The Nurse's Bodyguard

by Melanie Mitchell

  He leaned across the console and returned her kiss. “It was fun.” He caressed her cheek with one of his big hands and searched her eyes. “I can see why you do what you do...” He paused. Looking worried, he asked, “But what happens when things don’t...when things don’t work out?” He swallowed. “You said before that Min-soo was going to be okay. Why was he so pale today, and why the spinal tap?”

  She couldn’t resist taking his hand in both of hers. Smiling reassuringly she explained, “Min-soo started his final round of chemo yesterday, so he’s experiencing fatigue and a little nausea from that. The lumbar puncture is routine, necessary to monitor his progress and to be a baseline for the chemo.” She squeezed his hand. “I promise he’s doing well.”

  Luke looked relived and started the car. On the trip back to the base they discussed the different children, and Claire explained more about her research.

  “Most of my time is spent in the playroom working with the kids, collecting data and assessing their progress. I watch them for signs of fatigue or overt illness.

  “I’m getting pretty good at completing finger sticks and other blood draws while the children are busy with computer games or dogs. And, like today, when a child is too ill to come to the playroom, I’ll take portable keyboards or a laptop or even a pup to them to help pass the time and treat their emotional, mental and social needs.” She finished proudly. “So far, my data collection and analysis have shown that the playroom and the therapists contribute significantly to the children’s recovery. I want to help start similar—um—intervention facilities in hospitals in the U.S.”

  “Well, I’m a believer.” Luke’s expression held admiration and a touch of pride. “I have every confidence that you’ll make your plan a reality.”

  * * *

  THAT EVENING, when Luke returned to the apartment for his dinner break, Claire surprised him with a home-cooked meal. He’d planned on picking her up then running to the cantina for a quick bite, so his heart did a little flutter when he entered the apartment and she came to him from the kitchen wiping her hands on a dish towel.

  “Hi.” Her smile was guileless and sweet. “Dinner is almost ready.”

  “I don’t know what it is, but that smells great.”

  “I scoured the freezer and pantry until I was able to come up with the ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs. It’s got a Minnesota twist. I hope you like it.”

  He grinned. “Don’t care if it’s Minnesota style or Midland style, I’m starved.” He slipped off his jacket.

  “Don’t get too comfortable yet. I’d like you to do something.”

  “Sure. What do you need?”

  She motioned to the collection of computers cluttering the dining table. “I can see that the table is rarely used for eating.” She smiled at him again. “I was reluctant to move anything for fear of dislodging an important cable or messing up a connection. But unless you want to balance spaghetti on your knees in the living room, you might shove a computer aside and clear some space...”

  He bent to kiss her cheek. “I would be glad to, Mary Claire.” He grinned at her. “Anything for homemade spaghetti.”

  After dinner, Luke had to return to the surveillance compound to complete his shift, but he vowed to try to be home by ten. He was able to keep the promise and Claire waited up, greeting him when he opened the door.

  They sat together on the couch, watching whatever was on the American Forces Television station and talking. After a while, Luke put his arm around Claire and pulled her closer. The embrace was comforting, and Claire curled into his warmth and soon dozed off. Sometime later he kissed her hair.

  “Time for you to go to bed, sleepyhead.”

  Claire blinked her eyes several times and sat up. “Oh, I’m sorry. It was a really big day.” She smiled shyly and added, “It was a really good day.”

  Luke couldn’t admit that holding her with her head on his shoulder was one of the most wonderful half hours of his life. He pulled her to her feet and led her to the door of her bedroom. “Can I kiss you good night?” he drawled.

  She didn’t answer. Instead she slid her arms around his waist and tilted her head up. Standing on her toes, she lightly pressed her lips to his jaw before he leaned down and gently kissed her—once, twice and then again. “Sleep well,” he whispered. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  ON SATURDAY, LUKE had to accompany a team on another reconnaissance expedition to the DMZ. When Claire woke, he was already gone. Left alone, Claire’s day became tedious and lonely. She worked on her research for a while but grew tired and a little bored from her enforced confinement. Wanting to enjoy the lovely spring day, she spent several hours exploring the base. She found some places to shop and a small playground, where several mothers were watching small children on swings and slides. She passed an hour talking with them and hearing about life at Yongsan.

  Luke called around five to tell her he would be late and she shouldn’t wait for him for dinner. Finally, a little after ten, the door opened and he walked in. Rising from the sofa where she’d been watching a movie, Claire slipped forward to greet him. “Hi. How was your—”

  Luke pulled her to his chest; his embrace seemed almost desperate. “I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love you being here...” His voice was slightly hoarse.

  “Luke, is everything all right?

  He gave a short laugh. “Yes, it’s great. I’m serious. You’re here—that’s almost too wonderful...” He stopped, catching himself before he went too far.

  She pulled back and studied him for a moment. “You look tired. Go sit down. Can I get you something?”

  “Yes, something to drink would be great.” After a pause, he let her go.

  “One soda coming up.” She went into the kitchen and added ice to a glass, then filled it with cola. “Tell me about your day,” she said as she returned to the living room.

  He was slumped on the sofa, his head resting on the back cushion. “Oh, same old stuff,” he mumbled.

  She handed him the soft drink and then sat on the other side of the sofa facing him. “No, seriously. Tell me what you did today. My day was really tedious and no matter what you say, I know yours wasn’t. Can you give me a little vicarious action?” She pursed her lips and frowned a little.

  He looked at her sympathetically. “I’m sorry you’re stuck here. Not a lot to do, I know.”

  “I’m not pouting—well not much. Actually, my day was fine. I got to explore the base and met some really lovely women and cute kids at the park. I was able to work a lot on the research project, but...well, I just feel kind of useless.” She lightly touched his hand. “But, I’d really like to hear about your day—I mean if it’s okay for you to tell me.”

  He smiled tiredly and stroked her fingers with his thumb. “Okay, some vicarious action, then... First, one of the NCOs and I met our ride this morning about five. We drove to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjeom where we hopped in a Humvee and headed out to talk to the guards at several checkpoints across the western half of the DMZ. We check in with them periodically to verify the data they send us electronically. There have been instances when the North Koreans have successfully hacked our electronic communications so we’re careful what we send via the internet, and much of the surveillance data—particularly really sensitive stuff—is reviewed in person.” He took a sip of his soda. “Anyway, I spent my day being jostled in an uncomfortable jeep with four soldiers talking with their Korean counterparts.”

  Despite his attempt to make it sound mundane, Luke’s couldn’t conceal his enthusiasm for his work. “Are you going to miss it?” she asked quietly.

  He looked pensive. “Hmm... I guess both yes and no. I enjoy the camaraderie, and the work is interesting. And—like you said—I know it’s important. What we do may mean the differen
ce between life and death for a lot of people.” He shrugged. “But I miss my family and I’m really ready to go home.”

  She nodded appreciatively. “Is it dangerous?”

  “Uh, no... Well, not exactly.” He grinned then. “Occasionally, we’ll get a driver who thinks he’s doing some kind of dune buggy racing and nearly tips the Humvee... And there have been helicopter patrols in bad weather—that can get a little scary. But compared to...well, never mind...” He shifted awkwardly and rubbed his neck. “I really need to get some sleep. I’ve been up since 4:30 and I’m beat.”

  She stared at him for a moment and finally leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Yes, that’s a very good idea. I’m afraid you’re going to pass out on the couch and I may have to carry—well drag you to your room.”

  He continued to rub her arm affectionately, seeming reluctant to break contact. “Tomorrow’s Sunday. Would you like to go to chapel services with me? They start about nine.”

  “Luke, you know I’d love that. Being a ‘preacher’s kid’ I’ve always gone to church on Sunday.”

  He kissed her gently then, first on the mouth, just grazing her lips with his. Then he transitioned to her cheek before forcing himself to pull away. He smiled at her and said absently, “My mother’s going to love you...”

  Her heart did another little skipped beat, which was as much about what he’d said as in response to the gentle kisses. “Your mother?”

  He grinned. “She’s pretty—um—devout. Dad, too, but Mom’s the one who had us all up at church two or three times a week.”

  Her brow creased as she tried to recall what he’d told her about his family. “Your brother... I know you said the youngest was John... The second is named...”

  “Mark.” He supplied. “And Matthew is the oldest.”

  She smiled then. Her mind flew through many of the things he had said and done for her and for others. He was unfailingly considerate and had always been a gentleman with her. He was patient and protective. He hadn’t pushed her or made any physical demands.

  She kissed his cheek. “You know, I think I’m going to like your mother, too.”

  * * *

  WHEN CLAIRE EMERGED from the bedroom the next morning, she smelled the mingled aromas of maple syrup, waffles and coffee. Amazingly, Luke was in the kitchen cooking breakfast. She’d rarely seen him wearing anything other than his uniform or the camouflage he wore for the times he was on patrol in the north. This morning he was neatly dressed in tan slacks and a white cotton shirt. She stared for a moment to where the long sleeves were rolled back revealing his strong forearms.

  He was engrossed in rinsing blueberries and didn’t see her. “Hey,” she said, “that smells great. I had no idea you could cook.”

  Caught off guard, his head flew up and his eyes pinned her. Somewhat self-consciously Claire adjusted the skirt of her light-weight, flowing, flowery dress, which reached a few inches past her knees. Her hair was loose and straight, falling almost to the middle of her back.

  “What can I say? I’m just a regular renaissance man.” His strong accent and slightly “off” pronunciation of the word made her giggle. He grinned. “You’re just in time to set the table. I’ve already pushed back the computers.”

  They laughed a lot over breakfast as he told her more stories about growing up with three really rough brothers. “My grandparents—Mom’s family—owned a cotton farm in the north part of the Permian Basin. When Mom couldn’t control us any longer—which was quite a lot of the time—she sent us to stay with them—in various numbers and arrangements. Believe it or not, I was one of the best behaved—being a middle child and all. But I still spent a lot of time banished to Andrews. Anyway, we grew up riding tractors, pulling plows and driving beat-up pickups.”

  “Did you fight a lot?”

  “Oh, yeah. We were forever on top of one another, or rolling around with fists pounding. But we always stopped short of hurting each other. Now, of course, we’re all best friends.”

  After breakfast Claire washed the dishes while Luke finished getting ready. A short time later he emerged from his room carrying a guitar case. Before she could comment, he gave a wry grin. “When I’m here, I help out with the music.”

  She appeared a little taken back. “I don’t know why I’m surprised. I guess you just seem the football type, not really the musical type.”

  “I told you,” he said, “I’m a renaissance man. The musical abilities come from the Llewellyn side of the family. Dad’s relatives were very musical, and he made sure we all learned to play something. Matt and Ruthie play the piano, Mark is a drummer and passable violin player, then Johnny and I play guitar. Most everyone is above average singing—well my brother John is the exception—he’s totally tone deaf.”

  * * *

  THEY WALKED SEVERAL blocks to the large building that housed Yongsan’s chapel. While waiting for the service to start, Luke introduced Claire to several friends and colleagues. They were talking to a young Army officer who worked on Luke’s team when a stylishly dressed, attractive redhead approached. Luke broke off the conversation and gave the newcomer a quick hug. Claire couldn’t contain a twinge of jealously as she watched the ease and affection between the pair.

  “Hi, gorgeous. I haven’t seen you in a while. Have you heard from Littlejohn?” Luke asked.

  “Yes,” she said, beaming. “I talked to him yesterday. He thinks he’ll be back sometime at the end of the week.” Her lively green eyes and wide smile were engaging.

  Luke nodded. “Kind of what I thought.” He turned to Claire and said, “Claire, let me introduce you to someone you need to meet. This is Bridgette McDonald. She’s a nurse at the base hospital doing something in the E.R. I’m sure she can tell you all about it. Bridgette, this is Claire Olsen. I mentioned her to you last week.”

  Bridgette grinned knowingly. “Ah. That’s what I thought. It’s great to meet you, Claire. Luke was kind of obnoxious when I talked with him last. He told me all about this nurse he’d met—”

  “Hey,” Luke interrupted, looking embarrassed. “That was not meant to be repeated!”

  Bridgette wrinkled her nose at Luke and smiled conspiringly to Claire. “I’ll tell you later.” Luke scowled at her but then shook his head and sighed good-naturedly.

  Despite her initial hint of concern over Luke’s easy relationship with the attractive young woman, Claire felt a quick affinity toward the other nurse. “Hi, Bridgette. It’s nice to meet you. I’ll be sure and ask later what all Luke said...” She peered at Luke and was rewarded when he gave her hand a quick squeeze.

  “Okay, fine. You two talk it out. I can’t stop you.” With a pained look, he pointed to a row of chairs near the stage. “Have a seat. I need to head up to the front now. I’ll join you after the singing.” He gave her a wink and smile, then left carrying his guitar.

  When they were alone, Bridgette and Claire took their seats, leaving the aisle spot for Luke. “Are you in the Army?” Claire asked.

  “No, I’m a civilian. I’ve been here off and on for about five years. Long story.”

  “How well do you know Luke?” Claire couldn’t keep the question inside.

  Bridgette answered very matter-of-factly. “Oh pretty well. We’ve been together quite a lot.” Her eyebrows lifted and her voice was cheerful. “I normally spend a considerable amount of time at the apartment.”

  “Oh. All right.” Claire blinked.

  Claire’s disappointment and trace of jealously must have been evident, because Bridgette gave a short laugh and hastened to add, “No, wait, don’t get the wrong impression. I don’t go to the apartment to see Luke. I go to see Brad.” She smiled brightly and held up her left hand. “We’re engaged.”

  Claire’s relief was obvious when she smiled back. Obligingly, she took Bridgette’s fingers to admire her ring. “Oh, I see
.” She grinned and rolled her eyes a little. “I’m sorry, you kind of took me by surprise.” She thought a minute and then looked puzzled. “But when we first saw you, Luke asked if you’d talked to John. Who is John?”

  It was Bridgette’s turn to be confused. She shook her head. “No, he just asked me about Brad.”

  “Yes, I’m sure of it. I think he actually called him ‘Little John.’ I wasn’t sure if he was just teasing or being condescending. I mean pretty much everyone is ‘little’ to Luke.”

  “Hah!” Bridgette laughed. “That’s pretty funny. That’s his name!” Claire still looked baffled. “Brad’s last name is ‘Littlejohn’. All one word.” She gave a small sigh. “I’m going to have to live with it, too. ‘Bridgette Littlejohn’...”

  Claire nodded then glanced up to the stage where Luke was talking with another guitar player. “This is all really new to me. It’s happened so fast and I’m still not sure...about our relationship...” She sighed. “Plus, there’s a lot going on right now.”

  “I think I understand. Luke told us about you right after he met you last weekend.” She smiled. “He came home from his embassy gig practically talking our ears off about a terrific girl he’d met. I’ve known Luke for about a year and that was the first time either Brad or I have heard him talk like that.” She smiled proudly. “Of course, we encouraged him—well, badgered, actually—to ask you out. I think you have Brad and me to thank for giving him the nerve to actually do it!”

  The women were still chuckling when the music started. The audience was instructed to rise and the service began.

  For the first time since coming to Korea, Claire felt comfortable in her surroundings. Most of those present in the chapel were American. The songs were familiar and the atmosphere reminded her of going to church at home. She hadn’t realized before that she’d been a little homesick.