Glancing around the room, she thought it didn’t seem anyone was paying the slightest attention. Plus, Jonathan had backed them to where they were semi-blocked from most of the other guests.
She should be grateful Matthew hadn’t added “or missing a man’s touch”.
Then again, that wouldn’t have been true because she had been missing a man’s touch. Just not Jonathan’s. She missed Matthew. His smile. His conversations. His kisses. His touch.
Even now his fingers burned through the thin material of her dress and scorched her back, making her want to arch into him, making her want to forget all the reasons why anything other than a purely professional relationship between them was a very bad idea.
“And you are?” Jonathan’s expression was snide as he visually measured Natalie’s rescuer.
Resisting the urge to pull away from Matthew, Natalie smiled instead and introduced the only two men she’d ever been intimate with. How weird was that?
“You’re Natalie’s new boss?” Jonathan’s gaze bounced back and forth between them. His grin was vicious. “Having to resort to sleeping your way to the top now? First passed over for another woman, and just a few months later passed over for another heart surgeon.” He gave a low laugh. “Not being quite good enough yet again has to sting, Natalie. Especially when you worked so hard for this.”
His words were meant to hurt. Natalie knew that. She tried not to let them, but they reached their mark. Why had she ever shared her past hurts, her future aspirations with this buffoon?
“Dr. Coleman deserved the position.” Oh, how it hurt to say that out loud. “His credentials are excellent.” They were. “Memphis Children’s is lucky to have a doctor of his caliber join our staff.”
Jonathan laughed. “You forget I lived with you for over two years and know you better than anyone,” he reminded. “All your long hours being for nothing must kill you.”
It did.
“My work wasn’t for nothing. I saved lives, Jonathan. Something you have no concept of.”
“You sound so altruistic,” he sneered.
Matthew’s body tensed and Natalie continued, trying to diffuse the situation. The last thing she wanted was a scene at Dr. Luiz’s party. “You must not have been paying attention all those years you claim to have gotten to know me.” She cast what she hoped was a look of appreciation toward Matthew. “I’ve always admired Matthew’s work and look forward to learning all I can from working with someone of his talent.”
“Right. This guy comes along and you’re suddenly okay with not getting the position you’ve been busting your butt for since the beginning?” He turned to Matthew. “Better watch out, buddy. Her career means everything to her and you got in the way. You know that old saying about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? You might be enjoying being in my old bed, but I’d watch my back if I were you.”
Matthew, who’d been watching their exchange, had that dark and dangerous expression he wore so well. “I’m not worried.”
His look said Jonathan would be wise to be worried, though.
“Pity,” Jonathan mocked, getting in his parting shot. “You should be.”
Natalie stared at the retreating back of her ex and shook her head. How could she have ever had a relationship with such a sleazeball? And she was so replacing her bedroom furniture ASAP.
“Real winner there, Natalie.”
Like she needed him to tell her that.
“Yeah, I can really pick them, can’t I?” She gave him a pointed look. “Why did you interrupt?”
“I didn’t like how he was crowding you into a corner.”
Neither had she, but she lifted her chin and glared at Matthew. “I can take care of myself.”
“Apparently. I’ll be sure to wear chain mail beneath my scrubs.”
“You’re too funny.” Her heart pounded. “It was none of your business.”
“I felt as if it was. I really didn’t like how he was looking at you.” Matthew’s eyes searched hers. “How he kissed your hand and wouldn’t let go.”
“It wasn’t anything to do with you,” she reminded, feeling way more crowded than she previously had. But in a different way. Matthew made her feel...breathless.
Watching her for a few long moments, his pale blue eyes softened and he said, “Dance with me, Natalie.”
Where had his invitation come from?