Up in the Air: Chase Family Series, #1

By Mindy McKinley

She has everything she wants but time.

He has everything he wants but her.

 

Hanging on by a thread, first-year resident, Maggie Watson doesn't need anything added to her plate. With a lead doctor always on her case, suffocating family expectations, and a schedule that leaves little time for sleep—the last thing she needs is a distraction. Especially in the striking form of Cam Chase, who stirs feelings in her she has no time for. He's maddening and vain, but he's also sweet and tender and despite her best efforts, she finds him taking the lead role in her fantasies. One kiss threatens to upend the delicate balance her life requires.

 

Cam Chase's infamously charmed life has everything he could ever want on the surface. Handsome and likeable, he's had all the money, women, and fame one could want. But when his father steps down from the charter jet company he built and leaves it in the hands of his brother Carter, Cam realizes he wants more. Lost and unsure where to look, he finds his purpose where he least expects it—reading to young patients under the watchful eye of Maggie Watson. She makes him want to be a better man and once he knows what he wants, he'll do anything to prove to her and his family that he is worthy of their trust.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
• Release date: Feb 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781737379423

Book preview

Up in the Air

The Chase Family: Book 1

Mindy McKinley

THE CHARACTERS AND events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, places, or events is coincidental and not intended by the author.

IF YOU PURCHASE THIS book without a cover you should be aware that this book may have been stolen property and reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher. In such case the author has not received any payment for this stripped book.

UP IN THE AIR

The Chase Family: Book 1

Copyright © 2021 Mindy McKinley

All rights reserved.

ISBN: (EBOOK) 978-1-7373794-2-3

(print) 978-1-7373794-3-0

Inkspell Publishing

207 Moonglow Circle #101

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

EDITED BY YEZANIRA Venecia

Cover Art By Fantasia Frog Designs

THIS BOOK, OR PARTS thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The copying, scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Dedication

For Scott, whose love makes me feel like I’m flying

Chapter 1

MAGGIE

Intern Watson.

Maggie straightened to attention among the crowd of other first-year residents as they stood near the nurse’s station for their morning debrief. Yes, Dr. Hillier?

The woman’s shrewd gaze narrowed on Maggie as she adjusted the clipboard against her hip. The pediatric unit has been assigned a community service ‘volunteer.’ She made finger quotes on the last word and everyone groaned.

Community service volunteer had become code for anyone assigned through the judicial system. Usually a son or daughter of a rich family that had gotten off with a slap of a hand for something others would have done jail time for.

Maggie understood what it meant, but not why she was being singled out. She swallowed while she waited for Dr. Hillier to explain.

I’m assigning you to greet him and get him settled. She tucked a strand of her short red hair behind her ear and gave Maggie the no-nonsense smile that clearly said, Don’t even think about arguing.

Yes, Dr. Hillier, she bit back a complaint and tried to ignore the looks of relief from her fellow residents. Holden was barely holding back a laugh and Dayanara grabbed her hand in support.

Good. Dr. Hillier raised her clipboard, made a quick note. Mr. Chase will be arriving at eight a.m.—you’ll meet him in the lobby. Everyone else will commence their rounds with me in thirty minutes.

With that, the attending physician nodded, and everyone dispersed.

You okay? Dayanara asked Maggie once the others were out of earshot. The tiny dark-haired woman still clutched to her hand, her giant brown eyes were full of genuine concern.

Maggie was grateful for Dayanara—she was the only one in their group of first years that she could connect with. Everyone else seemed to have their own agenda, too worried about their own advancement to take the time to get to know each other. She slouched against the counter of the nurses’ station and bit at her bottom lip. Now I know for sure she doesn’t like me.

Don’t be silly. Dayanara let go of her hand and joined her against the counter. Everyone gets assigned to the community service workers eventually. Just think of it as getting it out of the way.

I suppose. Maggie let out a sigh. After two months with Dr. Hillier, it was clear that she was harder on Maggie than the rest of the interns, and this assignment felt like the cherry on top of the I don’t like you sundae. I just hope this one has some brains.

Dayanara giggled. I wouldn’t get your hopes up. I think you might be better off hoping he’s hot. We could use some eye candy around here. Unlike Holden. 

Maggie laughed. Holden was the epitome of awkward-looking—tall, lanky, oversized features. Add a privileged air and self-satisfied sense of genius and he got under Maggie’s skin almost hourly. Well, everyone’s skin. She’d even caught Dr. Hillier trying to control an eye roll when he was attempting to impress everyone with his medical school thesis. All right then, here’s hoping he’s easy on the eyes. She held up her pinky and Dayanara curved her own around it.

And that Holden gets the next one, Dayanara added with a smile.

Exactly, Maggie breathed. Well, enjoy the rounds while I babysit, and let me know if I miss anything important.

Dayanara nodded and adjusted the long dark ponytail that hung over her shoulder. I will provide a full report. She leaned in close. And let me know if this guy is a hottie or a Holden.

Maggie smiled. Will do, and gave Dayanara a quick hug before she bustled off down the hall.

Feeling like she was heading to an execution, Maggie turned toward elevator doors with a sigh and hit the down button. The entire trip to the lobby, she mulled over what she might have done to make Dr. Hillier dislike her. She was always on time, always studying, always jumping in to help. It didn’t make sense; she’d been a top student all her life, all her professors loved her. She let out a growl just as the elevator doors opened.

The lobby was busy with early morning admissions and waiting family members. The gift shop was opening its doors and the coffee stand at the far end filled the entire area with a warm aroma of coffee and cinnamon. It made Maggie smile. She loved it here at Chicago Immanuel Hospital, even if she was stuck on babysitting duty for the day.

She made her way to volunteer check in, and made small talk with Horace, the elderly gentleman that manned the information desk as if he was guarding a castle.

Good morning, sunshine. Horace winked at her. What stroke of good luck brought you to my desk this morning?

Maggie gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Good morning, Horace. Unfortunately I’m on babysitting duty today.

Ah. He raised an eyebrow with a knowing look. Well, I guess you’re getting it out of the way early.

Maggie laughed. That’s exactly what Dayanara said, but I just think Dr. Hillier doesn’t like me.

Horace lifted a brow in surprise. Well, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. What’s not to like about the beautiful and talented Dr. Watson?

You are too sweet. She leaned on his desk. This hospital does not deserve you.

Don’t I know it, he quipped, making Maggie giggle.

She was just about to ask him about his wife when Horace nodded toward the door. Judging by the unhappy look on his face, I’d say your charge just arrived.

Following Horace’s gaze, Maggie turned and felt her jaw momentarily unhinge. The single most beautiful man she had ever seen was making his way through the revolving doors with a scowl.

She watched, rooted to the spot as he entered the lobby, spotted the information desk, and headed straight toward her. His stride was one of confidence, of a man that knew he was good-looking, that understood what effect he had on people.

Even with the scowl, his face was chiseled perfection. With tousled dark hair, extremely broad shoulders, and golden-brown eyes that looked like sunshine through honey—Maggie nearly turned to liquid on the spot. And that was before she spotted the muscles bulging from under his fitted T-shirt.

He gave her a curt nod and turned to address Horace. Good morning. I’m Cam ... er ... Camden Chase, I’m supposed to be serving—he cleared his throat as if he was uncomfortable saying it—community service in the Pediatric Unit I think. Is this where I’m supposed to be?

Horace gave him a smile. Sure is, Mr. Chase, and this—he motioned toward Maggie, who had just managed to shut her mouth—is your tour guide for the morning. Dr. Maggie Watson.

Maggie felt her entire stomach shift when he turned his beautiful gaze toward her and grinned. Good God, this man couldn’t be real.

It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Watson. He held out a hand for her to shake.

Maggie stared at it for a beat before slipping her hand into his with a swallow. You too, Mr. Chase.

CAM

Cam felt his smile widen as he took the hand of the cute blonde he’d been assigned to. Suddenly this didn’t seem like quite the punishment he thought it would be. In fact, following this blue-eyed angel around for sixty hours of community service now felt like a gift.

She was tiny. Her head barely came up to his shoulders, but she held herself like she was six feet tall. He liked it. A lot. In her sensible slacks, blouse, and doctor’s coat, she was about as far removed from the women he was usually attracted to but all he could think about at the moment was pulling her silky hair from its tightly wound bun and kissing the delicate curve of her neck.

As if she could feel where his thoughts were going, she dropped his hand like it was diseased and stuffed hers in the pocket of her coat. All right, Mr. Chase, I’m going to take you to the Pediatric Unit and show you where you’ll be working. She turned to the man at the desk. Thanks for the chat, Horace. I’ll see you later.

Horace smiled and gave her a wink. Enjoy yourself, Maggie dear.

Maggie’s eye’s flared and she blushed a bright pink that Cam desperately wanted to understand. Without another word, she turned and started toward the elevator.

Cam watched her walk away for a moment, admiring her confident stride before catching up with her. Thank you for helping me out, he started. I have to say I’m a little embarrassed to be meeting you like this.

Maggie punched the up button for the elevator and turned toward him with a cold, unimpressed expression. I’m sure you are.

But I can’t say I’m unhappy to have met you. He let the words come out in the confident drawl that normally made women melt.

But not Maggie Watson. She stepped into the elevator when it opened and when he followed her in, she looked right at him. Or through him, he couldn’t tell. "Look, Mr. Chase, I don’t know what you did to end up here, and, frankly, I don’t care. We have a lot of work to do around here, serious work, and I need you to promise me that you won’t get in the way."

He let out a laugh but swallowed it when he realized she was being serious. Christ, this tiny woman made him feel like he was an inch tall. He was nearly ready to apologize when he realized he didn’t have anything to apologize for. She had no reason to be so rude to him when she didn’t know anything about him.

Well done, he said, making her eyes snap up to him. That was some Olympic-level conclusion jumping you just did. 

Her blue eyes narrowed. Let’s just say I’m speaking from experience working with other ‘volunteers.’

Her finger quotes got under his skin in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. Whatever happened to giving a guy a chance?

The fact that you’re here under the order of a judge is really all I need to know.

Ouch.

She let out a sigh. Mr. Chase, I have literally one thousand things to worry about every day. Let’s just say I’m not that thrilled that you’ve been added to my list of responsibilities. Nothing personal.

It feels personal, he quipped, thinking she was overselling her irritation a bit much. He thought she was just overreacting to her attraction to him. He hadn’t missed the open-mouthed stare when he’d walked in that morning, or the way her eyes traveled hungrily down his body when she thought he wasn’t looking. She was angry at herself, not him.

Still, it rankled.

She let out an aggravated puff of air. I assure you it’s not.

He was about to respond when the elevator dinged and the door opened on the fifth floor.

She walked off with her back straight and he followed her, thinking about how he’d very much like to make her come. She seemed like she needed a good orgasm, like maybe she’d never really had the kind that made your whole body weak for hours.

The small hallway with the elevators turned left into what Cam could only describe as a wonderland. The walls and fixtures were painted and placed to make you feel as if you were entering a sun-filled enchanted forest instead of a hospital floor. Even the carpet was made to look like a forest path.

Wow, he breathed, this is amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a pediatric unit. Are they all like this?

Some, she answered, clearly proud of the space. Most have themes or bright colors, but I think ours is pretty special. Don’t let the decorations fool you, we are also one of the most state-of-the-art units in the Midwest.

Cam smiled at the excitement in her voice, the way she warmed with pride.

After giving him a quick tour of the floor, Maggie introduced him to the nurses at the station who fawned over him the way he was used to. With the exception of Maggie Watson, all it took was one of his half-smiles to turn women pliant and giggly. He didn’t wield his power recklessly or use it to take advantage of anyone, but he did know a well-placed grin could make life a lot easier if he used it wisely.

Cam caught Maggie’s frown as the nurses fell over themselves to shake his hand and certainly didn’t miss the heavy eye roll when the nurse named Lisa grabbed his hand with both of hers and held it for far longer than necessary. Ladies—he pretended to tip a hat at them—it was lovely meeting you, but I think it’s time for me to get to work. He pointed over his shoulder at Maggie. The boss is getting irritated.

Maggie’s jaw tightened, her nostrils flared, and Cam mentally high-fived himself for getting under her skin. Fair play after she’d been so rude to him. All right, boss. He spun around on her. What’s next?

How long are you here today? He didn’t know how, but her ice-cold blue eyes seemed to drop another ten degrees. It was bone-chilling.

He swallowed. Until ten. He tried to disarm her with another smile. So, you only have to put up with me—he checked his watch—for another hour and a half.

When she didn’t respond in any way, he kept talking like an idiot. I’d stay longer but I have to get to work. I’m a pilot, he blurted. Still no reaction. I fly charter jets.

Maggie simply lifted a single, bored brow. Let’s start simple and have you read to some of our patients today. How’s that sound?

Sounds great, I can do some amazing voices. Still no reaction.

She just stared at him for a moment before nodding her head toward a room. I’ll introduce you and then you’ll be on your own. When can I expect you to return?

Suddenly he felt like he was in the principal’s office in middle school. I’ll be here every day from eight to ten on weekdays until, well ... His voice fell off. He felt ashamed to be forced to be there and angry that he was there at all. He hadn’t truly done anything wrong, but no one seemed to care. Sixty hours.

Her expression was difficult to read, and after a moment, she just turned and walked away.

Without a clue what to do, he simply followed her.

Chapter 2

MAGGIE

Maggie arrived at her mother’s house early Saturday morning for her usual visit. The pretense was to have breakfast as a family, but she knew it was more about her mother needing a break from Sophie’s care than anything else.

Her sister, Sophie, suffered from cystic fibrosis. At fifteen she was a bright young woman full of sunshine and dreams, but her symptoms were acute and had a way of sneaking up on the family when no one was paying attention.

Their mother, Charlotte, was the strongest woman Maggie had ever met. Single mother of two, she took care of Sophie twenty-four hours a day and even worked as a para at her high school just in case she was needed. But by the time Saturday rolled around, it was time for Maggie to step in.

Maggie didn’t mind. She loved her joyful sister, who would talk excitedly about her history projects all through the percussion vest treatment without complaining once.

This morning, her mother greeted her at the door with a tight hug. It’s good to see you, honey. She pulled away and looked her over. You look tired though, everything okay?

Yeah, of course, Mom. She followed her mother into the house she grew up in and let the familiarity of it sink into her bones. The worn furniture and old photos always had a calming effect on her. It’s just the hours I’m putting in at the hospital. I’m there for most of the day, and then lectures and studying, and by the time I’m home, I can barely move.

Her mother turned to her and put a hand on either shoulder. She looked a lot like Maggie—same build, same blonde hair but with small lines around her eyes that belied her age. I’m so proud of you, honey; I know you’re working hard. You’ve come so far. And one day, you’ll be saving lives.

Maggie simply smiled. How’s Soph today?

Oh, you know her, she’s always in a good mood. Lord knows she didn’t get that trait from me.

Maggie laughed and followed her to her sister’s room.

Her mother knocked on her door. Soph, Maggie’s here.

Maggie heard her sister let out a little whoop as she neared the door. It swung open with surprising speed and her beautiful, porcelain doll sister was there with a playful smile on her lips. Mags, she breathed happily and pulled