The Intern - Book 1 E-Book

Chain Emily

• Herausgeber: So Romance - INT
• Kategorie: Erotik
• Serie: The Intern
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 161

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

What if an unexpected encounter changed everything?

Julia thought she had everything planned: a stable life in Los Angeles, a brilliant fiancé, and a future all mapped out. But between relocating, an unexpected infertility diagnosis, and a residency at a prestigious hospital, her world begins to crumble. As she tries to rebuild, a flash of blue eyes in an elevator rekindles her most unspoken fantasies.

Dean, a charismatic and provocative doctor, suddenly bursts into her life… and her dreams. But can Julia allow herself to give in, at the risk of losing everything?

- A medical romance exploring passion, ethical dilemmas, and raw emotion

- Strong sexual tension, written with subtlety

- A story of rebuilding and self-discovery

- Book one in a realistic and addictive hospital-based series

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

The writing is smooth, the medical scenes are very well described, and the sex scenes are subtle—which sets it apart from other romances. I really enjoyed it. - CindyR, Babelio

Leseprobe

Cover

Title page

Chapter 1

Newark — 2016

– What on earth did you put in here? This weighs a ton… - James grumbles as he struggles to lift the enormous metal box, which contains half of my wall-to-wall bookshelf, now pathetically empty in front of me. For three months, I’ve been trying to come to terms with the idea… Newark will no longer be my home after tonight. My throat tightens, and I barely manage to hold back the tears threatening to spill onto my cheeks. I’ve spent so many years here…

– Where is she?

My mother’s voice pulls me out of my reverie as I stare at the empty shelves. My face lights up when I see her cheerful expression.

"You look awful, " she says with a big smile.

I pretend to be offended before bursting into laughter. She joins me, giggling as she weaves through the moving boxes scattered across the room.

"Today’s the day, my darling! "

She wraps me in a hug as she says this. I bite my lip to stop myself from breaking down in her comforting embrace. I’m going to miss her presence so much.

"No tears now… " she whispers, as a soft sob escapes my lips.

I nod slightly, still nestled in her arms.

She places a comforting hand on my back before letting go.

My eyes are red, but no tears threaten my light makeup.

"You’ll come visit me, won’t you? "

My voice is plaintive. Calmly, my mother replies softly,

"Of course, my darling. Los Angeles isn’t that far from Boston, after all."

She rolls her eyes to emphasize her point, making me smile.

Los Angeles… It feels so far away.

"Ladies, if you need help, feel free to ask! " James hurls from the apartment doorway.

Immediately, my mother grabs a box and heads toward him. Feeling guilty for standing still, I do the same, picking up a slightly smaller box. A scent of cinnamon wafts from it, and I can’t resist opening it to see where it comes from.

I take a few steps to place it on the kitchen counter. The tape sealing the box peels off easily. Inside, I find a variety of unrelated items. I quickly understand that this is the collection of odds and ends James found unclassifiable when packing up the apartment.

I haven’t contributed much to packing recently, too busy with my final-year exams. Even though I don’t plan to enroll immediately in a medical school in Los Angeles to finish my residency, skipping the exams after three years of rotations seemed unthinkable.

The object emitting the cinnamon scent turns out to be a small light brown candle James’ younger sister brought back from one of her many trips to India. She’s a devoted yogi, much to her brother’s dismay.

"Julia, you’re not seriously unpacking our boxes already… "

James’ exasperated tone makes me blush. Apparently, I’m not the best sidekick for this move.

"Do you not want to leave anymore? "

His voice sounds different. I turn to him, frowning. His expression is far less confident than usual; his jaw is trembling.

"Of course I do… " I reassure him.

He tenses up. I laugh.

"I mean, yes… You know I would to go with you to the sun and back! "

While I say this, I leap into his arms, making him do one of those famous smiles that, years ago, had completely floored me in a New York bar.

"You’re so handsome, " I coo.

He presses his lips on mine before gently removing my hands from around his neck.

"We’ve got work to do, missy! "

I pout, annoyed at being brushed off so easily.

"The sooner we finish here, the sooner I’ll carry you across the threshold of our new home, " he whispers, grabbing the box of odds and ends and heading out of the apartment.

I blush, murmuring, "That’s done only do that after weddings."

"I’m just getting a year’s head start! " he calls back, already on the stairs.

The mention of our upcoming wedding momentarily wipes away the sadness of leaving this city and the loft filled with so many memories.

Two years ago, James had stumbled, slightly tipsy, into this apartment, holding one of my medical school friends.

"Where should I put her? " he’d asked, meeting the cold gaze of his reluctant wingman, clearly unimpressed of playing chaperone to a damsel in distress.

"Here, I’ll take care of her. Thank you for helping… I don’t know what I would’ve done without you."

I giggled, the alcohol had affected my composure. My friend collapseded onto the couch, falling asleep within seconds.

Her snoring had sealed the awkwardness between us.

"One last drink? " James had suggested as his friend tugged at his sleeve to leave.

Normally, I’d have said no. But the alcohol and his chivalrous demeanor won me over. Three months later, he was living here with me.

"And that’s the last one! "

James’ shout of relief pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Carole, your daughter is a real mover, I must say… "

His ironic tone doesn’t escape my mother, who gives him a knowing wink. They get along wonderfully. What more could I wish for? Not to move to the other side of the country? Yes, maybe. But James has the opportunity to become a partner at a major law firm in Los Angeles—an offer you simply can’t turn down. No way I’m going to waste his talent. There are medical schools everywhere, and starting a family here or elsewhere doesn’t really make a difference.

"I’ll unpack everything there, I promise! "

My mother and James share a laugh, which I try to ignore, my sensitive nature kicking in.

"Well Carole, thank you for everything. Really! "

James’ tone is more serious now. It’s the same voice he uses during his closing arguments in court. It’s maddeningly attractive. I blush again, but my mother is too busy hugging her future son-in-law to notice.

"Be sure to visit us often."

She answers with a smile. James doesn’t even have to try with her. From the outside, one might wonder which of us is actually her child.

I step forward as he leaves the apartment to give us a moment of privacy. It’s another one of his qualities—James is always thoughtful.

"Will you call me when your plane lands? If you need anything, if you’re missing… "

"Mom, " I interrupt her. "Everything will be fine… You’re coming to visit in November for the wedding dress fitting. And also come sooner if you’d like."

My mother’s face lights up.

"So it’s settled? You’ve picked a date… "

I sigh at her excitement over our upcoming wedding.

"Not yet, but we’re hoping for next summer. We’ll figure it out once we’re there… "

Even I can’t hide my excitement. My childhood dream is coming true—a loving husband, a beautiful wedding, two or three kids… A fulfilled, peaceful family life.

"I’m so happy you found James, my darling."

She hugs me one last time. This time, it’s her tears that soak into my cardigan.

"You’ve grown up so fast… "

I laugh. Isn’t that what every girl hears when she leaves the family nest?

"Mom, you were already hours away from me, " I whisper, holding back my own sobs.

She pulls back, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

"I know, it’s silly, but I won’t see my grandchildren every evening when I pick them up from school… "

Her forlorn expression breaks my heart.

"But they’ll spend long, wonderful vacations with their favorite grandmother, " I reassure her.

She shakes her head, a faint smile on her face.

"You’re going to be an incredible mother, " she whispers before blowing her nose into a tissue.

"Let’s start with being a good wife first… "

My mischievous wink dries her tears.

The sound of the moving truck draws our attention.

"I have to go. My things are already on their way there; now all that’s left is to take that flight to the sun."

The sun is shining in Newark today too. That’s what makes it so hard… I wish the rain would’ve joined us, then it’d be clear how muchI’ll miss this city and how much it’d miss me.

"Don’t forget to tan, " she calls after me as I leave the apartment.

My mother stays behind to return the keys, while I climb into the taxi James has ordered. He takes one last look at the building’s façade before joining me.

He’ll miss this city too.

"We had some good years here, " I murmur, on the verge of breaking down.

He tilts my chin up with his fingers.

"The ones ahead will be even better, " he assures me.

His gaze soothes me as we leave our life here behind.

Chapter 2

Los Angeles — 2019

It’s raining.

I was surprised to see how often it rains here. Less than on the East Coast, of course, but still, it rains. The automated voicemail notification pulls me out of my daydreams:

You have a new message… Hello, James, this is Jacob Morow. Do you have a moment this afternoon? Please call me back.

The man’s voice is unfamiliar to me, like most of those who leave messages on our voicemail. I ignore it and return to my task—or rather, I return to attempting to find a free day in James’ packed schedule. The small calendar in front of me is covered in black marks. In some places, the ink has smudged, erasing entire days from the second week of July.

"What does it matter, " I sigh. "He won’t be here anyway."

I punctuate my muttered complaint with another dark line. This afternoon remains one of the rare survivors of my vengeful pen. I hover the tip above it, undecided.

The front door slams, and I nearly smudge ink across the entire month.

"Honey? "

James’ voice is muffled by the floor separating us. As modern as this loft is, the constant need to go up and down the stairs irritates me.

"Upstairs… "

My voice doesn’t carry much, but James seems to hear me. His footsteps echo as he climbs the iron staircase leading to my office.

"Sorry for leaving early this morning, " he coos, approaching me.

I remain stoic in my large black leather office chair. No way I’m letting him off the hook so easily.

"I know how to make it up to you, " he continues, placing his warm hands on my shoulders.

Normally, I’d complain about the perpetual heat radiating from his body, but the rainy weather has me shivering, and his touch is comforting. He leans his head toward mine, hoping for a kiss. I stay still, staring at the relentless downpour obscuring the usually stunning view from our loft. James sighs, pulling my chair closer and spinning it around. Against my will, I find myself face-to-face with him, frowning.

"Don’t be mad, my love… "

His forlorn expression almost sways me. How can I be upset with this loving man? But the date on the calendar comes back to me, and my jaw tightens. He notices.

"How can I make it up to you? Dinner, just the two of us? A trip? A night out… A movie… A quiet evening here… Tell me."

Now he’s pleading.

"Our five-year anniversary, James… " I choke out, trying not to break down into a torrent of tears, as if nature herself demands it.

Without hesitation, he wraps his arms around me.

"I’m so sorry I had to leave today… But I promise the rest of the day is all yours."

I swallow the biting retort burning on my tongue. He doesn’t know about the voicemail yet.

"Check the voicemail."

I struggle to maintain composure. He looks at me, puzzled, but complies.

His movements are graceful under his light blue fitted shirt, tailored just enough to highlight his lean physique. His light brown chinos hug him a bit more snugly than most of his suit trousers.

His outfit is the only sign that today wasn’t a typical workday.

"Where were you? "

My suspicious tone catches him off guard, and he raises his eyebrows in surprise. I’m not usually a jealous woman, but anger speaks for me now.

"I was with my partners; we had… "

His fingers mechanically press the voicemail button, and he stops mid-sentence to listen to Jacob Morow’s request for a meeting.

As I expected, James grimaces.

Once again, I’m losing to his career.

For three years now, I’ve barely seen him. Our anniversary celebrations have gone the way of this one—forgotten.

"I can skip it, but… "

I bite my lip as a tear escapes my right eye. The die is cast.

"But it might affect your chances of becoming senior partner… " I finish for him.

I know this line by heart; I’ve been hearing it since his first day at the firm.

"Honey, it’s not easy for me, you know… "

I explode, as I do every time we have this conversation.

"Not easy? James, you’ve been postponing our wedding for three years because of your lack of time! You forget my birthday, our anniversary… And if it weren’t for your sister, you’d have forgotten your own birthday too. Wake up, you’re missing out on life."

My anger dissipates as soon as the words leave my mouth. My head spins, and I realize I’ve abruptly stood from my chair to give him a piece of my mind. He stares at me, wide-eyed. This time, my words were harsher.

"I… If it’s really important, I can… " he stammers, stunned by my overreaction.

It is an overreaction, I realize. But I’m going crazy, spending half my time alone within these four walls. Thankfully, I’ve found outside distractions.

"I can’t do this anymore, James… "

My voice is barely a whisper.

He steps closer, looking distraught.

I pull away from his open arms, and he takes the rejection in silence.

"Don’t leave me, Julia, please. I’ll do better; we’ll find a solution."

"Promise me you won’t postpone the wedding again, " I beg, sitting on the bed in the center of the room, a few steps from my desk.

He follows, taking my hands in his.

"I promise we’ll be married within a year."

His eyes lock onto mine, and I convince myself he’s sincere.

"Alright… go ahead, " I sigh, as he leans in closer.

His kiss is gentle and tentative at first. I part my lips slightly to show I’m not too upset. His reaction is immediate. He cups my face with both hands, leaning in closer. His touch grows more passionate, and my body falls back onto the bed. He follows, becoming more assertive. I can’t help but smile between kisses. He covers my neck in kisses, whispering "I love you." His fingers trace my hips, tugging at my shirt when the phone rings. He pulls away abruptly, and I laugh heartily. His disheveled shirt and tousled hair remind me of our life in Newark—more spontaneous, more passionate. Nostalgia washes over me, but I push it aside as I sit up as quickly as he does.

I’m just as disheveled. My bun has completely come undone, letting my long chestnut hair cascade down my back.

"Stunning, " he whispers as he picks up the phone.

He frowns, then covers the receiver with his hand.

"Did you have a gynecologist appointment today? "

I shake my head, then reach out for the phone. He shrugs and hands it over, collapsing back onto the bed.

I try not to look at him—half-buttoned shirt, sprawled out on our bed—as I focus on the high-pitched voice on the other end of the line.

"If I’m free today to move up my appointment from next Tuesday… Yes, yes, of course. Is there a problem? "

My voice is tense. A few weeks ago, I’d seen my gynecologist about recurring nausea over the past few months. Though she wasn’t alarmed, she suggested some tests. James earns an excellent salary, so I didn’t hesitate to get them done.

The young assistant assures me it’s routine and hangs up after confirming my availability for the afternoon.

"Is something wrong? " James asks, propping himself up on one elbow, ready to get up.

I give him a faint smile, not wanting to worry him unnecessarily when I don’t know what it’s about.

He reaches for me, and I step close enough for him to grab me by the waist. My tumble onto the bed is accompanied by one of my shrill little screams, which makes him chuckle.

He pounces on me, bombarding me with tickles. My shrieks are soon joined by tears of laughter… We roll to the side, grinning, and for a moment, I forget the frustrations of the past few years. James and I love each other. He’s working hard to secure our future—for us and for our family.

In a few months, this will all be a distant memory.

Chapter 3

“Can I join you? ” James calls out, his voice teasing, as the water cascades in the shower.

The steam fogging up the glass walls around me obscures him from view, but I can easily imagine the mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

“Do you want to be late? ” I counter, my tone light but firm.

I hear him sigh.

“Why are women always right?”

I poke my head through the small gap between the shower doors, letting a chill sneak into my warm cocoon. A shiver runs through me. James stands in the doorway leading to the bedroom, his roguish stance making me blush.

His fingers deftly fasten the leather strap of his watch, sliding it through the loop. Dressed in one of his sharpest suits, his gaze locks on me. I immediately regret bringing up the risk of running late.

“We could always make it quick, ” I tease, my voice playful.

He laughs, shaking his head. Yet his eyes betray him. I see the fire in his dilated pupils. One small gesture from me, and I know I wouldn’t be alone in this oversized shower anymore. The temptation is strong, but I have an appointment of my own, and the unease surrounding it keeps my desires at bay.

Wisely, I close the door and return to the comforting flow of the water. The heat streaming down my skin helps unravel the knots in my stomach, brought on by the unexpected change to my appointment schedule. After about ten minutes, I manage to convince myself it’s just a standard rescheduling, nothing more, and I’m lucky to get in sooner.

Wrapped in a white towel, I cross the bedroom. James is gone. A faint pout forms on my lips as I notice a small note left on the freshly made bed.

Tonight, I promise. Five years, and we’ll celebrate.

I’m always surprised by how neat and round his handwriting is for a man.

I sigh, placing the note on my desk. The screensaver on my computer informs me that the morning is slipping away. James will probably grab something to eat during his meeting. I dress quickly in a loose-fitting jumpsuit, something comfortable and easy to remove when I arrive at the gynecologist’s office. The dark blue fabric flows with every movement.