Waves of Change (World Above Water, Book 1) (14 page)

Alicia’s hips began to move against him, and her muscles clamped down. He could sense her riding on the pleasure produced by his touches. She gripped his arms and began calling his name. The sound of her passion inflamed him, and he needed to bury himself inside her.

“Daniel!”

When he heard his name on her lips, he rolled onto her and thrust into her slick passage, gritting his teeth when her heat surrounded him.

Alicia yelped and squeezed his arms even tighter while he began a punishing pace. He pistoned in and out of her, luxuriating in the feeling of her as she tightened and relaxed around him with each stroke. “Beautiful…
Tai ikamu
, you’re going to end me.”

He rose up on his hands and straightened his arms as he continued driving into her. When he looked down at her face, the sight of his
Dau-Hael
in the midst of her pleasure nearly overwhelmed him, and her beauty seemed to increase as passion took over her features. Her brows were knit, and she breathed through clenched teeth. She bit her lip every now and then, and held her breath each time her back arched off the mattress.

He held himself in this position for long minutes as he coaxed waves of pleasure from her. When he could feel the beginning of her orgasm, he lowered himself and slid his arms under her back, holding her shoulders and pinning her in place while he burrowed into her

“Danny… I-I c-can’t… hoooold iiiit!”

When her inner muscles began to spasm, he allowed his control to relax, his own release imminent. “Let me feel you, beautiful.”

Alicia shook beneath him as the first wave of her climax began to pass through her. Her breath caught in her throat, and the muscles of her body contracted and relaxed in random bursts. “Daniel… baby… I … I’m…” Her speech ended as if someone had stolen her remaining words. She curled her upper body toward him and pinned her forehead to his shoulder.

Daniel felt the familiar tingle at his base, and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer. Her cries, her writhing, and her spasms tore down his defenses, and his own orgasm was soon upon him. “Beautiful… I’m coming…
Enki
…”

His exclamations were cut short by the sound of Alicia’s phone ringing, but he couldn’t stop himself from coming. “
Tai ikamu.
Who the hell is calling now?” He spoke between pants and shudders. He muttered a litany of curses as he rolled off Alicia and picked up the phone on the nightstand. “Hello?”

“Daniel?”

“Brett?” He recognized the voice of Cara’s husband and sobered without any problem.

“We need Alicia.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Cara; she’s in labor.”

“We’ll be right there.”

“Thank you!”

Daniel hung up the phone and stood up. “Cara’s in labor!”

Alicia jumped out of bed and rushed to put on clothes while he did the same, both hurrying out of the house together. Daniel drove to the hospital, and Alicia made it in time to coach her friend.

He sat in the waiting area with Bethany, Doug, Olivia, Paula, and Vivica for over eighteen hours before Brett emerged. “It’s a girl!”

Everyone cheered, and Daniel and Doug stood and shook Brett’s hand.

“Congratulations! Is Alicia with Cara or the baby?”

“Oh, she’s still with Cara. She’ll be out soon.”

Daniel nodded and took his seat. The girls fought over who would get to go back and see the baby first. He watched the scene and pictured himself coming out to share his own good news.
Soon.
A large smile curved his lips as he lost himself in the mental image taking shape.

Chapter 14

Grant was congenial and professional as he sat across from the two unsuspecting physicians. He was careful in the words he chose, but all the while he studied Alicia.
Deny the proposal again, Dr. Lewis. Give me a reason to get you alone so I can take everything from you, slowly, deliberately. I can’t wait to play with your water.
“Dr. Bergen, Dr. Lewis, thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I wanted to clear up any misunderstandings and hopefully answer any questions you may have for me.”

“There were a number of concerns with your previous proposal, but I see in this version I would be allowed more control over the staff selection except for three people.” Alicia’s gaze moved over the materials as she spoke. “Who are these nonnegotiable staff?”

“Yes, Dr. Lewis. I would be one of those people. I assure you, we are capable and we will help you to achieve the results you need.”

“And what about the actual research? I would prefer to look into areas more suited to a researcher with my background. Am I allowed to select an area that could possibly overlap with your goals?”

“Yes. We are very interested in working with you, myself in particular. I have always had a great respect for your work and accomplishments. I particularly enjoyed your research into the treatment of congenital heart defects using stem cells. It was exciting.”

Dr. Bergen raised an eyebrow before he slanted his eyes. Grant knew the older man was watching him, but he didn’t care, and he put on his best smile for Alicia.

“Please indulge me, Dr. Lewis. Did you have something particular in mind for your research?” There were no doubts in his mind at all. After spending only a brief period of time with her, Grant had appraised her and was making his plans.
I will enjoy you.

“Before we discuss that, I’d appreciate an answer to my previous question. I feel it’s important to know where we stand before we discuss any specifics.”

“Of course, forgive me. I’m just so fascinated by your work. I wanted to seize the opportunity to talk with you about it. To answer your question, I have convinced all parties involved to allow you to conduct the research you wish. There will be no stipulations. It is my hope once we support your efforts you will be willing to help us in other areas as well.” Grant flashed another smile, one he hoped was gentle, but his thoughts were far from it. The only thing keeping him from manipulating her water then and there was the presence of the other doctor.
I want this woman, and willing or not, I will have her.

*

Alicia felt uneasy in Grant’s presence. She imagined most women would swoon at the sight of him. He had classic features, like carved marble statues from days of old. His nose was straight with a gentle slope. The way it tapered reminded her of her rotation in plastic surgery. His chiseled chin, perfect eyes, high cheekbones, and tanned skin completed the image. He looked like an “after” photo, but it was clear that his appearance was all genetic. Yet no matter how appealing the packaging, there was still something about him.

In the way Daniel drew her, this man seemed to have the opposite effect, and she fidgeted in her chair in his presence. She tried to push down her misgivings as she listened to his responses to her questions. It surprised her to hear what she perceived as genuine excitement and appreciation for her previous research projects.

“That’s a very interesting turn of events. How did you manage such a change?” Dr. Bergen seemed intrigued, and he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. After years of working together, she recognized the gesture for what it was; he was in protector mode.

“I made an impassioned plea and provided examples of the research Dr. Lewis has conducted, even as a child. I shared the information with them on the various patents she holds independently as well as the ones she has developed while being employed here.”

“So you turned me into a dollar sign with compounding interest?” Alicia raised an eyebrow, and Dr. Bergen stifled a laugh by pretending to cough.

“I wouldn’t say that is what I did; perhaps it is the spirit in which it was received. I assure you, I am just excited about the possibility of seeing a great mind at work.”

“I see. Well, thank you for your time. Dr. Lewis and I will talk and get back to you in a few weeks with a decision.” Dr. Bergen stood and extended his hand.

Grant rose to his feet and shook Dr. Bergen’s hand and then hers. His touch seemed to have an effect on her she couldn’t place, but it left her slightly disoriented, and she pulled her hand away as fast as she could. She tried to be discreet, and she took a sip of water to cover the sudden action.

“Beautiful?”

“I’m all right, Daniel, I just need some air, I think.”

“I’ll be right there.”

She could feel the anxiety in his thoughts, and she tried to push down her negative feelings. She didn’t want him to worry just because she thought Grant was creepy.
“I’m still in the meeting. I’ll let you know when.”

“I’ll be in your office.”

“Dr. Lewis, it has been such a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps we can have lunch next week. Regardless of your decision, I would love to discuss your research on the MitraClip.”

Alicia felt a conflict begin inside her. She wanted to decline, but she also wanted to hear his thoughts on the research to assess his abilities as a potential staff member.
If I do this, I’m going to be stuck with him. I might as well find out if he knows his stuff.
“I’ll have my assistant contact you.”

“Wonderful. I’m looking forward to it. Have a good day, Drs. Lewis and Bergen.” Grant gathered his notes and placed them inside his briefcase. He wore a large smile as he left the conference room, and Alicia resisted the urge to shudder.

“That went well. What are your thoughts, Dr. Lewis?”

“It’s weird. That’s my thought.”

“Oh?” Dr. Bergen laughed before he took his seat, and he leaned back in his chair with a more casual posture. “Care to clarify?”

“I don’t know. How do we go from the original offer to this one based on the research equivalent of a fanboy?”

“Fanboy?”

“It’s … never mind. What I’m trying to say is, how can one man’s plea, based on his interest in my research, become enough to change the very nature of the deal from the ground up?”

“That was my question. If he is high enough in the pecking order, he may be able to influence them in that way.”

Dr. Bergen’s words made sense, but she was still uncomfortable. “Why do I suddenly feel like a five feet seven inch guinea pig?” Alicia wanted to hold her face in both hands, but she resisted the urge and tried to focus on the deal on the table.

“What do you want to do, Dr. Lewis?”

“I think I’ll set up interviews to meet these people who are
mandatory
to the project. If they’re inept, I’ll have to rethink a few things.”

“Let me know how I can help.”

“I’ll schedule a meeting with Grant next week. I’d like you to come with me so we can appraise his knowledge and abilities. I’ll have Gladys contact Marjorie, if that’s all right with you.”

“Sounds good.” Dr. Bergen interlaced his fingers behind his head as he watched her. She could almost see the wheels turning inside his head, and she wondered if he was thinking about the situation in the same way she was.

“Well, since we’ve dealt with that, I have a long weekend to get to!” Alicia’s thoughts moved to her friends, and her mood lightened.

“How are the wedding plans coming along?”

“I have no idea. I’m not planning it.”

“How did you manage that?” Dr. Bergen sat forward in his chair and lifted his eyebrows.

“I have five girlfriends; enough said.”

“You’re getting off easy!”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” The more she thought about it, the more grateful she felt for friends who were close enough to her to take care of so much. She trusted them, she knew they’d make the right decisions on her behalf, and she wasn’t nervous about leaving them in charge of a lot of the details.

“Deborah and I are looking forward to it.”

“I’m glad you’ll be able to attend.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Good idea keeping it private. It’s a special day; no need to have the media clamoring for position.”

“Exactly. If I never see another headline with the word ‘genius’ below my picture, I will die a happy woman.” When Alicia stood, Dr. Bergen did as well, and she smiled as he walked her to the door.

“Have a great weekend, Alicia. I’m sure Deborah, Gladys, and Marjorie will enjoy the bridal shower on Saturday.”

“It should be a nice day.”

“I’ve already cleared your time off after the wedding. Enjoy those two months.” Dr. Bergen wore a devilish smile as he stood next to her.

“Two months? I requested three weeks.” It was Alicia’s turn to look surprised, and her mouth hung open as she digested what she’d heard.

“Did you? Hmm, ah well, have fun!”

Alicia hugged Dr. Bergen and smiled. “Thank you.”

“Get out of here before you make me all teary-eyed.”

“I really appreciate it, Tom. See you on Monday.”

“Enjoy, Alicia.”

* * * *

Monday morning found Alicia on the phone with Dr. Bergen’s conflicted voice in her ear. It was rare for him to sound disappointed, and she stopped scribbling notes to give him her full attention. “Dr. Lewis, I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it to your appointment today. Ethan’s wife went into labor.”

Grandchild number two!
“Congratulations! I know you’re excited.”

“I am, but I did want to be there to support you.”

“Nonsense; take care of your family and don’t even think twice about this. You could’ve let Marjorie call me, you know.”

“This is important too. I’ll give you a buzz as soon as I can.”

“Send pictures, please!”
Another new baby! There must be something in the water.
Alicia couldn’t help smiling at her words when she realized the way she phrased her thoughts. Her gaze immediately traveled to her engagement ring, and she felt a lightness as she continued the conversation.

“I will.” They ended the call, and she reached out to her office manager right away.

“Gladys, I know it’s short notice, but see if you can get Grant Sullivan from Rockland Pharmaceuticals on the phone. I want to reschedule our meeting if at all possible.”

“I’ll get right on it.”

* * * *

“Daniel…” Chris’s voice was agitated as he spoke into the phone. There was an urgency in his tone, one Daniel had heard before.