Chapter One:
The train ride was long, and Robin was worried they wouldn't get there in time. She looked over her notes for the millionth time and knew Dr. Drake was their best shot. He was on the train as well, but she wasn't supposed to meet with him until the next morning. It had been a long day, and there was still a two day ride ahead of them. She didn't know why he chose to ride a train, when he could just fly, but she figured he must have his reasons.
She took out the thick medical file from her bag and opened it, looking at the picture of Matt Hunter and she sighed. It wasn't fair. He was a brilliant cardiac surgeon and he had a beautiful young wife in her cousin Maxie. Robin knew when Maxie called her in Toronto, that things were bad. Matt had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and every doctor had claimed it was inoperable. Robin had just seen them at the wedding and Matt was the picture of good health. Everything had happened so quickly.
Robin sighed and put the file away. As soon as Maxie called, she had dropped everything to try and help. She had developed a drug protocol that helped, but it wasn't a long-term fix. Dr. Drake had to be the answer. She had found him through his research and perfecting of a new laser brain surgery that was incredibly intricate. He was the only doctor in the US who had perfected the use of the technique and Matt wasn't stable enough to be moved, so Robin had gotten Alan to send for Patrick Drake and she flew out to join him on the train and get him up to speed before they arrived.
The alarm beeped on her watch and she grabbed her bag, taking her meds and washing them down with some water. She felt her stomach churn and knew she needed some crackers to settle things. Happy she had her own room in the deluxe cabin, she pulled some saltines out of her bag and ate them.
She opened her laptop and smiled as the immediate message from Maxie came though. Her smiled changed, as she could read the fear in her cousin's words. Matt was sleeping more than he was awake. He was beginning to talk about how she needed to move on after he was gone. Robin's heart broke at how tragic the situation was. Matt deserved to live. Maxie deserved a happy ever after.
She decided to take a quick shower and go to bed early so she would be ready for her meeting with Patrick in the morning. She really hoped he was as good as everyone said. She studied most of his literature and her research into his life had been thorough. On paper, he seemed to be the real deal.
The shower was down the hall from the room and she slipped into her robe and grabbed her bag. She smiled as she was reminded of her days in college and the dorm showers. She locked the door and made her way the short walk to the bathroom.
Making her way into one of the stalls in the ladies room, she turned on the shower and froze when she heard voices enter. It was quickly apparent that something other than showering was happening in the stall nearby.
Maybe they didn't hear her? She cleared her throat and dropped her shampoo, making sure it clattered against the floor. She heard a female voice giggling and then a man's voice speaking.
"Someone is jealous," the man said. "Let's give her a show."
Robin rolled her eyes as they began to make a ton of moaning and groaning noises. She rinsed her hair and turned the water off amidst the slapping sounds of God knows what happening nearby.
"Oh, it's so big," the female voice said. "Will it fit?"
"Oh, I'll make it fit," a deep male voice said and then there was more moaning and groaning.
"This is a public place," Robin said, disgusted as she walked out of her stall, a towel and her robe wrapped around her. "Get a room."
There was silence and she was satisfied that her words had made a difference. That was until she turned around and found herself staring into the chest of the most handsome specimen she had ever seen. At least 6 feet tall and incredibly attractive, he had long eyelashes and dimples that were blinding. He chest was glistening with water and there was a tiny towel slung over his hips that did little to conceal anything.
She wondered how it really did fit.
Where was the girl?
Had it killed her?
"You know, if it bothered you that much, you could have left," the man said. He looked oddly familiar and Robin realized, suddenly, that this was Dr. Drake. She had seen his picture in magazines, but it didn't do him justice.
"Hello? Are you okay?" Patrick waved his hand in front of her.
"Where is your wife? Did you kill her?" Robin asked, finally snapping out of her stupor.
He laughed and she swore his eyes sparkled.
"My wife, as if. I don't even know her name. She went back to her seat," he sauntered over to the mirror and casually smoothed his hair. "Although I don't know if she can sit."
"You're a pig," Robin said. "And I was using this mirror, if you don't mind."
"I don't mind. If you give me another two minutes, I can show you what made her scream," he turned and crossed his arms, his muscles bulging.
She grabbed her bag and shook her head.
"Not if you were the last man on earth," she said and walked out.
Patrick smiled after her. He had to admit, she was gorgeous. Her dark hair was wet and dripping against her sun kissed skin. The fire in her eyes was passionate and he knew her freckles helped to mask her blush when she looked at him.
What was even better was her complete lack of interest in him. He loved a challenge. He hoped he would see her again. She had pretty much misinterpreted what she heard, but he let her go along with it. Why not let her think he was a complete dog? He did have a reputation to uphold.
He pulled his robe on and smiled as he thought of how cute she was, all indignant and sure of herself. He had a meeting with some researcher in the morning, but after that, he would find this raven-haired beauty and make this trip worth something.
Robin sat in her car and stared out the window. He was a complete pig. Who does things like that? Who is that arrogant not to be at least somewhat apologetic about that behavior? Was he really worth it?
She brushed her hair and crossed her legs under her as she began to type a response to Maxie. This guy better be the best, because it was going to take all of her sanity to deal with him.
Chapter Two:
Patrick got dressed in his casual black slacks and a purple shirt and combed his hair, smiling at how nice he slept in his little private car. He had dreamt about the raven-haired beauty and he was determined to annoy her some more today after his meeting.
He glanced at the chart Dr. Quartermaine had sent to him and he sighed. This case was a lost cause and he knew the procedure he could do might be the only chance. He didn't know if the patient was stable enough for the procedure, but he figured the doctor he was meeting with this morning would have more info for him.
He grabbed the file and put his room key in his pocket before heading out.
Robin had reserved a corner booth in the dining car to talk with Patrick. She had tossed and turned all night, images of his almost naked body running through her mind.
He was a pig. He may be handsome and brilliant, but he was pig. She needed to remember that.
She looked up as he walked in, flirting with the dining car attended. She rolled her eyes and stared at him.
Patrick saw her and he flashed his dimples. He sauntered over and sat down across from her.
"What are you doing here? Waiting for a handsome companion?" He grinned at her.
She realized he had no idea who she was.
"If you see someone who fits that bill, let me know."
"Aww, so defensive, it's cute," he said as he looked at the waiter and motioned for some coffee.
"Why are you sitting here?" she took a sip of her coffee.
"Well, I'm waiting for a meeting with some stuffy researcher, but I don't see her yet, so I thought I would grace you with my presence until then," he put some cream in his coffee and took a sip.
"You think research is stuffy?"
He smirked.
"Who doesn't? Research is something you do until you master something else," he said arrogantly. "I'm sure this woman wishes she were a quarter of the surgeon I am."
Robin stared at him.
"Was that your subtle way of letting me know you're a surgeon?"
He grinned.
"Maybe. Impressed?"
"Hardly."
"That's okay, I have numerous ways of impressing you."
She smirked.
"Is that what you've been told?"
"You're cute when you smirk; it makes your freckles pop. I like that."
Robin leaned closer to him.
"You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?"
He leaned in and smiled.
"Confidence is a turn on."
"Arrogance is a turn off," she smiled.
"Help! He's choking!" a woman called out from the front of the dining car.
Robin jumped and ran to help, Patrick right behind her. The older gentleman was clearly choking and Robin didn't hesitate. She wrapped her arms around him and expertly gave him the Heimlich maneuver. The piece of food flew out and he began to breathe normally.
Patrick watched the scene and a sick feeling washed over him. She was no random woman.
Robin turned around after she made sure everyone was okay. She saw him watching her and she smiled as he sighed.
"Hi. I'm Doctor Robin Scorpio, the stuffy researcher."
"When are you going to stop sulking?" she asked him after they sat back down.
"You played me. You knew who I was and you let me say those things about researchers," he pouted.
"So what you say depends on the company you keep? Good to know," she sipped her coffee and took a bite of her bagel.
"No, I didn't mean that," he said. "I just meant that you knew more about me than I knew about you."
"Whatever, it doesn't matter," she held his gaze and sighed. "I need a miracle and you're it."
He shook his head.
"I'm no miracle worker. I fix what I can, and this patient is a lost cause."
Robin was stunned.
"How can you say that? He deserves a chance and he'll get it."
Patrick found the passion in which she spoke of this patient enlightening.
"I read the chart. I know what can be done, and I don't think this is the best use of this equipment or my time," he decided to mess with her a little.
She snorted.
"What are you, a God? Who are you to determine what procedure is worth your time? You're getting paid enough, I am just asking you to meet with him."
Patrick chuckled. "So what? You think I'll meet with him and be swayed by his charming personality and decide his life is worth the effort," he sat back and looked at her. "I'm not made that way, Dr. Scorpio. I don't get attached to patients. I look at the numbers. I deal with potential outcomes and not emotions."
"Well that's too bad. I was under the impression you were human," she stood up, completely disgusted by him.
"Oh, I get it. This guy is your boyfriend, right? You promised him you would save his life, and now it's a last ditch effort to bring him back from the brink?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but sometimes, saving someone is the right thing to do regardless of who that person is," she felt her eyes fill. "I thought as a doctor, you would understand that."
He saw the sadness cross her face and he stood up to stop her.
"I do understand that. I just like to succeed, and this case is a challenge, to say the least."
She turned and faced him.
"Will you just take a look at the latest results? Why come all the way here on the train if you weren't even going to look at him?"
Patrick walked back to the table and sat down. Robin sat across from him and waited.
"I came because Dr. Quartermaine is a well respected physician and he requested my input. I came because if this guy has any hope, it's me."
Robin nodded.
"Matt. His name is Matt, and he isn't my boyfriend, but he's family."
"Okay, then let's see what we can do for him."
It had been a few hours and Patrick was amazed by her intricate knowledge of what he did and the potential outcomes. He had seriously underestimated her in ever shape and form. He actually thought he might be able to learn something from her, something he would never admit.
"I need a break," Robin stood up and stretched.
"I agree. Do you want to take a walk to the game car?"
She had meant to go take a nap in her car, but she changed her mind.
"Okay, I guess it wouldn't hurt," she smiled and he laughed as they took a walk.
They had played two games of poker and Robin had to admit, Patrick was charming. He was funny and smart and when he wasn't being such a jerk, he actually was pleasant.
"What's wrong?" he noticed she became quieter.
"Nothing, just thinking," she said as they sat on the couch by the window.
"About how amazing I am?" he grinned.
"Hardly," she smiled.
"How attracted you are to me?" he pushed.
She stared at him and sighed.
"Why do you do that? Why do you always turn everything into sex?"
"Why do you avoid it so much? You're an attractive young woman. Why are you so cold?"
Her eyes flamed at him.
"You don't know anything about me. You're nothing but a chauvinistic pig and you make me sick."
"Struck a nerve, did I?" he matched her fire. "Instead of running, why don't you have some fun? Throw caution to the wind? Let go of your inhibitions and see where life takes you?"
"Did you say that to the woman in the shower yesterday? Do you even know how gross that is? Is that why you wanted to take a train? So you could have numerous flings before you got here?"
He shook his head and went to walk away.
"You have me all figured out, don't you? I'll tell you what, you go back to your happy little sheltered world and I'll go about living in mine," he waited for her to stop him, but she didn't.
"This is where you leave," Robin challenged him.
"Whatever," he walked out and Robin felt tears prick her eyes. He was such an ass. The problem was that he wasn't wrong. He also knew nothing of her past.
She grabbed her purse and bag and headed back to her car, but before she could step out of the room, there was an enormous crash and she felt her body fly across the room before everything went black.