the salad tongs and scooped the lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and meat onto J.D.’s and then onto her own. She placed the tongs inside the bowl and shook out her napkin, spreading it across her lap.
Shae elaborated. “I remember thinking that there had to be something I could do—some way that I should be able to help. When we got home, I decided on a career in nursing. After graduation, I worked for Doctors Without Boundaries. We worked in El Salvador and several Africa countries. And you know what?”
Fork poised above his salad, J.D. said, “What?”
“I’ve never regretted it.” Shae shrugged. “This isn’t about money. So many people have so little and can benefit from my help. I can give back a little—maybe make life easier for people.”
“You will,” the young man answered emphatically.
Turning away shyly, she said, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pick up the bullhorn and preach to the choir.”
Reaching for her hand, J.D. enclosed it between both of his. He began to stroke his thumb across the soft skin. “There’s nothing wrong with being passionate about your work. It’s important to care.”
Before Shae could add a word, her cell phone rang. “Excuse me,” she murmured, wondering who would be calling her. She checked the number, threw an apologetic glance in his direction and answered, “Hi, Mommie.”
“Shae, you didn’t call.” Mrs. Weitherspoon accused in a worried tone. “I was concerned about you.”
“I’m fine.”
“I left a message at the hotel. I was surprised that you were out.”
Shae rolled the edge of her napkin in her lap under the cover of the table. “I’m out for dinner with a friend. I’ll call you when I get back to the hotel. Okay?”
“Friend? What friend? You just got to town.” There was a note of hysteria in Vivian Weitherspoon’s voice.
“Mommie, I’ll call you later,” she repeated firmly.
“But—”
“Bye, Mommie,” Shae said before disconnecting the call. She shoved the phone into her purse and smiled apologetically at J.D. “Sorry.”
“No problem. Your mother was worried that you hadn’t arrived.”
“Yeah. One of the hazards of being an only child. Parents are continually concerned about you.”
J.D. grinned back at her. “I’m one of five and my mother always calls wanting to know when I’ll be home. Will I be home for Sunday dinner? Or what I’m eating? Am I getting enough rest? Need I go on? I’m twenty-eight years old and I’ve been living on my own for at least ten years. I can take care of myself.”
“I know exactly what you’re talking about. I did a turn as a traveling nurse for two years. I thought my mother was going to worry herself into an early grave. The company sent me on some pretty interesting, uncomfortable assignments. I did fine. I can handle myself. Yet when I talk to my mother, I become five years old again.”
He chuckled sympathetically. “You’re not alone. I think that’s how parents behave.”
J.D. and Shae were so engrossed in their conversation that neither heard the server’s approach. He cleared his throat before placing a metal pedestal on the table while balancing the pizza on a tin tray in his other hand. The waiter arranged the pizza on the pedestal and moved away.
Shae sniffed the air appreciatively. “This looks wonderful.” Slicing into the pizza she reached out for J.D.’s plate. Placing a slice of the deep dish pizza on his plate, Shae handed it back to him before serving herself.
The pair fell into a comfortable conversation. J.D. talked about the city and Shae asked questions about the local sites.
“Mmm,” she moaned, wiping her mouth with her napkin. “That was great.”
“The pizza was exceptional and so was the company,” J.D. complimented.
Shae tipped her head in J.D.’s direction. This evening had turned out much better than she’d hoped. “Ditto.”
J.D. settled the bill and guided Shae out of the restaurant. The sun had set and the downtown area was quiet. They retraced their steps back down Michigan Avenue en route to the hotel.
As they strolled slowly back J.D. directed Shae’s attention to local points of interest. He followed her into the Marriott and across the lobby to the front desk. Shae retrieved her door card and the pair took the elevator to her floor. All the while, Shae prayed that this wouldn’t be the only time she had with him.
J.D. halted outside her door and put his hand on Shae’s shoulder. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had such a great time. I really enjoyed tonight.”
“So did I.” Shae smiled shyly.
His hand slid down her arm and he intertwined their fingers. “Would you like to go out again? Maybe we could see a different part of the city. Get you more comfortable with Chicago before you start your new job.”
She squeezed his hand, then smiled before answering, “That sounds wonderful.”
“How about tomorrow evening? Say around eight?” He took a step closer. Shae’s heart pounded as she felt the heat of his body. His subtle scent wafted under her nose, making her tingle all over with anticipation.
“All right,” Shae said after a moment of hesitation.
J.D. dropped her hand and leaned in, gently nibbled on her bottom lip. His lips were soft and encouraging as they touched Shae’s tentatively. A delighted shiver coursed through her at this slight caress. Wanting more, she moved closer, parting her lips to offer him entry. J.D. framed her face with his hands as his tongue darted inside.
A low moan escaped from her as his tongue met hers. At first the kiss was gentle and soft, exploring. It grew more passionate as she stroked his tongue with her own. His hands trailed along the column of her neck, over her shoulders and wrapped her in his embrace, pulling her against the hard planes of his heated body.
Slowly, they separated. He leaned down a second time and kissed her lips lightly, stroking her cheek tenderly with his fingertips.
Dazed, she gazed up at him.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he promised in a husky whisper.
“Okay. Good night.”
“Good night, Shae,” he said softly, softly kissing her lips a final time before releasing her and heading to the elevators.
Shae stepped inside the suite and shut the door, leaning against the wood surface. She’d never felt anything like this before in her life. Making this change in her life might turn out to be the best decision she’d ever made.
Chapter 5
Although Shae had the credentials and work experience to run a clinic, she felt nervous about starting her new job. First days were tricky. Information overload added additional stress to an already stressful day.
J.D. had been wonderful. He’d offered his services as her personal chauffeur until she bought a car. In return, they had shared an intimate breakfast at one of her hotel’s restaurants.
Now she sat in the passenger seat of J.D.’s Chrysler Crossfire as they pulled away from the hotel. As Shae watched him maneuver the car, she realized what a pleasant start to the day it had been to have him pilot their commute to the clinic.
The scenery swept by unnoticed as her thoughts turned to the day ahead. As she smoothed the imaginary wrinkles from the front of her mauve-colored suit, Shae took control of her fears and focused on the positive aspects to her new home and life.
A warm male hand wrapped around hers possessively. “Don’t worry,” J.D. said in a soft,