Chasing Air

by DeLaine Roberts

  “Sure, I’d love to. I’ll follow you.”

  “Right answer. I’ll lead the way.” He brushed his hand up and down her arm before returning to his car.

  Makenzie waited as he loaded the gear and chairs into the Range Rover and pulled out of the parking lot. She followed him to his house behind a gated entry. Geez, it was not a house, it was a mansion. He pulled into the circular drive and she parked behind him.

  “It’s beautiful. You live here all alone?” She was overwhelmed at the size of the home.

  “My parents built this place. They decided a couple of years ago that it was too big for them, so I bought it and they built a smaller, more manageable home for themselves. I do have a couple that help me with the upkeep, but they have the night off. I hope you don’t mind my cooking. I can get around in the kitchen pretty well.”

  “Okay, I’m starved, so show me your talents.”

  After giving her a tour, he showed her to the guest house out by the pool. “I thought you might want to freshen up before dinner. You’ll find everything you need in there. I’ll be back in the kitchen when you’re done.” He touched her chin with his hand and rubbed her lips, teasing her with his dark brown eyes. She felt her breath catch before he turned and walked back into the main house.

  With her eyes closed, she imagined Jonathan’s lips on hers. She stood there for a moment and gathered her thoughts. She needed to move forward with someone other than Ryler. But how?

  The guest house was beautiful and bigger than her loft. She got a sense for who his mother was by the beautiful decor and furnishings. He had placed gift boxes on the bed. When she unwrapped them, she found an elegant gold silk skirt and matching side wrap top. There were gold beaded sandals that fit her perfectly. The next box contained beautiful cream lace underwear. He had luxurious taste or a great personal shopper. She hoped that he had been the one to pick them out, she fretted at the idea of another woman picking out her clothes. He also bought her a swim suit, a very elegant black and gold bikini.

  She showered and dried her hair, leaving her skin fresh and clean. The luxury of having olive skin with a tan, makeup wasn’t required.

  The house was absolutely breathtaking with a Mediterranean-traditional blend of style with rich colors, columns, and archways. She watched him through the archway into the kitchen. He had also showered and was wearing ripped jeans and a black t-shirt. He was barefoot. Silk for me, rough and sexy for him? she thought to herself.

  “You’re spoiling me, but you have wonderful taste and everything fits me perfectly.” The sound of her voice surprised him, since he had his back to her.

  “Everything?”

  “Yep, down to the shoes. But how did you know?”

  “I’ve studied you, even when you didn’t think I was paying attention.”

  “Thank you for the gifts, but you shouldn’t have. You have a personal shopper, right?” She tried to laugh, but his serious look told her otherwise, without him even saying so.

  “No, I’d never send someone on that kind of errand, Makenzie.” His pause connected his eyes to her. “It wouldn’t be my gift if I did that.”

  His gaze on her could’ve started a bonfire. She needed to change the subject. “Wow, it smells wonderful in here. What are you making?” He’s sexy, wealthy, and he cooks too, what’s not to like? she thought.

  “Lasagna. I cheated and got a head start before ball practice and put it in the oven. I didn’t want you to see how messy I could be in the kitchen, it could be mighty scary!” He gave her a grin that sent her heart racing and tingles down her body. His lips were cherry red and he had beautiful white teeth, framed by dimples on both sides.

  “Yeah, right. Someone cooked that for you, so spill, where’s the real chef or the take out boxes?” She ribbed him.

  “Seriously, it’s me. I could use some help with the salad though if you want, the stuff’s in the fridge.”

  Makenzie made the salad while he poured the wine. Liquid courage.

  They chatted and enjoyed a wonderful meal. Makenzie was seriously counting the calories that she had been consuming lately with her two suitors. It was time to put a halt to the heavy eating. She liked to work out and ran every day, but that wasn’t keeping up with things like lasagna and pie.

  Pie. The mere thought led her to more reflections regarding Ryler. She hadn’t heard from him and no one at work mentioned him anymore. She could only assume that he had reached out to David and Veronica, but they were keeping his confidences and hadn’t said anything.

  “Dance with me?”

  “What?”

  “May I have this dance with you?” He extended his hand to her.

  Music she didn’t recognize was playing in the background. “The music is lovely. Who is it? I don’t recognize it.”

  “It’s Jessie J, and the song is called ‘Who You Are’.”

  “Beautiful.” At that moment, it felt strange to be held in Jonathan’s arms. His grip around her waist was tight. His scent tickled her nose, but she couldn’t get Ryler out of her mind, even as hard as she tried.

  “I want to know who you are, Makenzie.” He stopped them from dancing and held her close. He whispered in her ear, “I want to know what makes you happy and what you’re afraid of. What takes your breath away?”

  Taking her face into his hands, he kissed her passionately. She didn’t resist him, she wanted to know those things about him, too, but was it because she was trying so hard to forget Ryler? Trying to make something happen that wasn’t natural? She felt like she was cheating and that thought left her with a big knot in her stomach.

  “Would you like to go for a swim or sit in the spa?”

  She was grateful in the change of conversation, “Yes, sounds lovely, I’ll go change.”

  The bikini fit her perfectly and was not too skimpy. She was amazed at his ability to judge her size. She thought back to the day at the pool when she first met him. He must have studied her there when she was napping.

  Her defenses began to come up. How well did she know him? She didn’t at all. His dad was on the board at the hospital but he hadn’t shared that with her. Did he have information into her past or her dealings with the FBI? Agent Bernard assured her that everything was completely sealed. Makenzie suddenly became suspicious. She needed to be more careful and she didn’t like where her thoughts and insecurities took her.

  Jonathan was waiting for her out by the pool with their wine. The only light was from several torches that he had lit and a few candles scattered about.

  He stood and extended his hand to her. “How’s the suit?”

  “You tell me,” she asked, while modeling it for him.

  “Perfect. You’re stunning. Come swim with me?”

  He led them down the steps into the water, but held her hand as they got deeper in, before pulling her close to him.

  She shivered, but not because she was cold, but because being near him in a wet swimsuit excited her.

  “Cold?” He asked as he tried to pull her close to him.

  “Maybe a little, it takes a minute to adjust.” She went under water and swam away from him. He followed her. When she came up for air, she couldn’t see him, then she quickly felt him at her feet before he came up right in front of her. Their eyes met and tangled a bit. His look was intense and spoke volumes. He wanted her. She smiled to break the gaze, but it didn’t work.

  His lips on hers, she tasted his wine. When her hands slid down his arms, she felt the definition of his muscular body as he held her tight, his power over her. He moved his lips down her neck and brushed his thumb across her stiffened nipple. Her breath caught and he recognized her response, but he was just getting started. She wrapped her hands around his neck, he wrapped her legs around his waist and carried her to more shallow water before sitting her on the edge of the pool. Now she was at just the perfect height for him.

  Their kisses were deep with want. His tongue mapped out the hollow of her mouth. He bit her lips in small bit
es. He heard her take deep breaths and he felt her heartbeat racing.

  There was no masking his erection in his swim trunks. She felt the fullness between her legs and she also sensed the moisture of her own desires. He was leaving small bites down her neck and into the contours of her collarbone when he put his hands on the ties of her bikini top. Her body immediately tensed.

  “No” was on Makenzie’s lips when he pulled her into the water with him, making a big splash. She was grateful for the change. He must’ve sensed her body become rigid, making a smooth recovery from his seduction.

  They began to play and chat about the kids in the neighborhood coming to swim. Makenzie was glad he lightened the mood.

  “The spa is warm, want to sit for a while and enjoy the rest of the wine?”

  “I should be going. I have a long day at the office before my shift. I’m working on a lecture that I have to give at a conference in a couple of weeks. Besides, if I drink anymore, I won’t be able to drive myself home.”

  “Makenzie?” He didn’t finish his question, but she knew what he was asking.

  “I need things to go slowly, Jonathan. You understand, right?”

  “Right. Sorry, I just can’t fight what I feel for you. It’s something I’ve waited for, a long time coming.”

  The air was thick between them as they stood poolside toweling off. “When can I see you again?” His eyes were sad and lonely.

  “How about lunch at my place on Saturday? Consider it a cook-off?”

  “I have Trippe this weekend, but I’ll see if Liza will take him.”

  It wasn’t the answer she was looking for. The thought of him giving up time with his son to score sickened her.

  “Please don’t do that. Don’t put me first, it’s your time with him. I’ll check my work schedule and give you a call. We’ll find another time to get together.” She turned to head to the guest house, but he jerked her arm really hard and forced a brutal kiss on her as he pulled her tightly to his chest. His force lifted her from the ground. He was way too aggressive and his actions were certain to leave a mark on her arm. His kiss was bruising to her face. She moaned in pain.

  “Say yes and stay with me. You know you want to,” he whispered against her lips.

  “I can’t explain why, but I just can’t right now. Please understand.” He kissed her again and quickly put her back down on the ground.

  After she dressed and gathered her things, she found him waiting in the den on the sofa with the TV on, drinking hard liquor. He rose up and refilled his glass without acknowledging her. She instantly wondered if he drank hard liquor a lot. The change in his demeanor rocked her to her core. His face and body very different, his seduction well planned, but the abrasive, demanding actions very familiar from her past.

  She leaned her body over the sofa and kissed him on the neck softly. While snuggled into him, she thanked him for dinner and the gifts.

  “You can let yourself out,” he said with dark tone.

  She walked to the door, but he didn’t follow, his disappointment obvious. What’s worse than being treated like a whore? she asked herself as she closed the door behind her.

  On the way home, the feeling of betrayal came over her. He look betrayed when she left, like she owed him something. It was the strangest departure. He was cold and dismissing for someone who went to great lengths to seduce her. Suddenly, she felt like a prostitute.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Makenzie tossed and turned through the night. She had dreams, more like nightmares, of Jonathan and their date, only it wasn’t Jonathan’s face she pictured, it was Drew’s. She woke up several times in a cold sweat, the last time gasping and her throat tight like someone had been choking her. She knew it was a dream, but it was so real that she jumped out of bed in need of air.

  The patio door wouldn’t open, it was stuck. When she finally got it open, she felt the fall air prickle her skin and it helped her relax. Old ghosts were going to haunt her the rest of her life. If an evening with Jonathan left her feeling that she was reliving her past, he wasn’t right for her, no matter the reason for his actions.

  Could the New York trip be putting her anxiety into overdrive? She decided to go back on her anxiety meds. She didn’t like taking them, but knew she would need something to get her through the next couple of weeks.

  Even though it was three o’clock in the morning, she couldn’t go back to sleep. She worked on her lecture until dawn.

  The time to call Agent Bernard was coming soon. At their pre-arranged time, she made the call and followed his instructions. She was pleased, and even began to relax a bit knowing that Bernard had

  everything under control. It was just the apprehension in his voice every time they talked that she couldn’t get out of her mind. It made her second guess everything she did, if that was even possible.

  ***

  Makenzie was in her office putting the finishing touches on her lecture. With it practically complete, the only items she needed for her trip were being sent by Agent Bernard by FBI special delivery. Everything seemed to be under control and she could focus on her work. The last few shifts had been quiet in the ER and even quieter on the gentlemen suitor front.

  Had she pissed both of them off, she wondered?

  She could understand Ryler, but she didn’t understand Jonathan. His demeanor was confusing. Was he that put off because he didn’t get laid? His behavior seemed totally out of character for him. She shook her head, unable to remove the mixed emotions that she had about him. She wanted to reach out and at least clear the air, but something was stopping her.

  She didn’t have to wait long, her phone beeped with text.

  Jonathan: Thinking of u,can u talk

  Makenzie: yes, I’ll call

  She phoned him while a crater formed in her stomach. She wasn’t sure how she wanted to proceed with him.

  “I’ve missed you, I’ve just been sitting her thinking about you,” he said. His voice sounded strange, she wondered if he’d been drinking.

  “Isn’t Trippe with you?”

  “No, he had a birthday party to go to. I’m in this big house alone. I was hoping that you would be here with me, filling it up with your laughter.” His mood was subdued and it saddened her. Where was his apology for his behavior? she asked herself.

  “Jonathan, I just don’t know if it’s a good idea right now. The other night...” She didn’t get to finish because he cut her off.

  “It’s that other guy, isn’t it?” he asked with an angry tone.

  “I’m not seeing anyone else right now.” It was true, she wasn’t actually dating Ryler.

  “You’re not dating that cop?” his voice hissed. She felt his rage. Was he having her followed? She didn’t like where things were headed and she instantly angrier than he realized.

  “No, I’m not seeing a cop. We’re only friends, even though he would like it to be more. But the idea that you’ve been spying on me or having me followed sickens me worse than your inexcusable behavior the other night when you acted like I owed you something and treated me like a prostitute. I thought you had more class than that. I’ve been waiting on an apology that obviously isn’t coming, so this conversation is over.” Makenzie hung up the phone, then slammed it on her desk.

  The phone rang in her office, derailing her thoughts. “Mak, we’ve got a domestic assault with critical injuries on the way from metro.” David hung up without waiting for a response.

  Makenzie froze still in her tracks, unable to move, her legs as heavy as concrete. Her mind filled with flashbacks from Drew’s violent hand. She touched her face and felt the heat from the burn of his fist as if the right hook had just occurred. She knew firsthand the result of domestic violence. She inhaled a deep breath and summoned her courage to help yet another victim.

  She ran to the ER desk to find the paramedics wheeling Rachel into the trauma room unconscious and intubated with a breathing bag attached. They reported her unconscious and unable to breathe on her o
wn from the time they arrived on scene. Since a neighbor called it in, they had no way of knowing exactly how long she’d been that way. Rachel had been beaten almost to her death.

  “Oh my god, get Neuro down here and get Trynn and the team alerted.” She started barking orders.

  “Rachel, can you hear me? It’s Makenzie. I’m here, sweetie. I’ll take care of you,” she whispered into Rachel’s ear.

  “Do you know her?” David asked, but Makenzie was in deep and didn’t answer.

  “Mak, do you know her?” he shouted, jarring Makenzie from her flashback.

  “Yes, we met at a Krav Maga self-defense class several months ago and have become friends. She said that she was taking the class because a friend of hers had been beaten. I sensed the friend she spoke of was actually herself. I hoped she would eventually trust me enough to tell me everything on her own.”

  Makenzie put aside her memories of the violence she had suffered and performed with precision, as if nothing else mattered except saving the life of an innocent victim.

  The minutes turned into hours as they worked with Rachel, getting CT Scans and X-rays. She had a skull fracture, broken ribs, broken arm, loose teeth, facial lacerations, and bruised kidneys.

  There was nothing left for Makenzie to do for Rachel. The ICU staff would call her immediately if there was any change or if she regained consciousness. When Makenzie returned from transporting Rachel to the ICU, she heard, “Hey you!” behind her from a familiar voice. She stopped dead in her tracks. When she slowly turned around, Ryler was at the end of the hall with his arms out. She ran to him and wrapped her arm around his neck and broke down in tears while he held her.

  “I know, sweetie. I’m sorry. How is she?” He spoke softly into her ear while running his hands down her back in comfort.