April's Fool Read online

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  Whiskey Creek Press

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  Copyright ©2007 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  APRIL'S FOOL

  by

  Peggy Hunter

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright ©

  2007 by Peggy Hunter

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN 978-1-59374-857-9

  Credits

  Editor: Chere Gruver

  Printed in the United States of America

  Dedication

  For Chris.

  A best friend is more ways than one.

  I love ya, gal!

  Chapter 1

  "Thank God, my shift is over!” April Willows exclaimed as she dragged herself into the nurses’ lounge. After having done a double shift, she was completely spent. With every step she took, her feet ached and her back screamed. She needed to rest for a few minutes before she ventured home.

  Amazed that it wasn't taken, she limped to the easy chair and sighed heavily as she lowered her body into the plush seat.

  April gazed in confusion at the other nurses in the lounge as all eyes turned to her. She frowned. “What?"

  And then she felt something cold and wet ooze beneath her. She yelped and leapt off the chair. Peels of laughter echoed off the walls as April twisted in an attempt to see her backside. She ran her hand over her buttocks and peered down at the clear gooey mess on her palm.

  She moaned as she glared at the other nurses. “Very funny,” she said. “It better be water-based lubricant or someone's coming good for ruining my uniform."

  "Relax,” Tilly, her best friend and fellow nurse said between giggles. “It'll wash out. I can't believe you fell for it!"

  By it, Tilly meant the first April Fool's joke of the season. “Well it's only March twenty-seventh,” April replied in disgust as she walked to the counter and reached over the sink for the paper towels. “You're starting a bit early this year, aren't you?"

  God, April hated April Fool's Day. Her coworkers had way too much fun with the fact it was her birthday. She tried to take the endless practical jokes in stride. But every year, she dreaded them, not to mention, her birthday.

  "You know we love to rattle your chain,” Tilly replied.

  April dabbed at her uniform. “When have you ever really rattled my chain?” she asked.

  "All right,” Tilly replied. “I guess we're hoping we will sooner or later."

  April was nothing if not calm. In fact, she'd earned the reputation of being ultra calm in the years since she'd started working at Mercy General Hospital.

  "You know,” April said as she wiped her uniform with a wad of paper towels, “I sincerely wish you'd just wish me a happy birthday and dispense with all this tomfoolery. Life would be so much easier if—"

  Tilly cut her off. “Heads up, girls, here comes Doctor Heartthrob!"

  Oh Lord! The one man who was able to shake her calm façade!

  April looked around frantically before she dumped the paper towels into the garbage can beside the sink and raced back to the easy chair. She groaned the moment she sat down. Damn! She'd forgotten the lubricant was still on the chair!

  Doctor David Hartley walked through the lounge door and offered the nurses a silent nod. All eyes were on him as he pulled a ceramic mug out of the cupboard and turned to the coffee maker.

  "Ah hell,” he said as he looked at the empty coffee pot.

  "Sorry, Doctor Hartley,” Tilly said as she rose from her chair. “I took the last cup."

  He peered at her and tilted his head slightly. “You know I can't make coffee to save my life,” he said in his trademark rich, gravely voice. He held the pot up and waved it lightly. “Would you mind?"

  Tilly checked her watch. “I would,” she said, “but my break's over. Gotta get back on the floor."

  April's hands gripped the arms of the easy chair; her nails digging into the plush fabric as the other nurses quickly rose and followed Tilly to the door.

  Oh God! Please don't let this be happening!

  April's heart stopped momentarily when Tilly winked. She held her breath, knowing full well what was coming next.

  "April makes a great cup of coffee,” Tilly said.

  And then her former best friend and cohorts quickly exited, leaving April alone with Doctor Heartthrob.

  She squeezed her eyes closed, wishing she was anywhere but in the nurses’ lounge sitting in a puddle of lubricant.

  When she opened her eyes, Doctor Hartley was gazing at her from across the room, the coffee pot still in his hand. April felt her body warm as his rich green eyes washed over her. Tall, at least six foot four, his lanky body rested against the counter as his handsome face broke into a hopeful smile. Unruly dark brown hair shimmered under the florescent lights, accentuating the classic chiseled features of his face.

  David Hartley had been a pediatrician with the hospital for some fourteen years. Forty-something, recently divorced, he was quite disinterested in the lusty looks sent his way by every woman who saw him, April included. Few knew much about the man; he kept his private life very private. So much so that he was a true mystery to most of the hospital staff.

  He was, it seemed, untouchable and thereby the stuff erotic dreams were made of.

  "What'd ya say, April?” His voice scattered her thoughts. “Can I talk you into making a pot of coffee?"

  April shifted in the easy chair uncomfortably. “Uhm...” Damn! How to get out of this situation? “You know, Doctor Hartley,” she said, not quite sure what was coming next, “...see, it's just...” Dang! Suddenly a light went on in her head. “I just got off a double shift and my back is killing me. I'd really rather sit for a few minutes before I go home."

  The doctor's brows furrowed as his eyes darkened in concern. “You hurt your back? Maybe I better have a look.” He placed the coffee pot on the counter and approached her.

  "No!” April cried as she leapt from the chair. She felt the lubricant ooze over her backside and knew her uniform was a bigger mess than it'd been earlier. “That's really not necessary,” she said as she backed away from him.

  "But if you're hurt—"

  "I'm not hurt,” she said quickly. “Just tired after doing sixteen hours straight.” April smiled anxiously as she backed away and slowly rounded the table. “In fact, I'm sure I can make that pot of coffee for you aft
er all."

  The doctor followed her until she found her back pressed against the counter. April snagged the pot from the counter and placed it in the sink under the tap. She felt her backside slide against the cupboard doors as she attempted to reach the tap without turning her back to him.

  He stepped forward and twisted the tap so water filled the pot. He frowned as he looked down at her. “Are you sure you're okay?” he asked. “You seem very stiff."

  "I'm fine,” she said. When his frown deepened, April shifted slightly, leaning her hip against the counter as she faced him. “Really,” she insisted.

  "Well, I can't force an examination on you,” Doctor Hartley said as he picked up the pot of water. “But I know you aren't feeling right. Maybe if you just guide me, I can manage the coffee."

  His spicy scent filled her senses as he reached past her for the coffee maker. Her body sizzled with awareness when his arm brushed her shoulder. She quickly stepped back. “That's a great idea,” she said, quite relieved.

  As he carefully poured the water into the reservoir, he peered down at her with those incredible green eyes. Her heart skipped a beat when he winked. “I'm full of great ideas,” he said softly as he placed the empty pot on the element of the coffee maker.

  "I'm sure you are,” April replied. In fact, her mind was filled with the possibilities. All of them involved their naked bodies pressed together.

  "Now what?"

  Now we get naked and you take me right here on the counter!

  "You need a filter,” she said breathlessly. “In the cupboard above the sink."

  She imagined him reaching for a condom. She watched as his arm stretched overhead and retrieved the filter. He held it up as though it was a prize he'd won.

  April's nipples peaked as she gave him further instructions. “Now, place it carefully in the basket.” She imagined him rolling a condom over his rock-hard penis. “Make sure it fits perfectly to avoid leaks,” she said.

  "Okay,” he replied.

  "Now open the coffee canister.” It was a stretch and April knew it, yet she imagined his fingers spreading her core open. “And place five rounded scoops into the basket.” Each scoop represented his tongue gliding over her engorged clitoris. She closed her eyes, her body enraptured by her thoughts. She felt her head tilt back, her body give way to his imaginary touch.

  "So now all I have to do is turn it on, right?"

  Is he kidding? It's already turned on!

  "April? Do I just hit this little red button?"

  April gasped. “God, yes!” she whispered urgently.

  "Are you sure you're okay?"

  April gasped at his words. She peered at him, shaken from her erotic dream. “Yes,” she said softly. “Just turn it on."

  "Thanks, April, couldn't have done it without you.” He checked his watch. “Gotta get back to work. I'll pop back later for a cup of coffee."

  "My pleasure,” she said as he walked to the door.

  As he pulled the door open, he hesitated and turned back to look at her. “I hear it's your birthday on Friday."

  "Yes,” April replied, still bewildered by her vivid imagination.

  "Can I take you to dinner?"

  April blinked. He was asking her out? “I ... uhm ... I don't know..."

  "Great,” he replied. “Leave your address at the nurses’ station. I'll pick you up at seven. Wear something formal."

  April stared as he pushed through the door. He peered back at her briefly. “By the way,” he said. “I'm sure it'll wash out.” He winked before he disappeared.

  She felt her lubricated backside slide against the cupboard doors as she sank to the floor. What the hell had just happened? Was it really possible Doctor Heartthrob had asked her out?

  And the bigger question. Why?

  She shook her head as she rose from the floor. It had to be a joke. She'd been working at Mercy General for five years and no one, not even that swarmy, needle-nosed x-ray technician, known for hitting on anyone with breasts, had asked her out. She was known as April the Unapproachable.

  So why had the most eligible, most sexy, most just about everything doctor at the hospital asked her out on a date?

  It had to be something Tilly had orchestrated. April had made every effort to keep her backside hidden yet his parting comment clearly indicated he knew. Had he been in on it?

  Tilly had never done something so elaborate before but then, this was April's thirtieth birthday. It made sense that she'd want to do it up just right, set her up for the biggest pratfall ever. And wouldn't getting the sexy Doctor Hartley to play along do just that?

  Did Tilly really think April was that big a fool? And what about the good doctor? What would he have in store for her on Friday night? Perhaps the plan was for Doctor Hartley to make advances toward her, figuring she'd be completely embarrassed and run like a scared rabbit.

  April walked to her locker and retrieved her coat. She wasn't going to let either of them away with it. They'd both get a taste of their own medicine!

  Now all April needed was a plan.

  Chapter 2

  David Hartley smiled at the five year old boy and his mother as they exited his office. “Be sure to take the full course of amoxicillin over the next ten days, Shane. You don't want that ear infection to come back."

  "I will, Doc,” the boy said.

  David turned to his secretary. “Make an appointment for a follow-up with Shane in ten days, Linda."

  The matronly woman smiled as she opened a jar filled with various stickers and held it for the child to pick one. “Yes, Doctor."

  As he stepped back into his office and closed the door, he heard the boy's delighted voice as Linda explained brave little boys got to pick two stickers.

  He smiled as he sat in the leather chair at his desk. God, he loved kids. There was nothing pretentious about them. What you saw was what you got.

  Too damn bad they had to grow up into adults.

  There was a time David thought he'd have a house filled with children. He and Serena would provide them with all the love and support they'd ever need. She said she wanted children as much as he did even before they got married.

  David shook his head. He'd loved that woman with all his heart. He'd have made concessions if she'd been honest with him. But the heartache of knowing she'd been lying to him for ten years and the lengths she'd gone to...

  Hell, was it any wonder he'd lost faith in the adult form of the so-called human being?

  A soft tap at the door brought him back to the present. He smiled at Linda when she peeked inside. “I'm going home,” she said.

  "Have a good weekend,” he said. “See you Monday."

  The older woman smiled. “You too, Doctor Hartley. Oh and by the way—"

  The door suddenly burst open and a burly man brushed past her. “Hey, Davey!” His booming voice echoed off the walls of the office.

  Linda rolled her eyes. “...Doctor Granger wants to see you."

  David chuckled. “Thanks, Linda."

  Jeff Granger peered at the door Linda had just pulled closed before he flung himself into the chair opposite David. “I swear your secretary hates me,” he said with very little concern.

  "I think you're just a little too boisterous for her liking,” David replied.

  Jeff shrugged. “You all set for the fundraiser tonight?"

  "Yep."

  "D'ya get a date?"

  "Yep. Did you?"

  Jeff shook his head. “Naw. Going stag. Asked this one nurse in the ER the other night but she said she was busy."

  "Who was that?” David asked.

  "Shit, can't remember her name,” Jeff said. “She's the one with tits out to here.” He held his arms out in front of his chest. “You know who I mean."

  David didn't. But was it any wonder she was busy?

  "Who you takin'?"

  "April Willows."

  Jeff's face went blank for a moment. His mouth fell open but no sound came out. Then his hand sl
ammed down on his knee as a thunderous guffaw split the air. “Are you fucking serious?” he asked. “You're taking April Will-Not to the fundraiser?"

  David frowned. “What's your problem with April? She seems nice enough."

  Jeff nodded. “Oh, she's nice,” he said. “That's the problem. If I have to shell out five hundred bucks for a date, she'd have to be a damn good fuck! I hear April Willows is tight-assed and,” Jeff offered a lurid sneer, “tight lipped, if you know what I mean."

  He got up and walked to the office door. “You won't be gettin’ your money's worth tonight, my friend.” He looked back at David before he walked out. “You poor sap!"

  David peered at the closed door and leaned back in his chair. He placed his hands behind his head and smiled. Poor sap? Hardly. He'd heard the rumors about April too. That was precisely the reason he asked her to attend the hospital fundraiser with him tonight.

  Sure, she was a pretty little thing. In fact, if he hadn't been turned off the human race in general, he might be attracted to her. But the fact was he was sick of attending these dang fundraisers on his own and being hit on by every horny woman in the room.

  April was known for being safe, she didn't put out for just anyone ... in fact, it sounded like she didn't put out for anyone at all. And she was attractive enough that, on his arm, the lusty whores looking for a good time would keep their distance.

  David checked his watch. He had to run home to get ready for the evening.

  He gave himself a mental pat on the back as he turned off the office lights. If all went well, he expected to invite April to every function he was scheduled to attend in the foreseeable future.

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  Shit, I hate tuxedos!

  David yanked at the bow tie at his neck before he pressed his thumb on the doorbell.

  God! Could they make these damn get-ups any less comfortable?

  He continued to fidget with the bow tie. It was surely meant to strangle him! He craned his neck and bent forward, hoping the movement would release the grasp it had on his throat. His eyes were trained on the cement step at the door as it slowly opened. Ruby red stiletto heels glittered in the fading sunlight.