Page 61 of Doctor Mile High
Winston grabs the handles of the wheelchair and unlocks the breaks, rushing us out of the auditorium.
“Dr. Warrick, I’d love a few words with you. Can we set up a time to interview?” A reporter stops us in the middle of the aisle.
“Contact my personal assistant. Her name is Olivia.” Winston hands him a business card. “She can set something up.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much, Dr. Warrick. An interview with you might change my career.” The young man who can’t be more than twenty-two stares at the business card like it just saved his life. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. If you don’t mind, we’re on our way out to the invention room. Contact Olivia.”
“Yes, of course.” The reporter steps out of the way. “Congratulations on your son, Doctor.”
“Thank you,” Winston says as we pass, heading out the double doors.
Once we’re out of the auditorium, Winston lets out his frustration on a growl. He stops the wheelchair and paces in front of me, lacing his hands behind his head.
“This is bad. This is very bad. We can’t allow that center to be opened, Dove. I’ve dedicated my entire life to saving lives. Landon hasn’t. He only cares about the money. If this happens, so many women and children will be at risk. He doesn’t care about their lives. He only cares about how much money theirlives will make him. I don’t care what I have to do, I’ll bring him down and finally end his dangerous crusade.”
Of course this wouldn’t be a good thing. This center is only competition for Winston, to take from him so Landon can make money. No amount of money is worth people losing their lives over. Landon’s madness has to come to a stop.
“And I’ll do whatever you need to me to do. I want to help, Winston.”
“I don’t want you in harm’s way, Dove. I’ll never forgive myself. This is my fight.”
“No, it isn’t. He made my life hell for the last four years. I want to help, Winston. Don’t leave me out of this. I want to take him down just like you do. I have an NDA, though. If I break it, he can?—”
“He won’t be able to do anything when we have the proof we need. We won’t worry about you infiltrating systems, yet. I’ll see what I can do on my end first. You shouldn’t have to get your hands dirty. The only thing I want you to focus on is your health.” He squats down and wraps my hands in his. “Promise me.”
“I promise,” I say, not knowing if I can keep my word.
Landon is doing more than hurting women and children with his idea. His only goal is to kick Winston where it hurts.
Like Winston, I’m protective of what is mine.
And Winston Warrick, along with everything he believes, everything he feels, is mine.
17
WINSTON
Six weeks later…
Ever since wecame home from the conference six weeks ago, Dove has been riddled with sadness.
She’s been an amazing mom to baby Winston. Spending these last six weeks with her has been a whirlwind. Granted, the house is a wreck and both of us are running on about six hours of sleep in the last two days, and I can’t remember the last time we had an actual meal, but I wouldn’t ask for my life to be any different.
But even with the happiness surrounding us, there’s a lingering sadness inside her. She doesn’t always let what’s bothering her show on her face, but since I’ve fallen in love with Dove, I’ve come to learn what she cares about most.
Me, our son, her family, and as much as I hate it—Hanson. Her best friend since the beginning of fucking time. I’m not threatened, but I also won’t allow him to hurt her. She checks her phone constantly for his texts or calls. Her parents haven’t heard from him either. It’s as if he has completely ghosted her.
And I won’t allow that to happen.
Snagging the caramel latte I made for her, I walk out of the expansive kitchen with a view of downtown New York City. It’s early morning and the fog has settled over the Atlantic, the sun peeking through the overcast for a moment. The house is quiet. The only sound is the running water of the shower upstairs.
Baby Winston is asleep and Dove is taking a hot shower to get ready for her appointment with Dr. Leighton to see if she’s cleared for work.
And sexual activity.
But I don’t want her to be rushed. I’ll be ready when she is. Her body went through a massive trauma and even if she’s ready physically, maybe she won’t be mentally. No matter what, I’m here for her, and I want her more than my next breath. That won’t ever change.
