"June 20, 1989."
Dan laughed. “Do you know what time it was?"
"Very funny. Do you want to hear the story or not?"
"I'm sorry. Go ahead."
"Whenever Mom had a meeting, she sent me to do office work at my dad's clinic. That day, he got a wedding invitation in the mail. My father had delivered the bride, and apparently it was a complicated birth. Even though the family moved out of town years before, the mother never forgot Dad and wanted him to be part of her daughter's special day. I knew then what I wanted to do. To make that same kind of difference in people's lives."
"He must be proud of you."
"Actually, he died five years ago in a car accident."
"I'm sorry."
"Me, too.” Her voice faltered. “You never told me what you do."
"Right now I'm just taking care of my father and trying to help him get well. There's no room for anything else."
He wondered how Samantha would react if she knew the truth. Since he had no intention of finding out, he forced a light tone into his voice. “How many books do you think we have here, anyway?"
"I don't know, but I have three more on my list."
This time Dan followed her back to the stacks. When she stopped to find a title, he took her hand and turned her toward him. Placing his palms on her face, he covered her lips with his own. She accepted his kiss, tilting her head and tasting him lightly with her tongue. He moved one hand to the small of her back and tugged her closer so the length of her body touched his.
She moaned softly at the contact, the feminine sound sending a surge of heat to his groin. He deepened the kiss while his hands roamed over her body to the curve of her breast. He caressed her with his thumb, noting with satisfaction how her nipple hardened under his touch. He felt himself respond in kind. The cotton shirt that had enticed him earlier became a source of torment. He ached to feel her skin under his fingers. Determined to ease that need, he traced a path toward her jeans.
Samantha reeled with desire as Dan's hands moved over her stomach. She gasped at the tug that signaled the release of her top button. Then she closed her eyes, and Dan's earlier words echoed in her brain. ‘There's no room for anything else.’ She tried to clear the unwanted message from her mind, to focus on what their bodies were doing, but it was too late.
The last thing Samantha needed was a dead-end affair. She withdrew from Dan's kiss, creating a space between them as she fumbled to refasten her jeans. “Are you hungry?"
"What?” Dan's confusion showed plainly on his face, along with annoyance.
"We've been working here for hours. I'm starved. Will you grab our things? I'll get the elevator."
* * * *
Samantha's boots rapped against the sidewalk as she hurried to meet Dan. Painfully aware that a week had gone by with no clear leads, she knew he wouldn't be in a good mood. Still, she maintained her quick pace through the hotel lobby. Arriving at his room to find the door ajar, she pushed it open and went inside.
Dan sat at his desk surrounded by papers, staring at the laptop she'd lent him.
"Sorry I'm late,” she said. “I was picking some brains at the clinic. Where are we?"
Dan didn't answer her question. Instead, he tipped his chair back on two legs, threw his head back and covered his face with his hands. “Ahh,” he growled. “It's hopeless."
"It's not hopeless. We'll find it."
He righted the chair, once again facing the computer. “We've been going around and around for days, and we've got nothing. And time is running out."
Samantha went to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. She meant to reassure him, but suddenly the touch felt alarmingly intimate. They'd avoided any real contact since their encounter in the library, and she wondered how Dan would respond to the gesture.
Before she could withdraw, Dan reached up and placed his hand over hers. She remained silent and still for awhile, allowing him to draw on her strength.
"We're close,” she whispered. “I know we are. We will find it.” Was it the right time to ask again to see Dan's father? Previous conversations on the subject had gone badly. Samantha braced herself and spoke. “Dan?"
"What?"
"We need to go see your father. I can leave after my shift tomorrow night. I'm due for some time off, as long as I'm back by Monday at noon. Please, it will make our research so much easier."
Rather than answer, Dan excused himself, and Samantha silently cursed his resistance. She knew it wasn't a money issue. She had offered to cover expenses for the trip. Dan was proud, but he was more desperate to find a cure, so she knew he wouldn't let that stand in his way. What was he hiding? Before she could consider her next move, Dan returned.
"You're right,” he said. “We do need to go, but not to my father. There's an island about three hours from here. It's perfect for a weekend trip. We can relax, clear our heads. When we get back maybe we'll finally get some answers."
A weekend getaway wasn't the solution Samantha was looking for, but the topic didn't seem to be open for debate.
Dan was already steering her out of the hotel room. “I'll make the arrangements and meet you at the clinic tomorrow night. Can we take your car?"
As he closed the door, Dan wondered why he didn't think of it before. He hadn't been to the sea in days. No wonder he couldn't think straight. Or maybe it was Samantha.
When she touched him, he nearly forgot all about his father. He just hoped she believed his explanation for the trip.
Chapter Three
The three nurses looked at Samantha. The older woman handed her chart to one of the students and placed her hands on her hips. “Did I hear you right?"
"Yes. You did."
"I can't believe it. Samantha Singer? Taking off for the weekend with a man? I didn't think you had it in you."
Samantha blushed at the remark, “To be honest, Carol, neither did I."
"You've been holding out on us. ‘Fess up. Is he as good as he looks?"
"I wouldn't know. We just keep missing each other.” Samantha blushed as she talked about their trip to the library and the awkward series of mixed signals they'd exchanged since then. “Most of the time he's completely focused on saving his father. When he finally notices me, I just can't let my guard down."
"Well, then, my advice would be—"
The youngest nurse waved her hands frantically at Carol, interrupting her thought. “Shh. Here he comes."
The women turned to watch Dan cross the empty lobby. Just before he reached them, Carol shifted toward the doctor. “Samantha, don't turn down a great big piece of candy just because you're craving a steak. Lots of meals start with an appetizer."
Dan smiled at each woman in turn as he reached the group. Placing one hand on the small of Samantha's back, he drew her to him and planted a kiss on her cheek. Then he leaned even closer to whisper in her ear, “You ready?"
Carol looked at the pair and rolled her eyes heavenward. “Why, oh why, didn't I go to medical school?” Then she turned to the young nurses. “If you two will help Dr. Singer close down, I'm out of here. I've got a date with my own perfect gentleman. Have a nice weekend everyone."
Samantha turned back to Dan. “You're early. There's still one patient to discharge. And I have a few things to tie up before I lock the doors. Sorry."
"No problem. I can pass the time.” Dan looked at Samantha's companions. “Any chance you two would give me the tour?"
* * * *
It was well past midnight when Dan took Samantha's hand and helped her step off the gangplank onto the wooden dock. Samantha didn't notice the noise of the ferry's engine until it cut off, leaving only the sounds of buzzing insects and the water lapping against the shore.
She raised one eyebrow at Dan. “The ferry was deserted."
"Yeah. That was nice."
"How did you do it?"
"What?"
"Get them to run us out here in the middle of the night."
"Oh, that. My family's ties to
this place run deep."
"So they know you here."
"Yeah. Is that good or bad?"
"It depends. Do they like you?"
Dan smiled. “Not as much as they'll like you.” After a short pause, he continued. “Our hotel is nearby, and our driver should be ready in a few minutes. Unless you'd prefer to walk."
How could anyone resist being out on a night like this? The air was warm, the sky perfectly clear. And Dan seemed so distracted ever since they boarded the ferry. Maybe the setting would help him open up more. “Yes. Let's walk."
Dan turned to the burly sailor smoking a cigarette at the end of the gangplank. “Can you see that our bags get to the inn?"
"Yes, sir."
Dan took Samantha's hand and led her toward their destination. The dock gave way to a smooth, wide path, and the full moon provided enough light to make the going easy. They followed the shoreline in silence, listening to the rustle of sea oats moving with the breeze.
Gradually their route curved inland, taking them past a stand of trees bordering the coastline. Dan stopped. He dropped Samantha's hand and turned back toward the shore. For a long moment, he stared out over the water, barely visible from where they stood.
Samantha searched for something to break the silence. “It's so quiet here. It feels like we're all alone in the world."
Dan remained perfectly still, his body giving no indication he had heard Samantha's remark. Finally, he spoke. “Soon we'll round a bend, and you'll see the lights of the inn. I'm sure most guests are sleeping by now, but the night staff will be up.” Dan shifted then, as if a thought just occurred to him. “Are you frightened?"
"No. This place is beautiful. I've never felt so safe.” Samantha meant it, too. Walking under the stars on Dan's family retreat, the warmth of his hand on her skin, it was wonderful. She savored the feeling of connectedness.
Unfortunately, her contentment was short-lived. When they reached the inn's front desk, the attendant handed them keys to two rooms. Before Samantha could process the implications, Dan ushered her to her door, mumbled some explanation about snoring and disappeared into his own room.
* * * *
Dan looked at Kurt. “Have there been any more problems with Diel?"
"It's been twenty-four hours, and the situation seems to be improving, but we're staying alert.” The two men faced each other in silence for a moment.
Then Dan spoke. “That should be it, then."
"How long will you stay on the island?"
"We'll take the ferry back first thing Monday morning. I'll stay in Macon while I wait for word."
"What about Dr. Singer? Does she suspect anything?"
"I don't think so.” Dan hoped the statement was true. He also hoped she wouldn't ask him to explain last night's behavior.
A sharp knock interrupted their conversation. Dan strode to the door and ushered Samantha into the room. Her eyes widened when she saw he was not alone, but she recovered quickly.
"Samantha, you remember Kurt, from the clinic."
Samantha smiled. “Mr. Davis, good to see you again. Dan didn't tell me you were staying on St. Georges."
Kurt looked around uncomfortably, and Dan sighed under his breath. Are all humans such terrible liars? In other circumstances, it would have been amusing to watch the man struggle, but Dan needed their cover to stay solid. He couldn't risk any mistakes.
"Actually, my cousin lives on the island. He was just inviting us to lunch tomorrow with his family.” Dan aimed a look at the other man. “I told him I didn't think we could make it."
"Why? I think lunch with your family sounds like fun."
Dan sighed again. He couldn't afford to make her suspicious, especially now. He turned toward Samantha with what he hoped was his most charming smile, simultaneously reaching for her hand. “Well, I hoped to have you all to myself, but if you'd rather hang around with this character and his brood, so be it.” Without releasing his hold on Samantha, he turned to face Kurt. “Tell Jen to expect us around one o'clock."
"Great. We'll see you then."
They looked at each other awkwardly for a moment.
Finally, Dan broke the silence. “Kurt, don't you have to be going?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I do. I have to be going. Jen's expecting me back at the house to, uh, to help her. I'll see you guys tomorrow.” Kurt turned and practically fled out the door.
As soon as he was gone, Samantha burst into laughter. Her gray eyes sparkled, melting some of the tension in Dan's chest.
He returned her smile and asked, “What is so funny?"
"You think you're smooth, don't you?"
Dan placed his arms around her waist and gathered her into a loose embrace. “Don't you?"
"Smooth, maybe, but definitely not subtle. Maybe next time you can just hang a tie over the door knob so your friends will know not to come in."
Dan ignored the unfamiliar reference, moving directly to the thought on his mind. “I'm sorry about last night. I just ... wasn't myself. I promise it won't happen again."
"I heard your door after we checked in last night. Where did you go?"
"I went for a swim. I thought I could blow off some steam.” At least he could tell her that much.
Samantha smiled up at him, “Well, you certainly look better this morning. The sea air must agree with you."
"You agree with me."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really.” Dan closed the remaining distance between them and covered her mouth in a playful kiss.
* * * *
Dan smiled as he surveyed the beach. Tourism was thriving on the island, with more international visitors arriving each season. That suited Dan just fine. International visitors asked fewer questions.
"Aren't you coming in?"
"Not now."
"Come on. The water's great."
"I'd rather watch you.” Dan saw her blush at his remark, and he couldn't help teasing her further. “You're not looking very professional in that swimsuit, Dr. Singer."
"I wasn't born a doctor. In college, I spent a lot of time at the beach with my roommates. In fact, I was a regular beach bunny."
"I see."
Samantha came out of the water and plopped down on the towel next to him. She grabbed an island guide she'd taken from the inn and began leafing through its pages. Dan turned on his side to get a better view.
"It says here the island's most popular attraction is a sculpture garden downtown."
"Riley O'Sullivan's place."
"You know it?"
"Everybody knows it. Riley came down here from New York. He fell in love with a local girl and begged her to go back with him. She refused, said she couldn't leave the sea. They argued, and she ran off. Even though he gave up everything he had in New York and moved down to St. Georges, he never saw her again. He spent the rest of his life carving statues of sea creatures in hope that they'd lure her back to him."
"That's beautiful."
"It's crazy."
Samantha ignored his remark. “How many times have you been to St. Georges?"
"Too many to count. My family's been coming here for years, since before my father was born."
"You're lucky to have those kinds of roots."
"Yeah.” Thankfully, Samantha let the conversation drop and went back to reading. Dan hoped she wouldn't ask any more questions. He was tired of hiding things. Fortunately, they were ahead of schedule, thanks to yesterday's unexpected opportunity. Soon he could return to his kingdom and his title. Good thing, too, because he had run out of ideas regarding Samantha. No, actually, he had plenty of ideas about Samantha. That was the problem. He thought this trip would clear his head, allow him to break free of the electricity between them.
Now, feeling his body respond to her presence, he knew better. He'd heard the stories a hundred times, and he recognized the signs. And he knew it was only a matter of time before he gave in. He watched a water droplet fall from her hair and trace a path down over her collarbone t
o the swell of her breast.
"It says here they have scuba gear rentals. I haven't been scuba diving since I started my residency.” She turned to him, and another blush told him she'd read his thoughts, but she didn't let on. “Let's go diving later."
"Be my guest. I want you to enjoy yourself."
"You won't join me?"
"It sounds like you have experience. I'd just hold you back."
"Wait. You've never been scuba diving? How could you vacation on this island for years and never go scuba diving?"
"Never felt the need."
Samantha scowled at him. “Just what do you plan to do this weekend, Dan Jacobs?"
"I plan to take in the scenery.” Dan sat up as he spoke. He tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear and looked deep into her eyes. “I plan to enjoy the company of a beautiful woman, and I plan to stay dry.” He kissed the tip of her nose before lying back on his own towel.
Chapter Four
A chorus of voices greeted Samantha's ears as she and Dan ambled up the narrow walkway toward Kurt's home. Just as they reached the porch, the front door opened, releasing a stream of young people. A beautiful blonde followed them.
"Come in,” she said. “I'm Jen.” She offered Dan a peck on the cheek. “Dan, I know you'd like some sweet tea. Can I get you a glass, Samantha?"
"Yes, please,” she replied. “Do all those kids belong to you?"
Jen laughed. “No, just four. Don't worry, I sent them away. All except Cassie here, but she'll be staying in the TV room."
Cassie made a face. “I wanted to get pizza with my friends, but Mom's making me stay home just because I threw up last night."
Samantha looked at the girl's mother. “Oh. Do you want me to take a look at her?"
"Thanks, but it's just a virus. They've all had it."
"Jimmy Myers threw up for days. And Caitlin Hanover—"
"That's enough, young lady. Now hit the couch.” The tenderness in Jen's eyes belied her stern tone as she led her daughter into the other room and got her settled in.
With Cassie safely ensconced on the couch, the adults enjoyed a meal of fried chicken, salad and cornbread. Samantha's schedule at the clinic forced her to alternate between takeout and frozen dinners. Faced with a delicious homemade spread, she cleaned her plate with gusto. Next, she helped herself to a second glass of tea.
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