Harlequin Superromance January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: A Ranch for His Family\Cowgirl in High Heels\A Man to Believe In (65 page)

“See? Our friendship remains intact. Hallelujah.”

They sat in silence for a while, listening to the sounds of the hospital.

Beth whispered, “I survived, John. What if my baby doesn't?”

“We both know you had the greatest odds against your survival. Look what you've done. Twenty years and not a sign of recurrence. Cassie comes from your stock, and you women are vigilant in preventive care.”

“I understand that. Between Judy and me, we can give her all the support she needs.”

Doc tilted his head to read her better. “Then what has you so twisted up?”

She compressed her lips, afraid if she spoke the word her world would fall apart.

“Beth?”

“It's Bobby. I don't want him to do to Cassie what he did to me. My baby is going to need her daddy.”

Doc captured her hand in both of his. “Bobby will do the right thing, Beth.”

She shook her head. “I wish I could believe that, John. He left a mountain of wrong between him and me from when I was sick. I don't know if he can climb over that hurdle to see his way clear for Cassie.”

He waited for Beth to look at him, then lowered his voice and said, “Well, girl. Maybe you'll just have to show him the way.”

Tears filled her eyes. “This is my problem. I don't think I know how anymore.”

* * *

P
ETER
OPENED
THE
passenger door for Cassie. “You waltzed right out of there without saying a word to anyone at the nurses' station. Does anybody know you just had a biopsy?”

“No. Let's leave it that way for a while. Okay?”

He climbed into the driver seat while Cassie fastened her seat belt. “Waiting for results first?”

She shrugged. “Everyone knows my family history. I don't want to sound any unnecessary alarms.”

He pulled out of the parking lot. “I understand.”

Her fingers lifted to the spot above her clavicle where the bandage lay under her blouse. He couldn't see her eyes through her sunglasses. It seemed as if she wasn't focusing on anything in particular and her mind was light years away. The painkillers, for sure.

“You feeling okay?”

She smiled. “I like your truck. This is my first ride in it.”

“I like you riding in my truck.”

Much to his surprise, she reached for his hand. “I was thinking about last night.”

“Uh-oh. You're frowning.”

She laughed. “I wasn't sure how I'd react when I saw you this morning.”

“Same here. You left while I was asleep. I thought I disappointed you.”

She snorted a laugh. “Disappointed me? Really?”

Relief flooded him. Hell, yes. He'd fallen into a deep sleep because she'd satisfied him like no woman ever had. She felt warm, contented and perfect in his arms while she dozed. The last thing that crossed his mind was that Cassie suited him, body and mind, and waking up with her in his arms would be heaven on earth.

But it hadn't happened. Waking up on the rug without her in his arms had surprised him. Hundreds of reasons manifested as to why she'd left. All of them his fault. Had he done something wrong? No. She had given herself to him so completely their first night together, but that she had left before he awoke had him thinking his feelings were one-sided. Logic insisted that she'd just gone home to get ready for the biopsy. Somewhere inside, though, he hadn't been able to shake the thought that he'd not made the grade with the sensuous and sexy Cassie Michaels.

Now, she was grinning at him. “How many times did I orgasm last night?”

He grinned in return. “Three?”

She laughed. “Yeah. In the first hour!”

“Guess it's been a long time since your last encounter?”

She punched his arm. “Could be. But then again...”

Coming to a red light, he leaned over to steal a quick kiss. She complied, lingering against his lips.

“I loved making love with you, Peter. Let's be clear on that one fact.”

He slid a hand into her hair to keep her face close to his. “I missed you when I woke up and you weren't there.”

“It was almost impossible to leave you.”

“Then why did you?”

She kissed him one more time before sitting back in her seat. “Nerves. The need to regroup. Think things through.”

“Would you have stayed if you didn't have the lab this morning?”

“Not sure.”

He brought her hand to his lips. “Last night was monumental for me.”

She tilted her head. “I pleased you?”

He sighed. “You're an angel, Cassie. Did I please you?”

She laid a palm on his cheek. “Didn't know if I should handcuff myself to you or run for cover. You've got quite the touch.”

The light changed, and he shook his head. “It's what you do to me.” He steered the truck up the hill toward her house. “So, dinner tonight?”

She winced. “I think I'm just going to stay in. I'm pretty beat.”

He turned off the car and got out to open her door. “I understand.”

“Want to come in?”

Well, at least she wasn't dumping him. “Thought you'd never ask.”

Her smile did all sorts of wild things to his gut. He captured her hand as they walked toward a little cottage behind the main house. She didn't seem to mind. He wanted answers. They'd spent a mind-blowing night together. Now, did they have a future? He wasn't leaving until he found out.

“You are an amazing woman, Cassie.”

“Don't say that because I didn't cry during the biopsy. God knows I wanted to.”

“Okay. I won't.” No, it had nothing to do with the biopsy—even though she had handled it like a pro, but that wasn't what he'd meant. He held the screen door open so she could unlock the inside door.

“Would you like some tea, Nurse Chapman?”

“I would love to make some tea for you. Point me in the right direction.”

The cottage was small, charming and smelled powdery and outdoorsy like Cassie. The eat-in kitchen and the living area were painted the softest sky-blue set off with white trim. A short hallway led to the back. An overstuffed and inviting couch crowded the living room beneath a bay window with a view to the rising slope beyond. A perfect nest for seduction. He ached to lead her over to the seasoned leather cushions, lay her on the throw pillows and taste her all over again.

They'd probably have a thing for couches from now on.

Damn. He had to be at work in an hour. “Nice place you have here. I thought you lived with your folks.”

“I do. On the same property. My aunt and uncle live next door. My Grandma Mica and Grandpa Phil own the house on the other side of the field out back. My maternal grandmother lived here for years. I moved in after she passed.”

“Wow. A tightly knit family.” He would have killed to have family that mattered while growing up.

“Would you prefer coffee?”

“Here, let me.” He took the teapot from her hands. “Why don't you make yourself comfortable? I want to take care of you.”

She waved him away. “I'm okay. Just a little sore, but okay.”

“But we haven't kissed yet.”

She smiled. “We just kissed in the car.”

He moved in closer, placing the teapot on the white Formica counter. “But we haven't really kissed in your house yet.”

He pulled her into his arms, all soft and warm and smelling of Cassie. God, it felt like a lifetime since he'd held her. “Are you going to tell people we're dating?”

She tapped his lips, the pads of her fingers like insistent little kisses. “Why don't we wait to see what the biopsy brings?”

He grabbed her hand. “Are you kidding me?”

“No.”

“Cassie, chances are good you've got something that's going to need attention. Come on. We both know that.”

She slipped from his arms. “Which is why I didn't want to start a relationship.”

He cupped her face with both hands. “Tell me. Do you feel the same way I do about last night?”

She gently removed his hands from her face. Plugging in the kettle, she tilted her head in the sexy way he was coming to recognize as pure Cassie. “And how do you feel?”

“Like heaven sent me the most amazing woman I have ever met. I loved making love with you last night and I want to feel you again and again. One night will never be enough for me, Cassie. I want to know everything about you. I want to kiss you. And hold you. I want to hear your stories. Meet your family and your friends. I want to be in your life.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

C
ASSIE
'
S
JAW
DROPPED
. “That has to be the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me.”

Did she see hope and need warring in his deep, brown eyes? Was she ready for a man with emotions as intense as Peter's?

A small frown creased his brow. “How do you feel about spending more time with me?”

She blew out a breath, unsure of her own response. An unexpected surge of adrenaline rattled her nerves. Why was she panicking? She had the exact same feelings watching him sleep this morning. Last night she had committed to taking a chance on him and had spoken the words out loud. For goodness' sake, she'd supplied the condoms! Why, when this wonderful, warm and loving man was practically begging her to be a part of his life, was she feeling terror instead of excitement? He was saying everything right. And since walking into that hospital this morning, it all seemed wrong.

She busied herself setting up the tea mugs. Poured the heated water and turned to face the man who had turned her world upside down in such a short time.

She pulled a container of ibuprofen from the cabinet and, with a mouthful of water from the faucet, swallowed two.

Peter frowned. “Are you okay?”

“Starting to feel the lymph node.”

He took her hand. “Come on. Sit down. I'm upsetting you.”

“You're not.”

He led her to the couch. She sat against the pillows and let him slide off her sneakers and put her feet on the hassock that doubled as a coffee table.

She patted the seat next to her. “Join me, Peter. The tea can wait.”

He sat and glanced at his watch. “I don't have much time. Talk to me, woman.”

A chill ran through her. How to explain herself? Peter didn't miss the shiver. Ever so gently, he pulled her toward him. “Let me hold you.”

How could she resist? The sheer fragrance of the man drew her like a moth to a flame. He pulled her into his lap, wrapping those oh-so-capable arms around her. He kissed her bandage with the gentlest touch. “It's all going to be okay, Cassie.”

She laid her head on his shoulder. “We don't know that.”

“Do you like me?”

She laughed out loud. “Like you? Oh, yes. I've never met anyone like you, Peter. Please do not misunderstand my hesitance here.”

“I thought you said you were going to take a chance and not look back.”

She pushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “The scar isn't even red.”

“Don't change the subject, Nurse Michaels.”

He turned her face toward his. He was going to kiss her. She felt the pull like north and south poles on magnets—magnets of gigantic proportion. She closed her eyes and let her heart lead her mouth to his.

Contact.

Lightning.

Fire.

Rain.

A cyclone of emotions filled her as Peter captured her mouth and kissed her as if she were the air he breathed. Gentle, strong. Deep, tender. Possessing her simply by encircling her in his arms. Oh, God. He was doing it again. Sending her spiraling into a world of sensations. No thought. Only touch. Taste. Emotion in connection. Body language. Words unspoken, spoken in volumes.

They broke the kiss together, both breathless and staring at each other. Cassie touched her own lips. “Peter, your kisses.”

He shook his head. “Don't you understand? I've never reacted to a kiss as I do to yours.” He tapped her chest, then his. “You and me. We do this to each other.”

“Why now?” She hated the petulance in her voice.

Peter smiled. “Do you think love carries a calendar? Do you think I drove into town thinking I was going to end up in the arms of an angel within days of my arrival?”

She chuckled. “Or crash your car?”

“Love crashed my car.”

They grew silent. Peter stretched out on the couch, pulling Cassie against him. She didn't mind at all. Right now, she could fall asleep in his arms. He felt so safe. So right. She didn't want to think. Too much going on. Too fast.

Peter insisted, “You said you weren't going to look back, Cassie.”

Within his arms, she felt sanctuary. She traced the line of his jaw. “I was young but I saw how my mom's illness damaged her and Dad.”

“Cassie, we're nurses. We know how to deal with disease.”

She pressed her lips together. “Sometimes you're not as strong as you think.”

He lifted her face to meet his gaze. “The problem here is that you haven't known me long enough. Trust me.”

“I told you I would.”

“But you're reneging.”

She winced. “Bad form. I know.”

“You can't deny our chemistry.”

She laughed. “No, sweet man. There is no denying. I was attracted to you when I laid eyes on you. I love your touch. I can honestly say I could make love with you right here. Right now.”

“I already have designs on this couch for us.” He pulled her tighter and moaned. “And I have to be at work in twenty minutes.”

Cassie smiled. She loved his humor. “I have an idea. Come with me Friday night to meet my friends.”

“Where are you going?”

“Dave's Grill. Dave and Jackie are having a preseason opening for the locals before they officially open.”

He gave her a sideways glance. “Are you sure?”

No, she was feeling skittish before from her conflicting emotions. In his arms now, she felt the power of being with him and wanted more. Yes, she'd take this roller-coaster ride with Peter. One day at a time. It was all she could promise.

She swallowed. “Yes.”

He watched her as if coming to a conclusion. He nodded once. “Okay. I'll take that.”

“Hold me a little longer?”

“Sure.”

Cassie nuzzled into his chest. The sigh she released was bone-deep. “Between the ibuprofen and the painkiller at the hospital, I think I'm ready for a nap.”

He smoothed her hair. “So, I get to return the favor.”

“How so?”

“I get to hold you until you sleep. I'll lock the door behind me after I go.”

“What about the tea?”

“Do you want some?”

She grinned. “Later. Kiss me once more?”

“That, sweet Cassie, I can do.”

* * *

P
ERSPIRING
, C
ASSIE
PULLED
the throw blanket from her shoulders. Sun streaming in the bay window splashed light and heat on her. She'd slept soundly. Peter must have covered her with the blanket before he left. A glance at her dive watch said it all. She'd slept for four solid hours. The drugs were the culprit for her deep sleep. If the sun hadn't baked her, she probably would have slept longer. She sat up, stretched. Foolish to waste a day off with sleep.

The injection site of her lymph node ached. Her fingers found the bandage. Sore. Manageable. Otherwise, she felt fine.

Peter.

A flood of warmth washed over her at the thought of him holding her while she slept. He had coaxed her back to explore what was growing between them. Every ounce of logic demanded she walk away now, but no. Honestly, she was grateful Peter insisted on standing by her. It's what friends did for each other. He was absolutely correct in claiming that she simply hadn't known him long enough yet to count on him. She'd already trusted her instinct to go as far as she'd gone with him. Instinct would be what she relied on now.

Taking him to Dave's Grill on Friday would be interesting. Since Doc and Mom knew about them, she'd take a chance introducing Peter to her friends as her new love interest. Given how protective her crowd was, Peter would be scrutinized like he'd never known.

Should she warn him?

She chuckled. Maybe she'd drop a hint.

The tea had gone cold. She poured it down the sink and reset the pot to boil once more. A note lay on the table from her mom.

Call me when you wake up.

Mom's car was in the driveway. She must have checked on her while she was asleep.

Tea mug in hand, she entered through Beth's kitchen door. Empty. “Mom?”

“Cassie, child, we're in here. Beth has pins in her mouth. She can't answer.”

Grandma Mica. Cassie found them in the living room. Her grandma stood on a step stool while Mom pinned the hem of a lovely peach, form-fitting, cap-sleeved cocktail dress that made sixty-something-year-old Grandma look sexy as hell. “Wow! Where is Grandpa taking you for your anniversary?”

Mica smiled. “We're taking the ferry to Block Island for the weekend.”

“You look amazing, Grandma.”

She grinned. “Not bad for forty-four years of marriage, eh?”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “I should look so good at your age.”

Her paternal grandmother, Mica, was taller than Cassie and Beth. Her dark hair had turned completely silver, and she wore it long and twisted into a braid over one shoulder. A holdover hippie from Woodstock days, Mica's free spirit practiced exercise and holistic living to get her family through the years. The results showed in her vitality.

A happy light filled her blue eyes. “Grandpa has a special night planned. I thought I'd surprise him with this new dress.” She pointed to the three-inch heels matching the soft peach color. “I only hope he doesn't expect me to walk far from the dinner table!”

Cassie laughed. “With the way you'll look, I'll be surprised if you make it out the hotel room door.”

Grandma winked. “Now you're talking, kiddo.”

Beth pinned the last inch. “That should do it, Mica.” She helped her mother-in-law step off the stool. “Bobby should be back by the time you two return. We'll celebrate with you when you get home.”

Mica turned to Cassie. “How are you feeling, honey?”

Cassie shrugged. “Fine. Little discomfort, but I'm golden.”

“Beth tells me that handsome man you brought into the pancake house is your new boyfriend.”

“I was trying to keep it quiet. Peter had other ideas.”

Beth laughed. “After the little display in Doc's office this morning, I think your cover is blown.”

“You like him, yes?” Mica asked as she stepped down from the stool.

Cassie hugged her grandmother. “Yeah, I do. Only, it's tricky because he's my new coworker.”

Beth unzipped the dress for Mica. She slipped out of the garment and into the purple Indian caftan draped over the wing chair.

“Doc must love that.”

Cassie laughed. “In my defense, I was attracted to him when I first saw him driving into town. Had no idea he was the new hire, but what a surprise.”

“He's quite a hunk, Mica. Don't you think?” Beth asked.

“Really, Mom? You think so?”

“Absolutely. I like him, too. He has a solid way about him.”

“I'm taking him to Dave's on Friday.”

Beth's raised brows said it all. “Going to break him in so soon?”

She pointed to her bandage. “Given recent developments, why waste time?”

The thought sat on her chest like a boulder. She had plenty of time for now—and would deal with any other developments once she learned what they were. No reason jumping to conclusions. Worry wasted precious time. She'd go with the flow, as Peter had suggested. Made good sense. Besides, lying next to him this morning on the couch only increased her desire to spend more time with him.

“Did you tell Bobby about your biopsy?” Mica asked.

Cassie shook her head. “I asked Mom not to say anything over the radio. I'd rather tell Dad in person.”

She didn't miss the concern that passed between Mica and Beth. “Wait. Mom, you didn't tell him, did you?”

Beth shook her head. “No. I was hoping we'd get the pathology report back before he gets home. Wouldn't it be great if instead of alarming him we can give him negative results?”

Cassie sipped her tea. Yeah. Dad hadn't handled Beth's cancer well. Nothing would make Beth happier than to avoid reliving the tension that had plagued her and Bobby twenty years ago.

Cassie waved a careless hand. “Don't worry, Mom. The results will come back clean. We won't have to tell Dad at all.”

She kissed each woman on the cheek. “Happy anniversary, Grandma. I hope you rock Grandpa's weekend.”

Cassie barely exited the kitchen door before bursting into tears. If the report returned positive, chances were good that Bobby and Beth would have a rough time in the next few weeks. She swiped at a tear. If she had cancer, the fight would be difficult enough. Opening old wounds for her mother and father might tip Cassie over the edge.

* * *

O
N
F
RIDAY
EVENING
, her pulse quickened at the sound of Peter's truck pulling up the driveway. Wow. Good news—and not-so-good news. Good in that she really was excited to spend time with him. Bad because, damn it all, she was all aflutter!

Beth opened her kitchen door to wave to him. Interesting. Mom had been nice to her other boyfriends since Kyle, but never quite went out of her way to greet them. Cassie stepped away from the window, smiling to herself. Peter had that effect on people. Genuine. Charming. Drop-dead gorgeous. Too good to be true?

Only time would tell.

She rushed to the hallway mirror to check her image one more time. He was already knocking. As she reached for the door, her insides tingled. She couldn't wait to see him. The past three days at the hospital had been a blur. It had been busy, and they had been working opposite shifts so they had barely seen each other. A little relief from the emotionally stormy three days since her biopsy in the form of one Peter Chapman would finish her Friday perfectly.

Oh, Lord. His grin made her knees weak. Pulling her into his arms and kissing her without saying a word sent a thrill up her spine. She wound her arms around his neck, inviting him to kiss her longer. He smelled wonderful. Soap. Salt air. A sigh rose in her throat. How did he know physical contact was exactly what she needed?