Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (15 page)

Her ass came up and against his hungry dick. He wanted to enter her right them, but he slowed himself. Reaching forward, his fingers rubbed across her pebbled nipple. With his other hand, he separated her folds and put pressure against her nub.

“That feels so good.” Her ass pressed harder against his cock.

Trying to ignore the demands of his dick, Rand slid two fingers into her pussy opening and rubbed across the most sensitive spot. Her buttocks moved hard against him. He thrust his fingers in and out and pinched her nipple. Her breathing had quickened.

He positioned his cock and slid inside her warmth. Her inner muscles grabbed tightly around him. His cock pulsed, and his balls ached for completion. She met his back-and-forth motion, taking him deeper. When the ripples began to flow over his cock and her muscles squeezed the hardest, her body stiffened and she shouted his name. He let himself go and surged forward. Pleasure shot up his spine and to every cell in his body.

It barely registered in his brain to roll to the side so he didn’t hurt her with his weight. He held her close and rubbed her silky bottom. Every time was better. What was he going to do? She’d be leaving soon. Their time together was too short to make permanent decisions. And yet he remembered his mother’s words. Still, she’d admitted she and Dad had been lucky it worked out.

“You’re very quiet.” Marian had raised up and stared at his face. “Deep thoughts?”

He grinned. “Just trying to get my breath, darlin’,” he lied, and he suspected she knew it.

“Shall I cook some bacon and eggs for dinner?” Marian asked.

Rand glanced at his watch. “I have a meeting at seven with Dr. Neels and Andy at the office. I’d better shower and go.” He kissed her. “I hate to rush off. Don’t worry about coming in tomorrow, rest. I’ll see you in the evening.” He got up and took his clothes into the bathroom.

* * * *

Marian went to the closet and put on a warm robe. She tied the belt snug and went into the kitchen. The coffee was perking when he came out. She poured coffee into a to-go cup for him.

“You can take this with you.”

“Thanks.” With his other arm he pulled her close. He kissed her lips. “Until tomorrow night. I’ll call.”

She locked the door and leaned against the wood. Tonight she couldn’t watch his lights disappear for the last time. She was pretty sure what he’d been thinking. After all that had happened, he still couldn’t admit she was special to him. He continued to pull away after making love.

Marian put the eggs and bacon she planned to cook back in the refrigerator. There was a pint of chocolate ice cream in the freezer and her favorite Fig Newton cookies in the cupboard. She seldom allowed herself to splurge, but tonight was the exception. With all her goodies in hand, she settled on the sofa.

This time had been the best yet. His gentle, slow seduction had her whole body responding hungrily to his touch and to his gentle invasion. But afterward, she’d sensed his deep thoughts. She’d known although he’d been caught up in the lovemaking he still wasn’t sure about his feelings or didn’t want to admit them. He resisted sharing his thoughts. Maybe to him it was just good sex.
We women always want to make it more.

She put a large spoonful of the ice cream in her mouth. The chocolate melting temporarily raised her spirits. But she had to blink her eyes to keep the tears back.

The quick development of their relationship worried Rand. In her heart, she knew he was the one for her. She loved him, whether it had been three weeks or three years. But she couldn’t stay around waiting to see if or when he’d choose her.

She took another bite of ice cream. The sweet, cold chocolate slid down her throat, slightly easing the tension.

Marian didn’t want to bounce back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball between him wanting her for a lover and then not. Seeing him every day, making love to him and knowing his struggle, was too difficult. She’d almost died this afternoon. It had woken her up. It was time for her to take firm control of her future and not wait for someone else to do it for her.

Tomorrow, she’d fly to New York and give her notice. Then she’d go home. She wanted to have her mother’s arms around her, to sleep in her old bed, to be comforted by her family. Her near-death experience had changed Marian’s outlook and had shaken her world. At home she’d think about what changes to make in her life.

Chapter Eleven

“You are certain this is what you want to do?” Chelsea asked for the umpteenth time. “And you’re not even going to let him know?”

Marian took her eyes off the passing scenery. Chelsea had agreed to drive her to the airport.

“We’ve gone over this. If I tell him, he’ll convince me to stay. But he’s too uncertain of his feelings. I don’t blame him. He just ended his engagement, he has a new job, there’s a lot on his mind.

“We met at the wrong time. I want permanence. He wants his freedom and to have fun. Neither is wrong, if both the people involved want the same thing.”

“I’m going to miss you. You cut your visit short, and I have an idea you won’t be back for a long time.”

“You know I’ll come when the babies are born. I can’t wait to meet them. You’ll need help then, too.”

Chelsea pulled into a parking space. “You promise?”

“I do. Don’t get out. I can take care of my bags. The one has wheels, and the other isn’t that heavy.” Marian gave Chelsea a hug and got her suitcases from the trunk. She waved as she headed inside the terminal.

She’d made reservations by phone. There was a long hour before her flight. After checking her bags, she wandered through the terminal. She found a shop selling papers and books and bought a paper to read on the plane.

At a small eatery, she tried to eat a sandwich. She got half of it down past the lump in her throat. Marian hoped she’d made the right decision. It was too late to question herself now. If he loved her, he’d still be around when she came back. If he found someone else, she and Rand weren’t to be.

As they called her flight number her cell rang. It was Rand. He was calling as promised. But it wasn’t the promise she needed. With a heavy heart, she turned off her cell and entered the plane.

* * * *

A recording answered, telling him to leave a message.
She must be at Chelsea’s or out riding
. Rand closed his cell and went to call his next patient. He’d try her again, later.

Patients kept him busy, and he had three home visits to make. The day flew by. At five, he realized he hadn’t called Marian back. Before driving off from his last visit, he got in his car and dialed her number.

The same recording, to leave a number or message. That was strange. Rand called Chelsea.

“Hi, I’ve tried to reach Marian twice today. Is she with you?”

There was a long hesitation. “Didn’t she leave you a message?”

Rand chuckled. “If she did, I wouldn’t have to call you.”

“I hate her for leaving this on me. Well, not really. But I’m angry at her.”

“Leaving what on you?” Rand’s throat tightened. He was pretty sure he didn’t want to hear her answer.

“Marian left this morning for New York. She cut her visit short. I think she’ll be calling you later to explain.”

“Did her boss call her back?”

“No.”

“I see.”

“Rand, don’t come to any conclusions until you talk with her.”

“I think her silence says it all.”

If someone had hit him in the chest with a board, it wouldn’t hurt any more. She’d left without a word. He started the car and stopped at the convenience store on a road headed to his new property. He bought a six-pack of beer. No “on call” tonight.

His truck ran smoothly over the paved road onto his property. He grabbed the blanket he’d hoped to use tonight when he made love to Marian in the moonlight. He took his six-pack and headed toward the stream and the trees.

After the third beer, he zipped up his jacket. He was cold. Cold and lonely, with no one to warm him. The memory of their night together in the sleeping bag haunted him. His mind tricked him. For a second he smelled her, and her soft body seemed to brush against his hand.

He’d get over her. It was just for fun. He’d kept telling her that until she believed him. He clasped his head in his hands. Had he made the worst decision of his life? Obviously, he wasn’t very good at relationships. He’d stayed engaged for three years to a woman he didn’t love because it was comfortable. And when what he was looking for came right to his door, he ran for fear of losing his independence.

A car turned down the road toward him. He recognized Andy’s vehicle. Andy spotted him and strolled in his direction.

“Can I have one of those beers?”

“You came a long way for a drink.” Rand handed him the beer.

“I had to find my best buddy.” He sat on the ground facing Rand. “Want to talk?”

“Marian left. No message. She just got on the plane and flew off.” Andy started to speak. “Don’t. I might punch you. I’m itching to hit something.”

“All right. Show me around this place and tell me where the cabin is going.” Andy stood.

Rand joined him and pointed out the boundaries where the cabin would be situated and face the stream, talked about the porches on three sides, and then stared silently at the dark night.

“I’ll drive you back. We’ll get your car tomorrow.”

Rand let Andy lead him to his car. Then Andy locked Rand’s up. The drive back was quiet.

When they stopped outside the apartment, Andy shut off the engine and turned to Rand. “I promise not to advise you ever again. I made a big mistake. For me, playing the field is fun. I keep it light. You can’t. And if I’ve made you lose someone important, feel free to punch me. I think it’d make me feel better.”

“Forget it.” Rand got out and went upstairs, straight to his bedroom. He sat half the night waiting for the call that didn’t come.

Three days later, her letter arrived. Rand had finished seeing his morning patients and stopped at his mailbox before going to his apartment for lunch. Her scent wafted on the breeze to his nose.

He walked slowly up the stairs.
Might as well get it over and done.
She hadn’t put a return address on the envelope. He ripped it open. Rand recognized her neat, concise writing.

Dear Rand, I hope you will read this and not tear it up. I’m sorry about not calling, but my determination was weak. I didn’t have the strength to hear your voice and have you try to change my mind.

You were right. We are at different places in our lives. I want a home and family, with all the trimmings. You’re ready to be free and play. Nothing’s wrong with that, but I couldn’t be the playmate. Not anymore. It hurt too much.

I’m going to change my life, do something totally different. I’m not sure what yet.

I wish you happiness and success in your career.

Marian

She’d been braver than him. He’d fought back and forth with his feelings. He’d let the joy she gave him scare him away. But she’d be back. Chelsea’s babies were due in about five months. This time he’d be ready for Marian. He’d know his answers.

* * * *

His weeks were busy, but time still went by slowly. Marian had been gone six weeks. They hadn’t had contact since her letter. Rand had the weekend off but wished he was working. Andy had gone out on call. Rand wandered around the small apartment.

He’d ride to his property and look at his cabin. The contractor said they’d be done in a week. On the way, he’d visit his brother Graham.