Diagnosis: Expecting Boss's Baby

“You’ll hate it even more if you disappoint Jason Carmichael,” Patrick said. “By the way, one more qualification—his secretary needs a thick skin.”

“I’ll call the zoo and see if they have any alligators who can type,” she said.

After Natalie left, Patrick stared after her for a bemused moment. He didn’t know how he would function in this crazy-making job if it wasn’t for her. His predecessor, Dr. Grier, had been so high-handed that he’d destroyed staff morale and sent donations plummeting, but at least he’d had the sense to hire Natalie.

Thinking about her reminded Patrick of her mother’s dolls. With a smile, he picked up the phone and called Miriam James, the gift-shop manager, to give her Angie’s number.

By the time he hung up, the public-relations director was waiting to see him.

“WE’LL HAVE TO HUSTLE to get the press kits ready in time, but otherwise, there shouldn’t be a problem.” Sitting on the far side of Patrick’s desk, Loretta Arista gave a knowing nod to Natalie. “I could use all the help I can get, of course.”

“Count on me,” Natalie said. Remembering Rita’s confidential disclosure about her sister trying to get pregnant, she wished she had a magic wand so she could help. Well, maybe the great Dr. Jason Carmichael was the answer to Loretta’s prayers.

“If you hit any roadblocks, I’ll run interference,” Patrick said. “If you like, we can hold the press conference at the yacht-club ballroom.”

“I’d prefer our own auditorium.” Slim and businesslike, Loretta wore her dark hair short, with a white streak in the front that gave her a sophisticated air. “That will make it easier for our key staff members to attend, even if it is a less-than-elegant location.” The auditorium was located in the basement of the Birthing Center. “We can host a reception afterward in the conference room next to it.”

Not only top staff members but patrons would be invited. The hiring of a new infertility director affected them all.

“I’m debating whether we should continue to keep his identity a secret,” Patrick said. “It won’t be easy, with us running off press releases and making copies of his photograph to hand out when he arrives.”

“It’s more exciting if it’s a surprise, to the press, as well as to everyone else,” Loretta said. “Let’s try to keep it under wraps.”

As Natalie took notes, Patrick and Loretta went over the details of the presentation and the reception. As always, she was impressed by the way her boss focused on details without losing sight of the big picture.

She tried not to stare at him. Patrick always seemed too muscular and vibrant to fit behind a desk. She knew exactly where he did fit, and how it felt. In bed, out of bed…

A few minutes ago, standing behind him, she’d had an outrageous urge to lean forward until her breasts pressed into his back. She’d imagined him turning around and pulling her onto his lap, after which their clothes would rapidly disappear. Thank goodness he couldn’t read minds.

“This won’t interfere with planning for the Oktoberfest, I hope,” Patrick said.

That lighthearted evening celebration was less than two weeks away. Political leaders, entertainment and sports figures and corporate heads from across Southern California had been invited.