Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

  “What better place to spend a vacation? Fresh air, beautiful scenery, romantic dinners, horseback riding, and your own personal physician? I could teach you to hunt and fish. I have two tanks and a pool to swim in. You could even assist me during emergencies when I need a skilled second hand.”

  That was the first time she had heard him refer to his disability in a light way.”Three weeks of fun and sun sound mighty tempting, Doc.”

  “Think it over; the invitation will stand for another day or two.”

  “A deadline?”

  “I have my pride, woman. We are two liberated people.”

  “I’ll consider the offer,” she murmured with a seductive smile. “But I did make prior plans before … being captured by you for a guinea pig.”

  “Coward,” he teased, glancing over his shoulder as he placed dishes in the sink.

  “A challenge, too? You sure you’re up to deprogramming a feminist? I could be more trouble than I’ve already been.”

  “Too bad all trouble isn’t packaged like you.”

  “You are a silvery-tongued charmer, Christopher Harrison.”

  “Is it working?”

  “I’ll never tell.” She laughed as she left the kitchen and went into the bathroom. Whatever has gotten into you, Kirstin Lowrey? You’re talking and acting like a teenager. But it’s so much fun and he’s so tempting. It might be a little obvious, she told herself, but she showered and changed into a skirt and blouse, then brushed her hair and sprayed on perfume. She went into the den and sat down.

  Christopher soon joined her, bringing two glasses of wine. He stared at her as he handed her one. “Only half a glass, my lovely patient.” He chose five discs and inserted them in the CD player. He pressed the random select button and turned to face her. “Want to dance?” He had to touch her, hold her.

  “Why not?” she replied, feeling free-spirited.

  He pulled her against him as the music began. The song was perfect. As she listened to Neil Diamond crooning “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” she wondered if he was giving her a message? When the words said something about “should have stayed outside my heart but in you came” and not to ask for forever but to “love me now,” she felt as if her body had melted and would soon flow all over him. They moved in unison to the romantic tune. “You’re a good dancer, Christopher.”

  “Thanks. I don’t get much practice. Ever done square dancing?” He asked, needing to distract himself from his increasing desire for her.

  “I did in school, but not since. Why?”

  “There will be plenty of it at the barbecue at the Thompson Ranch tomorrow. Might be fun and educational. I wasn’t planning to accept, but you said you’d go with me.”

  “Need protection from the local fillies?”

  “It’s only natural to view a wealthy, available doctor as a good catch. But there’s no one around to interest me.”

  “Want me to discourage those who are chasing you for naught?”

  “If you’re of a mind to do such a good deed, I won’t object.”

  “Surely my ‘personal physician’ deserves my unselfish help.”

  He heard Roger Whittaker singing “Always On My Mind” with those haunting lyrics: “Maybe I didn’t …” If he didn’t go after Kirstin, would he be saying the same thing after she left? “Then you’ll stay a while?”

  “I’ll think it over and tell you tomorrow.” It was rash to make such a crucial decision while she was so mesmerized by him. She needed to be alone to weigh the pros and cons.

  When Elvis began “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” Christopher asked her if she’d seen Tom Cruise do his rendition of it in Top Gun.

  “It was wonderful, but I love the Righteous Brothers’ version best.”

  “Me, too. Join me,” he coaxed, and they sang it together as they laughed between words and devoured each other with their eyes.

  The next selection was slow and romantic, suggestive: Kenny Rogers singing “All My Life.” Kirstin quivered as Christopher’s warm breath filled her ear as he whisper-sang the words, especially “love me tonight.” He released her hand to place both of his arms around her, drawing her closer to him. His chin rested against her temple. His body caressed hers.

  “You smell good, Kirstin.”

  “You, too. I love Old Spice.” She realized he had put some on before joining her. Were they heading for a—

  A fast song came on and Christopher swung her around as they shagged. They laughed and recalled school dances of long ago when that dance was popular. Then, Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton started singing “We’ve Got Tonight” and they snuggled together again, close, intimate.

  Her fingers locked behind his neck as they swayed together, their feet hardly moving. His lips drifted over her cheek, then claimed hers, only to travel down her throat, leaving flaming kisses behind. His hands wandered up and down her back. His mouth hesitated at the hollow of her throat as his fingers eased the wide neck of her blouse off one shoulder, seeming to sear the flesh. When they kissed again, their dancing halted and their hands caressed with boldness.

  He held her so tightly that breathing was difficult. Their tongues did slow and erotic dancing. Soft groans escaped their throats as desire surged through them. Was there any way either could say no to this intoxicating situation?

  Eight

  When he lifted her in his arms, Kirstin let herself be carried into her room. No man had ever literally swept her off her feet and she found the action exciting. Christopher lay her on the bed and stretched out half atop her. She responded to his kiss eagerly. His hand cupped a taut breast through her blouse and kneaded the point that already stood at attention, causing her to quiver with passion. He kissed her many times before he rolled over and pulled her to him. His fingers reached beneath her blouse and unfastened her bra, then rolled her on her back again. As he trailed his lips over her throat, he worked up her blouse to expose one lovely mound. His mouth sought the peak and swirled his tongue around it. He kissed it over and over, enticing moans from her parted lips. He pushed the bunched material away from the other breast and savored its pinnacle.

  Kirstin was staggered by the flood of powerful emotions. Her fingers laced through his black hair and pressed him closer to her. He shifted to slip the garment over her head and his hands traced over her bare chest and arms, his light caresses stirring her to greater desire. He fondled, teased, and pleasured her breasts until she was thrashing upon the bed with need.

  Kirstin’s head spun and she felt hot all over. She wanted to be out of her remaining clothes. She wanted him out of his. She wanted their naked bodies making contact. She wanted him completely. David had never made her feel this crazy and fiery way. No man’s kiss or touch had made her want to make love in an urgent frenzy. At last he halted his potent siege on her senses to yank off his own clothes. She shifted to help him remove her pants and shoes, wanting to feel the full length of him against her. At last, unclad flesh made contact with unclad flesh. She wanted to feast on his mouth. She wanted his hands caressing her all over. She wanted to do the same to him. She yearned to feel him within her.

  Christopher rubbed his chest against her sensitive breasts, which caused Kirstin to almost savagely return his heated kisses. He shifted back and forth, the crisp hair driving her wild as it teased her breasts. He kissed every inch of her flushed face, then traveled down her right arm. He caught her hand and ravished her palm. He nibbled on her fingertips and wanted to taste her everywhere, but that should wait until another time.

  Kirstin’s mind gave her a last-minute warning and she murmured against his mouth, “I’m not on the pill, Christopher. I don’t want to risk getting pregnant. We need … protection.”

  He leaned his head back just enough to lock their gazes. “I’m prepared, Kirstin. I hope you don’t mind that I planned for this.”

  She watched him lean over the side of the bed and saw him withdraw something from his pants pocket, then place a shiny circle on the nig
htstand. The warmth on her cheeks told her she was blushing but she managed to say, “I’m glad you did. What about …”

  He smiled. “I saw on your record where you had an AIDS and complete STD test with your last bloodwork and you said you haven’t been with anyone.”

  “I haven’t, so I know I’m fine in that area.”

  “I haven’t been with a woman, either, since my last test. Even in my wild days, I practiced safe sex; I always used a condom to prevent any problem.”

  “Are those … condoms safe? I don’t want an accident.”

  “The best, Kirstin. Trust me.”

  She believed him, as he believed her.

  Christopher slipped the condom on, then kissed and caressed her again and soon had their senses whirling and the romantic mood restored. He realized she was feeling a little awkward and insecure, and that endeared her to him. It also implied how deeply she felt about him to make love to him and to respond as she was doing.

  His body was sexy and perfect, Kirstin decided. Every part of him felt wonderful and was appealing. His hand slipped between her thighs. She trembled with mounting need. Slowly his fingers fondled and stroked her, his mouth drifting from one breast to the other. She did nothing to protest his intimate actions. Her hands traced every rippling muscle in his back and shoulders. His buttocks were firm and smooth as she massaged them. Even the hair on his arms excited her as her hands wandered over them. He was exquisite. Except for the hall nightlight, darkness encased them. She closed her eyes and called his handsome face, sparkling eyes, and sensual smile to mind. This was more overwhelming than she could have imagined. Of its own volition, her hand closed around his erect manhood. It was hot and sensual, larger than her husband’s had been. It excited her to hear him moan and to feel him writhe in pleasure as she stroked him. She could hardly believe she was being so bold. He was giving her the courage to do so. She craved to feel him driving into her body. “Damn you, Christopher Harrison, what are you doing to me? I want you so badly. Make love to me, now. Please.”

  Without hesitation, he moved between her parted thighs. He eased into her most secret and sensitive place. He didn’t move for an moment as he mastered the urge to end his own hunger at that instant. Her body accepted his sweet invasion and rhythmic thrusts, and she begged for more with words and actions. She was starving and eager to have him. He relished the way she responded so feverishly and freely to him. He set a pattern that tantalized them both.

  Everything he did thrilled her to the center of her being. Her legs locked over his. She arched to meet him, sighing and tugging at him each time he pulled back. Never had anything felt this good to her. She strained against the sweet tension that possessed her until spasms shook her to the very core. She murmured his name and clung to him as she rode the powerful waves crashing over her.

  Christopher dashed aside his control and went along with her, savoring the almost simultaneous fusion of their release. This woman was a dream come true. What he would give to keep her in his arms and life! He felt her relax in his embrace. He kept kissing her. He eased to his side and took her with him. He inhaled several times to slow his racing heart. “Damn, Kirstin, you’re trying to kill me,” he teased.

  “You’re fantastic, Doc. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. Never, I swear. Is the invitation to stay for a while still open?”

  He chuckled and hugged her. “Damn right it is, if I can hold up. You’re. a greedy and demanding woman. If this is an equal-rights setup, you do the work next time, at least half of it. You were just lying there and enjoying it; that’s not fair,” he jested playfully, as she indeed had participated.

  “I couldn’t help it. You were driving me crazy, you sexy devil,” she murmured and kissed his shoulder.

  “Flattery will get you everywhere and anywhere with me.” When she started laughing, he asked, “What’s so funny?”

  “Me. I can’t believe this. I’m lying in bed with a man who’s practically a stranger and having the most incredible time in my life. Are you sure you didn’t hypnotize me that first day on your examining table?”

  “I don’t give out trade secrets. If anyone had told me an angel would fly in one spring day and be here like this tonight, I wouldn’t have believed him … or her. If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up. You’re beautiful and special, Kirstin. I don’t see how I held out as long as I did.”

  “Stamina, Doc, and self-control.” She caressed his chest. This was something new and astonishing, lying in bed and calmly discussing sex! Yet, she felt totally at ease with him. She liked being relaxed and satisfied, being a sensual woman. Christopher Harrison would make one helluva husband! When he rolled to his other side for a moment and she felt his movements, she knew he was removing the condom and discarding it. He turned back to her. She curled into his arms, beautiful visions of life with him filling her distracted mind.

  Christopher pulled the sheet over them and nestled her against him. Yep, he could get used to this setup, fast. But she was liberated and only passing through, he reminded himself. No doubt this quiet country life wouldn’t suit her. She had an important career, one she loved and had worked hard to attain. She finally was free of a bad marriage. ‘ Would she sacrifice her new life to join his? Somehow, he dreaded to find out.

  Kirstin wouldn’t fool herself; he had never mentioned love or a possible future together. He liked her and desired her; that was obvious. But he was firmly and stubbornly rooted here, far from Medico. She doubted he was open to another drastic change in his life or ready to confront his lost world again. Could he settle for one woman, her? What about the female who had called twice the other day?

  Soon, the sated couple was sleeping in each other’s arms.

  When Kirstin awoke the next morning, she didn’t feel Christopher beside her. She lay there awaiting his return. When some time passed, she realized he must have left early to do ranch chores, as was his custom. She sighed in disappointment and stretched, feeling both lazy and energetic. When she threw the sheet aside and sat up on the side of the bed, she felt light-headed and dizzy. She realized she was weak and shaky, and had forgotten her snack last night. Not eating added to so much exertion with the dancing and lovemaking had caused her body trouble. She stood, to find her equilibrium was off and sat again. She glanced at the nightstand; her tablets weren’t there. She needed glucose fast! She was certain she always had a package nearby. Could she make it to the bathroom where her kit held more medicine without fainting. If Christopher came back and found her out cold on the floor, he would be furious.

  “Damn, Kirstin! Damn, damn, damn. How could you be so careless?” she scolded herself.

  She made it to the bathroom and twisted off the top of the liquid glutose; that would reach her system faster than the hard tablets. She sat on the floor and leaned against the cabinet. Soon she felt fine except for being shaky, sweaty, and queasy, which were normal reactions following an attack of hypoglycemia. A loud buzzer sounded and she realized Christopher had set the alarm clock to prevent her from oversleeping and being tardy with her medical schedule. She mused on how thoughtful he was as she walked naked to push in the button. She was naked, had slept nude! Elaine had coaxed her to have an adventure, she recalled, but had her friend meant for her to behave this wantonly? No matter, she had, and she would do so again, as many times as she could work into the days ahead before she left the ranch and her … love? “Don’t start thinking crazy,” she warned herself. “Sex shouldn’t make you believe this relationship is more serious than it actually may be. When this fog lifts after you’re gone, then see how you feel about him and he feels about you.” If it was a temporary enjoyment on either or both of their parts, neither of them should get hurt by expecting more than they’d shared. “Get busy; you have a party to attend. People to meet and impress. Fun and games to enjoy. Secrets to keep.”

  She returned to the bathroom to monitor her glucose level and smiled at the number the meter gave her. When she had showered, sha
mpooed her hair, and dressed and groomed, she went to the kitchen.

  The coffee smelled enticing. She smiled when she noticed that Christopher had set out cups and the sweetener. She filled one cup and wondered if she should eat by herself or wait for his return. Eat to stay on schedule, she decided. She was half finished with her meal when she heard the front door open and close. She set down the cup and waited to see if it was Christopher.

  He joined her and chuckled. “That independent streak is showing this morning, Ms. Lowrey. Couldn’t wait for service, huh?”

  Kirstin laughed. “I didn’t know how long you’d be gone and I have a strict regimen to maintain. Chores or a patient?”

  “Chores. Too bad you weren’t up to help me.”

  “Is that why you want me to stay? Need an extra ranch hand?”

  “I could use one if she looked and behaved like you.” He captured her hands, lifted them to his lips, and kissed her fingertips before saying, “But I doubt these important hands would risk injury; it’s hard labor out there. Microsurgery might be hard to do with scrapes and blisters.”

  “How did you know I do microsurgery?” she asked.

  “Lucky guess. You’re forgetting most doctors go through similar classes and training, especially surgeons? I’ve done my share of cutting and stitching under a power lens. Lab mice have tiny veins and nerves; makes good practice for us. You’ve got steady hands; bet you’re great at operating.”

  “The best,” she replied with a saucy grin. She jested before thinking, “If you ever have an emergency, I can stitch him up like a French seamstress for you.”

  “Thanks, but I do my own stitches whenever possible. Thank God I don’t get many. Anything bad I refer to the Clovis hospital.”

  She knew she’d hit a raw nerve. “I was only kidding, Christopher. How about a refill?” she asked to distract him, holding out her cup.

  “Sure.” He poured her coffee, put in two sweeteners, and stirred it. He kept his eyes glued to hers as he returned the steaming cup.