by Laura Ann
Her bottom lip jutted out. “Then what exactly are you?”
Lane fought the need to roll her eyes. Are you kidding me? How can she not know what a physical therapist is?
“When people get hurt, I help them get better. Say you broke your arm. When it was healed, a physical therapist would help you get your range of motion back, teach you exercises to get your strength back and hopefully get you back to full function.”
Camille scrunched her nose. “Oh.”
Yeah... oh. Can we be done now? I’ve proved I’m not by myself and now I want away from you and your snottiness.
“We own our own physical therapy,” Richard sniffed, finally inserting himself into the conversation.
Pierce nodded. “Yeah. Some hospitals do. I work in an independent, out-patient clinic.”
Lane squeezed his side. “I think it’s great.” She looked up and allowed her adoration to shine through, hoping Camille noticed. “Getting your own clinic off the ground is awesome. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Pierce smiled genuinely for the first time since Camille had come over. “Well being a nurse isn’t an easy job either, Miss Overachiever.”
Lane’s felt her whole body light up at his sweet words.
“A nurse?” Camille snorted. “Leave it to you pick a profession where you deal with blood and poop.”
This time the urge couldn’t be contained. Lane rolled her eyes and started to step away. “Well, it was great catching up with you, Camille. You look really good.” She grabbed Pierce’s hand and walked away.
“HOLD UP A SECOND!” Camille said, grabbing Pierce’s other hand to stop them from leaving.
Pierce frowned and tried to pull his hand free, but Camille refused to let go.
“I think we should have a dance,” Camille said smoothly. “You know... for old time’s sake.”
Pierce felt a shiver go up his spine, and it wasn’t the good kind. He glanced at Lane, who appeared crestfallen. His first instinct was to tell Camille to buzz off and go comfort Lane, but before he could say anything, Camille continued.
“I’m sure Lane won’t mind giving you up for one dance,” Camille egged them on. “Surely your relationship is secure enough for that?”
How the heck did Lane put up with this chick in school? Angry at the manipulative woman’s assertions, Pierce opened his mouth to give her a set down, but once again, the women spoke around him.
“Fine,” Lane said, pulling herself up straight. “It’s no big deal.” She stuck her chin in the air.
“Richard...” Camille said with a predator smile, “dance with Lane.”
“Oh no, that’s alright.”
Without a word, Richard took Lane’s arm and led her to the dance floor. Lane’s eyes were wide, and she looked completely terrified of the stoic, snobby surgeon.
Pierce scowled.
“Oh, come on Pierce. It’s just one dance,” Camille purred in his ear.
Pierce jumped back, not sure when Camille had come so close. “Fine,” he growled, his eyes darting to Lane again. “One dance and we’re done.”
Camille smiled triumphantly and sauntered onto the dance floor.
Pierce held her away from himself in a proper dance position. No way am I putting my arms any further around her. She feels all wrong.
Camille smirked. “Your little girlfriend will be fine,” she stated. “She’s a big girl, so quit worrying about her.” Camille stepped closer and ran her hand from his shoulder to behind his neck. “Now, let’s talk about why you’re here with someone like Lane, rather than someone like me.”
Pierce leaned back, forcing Camille to let go of his neck. “Seems to me you’re doing just fine for yourself, Camille.”
Camille pouted. “Richard is alright, but he’s almost worn out his usefulness.”
“Oh?” Pierce’s eyes were on Lane, who was looking more and more green as the dance went on. Richard was standing incredibly close to her and his hand was very low on her back. If that hand drops any more, I’m gonna break his nose.
“Yes and when that happens, I’ll need someone new.” Once again, Camille stepped close.
Pierce jolted back to their conversation, finally pulling his gaze from Lane’s distress. “I don’t know what you want from me,” Pierce sputtered, putting distance between them once again.
Camille sighed and tilted her head. “Look, I know there’s no way you’re actually together with Lane.”
Pierce jerked back. “What?”
Camille rolled her eyes. “Don’t insult my intelligence. The girl is pathetic! You’ve always been on the upper tier of life, Pierce. Lane is at the bottom.”
Pierce narrowed his gaze. “Why do you hate her so much? Lane is one of the sweetest people I know. What could she have possibly done to you?”
Camille visibly stiffened at his comments. “Done to me? She didn’t do anything to me. The girl was a bottom feeder.”
Pierce shook his head. “No... spill it, Camille. There’s something there.”
Camille’s shiny lips pursed and her eyes darted toward her date and Lane. “Fine. You want to know?” Her bright gaze came back to Pierce. “I was queen of the school, Pierce. Did you know that? I was the top. I was the head cheerleader, and I was dating the football quarterback. And yet...” her cheeks turned red and bitterness coated her features. “And yet my boyfriend,” she spat the word, “had the audacity to ask me one day why I couldn’t be more like meek, quiet Lane.” She ground her teeth. “He said she was always kind to him when he needed help in class and much less... dramatic, than I was.” A derisive laugh left her lips. “Can you believe it? She didn’t even know how to dress herself properly and he wanted me to be more like her.” Camille’s eyes flashed. “There was no way on Earth that I was ever going to fashion myself after a quiet, little nobody.”
“So you made her life horrible instead,” Pierce put the pieces together.
Camille jerked her chin in defiance. “I only made sure she knew to never step into my territory again.”
“You graduated almost ten years ago,” Pierce said incredulously. “Why the heck are you still threatened by her? The incident wasn’t even her fault and now you’ve both gone your separate ways.”
Camille sniffed. “If I don’t keep her in her place, who will?” She chuckled darkly. “Although being a nurse means she’s still at the bottom of the food chain while I’m at the top. It’s just too perfect.”
Anger was simmering in Pierce’s chest as the woman’s horrible words, and if Camille wasn’t a woman, he’d have given her a black eye. However, he found a much better target for his frustration when he looked over at Lane and Richard.
They had stopped spinning and Lane was pushing against his chest, her face panicked. Richard’s hand had drifted lower than polite and was pulling her into his body.
“Wha— Pierce!” Camille screeched, when he dropped her and stormed across the dance floor.
Ripping Lane out of Richard’s arms, Pierce stood toe to toe with the jerk. “Touch her again and you’re gonna need your own services.”
Richard’s eyes widened, and he leaned back, his hands up. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just following her lead.”
Pierce growled and stepped a little closer when Lane gasped at his words. “Don’t even try it. Just go and take your skanky girlfriend and get out of my sight.”
The doctor narrowed his eyes, glaring at Pierce, and Pierce found his fists clenching. He wasn’t one to pick fights very often, but he wasn’t about to sit back while Lane’s reputation was smeared.
A tug on his arm caught his attention. “Come on, Pierce. Let’s just go,” Lane whispered. Her cheeks were tear-streaked and her eyes were darting around as if trying to gage how badly they had disrupted the night.
Pierce allowed himself to be pulled away. With one last glare, he turned and led Lane away from the dance floor.
CHAPTER 7
Pierce’s chest was still thrumming with
frustration when they got to the edge of the room.
“Why the heck didn’t you pop the guy into the next town over!” Wren hissed, coming up behind him and Lane.
Lane sniffled, pulling Pierce’s attention from his angry sister. Crap.
“Oh, Lane.” Wren pulled her friend into a fierce hug. “Don’t let that witch get to you.” She held Lane away from her a little. “She’s a jealous skank who doesn’t have anything good in her life, that’s why she’s holding onto petty high school squabbles.”
Pierce had to give it to his sister. She pretty much nailed it on the head.
Lane wiped her cheeks. “I know, but I just... that guy wouldn’t let go and he was making me so uncomfortable.”
Wren grinned evilly. “You should have just puked on his shoes. Too bad you stopped doing that in middle school every time you got upset.” She cackled. “I’ll bet that would have sent him scurrying away in those expensive Italian leather monstrosities.”
Lane laughed a little and Pierce was finally able to take a deep breath. He hadn’t realized how wound up his body was knowing Lane was in distress. His fingers itched to pull her into his arms to comfort her and help her forget about the grabby guy behind them, but Wren was still running interference.
“Want me to go punch him?” Wren asked with a smile. “Cause I will. You know I will.”
“Alright... that’s enough.” Pierce moved Wren to the side and reached out gently to Lane. When she slipped her hand into his, his muscles relaxed and he slowly pulled her into his chest. “Lane needs a little time,” he told Wren, who was glaring at him. “You can talk to her about beating people up later.”
Wren opened her mouth to argue, but Silas stepped in. “Come on, Wren. Let them alone.”
Wren spun on her date, her eyes flashing. “I’ll thank you to stay out of it, Klingon Boy.”
Silas’ eyebrow rose high. “Nice. How long you been waiting to use that one?” He shook his head, pain obvious on his face. “I think I’m done here.” His eyes went to Lane and Pierce. “Good night guys, it was good to see you.”
Wren’s face fell as she watched her date stroll casually across the room.
Much to Pierce’s dismay, Lane stepped out of his loose embrace. “Wren. I can’t believe you were so rude to him.” She sounded disappointed and Pierce couldn’t help but agree. His sister had been out of line.
“I know... I just...” Wren rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what to think.”
“I think you need to go apologize,” Lane said softly, giving Wren a little push.
Wren’s panicked eyes left Silas’ back and went straight to Lane. “Do I have to?”
Lane gave a small, sad smile. “You know you’ll feel better. You want to apologize, Little Bird.”
Wren sighed and nodded. “You’re right, I just... ARGH! He’s so frustrating!”
Lane laughed lightly and gave her another push. “Go. Before he takes off and you never see him again.”
Wren gulped, then quickly left.
Finally! Pierce reached out and pulled Lane back. She stepped easily into his arms and he sighed in relief, tucking her as close as he could get her. Her head was resting just under his chest and he turned so he could put his cheek against her hair. “Is this okay?” he asked softly, making sure he wasn’t moving to fast.
Her answering nod sent his pulse racing.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner.”
Lane jerked her head up, narrowly missing clipping his jaw. “You came just in time,” she said hoarsely. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. He refused to take ‘no’ for an answer.”
Pierce growled and tucked her head down again. “I should have blackened his eye for that. No man has the right to do that.”
“Well, he wasn’t a man. He was a surgeon.” Lane’s voice was muffled against his suit, but he had to chuckle at her words.
“Yeah. He was pretty proud of that, wasn’t he?”
Lane’s body shook as she laughed. Her fingers began to play with the lapels of his suit coat and suddenly the temperature in the room skyrocketed. “I see it all the time at the hospital. Most surgeons don’t think they walk among us mere mortals.”
Pierce snorted.
Lane’s head came up again and her eyes were shining as she looked right at him. “Although I’m grateful we have surgeons, I think your job is just as important,” she said softly.
Pierce couldn’t help the grin that pulled at his lips. “Yeah? And why is that?”
“Surgeons might fix the injury, but you help fix the whole body and mind.” Lane smiled. “You help people get back on their feet and find confidence in their abilities again. You help them walk, talk, move and find independence. That’s pretty special in my book.”
Pierce’s breathing had stopped. Lane’s tone had been reverent and adoring and he was completely awestruck. When a screech came through the sound system, startling them both, he sucked in a greedy lungful of air.
When the sound settled back into a slow song, Pierce began rocking the two of them to the music. He gave a half smile. “You make me sound like some type of hero,” he teased.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Lane said airily. Slowly, she slipped her arms up his chest and linked them behind his neck.
Pierce gulped as the moment grew sticky and slow. Can I kiss her? I mean, this is the first time we’ve been together. Is it too soon? We’ve known each other forever, but... In his contemplation, his eyes darted around the room, hitting the ceiling just above their heads.
Bingo! He looked back at Lane, who was still holding onto him, but the chewing of her lip let him know she was unsure of herself. Looks like it’s time to reassure her.
LANE’S HEART WAS GOING to beat right out of her chest. I am wayyy too young for a heart attack! she screamed internally.
The electricity crackling through the air was almost painful in its intensity. His hazel eyes were boring into hers and a smirk crept across his face. Slowly, Pierce lowered his head until they were sharing the same air. “Waste not and all that,” he murmured right before touching her lips.
Lane felt a jolt run through her at their contact and she had to lock her knees. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Pierce Maxwell is KISSING ME!!
The first kiss had been light, almost a brush. However, Pierce didn’t stop there. The second kiss lasted a little longer, and then again a little longer, until Lane couldn’t help herself. Pushing up on tiptoe, she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and kissed him back.
Her exuberant reaction must have been exactly what Pierce was looking for because he chuckled low in his chest and held her tightly. One hand slid to the back of her head as he took over and deepened the kiss.
I’ve died and gone to heaven. I hope I never come back to Earth! All those years of pining away for a boy she could never have and now she was in his arms, pretending to be his girlfriend, kissing him like there was no tomorrow.
Like the splash of an ice cold wave, reality slammed into Lane. Pretending... I’m pretending to be his girlfriend just like he’s pretending to be my boyfriend. With a gasp she pulled out of his arms.
Her heart was racing and both of them were panting from their intimate moment.
“Lane,” Pierce breathed, reaching for her again. “That was-”
“I can’t do this,” Lane said in broken voice.
Pierce froze, the look of desire on his face turning to one of confusion. “What? Do what?”
Lane put a hand to her aching chest. Her heart was not only racing painfully, but it felt as if it would shatter at any moment. “This,” she said through a sob. “I can’t pretend anymore. My heart can’t take it. I’m sorry.”
Knowing tears were about to pour down her face, Lane turned without looking at Pierce and bolted out of the hotel. She headed straight for her car, planning to have her pity party away from the crowds and simply wait for Wren while reading a book on her phone.
The bitter winter air, slapped her in th
e face as she left the venue. Snowflakes were drifting lazily to the ground, creating a beautiful, romantic Christmas scene, but Lane’s broken heart took no notice. She began to wind her way through the cars, when she jolted to a stop.
“LANE!” Pierce shouted from the hotel entrance, chasing after her.
Lane froze, but didn’t turn around, waiting for the inevitable. She was so embarrassed about her feelings that she couldn’t even bring herself to look at his face, which was sure to be sporting a sympathetic look. He just feels sorry for me. I’m a kid sister to him, one that he doesn’t even really like, and he was only doing me a favor. But her heart hadn’t listened all night. Pierce had been so sweet and attentive, even saving her from that jerk on the dance floor that she had begun to hope it was all real. But it isn’t. He’s been playing a part all night.
“Lane... please...” Pierce gasped as he came up behind her.
“I—I’m sorry, Pierce,” Lane forced out through her closed up throat. “I just—”
“No, I’m sorry. I thought...” He growled. “Please look at me, Lane. You’re making me feel like a monster or something.”
Lane spun, her jaw dropping. “There is absolutely nothing about you that is a monster, Pierce. You’re perfect!” She snapped her jaw shut when his eyes widened. Twice. Twice in one night I’ve told him how I feel about him. How can he even stand to talk to me?
After a moment, Pierce seemed to gain his composer. “Look... I had no idea your heart belonged to someone else.” He pushed a hand through his hair roughly. “Wren was sure that you...” He snorted and shook his head. “I guess it doesn’t matter. I’m just sorry about in there. I’ve wanted to kiss you for years and that stupid mistletoe above us gave me the perfect opportunity and I... I couldn’t help myself.”
Lane blinked rapidly, trying to connect everything he was saying, but nothing made sense. “Mistletoe? You kissed me because of the mistletoe?”
“Uh... yeah?”
Lane’s eyes couldn’t focus as she realized it was just a tradition, and she’d run out of there like a scared child. “I thought you kissed me because you were being my fake boyfriend tonight!” She buried her face in her hands. “Oh my gosh! I’m such an idiot!”