Critical Condition

by Nicki Edwards

  He glanced at her, not understanding.

  “You know the saying don’t you? Once you’ve kissed, you can’t go back to holding hands. If you want to start again, we have to go back to holding hands.”

  Worry creased his brow. “I definitely can’t go back to holding hands. Can you?”

  She shook her head. “Hmm, well, we could always go back to the first kiss.”

  “We could. But I’d be much happier if we put things on fast forward,” he said. “Skip the first three kisses and go straight to the next stage.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “The next stage? Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  “I hope so.”

  “We probably should take things slowly.”

  “We probably should,” he agreed. “But we don’t have to.”

  *

  They pulled up outside the farmhouse and Poppy frowned. A homemade “welcome home” banner hung between two verandah posts and a bunch of white balloons were tied to each post either side of the front door.

  She turned to him. “What if I’d said no?”

  “You were never going to say no,” he replied.

  “Cocky, aren’t you?”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “When does the wooing start?” she asked.

  “Any time you’re ready.”

  “Now’s a good time for me,” she said.

  Liam didn’t waste time. He reached for her chin again and tipped her face up. Then he lowered his head, kissing her gently once. Twice. A third time. Soft kisses that barely scraped her lips. She stayed where she was, a breath away from him, waiting for him to kiss her again.

  This time when his lips met hers, he made it last, and she kissed him back, relishing everything about him.

  It felt good to be home.

  *

  Later that night, after they’d eaten dinner and washed up, Poppy took a shower. When she came out of the bathroom, the house was dark except for the flickering of dozens of vanilla-scented candles. The room looked and smelled incredible. She was astounded by how much trouble he’d gone to. No doubt Mackenzie and Emma had helped too.

  “Is this part of the romantic wooing?” she asked.

  “It can be. Is it working for you?”

  “Definitely.”

  “I’ve lit a fire too,” he said, drawing her gently toward the lounge room. He’d taken the mattress off her bed and it lay in front of a roaring fire, covered in pillows and blankets.

  While she leaned back against the couch, Liam fed her spoonfuls of dessert. She’d never felt so full – emotionally or physically.

  He reached over and stroked her cheek. His fingers were warm against her skin. She leaned into his cupped palm.

  “You’re so beautiful, Poppy. Do you have any idea how much I want you?” He pulled back from her just enough to look deeply into her eyes. “I want you. All of you. But it doesn’t have to be tonight. If it’s too soon, that is?”

  “I want you too,” she whispered, returning his gaze. “And no, it’s not too soon.”

  His eyes darted to hers and he breathed deeply. In and out. She watched his chest rise and fall. Watched him swallow. His eyes were dark with desire and love, but she saw hesitation there too.

  She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “It’s okay, I promise.”

  When he didn’t respond, she leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Kiss me, Liam,” she said, gently pushing him down onto the mattress and lowering her lips to his.

  *

  Poppy’s mouth was warm and sweet and soft and better than in his dreams. She parted her lips and he deepened the kiss, never wanting it to end. His pulse pounded in his ears and he felt like he was drowning.

  When Poppy arched her back and tilted her head back, he moaned.

  In response, she buried her face in his neck, causing wisps of her hair to tickle his jaw. He smoothed it back, filling his lungs with the fruity fragrance of her shampoo and perfume. She tasted of chocolate and, combined with her perfume and the vanilla candles, it was a heady aroma.

  “For the first time in my life, I feel safe,” Poppy whispered in his ear.

  He couldn’t control himself any longer. Couldn’t fight the desire that coursed and tingled up and down his spine.

  And he didn’t want to.

  Chapter 35

  The dreaded Fourth of July arrived and passed without any issue or any discussion about Adam. To celebrate, Liam helped Poppy plant the lemon tree in her backyard. She was tense all weekend, but as each hour passed and she heard nothing from America, she relaxed. He did too. He was pleased to put the past behind them and get on with the future.

  After the weekend Poppy asked Belinda if there was a permanent position at the hospital. Belinda was apparently so thrilled that she was on the phone to the human resources department to organize contracts before Poppy had walked out of her office.

  Over the next few weeks they settled into a comfortable routine. Liam still found it hard to believe that in such a short amount of time so much had happened. He hadn’t planned for things to move as quickly as they were, but they both sensed that what they had together was something very special.

  They timed their shifts so that they were able to spend time together. On their days off they slept in, went for long slow runs around the river or spent the day relaxing around the farm. Poppy wasn’t much of a cook, but he loved all the cooking shows and loved treating her to his latest “productions”, as she laughingly called them. Some nights they ate out at the pub, some nights they had takeout at his unit, but more often than not, they chose the farmhouse. After dinner, they’d sit in front of the fire, drink wine or coffee and watch television like a pair of old fogies who’d been together forever.

  They were rarely apart, and when Poppy pointed out that he spent more time at the farmhouse than he did in his own home, he jokingly asked whether he should move in with her.

  He was pleasantly surprised when she said yes immediately, and two days later he and Joel shifted all of Terri’s furniture into the shed and moved all of his stuff in. He and Poppy then spent the next few weeks turning the little house into their home.

  He’d never been so happy in his life.

  When he moved into Poppy’s place he expected to cop some opposition from family and friends, but on the contrary, everyone was thrilled they were finally together and things were working out. He knew they were all wondering when they’d hear the sound of wedding bells, but although he’d broached the subject a few times, Poppy remained cautious. He wasn’t going to rush her into anything.

  One Sunday morning, about a month after he’d moved in, he insisted Poppy stay in bed. She’d been rundown for the past week or so, first with a head cold then a stomach bug. She’d argued that they had things planned for the day – the weather was going to be perfect and they were going to get out into the garden – but after he’d kissed her and assured her there was nothing that couldn’t wait for later, he tucked her back under the covers. When he checked on her ten minutes later, she was out like a light.

  She slept all morning while he pottered around in the garden. At eleven, when he’d cleared all the weeds from the veggie garden and she still hadn’t appeared, he started to feel slightly concerned. She’d been asleep for over thirteen hours.

  He perched on the edge of the bed and watched her even breathing. He would never get sick of looking at her. She was gorgeous and he was the luckiest man in the world.

  He gently brushed a strand of her hair and she woke with a start. For a moment panicked blue eyes met his then she relaxed.

  “Hey, gorgeous. Good sleep?”

  She rubbed her eyes, looking dazed. “Is that the time?”

  He nodded.

  She sat up and the sheet slipped, exposing the top of her breasts. He’d never get sick of looking at them either.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  She nodded. “I can’t believe it’s so late.” She tossed bac
k the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. When she stood and stretched he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was stunning.

  She was also a tease.

  Poppy obviously knew he was watching. She stretched again and yawned and he unashamedly took his time gazing at her figure. When he’d first met her, Poppy was beanpole thin, but his cooking and her regular runs had given her curves and muscles in new places. He’d liked her then, but he loved the new improved version even more.

  “Hungry?” he asked, standing and putting his arms around her naked waist.

  “Starving.”

  “Good. I’ll make breakfast.”

  “I’ll have a quick shower first,” she said.

  He nuzzled into her neck and changed his mind. “Breakfast can wait. I can’t.”

  *

  After lunch, while Liam went back out into the garden, Poppy headed into town to do the shopping. She was coming out of the butcher’s when she caught a flash of a silver Audi sports car with tinted windows driving slowly past. She didn’t see the driver but for some strange reason her heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t like expensive cars weren’t seen in Birrangulla, but it wasn’t common to see expensive sports cars like that one.

  Ignoring the sensation slithering down her spine, Poppy drove to the supermarket. She needed to get groceries before heading back to the farm. She’d promised Liam roast lamb for dinner if he made dessert.

  She was so lucky she rarely had to cook. Liam not only enjoyed it, he was good at it. The only problem was, his desserts were amazing and she didn’t have the willpower to say no. Consequently she’d taken up running every day to fit into her scrubs.

  Turned out, running was the best thing she’d ever done. She’d discovered she not only loved it, but as her fitness improved she was getting surprisingly fast. Kate had talked her into running in the Birrangulla Fun Run later in the year which raised money for the hospital and she was looking forward to it. When Kate was able to get a sitter for her kids, they ran together, other days Poppy ran with Liam, but most days she went on her own. The fresh country air was the perfect way to clear her head after work and she found herself looking forward to her daily runs.

  The only problem was, between shift work, running and late nights with Liam, she was exhausted. She couldn’t believe she’d slept in so late today. Perhaps after dinner she’d go straight to bed and try to catch up.

  The last few months had taken their toll on her. She put it down to the stress of her father’s sudden death, her mother’s illness and worrying about things with Adam and Liam. Everything was probably catching up with her. The weather hadn’t helped either. She’d gone from an American winter into an Australian one and although the days were gradually getting longer and spring was only days away, she was counting down until summer arrived. Maybe she and Liam could take time off and head to the coast or up north for a week. She was desperate for some vitamin D.

  She pulled up and parked, laying her head back against the headrest. A holiday with Liam sounded perfect. Exactly what she needed to shake off this fatigue.

  She pulled out her phone and sent him a quick message.

  I’m at the supermarket now. Do you need anything else?

  His reply was instant. Just you.

  I might be able to arrange that later. She added a heart emoji.

  Don’t tease.

  I was thinking we should go on a holiday.

  Sounds good to me. As long as it involves the beach and you in a bikini, tell me where and when and I’ll be there.

  Poppy walked around the supermarket with a smile on her face. She was the luckiest woman alive to have a man like Liam in her life. She lingered in the sweets aisle and randomly selected various items, haphazardly loading things into her basket. If felt good not to be in a rush for a change.

  Her phone pinged with another text message. She scooped it out of her bag with a smile. What would it be this time? Liam probably needed an ingredient for dessert. Her eyes quickly scanned the message. He’d finished in the garden, taken a shower and was heading into town to pick up some seedlings from his mum, before heading home for dinner. She smiled. He was such a good son.

  When Poppy came out of the shop twenty minutes later, the same silver Audi she’d seen earlier was now parked out front. She didn’t give it much thought until the driver’s door opened.

  Her heart slammed against her chest and she almost dropped the bags in her hands.

  What the hell was Adam doing in Australia?

  She stood rooted to the spot, hardly daring to move. Adam didn’t move either and the hairs on her arms lifted as all the blood rushed to her feet. She fought through a wave of dizziness, willing herself not to faint.

  Finally he pushed himself away from the car and moved toward her in long strides until he was close enough to touch. She took a step back and blinked.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes, babe.”

  His voice was too American, his skin too brown, his teeth too white, his hairstyle too perfect and he looked as out of place as a shih tzu at a sheep station.

  “Hi,” she croaked eventually.

  “Bet you didn’t expect to see me here,” he said.

  “No, I did not.”

  “Thought I’d better come and see how things are going with your family stuff. See if you’re okay.”

  Unspoken words hung heavy between them. He wanted to know why she’d stood him up.

  He took another step toward her and with a sickening feeling Poppy realized he was about to kiss her. She cast a look around. “Aren’t you worried someone might recognize you?”

  “Down Under?” he scoffed. “In this backwater town? Doubt it.”

  She licked her lips and swallowed. She needed to put space between them. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

  “I thought I’d surprise you.” He pulled her into an awkward hug and she turned her face in time so his intended kiss grazed her cheek, not her lips.

  “You’ve done that. What are you doing in Australia?” Not for a minute did she believe him when he said he’d come to see if she was okay.

  “We’re shooting on the Gold Coast. Thank God it’s bigger than this place. I had two days off, thought I’d fly down here and find you. The production company footed the bill for my own private jet and everything.”

  She glanced at his car. “If you flew, where did you get that car?”

  He shrugged. “I had a limo service drive it here from Sydney. Wasn’t going to drive a four-cylinder car, was I?”

  “How long are you here for?” she asked.

  “A few more weeks in Australia, give or take, but I have the weekend off filming. No plans other than to catch up with you.” He stared straight at her. “I need to know why you didn’t come home.”

  A chill slithered down her spine at the accusation in his words and the coldness in his eyes. She needed to tell him that she knew about Juliet, but didn’t want to have this conversation standing in the middle of the street.

  “Are you in Australia on your own?” she asked.

  He frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  The plastic bags in Poppy’s hands were becoming heavy, digging into her palms, but she resisted the urge to put them down on the ground.

  “Nothing. Just wondering,” she replied.

  “Where’s your car?”

  She pointed. “Over there.”

  “How about I follow you home to your place? We can catch up somewhere a little more private rather than standing out the front of the grocery store.”

  “Supermarket.”

  He frowned. “What?”

  “Supermarket. We don’t call it a grocery store in Australia.”

  “Whatever.”

  His scorn and cocky attitude annoyed her. How had she ever been attracted to him?

  “Where are you staying?” she asked.

  He frowned. “With you, obviously.”

  Fear shot through her. How was she goin
g to get out of this?

  She hesitated. If she didn’t end things properly now, he’d keep coming back and expecting she’d be waiting for him.

  “Why don’t we go to the pub first so we can talk? My place is twenty minutes out of town on gravel roads.” She glanced at his car. “And you wouldn’t want your car to get dirty.”

  He shrugged. “The production company is paying for it. I don’t care, but if you’d prefer to go to the pub for a drink first, I’m happy with that.”

  “Follow me.”

  Chapter 36

  As they pulled up stools at the bar, Poppy’s legs shook. Being around Adam reminded her how much she’d changed.

  She kept her head down, aware they were in a public place in a small town. Within minutes word would spread that Adam Ford was having a casual drink down at the pub with Poppy. She made a mental note to send Liam a message as soon as she’d told Adam it was over. That way Liam would hear it from her first and not someone else.

  The girl behind the bar approached them immediately. Her eyes were wider than dinner plates. No question she’d recognized him the second he walked in. Also no question she’d be on Facebook in two minutes telling the world.

  She tugged at her T-shirt and jutted her chest forward as she approached him. “What can I get you?” she asked, breathlessly, not even looking in Poppy’s direction.

  “I’ll have a Fosters, mate,” Adam said, turning and winking at Poppy. “When in Rome …”

  “No one drinks Fosters in Australia,” Poppy snapped.

  “You’re kidding me? Is that right? I thought that’s all you Aussies drank.”

  “Diet Coke for me,” Poppy said to the girl behind the bar.

  “What about you?” the woman asked Adam.

  He slid one arm along the bar. “What do you recommend?” he asked in a husky voice.

  “A blonde,” the girl said, practically drooling.

  “You offering?”

  The girl snickered.

  “Give him whatever it is most guys like him drink,” Poppy said. She wasn’t a beer drinker, Liam didn’t drink much usually and she couldn’t remember Adam ever ordering a beer.