Read Online This Very Moment by Rachel Ann Nunes - Free Book Online Page A

work with. They’ll have a crew ready to answer the phones when people call in to make donations with their credit cards.”
    “See? You’re amazing.”
    She smiled at him. “Thanks.” The way she said it told him something. She wasn’t thanking him for the compliment, but for getting her mind away from the baby in the picture.
    “So what award are you getting tonight?” she asked as they drove to the banquet.
    “Oh, Plastic Surgeon of the Year or some such thing. I’m not sure of the title. They change it periodically.”
    “Plastic Surgeon of the Year? You really are doing great things, aren’t you?”
    “Well, they have to give it to someone. Every year we vote, and this year I came out the winner. It doesn’t mean much.”
    “It means you’re respected by your peers. To me that says a lot about who you are.”
    They continued to talk but avoided mention of the past. When they arrived at the banquet, Bill felt more light-headed than he usually did after a few stiff drinks. “I don’t think I’ve laughed so much since . . .” Since before Nicole died, he finished silently.
    Kylee squeezed his hand in understanding. “Me either.”
    They showed their invitation at the door and were escorted to a table. Bill could feel the eyes around the room turn in his direction. He was well-known, but Kylee was a newcomer and his male colleagues would be curious about such a beautiful woman. The women stared too, and Bill realized that a few of the ladies he had dated would not welcome the competition Kylee presented. They wouldn’t care if they knew the truth about his hardened heart.
    Bill promptly went about enjoying the evening. Even when he had to accept his award for being chosen Outstanding Surgeon of the Year. “I don’t deserve this any more than any of you,” he said, briefly addressing the audience. “But I am honored. Thank you.”
    The announcer joined him at the podium. “As you all know, there is a cash sum of twenty thousand dollars that goes with this award to be donated to Dr. Dubrey’s favorite charity. Can you tell us yet, doctor, which that will be?”
    “Yes,” Bill answered without reflection. “It’s Children’s Hope Fund. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, they’re a charity that gives disfigured children new faces. They’re doing miraculous things for these children, and since I know the organizer personally, I know the money is going to help the children and not to expensive overhead. Watch for the newspaper coverage and for their TV ads beginning tonight. I’m sure you’ll all want to be involved in this worthy project. Thank you again.”
     He returned to his seat amidst vigorous clapping. Kylee leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “You were wonderful! Why didn’t you tell me?”
    Bill grinned. “Wasn’t it better as a surprise?”
    “Yes, I guess it was. Thank you.”
    “Like I once heard a lady say, there is money to be donated and it might as well be to her.”
    Kylee colored. “Ouch. If we weren’t in a room full of people, I’d stick my tongue out at you.”
    “Then why don’t we get out of here?” he asked, taking a sip of wine. He noticed that Kylee hadn’t touched her glass.
    “Should we leave so soon?”
    “All that’s left is the after-mingling, and if we’re gone they can talk about us more easily.”
    Kylee’s shoulders shook in a silent giggle. “Okay, let’s go.”
    They arose, but before they could take a step, a small posse descended upon them. Bill grimaced and whispered, “Remember our deal.” Both of the women were competent plastic surgeons and attractive, and he had gone out with each of them once—when they had asked him. During the dates he’d felt uncomfortable with their designs on his future. Neither of them had Kylee’s wholesome aura.
    “Leaving so soon?” Sandra drawled. She was the more outgoing of the two.
    Bill was glad when Kylee stepped closer to him and put her arm through his. “Yes, we have to be