by Allie Burton
His body slumped. They were adults, even Jay. They thought they didn’t need him. Maybe they didn’t. Maybe it was time to let them build their own lives. Maybe it was time he built his own life. His body jammed. He wouldn’t even know where to begin. His dreams of moving to somewhere tropical and exotic after college had evaporated when the responsibility of his siblings had been thrust upon him. Plus, he enjoyed his job. Being an accountant, as he planned, didn’t appeal any longer.
“You wouldn’t want to get sick and not be able to take care of Jay.” Keaton used one of Paul’s standard reasonings.
He always told them they needed to take care of themselves first if they were needed to take care of someone else. It was a lesson he’d preached, never practiced. There’d been no time. “Okay. I’ll be back in thirty minutes. If the doctor comes, call me.”
“Don’t forget to take Vivienne with you.” Keaton’s tone rose in a tease and she wiggled her eyebrows. “And you can take longer than thirty minutes.”
The tips of his ears steamed. He hoped Vivienne hadn’t caught the sexual suggestion. His sister’s manipulation was blatant.
Holding the hospital room door open, he led her to the elevator and the nurse’s station. He didn’t say a word. “Hey, Rosa. Do you have Miss Tucker’s suitcase back there?”
The nurse’s normally bright smile faltered. She probably assumed they were a couple. “Sure.”
Standing next to him, Vivienne tapped her heeled foot on the linoleum floor. “You don’t have to let me stay at your house. I’ll find someplace.”
The agent never should’ve come. She could’ve called or emailed to learn the extent of Jay’s injuries. Would Paul have answered? Probably not.
“I can call around and check the local hotels.” Rosa was a sweetie. Always being nice. So different from Vivienne.
She glowered back and forth between him and the nurse. Her forehead furrowed together as if putting together a puzzle.
“My sister is right. The hotels will be booked.” Waving to the nurse, he grabbed the suitcase, the same suitcase he’d carried another night, and hurried out of the hospital. He wanted to get home, take a shower, and get back. He spotted his car in the parking lot. “This way.”
The four-wheel drive vehicle was dirty and beat up. It was spring, and snow and rain storms mixed together making the roads filthier than normal. He didn’t care if she got her pristine designer coat dirty. He really didn’t.
“Maybe you should call Luke Logan and stay with him.” Paul sounded petty with churlishness curling inside. At least he didn’t sound jealous.
Her tiny nose crinkled. “Luke’s a newlywed. I’m not going to bother him.”
Paul had heard about the skier getting married which meant the kiss he’d witnessed was innocent as she’d claimed. He couldn’t think of any other options where she could stay. She got in the car with no complaints and they arrived at his house less than five minutes later.
“You live close.” She peered out the window at the single story, A-frame house, curiosity evident in her expression.
“Convenient for my job.” He pulled into the driveway and his lungs seized.
What did she think of his home?
The yellow grass of the lawn hadn’t started showing signs of spring. The trees were barren, adding no color. The roof’s pointed peak hit the top of a tree. Inspecting the house from an outsider’s view it could probably use a good coat of paint.
Something else to add to his to-do list.
“Do you work out of the hospital?”
His chin dropped, and he gaped. They had a night of incredible sex, but they really didn’t know each other. Self-loathing slid across his skin. They should’ve talked first, had a glass of wine, laughed together before making love. “Paramedic, remember?”
He opened the car door, got out, and yanked her suitcase from the back. He had to remember she’d used him for sex. They weren’t lovers and they weren’t friends.
She got out of the car and slammed the door. “I remember.” Following him up the small sidewalk, she added, “I didn’t realize you worked out of the hospital. I thought it might be the fire station.”
He unlocked the front door and opened it for her. His gut twinged, hoping the house was clean. He’d left in such a hurry yesterday. He swept his gaze around the living room. No dirty clothes or dirty dishes. Every once in a while, things got busy and Jay got lazy. Relaxing, Paul dropped the keys and his cell phone on the table by the front door.
“You can stay in Keaton’s room.” Serves her right for offering. He carried the suitcase past the living room and down the hallway.
Vivienne’s heels clicked behind him. “Where will your sister sleep?”
“She’ll bunk with Colby.” He pointed at the bathroom. “There’s a bathroom here.”
“What about Jay’s room? I don’t want to put anyone out.”
Paul chuckled imagining the pristine Vivi in his brother’s sloppy room. It had been a constant battle between them. “You don’t want to sleep in there.”
Opening another door, he dropped her suitcase inside. He refused to carry it in any further. That’s how he got in trouble the last time. “Here you go. I’m going to take a quick shower.”
Her emerald eyes went wider. The brightness spotlighting him in a heated cone of desire. Was she remembering when they’d showered?
Lust roared from inside and he had to tamp it down. Correction. He’d be taking a cold shower. He needed a few minutes alone, away from her to get his head in the game. “Make yourself at home.”
* * *
How was Vivienne supposed to make herself at home in his home?
She tiptoed into the bedroom and sank onto the twin bed. The room reminded her of her childhood bedroom before her parents died. Twin bed with a canopy. Matching dresser and desk. Shelves filled with books, awards, photos of friends. The room said so much about its occupant.
The bedroom in her condo had no knick-knacks and minimal fuss. Clean and calm, a place to lay her head when she was in town. A place she didn’t have to worry about when she left. No emotional rollercoasters. No old dolls gathering dust. No framed photos reminding her of what she’d lost. No memories from her past.
A bump came from the other side of the wall that the bed was positioned against. Paul’s room must connect to this one. How was she supposed to sleep knowing he’d be on the other side of the thin wall? She took a strangled breath.
So close, and yet so far.
Distant really. He’d acted distant and angry the entire morning. Each of his comments pricked deeper. He didn’t want her in Castle Ridge, and especially staying in his home. She didn’t want to stay here either. It felt too intimate. She’d missed him over the months, and not just the fantastic sex. Loneliness had returned making her dream of more. She’d missed his warm grin and caring personality. She’d missed how he made her feel special. Getting to know him and his family and then leaving would tear a wound in her heart that would take a long time to heal. The reason she never got too close. Maybe she should leave before that happened.
When she’d heard about Jay’s accident, she’d worried about her future champion. She’d also worried about how his older brother was dealing with the situation. The unusual and conflicting emotions had been a battle. Her concern had been for both brothers, but she couldn’t help with the medical side of things. The entire trip she’d fantasized about holding Paul in her arms and comforting him.
As he’d done for her.
She snorted. Definitely not the way things had happened. This afternoon she’d find a hotel room and charter a flight as soon as possible. Hurt firmed her conviction. She didn’t have to stay here and take his bad attitude. She wanted to know the extent of Jay’s injuries before leaving, wanted to talk to him and assure him she’d do everything she could. Other clients had worked with expert surgeons and physical therapists. He could rebound, too.
The noise of water being turned on startled. Paul was get
ting into the shower. Naked. No other way to take a shower. She knew because she’d dragged him in one partially clothed. Her face flushed, and she jumped to her feet. She’d acted the brazen hussy that night because she hadn’t wanted to be alone. The urge to go to him now was strong. Attraction crackled between them whether he’d admit to it or not. She recognized the signs. When they’d been arguing in the hospital room this morning, their bodies had tilted closer and closer and closer.
Their conversation had been angry, even while their bodies sizzled.
She tugged the sweater away from her throat. Moving toward the bedroom door, she scanned the hall toward his room. No. She wouldn’t throw herself at him again. Swiveling on her heel, she headed into the living room.
The well-loved home was filled with comfy furniture you didn’t have to worry about getting messy. Magazines littered the coffee table where rings from cups held a place of honor. Her all-white furniture never would’ve survived the Bradford family. Even she was afraid to sit on her couch.
An upright piano was pushed into a corner. Music sheets sat out and the keys were worn from use.
Did Paul play? The urge to learn more about him stirred. She wished she’d said yes when he’d asked her out after they’d made love. She’d wanted to say yes. But why bother when she’d only been in town a few days and he had serious stamped across his forehead? Their situation was the reverse of how most dating situations worked.
She picked up a family photo sitting on the fireplace mantle. Paul’s blond hair was cropped short. His blue gaze gleamed with a joy she’d never seen. He was far too serious, now. He stood beside an older version of himself. And beside him, an older woman who resembled both his sisters. In front of them, sitting on the couch were Jay, Keaton, and Colby.
They looked happy. Before the tragedy of their parents’ deaths had ruined those expressions forever. The loss mirrored her own.
And yet, Jay had never appeared sad. He had a passion for life and adventure. Keaton and Colby both seemed fun-loving. Paul had done a great job raising them. Vivienne was proud of him. Even though he probably wouldn’t care two flying moose what she thought.
Two flying moose? She slapped her hand over her mouth. She hadn’t thought of the saying since her childhood in Minnesota. This country air was making her woozy.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Paul’s cellphone rang on the table by the front door. Should she answer? He’d told her to make herself at home, yet answering his phone was a little too personal.
What if it was Rosa? What if it was the hospital?
Hurrying to the table, she picked up the phone and read the screen. It was Castle Ridge Hospital. Her finger hovered above the green button as the phone continued to ring. Good news or bad? Either way, he’d want to know.
She dashed down the hall and knocked on his bedroom door. “Paul?”
No response. She heard the shower go off. Twisting the handle, she knocked again. “Paul?”
Her stomach tightened. What if he was standing naked on the other side of the door? It’s not as if she hadn’t seen him naked before. She had. And she’d loved it. Would love to see him naked again.
Stop thinking. She pushed open the door and answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Paul Bradford?”
“No. Just a second and I’ll get him.”
The room was empty. A made-up bed with a simple blue quilt. An old-fashioned dresser with a mirror. A matching tall chest. The closet door was open and was filled with an assortment of jeans, sweatshirts, and his professional attire.
She moved further into the room, each step landing like concrete even though the ground was covered in plush carpet. Faster, she pushed herself. Raising her hand to knock on the bathroom door, she thought about taking a message.
The door swung inward and Paul barreled out of the bathroom and right into her.
The slam of his hot, naked body jolted similar to an earthquake. Tremors of reaction and lust shook her to the core. Images of the last time she’d been with him naked scorched like molten lava. She wanted to melt against him.
He grabbed her elbows to stop them from tumbling to the ground. His clean scent surrounded her. “What the hell are you doing in my bedroom?”
She took a tiny step back noting everything from the top of his sopping wet hair dripping water onto his broad shoulders. Hair covered his chest and trailed down to his waist, which was covered by a small blue towel.
She licked her lips. “Phone.” She held it out to him. “Hospital.”
Panic spiked in his gaze and he snatched the phone. “Hello. This is Paul.”
The towel slipped an inch from his waist and she stilled.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He set the phone down on the bedside table and whirled toward the closet forgetting her completely.
She cleared her throat and he swiveled back around. “Is Jay okay?”
“He’s awake.” Paul grabbed her elbow and lust flared on his face.
Desire echoed inside her. Seeing his wet body had memories flooding back through her and pooling in intimate places. “Good.”
“It is good.” Holding her elbow, he tugged her closer. Her soft breasts bumped into his hard chest. Her nipples pebbled. His hand came up and cupped her chin, his fingers stroking the sensitive underside. A shiver sprinted across her skin and she lifted her head.
His mouth lowered to hers in a thin, cruel line. “I wish we had more time, Vivi.” He murmured against her lips. “I’ve got to get back to the hospital.”
It took her a second to recognize the mean tone and hard lips. It took another second to realize his intent. She wasn’t going to be left behind. This is why she’d come, not to have sex with Paul. “I’m going, too.”
Tossing on his shirt, he gave her a stern glare. “You’re not family.”
“I don’t care. I’m going. I’ll walk if I have to.” She refused to let him almost kiss her one minute and toss her aside the next.
Arching his brows, he ogled her body stopping at her feet. “In those heels?”
“It’s not far.” So what if her feet ached so bad she never wore heels again.
His hands went to the towel around his waist. She sucked in her breath, her gaze glued to what was beneath.
“We’re wasting time. Let me get my pants on, in private, and we’ll go.”
She’d gotten her way. Why did she feel schooled? Because he’d recognized her neediness.
Less than five minutes later they were in the car and arriving at the hospital. The same nurse greeted them. “I heard the good news, Paul.”
He punched the elevator button. “I’m hurrying there now.”
Stepping inside the elevator, they were once again alone and in intimate quarters. Hot desire still swamped Vivienne, and from the nurse’s overly-friendly greeting she couldn’t stop the irrational jealousy snapping her nerves. The boring elevator music should’ve soothed. It didn’t.
She tried to keep her voice calm, friendly, not really interested. She leaned against the back wall. “Do you know most of the hospital staff? Since you work in the building.”
He shrugged. “Most of them.”
“Date many of them?” She wanted to whack her hand on her forehead.
Swiveling, he stepped in front of her. His gaze narrowed with intensity as if wondering why she’d asked. “Not really.”
He was only a few inches away. The image of him in only a towel burned her retinas. The muscular calves and thighs leading to the covered portion of his body. The towel hadn’t hidden the bulge beneath. She could kiss him, finish what they’d started in his bedroom, except they were riding an elevator and he’d been a jerk at his home.
“Rosa, the nurse, wants to date you.” Vivienne had seen it in the nurse’s covert inspection, in her offer to help find a hotel room.
His eyes flashed a warning. “Just because you said no to a date doesn’t mean I’m desperate and need your help finding someone else.”
Is that what he thought? “I wasn’t…I didn’t….” She hadn’t turned him away in his bedroom. She’d wanted him. She wanted more than his body. Her knees quaked. Where had the thought come from? Whatever this was between them could never be permanent. Him, stuck in Castle Ridge with his family. Her, flying around the world for her clients.
And yet, the need to caress him, to make love to him again, crushed her common sense. Did he not realize she needed him? He must after the way he acted in his bedroom. Confusion wrapped a knot in her normally clear-thinking mind.
Without conscious thought, she angled into him and placed her mouth on his for a short, quick kiss. With an urgent moan, he wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer. The constant simmering between them sparked and the kiss went deeper. Her knees gave way and she clung to his shoulders. His tongue teased the seam of her mouth and she opened for him, ready to let him inside. Her mouth, her body, her heart.
There was a ringing in her ears. A ding she barely registered.
“Paul? Vivienne?” Jay sounded hoarse and rough. “She’s mine!”
The doors to the elevator had opened.
Her entire body numbed. She didn’t belong to Jay. There’d never been any kind of attraction on either of their parts. Definitely not on hers. He was too young, barely eighteen. A kid.
And she liked his big brother.
The realization walloped. More than liked. Paul was special to her because of the way he’d made her feel that very first night. Loved and cherished and an important part of his life. He was different than other men she’d encountered because of his concern for his family, his dedication to his job, his caring. They’d had this instant connection that she’d blamed on the circumstances of the night. And yet, that connection had never disconnected even when he was furious with her about his brother.
What had she been thinking by kissing him in an elevator? Anger and jealousy and desire had combined and prodded her to make the first move. And don’t forget seeing him naked only minutes ago.
