Leslie LaFoy - The MD's Mistress / The Money Man's Seduction - The MD's Mistress

Your award will consist of the use of a fully equipped cabin in the Appalachian Mountains until you are fully recovered or for as long as you wish to stay. Although directions are included, you will be transported to and from your destination. The cabin will be fully supplied, along with a housekeeper/part-time nurse for your care.

We sincerely hope you are well and hearty again soon. Meanwhile, a telephone number is also listed, in case you need anything at all. Please, do not hesitate to call if you do.

That was it, other than a second sheet with the directions.

“Well, damn,” Becca muttered, once again read ing the missive.

“There’s a problem?”

Becca was just getting an inkling that Seth was possibly behind this invitation, but his expression, his tone of voice, doused the idea.

“This is incredible,” she answered, frowning down at the sheets of paper in her hand. “I don’t know whether to take it seriously or laugh and tear it up.”

“May I?” He held his hand out for the letter.

She shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

Taking the papers from her, he carefully scanned both sheets before looking at her. “Take it seriously.”

“Why should I?”

“I take it you’ve never heard of the anonymous billionaire?”

“Obviously not,” she said, a tad sharply. “But, also obviously, you have. And what does an anonymous billionaire have do to with this letter?” She arched her brows.

He smiled. Well, almost.

“Yes, I have heard of him, but I’m sure whoever it is, he is your benefactor. No one knows who he is, except of course, those who work for him. The person is considered an eccentric, reclusive, generous older man who, in his later years, is sharing the wealth, so to speak.”

“Well, naturally, I can’t accept this offer.”

“Why not?” It was his turn to frown.

“Why not?” she repeated in surprise. “Because it would be like being rewarded for doing my job.”

“And…?” Again he pulled that aggravating look of superiority.

“And why should I be?”

Seth leveled an impatient look at her. “Rebecca, you have gone above and beyond the duty of other nurses.”

“But…”

He silenced her by simply raising one hand. “I was there, remember? I witnessed your devotion to caring for those people, your genuine affection for them. In the process, you wore yourself out…completely. This generous person is offering you a retreat, a quiet place to rest and rebuild your strength.”

Becca was on the verge of protesting once more, but reality intruded. He was right, of course. She was tired, even after several days in bed. The nurse inside her knew she needed more than a week or so to get back to normal.

Besides, she knew Seth, along with her family, would nag her until she agreed.

She let out a soft sigh of defeat. “Okay, I’ll go to the mountains,” she said, quickly adding, “but only until I feel up to par again.”

“Good girl.” Seth actually smiled. Amazing. “And you missed a third sheet.” He held the paper aloft before handing it to her.

“I did?” Becca frowned, taking the sheet from him. She read the page, then sharply glanced up at him. “This is ridiculous.”

“Why?” He arched one eyebrow at her.

She rattled the paper impatiently. “It says a limo will be waiting for me here at the hospital the day I’m released.”

“Yes, I read it…so?”

Becca let out a loud sigh. “So…so? So, I have to go home, to my apartment.”

“Why?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Why?” she repeated, waving a hand in agitation. “Because I have to pack my things…hell, I need to wash the clothes I brought home with me.”

He smiled.

She stifled an impulse to jump from the bed and slug him a good one. “What’s so amusing?”

“You are.” His smile matured into a grin. “You are very easy to rile. Rebecca, your mother and Rachael can take care of everything.”

“Oh.” It was stupid—no, it was downright asinine—but damned if she didn’t bristle at hearing him say her sister’s name. Stupid maybe but… could he possibly feel an attraction to Rachael? Becca smothered an urge to sigh, or cry. She closed her eyes.

It was blatantly obvious Seth Andrews did not feel any kind of an attraction to her, Becca thought, despite that kiss…to shut her up. Why wouldn’t he feel an attraction to another woman? Being the eldest, Rachael was beautiful, bright, single and closer to his age. Becca suspected Seth was at least ten years her senior. And, while the difference didn’t bother her, it might bother him.

“Hello?” His voice was soft, curious. “Have you fallen asleep on me?”

I wish . Becca shook her head.

His smile vanished, replaced by a look of concern. “Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m a little tired,” she said, determined not to admit exactly how tired she felt.

Suddenly he was at the side of her bed, his fingers on the pulse in her wrist, his glance directed to the blood pressure and heart rate monitor to one side.

“I’m okay,” she insisted, wanting nothing more than for him to stop touching her. No, what she really wanted was to be swept into his arms for another scorching kiss.

Ain’t gonna happen, Becca told herself, except in her dreams.

“Well, your vitals are normal,” Seth admitted, gazing down at her in concern. “Do you see now why I insisted you accept that billionaire’s offer?” Before she could respond, he added, “The mountains are ideal for resting and recovering. No distractions, fresh air and a housekeeper to take care of you.”

“I suppose,” Becca said, blinking against the tears misting her eyes. While she knew he was concerned for her as a doctor, she couldn’t help feeling he would be happy to see her go.

Her eyelids were losing the blinking battle, so she closed them to staunch the flow. “I think I’d like to take a nap now.”

“I think you should.”

He didn’t move for long seconds. Becca felt sure the gathering tears were about to escape and embarrass her. Finally, she heard the soft swish as he turned and headed to the doorway. “I’ll be in later to check on you.”

“Umm,” she murmured, as if she were half-asleep.

Three days later, Becca was showered, dressed and in a wheelchair, waiting for a nurse to wheel her to the exit where the limo would be waiting for her.

She was tired, from the shower and dressing, she told herself. And though she felt a bit depressed, she told herself it had nothing to do with not having seen Seth in three days.

Becca firmed her lips into a flat, determined line. She would not allow herself to go into a blue funk over an arrogant, overbearing…absolutely wonderful man. Uhh, scratch the last adjective.

As if summoned by her thoughts, the man haunting her dreams strolled into her room.

“Ready to go, I see,” Seth said, coming to a halt mere inches from her chair.

“Waiting for someone to wheel me down,” Becca said, somehow managing to sound cheery…when all she really wanted to do was weep, and tell him she didn’t want to go.

“It may be a few minutes. I understand the staff is very busy.” He simply stood there, looking at her, so close, yet so far away.

For a minute.

Becca stopped thinking, breathing, when he leaned forward over her. He placed his hands on the armrests of the wheelchair, to lean closer.

“Wha…wha…” she muttered, unable to force the full word from her suddenly parched throat.

“You will let the housekeeper take care of you,” he said, so close now his breath whispered over her lips, causing havoc in every cell she possessed.

Beyond speech, Becca nodded.

“Good.” He smiled; she smelled mint on his breath, and yearned to taste it. “I’ll miss you in the O.R.”