Convincing Lina: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove Romance Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

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    “Well, RN James you are in high demand this morning.” Olivia’s smile was genuine and Lina gave her the benefit of the doubt. The woman was unaware of Jace’s antics over the past three months. His request had the appearance of a career enhancing move, but Jace only helped himself.
    “How is that?” Gideon questioned in his rich baritone. Olivia squared her shoulders, faced Gideon head on, and smiled. Despite her masculine dress, when Olivia smiled her face was radiant.  
    “One of the psychologists has requested Lina by name for a permanent staff assignment.” Pride was evident in her voice.  
    “Lina, what’s going on?” Energy charged his words, a flicker of menace flashed in his eyes, then vanished.  
    The unit manager answered for her.  
      “I failed to convince her this is a wonderful opportunity.” Lina gave an unladylike grunt.
    “Lina thinks otherwise, Ms. Tran.” The rumors about her and Jace must have reached his ears by now. Was he intervening because he felt sympathy for her? She didn’t need his pity.  
    “The underground salt mines of Kansas would be more appealing.” His brows drew together. He regarded her with open curiosity.  
    “I agree with you, Ms. Tran.” Traitor. Lina leveled him with a vicious glare. “An outpatient assignment is an excellent opportunity for RN James,” Gideon continued.  
    She ignored his conspiratorial wink and broad grin.  
    “Lina will work with me starting today in the WWR clinic.” Her eyes shot up at him. And up. Gideon offered her a solution. “I’ll have the nurse currently assigned to my clinic report to Dr. Harper immediately.” Lina raised an eyebrow at his directive. He had an air of comfortable authority. A man with a history of giving orders. Less than twenty-four hours into her man-fast and the universe had plopped a warm, honey bun with mesmerizing gray eyes in her path.  
      “Go on, I’m listening.” She hoped she sounded casual. Those stormy gray eyes fixed on her along with that sexy voice had her mouth watering.  
    “I need a seasoned psychiatric nurse to work with the pilot program between Shell Cove Medical and the Queens Bay Naval Medical Center.” The specifics of the program she hadn’t been privy to, but Ava worked with the military community health initiative at the treatment facility.  
    “I’ve heard about the program.” She’d heard the Titanic had less staff jumping ship. “How are you involved with them?” She was interested to know how he was connected with the military community.
    “I served in the United States Marine Corps before I went to medical school.” That is not an answer, Doctor.  
    “Do you have combat experience?” Lina asked. His jaw tightened at her question. Hit a nerve with that one. She could see him grapple for the right words.
    “I have an in-depth understanding of the psychological effects of deployment, physical injury, and personal loss on mission readiness.” He’d said a lot, but she heard what he didn’t say. The pain in his eyes said he had experience with injury and loss.  
    Maybe she should take her chances with Jace. There was zero chance of her falling prey to Jace’s efforts at seduction. With Gideon she was in real danger of her man-fast going down in a fiery blaze, minus the glory. She could accept Jace’s chicanery or face Gideon’s temptation. Was she ready to accept the challenge of rescuing a worthy community health project on the brink of collapse? It was a chance to deliver herself from Jace’s reach at the risk of her professional reputation and career.
    “So, do you want to take me on, Lina?” Her breath hitched. Knees weak, limbs even weaker, she reached for the strand of pearls at her neck for support. Don’t answer that. She and her man-fast were in trouble.

    She wanted to take him on, but not in the way he was offering. Getting involved with another doctor she worked with was not a mistake she