Nyc Angels: Flirting With Danger. Tina Beckett

viewing the world through a lens of amused cynicism.

      Although traffic was bumper to bumper, they were moving at a fairly steady pace and before she knew it they’d cleared Central Park, where green gave way to a pristine white building. Even from her perch Chloe could see the hospital off to their left. “Is there underground parking?”

      “There is for our patients. There are a couple of lots near the hospital where we can park, which is what I do on the days I drive to work.”

      “Isn’t that expensive?” Chloe had assumed everyone parked on hospital grounds. But things in New York City were evidently different than they were in Connecticut.

      “Staff gets a discount.” There was a pause as Brad pulled into a lot across the street from the hospital. “I sometimes take the subway to work, but I didn’t think you’d be too anxious to get back on it.”

      She blinked. “How did you know I rode the subway?”

      “My doorman said you had that shell-shocked look of first-time riders.”

      Little did he know that the shock had been from something very different. Although the fact that Brad had ridden to work just for her touched her. “Thank you. But I’ll be okay. Let me at least help with the parking costs.”

      A suited valet came forward, eyes wide as he looked from them to the bike. He quickly found his professionalism, reaching out a hand to help Chloe off. Her legs were shaking, much to her chagrin, but she smiled at the man anyway. When she glanced at Brad, she noticed his frown, even through the shaded visor. He put down the kickstand and yanked off his helmet, taking the keys from the ignition.

      When she fumbled around for the catch to her own helmet, both men moved forward, but the valet stopped almost immediately when Brad handed him the key and held up his hospital ID. “We’ll be here until around seven.”

      The valet nodded, glancing one last time at Chloe before handing Brad a ticket.

      Once the man had started the motorcycle and driven into the lot, Brad turned back to her and unsnapped her helmet. She squinched her nose. “I don’t even want to think about what my hair looks like. I’m not going to make a very good first impression.”

      Before she had a chance to do anything about it, warm fingers were brushing damp locks from her forehead and her cheeks and restoring order to her side part. “You could never make a bad impression, Chloe.”

      That’s what he thought. He’d never had her in bed.

      Her brows tightened. That was all behind her now. It was time to move on, and she intended to do just that. Maybe she’d even flirt with the first attractive man who came across her path.

      Her glance went to Brad and then skipped away. Yikes! Just the thought of flirting with him sent a zing of panic shooting through her chest. Along with a dangerous sense of anticipation that left her breathless. Yep, dangerous was a good word for what she was feeling.

      She’d promised herself she’d ask him some pointed questions about men and how their minds worked, but could she really go through with it? Especially after the way she’d felt on the back of his bike?

      Maybe she’d test out her theory with the second attractive man who came across her path. Just in case. Until she could finally work up the courage to look Brad in the eye and demand he tell her everything he knew.

      CHAPTER SIX

      “CHLOE, THIS IS Layla Woods, head of our general pediatric department.”

      The slender blonde standing just inside the hospital lobby held out her hand with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you. Brad says you’re joining his team on the fourth floor.”

      Chloe wasn’t sure how to answer that question. Brad had made it pretty clear he was still looking for someone to take the previous nurse’s place. Besides, she’d be going back to her old job at the end of her vacation. “I’m helping out. Temporarily.”

      She took a moment to glance around. Not only was the lobby big, with glossy marble floors and brightly painted walls, it was also refreshingly cool. Chloe welcomed the chilly air blowing across her heated body. Part of the warmth was due to the city streets, but some of it was also from riding behind her new boss. The crowded subway was sounding better and better.

      A red-wigged Raggedy Ann stood a few feet away, cheerfully directing patients and visitors to different wings of the hospital. Well, that was different. But she liked the upbeat, bustling atmosphere of the entryway. Almost a reflection of the city itself.

      “Well, it’s good to have you,” Layla said, bringing her attention back. “I’m new to Angel’s too, so if you have any questions, holler. It’s probably something I’ve already asked.”

      Brad’s phone went off, and he glanced down at the readout with a frown. “I need to get this, sorry. As Layla said, we’re up on the fourth floor, if you want to make your way there. They’re expecting you.”

      The other woman tutted at him. “You can’t just abandon her. I’ll show her around and then take her up myself.”