by Morgan James
Over the last—I glanced at the clock on the nightstand—fourteen hours, we’d alternated between having sex and talking about everything and nothing. Sometime in the middle of the night I’d woken up to find him between my legs, his mouth on my most intimate place. It was a shame I couldn’t wake up that way more often.
My smile slipped away, and longing and regret pulled at me as I stared at him. I’d truly enjoyed our time together last night—but that’s all it could ever be. Technically, I was still married—even if it was only for another few weeks. I knew Steve had moved on long ago, but I couldn’t do the same. No way would I throw myself back into that fire. This one moment, this one delicious indiscretion, would have to be enough.
Sliding from the bed, I picked my way around the clothes that Gavin had so shamelessly ripped off yesterday afternoon and over the pizza box that lay discarded by the chair. We’d left the bed yesterday evening just long enough to answer the door, then made a picnic of sorts on top of the sheets before he’d tossed the box aside and pulled me beneath him once more.
He’d made good on his promise, too—we’d used every single condom he brought with him. My skin heated at the thought of the things he’d done, the things we’d done. Jesus. I pressed my palms to my cheeks and closed my eyes as my chest rose on a rapid inhale. He’d touched literally every inch of me, places that even Steve had never dared.
God, how could I even look at him in the light of day? Completely naked, I hastily pulled on the robe draped over the chair in the corner, then snatched up the discarded clothing from the floor and made my way to the bathroom. I dumped my stuff in the hamper, then folded Gavin’s clothes and left them on the counter where he’d be sure to find them.
It was better this way. I’d had my night of fun, but now it was time to get back to the real world. I didn’t need—or want—anything serious. In fact, it was the very last thing I needed in my life after the whole debacle with Steve. Thank God that was almost over, at least. Now I could put him from my mind forever. It still stung that he’d moved on so easily while I’d spent so much time feeling hurt. But now it was my turn to be happy. It was time I did something for myself—and last night with Gavin was the first step in that direction. I had no intention of ever repeating it, so I’d have to make a clean break as soon as he woke up.
He’d probably be relieved. After all, what man would complain about a night of meaningless sex? The corner of my mouth lifted in a cynical smile. Oh, yes, he’d be more than happy to go on his way with no commitment. I quickly splashed some water on my face, then brushed my teeth and ran a brush through my unruly waves. Peeking into the bedroom, I saw that Gavin was still asleep, so I snuck out, closing the door behind me, and made my way to the kitchen.
After letting Peanut out, I leaned on the counter while I waited for the coffeepot to spit out the fragrant, warm brew and stared out the small window over the sink. The tiny condo was a far cry from where I’d lived with Steve in one of the wealthier areas of the city. Still, it was mine alone, and although it was further from the healthplex, that fact alone made it worth it. Besides, I wouldn’t have to worry about that in just a couple weeks. The condo wasn’t tainted by bad memories; here I could start fresh. I could decorate the way I wanted, without anyone to question or overrule my choices.
Nine years ago, I’d been young and naïve, blindly in love with a fellow medical student. I’d wanted so badly to impress him, to impress my family and make them proud of me. I’d followed everyone’s dreams but my own. I loved being a doctor, but family medicine had been Steve’s dream—a husband and wife team that everyone could come to for whatever ailed them. All I’d ever wanted was to help people—to really make a difference in the world. I wanted to give back. Maybe it was time for a radical change.
Carrying the mug of coffee into the living room, I scooped up the remote and flicked on the TV in the corner. I rolled my eyes as a commercial immediately filled the screen. Figured. Didn’t matter what the program was, at least fifty percent of it was filled with ads for hemorrhoid cream or some sleazy law firm trying to “make them pay.” I bit the inside of my lip at the thought of Gavin still passed out in my bed. I had to admit—for a lawyer, he really wasn’t a bad guy.
The news finally came back on, snagging my attention as the reporter launched into her description of the victim I’d found just over a week ago down the road, and a composite sketch filled the screen.
“Police are asking for any help in identifying a man found off Hartwell Road last week. If you have any information, please call...” The number flashed on the screen, and I shook my head. Hopefully someone would recognize him and give the family some closure.
The composite sketch disappeared, replaced with video footage of police spread around on a riverbank, combing through weeds and mud. “Police are also investigating a second set of remains that was found yesterday in Twin Oaks. The person has yet to be identified, and there is no connection between the victims at this time.”
I glanced out the window, and a shiver stole down my spine. That was a little too coincidental, wasn’t it? That made two bodies, found only a few miles from one another. Was the person male or female? The reporter hadn’t mentioned anything, nor had the policeman who’d been interviewed. It was an interesting omission, and I wondered if the decomposition was too bad to determine on site. Though the police hadn’t mentioned anything, I wondered if the second victim exhibited the same signs of surgical removal.
“In other news, a local woman, Dr. Victoria Carr, was abducted early yesterday morning from her home, and...”
I didn’t wait to hear the rest. My fingers were already flying over the phone, waiting for the call to connect. I was on my feet and halfway to the kitchen before Victoria’s voice came on the line.
“Hey, how—”
“Are you freaking kidding me? That’s all you have to say? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I just—”
“Why in the hell are you so calm?” I demanded. “God, Vic. I just saw the news. What the hell happened yesterday?”
Victoria let out a soft chuckle. “Really, everything is okay now. It’s a really long story.”
I couldn’t believe Victoria was laughing about this. I knew her better than almost anyone on this planet, and I knew how badly the events of the previous night must have affected her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, really,” she assured me. “I’ll tell you all about it later.”
“Damn right you will. Can I come over?” I dumped my coffee down the drain and set the cup in the sink. “I’m coming over.”
Victoria laughed. “All right. Blake’s here, too.”
I let out a relieved sigh. Thank God. That made me feel better, at least. I hadn’t spoken much with Victoria since Wednesday, and I was relieved to hear that they’d made up. The fact that he was with her now spoke volumes.
After the murder of a local woman a few weeks ago, the killer had reached out to Victoria—either as a taunt or a plea for help, the police couldn’t quite decide. She’d been plagued by the same person for the last several weeks, and Blake had been hired to work security at the healthplex where Victoria and I worked. She’d turned a disgruntled patient away just before the murder, and I wondered it if really was him. Greg Andrews had a bad temper, but as far as I knew, the police hadn’t been able to dig anything up on the man. A shudder rolled through me. The police suspected it was the same man who’d assaulted me in my office. I definitely wouldn’t miss going back there.
I glanced down at my robe and bit my lip. I couldn’t very well go out like this. On silent feet, I crept back down the hallway and into my room. Flicking a glance at Gavin, I saw he’d shifted positions but his breathing was still deep and even, a good indication that he was still asleep. Tiptoeing over to the dresser, I pulled out a bra and T-shirt, then snuck into the bathroom to change. I quickly dressed and washed my face before opening the door and peeking out.
Gavin had one ar
m thrown over his face, and I pushed the door open just wide enough to slip out. The hinges squeaked, and I froze, holding my breath, eyes glued to Gavin to make sure he hadn’t heard. I remained that way for several long moments before slinking out of the bedroom and down the hall into the kitchen. Anxious to get out of the house before he woke up, I scooped my keys off the counter and slung my purse over my shoulder just as a floorboard creaked behind me.
Chapter Eight
Gavin
I stifled a smile as Kate inched the bathroom door open and tried to contort her body through the narrow space. She froze when I shifted slightly, as if holding her breath to make sure she’d hadn’t awoken me, then released a soft sigh and slipped out of the room when I didn’t stir. As soon as the door closed behind her, I dropped the arm covering my eyes and let loose the grin threatening to split my face.
She was truly something else. So open and passionate last night, she scurried around this morning like a nervous little mouse, afraid to wake me. I’d bet any money that she was terrified to come face-to-face with me, instead trying to usher me out the door like a dirty little secret. Kate was strong and independent, but she wasn’t one to act rashly, and I had a feeling that’s exactly how she would see our night together: as a mistake. It would be up to me to soothe her fears, show her how good we could be together. Because after last night, I wasn’t done with her. Not by a long shot.
Eager to ease her misconceptions, I swung my legs over the bed and went in search of some clothes. I had no idea what time we’d finally fallen asleep, but I estimated it to be somewhere around dawn, judging from the faint glow lighting the sky as I’d fallen asleep with Kate tucked in close to my chest. She’d felt so perfect there, the perfect fit with her head tucked beneath my chin, her body so warm and content. A quick glance at the floor told me Kate had already picked up my clothes from last night.
A peek into the bathroom confirmed my suspicions. My clothes were folded neatly on the counter, a silent message that it was time for me to gather my things and get the hell out. If that’s what Kate thought, she was in for a rude awakening, because I wasn’t going down without a fight. I was going to take that fiery little redheaded temper of hers and wrestle it into submission. And I was going to enjoy every second of it.
A feral grin lit my face at the thought, and I quickly tugged on my boxers and dress slacks from yesterday. I refused to greet her naked, but there was no way I was going to put all of my clothes on, either. If I did, that would mean that my time with her was over—and that was the very last thing I wanted. My plan was to get out there and find her before she had more time to second-guess herself, then take her back to bed and show her how good we were together.
I padded down the hallway to the kitchen, toward the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Kate stood by the counter, purse over her shoulder and keys in hand, and I immediately tensed. What the hell? She was running out on me?
A floorboard creaked under my heavy tread, and she whipped toward me, eyes wide. Guilt shone brightly in the blue orbs, and anger flared around my heart. How dare she? She’d really planned to just cut me out of her life without any explanation at all—just disappear like our night together had meant nothing. Fuck that.
Back rigid, I stopped several feet in front of her and crossed my arms over my chest as I glared at her. Her eyes flicked over the broad surface of my chest, but I couldn’t find it in me to be pleased by her obvious reaction to my nearness. I was still too pissed. “Going somewhere?”
Her eyes darted back up to mine, and she licked her lips. “My friend... I’ve got to go.”
“Running away already?”
“No, of course not. I—”
“No? Because that’s exactly what this looks like.”
She shifted uncomfortably. “Well, it’s... Fine,” she huffed as she threw her hands in the air. “You’re right. Kind of. But I really do need—”
“I can’t believe you were just going to run out. Seriously?” I swept my arm toward her in an agitated motion. “Goddamn, Kate. You’re such a coward.”
“I am not.” She stepped forward so she was almost toe-to-toe with me.
“You’re afraid,” I taunted. “You loved what happened between us last night, and now you’re running scared because you’re afraid.”
“What the hell do you think I’m afraid of?” She propped her hands on her hips and stared me down, fire in her eyes. Perfect. She was almost where I wanted her. Just another little nudge and she’d be mine. I’d push her until that redheaded temper of hers snapped, then once she was all good and riled up, I’d take the little wildcat back to bed and settle her the best way I knew how. I had a feeling that, with a little love and reassurance, she’d turn from a ferocious tigress into the cuddly kitten she’d been last night.
“I think you’re afraid of me. Of us.” I gestured between us. “Tell me you didn’t enjoy last night.”
“I didn’t—”
“Liar.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I was going to say. I was going to say”—she punctuated her words with a hard poke to my chest—“it’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, but I can’t do this right now. I’m not in a good place in my life.”
“We haven’t even talked about what this is!” I exploded.
“Then what is it?”
The question stumped me for a second as she turned the argument around. “I... I don’t know. What if it could be something? You were just planning to run away before you even found out?”
“It doesn’t matter,” she said airily, waving one hand in the air as if it meant less than nothing.
“Is this how it’s going to be? You pretend nothing happened between us?”
“I don’t know what you want from me!”
“I don’t either. I just want the opportunity to find out.”
“I don’t want... I can’t do this again.”
“Why not?”
“We shouldn’t have done this. I have to go.” She spun around but froze as the next words left my mouth.
“Really? Because you were more than willing to drop your panties for me last night.”
She turned slowly back to me, her fiery eyes meeting mine. Satisfaction at getting a rise out of her flared deep within me. Good. She was as pissed as I was.
“What did you just say?”
The corner of my mouth lifted in a cocky smile. “I said, you stood right here,” I laid a hand on the counter where we’d made out like teenagers, “and dropped your panties around your ankles.”
“God, you’re such an asshole.”
“Yeah?” I sneered. “And you’re an easy lay who used me for sex.”
I didn’t have time to duck or weave or even breathe as her fist collided with my jaw and blackness seeped into the edges of my vision.
“OKAY, SPILL.”
I glanced at Rob, whose mouth had curled into a mischievous smile. I shook my head adamantly. “Oh, no. I told you before,” I jerked a thumb toward the doorway that Shannon had just sashayed through. “There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell of that happening.”
“Not that. This.” He slashed his hand in front of his face, indicating the bruise on my jaw.
I felt my cheeks heat, but I should have expected the question. I had, actually, but it didn’t make telling the story any easier. And I never could lie to my friend. “You know Ms. Winfield?”
Rob’s eyes widened. “Jesus, you didn’t get into a fight with the ex, did you?”
“Um, no.” I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, intensely aware of his scrutiny. I relayed the events of the past weekend, and Rob’s raucous guffaw echoed through the room.
“She really... You... That’s fucking hilarious.” He panted the words between laughs, and I sank lower in my seat.
“Thanks for the support, asshole.”
Rob finally got his laughter under control. “You’ve gotta admit, this is new.”
I rolled my eyes. No shit. I could honestly admit tha
t, during my almost thirty-five years on this earth, not once had a woman turned me down, much less hauled off and punched me in the face. Not that I hadn’t deserved it—I’d immediately regretted the words as soon as they’d left my mouth. I’d been trying to get her attention, to get a rise out of her. Well, I’d certainly done that. I was so certain she was just nervous and worried about falling into bed with me the night before that I hadn’t paid attention to the little red flags she was throwing up all over the place. I was too blinded by my feelings for her to see that something wasn’t right.
In truth, I had no idea what I wanted from Kate—but I sure as hell wanted more than the one night we’d spent together. Things might fizzle out quickly enough, but I at least wanted the chance to find out. In hindsight, I now saw that her face had showed signs of distress, but at the time I’d chalked it up to nerves at our confrontation. Then I’d seen the news. A local woman, one of Kate’s friends, had been attacked around the same time I’d been with Kate at her house. It was no wonder she’d tried to run out on me. I’d completely misread the worry on her face, mistaking it for shame instead of the true anxiety of a woman fearing for her friend.
I’d felt like a complete and utter ass as soon as I saw the news and recognized the woman’s name. I’d called Kate yesterday and again this morning, but I’d yet to hear anything from her. After the way we parted, I suspected she’d go out of her way to avoid me at any cost right now. Which just meant that I’d have to go to her, even if it meant putting my face in harm’s way again.
I resisted the urge to smile as I tested my jaw. The woman’s killer right hook was proof of her perfection in my eyes. God, I’d almost be willing to go through that all over again just to see that fire in her icy blue eyes—almost. I didn’t have a death wish.