Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

  Kirstin was delighted her bra unfastened in the front, and he managed to free her straining breasts with ease and quickness. She sighed and moaned in beckoning bliss as his fingers, lips, teeth, and tongue went to heady work on the two rosy-brown points. She had the wild urge to yank off the remainder of her clothes and shout for him to take her, any time and any way he desired. She was breathless with sensuous anticipation as his skilled hand made its way past the elasticized waist of her sweat pants. Her heat and arousal heightened as his fingers slid lower to reach and tantalize the pulsing peak between her thighs. With eyes closed and pleasures abounding, she thrashed her head on the back of the couch, squirmed in ecstasy, and surrendered her all to him.

  Kirstin felt steamier than boiling water. She bravely suggested, “Let’s get undressed. I want to feel you against me. Inside me, Christopher.”

  He hated to pull his mouth from her chest and his hand from between her thighs for even a second, but her entreaty was too irresistible to refuse. He came up on one knee to pull the top over her head. His shaky fingers removed her bra, then her pants and panties. His greedy eyes savored her naked body as he stripped with speed and tossed his garments on the floor along with hers. His heart lurched in joy when she reached for him. He settled his blazing frame over hers and pressed her body into the cushiony sofa. He yearned to make unhurried love to her, but they were too aroused to postpone full contact of hard flesh within soft flesh. After a minute, or two of thrusting and deep kissing, he halted and took several ragged breaths. Careful not to pull her hair, he propped his elbows on either side of her head, gazed down at her, and murmured, “Kirstin, you have me hot enough to explode. Damn but you’re too tempting for me to stay in control. You make me feel like a green teenager who hasn’t learned to control himself. Lordy, I want to love you like crazy. When I look at you, I almost go wild.”

  She encouraged, “Go wild and crazy, Christopher, you have me burning up, too.” Her injuries forgotten, she greedily sampled his talents. She propped her left foot atop the sofa back and rested the other on the floor, open fully to him. “Get busy, Doc; I want more of you.”

  He fastened his mouth to hers and obeyed her last order.

  How, Kirstin pondered afterward when she lay cradled in his arms, had this man remained single for so long? He was handsome, virile, fun, charming, intelligent, hard-working, dependable, and self-assured. Her admiration and intrigue were exposed in her smoldering eyes.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked, stormed by curiosity.

  “You. I was just mentally listing your good qualities.”

  A look of skeptical surprise flashed over his face. “Do I have any?”

  “Too many.”

  “I didn’t know that was possible. What about bad ones? Lots of ‘em.”

  “I haven’t noticed, but … You seemed so cool when I arrived.”

  “Was I?”

  “Stop grinning. You know you were, Christopher Harrison.”

  “For the life of me, Kirstin, I can’t imagine why. Unless …” He leaned over and stole a hasty kiss.

  “Unless what?” she prompted as she traced a finger over his thick brows, sun-kissed nose, and cleft chin.

  “Unless I instantly recognized you for the dangerous temptation you are. It’s hard for a doctor these days, woman. A ravishing female trapped alone with me? I could forget my ethics and seduce a helpless victim. Then I’d find myself sued for conduct unbecoming a doctor. Maybe I should get a nurse to protect my reputation and prevent malpractice suits.”

  She knew he was jesting, and his mood was contagious. “Not a soul around to protect me from a lecherous and determined sex fiend. What’s it worth for me not to press charges against you, Doc?”

  “Let’s see … I could forget the debt against you for medical treatment, room and board, and … entertainment.”

  “A bribe, Doctor Harrison?”

  “Blackmail, Mrs. Lowrey.”

  Their gazes fused; they burst into laughter. “A deal?”

  She sent him a provocative smile and echoed, “A deal.”

  “What should I list under entertainment?”

  His husky tone aroused her. “You,” she replied, laughing at the glimmer of astonishment in his eyes.

  “You liberated women certainly don’t beat around the bush. When you want something, you speak right up.”

  “You have only yourself to blame, Doctor Harrison. It has nothing to do with independence or liberation. Since I’m on vacation and time is short, I can’t be coy or conservative. As you said, we’re consenting adults and we have no commitments to other people. If. it’s wrong for me to desire you, then it’s just as wrong for you to feel and act the same way. Right?”

  “You don’t have to lecture me on women’s rights, Kirstin. I fully agree with you. I was just surprised to hear you voice such feelings aloud. It’s my guess you’re normally modest and reserved, always the perfect lady.”

  “You’re most perceptive, Doc. I don’t know why, but I never feel that way around you.” She laughed. “I can’t believe it’s actually me, here naked beneath a near stranger and making love on his sofa in daylight when anyone could drop in. I think I’m as stunned as you are.”

  “I feel as if we’ve known each other for a long time. We’re very compatible. You’re easy and fun to be with, Kirstin. I’m going to miss you.”

  Stabs of loneliness pierced her. “I’m going to miss you, too. Think we can get together in the future? Is that being presumptuous?”

  “Not in the least. How about, as often as we can pull it off? How many days do you get each month?”

  “Only weekends and holidays. I’m having my vacation now. I couldn’t ask for more time off from a new job and boss.”

  “That’ll do, for starters. How are you set for traveling expenses?” he asked.

  “What?”

  “M-o-n-e-y,” he spelled it out. “You want me to come to San Diego, or do you want to come here, or should we meet somewhere in between?” he specified his thoughts. “I have plenty of money, but I wasn’t sure if you could afford to see me as often as I would like to see you.”

  “Whatever you decide. I make a good salary and I’m not a spendthrift.”

  “Then a little of each?”

  “Terrific. Just let me know when and where and we’ll work out the details by phone.”

  “You can bet on that, Kirstin.”

  I will.

  Later that night, Christopher was awakened to Kirstin’s tossing and turning. “You’re mighty restless. Any pain?”

  “Sorry, Christopher, just uncomfortable. The bindings are snug.”

  “Let me get you something to help you sleep. I know what’s safe for someone in your condition. What about it? Just tonight while the discomfort is at its worst. It’ll be better tomorrow.”

  Assuming she was disturbing his own sleep, she agreed. Christopher brought her a mild sedative and some water. Kirstin swallowed the tablet, then he drew her into his arms and held her tenderly until both were fast asleep.

  The next day, the foreman stopped by the house to leave a package for his boss while Christopher was away seeing a patient.

  “Chris told me ‘bout yore new accident. Sorry to hear yore having such a run of bad luck; it always seems to come in bunches. If you need anything while he’s gone, just leave a message on my answering machine. I check it a few times a day.”

  She liked the nice and friendly man. “Thank you, Mr. Graham; that’s very kind. You really enjoy this ranch, don’t you?”

  He twirled the right edge of a thick brown mustache that was tinged with gray. “I love it, and call me Frank. I’ve told Chris a thousand times, if he ever wants to sell it, he has a deal with me. I’ve been here a long time, know every inch of her like the back of my hand.”

  Kirstin saw the twinkle in his eyes and glow on his sun-darkened face that attested to his feelings. “Christopher told me you have five children and lots of grandchildren. I’m looki
ng forward to meeting your wife. He’s told me many good things about you two. When’s she due home?”

  “Chris told her there weren’t any hurry, that he’s doing fine, so she’s coming- back May fourth. I guess he told you she’s helping our daughter with the new baby. A long visit will do ‘em both good. ‘Course, I miss her.”

  Kirstin felt a little embarrassed that Christopher had requested time alone with her until the date she was due to report for work in San Diego. Yet, if Frank thought she was terrible for living like this with a near stranger, it didn’t show. “As soon as this wrist and ankle heal, I’ll be able to drive. My car’s repaired, but I can’t manage the gears and clutch like this.” She saw him look over her bound injuries and crutches for support.

  “I know what you mean. Hurt my hand once and it gave me fits. I’m glad Chris has you for company. I’ve never seen him so relaxed and happy. Thanks, Kirstin. He’s a good man and deserves a good life.” When she blushed, he smiled and said, “I best git back to work. Got lots of chores to do. Just sing out if you need anything.”

  “Thanks. See you later.”

  You sly devil, Christopher Harrison, talking about me to others and making sure we have privacy. You must be enjoying me as much as I’m enjoying you. But do I fill more than physical needs?

  Kirstin decided to test him later that day. She told him about part of her chat with the foreman. “Frank really loves this ranch. I can’t blame him; it’s beautiful and prosperous. Have you ever considered selling it and moving somewhere to practice medicine? Perhaps teach?” She kept silent and attentive as he took a deep breath before responding.

  “I gave teaching a try; I hated it. It was like being an alcoholic with an unreachable bottle in sight. When I was stuffed with my students’ and colleagues’ sympathy and pity, I came here to avoid them. I suppose I’m lucky, all things considered; I’m still in medicine and I have a good life.”

  “You’re very bitter, aren’t you?”

  “Hell, Kirstin! That’s only natural. I had a brilliant career and future in surgery. It was my food and air. Damn, it was like cutting out my heart to leave it! I’ve tried settling for second best, teaching or research; it isn’t enough. End of confession and topic, all right?”

  Kirstin knew pity or sympathy from her was the wrong emotion to show. She responded simply, “You seem to be doing great here.”

  “I suppose so,” he moodily agreed and left to take a cold shower.

  When they made love that night, Kirstin realized he was still brooding. She hoped it wasn’t his way of emphasizing the point that she wasn’t to discuss his troubles again. How could he get rid of them—and of his resentment—if he refused to deal with them? He was always telling her to accept her condition and make the best of it. Well, he should take a little of his own advice! Until he did, she couldn’t consider becoming a part of his sullen and secluded existence. She’d endured enough misery with David not to put herself in a similar position again. We’d make a marvelous team. We could tackle diabetes research. We could be good for each other, be happy. First, physician, heal thyself.

  The following evening after his ‘ chores, Christopher rushed to the house from his office to tell her, “I’ve got to go to the Carlisles’. There’s trouble. You want to stay here or come along?”

  Before she could respond, he picked up the receiver and called Jenny Carlisle who was in premature labor with her first child. Thankfully, the message had just come in on his recorder. He talked to Bob for a few minutes, asking questions and giving orders. He grabbed his medical bag and turned to Kirstin.

  “Will they mind if I come?” she questioned in uncertainty.

  “We’re ten minutes away and the ambulance is thirty, after it returns from another call. The other one is having mechanical problems. With this bum hand, I may need help over there, and Bob’s in a panic. Coming?”

  “Yes.” She retrieved her purse and followed him. She moved as fast as she could on the crutches. She was tempted to cast them aside but she couldn’t because putting her weight on the sprained ankle hurt too much.

  He sped over winding dirt roads with Kirstin stiff in her seat, belted for safety. When they arrived at the small, wood-framed house, Bob rushed out to meet them. He was terrified; the baby was coming out! Kirstin hobbled behind the two men.

  Christopher held the door open for her. “I wasn’t kidding, Kirstin; I may need your assistance.”

  Christopher surged forward to follow Bob Carlisle into the bedroom, where Jenny was twisting and turning in anguish and fear, her eyes wide in anxiety and her face dampened by it. Kirstin halted just inside the door. This delivery was a first for her, as she hadn’t had her babies by natural childbirth, nor had Sandi. She knew what happened but had not experienced it firsthand. Surely an ambulance was on the way by now!

  There had been many times during animal surgery when the dedicated, skilled technician’s hands had been covered with bright red blood. Why, she fretted, should the sight of human blood be any different? For heaven’s sake, she had once planned to become a surgeon! During tricky experiments, she had proved herself capable and resourceful when things seemed to be going awry. She was well versed in anatomy and first aid. All three people in the room needed her help, so why was she stalling?

  Kirstin tossed her purse onto a chair and made her way into the room. Christopher was working frantically to calm both Jenny and Bob. Kirstin took the initiative, and tugged at Bob’s arm. When he turned to her, she empathized with the look of alarm on his face.

  “Listen to me carefully, Bob,” she began, inserting firmness and calmness into her voice, hoping it concealed her own panic. “We’ll need a bucket of hot water, some towels, and some coffee. You go and get them while I assist Doctor Harrison.”

  When Christopher glanced up at her, she winked at him and smiled conspiratorially. He grinned in understanding and returned to his examination. Bob left the room in a hurry to obey her. Kirstin maneuvered herself next to the bed. “What can I do to help?” she questioned, almost afraid to look down at the writhing young woman.

  Christopher flashed her a quick smile of encouragement and appreciation. “You’re doing it now. Thanks.”

  Jenny was in too much discomfort to be embarrassed by her half-nude body or her splayed position. Kirstin was shocked when she glanced down and saw a tiny dark head peeking through. Kirstin helped Christopher ease two folded sheets beneath the lower half of the expectant mother’s body to protect the bed. “Put on surgical gloves, Kirstin. In my bag. We can’t risk infection,” he ordered in a voice tight with concentration.

  Kirstin obeyed, then held Jenny’s hand and spoke soothing words while Christopher called the hospital to update them on the emergency. He was told the ambulance should arrive within twenty minutes, thirty at the most. Christopher informed them it was a premature birth and some precautions would be mandatory to safeguard the baby. He told them the infant was delivering at present, and prayed he was capable of preventing any injuries and of saving both lives if things worsened.

  It was too late to give Jenny anything for the pain or to relax her. In a gentle tone, Christopher coaxed her along with instructions. Minutes seemed like hours as the difficult labor continued. Though the baby was small, Jenny required an incision to assist its birth. Christopher gave her a local anesthetic and performed an episiotomy with a shaky right hand, cursing the loss of use of his left one. He was relieved and overjoyed he did the procedure without error.

  At last, the baby’s head was in full view. Jenny squeezed Kirstin’s hands when the shoulders made their way out next. Kirstin spoke in a soft but firm voice to the patient. She stressed Christopher’s instructions, encouraging Jenny to do as he ordered as the wonder of bringing a new life into the world seized her. She was warmed by his bedside manner and proud of Christopher’s skills, which weren’t as lacking as he seemed to believe. No doctor, she concluded, could be doing a better job. Kirstin’s ears rang when Jenny sent forth one last screa
m as the rest of the baby’s body seemingly surged out of her fatigued body.

  Jenny collapsed against the bed, her sweaty hands releasing Kirstin’s aching ones. Kirstin’s injured wrist throbbed, but she didn’t complain. Christopher cleared the baby boy’s nose and mouth, then smacked his rump to compel him to inhale rapidly to fill his lungs with air. The baby loudly complied, but his breathing wasn’t normal. Kirstin wrapped the infant in a clean blanket. As Christopher waited for the cord and afterbirth to be delivered, Kirstin knew something was wrong with the tiny infant. She didn’t say anything aloud, fearing to panic the new parents.

  Jenny was being comforted by her relieved husband at that moment, her hands held between his. Kirstin inched toward Christopher and nudged his arm. He glanced up from his work, his expression inquisitive. She nodded to the baby she was holding against her breasts, inhaling suggestively to alert him to her discov ery.

  He caught her implication and took a look at the baby who was now struggling to breathe. A worried frown creased his brow. “Do you know mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?” he asked, his voice low and guarded.

  She nodded, but looked uncertain.

  “Cover the entire nose and mouth. Four times a minute. Not too much or too hard,” he cautioned. “I’ll take over as soon as I finish here.”

  Kirstin lay the endangered infant on the dresser and began to assist the baby’s battle for air and life. Christopher explained to Jenny and Bob that the child was small and premature, that it needed help learning to breathe. He made his voice reassuring, as if this was normal in such cases.

  Bob came over to watch her and to see his firstborn son. He realized something wasn’t normal. “What’s wrong?” he demanded of Kirstin.

  She glared at him in warning, shaking her head and cutting her eyes toward the bed. Bob understood she was trying to keep Jenny calm and in the dark. He watched in mounting alarm as Kirstin labored over his son. He noticed her injured hand and foot and the swelling above and below the elastic bandage on her right wrist and suspected she was in pain herself. He waited quietly, and prayed.