Zenith Rising (Zenith Trilogy, #2) Read online

  He never knew what to make of Erica. On the one hand, she was cultured, well-spoken, and part of high society, orbiting charity events and grand galas. She dated a prominent doctor and dressed as classy and fashionably as any socialite.

  On the other hand, there was Erica, the doctor. She was gritty, determined, and passionate, pushing the envelope, and doing whatever was necessary, and right for her patients, despite controversy. She didn’t waffle, waver, or hesitate to tell lactation consultants off. Or perform divisive procedures. Spencer checked around and talked with her staff. There was more than one preacher insinuating threats towards Erica. Spencer didn’t like that. None of the other doctors in the area would perform the procedure.

  She was tough and strong and conducted her doctoring like a general in battle. Yet beyond that, she was soft spoken, sometimes unsure, always classy, and perpetually, so far out of Spencer’s league, it wasn’t even funny.

  And beautiful. No woman should possess such beauty without being a model. He caught her occasionally in her scrubs and had to quickly turn away, before she saw how longingly he was looking at her. She turned him on like no woman he knew. Much more than even Tamira, who was trying ever so earnestly. Erica just had an undeniable sex appeal. She had a long, curvy body, long legs, long torso, and long, thin arms. She was graceful, and feminine; her waist narrowed and blended into her hips like an hourglass. It drove him nuts. He had to physically flex his fingers to resist the urge to run his hand over her, and feel her warm curves. Her breasts were large and firm, and oh so much sexier than any model. She always wore expensive clothes. Even when changing to go home, she wore designer made, tailored pantsuits, skirts and sweaters, blouses and slacks, in attractive pastels and other feminine colors.

  Working for her only increased his attraction to her. She was firm and decisive, but with the tone of voice that was cool, soft, and feminine.

  Spencer turned back to Erica’s bookkeeper. He really didn’t know she was just twenty. Not that it mattered, she was old enough. Tamira was a turn-on, sure. One he could find in any strip bar, or porn magazine. Poor Tamira was eagerly trying to seduce him. She kissed him, undressed salaciously, and did manage to make him horny; but unfortunately, in the same way a porno flick would have: cold and quick. Sex. That’s all Tamira could inspire: hot, anonymous sex.

  Erica? Well, his attraction to her was anything, but simple. It was the most complicated situation he’d ever found himself in with a woman. He preferred that she not be sexy, and not suggest that to him. All the things she didn’t know she did. There was something subtle and unconscious about her appeal, her caring smile to a worried, pregnant, new mother, her constant concern for her patients, even Tamira. Erica acted like a mother to all women. Their feelings, emotions, and physical well being were always uppermost on her mind.

  But tonight wasn’t his fault. He was blatantly offered sex, so why not partake in it?

  Tamira wiggled up to him, sliding her body alongside his, and kissed him. He pulled back. “You get that this is just for fun, right? It’s no big deal and I expect no hurt feelings.”

  “I get how it is.”

  “I mean it. Doc saw you, and she’s worried about it interrupting office procedure. It’s not going to, right? Because it’s no big deal.”

  “Dr. Heathersby wouldn’t know fun if it came up and sucked her tit. She’s always busy, and always busting balls. Her idea of sex is an examination. I heard her talking out there. Don’t let her worry you; I’m a big girl.” Tamira took his hand and placed it on her breast. “A very big girl, as I think you’ll see.”

  Spencer saw and engaged physically. But emotionally, he was miles away. He didn’t need a name, face, or even a voice. Just a body. He knew exactly what to do with women, and how to get them off: be it quick and hard, or slow and long. They always left, wanting more sex from him. He could do that and be that for women. Even Tamira.

  Anything more, like a spiritual connection or intimacy, was beyond Spencer’s capability. He wasn’t interested. Didn’t do it. Couldn’t do it. And had no desire to even try. A problem invariably arose with the women who didn’t believe him. Most didn’t, but soon learned he wasn’t kidding. He wasn’t looking for salvation or love. He wanted sex with them. That was it. Simple, basic, mindless sex. Emotionless ecstasy. That’s all he intended to offer them.

  Except he couldn’t ignore Erica as easily as he could Tamira. He couldn’t banish her from his mind. Why should he do her any favors? He shouldn’t.

  But he knew he’d do just about anything she asked of him now.

  Chapter Seven

  Friday morning found Erica bright and early in her office. Marge, her receptionist, was already fielding calls, and waved her fingers at Erica as she passed by her. There were two bookkeepers already typing away at their keyboards: Nadine and Tamira. Tamira was at her desk, wearing a little skirt and tiny shirt, as usual. She was a petite girl, dark-haired, with a small waist and big boobs. Tamira was also a patient of hers, and had a troubled history. A very long, complicated history that Erica couldn’t share with anyone. Sighing, Erica wished now that she knew nothing about Tamira Tobison.

  “Morning, Dr. Heathersby,” Tamira’s voice chirped. She was smiling with a gleam in her eye, and her eyebrows raised, as if to say, Ha! Erica paused with surprise. Was she misreading Tamira? Because there was no logical reason for Tamira to think that she bested her by sleeping with Spencer Mattox, since Spencer was nothing to her.

  “Good morning. Can I see you in about twenty minutes? I have a few bills I want to review with you.”

  “Sure. Bills. Yeah, I’ll be there.”

  What was the attitude about?

  Erica shook her head and went into her office, hanging up her coat and purse, before grabbing her lab coat. She sat down at her desk to review the morning appointments. Tamira knocked, opening the door and coming in at the same time. She sat down in the chair opposite Erica, tugging at her skirt as it rode up her thighs.

  Erica showed Tamira what bills she wanted to go out for two patients from the day before. Tamira, a recent graduate of medical billing, nodded at her with quick understanding. She was a smart girl and a good worker too. She was just troubled and had deep, emotional issues. She was also such a little girl. To Erica, she was no more than a trained high school student, and certainly, no more mature than that.

  Out of nowhere, Tamira announced, “So now you know that Spencer is my boyfriend! We weren’t going to tell you, but now you know, that’s good. We don’t have to hide it anymore.”

  Erica tilted her head in confusion and carefully set down the pen she was holding. Why would Tamira think she cared one way or another about Spencer? “Yes. That’s nice.”

  “I know. He just adores me. Told me so. I think he’s in love with me.”

  Red flags fluttered in Erica’s mind. Tamira looked flushed as she spoke and her eyes were bright. Too bright? Too excited? Or was she just in the throes of a new relationship?

  “Well, I’m very happy for you.”

  “Are you? Because I didn’t think you were last night. You seemed actually jealous. You seemed like you wanted to ruin it.”

  “No, Tamira, I didn’t. Why would I be jealous? Spencer works for me, nothing more.”

  “Well, just so you know, he’s mine. Hands off. You don’t need to keep visiting him after hours.” Tamira got up suddenly and stomped across Erica’s office to leave.

  “Tamira,” Erica said quietly when Tamira reached for the door, “is everything all right with you?”

  “Me? What do you mean? Oh that stuff from last year? Oh yes. I’m great. Wonderful. Now that I’ve met Spencer, that’s all better.”

  Erica’s chest felt heavy. Things weren’t okay. Or more precisely, they were too okay with Tamira. Too wonderful. Too delusional. There was nothing Erica could do, since there was nothing she could say to Spencer, or even Tamira, for that matter. She really hoped that Tamira would drop the accusation of jealousy regarding her.
>
  A few moments later, Erica was walking out the door when she almost ran into Spencer.

  “Rob and I will perform at your charity benefit. He’ll sing, and play guitar. Right now, we’re looking for a drummer. Might happen. Might not.”

  Erica was taken aback by her encounter with Spencer, as well as his abrupt speech. Stepping back into the hallway, she looked up, meeting his eyes, and saw the most beautiful brown orbs she’d ever gazed into. He also looked severely annoyed. Was it with her? Now, what had she done to him?

  “Thank you. I was hoping you’d say yes.”

  “Why? Why did you ask me? Why do you care if I play? No one else does.”

  “From what I’ve heard, you’re quite brilliant with music. So you should play music. It’s so satisfying to watch someone perform at something he truly excels at, and far exceeds everyone else.”

  “I don’t need your charity, Doc.”

  “Good. Last thing you’ll get from me is pity. So you mean it? I can put you down on the program for that night? I need to get them to the printer’s ASAP. What should I call the band? Zenith? Or your actual names?”

  “There is no Zenith. You saw the last of that yourself.”

  “There could be someday again. But that’s your business, not mine. I’m not quite sure why you’re so against it.”

  “If your name wasn’t on my paycheck right now, I’d tell you to screw off.”

  “I think you just did. Nothing personal is ever shared by you, is it?”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m doing your show. What more to you want?”

  “What do I write on the programs?”

  “Our names.”

  “Okay, your names. You didn’t even ask how much it pays.”

  “I don’t care. I’m not doing it for the money.”

  “Then why are you?”

  “Because you asked me,” he said, spinning around on his heel. He left before she could open her mouth to respond to his surprising answer. He did it simply because she asked? Why? He always seemed to particularly dislike her, judging by his surly attitude towards her anyway.

  ****

  Later, after a full day of patient exams, mostly minor and routine, Erica’s work was done. Leaving her office, Erica sighed. Leaving to do what? Go home and be alone? Or possibly bother Nick and Joelle? Or call Roy? But somehow, her fingers couldn’t pull out the phone to do so. She was ready to leave, and as usual, be alone. It was Friday night, and she had… what? A smashing condo to call her own and not another soul would know or care she was sitting in it.

  She had her coat on and purse draped over her arm when she ran into her partner, Sherri.

  “Hey, Erica. We’re all going to the Good Spot for drinks and some dancing. Girls’ night out. Most of the staff are coming. You in?”

  Erica nearly jumped at the opportunity. Something to do. Something she didn’t have to think about. “Yes! I’ll come.”

  “Good,” Sherri said, smiling as they walked together towards the parking lot.

  Erica eyed their destination when she arrived, which was just a few miles from downtown, a bar and club with its own private parking lot. Erica found Sherri at the entrance. “I can’t believe I’m going here. It’s not exactly my kind of spot.”

  “Might do you some good.”

  Sherri might have been right. There were eight of them in attendance, but she noticed Tamira wasn’t there. Erica was glad. Although she worried about her, and where her fantasy life with Spencer might take her, she knew socializing with Tamira was out of the question.

  Erica had dinner, laughed, chatted, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories of the other doctors, as well as Marge and Nadine. She listened to their kids’ anecdotes, as well as their complaints about their husbands. Erica smiled, and talked, but spoke very little about herself. There seemed so little to say that was of any interest or that anyone would care to know. It seemed to be a continuing theme in her life lately. She was starting to wonder when it got so old: the acting, the longing, and the general day-to-day living. Accomplished? Sure. Rich? Yeah. Happy? No. Not even close.

  They were all seated after eating dinner, and the music was pleasant enough and loud, when in walked Spencer. Erica saw him immediately. He was so tall, there was hardly another person that could obscure his head. He looked around, spotting their table, and her specifically, before he headed over to them. Amidst a chorus of hellos and hi Spencers, all the women, even four wives, were blushing and smiling eagerly at him. When did Spencer become so popular? He seemed like their personal mascot or stud for hire, the way all eight women goggled their eyes at him.

  “Ladies,” he said easily with a glance around the table. He frowned however, when he caught Erica’s eye. Lately, he seemed annoyed with her, and she couldn’t figure out why.

  “Oh, Spencer, we were all hoping you’d stop by.”

  “You invited him?” Erica hissed to Sherri, sitting next to her.

  “Sure. Office thing, right? We invited everyone.”

  “But he’s a he. I thought you said a girls’ night out.”

  “Exactly why his arrival is better than anyone else,” Sherri said, giggling. They were all obviously smitten with Spencer. It could have been embarrassing if it weren’t so stupid.

  He sat down when half the party moved over, fussing over who would bring him a chair, and get whatever drink he requested. The entire group of women became overly animated, all of them so clearly glad he was there.

  “Come on, let’s dance.”

  Spencer grinned as he stood up and followed Nadine onto the dance floor. The rest of the women looked on, sighing that they didn’t have the guts to ask him first. Erica watched them walking toward the center of the dance floor, perfectly at ease with each other: laughing, talking, and finally, dancing together. Spencer was a surprisingly polished dancer. He moved to the beat, the changed steps with effortless fluidity and little hesitation. He looked good.

  Finally, they returned to the table where Erica and some of her staff were talking amicably. Spencer sat down next to Erica. His long body took up the chair, and he sprawled casually in it. She studied her drink before taking a swallow. Then she examined it some more. Why did he always make her feel so weird?

  “You want to dance, Doc?”

  Her eyes flew open with surprise when she felt his mouth right next to ear. His breath felt warm on her cheek. “What? Dance to this? I’m afraid I can’t.”

  “This takes less talent than what you’re probably used to. Trust me; you’ll be fine. It’s a lot better than sitting here, trying to think of what to say to me, isn’t it?”

  She glanced at him keenly. How could she get out of this without sounding like a stuck-up snob? That wasn’t the case at all; she just felt awkward. She followed him out to the dance floor. He turned, casually putting one hand on her waist, and bringing her closer to him. She hesitantly put her hands around his torso, unsure of what else to do. He moved effortlessly and smoothly to the music. She followed, although with more effort, and less smoothly. She tried to follow his lead, but wasn’t any good at it.

  She blushed with sheer frustration at herself. What would he think of her now? How stiff and clumsy would he find her? How uncool? How uptight? How everything she was.

  She could feel his hand on her lower back, radiating heat through the soft material of her blouse. He held her one-handed, naturally, and away from his chest. He was so smooth and graceful in his movements. How could she have missed that about him when he was Spike? Spencer’s posture was totally relaxed, and at ease with her. He didn’t seem terribly affected by her in any way. Then again, why should he have been? She was no one that he might possibly be attracted to.

  Then the invasion began. A group of three men and two women approached them, shouting enthusiastic hellos, while pushing Erica out of the way. She stood there for a moment, startled. The men all had tattoos, and the women appeared far rougher, but probably more fun to be with than she. Erica tur
ned to exit the dance floor. She left Spencer Mattox to his socializing, and suddenly, longed to go home.

  She turned away from the table where she was previously sitting, fully intending to leave, but only made it to the door. She was surprised when a hand grasped her by the wrist and she looked up, only to find Spencer next to her.

  “Sorry. You didn’t hear me calling your name.” He immediately released her wrist.

  “I was just leaving.”

  “I got that. Sorry about the crowd.”

  “Don’t be. Not like I should care. That’s reserved for Tamira.”

  “Tamira? Why would she care?”

  “She’s your girlfriend, isn’t she?”

  He laughed. He outright laughed as he tilted his head back, flashing his white teeth, and crinkling his eyes. Erica wasn’t sure she’d ever seen or heard Spencer actually laugh. “Because of the other night? You thought she was my girlfriend? No. She’s not.”

  “No. I thought that because she came into my office today, and in very few words, warned me to stay away from you.”

  Spencer’s smile vanished, and his eyes grew cloudy. “What?”

  “Yeah, surprised me too. She seemed rather anxious to warn me to keep away from you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “She wasn’t subtle about it. So if she’s not your girlfriend, or even a date, it sounds like you should be clearer with her on that.”

  “I was… Crystal clear.”

  Before he slept with her. Erica was annoyed by that revelation, but more so by his casual brush-off toward the young, vulnerable girl that Erica knew Tamira was, despite her sex kitten looks and attitude.

  “Be careful with her,” Erica said finally. She wanted to say more, but couldn’t. She simply couldn’t legally say what he needed to hear.