Doc Cornelia leaned over the bed, blocking his view of Adara’s face.
He sent a quick mental impulse through his brain-computer interface and read the words in haste. “How is she?”
Cornelia placed the scanner pad in the crook of Adara’s elbow. When the doctor didn’t answer his question right away, he paced to the side of the bed and forced her through sheer will to look at him.
Her gaze rose. “Patience, Caleb. I’ll tell you as soon as the scanner is done.”
Caleb ran his hand through his hair. One moment Adara had been in his arms, heading toward the lockers. The next she’d left, intent on retrieving his gift and slipped. The memory flooded his mind, bringing with it all kinds of torture and uncertainty. His hands shook, and he gripped the bed’s railing until his fingers ached.
She can’t end up like me. His throat constricted, fear swirling around his vocal cords, tightening the noose that was already there.
Cornelia ripped off the pad, and the sound of the sticky adhesive pulling from Adara’s skin echoed in his ear.
His grip tightened on the rail. “Tell me. Will she be okay?”
Cornelia’s golden eyes gave away no clues.
He rapped his foot against the floor. “Don’t sugarcoat this. Tell me what’s wrong with her.”
Her gaze tracked to his hand, the one with the abraded knuckles, but she didn’t call attention to the evidence of his fight. She exhaled. “The results indicate a mild concussion. I see no signs of permanent damage.”
Caleb’s knees buckled, his legs shaking. A quick, relieved laugh escaped his lips. “Then why is she still out?”
“The brain is a mysterious organ.” She headed for the counter and opened the small cold storage unit. A cool draft filtered into the room along with the scent of antiseptic. She retrieved a small bottle from within and flicked her finger against the glass. The green liquid inside shimmered in the light. “I’ll give her some of this chilled Freonis. That should rouse her. Funny, she’s the one who brought this medicine to us, isn’t she?”
All he could do was nod. Adara’d had that very medicine on the cart the day he’d run into her. The irony wasn’t lost on him.
Cornelia opened the lid, and a tendril of steam rose into the air. She placed the vial to Adara’s lips. A few drops eased from the edge and into her mouth. The doctor replaced the cap with a quick twist.
Adara didn’t move.
Caleb’s heart pounded loud in his ears, drowning out Cornelia’s words. If he hadn’t glanced at her, he would’ve missed her comment altogether, but he caught her lips moving.
“What?” His word came out louder than he anticipated.
Adara’s eye fluttered, and her brow pulled together.
Caleb’s chest lightened. He gripped Adara’s hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. Her soft skin was cool to the touch. “Adara, it’s Caleb. I’m right here.”
A soft groan eased from her lips. She opened her eyes, only to blink and close them once again. “It’s so bright and you’re too loud.”
“You’re safe,” he whispered, trailing a finger over her brow. She’d spoken easily, without any indication she’d end up like him. A tremor wracked his body.
“Welcome back. I’m Doctor Cornelia. Do you remember what happened?”
“No…wait. Yes, the pool. I slipped, and…” Adara opened her eyelids, just a slit, enough so she could see. She raised her hand, the one Caleb wasn’t holding. “I hit my…ow,” her fingers pressed against the back of her skull, “…head.”
“Indeed. Caleb brought you here. Your vitals are good, no sign of any permanent damage, but I suspect you’ll have a bit of a headache for a while.” Cornelia patted her hand.
Adara lifted her head, but then laid it back on the pillow. “I’m such a klutz.” She glanced at Caleb, and a small smile tugged at her lip.
In that moment, the universe pivoted and all Caleb could see was Adara. His chest expanded, and he couldn’t stop the impulse to touch her. With gentle care, he trailed his fingers down her cheek, pushing a few stray strands of hair over her ear. “You’re lucky, like a falling star. Good thing I was around to catch you.”
“Stop. I may start expecting you to always be there to catch me when I fall.” Her eyes glittered with amusement.
I want that more than you know. Even though the words crossed over his contacts, he couldn’t speak, his throat was too dry.
Adara raised herself on her elbows and scooted to a sitting position. Her eyes glazed over, and she touched her fingers to her forehead.
“Are you dizzy?” Cornelia held her personal device in her hand, her fingers flying over the screen. She stopped to study Adara.
“A bit.” Adara’s voice wavered.
Caleb’s pulse rose again. “What should—”
The doctor held up her hand. “Don’t worry, Caleb. The chilled Freonis will kick in soon. She’ll be fine.”
Caleb exhaled.
Adara gripped his hand and squeezed. “I’m tough. I can handle myself just fine.” She glanced at Cornelia. “When can I leave?”
The doctor’s gaze flicked from Adara to Caleb. “Well, until the medicine has a chance to work, I don’t want you alone, just in case. Do you have someplace to stay? Preferably someplace quiet?”
Adara’s brow furrowed. “I’m staying in one of the crew’s temporary quarters—”
“How many other women are in your room?” Cornelia’s tone was firm, unwavering.
“Four, plus my roommate, Cali.”
Cornelia raised an eyebrow. “That’s hardly quiet. Do you have another option?”
You could stay with me. Caleb wanted to say the words, but the thought of bringing her into his room with his roommate wasn’t a viable option.
A pounding on the door broke the stillness.
“Adara, you in there?” Cali’s voice pierced through the crack under the door.
“This is a private medical room.” Cornelia huffed.
Adara held out her hand. “She’s my friend. Please, let her in.”
Cornelia pursed her lips, but opened the door.
Cali rushed in, spotted Adara, and raced to the bed. “Adara, are you okay? One of the other gals in our room said she saw Caleb carry you into the med clinic. I ran right over. What happened? How can I help? What do you—”
“Stop, Cali.” Adara shook her head. “I slipped and fell. I’m fine, but I can’t go back to our room. Too much noise there.”
Cali inhaled then stifled a laugh. “Randall…I met up with him in the casino. He’s on a roll. Said he hadn’t planned to return to his room tonight. Maybe you can stay there. Let me contact him.” She tugged on her ring, and her personal device expanded in her palm. Her fingers flew across the screen. A moment later, she smiled. “He said ‘yes’.”
“Perfect, but you can’t stay alone for a minimum of eight galactic hours. You need a quiet, peaceful environment.” Cornelia headed for the doorway. “I just need to know who to list on the release form.”
Cali raised her hand. “Me. I’ll do it.”
“Um, Cali, thank you for the offer, but…” Adara glanced at him.
Caleb’s pulse rose. He gripped her hand. “I’m here for you, whatever you need.”
“Stay with me,” she whispered.
He leaned down and brought her fingers to his lips, brushing them with a gentle kiss. “Nothing would please me more.”
Eleven
Caleb lowered Adara enough so she could scan her eye over the display. She tightened her grip around his neck, aware that her breast slid along his naked chest. Even with the bathing suit top still on, the exposed skin on skin contact was enough to send a tremor of delight over her flesh. Lightheadedness crested over her, but somehow, she didn’t think that had anything to do with her injury. Oh, no…not at all.
She focused on the small light, and it blinked once, the retinal scan complete. The door whooshed open and the perfumed, sweet aroma of flowers filled her senses. Through the door
way, a short hall led into a large room.
Fine, elegant furniture with carved legs and plush cushions filled every space. Pictures of distant planets, moon, galaxies, and an assortment of landscapes adorned the walls. The high-end room was finer than any place she’d ever stayed. She almost giggled with delight.
Caleb stepped over the threshold, pulling her close against him once again. The combination of his masculine scent and the fragrant flowers’ sweet aroma filled her lungs with a heady concoction.
“You can put me down now.” She peered at him and couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her lip.
He glanced around the room, evaluating the layout. “Which way is the bedroom?”
She raised an eyebrow, but pointed down the hall. “I’d guess that way, but you can put me down here.”
“Nope.” He strode the way she’d indicated. “Doc said you needed rest. I’m here to pamper you.”
Naughty images of him pampering her in all kinds of ways flitted through her mind, but she didn’t think that’s what he meant. As he moved, she juggled against him with each step, rubbing him in all kinds of places. She held on, enjoying the ride, knowing it would end soon.
He entered the bedroom, and she inhaled a quick breath.
The room was as large as the foyer. A king-sized bed took up one wall. Off to the side were two dressers. A giant mirror graced the top of one, enshrouded in a fancy, gold trim. Against the far wall was a giant heart-shaped bathtub. Completing the room, a sink and toilet stood in the corner with a sliding door for privacy.
He carried her over to the bed. With a gentleness she was fast getting used to, he placed her on the covers. She sank into the soft material. When he released her, cold air took his place and her chest ached at the loss of contact. A rush of blood made her head pound. White spots formed in her eyes. She closed her eyelids and forced herself to breathe.
Caleb sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress jostled under his weight. “What can I do?” Concern etched his tone.
“A glass of water, perhaps?”
With lightning speed, he rose from the bed and entered the small bathroom. The rush of water and the click of a glass echoed from the small room. A moment later, he returned, drink in hand.
“Here you go, my lucky star.” Their fingers brushed as he handed her the glass. Excitement, like an electrical current, traveled up her arm. She brought the brim to her mouth and drank.
“Thank you.” She placed the glass on a small coaster on the end table. Etched over the top were the words Star-Studded Male Revue. How appropriate. It seemed advertising was everywhere.
She glanced at Caleb. Still in his bathing shorts, his bare chest with all those firm muscles was on display. He must’ve sensed her perusal because he cleared his throat.
“Tell me. Why do you dance?” The question burned in her mind. The man she had come to know was so shy. She’d seen him dance, saw the joy in his eyes and the way his body moved to the music. He seemed to thrive in it. She needed to understand.
His eyes flicked back and forth as he studied her. After a long moment, he drew in a breath. His gaze tracked over her shoulder. “Dance means everything to me. I can be myself up there, be free, share my thoughts and emotions without having to…”
He stood and faced away from her. The muscles in his back tightened. She slid from the bed and ran her hand over his taut skin, his warmth seeping into her fingers. With gentle care, she rubbed his back. “Share with me, please.”
Amid each circular motion, she added more pressure, her palms digging into the tight muscles. He exhaled, and the tension released from his shoulders.
He turned to face her, but his gaze flicked over her head. “I can dance without having to speak. That way, I won’t stutter, make a fool of myself. Like I did in front of you in the cabaret. I didn’t want you to be embarrassed or pity me. That’s why I reacted the way I did. Doc Cornelia says there’s nothing wrong with me…that it’s all in my mind, but…”
Her heart ached for this strong, proud man. Somewhere along the way, someone had hurt him, badly. Adara traced her fingers up his forearms and over his firm biceps. Teasing his skin, she circled her way to his shoulder before she placed a finger on his chin. “Look at me.”
His deep blue eyes reminded her of the pool, and she wanted to dive in, swim in their depths. He nodded toward the bed and glanced at it. “You shouldn’t be up. You might—”
She tugged at his chin, bringing his gaze back to her. “Please, Caleb, look at me when you speak.”
His brow furrowed. “I…I…c…c…can’t. I…nnnnn…need…tt…to…r…read…m…my…c…con…contacts.”
Her heart just about broke at the anguish in his tone, but she believed in him. She had proof he could do this. “Do you remember when you spoke to me at the pool?”
He nodded.
She placed her hand on his chest. “You didn’t stutter. So, talk to me, Caleb.” With gentle determination, she tapped her fingers four times against his breastbone, emphasizing her remaining words. “Speak from your heart.”
Twelve
Adara will reject me, just like the others. The thought flitted through Caleb’s mind, but when he gazed into her eyes he didn’t see the pity he expected. Instead, her beautiful browns sparkled with something else—belief.
A tremor started in his leg, working its way up his thigh and into his gut.
She placed her hand on his shoulder and stood on her tiptoes, bringing them closer. “I care about you, Caleb. Please, talk to me, tell me what you feel.” Her warm breath cascaded over his chin, tickling his skin.
Caleb wrapped his hand around her waist and tugged her close. “H…how…ab...bb…bout…I…show you instead.” He pressed his lips against hers, putting all his passion for her into their kiss. Despite that they’d only become close in the past few days, it seemed as if he’d known her much longer.
She pushed against him, breaking their kiss. Their combined panting echoed in the room. “Do you care for me, Caleb?” Lines formed around her eyes, a pained expression crossing her face.
He nodded and glanced over her shoulder to read his contacts. “Of course I—”
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the tear as it crested over her lashes.
He met her gaze.
“Tell me.” Her words were soft, encouraging.
Resolve burned in his chest. He’d caused her tears, and that, he couldn’t handle. After releasing her, he removed his contact case from his shorts’ pocket. He slid his finger over the lens in first one eye, then the other, depositing the contacts in their resting place. With a quick flick, he snapped the lid shut and tossed the container onto the dresser.
She wiped her tear from her cheek and uttered a stifled laugh.
He wrapped her in his arms once again, tugging her soft body against his. Sparks of energy and excitement traveled along their connection, pooling into his groin. Cradling her face in his palm, he stared into her eyes and concentrated on the green specks noting how they intermingled amongst the brown.
“F…f…from…th…the…m…moment I met…y…you, I f…fell for y…you. The way y…you swam as if…f…f your life d…depended on it, the s…set of y…your jaw, and your un-w…wavering d…dedication caught my attention. Not to m…mention your lovely eyes, and…” he trailed his finger over her forehead, tracing her birthmark, “your b…beautiful marking. Now that we’ve met…and talked, I can’t get enough of you.”
She inhaled. “Caleb…”
He didn’t wait for her response. Instead, he captured her mouth with his, eager to show her in not so many words just how much she meant to him. She wasn’t like the other women he’d known, she accepted him, saw past his weakness. Perhaps that was because she had one, too, and she’d trusted him, admitting her own shortcoming.
He wasn’t sure he could overcome his stuttering. Maybe…for her. Caleb kissed her, again and again, until a soft mewl eased from her. At last, he broke away to give them a moment to
breathe.
She tugged on his shoulder, pulling him toward the bed.
Caleb held his breath.
Adara bit her lip and something fluttered over her features, doubt perhaps? No, he wouldn’t allow that. He traced his finger over her forehead, around her birthmark and over the bridge of her nose. “You are so beautiful to me. I want you, more than you know, but I’m afraid of hurting you. The doctor said—”
“You’re worried about me. That is so sweet. I’m fine. I want this. I want you.” Adara slid between the sheets and tugged on his arm. He couldn’t stop himself, not now, maybe not ever. Somehow, she’d become the most important person in his life. Caleb shifted the sheet out of the way and crawled next to her.
After wrapping her in his arms, he slipped the bathing suit strap from her shoulders, first one then the other. Caleb undid the clasp and tossed the garment onto the floor. Her well-rounded breasts were full and heavy. He flicked his finger over her nipple. The little mound hardened beneath his touch.
A low moan eased from her. He’d never heard anything so sweet.
Adara wriggled between the sheets, and before he could do more than blink, she tossed her bathing suit bottom over his head. It landed on the dresser in a heap. A soft giggle emerged from her throat.
“Are you sure you’re up for this? Your head doesn’t hurt, does it?” The words tumbled from his lips.
A playful glint formed in her eyes. She gripped his shaft through his shorts and squeezed. “The question is, are you up for this? It seems the answer is ‘yes’.”
Caleb laughed, the sound bubbling up from his soul. “Be careful what you ask for, my lucky falling star.”
“Who’s asking?” Adara tugged on his shorts, encouraging him to rid himself of the confining garment.
With pleasure. He pulled off his swimsuit, and with great flourish, tossed them onto the floor.
Her laugh echoed around the room. Caleb captured her between his arms. Her body molded to him, her breasts pressing against his chest, his erection lying against her soft abdomen. Adara kissed him and ran her hands between their bodies, gripping his shaft. She brushed her fingers down his length until she cupped his balls. Kneading them between her fingers, lightning bolts of desire shot through him, sending a fresh supply of blood to his already engorged shaft.
Cosmic Cabaret Page 24