Take Me Again

by Mackenzie McKade

  He stepped through the doorway into the room. “Do you really want to play this game?” There was something different in his solemn tone and expression that made her pause. She'd never seen a serious side of him before.

  "Yes. I mean no games and yes I like him, but—” Damn. This was hard. She bit her bottom lip trying to find the words to express what she had to say. When Sheldon arrived the triangle between her, Dolan and Rowdy would have to end. Hell. Whatever was happening between her and Dolan would end as well. In reality she had to think about a more stable relationship, one that would offer Sheldon a home—a family—a father and mother.

  She took a hard look at Rowdy. Was he the right man?

  A frown darkened his expression as if he read her mind. “It's okay. I know I'm not the one for you."

  Confusion narrowed her eyes. Was he breaking it off with her? How fucking ironic was that?

  Even as a mocking laugh rose in her throat, so did a sense of failure and self-reproach. It made a direct hit to her heart. She swallowed, trying to push away thoughts of her ex-husband and broken marriage.

  Damn. Why did this always happen?

  He began to walk toward her and every tendon in her body grew taut. He stopped when he stood before her. Thankfully, he didn't try to touch her, but he did use the endearment he had called her ever since they'd met. “Baby, we've had fun together."

  But? she thought sarcastically, yet held her tongue. Instead her backbone stiffened, preparing for the next turn of the knife.

  What the hell is wrong with you? This is the answer to your problem.

  True. Yet it didn't take away the shot to her ego.

  This time he touched her face, tracing a finger along her jaw line. “Let's face it.” His smile didn't reach his eyes. In fact, she could swear she saw pain. “We don't have the heat that exists between you and Dolan."

  Was it that obvious?

  "Rowdy, it's just sex.” She found herself saying but not believing and neither did he.

  He cocked a brow. “Any fool can see the chemistry between the two of you. You'd have to be blind not to see you mean more to him than a quick fuck. I know Dolan. We've shared women before, but you're different. Hell. He actually growled at me when I attempted to kiss you the last time we were together."

  Now that he mentioned it, Dolan had seemed agitated. Tracy had chalked it up to the fact he had several more appointments that afternoon. But as she thought more about it he had become possessive and demanding.

  Cait's earlier comment touched Tracy's mind. “But once they settle down it's for good. They're one-woman men."

  Dolan had asked her to move in with him. Could that mean—

  The glimmer of hope she allowed herself to feel vanished when a shadow crept across Rowdy's face.

  "It's time for me to move on.” As if he suddenly became aware of his melancholy he flashed a grin that appeared a little too tight to be believable, and then he winked. “Let me take you home before I change my mind."

  He tried to grasp her hand, but she pulled away. “What if he doesn't want me?” Insecurities rushed in to meet her. Rowdy was walking away. What if Dolan did the same?

  As tears surfaced, Rowdy hauled her into his arms. Comfort surrounded her as it always did when he attempted to ease her mind.

  "Baby, he'd be an idiot not to love you."

  She prayed he was right. “What about us?” she asked. “Will we still be friends, even if Dolan doesn't—?” She choked on the thought, unable to complete her sentence.

  "I'll always be here for you,” he promised, giving her a little squeeze. “Who knows, maybe some day I'll find a woman—” He stopped abruptly. “C'mon, let me take you home."

  "Rowdy, is everything okay?"

  He gifted her with one of his fabulous smiles. “Of course."

  As he ushered her out the door, Tracy knew he wasn't all right. Was it a woman?

  "Rowdy?"

  "Hmmm?"

  "I'll always be here for you, too, if you ever want to talk."

  He stopped, pulling her into his arms. She felt him tense. Heard the breath he sucked in. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he whispered, “Thank you.” Then as quickly as he had embraced her he released her, opened the truck door, and she slid inside. She watched as he walked around the vehicle and got in, refusing to look at her as he started the engine.

  As he pulled out of Dolan's driveway, Tracy knew there was more to Rowdy then what he allowed others to see. Would she ever really know him?

  Maybe—maybe not.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Sixteen

  The weekend had been as chaotic as the first three days of the week. Tracy opened the supply room door and slipped inside, the door closing behind her. Dolan's schedule had been complicated by a conference, which meant she had picked up the slack. She stared at the rows of supplies on the metal shelves. Everything seemed to have a place, except for what she was looking for. Gauze pads. She ran her gaze along the top shelf.

  The work this past week had been invigorating and rewarding. She dropped her gaze to the second row of shelves. “Syringes, cotton balls...” Her mind drifted as she continued to list the supplies in her head instead of out loud.

  Dolan had been right. The staff was wonderful to work with. Dr. Zimmerman was a wealth of knowledge. She had met so many influential people. Some were receptive to a female vet—some not.

  But she wouldn't give up.

  Her gaze dropped to the final row and began to scan it.

  The only real problem about this last week—she had missed Dolan something terrible. The nights he hadn't called left her fidgety and on edge. Of course there was that other issue. Sheldon. The opportunity to speak to him about her nephew never seemed to present itself. At least she felt good about the caregiver she had hired.

  She pivoted around and spied several boxes in the corner. As she headed toward them, she pondered how comfortable she felt with the mother of two. Mandy's children were around Sheldon's age. Plus she provided an activity schedule that met with Tracy's approval. The location was convenient, within several blocks of the office. She would be able to take Sheldon to lunch from time to time.

  Leaning over a box, she ripped the tape off. Rummaging through the contents, she nearly jumped out of her skin when someone slid behind her and pressed against her ass. Strong hands gripped her hips, held her close so that she could feel that “someone” was all male. Relief flittered through her. She hadn't seen Dolan since she arrived at the office this morning.

  There was so much she wanted—needed to say to him. Sheldon would be arriving Saturday and she had to find out what that meant to their relationship. But for now, she wanted to feel his arms around her.

  Easing back into him as she stood, she asked, “So how was the conference—” Her voice froze as she inhaled a clean woodsy scent. Everything inside her screamed, Oh God. No. The familiar cologne told her immediately who held her and it wasn't Dolan. Looking over her shoulder, she was greeted with a smirk stretched across Zach's smug face.

  The damn man had the nerve to smooth his palms to her waist, holding her immobile when she tried to step away. “Expecting someone else, Dr. Marx?” His arms folded around her waist, pulling her nearer. His peppermint breath brushed her neck, sending chills across her skin.

  Dammit. This could only happen to her. Would he tell his father about her and Dolan? “Mr. Zimmerman—"

  "Zach.” He caressed her cheek with his. “Call me Zach."

  "Mr. Zimmerman, this is inappropriate.” Her heart raced a mile a minute as she stood perfectly still, unsure of how to break from his hold without making a scene. “Please release me.” Her voice trembled, giving away her nervousness.

  "You don't really want me to let you go? Now do you?” His tone was mocking. Something warm and wet against her skin made her struggle. “Hush, doll.” He licked a path up her neck.

  "Stop this minute,” she demanded, but was thrown off guard when he turned
her in his arms. She struggled to catch her footing, giving him the opportunity to pull her to him.

  He was stronger, controlling her as she slammed against his chest, close enough that their noses were a breath away. “Clearly you haven't asked the same of Crane."

  What the fuck? His words lit the fuse to her anger. Who the hell did he think he was?

  "Get your hands off me.” This time her voice held all the fury his comment conjured. Instead of letting her go he lowered his head, pressing his mouth to hers.

  A moment of shock held her in its steely grip. Before she could draw back her hand and slap the shit out of the asshole, the door flew open.

  Dolan stood like an avenging angel in the doorway. Rage burned in his eyes. The red-hot glare he pinned on Zach was enough to melt iron.

  Yet Zach appeared unruffled. The sonofabitch smiled. Hugging her closer like a lover, he said “Joining us?” A whimper of distress surfaced as she pressed her palms on his shoulders and shoved, but he held her tightly. “I bet you've discovered how much our little doctor enjoys threesomes.” He snuggled against her neck. “Don't you, honey?"

  Dolan jerked his hot stare to her. Denial stuck in her throat. She felt her eyelids widen in disbelief as his accusing stare struck her like arrows to the heart. She gasped.

  He believed Zach?

  Before she could find her voice, he turned his back on her, and the door closed behind him. She didn't even get the opportunity to explain. Resentment and outrage hit her at the same time another pang in her chest resulted.

  "That's Crane.” Zach's insulting tone had returned. “Love ‘em and leave ‘em.” He paused briefly. “Ahhh ... Did you think you'd be different?” He looked into her misty eyes. “You did. Well, I'm here now.” He lowered his head, aiming for her lips, as she thrust her knee upward.

  Blood drained from his face. His painful groan revealed she had hit her mark. His body jerked as he released her. Hugging his family jewels, his knees buckled before he crumbled like a day-old cookie to the floor.

  God only knows what came over her. Instead of turning around and beating the living crap out of the bastard, she ran out of the supply room. Yanking her head from left to right and back again, she stared down every hallway, desperate to find Dolan.

  Dressed in green scrubs, Beth was coming out of the surgical room. She pushed her glasses up her nose, holding an x-ray she studied in her other hand.

  Tracy pulled to a stop before her. “Crane,” she breathed his name. “Have you seen him?"

  She shook her head. Her expression filled with concern. “Is something wrong, Dr. Marx?"

  Tracy tried to smile, hiding the fact her pulse was racing out of control. Tears hid just behind her eyelids. Damn. She had never let a man get to her like Dolan did. “No. I just need to catch him before—” She caught a glimpse of Courtney as she turned around a corner. “Courtney?"

  The young blonde reappeared into the hallway. “Yes, Dr. Marx."

  "Have you seen Dr. Crane?"

  The young technician released a nervous chuckle. “Left out the back door like his tail was on fire. Emergency I guess, but he looked mad enough to spit nails. Do you want me to get him on the telephone for you?"

  "No.” Maybe Tracy could catch him. Moving hastily, she headed for the back entrance. The screech of tires met her as she opened the door. Dolan's truck fishtailed as he gassed it.

  Gone, whispered through her mind. She swallowed hard, fighting back emotion clawing at her throat.

  Who was she kidding? Like Zach said, it was just a matter of time. A leopard didn't change it spots. Dolan was a steadfast bachelor. He lived in the fast line. She couldn't keep up with him. Besides there was much more at stake here—her career and Sheldon.

  Swallowing hard, she struggled to pull herself together. Wiping angrily at tears, she took one more look down the road, and then she walked back to the building.

  Inside, she tried to remember what she'd been doing before her world spun out of control. “Gauze pads,” she said aloud. She had used the last one on her most recent client, a curious cat with a two-inch laceration on its head. Hopefully, he had learned that there were some places that didn't need to be explored. She'd have to remember that in the future.

  Dolan slammed his hand on the steering wheel. He still hadn't come to grips with catching Tracy in Zach's arms. His pain had turned to anger. For some damn reason he felt betrayed. Yeah. It was true that she had never promised herself to him. She hadn't even committed to moving in with him. The last week had been hell wondering what she was doing. Now he knew.

  "Dumbshit,” he chastised. Here he was opening his home and more importantly his heart to her, while she was finding other entertainment. Damn it to hell. How could he have been so wrong about her?

  Bring. Bring. He glanced down at his cell phone. He was in no mood to talk to anyone. The insistent ringing made him extract the telephone from his belt and look at the caller ID. Cord's name flashed in green letters. He flipped the cover open and pressed it to his ear.

  "It's time,” his cousin said with eagerness in his voice. “How close are you?"

  Dolan looked around in a daze. He had left the office in a blinding rage, having no idea where he was going, only that he had to get away. Culver's ranch appeared in the distance and he knew immediately where he was. “About ten minutes. Has her water broke?” Just his luck that Taylor Tweeds, Cait's mare, took this moment to foal.

  "Not yet,” Cord answered just as Cait squealed in the background. “Let me take that back. Better hurry."

  Dolan gassed it. Looking both ways before he proceeded, he didn't hesitate at the four way stop he encountered. Neither did he slow down until he pulled to a stop in front of Cord's stables.

  Grabbing his medical bag, he wasted no time getting out of the truck and making haste. As he entered the dim building, the black mare was lying on her side. Her stomach clenched. Her wrapped tail arched as she groaned and pushed. A smooth sac protruded between the mare's vulva. Another push and the foal's front hooves appeared, one slightly ahead of the other.

  "Thank God, you're here.” Excitement and fear were written across Cait's taut face.

  Cord draped his arm around her shoulder. “Honey, everything will be just fine.” But even his expression looked brittle.

  "Yes. But—” She swallowed hard, tears in her voice. Taylor Tweeds had lost her first colt. The mare had come into labor too early. It was only normal that Cait would be apprehensive.

  Dolan forced a smile. “She'll be fine.” He continued to watch the mare for any signs of distress. Finding none, he said, “She looks good."

  Cait whimpered when the horse groaned in pain. “Are you going to help her?"

  "It's best if these things happen naturally. Let's just watch, quietly.” She took Dolan's suggestion, holding tightly onto her husband.

  Several minutes passed. Another contraction and the foal's legs pushed out around the knees. If there would be any problems they would usually happened around this point in the process. The nose and head should follow shortly.

  Dolan waited.

  The next contraction resulted without any progress. The mare's stomach heaved again—no signs of the foal's head.

  He was a breath away from intervening when the mare struggled to stand, her legs shaking like rubber beneath her. The foal slid back into the mare's womb.

  Cait gasped.

  Surely she knew that this was normal. “Standing is the body's way of repositioning the foal, Cait,” he whispered in an attempt to calm her.

  Taylor Tweeds groaned, pushing to stumble back to the floor of straw.

  "Cord?” Cait grabbed her husband's arm.

  "Shhh, baby."

  Another push and the foal's nose and head appeared. Dolan breathed a sigh of relief.

  "Oh,” Cait cried softly, turning in Cord's arms and hugging him.

  After the head and shoulders were delivered the mare rested. Her body quivered.

  "There, girl,” Dolan
spoke softly as he entered the clean stall lined with dry, fresh straw. He picked up a towel from a stack nearby and approached. Kneeling, he towel dried the foal's head, ensuring his nostrils and throats were clear. It was another ten minutes before the foal's rear feet appeared.

  "Filly,” he said.

  "Yes,” Cait hissed. “Are both okay?"

  "Looking good."

  While mother and foal rested, he got to his feet and stepped away. It was at this point that the mare transferred a large, vital amount of blood to the foal. Opening his bag he extracted his stethoscope, a large syringe filled with a mixture of Nolvasan, and a few more items he would need to examine the foal.

  Cord shot Dolan a concerned look, but didn't speak until Cait walked toward the mare and filly. “Everything really okay?” he whispered.

  "They're fine. Need to check the foal out more thoroughly, but they look good to me."

  "How ‘bout you?"

  "Me?” Other than his broken heart he was fuckin’ great.

  "Yeah you? Tracy?” His cousin struck a chord when he said her name.

  Visions of her kissing Zach popped in his head. Had she been with the sonofabitch every night he was gone? Jealousy followed pain with anger short on its heels. He just shook his head in disbelief.

  "What happened?"

  By the time he finished sharing all the ugly details with Cord, Taylor Tweeds had made it to her feet, breaking the umbilical cord. Her legs appeared steady as she nosed her new babe.

  Dolan approached the foal that had yet to get to her feet. He eased the solution in the syringe into a small glass and set it aside as he began to examine the filly.

  "Could you have misread what you saw?” Cait interrupted his thoughts as he checked the foal's eyes for pupil response.

  So she had been listening.

  Placing the ear tips of the stethoscope in his ears, he pressed the chest piece to the foal's damp skin and listened. “Strong heart sound and rate.” Repositioning the stethoscope, he remained quiet for several seconds. “Clear lungs.” When he was prepared to check the foal's mouth and leg conformation Cait spoke again.

  "You know how much Zach hates you. Besides you'd have to be blind not to see Tracy is crazy about you."