Page 3 of Seductive Heat

"We love you. We want what's best for you."

"I know."

"My break is over. I have to go. Call Rose."

The line goes dead, and I feel a need to throw my phone against a wall. Two years ago, something awful happened in the ER, and I was told I was negligent. The investigations and hearings all proved that I was not in fact negligent and all suits were dismissed. The hospital had my back and paid for my lawyers.

The scars, however, stay with me. Someone died. I'm not a doctor, but nurses handle a lot of the care of patients. I had never doubted myself before I was sued. Now, there's nothing in my head but doubt.

I took some time off after everything happened, but I couldn't stay at home without doing anything, so I used my other degree and found a job.

I teach in a school for special needs kids. It's complex and challenging work, just like nursing. No one gets hurt, though, and I like that a lot. The rumor Tammy heard is true, though. I did renew my nursing license. I mean, how could I not? But I'm terrified of going back to the hospital. What if something else happens? What if I hurt someone unintentionally? How could I live with myself?

My hand goes to my chest, and I feel my heart beating a mile a minute. I try to inhale, but I can only get a short breath, and it leaves me just as fast. Next to me is the couch, and I lie on top of it. I can't remember what the doctor said to do when this happened. What was it?

I hear a noise from the front of the house, but I can't concentrate.

"Hey, I forgot my…Helene!"

That's my sister's voice. Thank God. She sits on the edge of the couch and puts her tender hands on my face.

"Hey, you. I'm here. Look into my eyes."

My eyes seek hers, and I immediately start to calm down. This is my sister. She loves me. I'm safe.

"You're safe here. Do you need anything?"

Her voice is calm, making me feel as if everything will be all right. She's trying to help me slow my breathing by doing an exercise the doctor taught me. Thankfully, it's working. My heart no longer wants to leave my chest. When she sees I'm improving, my sister grabs my hand in hers.

It takes a while, but eventually, I'm stable. Marguerite looks worried, and I know I have to talk to her, but I'm stubborn and don't want to bring up the topic. I sit up as she brings me a cup of chamomile tea.

"Were you thinking about the incident? Is that what triggered it?"

I nod. "The head nurse at the hospital wants to talk to me."

"You don't think you're ready."

"I don't know if I'll ever be ready, Mags."

"You won't make as much money teaching."

"You think I care about the money? What if I hurt someone? I don't want to talk about this."

I take my tea and go to my bedroom, locking the door. No one knows what I went through in the aftermath of Mrs. Corey's death. The scars run deep, and I'm convinced the only way to survive is to leave my past behind.

Chapter 2

3 months earlier

Theo

You've been matched.

The email that just arrived in my inbox glares at me and dares me to open it. It's too soon for them to have found a match for me, isn't it? I'm scared of clicking the damn message. I'm a pussy, that's what I am. I wave the cursor over the subject line and wonder what it would be like if my dreams came true and I found a bride.

My friends and partners, Max and Erik, will tease me so much when I introduce them to her—my perfect match. Getting up my courage, I click on the message.

Dear Mister Foley, Your profile has been matched to Helen Hudson. Clicking on her name will take you to her profile, where you can read more about your future wife. I, personally, made the match with the recommendations the computer gave us. I urge you to contact Miss Hudson soon so that you can get acquainted.

---