Page 12 of What She Wants

I didn’t tell her to use me as anything or introduce me as her fiancé but she did and now, that’s all that matters.

A phone call interrupts my listening session and I roll my eyes when I see the director of the convention that a fellow doctor friend of mine, Adam Lee, was going to be the keynote speaker.

“Dr. Delgado.”

“Hey, Doc, it’s Len, how are you?”

“I’m good, headed home. What’s up, Len?”

“So, don’t kill me…” he stretches that out.

“Meaning what?”

“So, Dr. Lee can’t make the conference because he’s a little ill.”

“Oh?”

Adam is a bit of a hypochondriac so for him to be ill, no matter how simple it may seem to me, it is a huge deal for him. I try not to chuckle thinking about Adam having a cold and going full on defcon 1. His poor wife is probably locked out of their bedroom area as he sanitizes it.

“Yeah. So can you do us a solid?” Len says.

I roll my eyes and look out into the distance.

“Yeah, I’ve got you. When do you need me there?”

“Yesterday?” Len asks.

“Don’t push it, Lenny but I’ll leave tonight.”

“Thank you, Marín. You’re a lifesaver.”

Damn, I really wanted to chase and fold Esme into a pretzel but maybe… just maybe, this will give her a chance to think I’ve given up but then once I pop up, I’ll have her.

Chapter8

Esme

It’s beenweeks and there has been no sign of Marín. On one hand, I consider that just maybe my wish came true and he’s been elbow deep in uteruses throughout the country, but the teensy weensy, itty bitty part of me fears that he listened to my brush off. I don’t know how to feel about the silence. I’m usually the one disappearing or it’s a mutual parting like it was with Markos, yet Delgado is a wildcard; or so I thought.

Nothing, nada, zilch. That’s all I’ve gotten since I’ve seen him at the hospital and I’m just…what the hell am I? Disappointed. While our chemistry is scary, it’s also undeniable. I cannot be the only one who felt the energy that flowed through us. I’m not sure if I want such an electric connection for life but he didn’t even try for the fling. It’s what I wanted, isn’t it? I haven’t even tried to tell my sisters about it because I’m not sure what to say. I thought I’d have some explaining to do the day after the gala but the news has been surprisingly quiet; I’m not complaining though.

If I must complain, I’d have to point out that I’ve turned down so many dates because their nearness didn’t give me a fraction of the thrill I get from Marín. Damn that man. My mind has never been stuck on a man like Karessa’s was on Oran. I refuse. This is exactly why I planned a night out. Karaoke with all the couples will be an excellent way to rap all my worries away. It’s nothing like a great beat and raunchy lyrics to lift one’s spirit. I must say that MY FUCKING SPIRIT SHOULDN’T NEED TO BE LIFTED.

Ole funky ass, stupid, crazy, sexy ass doctor. My driver gives me a weird look when I blow a raspberry but he’s paid well to mind his damn business. He concentrates on the road after getting one of the side eyes I had reserved for Marín.

IF HE THINKS…nope. I stop the thought. I said I didn’t want to continue so I need to see it as him respecting my wishes. Why do I want to fight him though? I hop off once I’m in front of the bar that you can only get into if you’re on the list. Trust me, there is a list because the Founder’s kids need to be able to party without people gawking at us. Only the most affluent families can get in here. I’m an elitist, I’m anti tabloids.

I’m the first one to arrive. It’s by design. I need to get a couple of drinks in me so I can be loose enough to shake my ass and push more thoughts of Marín away. Just as I’m about to order, a smoky laugh reaches my ears and instantly pisses me off.

Yasmin Solis, one of the island’s supermodels, flips her glossy hair over her shoulder and leans in to say something else to Marín. I’m too far to hear what she says but his laugh reaches my ears once more. Despite not wanting to appear bothered, I shake my head to mock his laugh since they haven’t seen me yet anyway. The bartender puts a napkin down in front of me and catches my attention.

“Spiced rum with ginger beer please. Double the rum.”

“Sure thing,” she says as she starts making my drink. “Open a tab Ms. LeClaire?”

“Yes.” I give her a list of who’s coming. “All of my people are on me.”

She hands me my drink and puts the list next to the register. This is one of the perks of being known, they don’t need to hold my credit card for a tab. If I have nothing else, I have money.

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