Safe in the Surgeon's Arms

by Molly Evans

  “Oh.” She held his gaze. “You liked that, did you?” Flirty and playful weren’t her norm anymore, but tonight, right now, it was perfect.

  “Very much.” Casually, he appeared to be tying a knot in the middle of the wrap, but he traced a finger over the curve of her right breast and down into the dip of her cleavage, then up over the curve of her left breast.

  Tingles flashed through her nipples and shot straight to her groin. Savoring the sensations, she leaned closer to him, wanting more, aching for his touch against her skin again. “Perhaps we should go.”

  “That’s a fine plan.” Casually, he placed one hand on her back and escorted her to the door. Once seated in the limo, her heart raced, her mouth went dry, and she pressed her lips together, eyes on Chase, who leaned against the seat in the corner. He took her hand in his and tugged a little, urged her closer until she leaned forward and placed her weight on her hands on the seat.

  Teasing him was fun and made her feel sexier than she’d ever felt before, especially in recent memory. “What can I do for you, Dr. Montgomery?” She licked her lips and watched his gaze linger on them.

  “Nothing. Absolutely, nothing.” He untied the knot of the shawl at the front of her chest slowly, allowing his knuckles to rub against her dress. With talented fingers he eased the knot free and let it drift away, exposing her décolletage to his gaze. Turning his hands, he used his thumbs to stroke the rising curves of her breasts, pushed up by her bra and enhanced by her position.

  She closed her eyes, allowing the sensations to flow over her, to bubble up within her, and became familiar with them again, as they had been strikingly absent for too long. When Chase bent his thumbs and used them to draw down the edge of the dress and the bra, he teased her nipples at the same time. Leaning forward, he stroked his tongue around her nipple on one side, then licked his way over the curve of silk lace to her left breast, stroking his tongue across the other nipple.

  “Oh...oh, my.” Trembling on her arms, she wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of emotion and desire he unleashed in her with that simple action.

  “Don’t move.”

  “I don’t think I can.” He pulled down the front of her dress on the left and took her entire nipple into his mouth, teasing, stroking, suckling it, and desire shot white-hot through her body straight to the core of her. With her hands still holding her weight, she really couldn’t move as he eased that side of her dress up and revealed the other side to his gaze and his mouth.

  The hum of the car engine changed and the vehicle slowed. Chase eased her dress up and retied the knot of her shawl in the front.

  “We’re here.” She sat up straight and gathered her purse in front of her, certain she looked like she’d been fornicating in the back of the car—which, really, she had been. “Will you come in for a while?”

  “I’ll take care of the driver, then I’ll take care of you.” He leaned forward and pressed a firm kiss to her lips, then pulled back.

  They emerged from the car into the cool night air, which felt pleasant against her skin and a refreshing boost to her brain. He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm as they approached her apartment.

  Her hands fumbled with the keys and he took them from her, unlocked the door and escorted her inside. “Don’t be afraid of me, Em. Ever.”

  She barked out a nervous laugh. “It’s not you I’m afraid of.”

  “Then what?”

  “Me.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHASE LEANED BACK against the door. “You’re going to have to explain that one. Communication needs to be very clear between us. I don’t want anything to go wrong between us now, not when we’re starting to find each other again.”

  Before answering, she put her purse and shawl on the counter and eased her feet out of the killer pumps, letting her feet return to their natural shape. Chase watched, his eyes glittering as she removed each piece of clothing.

  “That’s better.” She wiggled her feet in the carpeting.

  “Don’t stop on my account.”

  She tossed a look his direction. “Nice try.”

  “So why don’t you tell me what you mean?” He removed his jacket, hung it on the door behind him. He moved into the living room, pushed the coffee table away from the couch and settled onto the floor. He was relaxed and confident and reminded her of the other day when she’d taught him some relaxation techniques.

  Hesitating, Emily followed him. She removed her watch and placed it on the coffee table, followed by her earrings and pearl necklace.

  Although he looked calm, she was a mass of churning nerves inside. This man had been her lover, and her friend, and right now she wanted to reach out to him more than ever, but she held back, with three years of pressure churning inside her.

  He’d also burned her more than anyone ever had. Though she’d forgiven him, taking that first step was a doozy. Trust was a huge deal. One minute she wanted him, the next second fear overwhelmed her.

  “I don’t think this is a good idea after all. Why don’t I change my clothes, and I’ll take you home, or you can call a cab. That would be best.” Decision made. She headed to her bedroom, but Chase quickly caught up to her.

  “Don’t do that to me, Em. Don’t do it again.”

  “Do what?” She backed up against the doorframe to support herself.

  “Shut me out like that. Like you’re doing right now.”

  He was angry. More angry than she’d ever seen him, and her instincts kicked in. She took a protective stance. “Back off.”

  “Emily...” He reached for her again.

  “I said back off, Chase.” She raised her arms and parted her feet.

  “I said you shouldn’t be afraid of me, and I meant it. I’m not going to hurt you.” He took a step away from her, respecting her boundaries, but inside he shook, the power of the emotions coursing through him making him tremble. He clenched his hands into fists at his sides and wanted to punch something.

  He flashed around and faced her. “Hit me.”

  “What?” Confusion covered her face, and she backed up a step, but still kept her stance. “No. I’m not going to hit you.”

  “I said hit me.” He moved closer and closer until she was cornered.

  “I’m not going to—”

  “It’s the only way you’re getting out of this tonight. You’re going to have to hit me.” It would feel better if she did. It would be some relief if she would. “I’ll feel better if you do.”

  “Chase, no!”

  “Emily!” He grabbed her hand and placed it against his chest. “Please...” His voice cracked. “Hit me. I need you to.”

  “No, that’s not why I’m here, not why I came back here. I didn’t come to punish you.”

  “Then why did you come back here, Emily? Why?” Frustration oozed from every pore. He had to hear her say it.

  “This is my home, too, you know.” She relaxed a little, but her eyes were still wary and bruised with remembered pain and she curled one hand into a fist.

  “There are several hospitals where you could have worked, yet you chose the one I’m at.” She tried to move around him, but he countered her move.

  “I wanted to be where I was comfortable, where I knew people.” She tried to go around him again, but he blocked her movement. “I was tired of learning a new hospital with every assignment, so this was easier.”

  “Liar. After the last hurricane and reconstruction, it’s totally new.”

  “But I didn’t know that.” Or had Danny already told her that, and she’d forgotten?

  “Liar.”

  She jumped like he’d shocked her and stomped her foot. “I am not lying.”

  “Yes, you are. You came to where I was because you wanted to see one thing. Me.” With that,
he reached for her and dragged her against him, catching her off guard before she could react. “Tell me I’m wrong, Emily. Tell me you don’t want me anymore and I’ll go and never bother you again.” His voice broke and his heart raced. His breathing was harsh in his chest, but so was hers. “Tell me you don’t still love me,” he whispered.

  She clenched her teeth and tears filled her eyes as she stared at him. “I. Can’t.” Her breathing was ragged, making her breasts rise and fall enticingly.

  “Then let me love you, Em, let me love you.” He cleared his throat when his voice cracked again.

  She licked her lips, and her gaze dropped to his mouth. “I just wish...” A caustic laugh escaped her throat, and she relaxed, leaning further against him, letting her body get to know his again. “I wish...”

  “I know, baby, I know.” His gaze dropped to her mouth, that luscious mouth he’d used to love exploring his body. With one hand, he cupped the left side of her face and neck. She pressed her face against his palm, closed her eyes, and his heart broke. “Emily.” Bridging the slight gap between them, he drew her face forward, hesitated. “I really want to kiss you.”

  “Kiss me.” The words were a breath that released him.

  The first touch of his lips against hers felt somehow foreign, as if he’d never been there before. He hadn’t, not in this way. The last time he’d kissed her she’d held back. Now he moved in, relaxed, opened himself up to her as he never had.

  Soft and sweet, her lips parted, and he met her tongue with his, eased against hers, glided together, stirring his passion for her that he’d thought had died and now surged strongly within him. A moan stirred in her throat, and she pulled back from him, blue eyes startled and fiery.

  “Oh, God, Chase, what have you done?” Her thumb stroked his lower lip.

  “What do you mean?” His breath was tight in his throat, his heart catapulting in his chest and his body aroused beyond belief. Had he somehow misunderstood the words kiss me?

  “You’ve freed me.” This time she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hauled him to her, her mouth searching for his.

  Eagerly, he met her, one hand against the small of her back, the other cupping the back of her head. This was no small kiss but a barn-burner, setting them both ablaze. Passion unleashed between them had always been stimulating, but now there was a fire between them that wasn’t going to be easily contained.

  He backed her against the wall, needing the stability before his legs gave way. She was so sweet, so special, so beautiful.

  Mouths searching, hearts aching, they found a way to the path of forgiveness they’d never imagined. Once the light had been shined onto the trail to lead the way, there was no turning back.

  She pulled away and held him close. “Oh, God, Chase. I’m so scared, but so turned on, I don’t know what to do.”

  “Why are you scared?” That puzzled him.

  “I haven’t been with anyone since our last time, since before...” She met his gaze full on. “You’re the last man I made love with, and I don’t know what to do, how to do it anymore.”

  That stopped him a second. Compassion for her swelled within him. She wanted him, there was no doubt, but this moment was precious, and he didn’t want to mess it up.

  “Let’s just go slow, and you be the guide.”

  She kissed him again then, soft, slow. Each touch, each sigh drew them closer together.

  He struggled to keep his hands on her tiny waist, until she reached for one of his hands and guided it upward to cover her breast. Allowing her head to fall back, she took in a breath and let it out slowly. The angle of her head, of her neck, the light perspiration on her skin made him want to take a bite out of her.

  Her nipple stirred beneath his thumb. He could feel the lace of her bra through the dress and his curiosity was roused beyond belief. Using the tip of his thumb, he hooked the front of her dress and drew it down, exposing the lace of a dangerously red bra. The cup seemed to only be half-there, pushing her breast upward, firm and ripe, toward him and his mouth actually watered.

  “You’re beautiful, Em.”

  She was ready, she wanted him, and he leaned down to satisfy himself. To take her nipple, barely hidden by the very edge of the lace, into his mouth.

  The feel of Chase’s tongue on her breast nearly made her climax at once. He teased a lazy path over the crest of her right breast, his tongue dipping beneath at last to tease and stimulate her nipple. Then with a very clever use of his thumb he tugged the cup downward slightly and sucked her nipple into his hot mouth.

  She actually jumped, as if the last bits of her soul had suddenly returned to her body. The feelings were so intense, so pure, so passionate. She’d never expected to feel this way again, this excited, turned on and wanting. Her body hadn’t forgotten after all. Her body had waited for the right man to bring it to life again.

  The dress was of no further use to her and it needed to go. Fortunately, the material had an abundance of stretch and forgiveness in it. Reaching up with her left hand, she clasped the neck and dragged it down, shrugged, and the garment lay in a heap at her feet.

  “That’s certainly convenient.”

  “Indeed.” She almost didn’t recognize her own voice, so deep and husky, filled with desire.

  Chase, being a man to take advantage of opportunity, used the thumb of his right hand to trace the edge of the left cup of her bra, teasing that nipple, as well.

  He didn’t kiss her again, but watched her, and she kept her gaze on his face. “You’re beautiful. You’re luscious. And I want to make love with you.”

  Nodding was about all she could do, and she licked her lips as his head dipped downward again to her left nipple this time. Slowly, languidly, he traced and teased both of her nipples until she was certain they would never go down again.

  This time, when he pulled back, he looked down over her body, over her abdomen that quivered slightly with her breathing, the curve of her hips, and lingered on the red thong she wore.

  “I’m surprised. A thong?”

  “Hate panty lines.”

  “Me, too.” His gaze wandered further down her thighs and calves, all the way to her red toenails. “I like this look, a lot. You’re strong and capable and independent, beautiful and passionate.”

  Trembling, she reached out to his clothing to find his skin beneath the tux shirt. She wanted to see him, all of him, and wanted him against her. Soon his shirt was gone and the button on his pants hung open. There was little between them now and this was her opportunity to stop.

  “Are you okay?” With one finger, he blazed a trail between her breasts and headed south, downward over her abdomen and belly button, then paused at the edge of her thong.

  “I’m good.” She licked her lips. “Very good.” She closed her eyes and felt him move.

  He was on his knees in front of her and his mouth hit her abdomen, where he rubbed his face against her skin, placed searing kisses there, tugging with his teeth at the ring in her belly button.

  His hands came up the backs of her thighs to cup her buttocks. With his breath hot on her skin and his fingers doing their best to drive her crazy, Emily nearly fainted with wanting him.

  Each touch brought them closer, each kiss made her want more. Slowly, he clasped the waistband of the thong in his hands and eased it down until it joined her dress on the floor at her feet.

  “Turn into me,” he whispered against her skin. She knew what he wanted, and she wanted it, too. Turning her hips forward, she waited until his breath was hot against her skin and heading downward, over her mound. Trembling, her thighs parted, unable to contain herself. “That’s it. Easy, babe. Just let go, just enjoy. Let me please you.”

  With one hand he cupped her bottom and pulled it forward, with the other hand he parted her feminine flesh and pressed his f
ace toward her. The first touch of his tongue seared her and she sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. “Oh, God.”

  “Nice, huh?”

  “Yes. Oh. Oh. Yes.” She sank her hands into his hair, needing something to hold onto as she let go and let him have her body. For the first time she could let go.

  Legs unable to hold her weight up any longer, she began to slide, easing her way down the wall. Going with her, he adjusted his position and somehow they made it to the couch nearby. Down on his knees in front of her, he scooted her hips to the edge of the cushion and resumed his quest.

  “Relax. Enjoy.” He kissed his way up her right thigh to the juncture, then returned to her left knee, repeating the same trail there, upward. She needed this so badly, and she needed him more than she wanted to admit. And then he was opening his mouth over her center again, hot and wet, tongue searching for her bud, circling it, teasing it and driving her wild.

  The pressure, the electricity built within her, and when he eased a finger inside her sheath she gasped and nearly screamed with the power of her climax, the first one she’d had since back then. Passion overwhelmed her, and she cried out. Pulses of white light and pure energy formed in her core and pulsed outward. Chase held on to her as the orgasm released inside her.

  Then he moved upward toward her. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Very.” She moved to lie back, and he stripped and adjusted position and placed his body over hers, moving until his erection lay against her thigh. Swollen and needy, he wanted her, but he didn’t, couldn’t, rush her.

  “Come closer.” He adjusted his position. “Closer.” Again he moved upward until the tip of him brushed against her at her apex.

  “I want you inside me, Chase. Now.” She felt like she was losing her virginity all over again. Somehow he managed to dig a condom out of his pocket and put it on. She was glad he’d thought of it as she hadn’t, hadn’t even considered she was going to be making love tonight. Feeling Chase ease slowly inside her, carefully, made her want to cry. For the things they had lost, for the pain they’d experienced and the chasm that had developed between them.