Snowed in with the Doctor. Dara Girard
He lifted the bag, as if in triumph. “My niece wanted this popular toy, and I was able to snag it for her.”
Lora glanced at Warren, who still hadn’t raised his head. Because he wouldn’t mention the incident, she would. Silver had no right to look so proud. “And there’s another little girl who won’t get it. But perhaps you don’t think she needs it.”
He furrowed his brows. “What?”
“I just heard about what you did.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Let me clarify.” Warren lifted his head. “Hey, Silver.”
“Rappaport,” he said, his tone turning to ice. “Still charming the ladies with stories, I see.”
“It’s what I do.” He motioned to a chair. “Care to join us?”
“I have more shopping to do.”
“And more presents to take,” Lora added.
Silver sent her an odd look—a mixture of confusion and disappointment—which for a second made her regret her petty words. But she quickly brushed the feeling aside. She had nothing to feel sorry for. She knew he was a bully who liked to get his own way, and she knew how he really felt about the sick. They were merely “experimental” lab specimens to him. She’d seen his callousness in the past. She didn’t even know why he was still working in medical research. He could get better paid positions elsewhere. Perhaps he just liked the prestige.
“I’ll see you,” he said frowning, then left.
“I seriously hope not,” she muttered, wishing the restless feeling that had seized her would leave. Silver had a strong visceral effect on her that she couldn’t understand.
Warren gave a low whistle once Silver was out of view. “I’d hate to get on your bad side. I see you dislike Silver as much as I do. What’s your story?”
It was too personal to share. “A personality clash.”
“I can see that, but people usually overlook it.”
“Why?”
“He’s a brilliant man.”
Lora played with the straw in her drink, drawing it up and down so it squeaked. “He’s all mind and no heart.”
“That sounds serious. Were you two lovers or something?”
Lora stared at him, outraged. “Absolutely not. Why would you suggest something like that?”
Warren shrugged. “I don’t know. There just seems to be this energy between you two, as if you have a history.”
“We have a history but not as lovers.”
“And you’re not ready to tell me about it?”
“Not yet.”
Warren winked. “I like a woman of mystery.”
“Good, because I have plenty of secrets.”
Warren folded his arms and studied her for a moment, then said, “Have you ever met his family?”
“Why would I want to?”
“So is that a no?”
“A definite no. Have you?”
“Yes.” He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “His whole family is that way—proud, arrogant and determined.”
“That’s no surprise.”
“His niece is the worst. She’s spoiled, vain but brilliant and condescending to anyone who she thinks is inferior.”
“How do you know so much? How did you meet them?”
“I did an extended study after graduate school, and Silver and I shared a room. I thought he was okay at first, until he got me kicked out of the program because I won an award he wanted.”
“He got you thrown out? How could he do that?”
“He had connections and a vindictive streak. I’m telling you this so you’ll watch out. It’s not good to aggravate him, no matter how much he annoys you. Don’t get on his bad side.”
“Too late.” Lora shook her head, amazed. “How can you stand to see him every day?”
“He can’t really touch me, so there’s no threat. Dr. Yung loves my work and he’s been at Ventico a lot longer than Silver. Although Silver is the director, he doesn’t mess with Dr. Yung for one main reason—his research is the largest and most lucrative of the three projects. And he has seniority and some powerful allies in Washington.
“So I guess your evaluation was better than mine.”
“Depends.”
“He doesn’t like my methods. He said I was undisciplined and tended to ‘jump to conclusions.’”
“Yes, that’s Silver for you. Every statement you make must be backed up with undeniable proof. He doesn’t seem to understand that science also has an element of art and instinct.”
“Exactly.”
“It’s nice to meet a like-minded colleague. We’ll change the world and leave the others behind. Just stay close to me—I won’t steer you wrong.”
Lora planned to stay close. Very close. Her face flushed as she briefly thought of them in a romantic embrace, lying naked together on her queen-size bed with rose petals sprinkled all around. She shook the fantasy off and regained her composure. “Thanks for the drink and the nachos. It was nice.”
“We should do this again. Perhaps in a place less noisy and crowded.”
Yes, like my place or yours. “I’d like that,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound too giddy.
“Me, too. Call me.” He gave her his number, flashed a heart-melting smile, then left.
Lora hummed all the way home, and when she exited the taxi, she gave the driver a large tip and wished him “Happy Holidays,” which she never did. Yes, this holiday would be different. This year she wouldn’t be shy and alone. She’d found the right guy, and it would stop her family from setting her up or feeling sorry for her. She now had Warren’s interest—and his cell number. It was time for Chapter 4: Catching His Attention and Chapter 5: Reeling Him In. She was ready to put her plan into action and win his heart.
* * *
If Warren was a man who smoked, he’d light up a cigarette. As he walked away from Lora, he realized that he felt better than he had in years. He was going to have a lot of fun with her. He needed some excitement, and she was just the type of woman to give it to him. It wasn’t easy to find a woman who despised Silver as much as he did. It had been bad luck that he’d ended up at Ventico and under Silver’s watch again. But this time, he wouldn’t be vulnerable. And working with Dr. Yung provided him the protection he needed. If he played his cards right, he’d rule that place one day. Getting to where he wanted to be was number one. And he now knew that Lora was the key. He’d use her to put Silver exactly where he wanted him.
* * *
Lora and Rappaport! Justin marched through the parking lot as the sight of the pair burned in his mind. He gripped his shopping bags until their plastic handles bit into his palm. He should’ve guessed. Rappaport always had the good fortune of showing up in the right place at the right time. It was a talent of his. Justin piled his purchases into the trunk of his car, his sense of victory now gone. He’d gotten the toy for his niece, Monique, but he may have lost the woman he wanted. Not that he’d ever had her, but he’d been hopeful. Justin slammed the trunk shut, then got inside his car and headed to his office. He could think clearer there. This wasn’t the outcome he’d pictured when he’d first spotted Lora sitting in the crowded food court.
He’d felt his pulse