“You gonna wake up anytime soon, Kev, or lay around like a lazy bitch?” And where was the damn doctor? Ryan had been here for over an hour with no one coming to check on his brother or give a progress update.
If his brother wanted a dramatic entrance, there were better ways to do it besides losing a limb. God, how would he cope? Stunts and sports were everything to Kevin. Guy had skipped learning to walk and went from crawling to running. Ryan would trade places with his brother if he could. Take away the amputation, the pain, the recovery. He’d carry the load himself.
Ryan’s wolf let out a combination of a whine and a growl. Easy, boy. It was getting close to lunchtime and he had to eat regularly to control the change. He took his brother’s unmoving hand and squeezed. Just a quick bite on the pad of his palm might be enough to change him. But would it heal him? Would it give him back his leg?
“Sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was with him,” a nurse said from the open door.
“It’s okay, I’ll check on him later.”
The woman nodded. “I’ve got to change out his IV bag, but it can wait a few more minutes if you like.”
“No, I’m done.” For now.
Untitled
Chapter Fourteen
Jessica
As soon as Jessica stepped into the shower, her phone rang. Typical. Juggling a towel around her chest, her steps made water drip across the tile floor in her wake.
“Hello?” Shampoo leaked across the side of her forehead and she closed one eye and reached for the washrag to wipe her face.
“Ms. Martin?” a male voice asked.
“Yup.” Crap, what if it was Mr. Casey? “Yes. How may I help you?”
“How far along are you on the Taylor story?”
She bit her lip. Not very far at all. And why was Casey asking? Did he want to give the job to someone else? Someone more qualified? This was her chance, damn it. She wouldn’t let go without a fight. “It’s coming along. His brother was in an accident, so—”
“Yes, yes. Not surprised with the daredevil he is. No, I want you to get to the heart of the team. How Taylor took his men from mediocre to sensational so suddenly. Find out how they did it, and fast.”
“Yes, sir. I’ve been invited to a team practice to observe and—”
“Good, good. I want a full report on my desk by Christmas Eve, and if it’s newsworthy and not fluff, you’ve got yourself a permanent spot on my personal team.”
Holy fucking shit! “Of course, Mr. Casey. I won’t let you down.” Gosh, that left her only two days to get info or it was back to the basement. She really needed to up her game. Checking the clock, it was past eleven. Ryan had texted her the details of this afternoon’s practice and if she didn’t hurry, she’d miss the first half.
Casey hung up. Then her caller id showed she missed Amber’s call while she was talking with Casey. She hit redial. “Sorry Amber, I was on the line.”
“Oooh, with a hunk?”
“My new boss… or potential.” If she didn’t blow this.
“I’m so jealous. You get to hang out with Ryan Taylor.”
Jessica put the phone on speaker and climbed back into the shower. “Even better, I get to hang out with the whole team this afternoon and watch them practice.”
“Lucky,” Amber whistled. “Maybe I should come along too. I mean, you can’t watch all the guys at once.”
“How about I get you an invitation to their Christmas fundraiser?” Would she be able to gather enough info to make an interesting story in that short of time? “Then you can dress up and eat caviar and drink champagne while you flirt.”
“True. How come you didn’t call me this morning like usual?” Her friend laughed. “Did you rack a guy?”
“No, it was just late and I slept at Ryan’s.”
“What?” Amber screeched. “Spill girl, and don’t leave out anything juicy. In fact, just tell me the dirty, sexy bits.”
Normally, she shared everything with her friend. But this time, it felt personal. Too much so, even though she and Ryan hadn’t even had sex. Her body still remembered his touch, his kiss. As if his presence was tattooed on her skin. “Not much to tell. I helped him get in to see his brother at the hospital, then I fainted from not eating anything.”
“Oh, did Ryan give you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?” Amber’s voice was filled with mirth.
Jessica rolled her eyes. “That’s not for passing out if the victim is still breathing.”
“I think it would’ve helped. Believe me, there have been tons of times I’ve thought about it when dealing with patients.” Amber clicked her tongue. “If it would motivate more of them to do their physical therapy like they should, I’d offer kisses all the time.”
“And smooch dozens of random guys?” Jessica was too monogamous to suck face with tons of guys. That had been her problem all through high school and college. Her friends had dated several guys at a time, while she could only stomach seeing one man. And right now, her mind kept picturing the impossible: Ryan Taylor in that role.
She finished rinsing off and turned off the shower. Who was she fooling? Ryan had been in and out of the gossip columns for years. He went through women more often than people bought underwear. The only reason he was interested at all in her was that he was between girlfriends. His last date had been an heiress, during the virgin voyage of her new, private filthy-rich-only cruise line.
“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it,” Amber encouraged.
Jessica exited the shower.
“Besides, I’m so busy with medical finals and my patients; I haven’t dated or kissed anyone in months.” Amber tapped her nails on something. “If I didn’t have my practice, I’d probably never come up for air from my studies.”
“It’ll be worth it once you’ve got your Ph.D.” Her friend was good at medicine and Jessica had witnessed a few miracle recoveries of people under her care. “Ryan’s brother had a partial amputation of his leg yesterday. Ryan was visibly shaken by it.”
“Understandable. How’s his brother taking it?” Amber’s teasing tone was now all business. “He’s probably going through shock and denial. Depression can take its toll too.”
Jessica padded to her bedroom with a towel wrapped around her. “He’s still in a coma. Some type of motorcycle accident or something.”
“That’s awful. What do the doctors say?”
“Not much. It was late when we found out.” She dressed quickly, her wet hair hitting her back. No time for to blow-dry, she’d have to make do. After combing the strands, she twisted them into a braid. “Listen, I gotta run. Miss you. I’ll be home in a few days.”
“Not if it’s a good night, you won’t.”
The summer sun bore down on Jessica’s shoulders, bringing back memories of her and her parents building sandmen at Whitehaven Beach on Christmas day. Every year, they’d formed Santa and Mrs. Clause out of the sand. Except for the year they’d splurged and flown to New York for the holidays. Then it was snow and ice for the season.
“Heads up!” Ryan shouted out to his team over the rugby field.
As one unit, they obeyed, a bulky man catching the ball and then running. The force at which another player hit his comrade had Jessica placing a hand against her chest. Then, a ruck started with the men piling on top of each other, Ryan underneath them all.
Where was a referee? Or a red card?
Slowly, the men untangled themselves with Ryan grinning like he’d won a trophy. “Good job, men. Now let’s work on our passes, then mauls.”
Ryan passed to a teammate, then tackled another before catching the ball.
“Way to go!” Jessica jumped up on the mini metal bleachers and whistled.
Some of the men glanced her way, a few patted Ryan on the back. Were they congratulating him on his play or her enthusiasm? She didn’t care which. First row seats to a Hellion practice and seeing Ryan up close and playing, hell yes she’d shout like a cheerleader on hyper-drive!
Two ho
urs later, the team was covered in mud, but none of them appeared tired. Jessica had only watched and cheered, yet she felt drained.
One of the larger players threw back his arm, his elbow landing into Ryan’s eye. From her position, it looked like it began swelling immediately.
“Break for supper, but we’ll see you out here tomorrow morning by dawn,” Ryan yelled. “Got it?”
As if one, all the other men shouted back, “Yes, Ryan.”
Weird. Jessica hopped down from the small bleachers and skipped the short distance to him. “That looks like it’s going to swell. We should put some ice on it.”
“Whatever you want, if you’ll have dinner with me.”
“Sure.” Pleasure bubbled up inside her.
“I’ll pick you up at your hotel in an hour and a half?” He walked with her to the parking lot. “I’ve got to wash up first.”
Why was not he sweaty at all? Mud caked his dark hair.
“Is that enough time? I’m about a thirty-minute drive from your place.”
“It doesn’t take me that long to shower. Just wear something comfortable that you can dance in.”
Untitled
Chapter Fifteen
Ryan
Why had he invited Jessica out to dinner? He punched the steering wheel twice as he drove home. Damn, he wanted to be around her. Hear her laugh, see her eyes brighten when she smiled or talked about something she was excited about, like when she was at the game and rooting for him. Listen to her pleasure as she ate his cooking. He wanted to know if she’d wake up curled next to him, or make love to him if he brought her breakfast in bed. Yeah, they’d only known each other for a few days, but something about her resonated with him and his wolf like no other woman.
But he couldn’t let himself like her. No way. Dinner and dancing were just to keep her occupied. Help her have such a good time that she'd write a favorable article to chase away the other journalists nipping at his heels for a controversial piece. Then he’d never have to worry about seeing Jessica again. Never have to worry about her finding out his secret, or if he was putting her in danger by being around him.
He pulled in front of her hotel just as she flounced down the stairs in a white lace sundress that showed off her tan thighs. Just the sight of her had him shifting in his seat to get comfortable. Couldn’t she wear something less sexy? How was he meant to ignore his attraction now?
This was strictly business between them, and he'd keep his dick in pants no matter how delicious she appeared.
“Hi,” she said breathlessly as she climbed into his car, and her clementine fragrance filled his senses.
“There's an Italian place in the next town that really good. I know the owner. He and his family moved here a decade ago.”
“So homemade pasta and sauces?” Hope filled her voice as her eyes brightened.
He turned onto the main road. “Of course. You've tasted my level of cooking, why make you settle for less?”
“His cooking must be good if a master chef like you approves.” Her voice teased him and carried a dose of admiration as well.
“Don't you cook?”
She shook her head. “No, I never have time. I mean I make simple meals like frozen dinners or something out of a box.”
“That's not real food. It's mostly chemicals and preservatives.” Not like a fresh kill with blood still pumping through the muscles. “Tony has all his wine imported from his home country as well.”
They parked outside Manchellies’ restaurant. Jessica walked up to the front door, Ryan on her heels, his hand automatically brushing her lower back when her low heels caught on an uneven step.
Inside, Tony had the place lit with flickering lanterns on each table and a chandelier with low lighting overhead. Lilting Italian music played softly through the speakers.
“Ryan!” Esmeralda, Tony's wife, sprang out of the kitchen. “It's been months since you came by.” She wrapped him in a hug so tight he often wondered if she was a bear shifter in disguise. After she pulled away, she smiled at Jessica. “And who is this?”
“Jessica…”
“Hi, I'm Jessica Martin.”
“She's a friend.” He didn't want Esmeralda thinking Jessica was only out with him because she was a reporter. Truth was, the forbidden side of him longed for her to want to be with him. To enjoy his company as much as he did hers.
“Is that what they're calling it nowadays?” The older woman winked. “Come, let’s find you a table and get you some food.”
“And I'm paying, so don't hide the check like last time or I'll be forced to leave way too big a tip.” Ryan followed Esmeralda to the table, his hand on Jessica's arm, and it felt natural having her beside him. Like they were two parts of a whole, and when they drifted too close, they snapped together like magnets.
After Jessica and he sat down at a small table in a corner, Esmeralda brought out garlic bread, glasses of water and wine.
“Thank you.” Jessica took a big sip of her wine, her gaze scanning the room. Was she nervous? “Where are the menus?”
Two teenagers and their mom sat at a table a few feet away, and both boys pulled out their phones. Their actions reminded him of how much he’d give to spend time with his parents and, if he had his time over, he wouldn’t waste a second he could spend with them. Didn’t the kids know they might not have their mom one day? He missed fishing with his dad and the comforting silences they had. And his mom had challenged him in the kitchen and at chess.
The teens’ mom gulped her wine. Ryan made a mental note to pay for the woman’s tab with a note to take the money saved and do something fun for the three of them. Maybe shoot some baskets, or something.
“Ryan?”
“Tony makes anything you like.” Ryan pulled a piece of garlic bread apart. “House special is lasagna and calamari.”
Jessica leaned forward, her foot brushing his thigh. “Is that what you'll have?”
“Yes. And the veal.” His wolf paced inside him like a caged animal. He needed to eat, and soon. Maybe that would stall the sexual tension welling up inside him.
“Okay. I'll have the house special but skip the veal. It's appalling what they do to make that meat.” A frown marred her face.
“Oh. You don't approve?”
“Not when it comes to needlessly torturing animals.” Her voice took on an edge, almost like she was scolding him. What would she think if she learned he hunted animals at night?
“Ryan!” Tony bellowed as he approached. A stained apron covered his too-tight jeans. “Why didn't you say you were coming by?” He clapped a meaty hand on Ryan's shoulder. “And you must be Jessica... and must be the reason Ryan's not visited us in months.”
“Sorry, no. I've just come over from Sydney a few days ago.” She blushed.
“Well, you're both here now.” Tony waved a hand. “What can I make you?”
Jessica grinned. “We'll both have your house specials.”
“And add a steak, rare for me.”
“Ha! Still on that fad diet, Ryan?” Tony nodded to Jessica. “Guy couldn't stand any blood in his meat. Dried out and burnt was how he always had it for years. I tell him, ‘let me make it with a little red in it.’ But he refuses.” Tony smacked his leg. “Then one day, boom! Orders all my meats and wants them barely cooked. When I ask him why he says it's a new diet for his strength.”
“Oh?” Jessica raised an eyebrow.
“I read it somewhere and thought I'd give it a try.” Like he could stomach anything else for months after the attack and nearly killed a homeless man one night, as the wolf demanded meat and blood. “Helped with my energy, so I kept at it.”
Tony sauntered back into the kitchen.
“So does your team follow your diet regimen?” Jessica cocked her head to the side as if pondering something.
“Yes, for the most part.” Let her think eating rare was their secret to success. “You're always the one asking questions, so tell me what would you do if you weren't
working for a newspaper?”
“I know I’d never open a restaurant. I hate cooking. Well, I don't hate it, I just get no joy out of it. Making food is just something that has to be done, like taking out the trash. Is that weird?”
“To me, yes. But I understand. I suck at golf and don't understand the fascination with the sport.”
She laughed. “I'm decent at the game, but can't stand to watch it.”
He held up his wine glass. “Cheers, something we have in common.”
Their glasses clinked and their fingers brushed, sending a pleasurable tingle up his arm.
“You didn’t answer the question.” He took a sip of his drink.
“Honestly, I’ve never thought about it before.” She ran a finger along the top of her wine goblet. “Something with writing, because it’s always been my passion. What I’m good at.”
“You’re good at pool, and I’m sure you’re good at a lot of things.” Like kissing, and being sexy and compassionate and intelligent.
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.” She smiled, a blush dotting her cheeks, but she met his stare and didn’t back away from his attention.
Moments later, Tony returned with steaming plates. Jessica took a bite and closed her eyes.
“Good, yes?”
“Yes. Smooth and spicy.” She took another couple of bites and, after swallowing, said, “I take it back. I'd open a restaurant and hire Tony to cook for me all day.”
“I would take you up on that and be a business partner.” Ryan’s cell phone rang and he mouthed an apology to an older couple near them having an early dinner. Talking with Jessica had been so consuming, he’d forgotten other people were eating too. He’d meant to turn down the ringer on his phone. “Excuse me a moment,” he said to Jessica. An unknown number. What if it was the hospital? Or one of the guys and they needed help?
He clicked answer. “Hello?”
“Mr. Taylor, it's Dr. Ravinson at the hospital.”
Falling for Shifters: A Limited Edition Autumn Shifters Collection Page 65