"Well good-night."
If she thought she was getting rid of him so easily she'd better think again. “Your uncle called."
"Carl?"
"Something's wrong with one of his horses."
Her eyes softened with concern. “No."
"Get dressed.” He extracted the ice cream from her hand. Stepping past her, he headed toward the kitchen. “I'll take care of this and then haul you over there."
"That isn't necessary,” she insisted following, the dog hot on her heels.
"It sounded serious. You might want to hurry."
"Serious? What's wrong?"
He raised a brow. “We'll talk about it in the truck."
She frowned, hesitating as if she thought to argue with him, but in the end she turned and hurried off to the bedroom.
Dolan struck his thigh with a palm. “Come on, Foxy. Let's put this away."
The dog yipped, wagging her bushy tail and followed him into the kitchen.
The place looked like a hurricane had hit. Boxes lay strewn about, some open, some not. Crumpled newspaper was thrown around the room. Dishes, pots and pans, and knick-knacks covered the counter and butcher block table.
Trudy would have blown a gasket. She was always so neat and organized. Of course, he didn't know enough about Tracy to start making assumptions. Clearly she hadn't finished unpacking.
Opening the freezer, he chuckled. He set the ice cream down between three other gallons of the frozen dessert. Obviously she had a sweet tooth. He closed the refrigerator and started to unwrap a glass out of one of the boxes on the table. As he grabbed another, she came through the doorway dressed in jeans and a light sweatshirt. She held a black bag in her hand.
Her tennis shoe squealed against the tile floor as she turned. “Let's go."
The look on Uncle Carl's face said he was worried. Fast, agitated steps carried his stout frame toward the stables as she and Dolan followed. He threw open the barn doors with a little more strength than was necessary, causing them to crash against the sides of the barn. “She hasn't eaten. Seemed listless. Thought she was just anxious about her new surroundings. Now this.” He stopped before a corral.
Ice Princess's big brown eyes were dull. She looked confused as she gazed around. Her back legs quivered, too weak to hold her. Tracy opened the gate and stepped inside. The animal didn't stir or acknowledge her existence until she touched the horse's neck. Muscles twitch beneath her palms.
"Hey girl.” Tracy stroked the mare feeling the heat of her body. Even before she started to take vitals she knew a fever existed. There was a lot a veterinarian could learn by watching. Ice Princess took an unstable step forward, pressing her head against the wall for support. Her muscles continued to twitch and become weaker as Tracy watched.
Dolan stayed outside the corral. He perched a boot on the lower wrung of the fence and watched.
"Spent a fortune for this animal.” Uncle Carl continued to ramble. “Should have known something was amiss the moment she didn't eat. Looks like something is wrong with her nervous systems."
"No,” both Dolan and Tracy answered at the same time.
"West Nile encephalitis?” She looked to Dolan for agreement.
He nodded. “That would be my guess.” Taking his foot off the fence, he joined Tracy. “There was a recent case in San Diego. Epps, do you have any standing ponds? Places were mosquitoes might breed?"
"Hell no. I take care of my stock. They're all vaccinated. Water troughs and ponds are treated.” Color bled from her uncle's face. He looked nothing like Tracy's mother, who was short and petite. At six-foot-three he was a big man. He tore off his hat and ran his fingers through short brown hair. “Shit. The damn mosquitoes nearly ate me up when I picked her up from the seller. What are you going to do for her?"
"The disease is unpredictable in its course, but we need to reduce the inflammation in her brain,” Tracy explained.
"She needs to be sedated,” Dolan added.
Tracy pushed up her sleeves. It was going to be a long night.
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Chapter Nine
Sprawled on a bed of fresh straw, Ice Princess lay on her side. Her breathing was shallow. The occasional involuntary muscle spasm rippled beneath her skin. Feminine hands moved skillfully, hooking up an intravenous line and making sure the sedated horse was comfortable. After ensuring that Tracy didn't need his assistance or any of his employees, Epps had left to seek his bed.
Tracy pulled a wool blanket over the animal, tucking in the loose ends like one would a child. “You'll be just fine, girl,” she promised.
Dolan watched her with a new sense of respect. Clearly she cared for her patient, knew what she was doing and didn't need his help. Yet he asked anyway. “Would you like me to start the antibiotics?"
She forced a smile that didn't make it to her eyes. Instead he read concern in them. “Please. Thank you. I should have checked her when Carl brought her home."
He hung the bag of antibiotics on the IV pole, straightened out the line and began to adjust the connection. “Were you aware he had purchased a new horse?"
"Well—” She stroked the mare's neck gently. “No."
"Then you can't beat yourself up over it."
She sighed. “I know.” The sadness in her voice revealed it still bothered her.
Conscientious. He liked that about her.
"Did you want me to get you a blanket? A pillow?” If she was anything like him she wouldn't be leaving the horse's side. “It looks to be a long night."
"Thanks, but I'll be okay. You don't have to stay."
He knelt beside her. “I know I don't. I want to."
She cocked a brow. Her backbone stiffened. “Because you don't think I can handle this alone?"
He didn't blame her for becoming defensive. All he'd done since they had met was second guessed her actions. “No. It's obvious you can. I thought perhaps you'd like some company. Besides you might need some of my supplies."
Her expression changed from anger to skepticism. “Don't you have calls tomorrow?"
"Yeah, but I can sleep anywhere."
"I bet.” An unladylike snort slipped from her mouth. “Tell me you'd rather sleep on straw in a drafty stable than a soft mattress in a warm house."
"Won't be the first time; doubt it will be the last.” He sat down on his hip upon the straw. “So when did you decide you wanted to treat animals?"
She licked her lips drawing his attention. “Small talk?"
He shrugged. What he really wanted was to take her into his arms and kiss that stubborn mouth.
A pause lingered between them before she gave in. “We lived on a farm with all the typical farm animals. I remember doctoring the livestock, even when they didn't need it. Add the fact that I was the type of child who brought home every stray in town. Dog, cat, goat, it didn't matter.” She laughed, appearing to finally relax when she eased next to him, her arm brushing his. “I thought my father was going to kill me when I snuck home a baby skunk. Hid Stinky in my bedroom. When Dad discovered him he started yelling and scared the little shit. He sprayed everything, including me.” He felt the shudder that shook her. “Ohmygod. It took forever for the smell to disappear.” She chuckled, again growing quiet and a little solemn.
He smoothed his hand along her jaw line, lifting her chin with a finger. “You okay?"
"Yes. It's just—” She inhaled deeply. “Dad's been gone for four years. I miss him. He encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a vet, and then he never—"
An involuntary spasm forced Ice Princess's leg to shoot out, nearly striking them as he and Tracy scrambled to get out of the way. They rose at the same time, bumping into each other. Losing their balance, they began to fall. He reached, pulling her to him. The sweet scent of straw and woman assailed him as they tumbled together, twisting so that he shielded her from the majority of the impact. Pain splintered in his right shoulder as he struck the ground and rolled to his back, Tracy ato
p him.
Chest to chest, hips to hips, they lay in each other's arms. He gazed into her eyes. They were like magnets drawing him as he pressed his mouth to hers. He caressed the seam of her lips with his tongue and she opened to him. He swept inside to taste her.
Mmmm ... Like honey against his taste buds. He savored her, slanting his head to deepen the kiss. She whimpered, the sound soft and yielding and so fuckin’ arousing.
Rotating, he changed their positions until she lay beneath him. It felt so right—where she belonged. Intertwining his fingers with hers, he pulled her arms above her head. She surrendered without a struggle. Wedging his knee between her legs, he pressed into her, needing the clothing barrier between them gone.
Their tongues dueled. The kiss intensified, as well as the pace of his hips rubbing steadily against the V of her thighs. He wanted her—now.
Turning her head, she broke the kiss. Breathlessly, she whispered his name.
"Shhh ... Darlin'. Let me make love to you."
"We can't—not here—not now. The mare—"
He stole her objection with another kiss. The horse was resting quietly now. There was nothing they could do unless her condition worsened. It was a waiting game. Why not take advantage of the moment?
Dragging her wrists together, he held on to them with one hand while he smoothed his other hand between their bodies. He held his breath, hoping she wouldn't stop him as he slid his hand down her jeans. He pushed further to feel her curls between his fingers. She inched her thighs wider giving him more access and he smiled. It thrilled him to know she wanted this as much as he did. He slid his fingers across her softness. She was already wet—slick with need. He slipped a digit inside her and she cried out, pulling from his grasp to wrap her arms around him.
Her hips bucked against his hand. “Dolan, please."
"Please what?” He didn't wait for her response. Instead, he pushed another finger deep inside her, working the digit in and out. “You're so wet. Hot,” he groaned next to her ear, lovin’ the way she thrust, back and forth, into his palm. “God, I want to taste you. Fuck you with my mouth. Taste you as you come."
He felt her tremble, her body gripping and sucking on his fingers as if to draw him farther within. “Stop. You're going to make me—” He squeezed her clit between his fingers. “Oh God.” She arched her back, increasing the pace as she rode his hand.
"Woman, you make me crazy.” Of course, that was putting it lightly. His cock was rock-hard, his balls pulled close to his body, throbbing like a sonofabitch. He wanted inside her so badly he couldn't stand it. Grinding his teeth, he fought to keep his own orgasm at bay.
Her body pitched and then stiffened. She gasped, pressing her head against the straw as she muffled a cry. A long drawn-out moan resulted. For only a moment she lay motionless. Then her body jerked beneath his moving fingers. He wanted her wild in his arms and that's exactly what he got.
Trying to squirm away from his touch, she mewled, “Dolan. I can't take any more.” She squeezed her thighs together, placed her palms against his chest and shoved. But he wasn't ready to release her. “Stop. Oh God. Stop."
Even as she pleaded he felt her pussy tighten. Fucking her hard and fast with his fingers, he knew she was close to another orgasm. Her breathing was labored. Her hips jerked once, twice, until finally her thighs fell apart. Sweet surrender. He could whatever he wanted—and he wanted to see the ecstasy on her face again as she climaxed.
Tracy couldn't breathe. She was holding on by the skin of her teeth as magical fingers continued to stroke and tease her into a sexual frenzy. One orgasm had not been enough, from the intensity on Dolan's face she could tell he wanted to drive her crazy over and over again.
Maybe it was his touch or maybe the fact that they could get caught at any moment that made every inch of her body come alive. She couldn't believe she wavered on the edge of another climax and so soon. Or that in one night she had sexually experienced more than she had during her entire marriage. She had missed so much. Her tender vaginal tissues stretched to the point of burning, flexed and retracted. A flutter appeared low in her belly followed by a ripple that undulated throughout her pussy.
So close.
Every muscle in her body grew taut. Her release swelled like a wave building and building. As he pushed his fingers deep inside her again, she shuddered around him, exploding with such force the ground felt like it shook. Her head fell back into the straw, her mouth opened as a scream clawed its way to the surface. The sound was quickly stifled with a palm over her mouth.
Caught in the moment, she didn't struggle, only closed her eyes. Groaning low, she was pulled deeper into the delicious flames of sensations licking across her body. Each contraction was followed by a quiver of sensation that filtered through her. Every inch of her burned, until finally the fire died leaving her basking in the afterglow. She released a long sigh.
Damn. That was good. Her heavy eyelids rose to see Dolan's concerned expression.
"Sorry, darlin'.” He removed his hand from her mouth and the one from her jeans. “We don't want your uncle or anyone else hearing us.” He rolled off her onto his side and pushed into a sitting position before he extended his hand to help her to do likewise. A smile touched his lips as he plucked straw from her hair.
Talk about an embarrassing moment. Like some horny teenager she had just had two mind-blowing orgasms, not only in her uncle's stable but in a bed of straw with a man that didn't even like her. Of course, it didn't help that her body still hummed with desire.
She wanted him again.
More than anything she wanted to strip Dolan naked, feeling muscle and flesh beneath her touch as she ravished him. Her arousal flared when he stood. Behind his jeans he sported an impressive erection. The first step he took toward the sleeping mare almost looked painful. He reached down and carefully adjusted himself.
Tracy pushed to her feet. “Uh. Sorry.” Her apology lost something when a chuckle slipped out.
Turning around, he closed the distance between them, taking her into his arms. His expression was unreadable. “You think this is funny?” Her pulse jumped when he grinded his hips against hers.
Damn. He was hard. Just the memory of him buried inside her made her nipples grow taut.
"Sort of,” she admitted.
An ebony curl fell across his forehead as he pinned his dark eyes on her. “Paybacks are a bitch, darlin'. I plan on collecting later tonight.” His wicked promise made her stomach do flip-flops. He sealed his vow with a demanding kiss that left her head spinning when he finally released her. “Shall we check on Ice Princess?"
Ice Princess?
"Oh yeah.” Pulling herself together, she walked toward her medical case, dug inside and extracted a stethoscope. Placing the ear pieces into her ears, she went to the horse and knelt. Firmly, she pressed the instrument to the horse's chest and listened.
"Her breathing appears steady.” Tracy could feel Dolan's gaze on her as he spoke. “She seems to be peaceful. The twitches are gone for the moment.” He grew quiet. The only sound was his footsteps walking away. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw him reach into his medical bag and extract his stethoscope. “Can I join you?” he asked as he approached.
"Sure.” She scooted over as he knelt beside her.
He listened for a moment to the horse's heart, lungs and breathing. “Not too bad.” His gaze scrutinized the IVs. “About an hour before it needs to be changed. Have you come across other cases of the West Nile virus before?"
"Actually quite a few.” She got to her feet, noticing the straw on her clothes. “How about you?” She was brushing off the last strands of straw when the barn door creaked open.
"Just a couple,” he said, turning toward the door.
Uncle Carl entered along with two hands carrying two cots, blankets, pillows and a small ice chest. “Thought you two might need these.” One of the men yawned as if he'd been awakened from a deep sleep. As the hands began to set up the bedding outsi
de the corral, her uncle entered the stall and knelt beside the mare. “How's she doing?"
Tracy moved next to him, drifting back down to her knees. “She's quiet. These things take time. We won't know anything for a couple of days."
"Damn shame,” he said more to himself than anyone in attendance. “There's drinks and snacks in the ice chest.” She didn't miss the cautious way he looked at Dolan and then back at her. “Do you want one of my hands to stay in case you need help?"
Or protection? She almost laughed, thinking it was a little too late. Dolan's bad boy reputation certainly had made its mark in this city.
"No. I think we're good.” Dolan spoke up before she could. “Right, Tracy?"
"Uh. Right. We're good."
Or was she?
Control flew out the window when it came to this man. Maybe she needed protection—protection from herself.
"Well—” Carl hesitated as if he was still thinking. “If you're sure.” Getting to his feet, he added, “I'll check back in later.” He offered her his hand. She grasped ahold and he pulled her up.
Before she let him go, she leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you."
For a big man it was funny to see color sweep across his face that softened. “For what?"
"For trusting—believing in me.” Without a blink of an eye, Uncle Carl had placed responsibility of his stock in her hands. It had been years since they had seen each other. He truly didn't know her or her capabilities, but he trusted her because she was family.
"Just don't misplace that damn telephone again.” Before he stepped out of her embrace, he gave her a big bear hug. “If you need me I'm only a holler away."
In moments Tracy and Dolan were alone again. Silence stretched between. Only the shuffling of horse hooves and the occasional snort from the other occupants of the stables was heard.
"Come here.” His whiskey-smooth voice slid across her skin sending a shiver through her. Inhaling a terse breath, she pivoted on the ball of her feet to face him.
Their eyes met.
Damn that powerful attraction between them. It sizzled in the air, creating electricity that raised every hair on her arms. No way could things work out between them. She'd be an idiot not to fight the allure. There were too many obstacles lying in their path. Planting her feet firmly beneath her, she didn't move. Nothing good could come from playing with fire.
Take Me Again Page 9