Dance With Destiny

by Louise Crawford Ramona Butler

  He pulled her into the darker shadows of the tree-lined park and crushed her to him. She tasted so good...

  It seemed a lifetime since he’d held a woman like this, felt like this, wanted a woman the way he wanted her. He claimed her mouth over and over, hungry for more, dizzied by her tongue colliding with his, her heat joining his.

  Abruptly, she pulled back, a tiny moan escaping her lips.

  He stepped away, took a deep breath of night air and shuddered, need searing his veins. Not one who favored public displays of mating rituals, this sudden urgent need both shocked and exhilarated him. Still, he was letting his glands run the show – not a good idea. He shoved both hands in his pockets, took a step back.

  She lifted her arms to brush her hair back in place and refasten her loose barrette. As she moved, the silk of her blouse caressed her lush form.

  He couldn't tear away his gaze. When had he unzipped her jacket? Swallowing hard, he reached forward, pulled the leather together and zipped it up to her chin.

  A delightfully wicked smile teased her lips. "You're going to give me a heart attack, doctor."

  "Tell me about it. I've already got a major discomfort.”

  "Heart attack?"

  "No." His voice held the same raspy quality of hers. “It isn't in my heart.”

  She gave a soft “Tsk, tsk” as she checked her watch. "Time for me to get to work, Dr. Jackson." The fire in her eyes said she wanted him more time, but it wasn't to be. She reached up to touch his cheek, then tenderly brushed his hair back from his face. "You're a wonderful man, Cole."

  A compliment? Or a prelude to a "But?" He felt a sudden ominous foreshadowing, but told himself he was being a pessimist. They had medicine in common, probably a love of nature as well. She liked Kayla. And hopefully, she more than "liked" him. There was nothing to worry about. Still, his doubt lingered.

  Outside the hospital entrance, he squeezed her hand affectionately. "I'll call you," he promised, then waved as she hurried inside. He didn’t dare kiss her again. Two doctors making out at the entrance of the imposing medical facility was hardly a professional image.

  He was just sliding into his car when he spotted Web, feet braced apart like a gunslinger ready for a showdown. Cole rolled down the window. "Web?"

  "What are you doing here, Cole?" He flexed his fingers as he spoke, his tone challenging. What the hell?

  "I'm on my way home. What are you doing here so late?"

  "Going over the budget. And trying to figure out how we're going to pay for the third floor of the wing-ding when it gets built." A hard laugh erupted. "Jeez, I hate finances."

  There was an edge to Web's voice Cole didn't like. "I’ve got to go. I'll see you in the morning."

  Web leaned against the car. "You told Destiny to ask for more money, didn't you?"

  "She asked for my opinion, I gave it. She's worth more than you offered and you know it." This wasn't about the money, Cole thought. It was about Destiny. And Web's ego.

  "Dammit, man, that ten grand could have bought a big, fat cornerstone for the third flood!"

  Third flood? What– ?

  Web swayed and Cole smelled alcohol. How much had his friend had to drink? There was a bar just down the street from the ice cream shop. Had Web seen him with Destiny?

  "Look Web, I'm tired and I don't want to argue. If you want to talk, I'll come by your office in the morning. We'll talk then." He turned the key in the ignition.

  "You..." Web jabbed a finger at him, his voice harsh. “Talk to Destiny, man. Tell her about Lanni...how she’s stepping into Lanni’s moccasins.”

  “What? That’s not– I’m not– ” He stopped. Arguing with alcohol was stupid. Web would be apologizing in the morning. “I'll talk to you tomorrow,” Cole mumbled, rolling up the window.

  Web started to walk away, hesitated, then turned back and said something else, but Cole couldn't hear him. He cracked his window. "What?"

  Web offered a quirky grin, shook his head, weaving ever so slightly as he strode off. The thought that Web and Destiny were intimately involved spurted through Cole's mind.

  He started the car, telling himself that was a ridiculous notion. But she'd been in Web's car the other day.

  Cole clenched his jaw against a flood of swear words. Web was handsome. The guy didn't have children, alimony or child support payments to worry about. He owned a big chunk of real estate, and could charm any woman on the planet – or so he led people to believe. Women seemed attracted to the challenge of making the hospital bad boy issue a long-term proposal. Maybe Destiny had issued her own challenge and that was the problem.

  The idea of her in Web's arms made Cole almost plow into a street sign. He told himself his imagination was working overtime, and tried to turn it off. No matter what had been between Web and Destiny in the past, she was interested in Cole Jackson now. There was no mistaking the hunger he’d seen in her eyes. She'd matched his kisses, amp for kilowatt amp. And if he didn't stop thinking about that luscious mouth of hers... God, she was terrific!

  By the time he'd parked in his garage, he'd regained his cool and felt confident. He and Destiny had something special. No one would come between them.

  But when he rushed in to work early the next morning, hoping to see her before her shift ended and she left for home, she wore a tense expression. "Bad night?" he queried cautiously, all too aware of her proximity. The employee lounge was hardly the place for mad passion. Even if they were alone at the moment.

  "I just ran into Web. He told me you talked to him about my salary. He says my increase is okay, I'm hired if I want the job." She didn't sound the least bit pleased about it.

  Cole frowned. He hadn't talked to Web about the specifics of her contract, had he? He'd simply stated she was worth the money. Web was the one who’d brought up the ten grand.

  Hands clenched at her side, she suddenly erupted. "I don't need you to step in and fight my battles, or negotiate my contract, Dr. Jackson. I asked for your opinion, that’s all."

  Surprised at her flash of anger, Cole felt his own tightly controlled emotions slip their leash. The lady had a temper and he'd just gotten his first taste of it. So unexpected, and so unlike Lanni's docile nature. Plus, this outburst was completely unjustified. "I don't know what Web told you, but you’re way off base."

  The air crackled with tension and fury blaze in her eyes. Well? Was this the end to what had promised to be... what?

  Something in the vicinity of his heart twisted.

  Destiny looked away to stare at a blank wall, her back rigid. The proud lift to her chin said how much damage Web had done. What in hell had the man told her?

  Suddenly remembering Web’s accusation the night before, Cole felt sick. Lanni. Web must have told her about Lanni, made it sound as though he was looking for a substitute.

  His gut clenched. The silence between them lengthened. A trio of nurses pushed into the room, laughing, oblivious to Cole's anguish. He wanted to wrap Destiny in his arms, love her until she melted against him, bury himself in her fiery warmth. She was beautiful, magnificent in her independent, haughty conviction. Not at all like Lanni. Yet, he wasn't about to let this woman get away, at least not without putting up a fight. "Well?" he demanded, stung by her anger. "Do you want to go out again or are you going to hang up the next time I call?"

  The tone of his voice silenced the chatter of the nurses. Cole felt their stares and shot them a look that sent them bolting for the door. Double darn. Now they'd peg him as another hospital Casanova.

  Destiny turned to follow them out. Desperate, Cole flung a question at her back. "Are you and Web involved?"

  That stopped her. She looked back at him over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. "Yes and no."

  Cole's heart sank.

  "Yes, I’d like you to call." Her eyes still held fire.

  He swallowed hard, heard his pager beep, and automatically reached for the wallphone.

  "And, NO...?" he asked, turning back to her as
he dialed. Triple darn! She was gone!

  Frustration ripped through him. She'd said yes and no, yes about him calling, but what was her no about? No, she wasn’t involved with Web? Or had he hit the nail right on its infuriating head? Had he injected himself smack-dab between two lovers in the midst of a heated affair?

  One way or the other he needed to hear it loud and clear. Dr. Cole Jackson had been out of the dating game for a helluva long time. Maybe he had misread the lovely lady's responses. Maybe she was just like Web. Or using him to get back at the man. Was that what Web had wanted to tell him last night?

  Cole didn't want to believe it. He stifled the urge to go after Destiny, throw her over his shoulder and carry her off into nearby Kings Canyon so they could get this thing settled. He wanted to tie her to a tree and torture the truth out of her with kisses, run his hands through that waterfall of silky black hair, brand her with his touch.

  A fellow surgeon entered the quiet room, his stride confident, in sharp contrast to the confusion chewing up Cole's insides. Dear God, when had he ever felt like this? He'd had two dates with Destiny. And now a mere glance from her dark eyes was enough to massacre his mental health.

  Chapter Five

  All week Cole played telephone tag with Destiny. Not only had she apologized for her blow-up, but she’d said yes to a weekend together at his cabin in Tahoe. Now, with their trip only twenty-four hours away, excitement and jitters vied for control. He'd driven up to the lake cabin Tuesday night to make sure everything was picture-perfect. Logs stacked beside the massive stone fireplace, wine in the refrigerator, candles on the old oak table. Scented bubbles for the hot tub. Just thinking about having some time alone with Destiny was playing havoc with his hormones, testing his patience, driving him to distraction.

  Finally, Friday morning arrived. He took Kayla to school, dropped her clothes and sleeping bag off at Sylvia's, dodging her curiosity, then raced home to throw his own clothes in a duffle. By noon he was champing at the bit.

  Take a long walk, he told himself. Go down to the water, jump in. The lake beckoned, only a half mile away, cool and relaxing. He had his keys in hand, the front door open, when the phone rang. Oh God, not an emergency. Not today. Not now.

  "Cole, it's Destiny." Her words were tight, clipped by fatigue. "I have to cancel. I– there’s a family emergency. My brother– I don't know– " She sounded distraught.

  "Are you at home?" She needed him to remain calm.

  "Yes, but I've got to go back to the hospital." Her voice choked. "I'm sorry."

  "Destiny?" She'd hung up. He dialed her apartment. No one answered. He called the hospital and left a message for her to call him back, then paced, waiting for her call. Disappointment washed over him. But behind the disappointment lay concern. He grabbed his car keys. Some romantic weekend. If she was at the hospital, that was where he wanted to be, too.

  It was lunchtime when he pulled into the hospital parking lot. The sun glared overhead, sending a trickle of sweat down his neck as he hurried through the back exit into the air conditioned lobby. The receptionist looked surprised to see him. "Dr. Jackson– "

  "Is Dr. Moon here?"

  "She was..."

  "Page her, please."

  "Yes, sir."

  Destiny's name sounded over the speakers. No response.

  Had her brother been in a serious accident? Cole realized he had almost no information to go on, didn't know if her brother had been hurt, didn't even know the man's full name. Nothing.

  He dashed outside to see if Destiny's motorcycle was in the parking lot. Yes. So she must have missed his page.

  Headed back inside, he stopped short as he caught a glimpse of Web's Mercedes. Web was pulling onto the street– with Destiny at his side! What the hell?

  "Destiny!" He saw her head turn. The car braked, then sped away.

  Astonishment crystallized into anger. What the devil was going on? She’d told him she and Web weren’t involved. So what was this? A little something on the side? What about her "family" emergency?

  Like a knife, the image of her sitting beside Web stabbed him.

  "She probably doesn't even have a brother," Cole growled, sliding into his own car, his brain filled with frustration. Neither of them had talked much about their families. He'd been too wrapped up in her eyes, the feel of her in his arms...

  He stomped on the gas and the Lexus shot out of the parking lot and onto Mountain Street. A red light flashed in his rearview mirror.

  Great. Just great. Just what he needed – a speeding ticket. Frosting on the blasted cake!

  Well, he'd go to the cabin without the luscious Destiny Moon. And he'd enjoy himself there if it killed him.

  “Kayla, your magic Ouija board was way off base," he grumbled, mouthing an epithet, wondering how he could have misread Destiny so completely. So much for lightning striking twice.

  Disillusionment cut deep.

  *****

  Seated in Web’s Mercedes, Destiny heard her name, caught a glimpse of Cole just as Web maneuvered out of the parking lot onto the street. Without thinking, she reached for the door. Web braked hard and grabbed her arm. "Wait a minute! You promised, no more jumping out of my car! Think of my reputation!" he croaked, half teasing, half serious, as he stomped on the gas again, throwing her back against the seat.

  "What about mine?" Destiny exclaimed craning her neck to see Cole gaping at their departure. "I need to talk to Cole."

  "Look, you'll be home in five minutes, ten tops, you can call him on his cellular." Web's voice was persuasive.

  Too tired to argue, Destiny closed her eyes. Her fourteen-hour shift had been murder. Then, that new nurse in E.R. had screwed up, writing Destiny's last name on the admittance form instead of the patient's. The shift nurse had seen the name, and knowing Destiny had a brother, had called her, said he was critically injured. But it wasn't him at all.

  Then, to top everything off, her motorcycle had conked out. When Web offered her a ride home, she'd been grateful. She hadn’t expected Cole to show up. She had intended to call him as soon as she got home, tell him she could still go to the cabin with him. She'd be ready by 5:00 pm.

  It’ll be okay, she told herself, sleep dragging her eyelids down as she leaned back against the headrest. She’d call Cole and explain.

  As Web pulled into her apartment complex, she shook herself awake. Despite her protests, he walked her up the stairs to the door. "Thanks for the lift," she murmured, so tired her lips felt numb.

  He shrugged off her thanks, one hand resting lightly on her shoulder. Just what she needed, she thought, another romantic overture. Didn't the man ever give up?

  "Look,” he said, his expression serious, “I know what everyone says. And it's true – most of it, anyway. But you're a special woman, Destiny. And if things don't work out with Cole, I'd like to see you."

  Sincerity from Web Baker? Nothing could have surprised her more. She stared at him, fatigue making it difficult to concentrate.

  "Don't appear so shocked." He grinned, his manicured, blond good-looks taking on a more carefree appearance. "It's been five years since my divorce. I could settle down..." With the right woman, his gaze implied.

  The words sounded earnest. Was it just a line?

  Did it matter?

  He kissed her cheek, then disappeared back down the steps. Destiny blinked. Web Baker wanted a serious relationship? From all the stories floating around the hospital about him and his feminine conquests, the words "settle down" sounded off key.

  Still reeling from Web’s surprising statements, she trudged inside and collapsed onto the bed too tired to move. Sleep swirled behind her eyes like a dark, enticing waterfall. Oh no. She hadn’t called Cole.

  Rolling over, she reached for the phone and punched in his number. Got his answering machine. Darn.

  "This is Destiny,” she said, stifling a yawn. “Web gave me a ride home. The new nurse in E.R. made a mistake. My brother's fine. I can still make it. Call me."

/>   Time crawled. Cole didn't call.

  She tried his cellular. No answer.

  Exhaustion won out over desire. She set the phone next to the bed, turned the ringer to loud, and closed her eyes. At five, she awoke with a start. He hadn't called.

  She dialed Web. "I can't reach Cole. He has a cabin on the lake. You have the address and phone number?"

  "Yes, uh, I think so. Just a minute."

  She heard a woman's giggle in the background. Well, Doctor I-Could-Settle-Down-Baker certainly hadn't wasted any time moving on to a brand new pasture.

  He came back on the line. "It's a straight shot up Highway 50 to Zephyr Cove." He spit out a bunch of numbers, then said a hurried goodbye.

  "Have fun," Destiny mumbled as the phone clicked in her ear. Staring at her scribbled numbers, she dialed again. No answer. Maybe Cole wasn't there yet. Maybe he was home. Or visiting a friend. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

  She dialed his home. Still no answer. That did it. She was not going to miss out on this weekend. Grabbing her overnight bag and her jacket, she headed out the door, then stopped short. Her motorcycle wasn't working. Blast.

  Old Man Coyote was having a field day. But luck hadn't completely deserted her. Jake was at home--if one could call her brother's rough-hewn cabin with its austere furnishings, home.

  Fifteen minutes after her call, he pulled up in front of her apartment, his footsteps light on the stairs. She opened the door before he could knock. He grinned affectionately at her. "Hey, Doctor Sis, what's the emergency? You need somebody scalped?"

  He never changed, she thought. Irreverent. Irresponsible. And as nomadic as their wandering ancestors had ever thought of being. But he held a special place in her heart. She gave him a fierce hug. "I think Wolf and Coyote both have it in for me wannga’a, little brother."

  He sprawled into the nearest chair and cocked a wicked brow. "Where’s your motorcycle?”

  She grabbed his hands and pulled him out of the chair. “My bike's broken down at the hospital. And your 'Doctor Sis' has a hot date with a medicine man, so the sooner I get out of here the better."