Momentous Kisses: Love in Sandy Beach Read Online Free PDF

surgery, he’d originally wanted to help accident victims, but over time, more and more patients came to him requesting cosmetic surgeries. They were willing to pay large sums of money to change their outward appearance, and nowadays, cosmetic surgery comprised more than ninety percent of his caseload. It left a stale taste in his mouth. That’s not what I wanted. I had bigger dreams for my life.
    But then again, cosmetic surgery earned the big money. And he’d definitely reaped the benefits of his practice. At the age of twenty-six, he’d opened up his own private clinic, together with his business partner Dex Balden, and a mere five years later he’d become a considerably wealthy man.
    Russell looked at Mrs. Caldwell and didn’t care that his next actions would be completely against the secrets to becoming successful. Enough was enough; he was sick and tired of jumping through hoops and performing surgeries on women who didn’t need them.
    “Mrs. Caldwell, I cannot see any justifiable reason to perform the surgery you are requesting. In my opinion, enlarging your breasts would create a scenario for future medical problems and I’m afraid I cannot in good conscience participate in that. Please get dressed and I’ll let the front office know there is no charge for today’s consultation.”
    “Dr. Barkin. You cannot deny me this surgery. I can afford it and it’s my body…”
    Russell shook his head, holding up a hand to halt her tirade. “Mrs. Caldwell, I’ve made my decision. You are certainly welcome to seek a second opinion, but this clinic will not be performing a breast enlargement on you. Not today, and not next week. Good day, madam.”
    Russell left the exam room, not surprised when a very irate Mrs. Caldwell stormed from the office a few minutes later. She talked heatedly with someone he assumed was her husband as she left, and Russell wished the both of them well. They certainly deserved each other.
    He was sitting at his desk later that afternoon when Dex wandered in. “What’s up with you today?”
    Russell set the pen he was holding down and looked at his partner. “I wish I knew. I guess you heard about Mrs. Caldwell?”
    “The entire office and the building heard about Mrs. Caldwell. What the hell where you thinking?”
    “She doesn’t need the surgery,” Russell said in defense of his action.
    “Most of our patients don’t need the surgery, but they’re willing to pay. It’s not our obligation to judge them.”
    “Don’t you ever wish you were using your surgical skills for something useful? I mean, there has to be more to this than making lots of money.”
    Dex shook his head. “You’re getting philosophical on me now. What’s really bothering you? We’re rich. We’re famous. We don’t have to work crappy night shifts or take weekend calls. And we’re both amongst the most-wanted bachelors in Chicago and can have any woman we want by snapping our fingers. What else do you want?”
    Russell looked at his partner, realizing he’d been just like him a week ago. Not anymore. After meeting Allison more than a week ago, the realization had slowly sunk in: his life was shallow and poor in so many aspects – despite all of his money. He wanted more.
    “Don’t you miss truly helping people?” Russell inquired of his friend.
    “Sometimes. But we’ve both been there. Helping people doesn’t buy houses, or cars, or vacations.”
    “But you can only have so many cars.”
    “Man, you already donate two days a month to the local hospital. And for no pay, I might add.”
    “That’s what I want to do. It gives me a sense of fulfillment to help those patients. I leave the hospital smiling. I haven’t left work here smiling for a very long time.”
    “So what, you’re going to take on more pro bono days at the hospital? Do you realize how much money you could be making during those two days? I mean, charity is fine and all, but it doesn’t pay the bills.”
    Russell sighed. He