Czytaj książkę: «Waves of Passion»

Chapter 1

It was early April, the day before Dr. Gabrielle Grinage’s official duties were to begin on a new job. She was unable to control her quivering stomach, yet her hazel eyes drank in the unfamiliar surroundings as slender fingers smoothed her thick, chestnut-brown French braid.

Here I am. Only the passage of time will let me know if my choice was a wise one.

Comfortably seated in the front row of a new employee orientation seminar/luncheon, Gabrielle felt at peace aboard the extravagantly beautiful cruise ship, the Parisian Paradise. This magnificent cruise liner was one of many fabulous ships that sailed under the popular Fantasy Islands Fleet. As she listened intently to the speaker, her eyes encompassed him.

“Ah, here he is,” Grey Sadler enthusiastically announced, “Dr. Cameron Quinn. This is the enormously talented medical commander you’ll take orders from. I have to warn you, Dr. Quinn is a tyrant and he expects nothing less than excellence and dedication from his medical staff.” Grey chuckled. “He’s also a phenomenal doctor and one of the fairest people I know.”

As Dr. Quinn strolled to the podium, he held his head high and his shoulders back. After shaking the hand of the cruise director, he positioned himself at the podium. Cameron’s smoky black eyes roved the vast group of new and veteran employees. His porcelain white teeth and gleaming smile captured the audience’s attention and his deep voice raptly held it.

“Welcome to each of you! It’s a privilege and an honor to have you on my staff.” Cameron’s eyes shone brightly. “All I expect from you is your absolute very best. I require my staff to attend every training session and to be present at all personnel meetings. We have to be a tightly knit group on this ship, and I demand that we work as a close unit.”

Dr. Quinn spoke about the rigid policies and specific rules that governed the ship’s infirmary and its personnel. He gave a brief summary of his educational background and his amazing career history. His extensive travels to numerous exotic locations around the world were touched upon fleetingly. He casually mentioned that he was thirty-three. His single status produced broad smiles from different groups of females seated close by.

“I want each new staff member to feel like they’re a part of our medical family. If not, we’ll figure out why they don’t. Our team relies on and believes in each other. We’re together for hours on end, so we must learn how to cohabitate harmoniously. Welcome aboard the magnificent Parisian Paradise!” He raised his water glass in a toast.

Gabrielle couldn’t take her eyes off Cameron. She guessed his height to be around six-two or six-three. His physique boasted a tapered waistline and remarkably broad chest and shoulders. She imagined him sporting a six-pack wall of impenetrable steel abs beneath his stark-white shirt. Sewn onto each shoulder of the shirt were gold symbols indicating his official ranking and gold braided medical insignias. Around his neck he wore an anchor on a thick gold chain.

Cameron Quinn, M.D., was gorgeous and, from all indications, highly intelligent. Curly and satiny, his dark brown hair had premature graying at the temples. His clean-shaven, olive-brown complexion only added to his good looks. His fit physique was perfectly proportioned with his stature. From Gabrielle’s standpoint, he had it going on in looks, but she was more curious as to what his intellect would bring to the table.

Cameron took a gulp of water. “Our crew always has each other’s backs, and we never indulge in petty arguing and backbiting. As staff members, we may not agree on every issue, but we’ll eventually work things out. Again, welcome aboard the magnificent Parisian Paradise!”

A standing ovation took place as Dr. Quinn left the podium.

Cameron Quinn had impressed Gabrielle greatly. His personality was refreshing.

If he’s as easy to work with as he is to look at and listen to, we should get along just fine.

Practicing medicine on a cruise ship hadn’t been one of Gabrielle’s goals during medical school, and she’d only recently opted to give it a try. The chance to travel to exotic ports had also figured into her decision. Several of her friends in the medical field worked aboard cruise ships…and they positively loved it. The salary was decent and the living arrangements would save her from financially draining monthly expenses. Five months onboard with five weeks off was a normal work schedule for doctors, nurses and various other medical staffers.

Gabrielle didn’t think that two or three years away from a private career in an internal practice would hurt her chances of getting back into mainstream medicine. She was only thirty and had lots of good years ahead of her. Deep thoughts, along with playing the devil’s advocate, had helped to guide her to this decision. Treating those in need of excellent health care was in her DNA.

Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, the ship’s homeport, she felt privileged to sail each seven-day itinerary from her birthplace. The Parisian Paradise docked for several hours. And Gabrielle planned to meet her family when time permitted.

Gabrielle knew what she’d like to do with her leisure time—get to know Cameron.

* * *

Gabrielle watched Cameron’s every move. He walked with confidence, holding his head up as if he knew he was a man to be reckoned with. As he took time to shake hands and speak with other attendees, she studied him closely, pleasantly surprised that he hadn’t headed straight for the table occupied by all the powers that be. Growing more and more curious about the man she was to work directly under, she could hardly wait for their first encounter.

Gabrielle took notice of everything that happened close to where she sat. She got a good feeling about the crew. She was optimistic and hoped she’d fit in well.

When the meeting adjourned, the dark-haired woman who was seated next to Gabrielle turned to her. She held out a friendly hand in greeting. “I’m Marjorie Carson, a crewmember and an R.N. Welcome aboard! It’s probably a safe bet that we’ll work together. Do you want to get something to eat and drink?”

Gabrielle briefly took Marjorie’s hand. “Thank you. I’m Gabrielle Grinage, M.D. I’m sure we’ll share many shifts, and I’d love for us to break bread together. I noticed that they were laying out covered dishes and bread baskets as orientation wound down. It smells divine.”

Marjorie nodded in agreement. “They lay it out big during employee events. Like Dr. Quinn said, we’re one big happy family

“I take it that you’re not a new employee. How long have you worked on the Parisian Paradise?”

“I’ve been assigned to this ship for two years,” Marjorie responded. “And I love it. I joined the luxury cruise line profession at twenty-six. I’m now twenty-eight.”

Gabrielle nodded, smiling. “Are you contracted for five months on and five weeks off?”

“One and the same, Dr. Grinage. I like the schedule. Looks like we’d better claim a table then get in line before it gets too crowded,” Marjorie said.

“Good suggestion.” Gabrielle smiled as she got to her feet.

The two women quickly claimed a premier window booth. Once the waiter poured ice water and iced tea into crystal goblets, the ladies headed toward the buffet lines. Marjorie chatted up Gabrielle about some of the infirmary duties.

Back at the table within minutes, carrying plates loaded with salads and seafood, the two women wasted no time in dipping into their food.

“Tell me a little about yourself, that is, if you don’t mind,” Marjorie suggested.

Gabrielle gave a brief rundown on her educational background before getting into personal areas. “I’m happily single.” She held up her bare ring finger. “My parents and three of my four brothers practice medicine. Mom and Dad are retired internal medicine specialists.”

As the only female sibling, Gabrielle told Marjorie, her family had nearly spoiled her rotten. No one in the Grinage clan had vocally approved or disapproved of where and how she’d chosen to practice medicine. Her decision to treat patients on a cruise ship had come as a total shock to them. However, everyone in the family was encouraged to choose their own destiny.

Marjorie appeared very interested in what Gabrielle shared. “What do your brothers do in the wide-open field of medicine?”

Gabrielle laid a napkin across her lap. “Ryan, the oldest, is an anesthesiologist, and Maxwell is an OB/GYN. Jonathan, the next to the youngest, is a pediatrician. Christopher is a hospital administrator…and a Ph.D.”

Gabrielle’s brothers, Ryan and Maxwell, were partners in a very successful private practice. None of the siblings were married and they all lived locally. Both parents had contributed thirty-five years of work in the medical field to Galveston Island residents.

“Wow! An entire family working in the medical field is awesome,” Marjorie said.

“It is amazing.” Gabrielle glanced around the room, hoping to get another glimpse of Cameron. Much to her surprise, many of the attendees had formed a line to meet him. He was seated alone at a large table. “Is meeting Dr. Quinn part of the orientation?”

Marjorie shook her head. “Not formally, but most people want to meet him. Like me, everyone here isn’t a new employee. Many of us return to this orientation just to mingle and greet the ship’s newcomers. Dr. Quinn has attended every orientation since I’ve been here. Do you want to meet him?”

Gabrielle chuckled. “Not if I have to stand in a long line.” She grew silent, looking toward the end of the line. “It’ll take an hour or more to get to him. Maybe I’ll go over when the crowd thins.”

“You won’t be sorry. He’s approachable and very easy to talk to. He’s popular with the entire crew.”

Gabrielle’s eyes strayed back to Dr. Quinn—and she really liked what she saw.

Marjorie laughed. “You’re taking a real good look at the single and available Dr. Quinn. The man is so down-to-earth. I don’t know a single soul who doesn’t like working with him.”

Gabrielle turned her attention back to Marjorie. “That’s good to know. Arrogant pretty boys don’t interest me, but I’d love to have a great working relationship with Dr. Quinn. Maybe you can stop by his table with me once we finish eating.”

Marjorie smiled. “I’d be happy to introduce you two.”

A good-looking male suddenly called out to Marjorie from a short distance away.

A huge smile brightened Marjorie’s mocha complexion. “That’s Tristan Meadows heading this way. He’s also a nurse…and he has a crush on me,” Marjorie whispered lowly, looking around for her napkin.

Watching the rapidly approaching Tristan, Gabrielle lifted an eyebrow. He was nearly as handsome as the commander. His body wasn’t as chiseled as Cameron’s, yet he had a solid physique. His broad smile revealed shining white teeth.

“Hey, ladies,” Tristan said cheerfully. He extended his tawny-brown hand to Gabrielle and added, “Welcome aboard the Parisian Paradise. I’m Tristan Meadows. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

Gabrielle shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, too, Tristan. I’m Gabrielle Grinage.”

Tristan sat down next to Marjorie. “So you’re the new doctor? I look forward to working with you, Dr. Grinage,” he said with sincerity.

Gabrielle smiled. “I’d be happy if you both called me by my first name. No titles are necessary.” Hoping to put him at ease, Gabrielle gave him a warm smile.

Tristan smiled back at Gabrielle. “You can count on it.” His dark brown eyes softened as he gazed into

Marjorie’s ebony eyes. “Perhaps you can put in a good word for me with Marjorie. She’s not taking me seriously.”

“Tristan, stop it,” Marjorie weakly demanded, her mocha cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Gabrielle is not interested in our personal lives. Put a lid on it.”

Gabrielle’s laughter trilled. “I’m interested in the lives of anyone I’m privileged to work with. But, Tristan, I can’t possibly put in a good word for you. That is, not until I get to know if you’d be good for Marjorie.”

Everyone laughed.

Gabrielle looked across the room and saw that the lines leading to Dr. Quinn had thinned considerably. Feeling courageous, she stood. “I’ll be back. It’s time to meet my boss.”

“Decided to go it alone, huh? Good for you,” Marjorie said.

After telling the couple to save her seat, Gabrielle excused herself.

The butterflies suddenly occupying her stomach had Gabrielle’s insides quivering again. With only a few people ahead of her, she felt sweat forming on her palms. She had no clue why she was so nervous, but she couldn’t rule out the fabulous looks and the suave demeanor of the commander, the man she would soon work closely with.

Cameron got to his feet just as Gabrielle reached him. He instantly extended his hand to her. “Hello, Dr. Grinage. I’m glad we’re finally meeting. Please allow me to personally welcome you aboard your new home.”

“Thank you, Dr. Quinn.” Overwhelmed by his warm attention, Gabrielle had a hard time finding her voice. “It’s nice to meet the commander I’ve heard so much about.”

“Please sit down,” Cameron offered. “I’d like to hear what you’ve heard.”

Before taking a seat, she looked behind her, surprised to see she was last in line. She took in a few calming breaths as she sat. “What I’ve heard has been good. I also read your medical bio inside the orientation packet. It was amazing.” The absence of a picture had made her wonder what he might look like.

Cameron grinned. “I’ve also read your bio. I was impressed. You come from quite a medical family. My parents own and manage a couple of apartment buildings in Houston. They’re very happy with their lives, but they wanted their only son to be a doctor.”

Gabrielle frowned. “You became a doctor for your family?”

Cameron laughed. “If it hadn’t also been my own dream, I couldn’t have accomplished it. My mom always talks about how I loved to play doctor when I was little. I love being a physician. More than that, I love helping those in need.”

“I know what you mean. Helping others is one of the main reasons I wanted to be a physician. I also played doctor. My little male chauvinist friends thought I should be the nurse, but I had bigger and brighter ideas.”

Cameron laughed. “Sounds like you took charge. What made you want to try practicing medicine on the high seas?”

Gabrielle looked thoughtful. “I’m adventurous by nature. I like to try new things. I heard most of the pros and cons from friends who work on cruise ships. I took everything I learned into consideration, then I decided to just try it.”

Cameron smiled. “I think you’ll find the job rewarding and enjoyable, just as I do. Working on a cruise ship is altogether different from the world of medicine we started out in. We’re more limited here, and if it comes to drastic measures, we often have to make arrangements for emergency transportation to take patients to a hospital on land.”

Gabrielle nodded. “I researched it a lot before I actually signed on. I’m eager to learn the ways of practicing medicine at sea.”

Cameron smiled. “I bet you’re a fast learner.” He looked up and saw that other greeters had arrived. He instantly got to his feet. “Excuse me for a few minutes. A line has formed again.”

Gabrielle stood, her heart beating faster than normal. “You go right ahead. I’ll see you again.” For sure, she’d see him in the infirmary tomorrow morning.

Before Cameron could protest her departure, Gabrielle had already stepped away.

* * *

The line had dissipated after twenty minutes or so, and Cameron reclaimed his seat at the table. As his eyes searched the room for Gabrielle, he couldn’t help thinking of how enjoyable her company had been. Working with her would be a great experience, as long as he was careful not to compromise his heart. She was alluring, a natural beauty, but he knew she had a lot more going for her than that. The excellent academic and work ethics written up in her bio had revealed that.

His mind turned to thoughts of the scores of single women who came aboard the ship and sailed away into the sunset. Once the cruise was over, they left the ship without looking back. He knew that getting involved with female passengers wasn’t an ideal situation for him.

Gabrielle was the first female doctor he’d worked with aboard a ship, but he still had to remain in tight control of himself. Mixing business with pleasure could be a devastating combination. Cameron also had firsthand knowledge of that.

Finding true love was hard to do, especially on a cruise.

* * *

Gabrielle noticed that her heart was still beating fast even after a quick break in the ladies’ room. She made her way back to the table, where Marjorie and Tristan didn’t look as if they’d missed her presence. She stood quietly and watched the hot chemistry at work. They made a great couple.

As Gabrielle sat down, she cleared her throat. “I’m back.”

Marjorie appeared slightly embarrassed. “What did you think of Dr. Quinn?”

Gabrielle smiled. “I can’t tell you that until after I spend more time in his company. But he seems kind and smart. I’m willing to bet he’s also sweet. But since we’ll be working together, there is no chance for a shipboard romance. Love and labor don’t mix.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow. “I beg to differ. Love and labor go hand in hand. If you can find something special with someone you work with, go for it. Being employed in the same profession is a pretty good start, anyway. At least you’ll have something in common.”

“I agree,” Marjorie chimed in. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to about your work.”

Tristan covered Marjorie’s hand with his. “If you feel that way, then why can’t I get you to take me seriously?”

Marjorie now looked totally embarrassed. “I do.”

“You do what?” Tristan asked, putting her on the spot.

Marjorie blushed. “I take you seriously. I really do.”

Tristan’s broad smile showed he was pleased as punch. “I’m glad to hear it. But why’d you suddenly change your mind? I’ve been chasing you for months.”

Marjorie’s eyes narrowed. “I wasn’t ready to be caught. Can we just leave it at that?”

Gabrielle wanted to laugh at these two dopey lovebirds, but she remained quiet, eager to hear what else they had to say.

“I’m happy to leave it at that if it means I can take you out on a real date,” Tristan said.

Marjorie smiled. “You can take me out, Tristan. I’d love to see tonight’s show.”

Tristan leaned over and kissed Marjorie’s cheek. “It’s a date.”

Gabrielle laughed. “Congratulations on your first real date!”

* * *

The living quarters assigned to Gabrielle were located a few decks above midship. The spacious suite wasn’t particularly lavish, but it was nice and homey and it had a balcony. She’d never lived in a place with such a wide-open concept, where she could see the living room, kitchen and bedroom all at once. Only the bathroom was in a separate room.

As Gabrielle closely studied the space, she felt its warmth. Her personal things had already been delivered, but she hadn’t had time to put them away. She hadn’t even paid a lot of attention to the suite’s floor plan until now. Luckily the balcony would offer her a nearby outdoor alternative. Being able to step outside and breathe in fresh air without having to go up on deck was a huge plus. The balcony was decked out with a small round table, two chairs and a chaise lounge to lie on to catch the sun. This suite was her home for the next five months, so she would have to get used to it.

The Parisian Paradise was a huge vessel, which gave Gabrielle plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to explore and many choices in shopping, dining and entertainment venues. She also loved that room service was available to staff and passengers 24/7.

Gabrielle caught sight of her unpacked luggage and frowned. For her to be truly comfortable, she had to put everything in order right away. There was plenty of time for her to unpack and get it over with before reporting to duty in the morning. After taking off her uniform and hanging it up, she slipped into blue jeans and a white T-shirt.

Starting with a leather garment bag, she took out her dressier and formal attire and hung them at one end of the large sectional closet. She then moved on to the suitcases.

A couple of hours later, she had the cabin suite looking more like a home.

* * *

Deciding to do a little bit of exploring, Gabrielle pulled from the closet a pair of white pants and a gold silk top. As she pulled on the attire, her eyes searched the room for her makeup case. The moment she spotted it next to the leather sofa, she felt totally relieved that she hadn’t left it behind. Standing before the bathroom mirror, Gabrielle was pleased with her appearance. She loved how her long hair fell around her shoulders and how flawlessly she had applied her makeup. Gabrielle picked up her gold purse and dropped her cabin key inside. Just as she stepped out the door, Cameron came out of the cabin right next to hers. He looked sexy dressed in dark dress slacks and a powder-blue silk shirt. She couldn’t help wondering if his assigned quarters were really that close to hers or if he’d been visiting someone.

As Cameron’s eyes fell upon her, she felt butterflies in her stomach. His devastating smile made her weak in the knees. “Seeing you so soon is a nice surprise.”

Cameron walked the few steps to where she stood. “I was hoping to see you before we began working together. Have you made any special plans?”

Gabrielle shrugged with nonchalance. “I just decided to do a little exploring.”

He grinned. “Perhaps I could be your tour guide for the evening. Would you mind?”

“Not at all.” Gabrielle was pleased by his offer. “It’d be easy to get lost on this vessel.”

“It happens often, Dr. Grinage. One wrong turn can get you all out of sorts. How about starting on the fifth level where most of the live action is?”

Gabrielle smiled brightly. “It’s fine with me. Lead the way, Dr. Quinn.”

He stopped short of offering her his arm. It was inappropriate. “I’d like it if you’d simply call me Cameron. Is it okay to call you Gabrielle? It’s a lovely name.”

“Thank you, Cameron. I like being on a first-name basis with my coworkers.”

* * *

The neon lights and glamorous decor found on Parisian Boulevard astounded Gabrielle. She’d never taken a cruise before, and she was amazed. A bevy of specialty shops shone inside and out with dazzling lights. The colorful and brightly lit Champs-Elysées Casino was located on the same level. Cameron gave her a brief tour of the gambling facility. It wasn’t his favorite place to hang out because he didn’t like throwing away hard-earned money.

“All these bells and lights from the slot machines and screams from winners are exciting,” Gabrielle said.

He shrugged. “True enough, but there’s a downside to the excitement. The cruise liners make it easy for people to gamble away their money by borrowing funds against their credit card. Most people think they can make up the losses.”

Gabrielle hunched her shoulders. “I’ve never gambled. I’m not sure I can feed money into an inanimate object and expect it to pay me back handsomely. But from the excited sounds in here, there seems to be lots of winners.”

“Most definitely, but far more are losers,” Cameron remarked. “It’s one thing to have fun gambling and something totally different to be addicted.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. But I don’t have to worry about it. I’m a cheapskate, a budgeter. I don’t just give away money.”

“I wish I knew how to keep a tighter budget. I tend to splurge every now and then, but I usually have something to show for it. Maybe you can give me some pointers.”

“You got it. I have a great book on financial planning in my cabin. You can read it if you’d like. It helped me out a lot.”

“If you don’t mind bringing it to the clinic tomorrow, I’ll take good care of it.”

Gabrielle nodded. “You’ll have it in the morning.”

As the tour proceeded, Cameron showed Gabrielle both formal dining rooms, the Paris and the Marseille.

“Let’s go back to Parisian Boulevard,” Cameron suggested. “There’s plenty of duty-free shops.”

As Cameron and Gabrielle made their way back to Parisian Boulevard, they passed by several music venues. It seemed to her that music was offered all over the ship, like the live calypso and reggae she’d heard inside and outside on the main deck for hours on end. There was even a jumbo LED screen that showed special movies, concerts, sports and other entertainment.

“Would you like to get something to drink?” Cameron asked.

“All this walking has me a bit thirsty. I’d like a cold soda or iced tea.” Gabrielle was glad she’d chosen to wear flat sandals. In heels, her feet would have taken a good pounding.

“We’ll go into one of the lounges where we can listen to music. I don’t hang out on the ship very often. Even though the clinic closes at 6:00 p.m., one doctor is always on call. As the medical commander, I’m the backup and go-to person if two doctors are needed.”

“I know that there’s minimal free time. Still, I’m pleased with my decision.”

Cameron chuckled. “Let’s see how you feel after the first month.”

Gabrielle eyed him with curiosity. “Is that a warning?”

“Hardly. I just want to know your thoughts after working aboard for a while.”

“I’ll be sure to tell you. Have any of your crew members been unhappy?”

“That’s an understatement. There are some folks who can’t hack it. They think the job is glamour and glitz until they’re aboard for a week or so. Most of those who quit leave very early. It doesn’t take long for the boys and girls to separate themselves from the men and women.”