Critical Condition

by Nicki Edwards

  “Her sons are your brothers, Poppy. You should get to know them.”

  “They’re not really my brothers.”

  Sean shrugged. “Half-brothers, stepbrothers, whatever you want to call them, but they’re still related to you. Your dad would have wanted you to at least meet them.”

  Poppy sighed. “Jenni’s invited me for lunch tomorrow at their house.”

  “I hope you said yes.”

  “I did.”

  Chapter 15

  That night Poppy joined Liam at the pub for a meal. When he’d invited her out, she’d accepted straight away, not simply because she wanted to spend more time with him, but because she couldn’t bear the thought of sitting alone in a motel room eating takeout. And she was putting off reading her father’s letters.

  During dinner Poppy was grateful Liam didn’t ask about her childhood or try to delve into her family closet and examine all the skeletons. Instead, they chatted about almost everything else under the sun.

  They talked about their respective jobs, compared their favorite animals, favorite music, favorite seasons, favorite foods and what they liked to do in their spare time. Poppy was amazed how much they had in common and how much she enjoyed their banter. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed so hard. Liam was a natural story teller and because of their common medical background she shared his warped sense of humor when it came to some of the things he’d seen and heard in his job. She had her own share of crazy stories from her years working in the emergency department in New York. Liam listened like he cared and laughed like he understood.

  They talked about almost everything except the personal stuff. Liam didn’t ask if she was in a relationship and she didn’t volunteer any information. The last thing she wanted was to spoil things and bring up Adam. She kept her questions at surface level too. She knew Liam was single, but had no idea whether he’d ever been married or been in a serious relationship. Not that it mattered, but part of Poppy wanted to know.

  By the time Poppy spooned the last of her dessert into her mouth and dabbed at her lips with the napkin, she knew she’d made a new friend. She was disappointed she’d never see him again after the next day, but that was life.

  The night passed in a blur and soon they were the last ones in the bistro. When the waitress started turning off the lights Poppy leaned over the table. “Do you think that’s our cue to leave?” she whispered.

  “I think so.”

  Liam paid, even though she protested loudly, then held the door open for her.

  “Thank you.”

  The moment they stepped out into the cold dark night she shivered.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  “A little. I should have brought my coat.”

  Liam pulled her close, looping arms with hers and they walked that way back to his car. When he broke contact to open her door she keenly felt the loss of his touch.

  Minutes later Liam pulled into the driveway of the motel, parked and turned off the engine.

  “Shall I pick you up tomorrow morning and take you to the car hire place?” he asked.

  “Thanks. I’d forgotten all about that.”

  “They’re only open until twelve on a Saturday so how about I swing past around eleven? That will give you time to have a drive around before you go to lunch at Jen’s.”

  “That would be great. Thanks.”

  “So. This is it,” he said. “This is where I say thanks for a lovely night.”

  She swallowed. “Something like that.”

  They both stared ahead and neither spoke.

  “It’s not late. Would you like to come in for a coffee?” The moment the words rushed from her lips, Poppy cringed. “I’m sorry, Liam, that was like a bad line from a very bad movie. Don’t read anything into it.”

  He grinned. “I love coffee, but not at this time of night. How about a cup of tea instead?”

  She exhaled loudly. “Tea it is.”

  While the kettle boiled, Poppy retreated to the tiny bathroom. She removed her makeup, pulled her hair into a ponytail and changed out of her dress and into yoga pants and her favorite NY Knicks hooded sweatshirt. When she returned to the bedroom she found Liam propped up against the backboard of the bed on a mountain of pillows.

  “Good to see you’ve made yourself at home,” she said.

  “It’s comfy.” He patted the spot beside him. “I’ve left you some room.”

  “Let me make you that cuppa first. Black? White?”

  She found two cups and some milk in the mini bar refrigerator.

  “Sugar too, please,” he said with a smirk. “Sometimes I need a little sweetening up.”

  “I’m not even going to respond to that,” she said.

  She kept her back to him as she waited for the kettle to heat. Her emotions bubbled faster than the boiling water. Had she made a big mistake inviting him into her room? What if he had the wrong idea?

  “Do you like basketball?” Liam asked.

  She spun around, surprised by the question. “I love it. Why?”

  “I love it too. I guess you played as a kid.”

  She chuckled. “You think because I’m tall I played basketball?”

  “Well, did you?”

  “I can’t do anything remotely sporty except watch it. And don’t even think about asking if I can dance.”

  “Can you dance?”

  “I said not to ask me.”

  “Everyone can dance,” he said.

  “Uh, uh. Not me.” She wriggled her bare toes then mentally berated herself for not booking a pedicure before she’d left the States.

  She handed him his cup of tea and climbed onto the bed beside him, snatching two pillows from behind him when he leaned forward to change positions.

  “Do you like NCIS: LA?” he asked.

  “Absolutely.”

  “Want to watch an episode? It’s probably a rerun.”

  “Yeah, that sounds great.” She grabbed the end of the bedspread and pulled it over her legs.

  “You still cold?”

  She shook her head quickly, afraid he might have suggested snuggling beside him to get warm. She probably would have said yes to that too.

  She curled her fingers around the cup and blew on her tea. The episode started – one she hadn’t seen – and Liam didn’t say a word. Just as well he wasn’t one of those people who felt the need to talk during a show.

  “I am totally in love with Kensie,” Liam announced when the first advertisement came on.

  “She’s not real you know,” Poppy said. “She’s an actress. Daniela Ruah. What you see on the screen isn’t what she’s like in real life.”

  “Sounds like you have firsthand experience.”

  “I’ve met a few actors over the years.”

  “Well, you know what I mean. I’m in love with her character.” Liam nudged her with his elbow. “In fact, she reminds me of you.”

  She fixed him with her best stare. “Why? Because she’s tall and skinny?”

  “Not just that. She’s just … awesome.”

  Poppy felt herself blushing at the compliment.

  “And I love the way she and Deeks banter together.”

  She turned to look at him. “Do you think that makes you like Deeks?”

  “Absolutely. You’ve heard my witty repartee.”

  She closed her eyes, shook her head and stifled a smile.

  “Besides, all the women love Deeks, so naturally I’d like to think I’m like him. Same hairstyle. Same chiseled jawline. Same cute butt. He just hasn’t been blessed with a sexy Irish accent like me. Oh well, you can’t win ’em all.”

  Poppy grabbed a pillow and whacked him playfully across the head. “You are so full of it.”

  He batted the pillow back at her and grinned. “Exactly like Deeks.”

  He was right, but no way would she admit it.

  The show started again and they watched the rest of the episode in silence. Poppy had trouble concentrating. She couldn
’t stop musing over Liam’s compliment that she reminded him of Kensie. The characters were in undercover, playing husband and wife, and once or twice Poppy had to shift position as the sexual tension on the screen went up a notch or two. Liam didn’t seem to notice, or if he did, he was playing it cool.

  An hour later the show ended and before another episode could start Poppy yawned purposely and aimed the remote at the television to mute the sound. As much as she had enjoyed herself, she was tired and their time together had to end sometime.

  “You were amazing at the funeral today,” Liam said softly.

  She twisted around to stare at him, surprised by his serious tone and the look on his face.

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. You held yourself together really well. It can’t have been easy meeting all those people.”

  He picked up her hand and stroked it slowly with his thumb. It felt so natural, Poppy didn’t pull from his touch.

  “And I saw you talking to Jenni and the boys. That was brave. That took a lot of guts.”

  Poppy licked her lips. “Thank you. That means a lot. And thanks for being there for me today. I don’t think I could have coped without you.”

  She smiled then and lifted her gaze until their eyes locked. Before she realized what was happening, Liam leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. When she didn’t pull away, he reached for her and slowly lowered his head, covering her lips with his.

  Warmth exploded in Poppy’s chest and shot straight down her legs. When he deepened the kiss, she parted her lips in response. Her body swayed like it had a will of its own as unexpected desire surged through her. Reaching for him, she clasped her hands around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. A small moan managed to escape from the back of her throat.

  The sound caused Liam to break contact as if he’d been burned. He dropped his arms and sprang off the bed looking dazed and guilty. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he searched her face.

  “Sorry, Poppy. I shouldn’t have done that without asking first. Blame them,” he said, pointing to the television screen. He ran his hands through his hair as he paced backward and forward in front of her.

  Poppy touched her flaming cheeks and avoided eye contact. His kiss had caught her totally off guard.

  “I’m sorry,” she lied.

  Liam stopped pacing, cocked his head to one side and looked quizzically at her. “What are you sorry for?”

  “For this. For leading you on.”

  His frown deepened. “You didn’t.”

  “I invited you inside my hotel room and practically asked you into my bed.”

  “Onto your bed,” he corrected. “To watch television. That’s all it was. Two friends having a cup of tea and watching telly like a pair of old farts. No harm in that.”

  He was right, but she still felt uncomfortable, like they’d crossed an invisible boundary.

  “Why did you kiss me then?” she asked.

  He sank onto the edge of the bed and stared deep into her eyes. “I had to. You have a gorgeous mouth.”

  Poppy opened and closed her mouth.

  He held out both hands, palms up. “What can I say? I said I’m sorry, but really I’m not. You have incredible lips, I have no self control, and I’m full of myself. You said so yourself.” He shrugged and gave a half smile. “Plus I wanted to see if the Irish accent had worked on you.”

  Poppy couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing and the awkward moment between them broke in half. “You are full of yourself,” she said, “among other things.”

  She swung her legs over the side of the bed so they were sitting side by side, thighs so close they were practically touching. It took a concerted effort not to edge closer and take his hand. That would definitely send the wrong message.

  “Kissing me won’t lead to anything, Liam,” she said seriously. “I’m going to Queensland on Sunday then back to New York. My life is there. My job, my apartment, my …”

  “In other words, don’t get attached. I get it,” he said, interrupting her. “Shame though. I thought we were getting along well. And you can’t deny it. That kiss was amazing.”

  She swallowed. He was right. It was an amazing kiss. She could still taste the sweet residue of his tea on her lips. And it had left her wanting more.

  “Usually people only kiss when they want it to lead to something.”

  He was silent for a moment. “Would that be so bad?”

  She let out a soft sigh. “Don’t get any ideas about a one-night stand.” She indicated the rumpled bedspread and pillows strewn across the bed behind them. “I’m not about that.”

  He rubbed his jaw. “I’m not either, Poppy so don’t read anything into it. It was a simple kiss, that’s all.”

  “A kiss that isn’t going to lead to anything,” she repeated.

  “Pity.”

  The regret in his tone was so tangible she almost tasted it.

  “I’m not staying in Australia. Kissing me won’t change my mind.”

  “What if I did I can do better next time?” he asked.

  She blinked.

  “That was only my third best attempt. A bronze medal performance.”

  “You try to impress women by giving them your third-best attempt at kissing?”

  “Absolutely. I save the best until last.”

  “But what if there’s never a second or third kiss. How would a woman ever know what your best kiss is like?”

  He reached over and touched the tip of her nose. “Trust me, there’s never only one kiss. They always want more.”

  Poppy snorted. “You are unbelievably big-headed, you know?”

  He nodded. “So I’ve been told. More than once. Anyway, do you want to try my second-best kiss?” He puckered up and fixed pleading blue eyes on hers.

  She giggled. “Do you have any idea how silly you look?”

  “If you say no, I’ll respect your decision. But be warned, you have no idea what you’re missing out on and that would be a crying shame.”

  “A shame for you or me?”

  He stared deep into her eyes and her stomach did a little flip-flop.

  “Both.”

  She ran her tongue over her lips.

  “Say yes, Poppy. I really enjoyed kissing you the first time and I don’t want to have to rely on my memory. If you let me kiss you again, I’ll be forever grateful.” He was grinning at her again like a happy puppy. Any minute now she expected to see his tongue loll out the side of his mouth. She had to admit he was adorable in a cute kind of way.

  “I bet your mother could never say no to you when you were growing up.”

  “So is that a yes?”

  Poppy willed her heart rate to slow down and her brain to think rationally. It would be smart to say no and ask him to leave, but right now being smart wasn’t what she was thinking. She chewed on her bottom lip and lowered her gaze. Would it be so wrong to kiss him again? Was there any harm in one more kiss? Even if it wasn’t going to lead to anything?

  She folded her arms across her chest and fixed him with the sternest look she could muster. “If you have no self-control, what’s stopping you from kissing me again right now?”

  He grinned and pointed to her crossed arms. “You are.”

  “Hmmm. Good point. What would happen if I said no?”

  “I’d whimper and slink away with my tail between my legs. It’s not a pretty sight, trust me.”

  She laughed again. “And if I said yes?”

  “I guess you’ll have to say yes to find out.”

  “You’re not making this easy for me, Liam. Because if I say yes, you’ll kiss me again and it will only be your second-best effort.”

  He nodded. “Ah yes, good point. That’s right. My silver medal performance.”

  “Which means to get your gold medal performance I’m going to have to kiss you a third time.”

  He grinned, lay back on the pillows and crossed one ankle casually over the other. “Now you see my logic.
”

  She play-punched him in the arm. “You’re utterly mad.”

  “Most women would probably agree with you, but my mum says I’m utterly adorable.”

  “I’d like to meet your mum. I’m sure she would have a lot more to tell me about you.”

  “Kiss me again and I’ll introduce you one day.”

  “Kiss or no kiss, this can’t go anywhere. I’ve told you that. No matter what you say or do, I can’t change my plans. I’m leaving on Sunday.”

  “Jeez, Poppy, would you stop analyzing everything and kiss me!”

  She opened her mouth and prayed a sassy comeback would miraculously materialize on the tip of her tongue. When nothing came, Liam took her silence as a yes.

  He leaned toward her and when their lips met she closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the moment. With each lengthening kiss, her heartbeat pulsed in her ears.

  Liam’s vibrating phone startled them both. They broke apart and he leapt off the bed. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he checked the text message and swore softly.

  “I’m sorry, Poppy. Duty calls.” He leaned down, pressed his lips gently to her cheek and traced her jawline with his thumb. “Can you take a rain check?”

  She nodded mutely and watched him in silent disappointment as he pulled on his boots and bolted out the door, slamming it behind him.

  After he was gone Poppy sank back into the pillows. She touched her finger to her lips. Had she missed her chance to experience Liam’s promised gold medal kiss? She got up, brushed her teeth and got ready for bed, willing her brain to change direction. There was no point thinking about Liam’s kisses, regardless of how good they were.

  He might be one of the greatest guys she’d ever met, but there was more than one problem with starting something with him. Number one, they lived on opposite sides of the globe. And two, when Liam got to know her better, he’d realize how messed up her life was and he’d run a mile. History had shown her that. Every guy she’d dated sped off faster than a Formula One driver as soon as they met her mother.

  As nice and friendly as he was, there was no reason to believe Liam O’Connor would be any different from the others.