6 comments/ 9497 views/ 3 favorites Believing in Fate Ch. 01 By: sw33tlove Hello Readers, This is my first submission ever! Please comment to any opinions because feedback is always welcome! It is also wonderful if I know my stories are being read! This chapter is very short, but I really wanted to test the waters a bit. Enjoy this short segment until later! Thanks, Sw33tlove * A sweet laughter filled his ears through the loud pounding music of his club. There was something incredibly sweet and innocent about that laugh that made him want to hear it again just to know who it belonged to. God didn't disappoint him as he heard it again from behind him, and as he turned around, he eyes locked onto an amazing pair of deep blue eyes. Her laughter faded as she realized he was staring at her intently. A curious gaze filled her eyes and disappeared as her attention went back to her friends talking to her. Wow, Ashlynn thought. The man was sinfully attractive and exactly her type but something in his gaze warned her to stay away from the weird stalker eyed man. His dirty blond hair looked as if he just rolled out of bed, yet it didn't make him look dirty. He had a six o'clock shadow yet filled out his suit as though he was born into it. Mesmerizing deep green eyes that she could get lost in completed his 6'2 frame. She heard her friend saying something about her pager ringing and had to check. Sometimes she regretted choosing her field of medicine simply because she had no life. But then all the smiles and lives she saves are gratifying enough that she enjoys having no life. It probably keeps her grounded too and knowing the responsibilities kept her from ever drinking this lifetime. Samuel Carson, Heart Attack, Vitals dropping, Sienna Campus, call nurse Peggy @ — - —-. She knew the name by heart; Mr. Carson was her high-profiled patient who actually owned this hotel she was at now. She quickly apologized to her friend for having to run and promised to make it up to her for lunch the next day. Kara and Micky wouldn't ever be mad at her knowing her passion for medicine. Her drive was simply to help and know that she was a part of someone's happiness even if it were never her own. Ashlynn ran off to her car sitting in front of the hotel lobby, as the valet knew she was always the first of the trio to run. Jimmy at the valet tossed her keys to her black M6 he always envied. With the tip she gave him since she arrived and the fact that she saved his grandfather's life even when they had no insurance as pro bono work had always made him like the pretty doctor. He was always amazed that she was so smart, sexy, and nice to top it all off. Many doctors wouldn't even operate on a patient that had no insurance and let alone one that was 82 years old with a medical history the size of a medical textbook. Looking after her taillights, he sighed and shook his head. Despite what a great doctor she was, these girls just couldn't drive. The buzzing finally got to him and seeing the number of miss calls from his mom he knew his dad was in trouble again. It was four months ago when his father had a minor heart attack while he was in Macau and was warned that if he didn't change his dietary habits and exercise then the next one wouldn't be minor. Stubborn old man just wouldn't give up his bacon! He hurried out to call his mother back glancing back to find his blue eyed beauty missing. With a sigh of regret of not getting her number sooner, he ran out and headed to his car while he spoke to his mom. A long gruesome eight hours later with horrible coffee, uncomfortable chairs and pacing was starting to get to Matthew. He paced back and forth until his mother's voice called to him softly. "Matt, honey. He'll be alright my dear. We're all here for him and he knows that. He's too strong and stubborn to leave us," his mom whispered softly. "I know mom, if only he weren't so stubborn about change we wouldn't be here," he said as he put an arm around her. His mom seemed so fragile and vulnerable tonight. "Mrs. Carson?" A tired voice asked. Looking up Matt saw those beautiful blue eyes again as his mother stood up. "How is he? Is he alright?" his mother asked. "He's alright. He's very lucky but he's a strong bull and he'll pull through. We'll keep him in ICU for a while to keep a good eye on him but he'll be under for a while so get some rest alright?" Ashlynn comforted her patient's wife while trying to keep her surprise hidden. She couldn't believe he was standing here and was the son of her patient. While she knew the Carson's personally after he hired her as their personal physician, this was the first time she's seen his son. The elusive Matthew Carson was always gone from his parent's lives wheeling and dealing their business empire. She could understand the need to strive forward, but to ignore your family at the same time made her simply not able to understand his mind. Her family was the sole balance in her life that is her rock. She knows how important her family is and knows that they would always be there for her so she'd always be there for them. It's sad to see the only thing bringing this family back together was his father's near death illness. He could see the wheels turning in her mind through her eyes, wondering what she could possibly be thinking. Probably that he was a stalker most likely, he smirked. "Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow alright?" she said gently to my mom. She sounded genuinely sincere and it's something he hasn't heard in a while. In his life, the people he associated with always wanted something in return and there was never a sincere voice. She glanced up at him underneath her lashes and turned away. He felt as if he'd finally understood the meaning of love at first sight, although this may have been his second time to set his sights on her. He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't see the glint in his mother's eyes and the knowing look on her face. "You may want to close your mouth before the drool hits the floor, son," she teased him. The lightness back in her eyes, relieved from the news about his father. "I think I'm in love mom," he answered her. "I believe you are son, I believe you are," thinking her husband would be pleased since they intended to set these two up anyways. Nice to know fate was on their side. Ashlynn didn't know what to think after returning to her office for some space. She didn't know what it was about that man but something about him made her want to run the opposite direction but at the same time curiosity drew her closer. A light knock on her door brought her back to reality. She really had to get a hold of herself. She's been a very successful, independent thirty year-old that was mooning over a man who probably can't even recognize her. "Hey sis, you alright?" her brother interrupted. In the dim glow of her office light, it played off his features perfectly. While they both inherited their height from their father, they were different in every other aspect. While she took her father's blue eyes, he had their mother's deep black eyes. So as she had her mother's silky dark asian hair, her brother's was a light chestnut brown that were full and thick on that smart head of his. Both their features were accented with their parents' flawless complexion. "Yeah, just have my mind stuck on something. What are you doing here so late?" she asked. Her brother usually liked his 9-5 working hours and only rounded for a few hours after that. "Had a call earlier and just stayed to finish up some paperwork and lost track of time I guess. I saw your light on so I figured you'd got called on too. Are you ready to go home? I could really use a ride..." he trailed off with a grin. It was times like these where she regretted suggesting he get a condo in her own building. "Sure, loser. I thought we agreed that you would be MY slave for eternity when I covered for you sneaking out those nights in high school." she retaliated and figured her brother would be a good distraction for her mind for the night. "Well we never really did shake on that sis," he said as he swung his arm around her shoulder. "And while we're at it, how about that dinner you own me? It sounds good about now, don't you think?" "Ha! No way, my ride, your treat," she bargained. "Taken! As long as I get to pick the music." "No way! My ride, my rules," she claimed. She knew she would always win. He always gave into her demands for as long as she can remember and she was grateful for it. That was what Matthew saw as he walked to his car to get a change of clothes for his mom and to freshen up himself. He saw the man's arm slung around his women. HIS. Wow, he didn't know where that came from, but it felt pretty good saying it. He didn't know why he had this sudden possession of her, when she probably didn't even know his name, but he knew that she would eventually be his. He always got what he wanted, but this wasn't just a matter of having her. He felt as if he needed her now that he's met her. She wasn't just another conquest like his business deals, but something that he would love having by his side. While he's been so successful in business, he's been realizing how lonely the life he led was. It wasn't until he woke up in the middle of the night in yet another hotel room, reaching for a cold pillow that he would love to sleep in his home and have a warm body to pull close to his every night. Who the hell was this guy? Matt thought. The man was way too comfortable with the mysterious Dr. Ashlynn McGregor for his liking, but as far as he knew, his mother had told him that she was definitely single. His mother would know, after all, she was their family's private physician for the last three years. He had a feeling, they'll be calling for a private visit very, very soon. Believing in Fate Ch. 02 To all readers, This is the second installment to Believing in Fate Ch. 01. To my previous readers BE PATIENT! Between midterms and allergies, I'm trying my best too keep on top of it all. I'd like to thank those few readers who commented on the last chapter and really, THANK YOU! Your comments made me decide to keep submitting my work and motivated me to make it fulfilling for you guys as much as it was for me. While someone suggested an editor, I really did try but no one responded so I really took the time to go over this chapter many times myself. If anyone would offer editing after reading my stories, please let me know for help in the following chapters :) Keep the comments coming and enjoy this chapter! Sw33tlove * When Ashlynn's alarm clock went of at six the next morning, she was not a happy camper. After all her years in medical school, she should be used to the lack of sleep her profession gave her. Yet, she wasn't. She dragged herself into the shower while thinking about her dream about Matthew Carson. She really needed to get him out of her mind. He was something she didn't need and she should really stay away for her own good. Not like she really had the time to do anything anyways, she thought. Feeling a bit more refreshed after her shower, Ashlynn quickly dressed and went down for some hot chocolate and turned on her computer. She never really did understand the need or obsession people had over coffee, but that was just her. She settled for her rich hot chocolate while looking out the window and saw the gray fog that covered the city for the day. Las Vegas never really had any cloudy days, but the weather has been a bit wacky lately. After checking her emails, she quickly rinsed her mug and made sure she had everything in her bag. Waking up with his back aching wasn't too fun for Matt but then he heard his mom and dad speaking quietly and woke up immediately refreshed. "Dad!" he yelled and hurried over to the side of the bed. "How are you feeling champ? Don't scare us like that again!" he rushed, simply relieve that his dad was alright. "Quit your nagging son. I've already got that from your mother this morning," his voice was weak but full of authority and love that his Irish ancestors would be proud of. "Well I see your up and running already aren't you Mr. Carson?" the melodic voice sang behind him. He turned around and smiled, ready to face her. He was stunned since it was the first time he every got to take in her features. It definitely showed that she had an asian mix in her blood somewhere while her cute little button nose topped off her lush pink lips that begged him to devour them. "That little thing can't get to me," his father's voice boomed from behind him. "Now let me introduce you to my son if he can remember his manners. This is Matt, Matt meet Dr. Ashlynn McGregor." "Nice to meet you," she said holding out her hand. He grasped her hand in a firm, sure grip and looked straight at her and gave her a grin that made her panties wet. A jolt went through her when their hands met and made her quickly pull it away and turned her attention to her real reason to being in this room. "It's MY pleasure," he said under his breath, feeling the same jolt that rushed though him. Smiling as she quickly pulled her hand away, telling him that she felt it too and he wasn't the only one affected. She quickly darted his eyes and turned away and that made him grin even more. He was happy to see that his dad was okay and his life was about to get much more interesting after meeting Dr. McGregor. She continued with her normal routine checks and began to feel like her old self as familiarity came back to her and settle herself to doing her job. She didn't know why just his presence would affect her this much, but it wasn't good. She couldn't handle having a man like Matt in her life. She liked her simple life that just kept her busy all the time and knew that Matt anything but simple. "Well everything is looking good Mr. Carson. We'll keep you here for another night since there seem to be no complications with anything and I'll come by at the end of this week to do another routine check-up. Try working on that diet we talked about and some exercise alright? I'll call you at the end of the week to see what time is good for me to come by." Ashlynn said. "That bacon is not going anywhere but I'll work on the exercise part doc," he answered with the same handsome grin as his son. "That sounds like a compromise, but maybe you should try some turkey bacon..." she didn't even finish before he rolled his eyes and she laughed. She couldn't help but tease him knowing that he would never compromise on his pork or bacon. If anything, she's learned through Mr. Carson that Irish men are nothing but stubborn. "Not going to happen my girl. Ain't nothing like a fine slab of pork belly, and not those kinds you find at the grocery store either. You ought to come over for breakfast and see for yourself, I'll tell you, you'll never tell a man not to eat bacon after that." he claimed. Ashlynn had to laugh at how passionate he was about his bacon and knew that she wouldn't be able to dissuade him, but with a balance meal throughout the day and some exercise should keep him away from the OR. "I may have to take you up on that someday Mr. Carson. You get some rest now so you can go home tomorrow." "That you do my dear girl," he said. They all thanked her as she turned to leave and head back to her office. She usually finished all her rounds before coming to see him knowing he would simply have her there and talk to her for hours if possible. She heard someone call her name from behind her that brought her out of her thoughts. Turning around, she saw that it was Matt, quickly running down the hallways to reach her. She wondered if something happened, but looking at his face, she knew it wasn't about her patient. "Doctor, could I interest you in a cup of coffee downstairs?" he asked. His eyes were searching hers expectant of a yes. "I have to get to the office," knowing she had no appointments till noon but she tried to avoid being around him and having coffee was probably not a good idea. "Just a few minutes?" he inquired. "I don't drink coffee," I went on again trying to get out of it. Then she looked into his eyes, and knew she'd end up giving in. "Hot chocolate, tea, water then?" he smiled. "Please?" "Uh, sure. Just a few minutes." she relented. His smile broadened, happy that he won some of her time. They walked down to the coffee stand in the hospital in silence both in their own thoughts. "What would you like?" he asked when they reached the line. "Just a small cup of tea is fine." "Why don't you grab us a table and I'll get our drinks," he told her as he saw a bunch of ENT's trail in the door. "Sure," she turned and took a table on the far corner of the shop. A large shadow grew over her and she looked up expecting to find Matt, but found her brother instead. "I'm surprised, you never come down here. Even I couldn't get you to come down and get me coffee. So who dragged you?" he asked with a curious gaze. "Uh." "She's here with me," she heard Matt say before she could answer as her brother turned around to face him. It was funny as they sized each other up. While she was the older sister, Jacob or Jake McGregor was always protective of his sister. They were only two years apart, but he acted as if he was their father. When her prom date came to pick her up, he had made threats sitting on one side of her date while her father sat on the other. The memory made her smile as she turned to introduce the two before they ripped each other's throats out. "Dr. Jacob McGregor," her brother said while thrusting out his hand to Matt. The look in his eye had something that challenged Matt and she laughed at the encounter. This was hilarious seeing as Matt looked so startled when he heard the name and funny that her brother saw the need to add his title. As if his lab coat didn't say enough, her brother usually hated to introduce himself with a title. "Matthew Carson, nice to meet you Doctor," he grasped the hand and they shook while looking at each other. It was hard to ignore the emphasis he put on doctor that just made her unable to contain the humor to herself. "Well now that you've met my brother, you can stop sizing each other up don't you think?" she said laughing, breaking the intense silence between them. The moment she said brother, his eyes immediately looked relieve and his body less threatening to the man in his grasp. They look nothing alike, he thought. After really looking, he could see that they did have very similar features but accented differently. He relaxed as he felt some weight lift off his shoulders. Until now, he wasn't aware of how much what he saw last night affected him. "I guess I'll leave you guys at it then. I'll talk to you later sis," he said as he gave Matt a last glare and walked over to get his coffee and flirt with the girl behind the counter. "Well, that was awkward," she offered him a smile. "You guys don't look alike much. But I don't think he likes me much either," he laughed. "He's just protective," she dismissed. "He should be," not believing what a fool he made of himself. She probably thinks I'm the biggest idiot on the planet. Well I might as well just shoot for it since I can't be a bigger idiot than I already have been he thought. "Would you like to go to dinner sometime?" he asked. "I don't think that's a good idea," she said slowly. "Are you with someone?" he asked. "No," it came out a little too fast but it was an answer out of habit for her. It seemed that everyone has been asking her that lately. "May I at least have an explanation to why you won't have dinner with me?" he pressed on. He wasn't used to getting rejected, ever and he really didn't know how to react. He wasn't a player, or a womanizer even, but when he got lonely, there were always warm bodies to cherish at night. Yet, none of them had ever effected him the way this woman in front of him seem to have. Simply looking at her made his jeans uncomfortable. What would having her naked and writhing underneath him do? "I..." she tried to think of something. But really, she couldn't lie. For the life of her or for any other, she just didn't have the skills to lie. She just thought the truth was always the best way to go. In this case, she was really starting to rethink that motto of hers. "I promise I'll be a gentleman. I just want to get to know you more and if not dinner we can do whatever else," he rushed on until she covered one of his hands with hers. "It's not that. It's more that I don't have the time and really you're not exactly known for... relationships. I don't have time to play games Matt, and really a one night stand isn't on my agenda either." She said. He was stunned. Two hits in one day. He wasn't really happy about what she was saying since it wasn't true. He definitely wasn't looking for a one night stand with her but rather something along the lines of happily ever after but it was a little too soon for that. While he may have had many lovers along his years, he's never treated them with disrespect or even thought of them as a one-night stand. Sometimes he was only in the city for one night and the women didn't seem to want anything beyond that. "I think I should be more precise. What I want with you is very far from a one-night stand and it's no game. I think it was the moment I saw you back at the club when I wanted to go talk to you. Then we both had to run because of my dad. I never thought I'd see you again and as fate would have it, I saw you come out from the double doors and knew I had another chance. Don't you believe in fate?" he asked. Her mind was still reeling in from his speech. Fate? He was really not what she expected. "So would you reconsider going to dinner with me now Dr. McGregor? Or can I call you Ashlynn," he said her name in a way that made her shiver. It was smooth, deep, and in a tone that definitely implied more than her name. "Give me a chance." He said while rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. Just that little touch made her ready to give into just about anything. It really wasn't her, but she just couldn't seem to be curious as to what a night with Matt would be like. She didn't just mean in her bed or any bed for that matter, but just being in his company. "Alright. One chance. Call me for when and where Mr. Carson," she rose and started towards the door. "You didn't give me your number," he said as he caught up with her with a sly grin on his face. "I'm sure for a man like yourself, it wouldn't be too hard to find." She smiled at him to the side and turned towards the entrance leaving him grinning like a fool. Three hours later, Ashlynn was getting pretty frustrated with all the paperwork due. She went through ten years of school to treat patients only to still be doing paperwork, she thought. Running a hand through her thick dark mane again, she started to close her eyes and just relax for a bit. There was no point in getting flustered when she'd have to finish it no matter what. When he phone rang, she didn't even bother opening her eyes and just reached for her cell. "Hello," she said lazily. "You sound like you miss me," his dark voice teased. "You work pretty quick Mr. Carson." She laughed. She'd recognize his voice anywhere and didn't need caller ID to help her with that. "Mr. Carson's my dad. Matt is enough for me and I would really like to hear what it's like coming from your voice." He pushed on. "Right. Says the stranger I have on the phone." She smiled. He was a welcome distraction to her papers and after this morning, she figured she might as well deal with what comes her way. She was tired of her dull, boring life anyways. Maybe he was just what she needed. "Well, why don't you come out with this stranger Friday night and see what you think of him then," he managed with such confidence. "What did you have in mind?" she asked. "Don't you like surprises?" he asked not willing to give anything up. "Not really. I like to know what's going on." "Well now I really can't tell you. So what time's your last patient on Friday?" "Most likely 5:30." "Can I pick you up at 7 then?" "Sure. My next patients here, I have to go," she said as she saw one of her nurses messaging her. "I'll see you later sweetheart." He murmured. The endearment bringing shivers down her arms. No one has ever given her that endearment aside from her father. Somehow she liked it much more coming from Matt. She tried not to let it get to her thinking he was just trying to get laid but couldn't shake it off. The silence that followed his endearment made him unsure if he had pushed too far too fast. But then her breathing on the other end of the line made him harden instantly and he knew that rather than put her off, it's hooked her in. Good, he thought. He intended to use it for a while if things go his way. "I have to go, I'll see you then." She quickly hung up before he could say anything else. Since he just got home from the hospital, he called her right after settling on the couch as he couldn't wait a moment longer. After hearing her voice and her laughter, he figured he could use a cold shower to get clean and to help with his pained lower organ anyways. Just the thought of her being affected by him as he is with her made him unable to calm himself down. It was ridiculous. His body kept acting like a sixteen-year-old boy with raging uncontrollable hormones. Rather than a cold shower helping him, it didn't so he decided to turn it comfortably warm and ended the shower spraying down the tiled walls. He could swear on his life that he's never had a climax that could compare to that in his life and it was only from just thinking about her. The next three days went by with him calling her everyday or even twice a day sometimes. She was beginning he was seriously whacky with his weird sense of humor. He would make every cell in her body sing for him during her fitful nights' sleep by tormenting her with what he would do and how good it would be. She'd probably pass out if it got any better than her imaginations. When Friday rolled around, she paced her bedroom nervously in her robe as she looked at the outfit she laid out on her bed. Too sexy maybe? It would definitely be consider the ultimate little black dress with the one shoulder strap holding up the dress that made it to her mid thighs. Snugly molding around every curve and ridge of her body like a second skin. No time like the present she thought was she slipped it on. She grabbed a pair of black Manolo Blahnik pumps from her closer and small clutch just as the doorbell rang. When she opened the door, Matt's heart just about stopped and he was slowly floating towards heaven. He nearly dropped the flowers he ordered for her as he felt his body go limp and all the blood in his body rush south. Maybe they wouldn't make it out to dinner after all...