The Best Thing Yet Read Online Free PDF Page A

changed.”
    Deiter moved across the room to her side and handed her the purse.
    “You okay?” he asked. “Is that man okay?”
    She patted his arm. “I was just talking to Dr Hayden about him, he’ll be fine.” Arissa held up the purse. “Thanks for this.”
    Doctor Hayden hung up the phone and stared at her. “The captain would like to see you in his office.” He crossed his arms and looked at the other uniform in the room. “Can you escort her, Lieutenant Donalds?”
    “Of course, Dr. This way please.”
    Sliding off the counter, Arissa looked up at Deiter, whose face held a mixture of concern and uncertainty. “Guess supper will be a bit later. I’ll find you when I’m done and I’ve changed.” Picking up her tied bag, she moved to where Donalds waited. “Nice to meet you, Dr Hayden. Thanks again.”
    “Thank you for everything,” he said with a wave.
    Arissa smiled at him before wiggling her fingers in Deiter’s direction. Then she followed the lieutenant. The walk to where the captain waited was done in complete silence. Although once they’d been told to enter, the lieutenant offered her a smile. One she assumed was to reassure her.
    As the door shut behind her, a man stood from where he’d been sat behind the desk. Wow, not how I pictured the captain. She’d imagined a tall, powerful man, not the one she was faced with. The Pillsbury Doughboy was a better description in her mind. He was adorable. The urge to reach out and poke him in the belly filled her.
    “Miss Wright,” he began. “Or should I say Dr Wright, thank you for coming. I’m Captain Finch. Please, have a seat.”
    She left her bag by the door, then moved across the floor, sank into one of the upholstered chairs, and crossed her legs. He arched an eyebrow as her strappy platform sandal showed. Arissa smiled and shrugged. “Trying something new.”
    “Interesting.” He sat down in the chair next to her and ran his stubby fingers over his balding head. “I don’t have to tell you that what you did could have been potentially dangerous for this ship.”
    “Let me just say something,” Arissa jumped in. “I know there are rules and all of that but I am a doctor, have been for a while now and I will never apologise for doing my job. And a dying man is my job.” She released a sigh. “Go ahead and yell now, I’m sure I’ve heard it all before.”
    Captain Finch looked at her and laughed. “I like you, Dr. A lot.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Deiter rose from his seat when Arissa walked into the dining area on the arm of the captain. She had changed from the scrubs she’d been wearing into another dress. This one was full length and hugged her curves like a lover. A beautiful muted green colour with a sweetheart neckline that perfectly accentuated the mocha hue of her smooth skin. As the two of them turned down the stairs, Deiter could see the criss-crossed straps in the back. His gaze travelled down to where her hem gathered to a bit of a train, and he paused to watch the hypnotic sway of her ass.
    He swallowed hard, grateful he’d changed into a charcoal two button, side vented, flat front suit that was a bit more formal from his previous one. Along with it he wore a three-button black merino polo as well as a matching belt and ostrich square toe dress shoes. Deiter noticed the way other men’s eyes followed her progress down the final few steps and as they made their way to the table. Honestly, he hadn’t expected the invitation to dine with the captain at all but he wasn’t about to turn it down. His heart skipped a beat when Arissa smiled at him.
    Holding her chair for her, Deiter brushed a small kiss against her bare shoulder as she sat down. Retaking his seat next to her, he smiled as she closed her hand around his and squeezed. The late supper was enjoyable and engaging. After dessert, he escorted Arissa around an upper deck.
    “Everything go okay with Captain Finch?”
    She rested her head against his suit coat.