Andrea Laurence - The Pregnancy Proposition

“What’s wrong with being a nurse?” she asked.

“Nothing is wrong with it. It’s a noble calling. I’ve just spent more time than I ever wanted to around nurses. I was hospitalized for quite a long time with my injury. They were all great and cared for me very well, but I avoid hospitals at all costs now. I couldn’t imagine working there every day.”

“It’s different when you’re not the patient. I was a born caretaker. My mother told me I was such a little mama as a child. I was always carrying around my baby doll, and when I got older, I wanted to babysit at every opportunity. I thought maybe I would work in pediatrics one day. But when I spent time with my grandfather, he would tell me stories about World War II. At least ones that were okay for a little girl to hear. It made me want to work with soldiers when I grew up, so that’s what I did instead. I got a master’s degree in nursing and I work at the veteran’s hospital in San Diego on the orthopedic floor. I work mainly with soldiers that have lost limbs or had their joints replaced or rebuilt.”

“That sounds like a hard job to have.”

“It’s difficult work, but it can be so rewarding. I love what I do. Almost all of my time goes to my job, which leaves little for me. I think that’s why my grandfather wanted me to come here, to get a break.”

Mano tried not to stiffen at Paige’s words as she spoke about her work. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with her answer, but it did give him pause. Chuck had been right when he asked if Mano was considering Paige for more than just dinner. He’d only used it as an excuse to learn more about her. She’d caught his attention without even realizing it.

But knowing she was a nurse...that changed things.

She herself had said she was a caretaker. One of his aunts was a nurse. Since the day of his accident, she’d fawned over him, treating him as nearly helpless. People who went into nursing had a strong desire to care for others. Mano didn’t want to be taken care of. He didn’t want to be fixed or babied, and he certainly didn’t want to be pitied.

Then again, there was something about Paige that his body reacted to instantly. He didn’t know what she looked like or anything other than the feel of her hand in his, but he wanted to know more. As the pieces of her history started to click together in his mind, he found himself more interested instead of less. Of course she was a nurse. That explained the rough hands after washing them dozens of times a day and the scent of hand sanitizer.

“My grandfather knew this is something I never would’ve done on my own,” she continued, oblivious to his thoughts. “He wanted me to take a break and enjoy life, if for just a week. So I’m trying. I find it’s easier to do in Hawaii than it is at home.”

“Everything is easier in Hawaii. It’s a state of mind.” Mano considered his options for this evening and decided that he didn’t mind if she was a nurse. So far, she’d let him take the lead, not once going out of her way to help him when he didn’t need it. Being a nurse might not be all bad. If things worked out, maybe she could give him a sponge bath...

He suppressed a wicked grin and tried to focus on what to do next. He didn’t want their evening together to end so soon. It was Saturday night, which meant that the resort fireworks show was starting soon. He could take Paige somewhere to watch it, but he knew that the best view on the property was from his own balcony. Typically, he didn’t allow anyone into his sanctuary, but for some reason he was almost eager to invite Paige upstairs. He could offer her dessert and an amazing show. But would she accept?

“Do you like fireworks?” he asked.

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