“Is that all?”
“No. I failed to mention that we’ll need St. Lucia’s to throw in a nice check for five-million dollars deposited into Dr. Kirby’s personal account for all the hardships this ordeal has caused.”
The lead attorney for the hospital looked at the Chief-Financial-Officer for his approval. He nodded in agreement. “Done.”
Nia was shocked. It was much too easy. She was going to push the envelope. “And another five million to be donated to a Spinal Cord Injury research organization of my client’s choosing.”
Another nod.
“Agreed.” However, the lead attorney didn’t allow Nia another moment to ask for something else. “If that’s all, draw up the necessary paperwork and send it over to my office. Hopefully, we can get this all resolved by five p.m.”
Nia was on the verge of another ask when Sky tapped her with her foot under the table and gave her a slight head shake. She shot Sky a glare that only she would recognize. Instead of being greedy, Nia clapped her hands together and followed her clients lead. “Yes, I’ll have my office do that.”
“Great, then I think we’re done.” Everyone stood. The meeting couldn’t have last any longer than fifteen minutes. Some of the members left as Nia began to pack up her things.
Just as the lead attorney was about to leave she stopped him. “I’m sorry, your name is Jude Lawrence, right?”
“Yes. It’s on my card.” Before he handed it to her, he scribbled something on the back. “My personal number if you need it for some reason.”
Nia smiled. Then, got back on her lawyerly game. “What happened? It took us longer to prepare for this meeting than the meeting itself.”
He looked around Nia to Sky. “Let’s just say someone with deep pockets decided to take matters into their own hands and make this easy for everyone.” He sent a sexy smile of his toward Nia. “If you want more details, call me. We can meet over drinks and discuss it.” He tilted his chin toward Nia then Sky, and walked out of the door leaving them alone to ponder his words.
The room was almost empty except for them until a very familiar voice joined theirs.
“Ms. Nia Lexington, do you think I could have a private word with Dr. Kirby?”
Nia looked up to see a man too gorgeous for words. Remington was much better looking in person. He wore a chocolate custom-tailored suit that complimented his tanned skin and would make an Armani model jealous. When he walked past, his cologne made Nia’s insides clench. She was almost tongue-tied. “Um . . . Yes. Of course. Sky, I’ll meet you downstairs in say fifteen minutes.” Nia winked at her then left and closed the door.
Remington stood with his back to Sky and hands in his front pockets staring out the window.
Sky was more than surprised to see Remington. Shocked was a better word. She blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “How is Charlie?”
“She’s getting better.”
“Then why are you here? Is she here? Does she need tests?” Sky was concerned. And, although she had made a mistake by omitting her concerns to Remington, she wasn’t going to let him get away with disrespecting her. “Look, you wanted to have a conversation, so can you at least turnaround. I’m not going to talk to your back.”
Slowly, Remington did as she asked. “No. Charlie is not here. We’ve rented a house in Chicago for a while. She asked that I come to this meeting because she wanted me to make sure that you were okay.” Seeing Sky in person was harder than he thought it would be. She still took his breath away. In truth, he wanted to make sure she was okay too.
Sky whispered. “Incredible that after everything that has happened she’s thinking of me. Can you tell Charlie that I miss her too? Please tell her that I think of her often and that I’m sorry I didn’t call her back.” Sky blew out a long breath. Speaking of I’m sorries. I hate that I ruined whatever possibility there was between us. She thought. Sky didn’t plan on apologizing again. She had sincerely done it enough. Once more wasn’t going to make Remington finally see the light and forgive her.
His voice was pained. “I trusted you.”
It hurt her to know that she hurt him. “I know. And I’m sure it doesn’t matter, but I wanted to tell you so many times. At the time, I honestly didn’t know what the right thing to do was.”
Remington couldn’t find words.
Sky waited, but when he didn’t say anything, she started to gather her things. “I should go.”
“Wait.” Remington walked slowly over to her. He was standing only inches. “I’m not only here on behalf of Charlie but I’m also here because I had some unfinished business, and I needed to see you.”
Sky searched his eyes for answers. “Why?”
Remington ran his hands through his hair. “As angry as I am, I can’t stop thinking about us. I can’t stop thinking about and wanting you.”
Sky couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “What? Is this some kind of cruel joke?”
“I would never joke about what’s in my heart.”
She erased the distance between them and stood on her tiptoes as she continued to look Remington in his eyes. Sky could only hope he could see the truth in hers. “I’ve never felt for anyone the way that I feel about you.”
He
