The Doctor's Private Visit (20 page)

O
nce Tiberius gave Capri his undying appreciation for the incredible job she’d done on the memory project, he decided a party was in order. Capri complained that she hadn’t partied so much even when she lived in the heart of Miami. Still, she eventually warmed to the idea. Another party couldn’t hurt, she figured, especially since Tiberius wanted to thank everyone on his committee for all their hard work.

The event was really more of a little appetizer/cocktail party at his home on the evening of Dr. Alan Thomas’s retirement gala. A few guests brought dates and Tiberius realized he should have insisted on everyone bringing a friend once he discovered how many of his male colleagues were interested in Capri.

He barely managed to hold his temper when he was cornered by Sam Tremont. The radiologist spent some time raving over Capri—her looks, her work, her looks…

“If I could just talk to her a little more about it.”

Tiberius scratched his eyebrow and glanced over Sam’s shoulder. “She’s still here.”

Sam grinned and knocked his fist against Tiberius’s arm. “A date is more along the lines of what I had in mind, man.”

“What’s the point in a date to talk about her work when you can talk to her about it right here?”

“Talkin’ about her work isn’t all I had in mind.”

“Forget it. A date’s not gonna happen.”

“Aw, Tibe, man, I thought we were boys?”

“We are,” Tiberius reciprocated by knocking his fist against Sam’s arm and smiling when Sam flinched. “But she’s mine.”

The appetizers were about to be served when Capri found Tiberius nursing a drink at the rear of the living room.

“Hey? This party was your idea, remember?” She pulled the stout glass from his hand. “
I’ve
done the bulk of the schmoozing with your colleagues.”

Tiberius trailed his fingers along the chiffon sleeve of her gown. “You’re really good at that, you know? That schmoozing? There’s an art to it, and you’ve perfected it.”

“So I’ve heard,” Capri quipped, as thoughts of Felicity Thomas and her predictions regarding herself and Tiberius came to mind.

“Besides,” Tiberius cast a glance around the room, “they’re all more interested in speaking to you.” He thought about Sam Tremont then.

“Tibe? Are you okay?”

He watched her toying with the knot in his tie and fought the urge to kiss her. “I’m good,” was all he managed when she looked up at him.

“Well, they’re about to serve appetizers. You may want to eat something. Who knows how long we’ll have to wait for dinner when we get to the retirement party?”

“You’re right.” He put a smile in place, offered her his arm and escorted her toward the appetizers.

Everyone left Tiberius’s home for the hospital a little over an hour later. The Ezra C. James Events Gallery at Kelly Memorial was filled almost to capacity. Everyone wanted to be on hand for Dr. Alan Thomas’s big night.

Each segment of the evening proved to be a huge success. But it was the photo account of Alan Thomas’s remarkable career that stole the show. The account showcased Dr. Thomas’s charitable endeavors, of which he was most proud. It was however, the segment featuring the man with his family and friends that the crowd truly enjoyed.

Once the sit-down portion of the event was done, the real celebration began. Tiberius received tons of congratulations on his contribution to the evening. He was quick to tell everyone who the true genius had been. His ease faded when he saw Capri speaking, a little too close for his comfort, with Sam Tremont.

Capri was just handing him her card and telling him to call so they could talk more when Tiberius arrived. Sam didn’t even bother to explain and simply raised his hands defensively while he backed away.

Capri’s confusion was evident and it took her some time to register Tiberius’s offer to dance. She could all but see the tension radiating from his body when he held her. She was grateful for the few times his hold loosened and she was able to take a deep breath.

“Sam.” She cleared her throat and focused on the navy blue handkerchief peeking out of the front pocket of his jacket. “Sam’s sister is getting married. His wedding gift is to pay for the photography. He’s calling next week to discuss it. We’ve got some fantastic assistants who’d do a great job.”

“Did I ask about it, Capri?”

She could feel his chest swell with more tension. “Tibe, it’s obvious something’s wrong. I thought it might be about Sam. Are you all right?”

“Come on, Capri, how many times will you ask me that?”

“Forget it then,” she patted her hand to his chest. “Forget I asked.”

They danced only a while longer and then Tiberius was escorting Capri from the dance floor.

“Want a drink?” he asked when they’d returned to their table.

Capri tossed back her hair and fixed him with an agitated stare. “No, why don’t you have one? Or a few?”

Tiberius watched as she turned and walked away from him. He
almost went after her but chose the coward’s route and headed for the bar. Halfway there, he ran into the guest of honor.

“I can’t thank you enough, son.”

Tiberius grinned and accepted Alan Thomas’s hand to shake. “You’re an easy man to honor, sir.”

“And where is the lovely Capri? I don’t think I’ve seen you two more than three feet from each other tonight.”

Tiberius rolled his eyes. “She’s off somewhere, pissed at me.”

Alan chuckled and clapped Tiberius’s shoulder. “I know you think it isn’t safe for a cute li’l thing like that to roam around alone amidst all these dirty old men, but these guys are harmless, you know that.”

Tiberius tried to laugh but realized his mentor was serious.

“You need to do something about this, son.”

“I’m open to suggestions, Doc.” Tiberius massaged the dull ache in his chest.

Alan leaned close. “Stop letting your head rule your heart,” he said, and moved on into the crowd.

C
apri pressed the tip of her finger beneath her eye and hoped her mascara wasn’t too badly ruined. She and Pepper had just arrived at Rod and Kiva’s pre-wedding party. As usual, one of Pepper’s off-the-wall remarks had sent Capri into peals of laughter.

“Pep, you can’t do this all day,” Capri warned, though the laughter coloring her voice made her words sound more playful.

Pepper smoothed her hand over the back of her hair, which was pulled into a high, curly ponytail. “What?”

Capri simply took her hand and looked around at the impressive yacht that had sparked Pepper’s humorous comments.

Capri wondered if a yacht would hold all of Rod and Kiva’s guests. When she saw the mammoth vessel, her fears were put to rest. The beautiful boat was decorated with white roses and lilies. There was also a huge buffet and a stocked bar on each end. All that, combined with elegantly dressed guests, set a scene that was cool, lovely and undeniably sensual.

“This thing is incredible,” Pepper marveled, stepping around Capri to get a better view of the deck. “I don’t know where to go first.”

“Well, I’m headed in the direction of the buffet table.” Capri sighed, rubbing her empty stomach.

Before Capri could make a move toward the food-laden tables, she heard her name being called. She stood looking around the crowded area for a moment, until her dark gaze landed on Tiberius.

Pepper heard the happy sigh Capri uttered and turned to stare at Tiberius as well. He was devastating in a stylish white tux.

Tiberius made his way over to Capri and Pepper, shaking hands with the people he passed on the way. He wore his confidence like a piece of clothing. It was evident in everything he did. Capri pressed her lips together and willed her heartbeat to slow as Tiberius approached them.

Tiberius pressed his hands against the small of Pepper’s back and smiled down at her. “How are you, Pepper?”

“Tibe,” Pepper exclaimed, smiling into his handsome face, “I guess I don’t need to ask how you’re doing?”

A small crease formed across his brow. “And why’s that?”

“Because you look just fine,” Pepper drawled, her gray eyes traveling over Tiberius’s tall form.

Capri rolled her eyes as Pepper and Tiberius began to laugh. When Tiberius turned his light-brown eyes toward her, she unconsciously took a deep breath.

“And how are you?”

Capri looked way up to meet his warm, light stare with her darker one. “I’m good,” she whispered.

Tiberius enjoyed the sight of Capri standing before his. His intense gaze trailed the form-fitting tangerine spaghetti strapped gown. The eye-catching outfit had a split that reached her mid-thigh, while the bodice gave tantalizing peaks of her full breasts.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he told Capri, clearing his throat when she noticed his unwavering stare.

Capri smiled. “You know I couldn’t miss this. Rod and Kiva are like family.”

Tiberius closed his eyes briefly and nodded.

“So, are you nervous about being best man?”

Tiberius shook his head and pressed his hand against his chest. “I just hope I don’t lose the ring.”

Capri laughed. “I’ll bet being in a wedding is the last thing you ever thought you’d do.”

A pensive look fell over Tiberius’s handsome face. “Nah, it doesn’t bother me like it used to,” he quietly replied.

Capri was the first to look away. She rubbed her shaky hands over her dress and thought of an escape. “I really need to find that buffet table, I’m starving.”

“I know what you mean,” he told her, his words holding a special meaning.

Capri smiled and turned away. Pepper had distanced herself a bit, but she still heard the conversation. When Capri walked by and pulled her along, Pepper leaned close.

“Coward,” she whispered to her friend.

Amidst all the festivities, Capri and Pepper parted company. Pepper had gone to share a dance with an old boyfriend, while Capri mingled amongst the growing crowd.

The upper deck of the yacht had been designated for the dance area. Capri enjoyed watching several couples grooving to the smooth jazz and R&B coming from the state-of-the-art sound system.

She stood for a while, slowly swaying to the beat of the music. Suddenly, the most delicious caress trailed across her bare back. It traced the smooth skin between her shoulder blades and Capri closed her eyes to enjoy the shivers it sent up and down her spine.

Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and looked behind her. She wasn’t surprised to see Tiberius staring down at her.

“I meant to ask you if you heard anything about the photo spread at the retirement gala?” She latched on to the first thing that came to mind.

Tiberius chuckled. “All good things. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly have several new clients wanting you to produce their next family reunion or bar mitzvah.”

The discussion then surrounded the successful celebration. Capri actually forgot how tense she was and enjoyed herself. Unfortunately, the conversation couldn’t last forever and when silence settled, the
electricity that always crackled between them simply sparked even more furiously.

Tiberius shifted closer to Capri. Bowing his head, he pressed his mouth next to her ear. “Will you dance with me?”

Without hesitation, Capri placed her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor. Laying her head against his shoulder, she breathed in the clean scent of his cologne.

They took advantage of the mellow sounds wafting from the speakers, relishing the opportunity to be so close. Tiberius pressed his face against Capri’s soft curls and inhaled the soft perfume of her hair. His large hands smoothed across her back before he slid his arms around her.

“I could stay like this forever.” Tiberius spoke softly, but Capri heard every word. She ordered herself not to be taken away by them and tried to laugh off the intensity of the moment.

Undeterred, Tiberius continued. “I think we’re on our way to having something worth keeping. Something neither of us wants to lose.”

Capri paused and leaned away from him. It was clear that she was completely surprised. She had never expected to hear words like this from Tiberius. “Are you serious?”

“Very.” He noticed the lack of certainty in her expression and tilted her chin up with his index finger. “Listen, I’m not trying to push you or anything, but I had to tell you, I…”

“What?”

“That I
am
in love with you. Do you believe me?”

Capri paused again, trying to keep her feet on the ground. She looked up at Tiberius with uncertain eyes.

“Capri, listen. I’ve known a lot of women, so I know what I’m feeling now is more than anything I’ve ever felt for anyone else. I’ll tell you something else, too, it’s scary,” he admitted, running a hand through his black hair. “I never intended to get this caught up over
any
woman.”

Capri rolled her eyes. “Thanks.”

Tiberius shook his head. “Listen, you know why I’m saying that. Other than my grandparents, every marriage or relationship I ever saw in my family ended in divorce or unhappiness.
Every
one—aunts, uncles, cousins…I was just determined not to let it happen to me, I guess. Which is ironic because a romance like my grandparents had is probably the
one thing
I ever really wanted. Maybe it was the fear of failure on my part about this particular aspect of life.” He grinned. “That fear was something I could never admit to. I guess I looked at the actions of others and allowed that to make up my mind for me.”

“Even now?” Capri asked, not certain where this was going.

“Especially now.”

The simple statement and the look in the light-brown depths of his eyes almost drew Capri right in. Still, she resisted the temptation.

Before Tiberius had a chance to continue, the band leader was telling everyone that the wedding ceremony was about to begin.

“You’d better go,” Capri whispered, pressing her palms against his chest.

After a moment, Tiberius released her and walked away.

The wedding was like a dream. Rod and Kiva were two people very much in love, and it showed. They’d prepared their own vows, making the ceremony even more special.

Afterward, the party continued. If possible, the scene was livelier than before. While Capri was very happy for her friends, she couldn’t help but feel a little down. After the heavy conversation with Tiberius, all she wanted was some clarity. Or at least a good stiff drink.

A while later, Tiberius found Capri seated on a lounge along the patio. He smiled, noticing her nodding off and then shaking herself awake before glancing around to see if anyone had noticed. He
decided to shuttle her off to one of the empty cabins aboard the yacht before any of the male guests decided to take advantage of her inebriated state.

As soon as Tiberius lowered her to the bed inside a quiet cabin far away from the music and conversation, Capri began to fidget with the thin straps of her dress. It was obvious that she wanted it off, but was unable to do the job herself.

Tiberius stood staring down at her, wondering if he should help.
Now is the time to prove yourself
, he silently reasoned. Taking a seat on the bed, he gently eased down the straps over her shoulders, then lifted her slightly and unzipped the back. When Tiberius pulled away the gown, his breath caught in his throat at the sight of the strapless white satin bra and matching panties she wore.

He breathed heavily, his gaze taking a leisurely tour over Capri’s barely clothed form. Shaking his head, he pulled at the green blanket folded at the foot of the bed. Before covering Capri with it, he bowed his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Sighing, Tiberius made a move to get off the bed. Capri grabbed his jacket lapel.

“Don’t go,” she whispered.

Tiberius closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew Capri was buzzed, yet her softly spoken request was his undoing. Pulling off his jacket, he promised himself he’d only stay until she’d drifted off to sleep.

Tiberius leaned against the headboard and pulled Capri to lie against his chest. He held her for the longest time until he, too, was fast asleep.

Capri awoke later that night with a frown and an aching head. Clearly, she’d had way too much to drink.

What really had her confused though was the chest she was resting against. The hard, muscled surface rose and fell gently
beneath her head. Pushing herself up, Capri’s eyes widened at the familiar face so close to her own.

“Tibe?”

Tiberius awoke with a jerk, his handsome face darkened by a frown as well. His brown eyes slid over to Capri and the frown was replaced by a sleepy yet satisfied smirk.

“Hello,” he slowly greeted.

“What’s going on?” Capri surprised herself with the calmness of her voice.

Tiberius yawned and stretched his arms above his head. “What do you think?”

Capri ran one hand through her hair and squeezed her eyes shut. “Tibe…Tibe? Don’t you fall asleep on me,” she ordered when his eyes began to flutter closed.

Tiberius ran his hands through his hair and pushed himself up in bed. He grimaced at the shallow light and noise coming from out on the deck, signifying the party was still going strong.

“You were pretty much passed out on the deck. I brought you in here. I knew you weren’t thinking straight, but you asked me to stay so I did. Nothing happened.”

“God.” Feeling like a heel, Capri pressed her hand against her forehead. “I’m sorry.”

Tiberius shrugged. “Nothing to apologize for. I needed a good nap.” He grinned.

Easing closer to him, Capri brushed her hand against the side of his handsome face and leaned over to kiss him. Tiberius immediately moaned at the sweet action and eagerly returned the kiss. Slowly he moved his hands across Capri’s bare legs and thighs, pulling her closer, as barely restrained need quickly pummeled through him.

The gasp Capri uttered sounded loud in the quiet cabin. Tiberius effortlessly lifted her across his body. The position allowed Capri to feel the hard length bulging against his trousers.

The kiss became deeper and their moans grew louder. After a
few moments, however, Tiberius broke away and leaned his head back against the headboard.

“What?” Capri asked, a concerned frown clouding her lovely face. She watched Tiberius take several deep breaths with his eyes closed.

“I know what you gave up when you decided to have sex with me. The things that you want, the things that you feel you can never have with a man like me.”

Capri smiled and shook her head. “I know what I gave when I decided to sleep with you. It was my decision and it was a decision I’d been struggling with long before I met you.” She smiled at the surprise in his eyes. “My decision had a lot to do with the way my sisters handled their own sex lives, or at least the way I
thought
they’d handled them. I knew that same behavior was expected of me, and I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.” She gave him a refreshing look. “Besides, things being what they are these days, celibacy isn’t as surprising a move as it may’ve been once. I understand what I gave up, Tibe.” Her dark gaze was unwavering as she studied his face. “I know what I gave up and it was
my
decision. I did it for me and I did it because I love you.” She smiled and squeezed his hand before her gaze faltered. “Wherever that leads us,
if
it leads us, it’ll have to be something we both want. No doubts.”