Page 48 of Storm's Embrace

“I hope so.”

“But you’re going to regret this.” She took several steps toward him. “And don’t think I’ll forget it.”

Eli was tired of playing the gentleman. He stepped up into her space, the surprise in her eyes evident as she took one small, faltering step back as he glared his anger at her.

“I don’t give a damn what you will or won’t forget. All I care about is that youwillmake the announcement today that ourengagementwas a mistake on both our parts and ended as soon as it had begun. And youwillsay the relationship ended amicably weeks ago.”

“I—“

“Youwillnot imply another woman was involved or anything else your conniving little mind can come up.” He’d made that clear to her father as well. “And another thing. If I hear one word against me or Miriam, or my practice and staff—from anyone or anywhere—I’ll know where it came from.” He took a deep breath and stepped away from her. “I don’t think your father would appreciate any bad publicity. You wouldn’t want him to blame you if that new development he’s campaigning to have built on his property falls through.”

Deirdre grimaced, and then gave him a tight-lipped shake of her head.

“That could happen if you were named in a defamation lawsuit.” He moved aside. “Now. I suggest you go.” He allowed her enough room to where she wouldn’t touch him as she passed. “Your father’s waiting.”

“She’s welcome to you,” Deidre hissed as she stomped through the door.

“All the time,” he called after her retreating form, then muttered under his breath, “At least that’s over with.”

Now to go find his woman.

Eli raced to his office and peered toward the window to see Miriam’s car was still in her spot. “Thank god.”

He left Miriam’s office, and went down the hall toward the exit and then took a left down the short hall toward the staff break room where he was being rather heatedly called various forms of an asshole by LaDonna, with Miriam answering, “It just doesn’t make sense.” He stopped at the open doorway to the room, to find a teary-eyed Miriam sitting at the table saying, “I thought he loved me.”

“I do love you.“

LaDonna’s angry gaze whipped to his as she stood and shielded Miriam. “Dr. Storm, I have never been so disappointed in anyone in my entire life.” She fisted one hand on her first and shook a finger at him with the other. “You can’t say you love someone and do what you just did.”

“LaD—“

“And another thing. If you think I’m going to work—“

“LaDonna, please,” he said, raising his hand. “Let me say something.” He shook his head and stepped further into room, his gaze going to Renee, Gail, Sallie, and then LaDonna’s, before finally resting on Miriam’s when she stood and stepped around his protective nurse practitioner.

“Deidre’s gone,” he said, holding her gaze. “And she’s not coming back.”

Miriam pursed her trembling lips. “Okay. But I don’t understand—“

“I needed her to feel like she had the upper hand until I could get her alone to drive home a few truths.” He hoped he hadn’t just screwed things up between them. “ Trust me, she’s never going to bother us again.”

Miriam stepped toward him, her body tense. “How can I be sure?”

Eli moved closer. “You can be sure I don’t want anyone else.” He took another step. “You can be sure you’re everything to me.” He moved closer still, putting her just within arms’ reach. “You can be sure I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that to you if I have to.”

“I think I’m gonna cry,” Renee said, wiping under her eyes.

He blocked out the others. “I know that doesn’t excuse my making you doubt me.” Especially when he had watched as Miriam’s expression had fallen and eyes filled with pain. Pain he had caused.

“No, it doesn’t.” Miriam crossed her arms. “You hurt me and—.”

“I know.” He’d gone with his gut, but this time his gut might have steered him wrong. He reached out and took her hand. “And maybe I could have handled things differently. But I felt like it was a necessary evil at the time.” He shook his head as he squeezed her hand. “And I know that’s no excuse either, but can you forgive me?”

“Well,” LaDonna said, grabbing his attention. “Since you asked so nicely and all.” He grinned over at the broad smile covering her face.

“I meant Miriam,” he said, sobering and eyeing each of the women on his staff. “But I hope you all can forgive me too. It was hard letting you think badly of me—even for such a short time.”

“I never doubted you for a minute,” Sallie said.

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