“He was here last night,” she said with a matchmaking glimmer in her eye. “He must have took off at first light, cause I ain’t seen him all mornin’.”
Sitting down at the small kitchen table, I place the jam at the center and bent to retrieve my cell phone from my bag. I quickly typed him a text message, needing to know that Warren was safe.
Hey! I’m at Nana Kay’s. Cops talked to me about the animal attacks. Wanted to check on you guys. Where are you? Text me and let me know you’re okay.
Shortly after hitting the send button, I heard Warren’s text alert from the other room. Nana Kay turned, and we looked at each other, confused.
“I thought you said he wasn’t here.” The feelings of concern and fear I had before ditching my police escort rushed back, covering me like a blanket.
“He’s not,” she said. Nana Kay pulled a tray of biscuits out of the over and placed them on top of the stove, tossing her oven mitt on the counter. “Not unless he came in after you did.”
I stood from the table and quickly moved through the archway. Scanning the small living room, I looked back and forth, searching, as if Warren could be hidden behind the small bookshelf in the corner, the television, or crouching behind Nana Kay’s recliner. Warren wasn’t there, but his phone was. Near the center of the coffee table, next to a bottle of Pepsi.
“Dammit!” I stomped my foot, acting like a spoiled toddler. “He left his phone on the table.”
“Come back in here and have a biscuit ‘fore they get stone cold,” Nana Kay said. Again, I did what I was told and made my way back to the kitchen. I sat down at the table to wait while Nana tried to convince me of Warren’s safety. “I’m sure Warren is fine. He’s always just fine. Even when he was a wee boy, he would get in a scuffle or get lost and ended up bein’ just fine. He’s good like that.”
“Yes, Nana, I’m sure that’s true. But this is different. This is –”
“No, no, no.” Nana Kay interrupted me, but did so in the sweetest way possible. “That’s enough now.” She placed a plate with two perfectly shaped, golden brown biscuits on the table in front of me. The wonderful smell wafted up and intoxicated my senses. “This is no different. He’ll be home soon. You’ll see. Now eat.” She pointed to the biscuits. I scoffed, knowing there was no sense in arguing with Nana. I wouldn’t win.
I split the biscuit in half, spread jam on one side and honey on the other, and did my best to push my concerns aside and enjoy the delicious results of Nana Kay’s cooking talent.
I stayed at Nana Kay’s and waited for Warren to return as long as possible. But I had to other patients to see and needed to return to the hospital for rounds. I kissed Nana’s cheek before leaving and making her promise to make Warren text me as soon as he walked in the door. She gave me her word. That was good enough for me.
I was thrilled that my other patients in Bartley were all doing well, but I didn’t get a chance to see Matthew. His father said he was visiting his mother for the weekend. While I was a little concerned, there was nothing I could do about it now.
It wasn’t until I reached the far side of the bridge that I remembered the growling. Shit! I paused but there was no choice. I had to go in. I decided this time I would just keep walking no matter what. After taking about ten steps into the trees I heard someone shouting my name.
“Doctor Decker!” It was Officer Tucker. Oh, fuck. I forgot about him. “Did I not make myself clear?” He’s pissed.
“Officer Tucker,” I tried to sound pleasant without being a pushover as I met up with him. “Yes, sir. You were perfectly clear.” I flashed him my best smile. “But so was I. my patients couldn’t wait and the young man you had running interference for you had no idea when you would be there.”
“After someone said they saw you run into the woods, the patrolman you spoke with started freaking out. He had no idea what happened to you. I’m sure your patients could have waited another hour,” his tone was full of frustration. “I would have been here to keep you safe.”
“No, sir,” I said. My smile faded. “Some of them are on medications that are very time sensitive.” It’s true. I just didn’t see any of them today. “Waiting an hour can be harmful. And who says I needed you to keep me safe? As you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”
“You’re lucky,” he pointed at me. His jaw clenched. He cocked his head, shook his fist at me several times before taking a breath and standing up straight and tall. “I should arrest you for interfering with a police investigation,” he said. Officer Tucker put his hand on his utility belt. He looked hot. Like a male stripper or something from the beginning of a porno movie. It turned me on a little, and my rebellious streak was ignited.
“Okay,” I said. I dropped my bag onto the ground and put my hands on my hips to show I was standing my ground. “So, arrest me.” I put my hands out, almost daring him to put handcuffs. Officer Tucker and I stood still, staring at each other, like opposing sides in a Western. I waited for him to make a move.
“I said I should.” Officer Tucker turned sideways, standing parallel to the forest path. “But I hate paperwork.” I smiled in victory. “And I have enough of that as it is.”
I laughed. He glared at me. I covered my mouth and shook my head. “Sorry. It’s not funny. Really. I’m sorry.” I picked up my medial bag and slung it over my shoulder.
“Well, don’t just stand there,” he said. He motioned toward the path. “Let’s go before something attacks us, too.”
Officer Tucker and I walked side by side up the path. Between the sounds of our footsteps on the ground, the jingling of his keys, and the light chatter over his police radio, we spoke very little.
Thank god he showed up. I felt a sense of relief, no longer having to worry about being alone if the wolf showed up again. But I wasn’t going to tell him that. Suddenly my phone beeped. A text. I scrambled to retrieve it from the pocket of my bag. I clicked the screen to put in my code and there it was, a message from Warren.
Hey beautiful! Nana said you were checking on me. I’m home and I’m fine. Going to eat some biscuits and get a shower. Call in you a bit.
I smiled and quickly replied.
Thanks for texting me. TTYL.
Wait. I looked back and forth, up and down the path. How’d he get home? Wouldn’t he have to pass by? I don’t get it.
“Who was that?” Officer Tucker interrupted my chaotic internal rambling.
“Oh, uh …” I looked up at met his gaze. Suddenly I remembered Officer Tucker asking me to coffee. This is not something I wanted to get into, now, while we were alone, in the middle of the woods. “It was just a patient checking in with me. I couldn’t reach him before, so he wanted to let me know he was doing okay.”
“You really care about your patients, don’t you?” Officer Tucker smiled. I smiled back. “Most doctors don’t care that much. They just treat and street.”
“My Dad was a doctor, too. I learned from him.” We returned to walking in silence, mostly. Officer Tucker walked a few steps in front of me. I started thinking about my Dad again, realizing that he really had helped to sculpt me into what I am today – not just the doctor I am, but the whole person.
“You’re pretty awesome, doc,” Officer Tucker said, scanning the woods from side to side.
I concentrated on keeping pace with him. “Thank you,” I said, slightly reluctant to respond.
“You’re going to make someone a great wife someday.” I paused, allowing Officer Tucker to take a few steps solo, putting just a bit more distance between us. Fuck!
Chapter Eleven
Tossing my keys onto the table, I stood and replayed my encounter with Officer Turner. His actions, his overconcern, his inappropriate comments. Maybe I’m just over sensitive right now. Between Warren and the wolf, I was a little on edge. I decided my objections and feelings were simply reactions to everything else going on. Officer Turner wasn’t the problem. I was.
Locking up for the night, I grabbed a glass of wine,
turned off the lights, and headed to the master bathroom. I ran a bubble bath, lit several candles, and turned on my “shower me with music” playlist. Stepping into the large, round tub, I placed my cell phone and wine on the wicker shelf nearby.
My muscles began to relax as I lowered myself into the scented water. The bubbles covered my body, making a fizzing noise as they moved about, softly popping. I let out a soft sigh and leaned back, letting the water and the music soothe my aching body and my tender spirit.
Candlelight flickered against the walls, creating a dance of shadows and light. I rolled my head to the side and glanced out the window to see a large, full, silvery moon shining down. Beautiful.
I hummed along to the melody, picking up a handful of the bubbles and rubbing them up my arm and I began to think of Warren. How he touched me. How he made me feel. How I missed him.
Just then, my cell phone rang. I let out a frustrated breath and reached to retrieve it from the shelf. I looked at the caller ID. It was Warren. It rang again. I sat up so quickly that the water sloshed and spilled out onto the floor. I didn’t care. I let the phone ring one last time. I didn’t want to seem desperate.
“Hello,” I said, speaking calmly.
“Hi,” he said. “Told you I’d call you.”
“Yes. You did.” I smiled and leaned back again, sliding down into the warm water. “I was sorry I missed you today at Nana’s.”
“Me, too. And I’m sorry that I made you worry. But thank you for checking on us. And keeping Nana company. She talked for hours about how much she loved having you there.”
“I loved being there. Plus, I got to have her biscuits right out of the oven.” I reached for my wine and took a sip. This moment felt perfect. Relaxing bath with candlelight and wine. Talking to Warren on the phone. I felt happier than I had in a long, long time.
“Why don’t you let me make it up to you,” he said.
“How’s that?” The ends of my mouth slowly turned up, anticipating his answer.
“Let me take you to dinner tomorrow.”
“Well, tomorrow is my only day off for the next two weeks,” I said. “So, if I’m going to spend it with you, you better make it worth my while.” I let out a playful laugh.
“Really?” Warren replied, his tone mirroring my playfulness. “I can do that. And I know exactly where I’ll take you.”
“You do? Well, please. Do tell.”
“Nope,” he said, over emphasizing the word. “It’s going to be a surprise. You’ll just have to wait. How does four-thirty sound? There’s somewhere I want to take you before we go to dinner.”
“I’ll be ready,” I replied.
“I can’t wait to see you, Rose.” His words sent a chill up and down my spine.
“Me, too,” I said. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.”
“Good night,” he said. “Sweet dreams.”
After speaking with Warren, I felt giddy. I was excited to see where he was taking me, what his big surprise was. Getting out of the tub, my mind ran through places in the area that he might take me. None of them fit.
As I nestled onto the couch with a plate of sliced apples and peanut butter, I decided to stop trying to figure it out and let it be a surprise. I turned on the television, and flipping through the channels, found a cheesy romance movie.
“Perfect,” I said. I snuggled in, taking in all the sappy romance looks and lines of the film. My intention wasn’t to fall asleep, but that’s exactly what happened.
“Thank you for dinner,” I said to Warren as we slowly moved up the sidewalk towards my front door. “And for the museum.” I knew I didn’t want the date to end and I hoped he didn’t either.
“You’re welcome,” he said. “I hope you had a good time.” He reached down and took my hand as we walked.
“I did. It was a great surprise. Thank you for remembering. I haven’t been to a museum in so long. I used to go all the time.”
“I know you did,” he grinned. “And with as busy as you are, I figured it has been a while.”
“And the restaurant was wonderful. I’ve always wanted to go there. It was a nice surprise. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Warren turned to face me and the light from the street lamp illuminated the large bruise on the side of eye.
“You never did tell me what happened to your eye.” Warren reached up and touched the area on the outside on his face.
“My buddy’s head,” he said. “You know us guys. Racking around. I leaned down. He leaned back and wham! Now I got this.” He lightly touched it again. “I thought it would be healed by now.”
I lightly caressed his skin. “Does it hurt?” I asked. He moved his head back, retracting from my touch.
“A little,” he said. “But mostly only when someone touches it.” He laughed.
“Sorry.” I shrugged. “You should come in and let me put some ice on that.” Warren looked at his watch. “You gotta be somewhere?” I asked.
“No,” he put his hand behind his back. “You sure it’s not too late?”
“Yes,” I said, chuckling. “I’m sure.” I turned and unlocked the door pushing it open with my foot. “I don’t have rounds until one tomorrow and I’m doing evening home visits. So …”
“Okay, good.” Warren walked in, lightly shutting the door behind him.
“Pour us a drink and I’ll get you some ice for that eye.” Placing my purse on the dining room table, I kicked off my shoes and headed to the kitchen. One of the benefits of an open floor plan was the ability to see and interact with people in all areas of the home. And I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off Warren.
After grabbing an ice pack from the freezer, I moved to the couch and waited for Warren to join me. Suddenly, I heard the sweet sound of Bob Seager coming from the speakers. He had switched on my turn table. He knew how much I loved the sound of a record. There is nothing like it.
Warren approached the couch carrying two glass tumblers, placing them on the coffee table in front of us before sitting down beside me. “You don’t mind, do you?” he asked. “The music?”
“Not at all,” I smiled. “I loved this one.” I handed him the ice pack. “Here, hold this on your eye.” Warren placed the ice pack on his eye, wincing slightly as it touched his skin.
He reached his hand out and caressed my arm. Neither of us spoke. The music washed over us. His fingers slowly moved up my arm. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to get lost in his touch.
“I missed you,” he said. Tossing the ice pack on the table next to his drink, he slid closer.
We’ve done this before. The whole wantful, teasing, playful dance. Our relationship was loving, caring, hot. At least while it lasted. But he hurt me deeply, straight to my soul. Could I put that aside and allow him into my heart again?
I tried to fight it. But no matter how logical my mind tried to be, the wants and desires of my body were too strong.
He kissed my cheek, just in front of my ear. “Do you want me to stop?” His words were barely above a whisper. His turned his head, his bottom lip lightly brushing my skin until it reached the apple of my other cheek. His hand slowly moved up my body. My thigh. My stomach. My chest. Finally, he paused as his hand reached my throat. Putting his thumb on my chin, he coaxed my head to one side.
I could feel his hot breath on my neck and a sensuous chill ran down my spine, stimulating the nerves over my tailbone. Then, almost as if he had felt the vibrations of my skin, Warren placed his hand over the exact spot and pulled me in closer. I gave in to him, to the cravings my body desired. Rotating my body, I threw one leg over his legs and straddled him.
He kissed the sensitive area between my neck and breasts. His lips were hot on my skin – hot and soft. My breathing stuttered, moving in and out of my lungs in short bursts.
I reached down and slipped my fingers under the bottom seam of his shirt, slowly pulling it up to expose his toned upper body. He knew what I wanted and put his arms over his head, allowing me to
slide the material over his arms and toss it aside.
His fingers found their way to the buttons on the front of my shirt, and slowly unfastened them, one by one. He pushed it off my shoulders and used it to restrain my arms behind my back for a moment. I chuckled, and he dropped the shirt on the floor behind me.
The sensation of his excitement growing between my legs only added to mine. I could feel the wetness between my legs and it seeped onto my panties. Reaching down, I unbuckled his belt and leaned in to kiss him.
“Take them off,” I said. My lips pressed against his, I rocked up so my breasts were closer to his face. “Now.”
Warren reached down and pushed his pants off, exposing his large, thick penis. I hiked my skirt up to my hips and pushed my panties to the side. My fingers slid down the length of his rock-hard erection.
“Do you want me?” I asked. He nodded. His breathing was fast and deep. He grabbed the back of my head with both hands and pulled my lips to his. His tongue darted in and out of my mouth, slowly, sensuously.
I leaned up and positioned the head of his dick at my wet opening.
“Wait,” he said. “If you’re on top, I won’t last long. You know that’s my weakness.”
“Oh, well,” I said. “I guess we’ll just have to do it twice.”
Chapter Twelve
I woke up, fresh in the memory of my night with Warren. I completely expected to see him in the next to me, but when I rolled over, I discovered I was alone. On the pillow was a note. I laughed as I reached out for it.
“That is so cliché, Warren,” I said, holding the note above my face. “But so sweet.” He had printed my name on the front of a folded sheet of paper. On the inside was a hand-written note.
Sorry I couldn’t stay. I did get your favorite bagels. They’re in the fridge. How about I bring you dinner tonight? I’ll see you about six? If that doesn’t work for you, just text me and let me know. Otherwise, I’ll see you at six.
“That works for me,” I said, looking at the note. I rolled out of bed to start my day, and to enjoy one of those bagels. I had some things to get done before six o’clock.
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