A Mother's Secrets by Tara Taylor Quinn

Author:Tara Taylor Quinn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-04-06T13:10:24+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

She’d wanted to kiss him. They’d been standing there on the beach and she’d almost leaned in...knowing that, Christine should not have taken pity on Jamie, with all the packing he had to do. He was a big boy. Could tape and load boxes. There’d been no reason for her offer to help him. Christine knew, as soon as she’d heard herself make the offer as they left each other at their vehicles on Sunday, that she’d been out of line. Which was why she cringed when she saw Olivia’s name come up on her caller ID the following Tuesday just as she was walking in the door from work. She had ten minutes to change into shorts and a T-shirt and get back out the door. Jamie was bringing enchiladas home for them to share before they got busy.

And Olivia would be calling to ask Christine to stand in for her that night at the center.

Olivia knew she could count on Christine as backup. And vice versa. More often the former, since Christine’s job didn’t often involve life and death emergencies.

“Hey there!” she answered with forced cheer. “What’s up?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just in a hurry to get changed.” She didn’t have to say why. She was busy. Olivia was busy. They didn’t report in to each other with every move they made. Which was partially why they worked so well as friends.

“I’m rushing, too. I’m standing in for Mary in the kitchen before card class, but I just wanted to tell you, I saw Judge Sanders when I was at the country club for lunch today. Someone said the hottie he was with was his son-in-law.”

“You saw Jamie?” Dr. Howe, dammit. Whatever she called him in private, to everyone else she knew him as Dr. Howe.

“Jamie?” Olivia said the word slowly. “You’re calling a business associate, Dr. Jamison Howe, Jamie? Christine, what are you doing?”

“He’s going to be in my hip pocket for the next eight months,” she reminded. “Coming to my doctor’s appointments. He asked me to call him Jamie.”

The pause made her uncomfortable. “You’re sure this is a good idea? Spending so much time with the guy.”

They’d already been through that particular discussion to the satisfaction of both of them, she’d thought. Which had helped her calm down over her growing feelings for Jamie.

“You were the one who confirmed that studies showed that babies could hear in utero. And that bonding with the father was particularly beneficial in this case.”

“I know. And as a doctor, I do believe it’s important. As your friend...hearing the way you just said his name... I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

She didn’t want to get hurt, either. “My walls are up and fortified,” she assured her friend. “Besides, you know me. I’m not looking for a relationship. Don’t even want one. And guys like Jamie...they’re made for them. I need my independence. My freedom to work twelve-hour days and spend time at the center and have drinks with you...”

No need to discuss the fact that she had the hots for her client/employer.

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