The Choice Read online

  “Oh, my gosh. It’s…” The castle of Disney movies. The icon people instantly associated with Disneyland. The place she’d been most longing to see. “Everything.”

  “Then we’ll be sure to check it out, but there are lots of other things to see. Did you know”—he drawled, his deep voice caressing the shell of her ear—“Main Street was inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown?”

  “The charm is so turn-of-the-century.”

  “Want to explore?”

  Everything around her looked so quaint and interesting. “Can we go in there?”

  When she pointed to the Emporium, he ushered her in that direction, smiling as she oohed at vignettes in the windows depicting scenes from their movies and aahed at cute plush characters.

  Slowly, they wound their way along the busy street, moving from store to store, tempted by bright lights, shiny toys, and the scent of fresh popcorn. They ducked into the cinema to watch Steamboat Willie, the first distributed debut of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

  Ten minutes later, she emerged into the sunlight, all smiles. She stepped off the curb to dash through the crowd, lured by the scrumptious smells of sugar and vanilla. Suddenly, a protesting horn startled her. Dr. Beckman wrapped his arm around her middle and yanked her back against him—and out of the path of an oncoming trolley filled with parkgoers.

  Heavenly pressed a hand to her chest and dragged in a calming breath.

  “Careful,” he whispered against her ear, still holding her tightly.

  She gave him a shaky nod…then realized her backside was plastered against his hard abs and muscled thighs.

  Her heart began thumping in an all-out gallop that had little to do with fright. Heat rushed over her. Everything in her panties began to ache.

  He often had that effect on her. And he was probably thinking she was an idiot for not watching where she was going.

  “Sorry. I was looking around and…” she blurted. “Thank you.”

  “It’s all right. I’ve got you.”

  His low-voiced assurance made her shiver. Her nipples stiffened. Through her T-shirt, they pressed hard against his bare forearm. Was there any way he could fail to notice?

  “I’m okay now.” She tried to wriggle free. Of course she’d rather stay in his arms, but he’d soon know she didn’t think of him as a mere friend if she did.

  “You sure?”

  Heavenly gave him a shaky nod.

  “Is that a yes?”

  How was it possible he sounded even closer? His voice lower? That he held her even tighter?

  “Yes.”

  But he still didn’t let go. She glanced over her shoulder at him. His dark eyes pierced her, hooded, narrowed, focused. And she felt his penis swell, thick and as hard as a lead pipe.

  A silent gasp parted her lips. Their gazes fused. Then his hips seemed to press and roll against her backside. She hadn’t imagined that, right? Heavenly didn’t think so. And well…she could tell with Dr. Beckman that it wasn’t a small world, after all.

  In that moment, he imprinted his body on hers. She answered in kind, turning wet, her breathing unsteady. Awareness flared in his eyes.

  He knows I like him.

  The urge to babble and cover her embarrassment was too much to resist. She pushed out of his arms. “Gosh, I’ve been here five minutes, and I almost got myself killed.”

  Slowly, he stepped back. “I’ll try to keep you alive a bit longer. What would you like to do next?”

  Heavenly couldn’t stop thinking about Dr. Beckman as a man. Her stirring desire messed with her ability to talk like a normal human. Had he been hard simply because he was male…or because he wanted her?

  She must seem totally unsophisticated to him. She always did bumbling, inept things. And yet, she would have sworn he was looking at her like a grown-up, sexy woman.

  A gaggle of children, their voices shrill with excitement, ended the moment. Heavenly watched as they flocked, parents in close pursuit, toward a living, breathing Cinderella, all dressed for the ball. Yes, she knew it wasn’t real, but she could barely muffle her thrilled gasp behind her hand. “Sorry. I don’t mean to get excited.”

  “I like it when you do.” His tone was thick.

  That delicious tingle of arousal slid through her again. Six little words—and yet Dr. Beckman’s suggestive voice turned her inside out.

  “Be yourself,” he clarified. “Not who you have to be at the hospital. I’m going to enjoy experiencing today through your eyes since they’re less cynical than mine.”

  “Okay.”

  Pleasure and approval suffused his handsome face, along with something that seemed like more than friendship.

  Was that wishful thinking? After all, look what had happened with Seth. One minute she’d thought they might get much closer. Then she’d opened her mouth…and ended up alone. Of course, that didn’t stop her from thinking about him. Nothing did. He was like a ghost, out of sight but always haunting her.

  Pushing away the thought, she turned her focus back on Dr. Beckman, determined to enjoy today. “So how many times have you been here?”

  “Maybe more than a few. I would have sworn I was too jaded to really enjoy it again, but I might change my mind.” He gave her a slow smile. “Tell me what you want to do.”

  The castle was still ahead, begging exploration, but… “I’ve always wanted to ride a roller coaster. Can we?”

  “You never have?”

  “There weren’t many opportunities in Wisconsin. When I was eight, I went with a friend’s family to this place in Wisconsin Dells.” She grinned wryly. “But I was an inch too short to ride.”

  “You’ll never lack inches when you’re with me.”

  “Huh? Are you laughing at me?”

  “I’m not.” He cleared his throat. “Um, you’re tall enough now.”

  “I am, so no short jokes. I’m sensitive.”

  He grinned. “I’ll bet you are.”

  There was something behind that smirk she didn’t quite grasp, but it made her warm all over.

  By the time they ambled to the top of Main Street, they reached a hub of sorts. Slowly, she turned in a circle, trying to decide which “land” to conquer first. But her stare was drawn again to that magical castle sharp against the bright blue sky. She remembered being fascinated by videos showing amazing pyrotechnics exploding behind it, in sync with the wistful strains of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

  She grabbed his arm. “Do they really have fireworks?”

  “Every night, weather permitting.”

  “Wow. I wish we could stay for them.”

  “We can stay as long as you’d like, Heavenly.”

  She bit her lip. “When do they start?”

  “Look on your map. The big show of the night is usually the last thing before the park closes—”

  “Oh,” she grumbled in disappointment.

  Her father was much too sick to cope all day and half the night without her. Thank goodness one of the fellow vets who volunteered at the VA had agreed to visit him this afternoon. Still, she’d worry, so whenever she went to the bathroom, she’d text him to make sure he was all right. No need to dump her woes on Dr. Beckman.

  When she’d told Dad about the trip to Disneyland with a friend, he’d insisted she go. “Have fun on your day off. Lord knows, there has been precious little of that these past miserable years.”

  She’d tried to reassure him that she was happy and had everything she could ever need in life.

  They both knew it wasn’t true.

  “We can watch the fireworks earlier. I think the first show is at nine thirty.” Beck sent her a frown filled with concern. “You okay?”

  She snapped back to the present and pasted on a smile. “Let’s see how we feel after being on our feet all day. Now where is that rollercoaster?”

  “This way.” He gestured to the right and ushered her toward Tomorrowland, where they soon found Space Mountain. “I’ll be right beside you if you get scared. I’m
a doctor, so you can trust me.” He winked.

  She burst into a fit of giggles. “Ha! If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t be getting in a little car that jets around on a track too dark to see.”

  “It’s fun. I promise.”

  “I’m sure, but…I’ve had so many new experiences today, you know?”

  He raised a brow at her. “I’m hoping we experience lots of firsts together.”

  With one innuendo-laden sentence, he made her flare hot again. Was she reading too much into his words? After all, he’d mentored her, protected her, befriended her. None of that meant he wanted her. Then again, would he have invited her today if he didn’t feel something for her? There was that buttery voice of his, not to mention his erection, too…

  Mentally chewing on the possibilities, Heavenly followed him through the shadowy, blue-lit passages inside the building. A surreal techno voice followed them along the path that seemed to get darker with every step. Before she knew it, they were boarding the gleaming silvery-white cars with yellow stripes.

  Apprehension bit at her belly as she began to climb in. “I’m so nervous.”

  He stayed her with a touch to her arm. “I understand, but don’t forget to look around and get the full experience. Some firsts are worth savoring.”

  “You’re right. Sometimes I get caught up and forget everything else.”

  So Heavenly stole a long glance around the loading zone, felt the cool air in her face, and soaked in the excitement hanging in the air.

  When Dr. Beckman gave her an approving nod, she stepped toward the waiting car—and would have stumbled if he hadn’t been right behind her. Instantly, his hand wrapped around her elbow. “I’ve got you.”

  “Sorry. I can be so clumsy.”

  “No, I’ve watched you. You’re graceful,” he assured as he helped her settle into the car.

  Only then did he release her.

  Heavenly sighed. No wonder half the female staff at the hospital were gaga for him. “You’ve always been so sweet to me.”

  “You make it easy.”

  She wasn’t sure what to say, but park employees distracted her by instructing riders how to fasten the safety belt. Beside her, the doctor made certain she was secured snugly before the ride operators double-checked. Then with a lurch, they were off.

  Nerves gnawing a hole in her stomach, Heavenly grabbed Dr. Beckman’s thigh.

  “It’s okay.” He settled his hand over hers, tangling their fingers together. “Breathe. Enjoy it. You’re going to have fun.”

  “Uh-huh,” she agreed—but she didn’t let go. As they ascended a flashing red tunnel, she turned to him. “In case I forget to tell you later, I really had a great time.”

  By the time they emerged into the sunshine, she was still grinning and her throat felt slightly scratchy from screaming. Dr. Beckman squinted, holding a finger to his ear.

  “Oh, my goodness. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine. Really. I’ve got another ear.”

  Rolling her eyes, she swatted him playfully. “I’ll try to restrain myself next time. There will be a next time, right?”

  “If you want one, yes. And don’t you restrain anything on my account—ever. That’s my job.” He sent her an ironic grin she didn’t understand.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Nearly everyone who walks through the front gates leaves their adult self behind and turns into a kid at heart. I won’t even tell you how embarrassing I was on my first visit.”

  Her heart did somersaults at his wide grin. “How old were you?”

  “Twenty-eight, I think. I even have a pair of ears from that trip embroidered with my name. I wore them all day. Not kidding.”

  She laughed. “Did you eat cotton candy and sing Disney songs?”

  “I might have. Are you judging?”

  “Of course not.” But a giggle slipped free.

  “It’s fine. We’ll see how mature you are as the day goes on.”

  Heavenly pressed her lips together, fearing she would fail miserably at adulting, but she didn’t care.

  The morning passed quickly as they raced each other in the cars at Autopia. Heavenly laughed when she won, then pleaded for a ride on the Matterhorn Bobsleds. She managed to scream less this time, earning her a smile from Dr. Beckman, before she dragged him to Fantasyland for a ride on King Arthur Carousel. She climbed on a white horse with bells, while the doctor stood beside her and held her steady. After riding Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Peter Pan’s Flight, they made their way to Frontierland.

  “Hey, Disney Princess. It’s one o’clock. How about some lunch?”

  She’d eaten a hearty breakfast at home so she didn’t have to spend money on an expensive theme park meal. “Sure. I’ll keep you company while you eat.”

  “Nope. You’re eating, too.”

  Before she could argue, he pointed to an empty table. Feeling oddly compelled to do as he instructed, she sat. Ten minutes later, he returned with burgers, fries, and fizzy sodas. She dug in, nearly finishing every bite.

  Afterward, she cleared the table. “Thank you, Dr. Beckman.”

  “When we’re not at work, call me Beck.”

  A smile lit up her whole body since only his friends called him that. “Sure…Beck.”

  “Ready for more rides? Or do you need a few minutes to let your food settle?”

  She raised a brow at him. “Why? Do you?”

  “I might.”

  “You look at blood and guts all day but you have a delicate stomach?”

  “I do not have a delicate stomach. Just…a more sensitive equilibrium.”

  “Maybe I should call you princess.”

  “Be careful, little girl.”

  “Or?” She raised a brow at him.

  “You might find out.”

  “I think you’re all bark and no bite.”

  His grin told her she was terribly wrong. “You keep thinking that. You’ll find out differently. Now, come with me so I can prove how manly I am by shooting something.”

  As they headed toward the shooting gallery, Heavenly couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this happy. But when Beck reached for her hand and tucked it in his own, her euphoria swelled into wide-eyed surprise.

  He liked her. As a boy liked a girl. No, as a man liked a woman.

  The day couldn’t possibly get more perfect.

  She swore she was walking on clouds as they rode the Mark Twain around Tom Sawyer Island, caught Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, then got soaking wet on Splash Mountain. She probably wore him out with the three trips she needed on Haunted Mansion, but it was so clever and full of details. Maybe he didn’t mind too much, because when he slid beside her in their “doom buggy,” he held her close and smiled indulgently.

  After that, they stumbled up to Pirates of the Caribbean.

  When the ride ended, she was still singing “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me…” He escorted her to Blue Bayou, which overlooked the ride’s gently lapping waters. They were shown to a table that ringed the perimeter of the swampy darkness, complete with fireflies. It was…romantic.

  “What are you hungry for?” He glanced up from the menu, brow raised.

  He meant food—maybe—but her heart still skipped a few beats. “I-I don’t need—”

  “To eat? Yes, you do. Let me rephrase my question. Is there anything on the menu you’re allergic to or don’t like?”

  “I’m not fond of lamb.”

  “We’ll avoid that then.”

  Beck ordered surf and turf for them both. Heavenly tried not to choke or object. He wouldn’t appreciate it, but it was so expensive… She could feed herself and her father both for weeks on the cost of this one meal.

  After delicious gumbo, the waitress delivered filet mignon and lobster with potatoes au gratin, along with a bottle of earthy red wine. Every tasty bite was exquisitely perfect.

  “We talk during lunch at the hospital, but there are a lot of things I don’t know abou
t you, Heavenly.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I’m boring.”

  His stare chastised her. “I doubt that. Tell me everything…”

  What could she tell him without bringing the mood down? “You know I’m from Wisconsin. I grew up loving Rugrats and—”

  “What the hell is a rug rat?”

  “It’s a cartoon. Well, it was. They don’t make it anymore.”

  “I’m sorry?” He looked as if he wasn’t sure whether to apologize or laugh.

  “It’s fine. As an adult, I’m no longer entertained by animated shows about kids in diapers.”

  He almost choked on his wine. “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “Oh, come on. You must have liked a cartoon or two as a kid. Fess up.”

  Beck hesitated. “I was far more interested in being outdoors. If there was a ball involved, even better.”

  “That sounds so incredibly…male.”

  “I’m glad you’ve noticed,” he quipped. “Okay, favorite ice cream.”

  “What’s yours?” she countered. “I’m going to make fun of you first.”

  That had him laughing. “Raine might have corrupted me lately with her love of caramel caribou.”

  “I can’t fault you for that, though I prefer mint chip. When I was a kid, there was this place that used to make it with chunks of Andes Creme de Menthe and…oh. It was”—she snickered—“orgasm in a cone.”

  “Really? And you’d know that how?”

  She closed her eyes, mortification rolling through her. “Figure of speech.”

  “So I have to be better than an ice cream cone?”

  Did he mean if he ever gave her an orgasm? “What?”

  Beck cleared his throat. “Favorite season?”

  “Um…when I lived in Wisconsin, it was summer, for sure. But LA is like summer all year round, so… What about you?”

  “Fall.”

  “You like crisp leaves and autumn breezes?”

  He smirked. “And football. That’s way more important.”

  “Of course. Definitely a man.”

  “You need me to prove it?”

  “You really have to stop teasing me…”

  “Who says I’m teasing?” He gave her a disreputable grin.

  She rolled her eyes at him. “Favorite band?”

  “I’m an old-school grunge guy. Give me Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots…that kind of thing. But I listen to all kinds of music. Who do you like?”