How like Alex to drop something like that in his lap when Cody least expected it. He had dawdled about replacing Stacey because it meant she was gone for good if he filled the position. He had been holding out for her return. He wanted her back in his professional life but more than that he wanted her in his private one as well.
* * *
That afternoon Cody was in his office. He picked up the phone. He had time to call one more nursing agency. He’d been working through a list of them, trying to find someone that knew something about Stacey. He’d already tried her cellphone and the number was no longer working. He’d even gone on social media and found nothing. “May I speak to someone who would know something about nurses assigned to Ethiopia?”
“I could probably help you with that information,” came a voice he heard nightly in his dreams. Stacey!
Cody’s head jerked toward the door. His heart clogged his throat. Was she actually here or was he just imagining it because he wanted it so desperately?
She smiled but there was still an unsure look in her eyes. “I’m here for a job interview.”
He hung up the phone without saying another word and just stared at her. She was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. The simple pink dress she wore accentuated her coloring and her curves. It was demure while at the same time enticing. Her hair hung freely around her shoulders, bouncing with healthiness. His fingers tingled with the desire to run the silkiness through them. She wore the bracelet his daughters had given her on her wrist. Where had she come from? Had Alex put her up to this? He stood. “Hi, Stacey.”
“Hello, Cody.”
With great effort he stopped himself from circling the desk and scooping her up into his arms. What if that wasn’t what she wanted? Maybe she just wanted the job but not him. That thought made him almost double over in pain. He’d said some nasty things to her the day she’d left. Yet here she was, interviewing for a job that would mean she would be working with him almost daily.
“How have you been?” With effort he kept his voice level, professional.
“Busy. I quit my job with the travel nursing agency but still made a short trip to Ethiopia to work until a replacement could be found. I’ve decided to try staying in one place for a while. I saw on the clinic website there was a job still open here, so I applied for it.”
“Did Alex know it was you?” He’d never forgive the man for not putting him out of his misery as soon as he knew it was Stacey coming for the interview.
“Nope. At least, not until I saw him in the hall. He said something peculiar. Something about being damn tired of running a place for lonely hearts.”
Cody chuckled. Alex was no doubt fed up with dealing with him and also having Salty unhappy about Mrs. Kerridge-Bates. Love hadn’t run smoothly for them either, but at least they had finally sorted out their issues and had admitted to loving each other. They were even planning their wedding. Now, if he could just convince Stacey that they should go down the same path...
“So what makes you want to work at Maple Island Clinic?”
Her mouth quirked. “Do you conduct all your interviews standing up?”
“Uh...no, sorry. Come in and have a seat.” She came in and closed the door, then took the chair in front of his desk.
Cody sat as well, clutching his hands in his lap. If he didn’t touch her soon, he would die. Yet if he did, it might scare her off. She looked so cool and collected. As if she were unaffected by the weeks that had passed since they had seen one another.
“In answer to your question, you do.”
“I do what?” He’d forgotten what he’d asked. She giggled. He loved that sound.
“You asked me why I wanted to work at the clinic and I said because of you.”
Did he dare to hope? “Why is that?”
“Because you’re the most amazing, giving and caring doctor and man that I know. You are a wonderful father, a good friend and most of all I want to be around you. Working with you would make me a better nurse and person.”
Cody’s heart swelled. Did she really believe that? He stood and circled the desk then sat on the corner of it within touching distance of her. “You do know that if you take this job, you would be a permanent staff member. Are you prepared to stay here for a lifetime?”
“I am.” Her eyes didn’t waver.
He gaze didn’t leave hers. “I can be demanding, and misguided, and sometimes say things I regret. Can you deal with that?”
“I believe so. I often do the same thing.” She continued to hold his gaze. Stacey had the most amazing green eyes.
“It sounds like we could get along well together.” He knew exactly how well they could get along and wanted them to find that happiness again. “Do you have any questions for me?”