Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

  Her eyes widened in surprise at his command. “What?”

  “I can’t give you a proper massage with your clothes on.”

  “Excuse me? Just strip and stretch out naked?”

  “Yep.”

  Kirstin eyed him as erotic thoughts raced through her mind; her body seemed to overheat and quiver. Could she be that daring?

  “Well? Do you or don’t you want the massage of your life?”

  When her expression said yes but her modesty caused her to hesitate, he said, “I’ll fetch me a drink while you get undressed and covered with a towel.” He stood, tossed the bottìe on the bed, and headed for the door. “A small towel,” he flung over his shoulder with a seductive grin.

  “How about giving me time to run through the shower first?”

  “Don’t want to put dirty, sweaty feet into these skilled hands?”

  “That’s right, Doc. Give me fifteen minutes.”

  “You’ve got ‘em.” He left the room whistling.

  After the quick shower, Kirstin sprayed on perfume, and returned to the bed. She was tempted to don the sexy black nightgown her friends had given to her but that might look as if she had seduction in mind. Of course, she hoped that was exactly what he was planning. She lay on her stomach and pulled the bath towel over her body from breasts to buttocks. The realization she was naked beneath it was stimulating.

  Christopher strolled into the room, freshly bathed and shaved, and clad only in a towel around his hips. He eyed the stirring sight of her. He could wait no longer to get his hands on her. He lifted the bottle and began his provocative task at her feet, evoking sounds and wriggles of delight from her within moments. He teased fingers in and out between her toes, then worked her ankles.

  “That feels wonderful. Don’t stop. You have magical hands, Doc. You can do that all night.”

  “This is only the beginning,” Christopher promised. He trailed his way up and down both legs in turn, halting each time just short of touching her in an intimate manner. He gave special attention to her sleek calves. As with her ankles, he occasionally dropped kisses on the inner surface of her knees. He straddled her thighs, lifted the towel a bit, and massaged her firm derrière, careful not to press too hard or be too rough.

  As he labored with gentleness at her lower back at the waist, she murmured, “Sheer heaven, Doc. How can I ever afford such service?”

  “I’ll think of something for repayment,” he replied in a husky voice.

  As she felt his aroused manhood brush over her legs, she knew how she wanted to reward him, and herself at the same time. The hairs on his legs tickled her flesh. His rocking pattern titillated her senses. David would never have done this in a thousand years!

  Christopher shifted to one side to tend to her right arm and hand. Once more, his fingers roved in and out between hers and his thumbs stroked her palms in playful circles. As he journeyed her arm, he brushed his lips over her elbow, them climbed over her to minister to the left ones. When they also were silky from nourishment and limp with relaxation, he straddled her again to caress and lotion her upper back, shoulders, and neck with his cream-softened and deft hands. He trekked her spine from end to end several times, his fingers going up and down as they passed over vertebrae. When no muscle or area on that side was left untended, he said, “Roll over; time to do the front.”

  Kirstin obeyed, adjusting the towel to keep herself covered, for now. Her eyes remained closed to allow her senses to absorb every glorious moment and touch. She moaned and signed dreamily as he lotioned her neck and upper chest and nibbled here and there. He straddled her hips and pulled the towel to her waist. As he spread cream over her breasts, he kneaded and fondled them, taking extra care to entice her nipples to tighten with pleasure. “Um-ra-m,” she sighed deep in her throat when his teeth and tongue assisted his task. “Sheer ecstasy.”

  Christopher’s slippery fingers drifted over her rib cage and stomach, and he felt the latter tighten at his touch. He shifted to kneel between her thighs, which his knees spread with gentle nudgings so his exploring hands could journey across her abdomen. With sensual motions and deliberate leisure, he covered her inner thighs with satiny rapture, allowing the edges of his hands to barely enter her center of her desire and graze its secret peak. Soon, he was caressing her there with skill and intensity, and Kirstin could no longer lie still or quiet.

  Just when she could wait no longer, he slid his manhood within her. He lay atop her and kissed her lips. He could hardly restrain himself when she responded with unleashed eagerness. His sinuous body undulated against hers and enticed Kirstin’s to do the same with his. It didn’t take long for her to achieve her goal, or for him to do the same.

  He almost collapsed beside her in breathless splendor after his spasms ceased. “You drain me every time, woman. You’re the best, Kirstin.”

  She hugged him and beamed with joy to hear he got such pleasure from their union. She cuddled into his embrace. It was hard not to confess her feelings for him, which were much stronger than desire or infatuation. They had so much in common and had such. good rapport. She had never felt free and open like this with David. She had never enjoyed and craved her husband almost every minute of every “day as she did Christopher. But there were obstacles between them. He was firmly lodged on this ranch and she needed. to be elsewhere for a time. Nor was there a place close by where she could work at her chosen occupation; on the other hand, he could practice medicine in almost any area.

  Why should it be the woman’s place to stay with the man? Kirstin reasoned. Why couldn’t he go with her to a place where they could both work and have a meaningful career? Why did men think a woman’s job wasn’t as important as theirs? Or a woman’s wishes as important as theirs? She had given her word to Medico and cost them a lot of money with her transfer. She feared it wouldn’t mean anything to him, and was afraid to ask and hear his answer.

  It was foolish and impulsive to even think of throwing away all she had worked for and accomplished. How could she sacrifice her newfound independence for an affair with a man she’d known less than a week? Though she couldn’t, mustn’t, allow him to sweep her off her feet, she couldn’t stop her fantasies. She should not convince herself that love was allconsuming, the most important facet of her life. So many challenges and pleasures awaited her in San Diego. She couldn’t give them up to become only a rancher’s wife in a near-wilderness. Christopher was still plagued by his past, she fretted, and needed time to deal with it. But. after sharing so much with him, how could she be totally happy and complete without him? Why couldn’t all of her dreams come true? Because, she believed, he wouldn’t agree to sell the ranch and move with her. He would never head for—

  “Up, woman, and get your snack before you fall asleep.”

  “Yes, Doctor. Do you want anything?”

  “I’ve had all the treats I need tonight.”

  Kirstin wondered if that was all she was to him, a “treat,” a passing fancy, a diversion. Maybe that was all he wanted or expected. After she was gone, she’d see if he missed her, if he came after her. He hadn’t mentioned love, or even any deep feelings for her. But he did keep mentioning “friendship” and the dates she was to leave and be ‘at work, May first and fourth, as if fearing she might forget or think he’d changed his mind. When she returned to bed, he was fast asleep. Troubled in heart, it was a long time before she did the same.

  Sunday afternoon, they watched the final round of the Master’s Golf Tournament. As the winner was given his Green Jacket award, Christopher stood and stretched and said he had chores to do and would return later.

  Kirstin wished he’d asked her to ride with him and was curious as to why he hadn’t. He had been quiet this morning. Had she said something in the “throes of passion” that scared him? If so, she couldn’t recall it. She ate her snack, then went to the phone and called Elaine, her best friend.

  “I don’t know what to do, Elaine; he has me thinking crazy.” Kirstin didn’t
go into intimate details but explained her worry.

  “Grab him, old girl, fast. He’s a real catch.”

  “I don’t know if he wants to be caught; that’s the problem, among others.” She clarified for her friend.

  “For once, forget about what Steve will think. Listen to your heart. How often does a perfect man come along, Kirstin? I should know. I’ve gone through dozens of them and haven’t found a single one who comes close.”

  “What about Medico?”

  “Would they confer with you before making a decision in their best interest? No. Pay back their expenses from your next check.”

  “I think I owe it to them to work there for a while. Besides, I’ve only known Christopher for such a short time and he hasn’t given me any indication he feels the same way about me.”

  There was silence on the other end for a time. “Well, Elaine? What?”

  “You’re right; go on to San Diego and let him come after you. That would be more romantic and would clear up your doubts about him. But don’t let him forget you after you leave. Call him. Write him. Visit him. Be irresistible.”

  Sometimes it surprised Kirstin that she was so friendly with Elaine, since they were so different. If Elaine wanted a man, she chased him until he dumped her. Yet, Elaine was a good person, a fun person, one who’d do anything for a friend. “Wouldn’t that be presumptuous? Forward?”

  “Not if you love him and want him. Do you?”

  “I think so. It’s just that it happened so fast and out of the blue.”

  “Don’t act until you’re certain. You don’t want another bad marriage.”

  “You’re right; don’t get out of one trap and fall into another.” She changed the topic. “How’s Betty? I tried calling, but she doesn’t answer.”

  “She and her hubby are out-of-town for two weeks.”

  “Do I detect a hint of envy?”

  “Damn right! He’s a jewel; our friend is one lucky creature. If only we can be as fortunate our next time around.” Elaine sighed dramatically. “Seriously, Kirstin, don’t let a romantic interlude and wild sex fool you. Lord knows I’ve made that mistake plenty of times when I took ‘pillow talk’ to heart, so I’m not the best one to give you advice. Whispering sweet nothings in our ears while our eyes are crossed in ecstasy and our wits are out to lunch makes us do crazy things, old girl, makes us think the men care for us far more than they do. Enjoy him and have fun, but be careful, Kirstin; make sure he’s what you want. Make sure he’s worthy of you. I’ve been misled so many times I can’t count them. We’re just too gullible and trusting. We think men’s actions match their feelings; they rarely do, I’m sorry to say. He’s nothing like David, is he?”

  “Heavens, no, the opposite. He’s wonderful.”

  “Maybe that’s the reason you’re so attracted to him. Go with your gut feelings. Use that smart brain, not that tender heart of yours. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “That’s all I needed to hear to make certain I wasn’t being foolish, or overly cautious. I’d better get off the phone before he returns. Tell Betty I said hello and I’ll call her in a few weeks.”

  “Bye, Kirstin. Lordy, I miss you. It just isn’t the same without you.”

  “I miss you, too. You’ll have to come out and visit me this summer.”

  “I will, if you’ll help me land a good catch,” she teased.

  “I’ll see what I can do. As soon as I learn my way around and get to know people there, I’ll get some prospects lined up before you arrive—only good ones, though. Bye.”

  It wasn’t long before the phone rang again. Kirstin saw that the button of the house line lit up. She wondered if she should answer it. He had told her it was all right to do so if it wasn’t his office line, which the machine or service handled. With indecision but thinking it might be Katie, she lifted the receiver and said, “Hello.”

  “Who is this? Did I dial the wrong number?”

  The female caller gave the number she wanted and Kirstin said, “This is Doctor Harrison’s home. He’s doing chores outside. May I take a message for him?”

  “Who are you?”

  Oh, no, not another jealous rival, she fretted. “A friend of his. Would you like to leave a message?”

  “Tell him Peggy phoned and to call me back.”

  “You’re Peggy Beattie, Christopher’s daughter?”

  “Yes … Who is this?”

  That time, the tone was almost demanding. “Kirstin Lowrey. I’m visiting your father. He should be back soon. I’ll tell him to call you.”

  “Why are you there alone?”

  Kirstin felt as if she were experiencing déjà vu and wasn’t sure how to answer. This time the caller was his daughter, so she couldn’t be impolite. “Christopher asked me to wait for him here,” she white-lied. “He shouldn’t be gone much longer. He—”

  “Is that for me, Kirstin?” Christopher asked as he entered the room.

  “Just a minute, Peggy; he’s here now.” She handed him the phone and noticed his brief scowl. “I’ll take a walk so you can have privacy.”

  “Hello, squirt. I was going to call you later.”

  “Who is that woman, Father?”

  “Uh-oh she’s calling me father! A patient.”

  “She said she was a friend.”

  “She is.”

  “What’s going on? You sound strange. What’s she doing there alone?”

  “She’s visiting a while. She—”

  “Visiting? As in staying there with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Father, I know how you men are! Why would you let a woman, a patient to boot, shack up with you?”

  His voice was stern but kind when he scolded, “Don’t use that tone with me, young lady. I’m a grown man, your father.”

  “I bet she’s a gold digger. You’re a fine catch, Father, a rich one.”

  “She isn’t out to get me, so don’t worry. We’re just friends.”

  “I bet. What’s she like? How did you meet? When? Where?”

  “Mighty nosy, aren’t you, Squirt?”

  “Why not? I love you. I don’t want a woman taking advantage of you.”

  “She won’t. She isn’t like that. She’s nice and kind and a lot of fun. You do want your old man to have some fun in his life, don’t you?”

  “There’s fun and there’s fun. What kind of fun are you two having?”

  “I’m holding her captive here so I can ravish her day and night. I don’t dare let her escape or she’ll sic the authorities on me.”

  “Stop teasing me, Father.”

  “Then stop being silly. I can take care of myself.”

  “Are you going to tell me anything about her or not?”

  “She’s in research at Medico in San Diego. She had an accident nearby and John brought her to me. I liked her so I asked her to stay here while her car is being repaired.”

  “You took in a stranger? She could be dangerous. She could sue.”

  “Give it a rest, Squirt. I’m doing fine. How’s Phil?”

  “He’s fine. Work’s fine, too. How long is she staying?”

  “As long as she can,” he replied with a chuckle.

  “Father! Be serious. I bet she has designs on you already.”

  He chuckled again to conceal his feelings. “I hope so.”

  “Will I get a chance to meet her?”

  “Perhaps. You’ll know after I do.” “I don’t like this.”

  “You don’t like any woman getting her hooks into me.”

  “You haven’t let one do so since you and Mother got divorced.”

  “Haven’t met one I’d want to get to know better than superficially. And I’m not going to answer any more questions. Remember how you fussed and fumed when I questioned you about Phil? You told me, if I recall accurately, to mind my own business.”

  Peggy dropped the subject and they chatted about other things for a while. Before hanging up, she warned in a motherly tone of concern, “I
f she’s still there in a few weeks, I’m coming for a visit to check her out.”

  “She’ll be gone soon; I promise.”

  “Does that disappoint you?”

  “I haven’t decided.”

  “Men!” she muttered in exasperation.

  “Daughters,” he retorted with more chuckles. “I’ll be fine.”

  Kirstin sneaked down the back porch steps, away from the screen door where she’d been eavesdropping on his end of the conversation. She walked to the swing and sat down but kept it motionless as his words raced back and forth across her mind. Obviously his daughter was curious, worried, suspicious, and possibly jealous of her being there.

  Inside the house, Christopher finished his conversation.

  Peggy told him, “Bye, Dad. I love you and miss you.”

  “I love you and miss you, too, Squirt. But you stay put in Oregon, understand?”

  He hung up and went to look for Kirstin. “How about we take a picnic supper to the pond? We can enjoy the sunset better there.”

  They packed a meal, then went horseback riding on Christopher’s sprawling land. She rode behind him on his favorite Appaloosa. With fingers interlocked around his narrow waist, she mused on the unnecessary caution. Evidently her state of health had nothing to do with his persistence; she felt fine and could ride alone. She smiled to herself; she didn’t mind their contact at all.

  He reined in the mottled animal near the pond, threw his leg over the horse’s neck, and hopped to the ground. He reached up to grasp her by the waist to help her down, again an unnecessary action. She placed her hands on either shoulder and surrendered to his strength. As her feet touched the grassy earth, her hands slipped down to his chest and lingered there. He gazed into her upturned face before sighing and pulling her against his hard, lean body. His arms encircled her and snuggled her to him. His head bent forward to allow his lips to drop a kiss on her silky head and to inhale the freshness of her hair.

  Kirstin molded her slender frame into his arms, laying her face against his shoulder. “It’s so lovely, Christopher,” she murmured. “Do you come here often?”

  “When I need to relax. Want to swim?”

  “Without a suit?” she teased.