Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

(Cordelia]

Curiosity drives me to accept the doctor's offer of coffee.

We take our conversation to the small cafe located near the hospital lobby. Taking a seat in the back comer where

we can have a bit more privacy, he tells me everything he has observed about my father. "Heart attacks have very specific symptoms, none of which your father has. At your family's insistence, three doctors and four nurses, including myself, have all checked his vitals and age."

He takes a slow sip of his coffee, wincing. "At best I say he had a panic attack,"Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

I take my own hesitant sip. The look on his face makes more sense now as this is probably the worst cup of coffee have ever tasted.

"Panic attacks can sometimes feel like heart attacks," he explains in more détail. "Your heart seizes for a microsecond and your body feels

a considerable amount of pressure. It's more like a heart hiccup than an attack," he takes another sip of his coffee and then sets it down, scooting it far away from him.

"Wouldn't you still need to come in for a check-up?" I ask, wondering why my father is here if it isn't necessary.

"Recovery time from a panic attack is fairly short. A drink of water, taking a slow walk outside, and a moment for deep breaths. That's usually all you need. Not hospitalization," his lips make a hard downward line as he looks back in the direction of my father's room. "Most p having a bad day."

I want to defend my father, to say it wasn't just a bad day but possibly one of the worst days ever but 1 stop myself when I look up and see the intensity of his gaze.

Jude is a charming but also very serious man, He leaves no room for argument, but he also doesn't give you a reason to argue. He knows what he is talking about and tells you with conviction, warmth, and a lack of judgment.

He's almost the exact opposite of Atlas.

I shake my head. There is no reason to compare the two. I can't spend my entire life comparing every man I meet to the first one I had ever loved.

"Have you had lunch yet?" he startles me out of my thoughts with a gentle hand on my shoulder.

Shaking my head I admit, "I haven't even had breakfast yet."

He pulls out his wallet. "Let's get you something to eat, then. "The coffee is terrible but the french toast is almost edible. I mean, compared to rubber"

I laugh out loud, almost snorting the bitter liquid they call coffee. It wasn't even that funny, but with everything else going on, in that moment it was hilarious. It has been so long since I've had a good laugh that it takes me a few minutes to stop. But then as soon as my breat Chapter 15

Jude pulls a chair next to me and begins patting me on the back. He then pulls me into a gentle sideways hug.

I don't remember the last time anyone has held me so gently. My body craving human connection, I let him rock me from side to side as he makes small shushing sounds.

I know he is a complete stranger and yet I feel more comfortable around him than I have any other man in the last five years.

He is the epitome of the sexy Hollywood doctor. His chocolate brown curls, dimpled chin and bright hazel eyes are bewitching, and his wide, generous mouth is almost hypnotic as it reveals flashes of brilliant white teeth, offset by his deeply tanned skin. He has the body of

Dr. Jude Davis is more than good looks and kind laughter, he is also ridiculously intelligent. He is a doctor, yes, but also a scientist working on clever, genetic-based engineering in his "spare time."

I couldn't understand half of what he was talking about, but the passion he expresses when talking about his scientific research is charming in a delightfully nerdy way.

I think the word Tilly would use to describe him is "smexy."

His watch beeps, "Looks like my break is over," he smiles apologetically as he points to his watch. We had been sitting in this cafe for an hour.

"Oh," I stand suddenly. "I'm so sorry! I wasted your entire break."

*Nonsense," he takes my tray as he adds, "This time getting to know you was not a waste, Cordelia Greyson. I hope we run into each other again soon....just maybe not here."

I hope so too," I say genuinely. It would be really bad luck to find him again in a hospital.

le reaches into his coat pocket and hands me a business card with his name and title, on the back, he juickly writes his phone number. "Text me sometime," he hands me the card. "Maybe we can get some eal coffee."

ucking his card into my pocket, my body is flush with heat. I've only felt such a strong attraction to one ther man before, and that man chose his secretary over me.

he thought of Atlas and Sydney was the cold bucket of water I needed to chill the flush from my cheeks. y the time I make it back to my father's room, I feel thoroughl frozen.

hey are having a conversation. I almost open the door to announce my presence, but I hear the name tlas," and stop.