Hearts Are Wild

by Synithia Williams

  Chapter 17

  “Can I enter, or will you chew my head off?”

  Devin looked up from the lab reports he’d been reviewing. Kia stood at his door holding a patient file against her Tweety Bird scrubs. One of her eyebrows was raised as she looked at him.

  He sat back in his chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Have I really been that bad?”

  She smirked and that was all the answer he needed. His frustration simmered just below the surface ever since he’d ask Shayla to be with him and she refused. The heat between him and Shayla was damn near physical. He’d been willing to ignore it and offer friendship, but she’d offered sex. As much as he longed to sleep with her again, he wouldn’t do it with the hidden relationship she offered. If he slept with Shayla again, it would be because they were together. She may be afraid of what people would think, but he didn’t give a damn.

  Kia crossed the room and placed the patient file in his inbox. Instead of walking out as she usually would, she sat on the edge of the desk. She’d gotten a lot more comfortable talking to him after they danced at the club the other week. Luckily, she hadn’t started outright flirting with him, and after what Shayla told him, he’d been sure to keep his responses as professional as possible.

  “Is there a reason you’re so uptight?” She cocked her head to the side.

  “We’ve been busy. I think I’m just tired.”

  “We’re always busy. My feet are killing me every day when I leave here. But it’s worth it, you know. To help so many people.”

  “It’s one of the reasons I love my job.”

  She smiled. “Me, too. Like Mrs. Abney today, it’s so sweet that she always brings you cookies when she comes. And the way the Harmon boys always get so excited when they come in for a checkup. I’ve never seen kids so happy to see the doctor.”

  Devin laughed. The three and six year old boys had chanted his name and asked for him constantly before he came into the exam room. The entire office heard and thought it was cute, himself included.

  “Those boys are hilarious. And Mrs. Abney knows I can’t resist her oatmeal raisin cookies,” he said.

  “I love this town because everyone knows each other. When I have kids, it’ll be good to know that if someone sees them acting the fool they’ll give me a call. If I moved away, I wouldn’t have that.”

  Devin cocked a brow. “You’re already planning for kids?”

  “What, just because I’m young doesn’t mean I’m not ready to settle down. I don’t want to end up like Shayla.”

  Devin shifted in his seat. “She’s your cousin.”

  Kia raised a hand. “I know, and I love her, but all she talks about is getting out of this town. Moving back to where life doesn’t stop at eight every night. She told me she never wanted to get married or have kids.” Kia sighed and shook her head. “I feel bad for her. One day, she’ll wake up old and alone.”

  Devin toyed with a pen on his desk. What Kia said wasn’t news to him. Shayla had never planned to live in Helena. After the situation in Atlanta and what happened with Tony, he couldn’t blame her for not wanting to get married. But, it still hurt to hear the words coming from someone else. Deep down he’d begun to hope she’d realize life here in Helena, with him, wouldn’t be too bad.

  “Some people prefer to be alone,” he said softly.

  “I prefer to come home to someone I love. Watch our kids play in the yard, go to softball games and watch my boys play football at Helena High or my girls cheer. Wouldn’t you?”

  He looked up from the desk to Kia. She was a good looking girl. Ten years younger than him, but she had a decent head on her shoulders. He wouldn’t have hired her otherwise. But could he really consider a relationship with her when he had feelings for Shayla? Strong feelings that stretched further in years than the gap between his and Kia’s ages. He didn’t date for fun, and at this point in his life he only wanted to date a woman who could be Mrs. Devin Jones. He’d never let anyone know how badly he wanted settle down with a wife. His friends would clown him and their wives would go on a match making binge.

  “Maybe one day,” he said with a nonchalant shrug.

  A slow smile spread across Kia’s face. She reminded him so much of Shayla that he had to look away before she mistook the longing in his gaze as longing for her.

  “I should finish going over these reports and call my patients before going home.” He said.

  She immediately stood, but didn’t leave. “Um, would you like to go out sometime?”

  “Kia . . . ”

  “Look, I know that you and Shayla have history. And I know that with her in town it’s stirred that up. But, Shayla’s leaving, and I’m not.” She walked over and stood before him. “Don’t let her toy with your heart, when I’m willing to cherish it.”

  He sat dumfounded after she turned to leave. Despite Shayla’s warnings, he hadn’t really believed Kia was seriously interested in him. But her words left little doubt. This could make working together awkward, and the synergy of his staff was finally coming together. The nurse he’d hired before Kia had an aggressive attitude that grated on everyone’s nerves, from him to the patients. Kia fit in perfectly and his office ran ten times smoother since. But if she began hinting around that she wanted a relationship with him, it would throw off the dynamic. And he didn’t want to start looking for another nurse.

  With a sigh he turned back to the lab results. But Kia’s warning still played in his head. It wouldn’t be a surprise to learn Shayla had put her up to it. The girl said everything Shayla tried to emphasize, except for the toying with his heart part. Shayla didn’t have to toy with his heart. It already belonged to her. He rubbed his eyes as memories of kissing her on the back of his truck came back to him. She’d been so damn wet. Wet and ready for him. And he’d been the better person. His dick swelled in his pants. It would be difficult to keep his promise of friendship only. He couldn’t think of Shayla without wanting her, much less be around her.

  His hands balled into fists and he took a deep breath. He would keep this promise if it killed him. Her abortion revelation proved she hid a lot more hurts than he’d ever imagined. He refused to be another guy who took advantage of her.

  A soft knock on the door startled him from his thoughts. He looked up at Anna standing at the door. She wore the same wary expression Kia had earlier.

  “You feeling okay?”

  He closed his eyes briefly before nodding. “I’m okay.”

  Anna visibly relaxed. “Good. I’m getting ready to go get something to eat before the festival meeting tonight. Are you coming?”

  “Yes.” He said his voice filled with regret.

  Anna wagged a finger. “I know you’re not upset about helping with the church festival.”

  “No. I’d forgotten and I still haven’t made all of my patient calls.”

  “You forgot, or are you trying to avoid going?”

  Devin turned back to the papers on his desk. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Anna came over and propped a hip on the same side of the desk Kia just left. “You know, I was really surprised by Shayla’s ideas. They were good.”

  Devin looked at Anna from the corner of his eye. “Shayla’s not all bad. She just made some bad decisions.”

  Anna shrugged. “Reverend Jenkins seems to believe there’s good in her. So I’m willing to look for it, I guess.”

  Devin leaned back in his chair and raised his brows. “Really? A few weeks ago you were ready to run her out of town.”

  Anna pushed away from his desk. “I still may. Depending on her intentions.”

  “Intentions?”

  Anna waved a hand. “I’ll keep that to myself for awhile longer.” She headed toward the door. “Go ahead and make those calls then come over to the church. I’ll see you soon.”

  Devin relished the silence in the office after Anna and the rest of the staff left. He hadn’t forgotten about the meeting, but wasn’t ready to see Shayla. With a sigh h
e turned back to the lab results and picked up the phone to make his patient calls.

  Because his days were so busy, he was only able to call patients with the results of their lab work during lunch or after hours. Oftentimes afterhours were better when he could catch people at home. Luckily, today wasn’t filled with too much bad news. But he still spent a lot of time on the phone answering questions and partaking in idle chit chat. He would usually only briefly engage in small talk and end the call to get on to the next one, but tonight he held on. He listened to stories of kids, pets, and work stress until it was close to eight. By then it was too late to make the festival meeting. He could get updated by his dad later, and give himself a little more time before facing Shayla again.

  He stood and stretched his cramped muscles. Rubbing the back of his neck in a feeble attempt to work out the kinks from holding a phone between his shoulder and ear, he reached for the light jacket he’d hung behind the door. He was flipping off the lights and checking to make sure everything in the front office was secure when there was a knock at the back door. His head dropped back and he exhaled heavily. It wasn’t unusual for someone to see his car at the office after hours and drop in for a quick diagnosis. He wasn’t usually bothered by it, but even after all of the talks with patients, the frustration from not having Shayla strained below the surface.

  As he walked to the door, he resigned himself to quickly get rid of whoever it was on the other side.

  “I was just leaving the office,” he said opening the door.

  The frustration inside of him quickly heated to desire. Shayla stood on the other side of the door in a green and brown wrap dress that clung to every luscious curve of her body. His dick stood at immediate attention as a breeze drifted over her, sending the intoxicating mix of her cinnamon scent to his nose.

  Her smile was huge and would appear nonchalant if not for the way her eyes shifted away. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I had some questions about the health screen for the festival and you missed the meeting. When I saw your car, I thought I’d stop by and ask.”

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her mouth. He wanted to taste her lips again. When her tongue quickly flitted across her lower lip he narrowed his eyes. She was here to tempt him. Her eyes returned to his and widened.

  “It can wait.”

  He reached out and took her arm, slowly bringing her into the dimly lit hall and shutting the door.

  “Is that what you really came here for?” The level of wanting in his voice surprised him.

  She shifted slightly but didn’t look away. “It is.”

  “Have you thought about what I said?”

  Her head lifted and lowered slightly in acknowledgement.

  “And?” he asked.

  She stepped closer. “I’m not the one denying us what we want, Devin.” Her voice was low and husky. It sent a tremor of lust straight through his body.

  He slid his arm around her small waist until his hand rested right at the curve of her perfect behind. He left just a sliver of room between their bodies. She shivered, her eyes softening with desire.

  “Neither am I, Shayla.”

  She lifted her head her lips barely brushing his. “Then take it . . . please.”

  Damn, her plea almost caused him to come right then. He closed his eyes and gripped her waist to regain his composure. “Not until we’re together. I won’t take advantage of you, or use you. I want all of you.”

  Her full breasts brushed against him when she sighed, causing his erection to lurch almost painfully. “I can’t.” she whispered.

  He opened his eyes. Hers were filled with regret and need. Anger burned him that she was so afraid to let people see them together. He knew some of the minds in Helena were small and would hate to see him with Shayla. But they were also fickle. Their relationship would cause murmurs for a few weeks before people moved on to the next thing. He didn’t care that people looked down on her because of what happened in Atlanta. He knew the truth, knew what was in her heart and that’s what mattered. And if anyone did have something to say about it, he’d happily shut their mouths.

  He wanted to lash out. Accuse her of toying with his heart the way Kia insinuated. But that wouldn’t bring her closer to him. It would only push her further away, and his ultimate goal was to make her his.

  He barely brushed his lips against hers, embracing the cockiness that came when she pressed against him for more. He stepped back and let his arm leave her waist.

  “Call my office tomorrow at lunch and I’ll answer your questions about the health screening. Or work it out with Anna. Otherwise, I’ll see you at the next meeting.”

  Confusion clouded her beautiful eyes as he led her to the door. “But . . . ”

  “No buts, Shayla. We’re friends, nothing more.” He said gently pushing her out the door.

  “Devin, I wish I could, but . . . ”

  “I know. It’s easier this way.” He couldn’t keep the resentment out of his tone. When the pain flashed in her eyes it was almost his undoing, so he quickly closed the door. Damn her and her exotic brown eyes that always tore at his heart. He couldn’t keep protecting Shayla from hurt. If he did, who would protect him?

  Chapter 18

  Shayla lay staring at the ceiling in her bedroom. Two weeks had passed since Devin hadn’t kissed her in his office and sexual frustration chewed at her insides constantly. Two weeks of seeing him at the festival planning meetings. Talking and laughing with him when they discussed the health screening. His friendship was pleasurable and painful. While it was good to have her friend back, it wasn’t easing the constant yearning between her legs.

  Her thoughts went to the way he’d gently rubbed her back while saying goodbye after the festival planning meeting the night before. The simple act heated her arousal, and it wasn’t cooled when he leaned in to whisper in her ear that he was “still waiting”. She closed her eyes, succumbing to memory of his large warm palm against her lower back, the humid kiss of his breath against her sensitive ear, the drugging scent of his cologne and the comfort that came from the closeness of his large body. Her hand moved from its resting spot above her head on a slow trail down her body. As her mind’s eye filled with Devin’s image, wetness spread heavily between her thighs. Her breathing hitched as her fingers grazed across her breasts. Her hands were too small. Still, she imagined the sound of his voice, deep and husky with desire after he’d kissed her. She parted her legs, pretending he was there urging her to do it. The tips of her fingers just breached the barrier of her underwear when a pounding on the door startled her.

  She’d ignore it. She drummed her fingers on her abdomen and clenched her eyes closed. Hoping whoever it was would go away and she could get back to her fantasy.

  “Shayla, wake up,” her mom’s called from the other side.

  With a groan, she took a deep breath and snatched her hand away from their destination. Her mom effectively ruined her fantasy.

  She got out of bed and grabbed a t-shirt out of the drawer to cover her camisole and panties before hurrying to the door. She had to take a deep breath to regain a semblance of composure before opening the door. Marcella greeted her with a smile. Shayla was momentarily taken aback. Ever since she’d taken such an interest in the church festival, and Reverend Jenkins boasted to everyone in town about the new additions, her mom’s icy treatment had warmed significantly. Proof that fantasizing about Devin was smarter than actually sleeping with him.

  “Oh, good, you’re up,” she said. “Get dressed and come to the farmers market with me and your aunt Linda.”

  Shayla grinned and stopped herself from reaching out to hug her mom. No need to push things too far. “Sure, I’ll be ready in twenty minutes.”

  Marcella nodded. “I already made breakfast. Hurry up before Kenny eats it all.” She gave Shayla one last smile before turning to walk off the porch.

  Shayla shut the door and rushed into her bedroom. She pulled out a pair of jeans and an orange top. Instead of
waiting to fill the tub and take a bath, she stuffed her bathroom toiletries into a bag, put on some yoga pants, and hurried to her mom’s house for a shower.

  Her Aunt Linda arrived just as she finished showering and the three left shortly thereafter for the farmer’s market. Five hours later they were sitting on her mom’s front porch snapping beans and watching people in the neighborhood go about their weekend business. Kids played, women sat on porches talking, and men huddled in corners laughing and joking.

  Life in Helena had the potential to be kinda nice. Reverend Jenkins’ approval of her festival ideas not only softened her mother’s attitude toward her, it also softened some of the people in town. A few people smiled and nodded at her in the grocery store. Devin was right, after one of Tony’s friends was caught sneaking around with a married woman, most of the gossip in town went to that instead of her. Plus, she enjoyed eating dinner with her mom and brother every night.

  Thankfully, she’d only run into Tony once since the party. In the grocery store when she was shopping with her mother. She didn’t have to ignore him; her mother’s evil stare was enough to keep him at bay. It didn’t prevent him from leering at her, but she’d rather have his leer than be forced to talk with him. Roxanne had proved to be a real friend after volunteering to help with the festival after she’d learned Shayla was on the committee. Roxanne made another ally against Martha Taylor and Mr. Porter on the planning committee.

  If she could be with Devin things would be perfect.

  Her hands slowed in their efficient movements snapping the ends of the beans. She wished it were as simple as he thought it was for them to be together, but agreeing to a relationship with him, would also mean giving up the small amount of peace she’d found in Helena.