Wild One (Summer Rush #5)

Prologue

Four Years Earlier

Marika’s hand trembled as she set the pregnancy test on her nightstand. No! This couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t be having a baby. She was still doing her pediatric residency. She was supposed to be taking care of other people’s children, not her own.

She closed her eyes, hoping she’d open them to a different result. Nope. Still pregnant.

What am I going to do now? she whispered.

She thought of the one-night stand that happened six weeks ago. With a man who was the antithesis of her type. A professional baseball player.

Scooting back on her bed, she drew her knees up to her chest as images of Declan Madsen flashed through her head. He’d helped her escape real life for a while and remember what it felt like to be a woman. Not a student or a medical resident, but a woman.

She’d done things with him she’d never done with anyone, and as she glanced at the plastic stick, she cursed herself for believing it was a little harmless fun with a sexy stranger. Since one of the many condoms they’d used had clearly broken, she had more than an unplanned pregnancy to worry about. If she were to believe the rumors that had kept her from returning his text messages, that man got around.

Of course she hadn’t known that when she agreed to go back to his place for a drink. She’d learned the truth about him a day later when she used an hour of her precious free time to do a little cyber stalking. He was a player. On and off the field. Not that she was surprised. Guys who looked like that, had legions of fans, and made millions of dollars a year usually played as hard as they worked, or so she’d heard.

Knowing she only had one option, she reached for her cell phone and brought up the number he’d programmed in before he’d let her leave his house. He’d claimed he’d had an amazing time with her and made her promise she’d call, but her research had made her break that promise. She didn’t have time for men who still behaved like boys.

Well, I’ll be damned. How’s it going, gorgeous?

She took a deep breath, planning to just blurt it out. Um, I’ve got a bit of bad news, Dec.

He sounded amused when he said, First tell me why you ignored my texts.

I didn’t think we should see each other again. She glanced at the test. But, um, I’m not sure we’ll be able to avoid that now.

Good. I don’t want to avoid it. I want to see you again. You name the time and place and I’ll bring the wine.

He was too sexy, too charming. Falling back into bed with him would be too easy. I won’t be drinking wine for at least nine months. I’m pregnant. He was silent so long, she assumed they’d lost the connection. Are you still there?

I can’t believe this. You don’t even bother to call me, and now you find yourself knocked up and you think you’re gonna pawn this kid off on me? Why? Because I make more money than all of your other hook-ups combined?

Hook-ups? He was the first guy she’d slept with in two years! Listen, you—

No, you listen, sweetheart. I had it wrapped the entire time, so if you’re looking for a baby-daddy, you need to look elsewhere.

Dec was losing it. He couldn’t focus on the field. He could barely sleep and couldn’t eat. It had been three weeks since Marika called to tell him she was pregnant, and he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it.

He was ashamed of his reaction. He knew she didn’t sleep around. She’d not only been impossibly tight but obviously inexperienced. Some of the things he’d wanted to try had shocked her, but she’d wasted no time coming around when she learned how good he could make her feel.

Damn. Just thinking about that woman had his body reacting. She was stunning. With tight dark curls and big brown eyes, she didn’t look like she could ever be anyone’s doctor. Hell, at five two, she was probably shorter than some of the kids she treated. But she had curves she tried to hide… and he’d been happy to uncover every one.

He turned the phone over in his hand as he rehearsed what he wanted to say. I’m sorry didn’t seem like it would cut it. She was tough and had made it clear from the get-go she wouldn’t put up with any of his bullshit. That was what had made him pursue her so hard when he met her at her brother’s charity fund-raiser. She wasn’t like all the rest. Hell, he wasn’t sure he’d ever met anyone like her. And now she was going to be the mother of his child… and he couldn’t let that go.

Dec dialed the number and paced his spacious condo. It had an amazing view of the city, but he wasn’t focused on that as he waited for her to answer. He was wondering how much groveling it would take for her to agree to see him.

Marika, before you hang up, he said, as soon as she said hello. Please, just hear me out. I’m sorry. I’ve been thinking about you a lot. You and the baby. And I want you to know that it’s going to be okay. I don’t want you to worry about a thing. I’ll step up, be there for both of you. His heart was beating the hell out of his chest as he waited for her to respond. Please, say something.

I’m fine. As for the baby, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

What are you talking about? You said the baby was mine. And he was stunned to realize he actually wanted it to be his. Are you saying it’s not?

I’m saying there is no baby. I had a miscarriage ten days ago.

He sank down on the edge of his armchair, trying to process her words. My God, I’m sorry.

No, you’re not. Her voice was cold, almost lifeless. You wanted nothing to do with me or my baby.

That’s not true. He ran a hand over his forehead and it came away damp. He was sweating and shaking and felt sick to his stomach. She’d lost the baby. A baby he’d never known he wanted with a woman he couldn’t stop thinking about. I’ll admit I was an asshole when you told me—

That’s an understatement! You accused me of being a whore!

I never… He knew there was no point trying to defend himself. She was right—he’d been way out of line. I never should have said those things. I was just shocked. I mean, we used protection every single time.

I guess we just tempted fate.

Yeah, because they’d used almost a dozen condoms in a twenty-four hour period. That had been, hands down, the most incredible night and day of his life. I just needed time to process it. To get used to the idea of being a father.

Well, now you don’t have to worry about it. Unless you got some other poor unsuspecting woman pregnant.

He knew he deserved that, but it still stung. He hadn’t been with anyone since she told him about the baby.

He heard someone call her Dr. Boyd, which meant she was at work and would cut him loose any second. He had to think fast. Have dinner with me. Let’s talk about what happened. I mean, how we’re both feeling about what happened. He had to assume it had been hard for her to process the loss. It would be for him too. He’d spent the past three weeks believing he was going to be a dad. Now, all of a sudden, he wasn’t.

Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have dinner with you if I was starving to death and didn’t have a dime to my name.

How do you really feel, Marika? I know you’re pissed at me. I get that. But we can’t pretend this never happened.

Why not? You heard me, you’re off the hook. So why dwell on it?

Jesus, Marika. He ran a hand over his face. "We lost a baby."

Yeah, a baby you never wanted.

Did you want it? There was a long hesitation and he had to ask again. Well? Did you?

I was shocked when I found out. My first thought was of my work and other commitments, but after a while, I got kind of excited about the possibility.

It killed him to hear her voice break. Sweetheart, I’m sorry I—

Don’t call me that! In fact, don’t call me again.

Chapter 1

Dec was nervous as hell. He was back where he’d met Marika four years ago, knowing she’d be there and would have no choice but to talk to him. Her brother had been shocked when Dec had called and offered to attend this charity event, especially since he didn’t even play for the home team anymore, but Dec had given him some BS story about doing his part to help a city that had always been good to him.

He had one reason for wanting to be here. Marika. He’d tried to forget her, to forget the baby they’d lost, but he couldn’t. He’d be signing autographs and look up to see a gap-toothed three- or four-year-old smiling at him and it would feel like a kick in the gut. That was the same age their child would have been.

He scanned the crowd while he nursed a vodka. He could use a little more liquid courage, but he wanted to be sharp when he finally had the chance to talk to her again. He’d rehearsed what he wanted to say, but it would come out all wrong if he gave in to his impulse to calm his nerves with alcohol.

The second she walked into the room, he felt a buzz in his body, as if he’d finally come alive. She was wearing a floor-length aquamarine gown with an iridescence that made it change color when she walked. It had thin straps and was backless, hugging her curves like a second skin. Her high heels added a little height to her. She’d told him she hated being so short, but he’d told her she was perfect and meant it. He’d never met a more perfect woman and he’d spent the past four years praying he would.

As he was about to approach her, a tall, good-looking man wearing a tux stepped up behind her. He curled his arm around her neck as he whispered in her ear.

Dec was stunned. He didn’t know why he hadn’t considered the possibility she’d be here with a date. Maybe because every time he thought about her with someone else, he experienced an irrational surge of jealousy.

Her date spotted him and broke into a smile, but Marika’s jaw dropped and she paled.

He had no choice but to walk up to them, but he sure as hell hadn’t planned on an audience when he greeted her for the first time. She had no idea how it made him feel to see her again, and if her date was a husband or boyfriend, he’d never be able to tell her.

Dr. Boyd. He took her hand and kissed it. Pleasure to see you again.

Dec, she whispered, withdrawing her hand. What are you doing here?

Your brother invited me. Actually, Dec had invited himself, but he wasn’t going to argue semantics. He turned to her date, offering his hand as he introduced himself.

The other man said his name was Calvin Ross but didn’t explain his relationship with Marika.

Marika snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray when Calvin asked how they knew each other. Um, we met here a few years ago. Dec was the guest MC. We earned a lot of money that night, didn’t we? she asked, barely sparing Dec a glance.

She was obviously looking for an exit strategy, but he wasn’t giving her one until he found out who the guy standing next to her was. So um, Marika, this is your husband or…?

Calvin laughed, slipping his arm around Marika’s waist. Are you kidding? This one’s like a sister to me. She and my wife have been best friends forever.

Interesting. Dec tried to hide his smile by bringing his glass to his lips, but the flash of annoyance in Marika’s dark eyes told him she was on to him. Is your wife here tonight, Calvin? He wanted to know everything about Marika and the people who made up her world.

She wanted to be, he said, exchanging his empty glass of champagne for a full one. But she’s expecting—due any day in fact—and she wasn’t feeling well enough to venture out. He laughed. She was afraid her water would break in the middle of the dance floor or something.

Marika elbowed him gently in the ribs. That’s not funny. If she heard you say that, she’d kill you.

Dec loved how protective she was of her friends. He wondered if she’d be as protective of the man in her life. Well—Dec raised his glass—here’s to a healthy baby.

He tapped his glass against both of theirs, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Marika. She was so beautiful, and when he closed his eyes, he was slammed with images. Her moaning his name when he thrust deep inside her. Her wrapping her legs around his waist when he took her in the shower. Her going down on her knees and—

Dec? Marika said, crashing his memories. I asked if you’re in town long.

As long as I need to be. He smiled. There was nowhere else he’d rather be. That’s the beauty of the off-season, right? Complete and total freedom.

Calvin nudged Marika’s shoulder. Must be nice, huh, doc? This one works eighty hours a week. I swear, she never takes a day off.

Building a practice isn’t easy, she muttered, glancing at the couples on the dance floor.

Very little free time probably meant no time for a relationship. Dec noted her left hand was still bare. A good sign.

It never hurts to make time for a little fun, he said, smirking. He wanted her to remember how much fun they’d had together.

Fun can get you into trouble sometimes, she said, giving him a pointed look. I think I’d rather play it safe.

Ah, but—

Excuse me.

Dec looked down to see a pretty dark-haired, green-eyed little girl smiling at him.

Hi, she said, shyly looking from him to Marika. Um, could I have your autograph?

Marika smiled as she knelt so she and the little girl were eye level. How’ve you been feeling, Angela?

Angela stepped closer to Marika, and she put an arm around the child’s waist, drawing her closer. I’ve been feeling good, but I have to go for dialysis next week. She wrinkled her nose. I don’t like that.

Marika rested a hand on the child’s tummy. I know, sweetie. But we talked about that, right? That helps you to stay healthy.

I know, she said, sighing. And at least I get to do just about everything all the other kids do now. I even started taking dance lessons last month.

Marika’s face lit up, taking Dec’s breath away. You did? Will you promise to bring some pictures the next time you come see me?

Angela nodded eagerly, still smiling.

Good. Marika stood, her eyes drawn back to Dec’s, who’d almost forgotten about the autograph.

Um, I’m sorry, sweetheart, he said, patting his pockets. I don’t seem to have a pen. Or anything to write on.

Just a second, Marika said before making her way across the room to snag a pen and piece of paper from the silent auction table. She came back and thrust them at Dec. Here you go.

I’m making this out to you? Dec asked Angela, passing Marika his drink so he could bend over and use his knee as a writing surface.

No, she said, shaking her head. You can make it out to my brother, Tommy. I don’t know who you are. My daddy told me to come over and ask because you probably wouldn’t get mad at a kid.

Dec chuckled as he scribbled his name and Tommy’s on the piece of paper, along with a brief message. Nothing like a kid to keep him humble.

When Angela thanked him politely and made a beeline across the room to her parents, Calvin asked, Does that ever get old? You know, people asking for autographs and selfies with you?

No way. Dec grinned. I’ve wanted to do this since I was a kid. I’m grateful every time someone asks. It’s a reminder that I’m doing what I love for a living and should never take that for granted.

Marika appeared to consider his answer before she gave his drink back and excused herself to use the restroom.

So you’re the guy, huh? Calvin asked as soon as she was out of earshot.

Excuse me?

Like I said, Mari and my wife are best friends. She heard all about her one-night stand with the ball player, but she wasn’t naming names.

Huh. Dec wouldn’t have minded if she’d told everyone about him. He wasn’t ashamed of the night they spent together, even if he was embarrassed by his reaction to her news.

Which means I also know you’re the guy who got her pregnant. He dropped the Mr. Nice Guy act and glared at Dec. Then accused her of being a whore.

I never said that. Dec knew he had no right to defend himself. He deserved anything Marika’s friends wanted to hurl at him. But for the record, I feel like shit for being such an asshole about that. I tried to call her and apologize, but by then it was too late. She’d already…

Lost the baby. Calvin shook his head. Yeah, that hit her hard.

It did?

Of course it did. Calvin shook his head, looking disgusted. She treats sick kids for a living. You don’t think losing her own would’ve hit her hard?

She wouldn’t give me much insight into how she was feeling, Dec