a second IVF transfer. The mother had conceived the first time, but lost the baby in the first trimester.

The parents-to-be were today equally anxious and excited. Just after Amanda had begun working with couples battling infertility she had learned that these primary emotions were part and package of a clinic atmosphere.

Amanda made a quick review of the mother’s medical chart on the computer tablet she held. Excitement bubbled within her. This would be the first time she’d helped with a delivery since coming to Harborside.

The birth of a baby was always exhilarating for the parents, but it was an equal thrill for the delivery staff as well. A new human being coming into the world for parents who had gone the extra mile or more to conceive made these babies extra-special. Nothing compared to the joy of this type of delivery.

Amanda slipped into her gown and gloves as the mother settled herself on the delivery table. Dr. Leah Johannsson, whom she had met on her first day at the clinic, would be handling the delivery. She was a small, soft-spoken woman in her mid-forties, with serious brown eyes. Amanda could understand why she was one of the patients’ favorites.

Moments later Dr. Johannsson entered, dressed in gown and gloves as well.

The head nurse had told Amanda there was some anxiety about this birth, since the mother had lost one baby before. She had been on bedrest for the last three months, spending the last two weeks in the clinic’s in-care unit. The goal had been to prevent an early birth.

Entering the delivery room, Amanda stepped beside the bed and smiled at the mother. “I’m Amanda Longstreet, a clinical nurse visiting from America. I’m honored to be helping with your delivery today. I look forward to meeting your baby.”

“I look forward to meeting Alease too,” the mother answered, smiling her happiness.

“What a beautiful name.”

“Thanks. We’re naming her after my grandmother.” The woman winced.

“I think Alease is telling us she thinks it’s time to meet her parents.” Amanda looked over at the man hovering next to his wife, holding her hand.

The woman sucked in a breath as another pain came.

Amanda stepped back, letting Dr. Johannsson move in next to the bed. “I think this is going to happen sooner rather than later,” she said.

Another pain gripped the patient.

“On the next one I want you to push,” Dr. Johannsson instructed.

Minutes passed, and then the doctor said, “Don’t push. I know you want to, but don’t.”

Seconds filled with heavy tension ticked by before she said, “Now it’s time to bear down.”

Slowly, little Alease slipped into the world.

The mother sighed and giggled at the same time.

Amanda switched her attention from her to the baby. Her heart caught. Something was wrong. The baby was blue. Not breathing. Limp. A pool of red fell to the floor.

Dr. Johannsson said quietly, “I need some help here.”

The doctor quickly handed the baby to Amanda. The mother was bleeding and the baby was in trouble.

Amanda rushed to the warmer, on her way hitting the emergency button on the wall that would bring additional help. Placing the baby inside the warmer, she dried her and started giving her stimulation with her fingers at the same time. Removing the wet blanket and dropping it to the floor, she quickly tapped the baby’s feet, hoping for a small sound. Nothing. She then checked the heart-rate, using two fingers under the base of the umbilical cord.

Sensing more than seeing, Amanda became aware that more people had entered the room.

The heart rate-remained below one hundred and the baby still hadn’t cried. She opened the baby’s airway and reached for an oxygen mask. A large hand was already placing it over the baby’s nose and mouth and giving it a pump.

She glanced up to see Lucius.

Still the baby wasn’t breathing. Amanda quickly checked the airway. Chest compressions were needed.

“You take over the oxygen.”

She didn’t wait for Lucius to respond. Wrapping her hands around the baby, with her thumbs under the center of her chest, she pushed.

“On my count,” she told Lucius. “One, two, three,” she recited, like counting for a waltz. “Breathe.”

Lucius pumped the oxygen bag.

“One, two, three. Breathe.”

He stayed with the beat she set. They worked for a minute. Then she stopped chest compressions and checked vitals. The baby moved. Amanda felt as if she could finally breathe herself. Lucius removed the oxygen mask. The baby let out a loud cry.

She smiled at Lucius and he returned it. His smile reached his eyes and caused a quiver in her middle.

“Well done, Amanda.” His words were soft, and loaded with appreciation.

She nodded before turning her attention to the baby, wrapping her in a blanket and gently pulling a knit cap over the now healthy and pink head. Done, she looked to Dr. Johannsson, who was still working with the mom. She checked the baby’s vitals again. Lucius still stood nearby, but didn’t hover over them.

“Nurse Longstreet,” Dr. Johannsson said, “I believe Mommy and Daddy would like to see their new baby girl now.”

Grinning, she carried the baby to the mother and laid her on her chest. They would be allowed to bond for a few minutes and then Amanda would take Alease to NICU for evaluation.

A few tender moments later the mother, with tears in her eyes, looked beyond Amanda and said, “Thank you, Dr. West.”

Amanda watched him. Lucius hadn’t moved from where he stood near the wall.

He nodded. “You’re welcome.”

Amanda studied him another moment. He appeared nonchalant, but she could see the moisture in his eyes.

When she turned again, having taken the baby from her mother, he was gone.

Well, well, well. That’s twice in a week I’ve caught a glimpse of Dr. Lucius West’s tender side.

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