One Night, Twin Consequences (The Monticello Baby Miracles) Read online

  Unexpected surprises come in twos!

  When Dr. Matteo Torres invites nurse Harriet Monticello to work with orphans in Buenos Aires, her head says yes! It’s something she’s always wanted to do...although her heart is wary of the irresistible off-limits doc. Shy Harriet isn’t used to taking anything for herself, and yet before they board the plane for Argentina, the chemistry between them combusts and they give in to just one night together...

  But their night of recklessness isn’t without consequences. And now Harriet has nine months to melt this brooding doctor’s heart!

  The Monticello Baby Miracles

  Double bundles of joy!

  Twin sisters spontaneous Claudia and reserved Harriet might be chalk and cheese, but no matter the distance between them, they are each other’s best friend. And then they both get news that will change their lives forever!

  For the Monticello sisters, it seems miracles will always come in twos...

  Read Harriet’s story in

  One Night, Twin Consequences

  by Annie O’Neil

  An invitation from the delectable Dr. Matteo Torres to work with orphans in Argentina is a dream come true for Harriet. It’s also right out of her comfort zone! And then one night of seduction leads to a very unexpected consequence and double the trouble!

  and

  Read Claudia’s story in

  Twin Surprise for the Single Doc

  by Susanne Hampton

  Claudia Monticello must accept former obstetrician Patrick Spencer’s help when she goes into labor in a broken elevator! But after seeing her sons in gorgeous Patrick’s arms, Claudia finds herself hoping this handsome stranger might just be the daddy her little family needs!

  Both available now!

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to One Night, Twin Consequences. This is the first time I’ve written a duet with someone—and let me tell you, Susanne Hampton is fabulous to work with! Kind, thoughtful and—lucky for me—riding exactly the same train of thought. She was the yin to my yang, and I hope you enjoy the intertwined lives and love stories these two sisters share.

  I absolutely fell in love with writing about Harriet and Matteo. Matteo because he’s totally gorgeous and I’m a sucker for an accent. Harriet because she has about as much grace and elegance as I do—read: very little!

  So strap on your seat belts and I hope you enjoy the ride!

  Annie O’ xo

  PS: Don’t be shy. Be sure to get in touch! You can reach me at my website, annieoneilbooks.com, or on Twitter, @annieoneilbooks.

  ONE NIGHT, TWIN CONSEQUENCES

  Annie O’Neil

  Books by Annie O’Neil

  Harlequin Medical Romance

  The Surgeon’s Christmas Wish

  The Firefighter to Heal Her Heart

  Doctor...to Duchess?

  One Night...with Her Boss

  London’s Most Eligible Doctor

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

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  I absolutely loved writing this book—in large part because it was about a big sister...even if she is older only by a minute! Always competitive, me! Whilst completely different, Harriet and Claudia share the unbreakable bond of sisterhood—and for that reason, I dedicate this book with unfathomable love to my sister Michelle. Xxx

  Praise for Annie O’Neil

  “This is a beautifully written story that will pull you in from page one and keep you up late and turning the pages.”

  —Goodreads on Doctor...to Duchess?

  “A poignant and enjoyable romance that held me spellbound from start to finish. Annie O’Neil writes with plenty of humor, sensitivity and heart, and she has penned a compelling tale that will touch your heart and make you smile as well as shed a tear or two.”

  —CataRomance on The Surgeon’s Christmas Wish

  “A terrific debut novel, and I am counting down the days until the release of Annie O’Neil’s next medical romance!”

  —CataRomance on The Surgeon’s Christmas Wish

  Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER ONE

  “YOU WANT ME to do what tonight?” Harriet all but choked on her freshly dunked ginger biscuit. How did her boss know the perfect way to throw her off balance? Besides, didn’t he know nice cup of tea and ginger biscuit o’clock was sacrosanct?

  “Give the lecture tonight. You never take enough credit for your work and this would be the perfect way to showcase your research.” Dr. Bailey handed her a serviette with a smile. “Crumbs.”

  “Ack! Oops!”

  More mortification. Disintegrated biscuit was now decorating the front of her navy uniform. Typical graceful behavior. Not! Normally the fitted dress flattered Harriet’s slim build—created the illusion she was more woman than tomboy. But with a mushy bit of biscuit on her front resembling something more akin to...well... You saw everything in a children’s hospital. She accepted the serviette with an embarrassed laugh. She’d had all sorts on her uniform through the years, so this was hardly a disaster. Not that scrubbing her bosom in front of her boss was the epitome of a comfortable moment.

  “I don’t know...” She opted for the old reliable, “My sister needs me—”

  “Your sister lives in Los Angeles. Nice try, Harriet.”

  “Actually, she’s coming over?”

  Hmm. That wasn’t meant to come out like a question.

  “When?” Dr. Bailey was no stranger to Harriet’s advanced conversational duck-and-dive technique. This was their drill every time he wanted her behind a podium. Although this time she really did have a legitimate excuse. Maybe.

  “She rang last night to say she was coming over.” That much was true.

  “It’s a long flight from Los Angeles and in my experience they tend to arrive the next day. Which means you’re free to give your lecture tonight.”

  “Yes, but she’s having twins!” Harriet explained, knowing, as the words came out that her very, very pregnant sister hadn’t strictly said she was arriving that night and was incredibly unlikely to be appearing until well after the twins were born. A good three months away. Flying weeks before you’re due with twins? Not a good idea. Probably not even allowed. Although when her sister set her mind to something, it happened. So that little problem about turning their childhood home into a baby friendly zone over the next few weeks was a nut that needed cracking. Not to mention it being the first time in years her independent sister had well and truly needed her. Enough to add a little kick to her step. Harriet the Reliable was back in action!

  Harriet chanced a glance up at Dr. Bailey. Yes. He was still patiently waiting for her to answer.

  “You know public speaking isn’t really my forte.” And that was putting it mildly.

  “Since when have you backed away from a challenge?” h
er boss riposted.

  “Since always if it involves public speaking!”

  “Most people would kill to be the opening act for Dr. Torres.”

  Harriet kept her lips tightly clenched to hold in a spontaneous sigh. Swoon! Dr. Matteo Torres—the unwitting man of her dreams.

  “Harriet...” Dr. Bailey narrowed his eyes. “Has Dr. Torres done something to offend you during his stay here?”

  “Uh...no?” Apart from being drop-dead gorgeous, intelligent, a leader in his field and so far out of her league she couldn’t see straight. Not that she’d talked to him or anything. Tactical avoidance had been her approach and it had worked just fine during his fortnight of “observation” at St. Nick’s. His presence hadn’t just made her feel jittery. It made her... Oh, blimey...it made her lusty.

  Along with ever other red-blooded female in a mile or so’s range of the man.

  Smokin’ hot. Burn the tips of your fingers hot with extra hotness.

  And she never said that about anyone. She wasn’t trendy enough. By a long shot.

  Just catching a glimpse of the man made her feel giddy!

  No!

  Distracting. Off-putting. Non-essential. Which was why she’d been playing her very own, proactive game of hide-and-don’t-seek whenever he was within a ward’s reach. If she didn’t see or speak to Dr. Torres, she wouldn’t go all rubber-kneed and act like an idiot. That was her plan anyway and she was sticking with it.

  “Matteo is particularly interested in hearing your talk.”

  “You mean your talk.” She grabbed hold of the counter edge and feigned a little finger drumming along the worn Formica. Nope! No rubber knees here!

  “Harriet...there’s no need to be modest. It’s a chance to shine for our guest!”

  “If he’s into muttering and stuttering, sure. No problem,” she grumbled. Fat chance she’d be able to form a sentence, let alone an entire speech in front of the Latin Lothario, as he was now referenced in the tearoom. Not terribly original, but everyone knew who they were talking about. It wasn’t like the corridors of St. Nick’s were overridden with gorgeous, swarthy obstetricians.

  “Harriet.” Dr. Bailey put on his stentorian tone. The “dad voice” as she liked to think of it. “This is a chance for you to present your work to the world’s largest collection of pediatric elite. People who work with orphaned children all the time. What you’ve proved here at St. Nick’s, and elsewhere, is groundbreaking and could change how wards of the state are treated around the world. Don’t you want that for yourself?”

  “No!”

  Dr. Bailey’s expression crumpled to one of pure dismay.

  Oops. Wrong answer.

  “But I do want it for St. Nick’s.” A smile lit up her face when an idea hit her. “Hey! What if we have my sister do it by remote video link? She’s a gifted speaker and no one would know the difference!”

  “Harriet Monticello.” Dr. Bailey lost his battle with hiding his exasperation. “You’re not an identical twin. What I recall from her odd visit here is that the only thing you two have in common is a surname.”

  Just because she was a homebody and her sister was exotically thrilling didn’t make them all that different!

  “Love, you’ve got this.” He gave her arm a reassuring pat. “There is nothing to be intimidated by. I know you prefer being ‘the girl behind the screen’ but it’s time to get you out there. Put yourself in the limelight.”

  “Dr. Bailey, you’re really the public speaker for the department. I’m not sure the Child Care Symposium is really the place—”

  “Tush and nonsense!” Her boss cut in. “You’re more than capable of delivering the lecture. Apart from which, my wife won’t hear of my doing it as it’s our anniversary tonight and...I may have accidentally forgotten last year’s so you’d be doing me quite a favor. I’m officially in the doghouse until she has a glass of champagne in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other.” His voice shifted back to the confident tone that had won him the trust of countless colleagues and patients. “You’re every bit as qualified as I am to give the lecture, Harriet. It was your research that got us the invitation to speak for the CCS in the first place. You should take the credit...” He leaned in for added emphasis. “For once.”

  Harriet waved away his kind words. “You’re the one who gave me the time to do the research.”

  “And you’re the one who connected the dots about the impact of staffing rotas on the children. Take some credit where credit is due! Don’t you think it’s time to stop hiding behind your sister’s shadow?”

  “My sister has a very nice shadow, thank you very much,” Harriet replied primly, slightly abashed he’d seen through her. Again.

  “It’s a fascinating topic and many orphanages could benefit. One I know a lot of health professionals will be keen to hear. Including...” Harriet watched the older doctor’s eyes scan the ward as if he’d misplaced something. Or, rather, someone.

  Their eyes simultaneously lit on the man who’d just set the swinging double doors at the end of the ward in motion as if cued to make a dramatic entrance.

  He was tall, ebony-haired and had an easygoing grace about him. Not movie-star-ish. More...cowboy...or fighter pilot. Not a drop of vanity about him. But, sweet cherry pies, did that man ever exude confidence. Hair long enough to see it had a sexy wavy thing going on. Was that a bit of a five o’clock shadow? And...mmm...he didn’t just wear clothes, he showed them off. Or did they show him off? Either way, the effect...oh, the effect! Trousers just skimming along his trim hipline. Long legs you could take a zip line ride on if you were into that sort of thing. Shoulders filling out his open-at-the-neck shirt. Not too much. But enough to know that if he lifted a child in his arms there would be some biceps action. Not that she’d imagined him doing that or anything.

  Maybe once or twice?

  The first time she had seen him—ensuring, of course, she’d been safely tucked behind the curtained confines of a patient’s cubicle—her eyes had nearly popped out of her head. Pretty much each time she’d seen him after that? No change.

  Raw, unadulterated lust.

  There was no other description for it. She had the hots for this man and hiding each time she saw him coming had been her only salvation. Not that she was five or anything. She was just acutely tuned into the child within. It helped with her work. Besides, behaving like a grown-up was highly overrated. Particularly if survival was a factor.

  For her entire life, Harriet had been “the sensible twin”, the “shy twin”, the “wallflower twin” and for about as long as she could remember she’d always happily agreed. Her twin sister, Claudia—pronounced like a beautiful, fluffy cloud versus a gray, dull clod—was about as vivacious, gorgeous, gutsy and go-get-’em as a girl could get... And Harriet? Polar opposites was a pretty good starting place.

  As the doors phwapped shut, a surge of energy shot through her so powerfully there was no doubt she would always remember this instant in time. Another daydream to tuck away for the years ahead when Dr. Torres was safely back in his homeland.

  The dozen or so patients between them faded into soft focus, their chatter and laughter muted by the thump of her heartbeat ascending to her ears. Everything slowed down, sensations quadrupled and her very breath caught in her throat then released in a sigh as her gaze linked with his incredibly green eyes.

  Was that heat she felt flickering away below her waist?

  Heat?

  How inopportune. And... What were those?

  Tingles?

  Harriet Monticello didn’t get tingles, for goodness’ sake! And now she was being tickled with flickering tingles of heat? What was going on?

  The closer he got to them, the more she felt everything inside her shift and twist and lift... Good grief!

  It wasn’t like she was a comp
lete novice in the world of romance. There’d been a handful of boyfriends over the years. Sort of. All of whom she’d parted from amicably. No point in letting them know they hadn’t really baked her cake. But responding to a virtual stranger on such a primal level? Brand spanking new.

  Was this what blossoming was? At a few months shy of thirty, she was a bit late for that, wasn’t she? Love at first sight? Or just pure, undiluted desire?

  Each microscopic change in her body was wholly in response to him. And utterly involuntary.

  He was taller than her, which wasn’t difficult—her being the “petite” one to her sister’s “statuesque beauty”. As he neared, Harriet’s chin tipped upwards, opening up the length of her throat in a way that almost felt suggestive. Her shoulder blades shimmied down her back as her shoulders gave a little wiggle to better present themselves. As if such a thing were possible in a staff dress. Sure, it had a clingy cheongsam cut, but it was, at the end of the day, a uniform.

  She felt her breasts pressing against the well-worn cotton of the snap-fronted dress, and for the tiniest of moments wondered what it would feel like if Matteo were to trace a finger along the diamond shaped neckline then begin, one by one, to pop open each of the snaps. Would his fingers be rough or smooth? How would it feel if he were to draw one of his hands across her belly and begin to explore elsewhere? Would she touch him back? Or, for the very first time, luxuriate in letting herself be caressed before seeing to her lover’s needs? Would his unruly black hair feel as silky as it looked? Would he moan if she scratched his back in an untamed moment of desire? Or call out mi corazon! Or whatever hot Latin doctors called out in a moment of passion.

  The roar of blood in her ears shot up a few decibels.

  When he arrived in front of them—a smile playing across his full lips—a heated flush flashed across her cheeks. Could he read minds as well? Anyone with eyes so lusciously green surely had access to the deeper reaches of a woman’s soul.

  Er... Get a grip!