Page 10 of The Surgeon's Secret

She spotted Karl Bill Thorp, a big hospital benefactor—a large, overweight man in his seventies who always seemed to have a cigar in hand, even though he wasn’t supposed to smoke indoors. He was pervy and inappropriate, and Catherine hatedhim. She adjusted her dress slightly to make sure he wouldn’t see too much cleavage and plastered on a fake smile.

“Karl, nice to see you,” she said.

“Always a pleasure, Mrs. Spencer,” he grunted, his voice rough. He introduced her to the man he was standing with. “This is Dr. James Spencer’s wife—you know, the top cardiothoracic surgeon. World-class.”

Catherine hated that—being reduced to just James Spencer’s wife. She was Dr. Spencer in her own right, but people forgot that. They talked about her as if she wasn’t even there, and it made her feel sick. She knew what she was supposed to do, though—smile, look pretty, be smart without beingtoosmart, and nod along with these fat old rich men, keeping the peace like women were supposed to. Catherine had become a master at playing that role. She was nodding and smiling as expected, but inside, she was screaming.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on the small of her back. She turned to see Lexi. Her stomach fluttered as Lexi leaned in and kissed her cheek, her voice lyrical and beautiful as she said, “Dr. Spencer, what a surprise! Lovely to see you here.”

Catherine caught a whiff of Lexi’s perfume—something citrusy and intoxicating. Or maybe it was Lexi herself who was intoxicating. Her dark, shiny hair was loose around her shoulders, and her blue eyes were piercing. She wore a black tailored pantsuit, the jacket plunging low, with nothing underneath. Catherine’s eyes were drawn to her chest, and she felt weak at the knees. Lexi was absolutely stunning.

“Excuse me, gentlemen,” Lexi said, flashing her charming smile. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I need to borrow Dr. Spencer—there’s someone I really need her to meet.” Without waiting for a response, Lexi guided Catherine quickly away, wrapping an arm around her waist and leading her into the bathroom. They both leaned against the sink, laughing.

“Thank you for saving me,” Catherine said, still catching her breath from their hasty escape.

“No problem,” Lexi replied. Catherine leaned back against the basin and Lexi stood close, still holding her. Catherine wanted to collapse into Lexi’s arms and be swept away from this shitty event.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Catherine said quietly, still surprised that Lexi had shown up. “I didn’t think you’d let yourself be dragged into these kinds of events.”

“It’s your lucky night then,” Lexi said, as charming as ever. “You look beautiful, Catherine. The blue really suits you. It brings out the gold in your eyes.”

Catherine felt lost in Lexi’s blue eyes again. She thought Lexi might kiss her now, and she wanted that more than anything else in the world. But just as quickly, Lexi pulled away, and Catherine felt empty.

“Come with me,” Lexi said, taking her hand and leading her out of the bathroom.

Catherine held Lexi’s hand tightly as they wove through the crowd and toward the elevators. Lexi pulled her inside and pressed the button for the rooftop.

“Why are we going to the rooftop?” Catherine asked.

“You’ll see,” Lexi said with a grin. “It’ll be much more fun than that event, trust me. I think we could both use a bit of freedom tonight.”

Excitement rushed through her. She had no idea what to expect, but she was thrilled nonetheless.What on earth is happening to me?

The elevator doors opened onto the rooftop, revealing a stunning pool with a view of the ocean.

“Wow,” Catherine whispered as she took it all in. She’d never stayed at this hotel before, but it was known as the best in the city. She turned to see Lexi’s blue eyes glittering dangerously, as dark and inviting as the ocean in the moonlight.

“Care for a dip?” Lexi asked temptingly.

A thrill ran through her. She was both terrified and excited at the idea of getting into the pool with Lexi.

“But we don’t have any swimwear,” Catherine said, suddenly realizing that even if shedidwant to swim with Lexi, this meant she couldn’t.

Lexi met her gaze and shrugged dramatically as she began to unbutton her jacket. Catherine had already noticed she wasn’t wearing a bra—or anything else—underneath. As Lexi slipped off her jacket, Catherine couldn’t look away. Lexi’s breasts were round and her nipples small and pink.Wow, Catherine thought as Lexi tossed the jacket onto a chair.

Lexi met Catherine’s eyes again as she began to unbutton her pants. She was seductive—completely and effortlessly seductive—and Catherine couldn’t resist watching in a way she’d never watched a woman before.What on earth is happening between us?

“I…I…” Catherine stammered, suddenly lost for words.

Lexi put her finger to Catherine’s lips, silencing her gently. Catherine’s skin tingled where the soft pad of Lexi’s finger touched her lips. Then, without a word, Lexi dropped her pants to the ground and stepped out of them gracefully, leaving her in just a pair of tiny black panties. Nothing elaborate, nothing too sexy. Lexi didn’t need anything extra—her body was more than enough.

Lexi smiled and turned, walking toward the pool. Catherine’s eyes were drawn to the delicious curve of Lexi’s ass in thosesmall black panties, the muscles of her back and thighs moving fluidly in the moonlight.Oh my God, Catherine thought, overwhelmed by the sight.

Lexi dove into the pool, splashing loudly.

Catherine stood at the edge, torn between running back to the safety of the elevator or diving into the unknown. But when Lexi resurfaced and grinned up at her, Catherine’s resolve broke.

“Come on in, the water’s perfect,” Lexi called from the pool.

---