Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

“The woes of being a doctor? Don’t you think it’s nice for people to like you and trust you so much?”

  “Perhaps I should have awakened you last night to let you know I returned home safely,” he said with a hearty chuckle. “It was just so late, and you were snoozing like a log. You need your rest. Did you eat your supper and snack and behave yourself?”

  “I obeyed my doctor’s orders. Is your patient all right? Do you have to go see him today?”

  “Did you want to ride along and get a second opinion on your condition and my treatment?”

  “I don’t need one, Doctor Harrison. I fullyagree with your diagnosis and treatment. Are your friends and patients shocked to find a woman staying here with you?”

  “I believe John, Frank, and Joe Bob are the only ones who know you’re staying here, and none of them are gossips. In answer to your other question, I won’t be going to the hospital today, unless he starts giving them fits, which I doubt he will. There’s a good cardiologist on the case and I wouldn’t want to intrude on his turf. Pete needs bypass surgery, so I wouldn’t be of any help.” Christopher rushed past that bitter topic. “I’ll be riding into Clovis this afternoon. If you’d like to take a breather and make a check on your car, why not come with me?”

  “That sounds wonderful. Do you mind me tagging along?”

  “If I did, I wouldn’t have asked. We’ll have lunch in town and maybe see some sights; it’ll be fun. You should get dressed, Mrs. Lowrey, before I forget about Mrs. Dow and our outing,” he teased, then placed a kiss in the palm of her hand and swirled his tongue there.

  She trembled and inhaled at the provocative sensation. “Clear out, Doc, and let me dress before we find ourselves explaining your presence in here with me dressed like this to a nosy patient.”

  Christopher’s eyes observed her agitation and was pleased with his effect on her. “How do steak, baked potato, and wine sound for dinner tonight, with me playing chef and waiter? I might even rustle up some music and candles. Interested?”

  Setting the scene for my seduction? Heavens, you make me feel giddy and girlish! She replied, “Sounds great. The coffee’s ready?”

  He sensed she was grasping at anything to dispel the enticing mood between them. “I’ll bring you a cup,” he offered.

  “Let me dress and come to the kitchen. I wouldn’t want coffee spilled all over this carpet if I got the shakes again.”

  “You can’t ruin anything here; it’s a bachelor’s paradise.”

  “Have you …” She paused.

  “Have I what, Kirstin?” he pressed in curiosity.

  “Your patient will be here soon; you did say she was punctual. I’d better get showered and dressed. I’ll join you in the kitchen.” She wanted to avoid any questions he might resent. If or when he wanted to enlighten her about his life, he would. If not …

  As he trailed his fingers up and down her bare arms, he queried, “You afraid to ask me something?”

  She gripped his biceps to halt the distracting movements. “Yes.”

  “Ask away. If it’s none of your business or too soon, I’ll say so.”

  A surge of daring suffused her. Potent currents passed between them. Maybe she had been spending too much time alone in her condo or in the lab, with only rabbits and mice for company. Perhaps it was time to challenge adventure and real life … Summoning her courage, she asked, “Have you ever been … Of course you’ve been married, you have a child. Have you been single long?” She felt the muscles tighten in his arms.

  “Yep, years.” He released his hold and stood up beside the bed. “You sure you don’t want me to bring you some coffee while you’re dressing?”

  Subject closed, she noted, but he had answered. “No, thanks.”

  “I’ll be in the kitchen; call out if you need any help.”

  “I can manage fine, Doc, even in the dark.”

  Something about the way she said “in the dark” inspired him to think she wasn’t referring to regular light. He stroked her chin and walked out, closing the door behind him. Romancing her was a sheer delight.

  Kirstin tossed aside the covers and went to shower and dress. She chose a pair of green slacks and a matching shirt. When she was ready, she joined him in the kitchen. “Have you eaten yet?” she asked him.

  “I was waiting for you. Milk, toast, and sugar-free jelly, ma’am.”

  They ate, each aware of the patient’s imminent arrival and their approaching “date” for the afternoon and evening.

  “Want me to feed you?” he jested at her leisurely pace.

  “You’re impossible,” she charged. “Am I getting jelly everywhere?”

  “Only around your mouth. Would you like me to clean it off?”

  Before she could reply, he was kissing her. When he leaned back, he ventured, “That was delicious; doesn’t need any sugar to make it sweet. Call me when you need my services as a napkin again.” He returned to his chair and sipped coffee, grinning each time he -lowered his cup.

  Kirstin was aroused by his playful behavior. Her blood raced through her body. This man was most persuasive and enticing. Without a doubt he wanted her but he wasn’t rushing her into bed. She wanted him, too, but she was relieved he wasn’t hurrying her into a sexual relationship. He certainly had a beguiling way of severing her poise and vanquishing her resistance. It felt deliriously exciting to be aroused by his touch and kisses. The scent of Old Spice aftershave had assailed her nostrils when he kissed her—an aroma she found sensual and disturbing, one David had belittled as “old fashioned” and refused to wear no matter how many times he received it as a gift from the children when they were small.

  After the kitchen was cleared, he accompanied her to the den. “Want to listen to some music? Rest up for our adventure?”

  I’m not an invalid, she wanted to reply, but his last remark halted her words. “How about TV? I can pit my brains against the contestants on game shows.”

  “Sounds like a good distraction, though I doubt you need more brain power. Medico hires only the smartest and best.”

  He handed her the remote control. “That should keep you safely occupied until I’m finished. I’ll check on you later. If you need anything, call me. Don’t take any chances on having another accident.”

  When he returned, Christopher said, “I want to run a blood series on you in my office, including a glycated hemoglobin test to check your red cells. Your last work-up that Cooper faxed me is old, so I want to make sure there isn’t another problem aggravating your condition. I have everything I need for lab work; Uncle Chester did most of his own tests long before the Clovis hospital was built. Plus, I’m faster and cheaper than hospital labs. Is that all right?” She nodded, and he led her to his office.

  Kirstin stretched out on the table, and waited. She heard him gathering supplies. Although her arm was touching the side of his leg as he leaned against the table, she didn’t move it.

  Christopher placed a rubber tie around her upper arm and held up an empty syringe. “This might hurt a little; I’m not good at shots and taking blood, remember?”

  She nodded and seemed to brace herself.

  Despite a little fumbling, he did it fine with his right hand. He grabbed a sterile cotton ball and dabbed at the afterflow. “Put pressure there until I get a Band-Aid on.” After he finished, he leaned over, his grinning face inches above hers. He was ecstatic he had done the procedure so well, without giving away his problem. “Did I hurt you much?”

  Kirstin smiled and murmured, “You’re very skilled and gentle.” As he moved away to put up his supplies and store the sample, without kissing her as she’d half expected, her eager eyes eased over broad shoulders clad in physician’s garb. The open throat of a western shirt displayed a hint of a brawny chest with crisply curling black hair. He wore faded denim jeans, snug and revealing; the coat he’d slipped on earlier was unbuttoned. His narrow waist and flat stomach exposed no excess fat, nor did slim hips and firm legs. Heavens, Christopher Harrison, but
you’re a handsome hunk. She flushed at the thought and looked away.

  He came back and stood over her, as he had that first day. “I’ll run the tests later. Let me take a quick peek in those lovely eyes.” He focused the tiny light of the examining instrument on her pupils.

  His nose almost touched hers; his fingers on her face delighted her. He moved the occular instrument, away but stayed close to her. His green eyes drilled into her ocean-blue ones. Her breathing became shallow and swift. He smiled, beautiful white teeth gleaming down at her. His head slowly lowered. She waited in anticipation.

  His kiss was leisurely and probing, then swift and urgent. Her arms rounded his neck. Her fingers relished the feel of his hair between them. She heard him groan in pleasure as he pulled her into his arms and locked her against his taut body. His mouth devoured hers, as if to savor her surrender, and hers did likewise. He felt good against her. Such a fiery and willing nature called out to be sated. Elaine was correct: her pilot light wasn’t out; it ignited her body’s long-dormant furnace and put out an enormous heat that surely radiated to him.

  He reluctantly pulled away and gazed into her passion-glazed eyes. He wanted to tell her he desired her and she was driving him wild, but let his actions and expressions do his speaking for now. He kissed her again.

  She wanted to make the same confession as desire flooded her body. Despite her hunger and eager response, she felt awkward, inexperienced, uncertain about what to do next. Adults should be in control of themselves, but it wasn’t easy—if even possible— around Christopher. Dared she be impulsive, bold, adventurous this one time in her life? Would it be wrong to enjoy him to the fullest? Could she try new things? Use this opportunity to learn about men and herself and sex? Discover what she had missed with David? Life and love were about taking chances, bold risks, to find personal and professional happiness, fulfillment, and success. With Christopher, she could sample a safe, passionate, and uncomplicated affair. Surely that was what he wanted, too.

  Forcing himself to pull away, he said, “I want you badly, Kirstin. It’s taking everything I have not to pounce on you here and now. When the right moment comes, I’ll ask if you feel the same way about me. Until then, just think about it, will you?”

  “I’ll be ready to answer when you ask.” Heavens, Kirstin, is that you talking? Yes, at last.

  He wanted to ask if there had been other men in her life besides her deceased husband. Since he had slept with lots of women, that question wasn’t fair. Unless he was mistaken, and he didn’t think so, Kirstin Lowrey wasn’t a woman to sleep with any man for whom she didn’t have deep feelings and respect. “Let’s get you out of here before I forget myself.”

  “Proceed, Doctor.”

  “With your exile?” he inquired with a grin.

  “For now,” she answered with courage. Their hints had been exchanged; now it was only a matter of the right timing, and guts.

  He helped her to sit with her legs dangling off the table. He stood between them for a moment, fingers on her thighs. Her hands braced against his chest and noted the thudding of his heart. He leaned over and kissed her again as if to make certain he hadn’t misread her signals and words. Her mouth responded and her arms encircled his body to tell him he hadn’t. She sighed in contentment and snuggled against his chest when he didn’t release her following the heady kiss. She loved being in his embrace, tasting his sweet kisses that would—if real sugar—raise her glucose level to a dangerous high.

  “Whew,” he said with a loud sigh.

  “My thoughts exactly, Doc.”

  “I think We both need a tranquilizer. Will you settle for fresh air?”

  “Whatever my doctor orders. Within reason.” Behave, old girl.

  He scooped her up and swung her around as she giggled. When her feet touched the floor, she swayed against him, lightheaded.

  They took the short walk to the house before he reminded, “Get ready to leave soon. All I have to do is saddle up and ride out to tell Frank we’ll be gone this afternoon; he’s in the south pasture doing chores. Don’t forget I’ll be doing the cooking and serving tonight.”

  She murmured, “You’re handy in the kitchen, Doc. You would make an excellent chef or waiter if you decided to leave medicine.”

  “I’m a doctor first and last, Kirstin.”

  “Did I say something wrong. Christopher?”

  “Of course not. I’m just a little edgy today. Probably lack of sleep. And denial of other things.” He turned to leave.

  “Is that a taboo subject? Every time I mention surgery or medicine, you get tense and moody. Considering my line of work, it is a mutual interest.” She wished she could see his reaction, but his back was turned.

  “I’d rather avoid the subject for now, if you don’t mind. I didn’t give up surgery willingly, so it’s a raw spot. But I wasn’t kicked out, either.”

  “Then I won’t discuss it again. I’m sorry,” she offered sincerely.

  “So am I,” he admitted. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes or less.”

  “I’ll be ready.” From the screen door, she saw him prepare his Appaloosa, mount, and gallop out of sight with an ease that said he was born to the saddle.

  She checked her glucose level, freshened up, and fetched her purse for their first outing. Heavens, she fretted, modern dating was so difficult, and especially for adults their ages, newly unattached adults. She knew she’d feel out of place in most bars and clubs because so many of the singles who frequented them, were searching only for sexual partners and good times. The music was not to her taste. Nor were the dances, a few to the point of almost simulating sex. Some contemporary slowdancing looked like sensuous massaging. She couldn’t imagine herself cavorting like that in public, particularly with Christopher. But, in private? Perhaps.

  When she was young, there were many safe choices for entertainment: nonthreatening movies, skating, school sports and activities, eating hangouts such as the Pig-N-Whistle or Greene’s in Augusta or the Varsity, Harry’s, Poss’s, and Snack Shack in Athens where she’d attended UGA for years. As for movies, she couldn’t imagine sitting next to a casual date while watching such flicks as Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, or Wild Orchid. In mixed company, even some television movies bordered on being embarrassing with their explicit sex scenes.

  She went to answer the doorbell, to find a smiling Captain John Two Fists standing there. Kirstin told him Christopher would return soon and invited him inside. After inquiring about her health and car repairs, their talk became more personal. Kirstin told him about her three children and three grandchildren. He told her he had four children and was married to a Mexican-American woman named Maria. He mentioned again how he and Christopher had met as youths and had become close friends. She asked questions about the Native American reservation not far away where he had been born and reared.

  Proud of his heritage and at ease with it, John spoke of the Guulgahende—“People of the Plains,” the Mescalero Apache— and told her his Indian name: Kuniiltuude—“Light Carrier.” “Many Guulgahende believed it was Ntu’i izee— ‘bad medicine’—to trust and mingle with whites. I have learned from men like Doc Harrison, Chris, and others that it is nzhee, “It is good’, to have ch’uunes— ‘friends’ and ‘helpers’—among other peoples.”

  “That’s true, John,” she said. “Too many people misunderstand and refuse to accept other cultures. When they do, they deny themselves of so much knowledge and happiness. How can one accept one’s self completely if one refuses to accept others?”

  “You have jei, Kirstin, a good ‘heart’,” he explained.

  “Do you speak your language frequently?”

  “Yes, my grandparents taught me; it keeps us connected to our roots, as you whites call them. Did your grandparents do the same for you?”

  “My mother’s parents died before I was born. Mine were older when they met and married. I’m what’s called a late child. We lived with my father’s parents when I was young. My pa
rents are dead now, too.”

  “That is too bad; parents and grandparents have much to teach us. You said you were relocating to San Diego for work?”

  “Yes, I’m in medical research at Medico of America.”

  “Then you and Chris have something special in common.”

  “In a way. He’s well liked around here, isn’t he?”

  “Everybody loves Doc Harrison. He’s a good man; so was his uncle. Don’t know what some folks would do if he ever left. Those who hate hospitals would be in a fix. He stepped right into his uncle’s shoes and they fit him better than handmade moccasins.”

  As the conversation shifted, Kirstin noticed how John’s speech pattern altered slightly from the Indian style he’d been using to informal English. “From the way he talks about this ranch and his friends, I doubt he ever would leave,” she observed. “It’s a beautiful place. And so peaceful.”

  “It made it easier for him to accept being uprooted after that accident ended his operating career back East and drove him here to seek peace. It was a hard and painful time for Chris. He was a world-famous surgeon, one of the best. He flew all over the place to do specialized work. Made him a rich man but he did it because he loved it more than his hide. You’re lucky to have a doctor and man of his high caliber treating you.”

  “An accident debilitated him? That’s why he left surgery?”

  John went on guard. He had assumed from his friend’s interest in her that Christopher had revealed these things to her by now, and was surprised he he hadn’t. “He didn’t tell you?”

  “He said he had to give up surgery, but gave no reasons. I didn’t think I should ask questions. What happened to him, John?”

  “I shouldn’t talk about his private life to a patient. If he wants you to know about his past, he should be the one to tell you about it.”

  “Surely he didn’t lose his surgical license for doing something wrong,” she stated with cunning, hopeful the genial man nearby would defend him with the truth.

  “Shu, no! He hurt his left wrist and hand in a fight. He can’t operate anymore. You don’t have to worry; he’s still a fine doctor and a good man.”