Race to the Altar

by Judy Duarte

  Chase pulled out a chair for Molly, and she took a seat. Then he sat across from her. The hostess handed them menus and a wine list, and a busboy brought them water spiked with lemon slices, as well as a basket of fresh-baked bread. Moments later, they were left alone.

  From a hidden speaker, violin music played softly—something Italian and hauntingly romantic. With that added to the candle flickering on the table, she couldn’t help feeling as though she was being wined and dined by the hero in a chick flick.

  “You look beautiful tonight,” Chase said, his blue eyes glimmering in the candlelight, his expression heart-stirring.

  “Thank you.” She tried not to let his words and his smile go to her head. In her rush to dress, she’d only done the best with what she had—hair, makeup and clothes.

  After shuffling through the various outfits in her closet, she’d settled on a black dress she’d worn to a retirement party for one of the surgeons at Wexler General Hospital. She’d forgotten all about it until she’d spotted the dry cleaner’s bag in a corner.

  She’d purchased it more than two years ago, but it had a classic style and still fit as though it had been made with her body in mind.

  “How about some wine?” Chase asked.

  “That sounds good.”

  He motioned for the waiter, then asked her, “Red or white?”

  “You choose. I’ll be happy with either.”

  He ordered a bottle of merlot from a California winery, and before long, they’d both been served a glass. He lifted his in a toast. “Here’s to getting to know each other outside the hospital.”

  “And away from the racetrack,” she added, clicking her glass against his.

  The resonant sound of crystal upon crystal rang out, adding to the magic of the evening. But Molly would be darned if she knew what to do, what to say. So she waited for Chase to take the lead, and fortunately he kept things simple.

  They started by discussing the decor of the restaurant, as well as the movies advertised on the posters outside. They also talked about Rusty and how Chase hoped to find a kitten for Tommy and Missy Haines.

  The Web site and the online newspapers she’d read had been wrong about him, she realized. Well, not about his skill, his daring and his aggressiveness on the track. But about him being anything but a kind and generous man—if also a roguish gentleman—any woman would be happy to date.

  They ate salad with a homemade vinaigrette dressing, as well as pasta and grilled chicken with a zesty tomato and artichoke sauce.

  As the meal was ending, Chase lifted the wine bottle and refilled Molly’s glass. She rarely drank, so one glass of merlot had given her a warm buzz already.

  Or had the buzz been a result of the handsome man who sat across from her?

  Chase had been drawing smiles from her all evening, as well as stirring up feelings she hadn’t experienced in more than a year. No, that wasn’t true. She’d never experienced such a powerful physical attraction, such an incredible sense of wonder in her life. And she shouldn’t be doing so now. But it felt good to let down her guard, to share a romantic dinner with a handsome man and to pretend there was something brewing between them.

  “I’d like to date you,” he said.

  The breakneck change in topic made her blink. Then she realized he was serious. “We can’t…do that, I—”

  “Why not? I’m not a patient anymore.”

  “Yes, I know. But…you’re a race car driver. I’d never be able to handle the danger, the risk.”

  “You wouldn’t have to.” A rebellious smile tugged one side of his lips. “I’d be the one handling that.”

  It sounded so simple, so matter-of-fact, but he didn’t get it. And she feared a lot of men wouldn’t. “Chase, if I allowed myself to care for you, I wouldn’t be able to support what you do. Or who you are.”

  He paused for a moment, as though trying to make sense of it all. And she could understand why he’d have a problem with it. Many women probably found his career exciting, thrilling, but Molly wasn’t one of them.

  She’d seen the effects of car accidents, both personally and as a nurse in the hospital. And she knew what it felt like to lose almost everyone and everything she’d ever loved. It was a risk she wasn’t willing to take.

  She looked at him, hoping he understood and that they wouldn’t have to discuss it any further. But something simmered in his eyes, something hot and stirring.

  He reached for her hand and held it in a warm, solid grip. His thumb caressed her wrist, sending her pulse racing and her emotions soaring in a hundred different directions. His gaze locked on hers. “Then what do we do about this?”

  He didn’t have to explain what he meant by this. The tension buzzed and swirled around them, just as it had been doing all evening, and she found it nearly impossible to shake off.

  Reluctantly, she pulled her hand away. “I have no idea what to do about it. Ignore it, I guess.”

  “Then you’re a lot stronger than I am.”

  That was doubtful. Right now, she felt like a ninety-pound weakling who was absolutely powerless to resist anything, but she’d be darned if she’d let him know that.

  The waiter stopped by and asked if they’d like dessert, and they both declined. Then Chase paid the bill and stood.

  “Come on,” he said, waiting for her to rise. When she did, he slipped his arm around her to guide her out of the restaurant. The move seemed so natural, so right, that she nearly leaned against him.

  Nearly, but not quite.

  Still, her pulse was zipping along at breakneck speed, and her senses were spinning on a path of their own.

  It was the wine, she told herself. And the romantic ambience of an extraordinary evening that she wasn’t likely to ever experience again.

  But try as she might, she still couldn’t shake the effects Chase and their time together were having on her. And she wasn’t sure that she wanted to.

  On the walk home, their shoulders brushed a time or two more, and she had the urge to reach for his hand, to dive right in and become a couple.

  How crazy was that?

  If he had a desk job, if he worked from home, things would be different. It would be easier to consider dating him. But he had a wild and dangerous career that could, if something went wrong, leave him disabled or worse. And after everything she’d lost, she wasn’t sure she could afford to risk her heart on a man like Chase.

  By the time they reached her house, she didn’t know if she should be relieved or sad. In spite of herself, she lingered on the porch rather than immediately heading inside and sending him on his way.

  The scent of his aftershave, something manly and rugged, stirred up an unusual sense of freedom and adventure, and she found herself wanting to share a goodbye kiss so she would have something to hold on to after he was gone from her life.

  Deciding to deal with any consequences her actions might bring, she placed her hand on his chest, felt the expensive fabric of his shirt, the steady beat of his heart and the vibrant male essence that filled him.

  Meeting his gaze, she felt the connection they’d shared from the first time they’d talked at the hospital grow into an undeniable bond, one she could almost touch.

  She raised her hand and touched his cheek, felt his solid, square jaw, the bristle of beard shadow.

  He placed his fingers over hers as they rested on his cheek, then he tilted her hand outward and brought it to his mouth. He placed a kiss on her palm, sending an erotic rush of goose bumps along her arms.

  The moist warmth of his breath nearly knocked her to her knees, and she placed her free hand on his shoulder to steady herself. She wanted to feel his arms around her, to absorb his woodsy scent. So she reached to the back of his neck, the locks of hair brushing her knuckles, and drew his face to hers.

  As their lips touched, he pulled her into his embrace, and she held on tight, leaning into him and relishing a man’s touch for the first time in what seemed like forever.

  A
nd it felt better than good; it felt right.

  There they stood, kissing under the light of a three-quarter moon for all the neighborhood to see, yet it seemed as though they were the only two people in the world.

  Her lips parted and her tongue sought his, seeking and tasting. Her eyes were closed but overhead the stars had surely exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors.

  Across the way, a door opened and closed. And while she didn’t care who saw them, who knew what she was doing, the sound was interference enough to force a decision.

  She might be sorry for this tomorrow, but she drew her mouth from his, her breathing laced with desire.

  “I don’t normally do things like this,” she said, as she dug in her purse and pulled out her key.

  “I’m glad you did tonight.”

  She heard the humor in his voice, knowing that he was referring only to the kiss.

  But then she unlocked the door, took him by the hand and led him inside.

  Chase had been so sure that Molly was going to send him on his way after their heated kiss, so when she led him into the house, he was pleasantly surprised.

  He’d be damned if he knew what he would have done if she’d sent him away, fully aroused and as frustrated as an adolescent on hormone overload—especially when the nearest cold shower was miles away.

  His head was still spinning, his blood still pounding.

  She’d left a light on in the living room when they’d left, and now, as he studied her in the soft glow, he was glad that she had.

  That pretty black dress hugged her curves, showcasing what the hospital scrubs had hidden and revealing a beautiful woman any man would be proud to have on his arm. A sexual flush on her neck and chest told him she’d been just as affected by that kiss as he’d been.

  She raked her fingers through the white-gold strands of her hair, and he realized he was…

  What?

  Temporarily smitten, he supposed.

  “Did they teach you the fine art of kissing at nursing school?” he asked, trying to make light of something that was anything but.

  “It’s been a while,” was all she said.

  “I don’t know about that,” he argued. “If I had to guess, I’d say you must have been practicing day and night.”

  Her smile nearly knocked him to the floor, and he couldn’t help closing the distance between them. He wrapped his arms around her, hoping to take up where they’d left off.

  As he lowered his mouth to hers, her lips parted, and his control faded. The kiss deepened into something hot and demanding, something wild and free.

  He closed his eyes, caught in a heady arousal of pounding hormones and blended scents as he tasted every inch of her soft, moist mouth, as his hands slid along the curve of her back, the slope of her hips.

  A surge of desire nearly knocked him senseless, and he gripped her bottom and pulled her flush against him.

  She whimpered in response, and her fingers threaded through his hair, drawing his lips closer, his tongue deeper.

  When they came up for air, he caught her cheeks in his hand, his gaze snaring hers. “I’ve never wanted to make love to anyone as much as I want to with you.”

  And he wasn’t just blowing smoke. In spite of having been married and being a happy and active bachelor for the better part of the past five years, he had to admit that it was true.

  “I know that we’re not suited to each other,” she said breathlessly.

  Oh, yeah? That kiss they’d just shared insisted otherwise.

  “But we’re both adults with needs,” she added.

  Something told him—warned him—that making love with Molly would be more than just sex, but he wasn’t in any position to argue right now. Not when it appeared that she was going to give him a green light to the bedroom.

  The emotional stuff could wait, although one thing was certain. He’d told her he wanted to date her, and after that kiss, he was sure he wouldn’t have any reservations about making a commitment to her—at least for the time being.

  Molly reached for his hand, then led him to her bedroom, a cozy space with pale green walls and a white goose-down comforter. When she reached the bed, she pushed back the spread and top sheet, then opened the drawer of her nightstand and pulled out a couple of condoms and set them where they’d be ready, waiting.

  Then she turned her back to him and lifted her hair.

  His fingers nearly fumbled as he unzipped her dress. Then he pushed the fabric off her shoulders and placed a kiss on her neck.

  Her breath caught as she took a moment to savor the contact. She slid the garment off her body, allowing it to drop to the floor.

  She turned and stood before him in a pair of lacy black panties and a matching bra.

  He swallowed hard, his heart pounding furiously. He eased toward her, slowly. “You’re beautiful, Nurse Molly.”

  She skimmed her fingers across his chest as she began to unbutton his shirt, sending a shiver through his nerve endings and a rush of heat through his blood.

  No doubt about it, the lady knew what she wanted.

  And so did he.

  She tugged his shirttail out of his pants, and he took the lead, removing his shirt. When it was off, she reached behind her and unhooked her bra, releasing her breasts, the dusky tips peaked. He dropped to one knee to caress and kiss them, taking time to suckle one and nip it gently with his teeth.

  She whimpered, swayed slightly and reached for his arm to steady herself.

  Pleased with the effect he’d had on her, he stood, scooped her into his arms and laid her on the bed.

  After ridding himself of his pants, he joined her, continuing to stroke, to kiss and to caress her until they were both overcome with desire.

  He slipped off her panties and loved her with his hands and his mouth until they were both desperate for release.

  “I need you inside me now,” she said, her voice husky with desire.

  He needed her, too.

  In what seemed to be only a heartbeat, they were both naked. He reached for a foil packet and tore it open. If he’d been with anyone else, he might have checked the wrapping, the expiration date. But he was with a medical professional who was surely on top of those things.

  Besides, he was also too far gone to give a damn about anything other than making love to Nurse Molly all night long.

  When he’d taken care of the protection, he entered her, slowly at first, and as she arched to meet him, he thrust deeply, again and again. Her body responded to his, giving and taking until they were both breathless with need.

  She cried out with her climax, her nails gripping his shoulders, scraping the skin. That’s all it took to send him over the edge with her.

  He shuddered as he released, riding the waves of pleasure.

  If he’d ever had any question about whether Molly was the right woman to take home to meet his sponsors, the woman who’d not only appeal to their conservative natures, but who would be easy for him to commit to, he no longer had any doubts.

  She’d said they weren’t suited, but they’d just proven that statement wrong with the best sex he’d ever had.

  Chase had no idea what he was feeling for Molly exactly, but he suspected it was more than physical.

  Surely she felt it, too.

  Of course, he had no way of knowing how long a relationship between them would last, but Molly had been the one to mention that they both had needs. So he suspected she’d agree to let things fall where they may.

  And if she still claimed they weren’t good for each other?

  Well, then he’d just have to convince her otherwise.

  As the dawn crept through a crack in the curtains, Molly lay curled in Chase’s arms, her bottom nestled in his lap.

  Last night had been incredible, and while she wasn’t anywhere near as sexually experienced as he undoubtedly was, she didn’t have to ask if it had been good for him. She’d seen it in his eyes, heard it in his voice, felt it in his embrace.

&nbs
p; As a lover, Chase was too good to be true. And that’s what had her confused this morning. She struggled with wanting more and knowing it would never work. A relationship with Chase Mayfield would make her face her biggest fear every day: losing another loved one to the cruel hand of fate.

  The only way she could consider having more than a one-night stand with him would be to insist that he quit racing for good, but he would never do that.

  How could he? Racing was an integral part of who he was, just as nursing defined her, which meant they didn’t have a chance in the world of creating a lasting relationship, and they’d be crazy to even try.

  So she tightened her armor a notch, determined to get her lust under control.

  As she carefully pried herself out of his arms, intending to head for the bathroom to take a shower, he drew her back to him.

  “Where are you going?” he asked, his voice graveled from sleep.

  He obviously wasn’t ready to end their night together, which ought to be comforting, but it wasn’t. Not when reality dawned with the morning sun.

  “I’m going to shower,” she said. “Unless you want to take one first.”

  “No, that’s okay.” He reached out, touched her back, his fingers trailing against her skin as she continued to climb from bed.

  She padded across the floor and into the bathroom, eager to close the door so she wouldn’t have to see him, wouldn’t have to wrestle the temptation to get back into bed and wrap her arms around him one more time.

  Last night, she’d convinced herself that she could make love for the sake of sex alone. She’d needed the physical release.

  But a warm knot had begun to grow in her chest each time Chase went out of his way to make things good for her, to find just the right spot to touch, to stroke.

  Still, there was no way she could let things go on any longer. It would be tough enough to back out now and not suffer a broken heart.

  The knot in her chest fisted tight, swelling and banging against her rib cage like a kicking-and-screaming child determined to have its own way.

  “Damn,” she muttered as she turned on the spigot and waited for the water to heat, fearing it was too late. That her heart would break anyway.