"I can imagine the hell you'd cause if you did that," he said, laughing. "No pun intended."
"Well, aren't we a sight. I can't make up my mind what I want in life--too afraid to think for myself--and you don't realize your insistent meddling is enough to send a woman out of her mind in love with you."
"If that were the case, every woman I've befriended would be in love with me, and I know for a fact that isn't true. For one, you're not."
"Are we friends?" she asked, looking flustered. She ran her hand over her military-short haircut.
It was sexy. He couldn't believe it, since he normally liked long hair. For some reason, the short hair suited her.
"I'd say we're friends," he said. "And you're clearly not in love with me. So your theory is all wet."
"Yeah." She looked like she was trying to swallow a boulder.
"What is it?"
"Nothing." She stood. "It's getting late, and I need to get some rest. Tomorrow's gonna be a busy--"
He reached out and caught her arm. "You're not running out of here. Face up to it--whatever it is. If you run, you'll only make things worse."
"Believe me. Staying here, in this room, is going to make things much worse."
"Why? What are you afraid of?" He caught her other shoulder and held her fast. "What are you running from?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
He searched her eyes and saw pain and more. He couldn't identify all the emotions he saw, but he did sense one thing that surprised him--desire. Knowing he should let her go, now, but unable to do so, he lowered his head. Just a small touch. His mouth to hers. He only needed that much. Then he could let her go.
His mind went completely blank as their mouths met. All that mattered was they way her mouth fit with his. Her lips were smooth and soft, tasting, taunting him. Her tongue teased his as he opened to her, and a groan rose up his throat. His pants tightened over his arousal.
What she did to him! He loved the feel of her body pressing closer, her curves against his angles, setting his blood afire. His head swam. His senses shut down, his vision the first to go as an explosion of needs overtook him. By God, he couldn't stop--wouldn't stop.
He swept her into his arms and, their mouths still tasting and exploring, he carried her to the bed and gently laid her down. Under heavy eyelids he gazed down as she lay below him. The sight of her, flushed, her mouth slightly swollen from their kiss, sent wave after wave of need to his center. His desire grew more demanding as he leaned closer and trailed kisses and licks down her neck.
She ground herself into his leg, which had slipped between hers, and he thought he would explode.
"Make love to me," she whispered.
He wanted to. He needed to find the woman under it all--beneath the sarcasm and I'm-okay act. The real Hailey Jensen.
He reached to her shirt and slipped it up to expose a flat stomach. She sat up, yanking her top over her head. He drunk in the sight of her breasts, firm and high, neither too large nor too small, and centered with luscious pink peaks. His mouth watered, his body ached for her.
He tasted the carnation pink flesh, his tongue teasing each one until they grew taut in his mouth. "You taste so sweet. Like the finest wine."
"I just want to feel, to be alive. Make love to me," she pleaded, the urgency in her voice clear, even in his hazy state. When she pushed him aside and deftly removed the rest of her clothes, he could scarcely wait to bury himself within her. He tried to ease her to her back, but she shook her head, and instead pushed him down.
His eyelids fell heavily, snuffing out the world, as kisses ran down his abdomen. Her hands slipped into the waistband of his pants. Zip. Snap. Swoosh. They were gone. A moment later, so were his boxers. He lay exposed to her, ready, waiting, relishing the way she'd taken control of his body. He'd never had a lover do that.
When the warmth of her mouth closed over him, it took every ounce of his strength to fight the urge to explode.
He sat up and gently pushed her back. "No you don't. I'm taking my time. You keep doing that, and I won't be able to."
She looked pleased as she let him push her down upon the bed and coax her legs apart. The smell of her, the taste of her. It was almost more than he could take. He wondered if he would ever get enough. He teased, lapped and savored every inch of her body with tongue and teeth, until her leg muscles grew rigid under his hands and her breath came in quick pants.
And then he sat up on his knees and entered her. A fire ignited at their joining. Heat shot to his head and back down to his toes. He didn't move. But she did. Her muscles inside tightened around him, and her hips slid up. This wasn't going to be a leisurely lovemaking.
Her hands grasped for him then entwined in the covers. Then she reached down between her legs, just above where he entered her. He watched in intoxicated amazement as her fingertip circled over her sensitive bud. Her muscles inside tightened again.
He started moving in rhythm to her, and the heat between them rose with each thrust. His legs and arms strained, his heart pounded out the music of their lovemaking, until his breath ceased and his head pitched back. Together they reached the crest, their voices a chorus of cries and shouts, their bodies one.
She giggled.
He snuggled her and waited for his heart rate to return to normal. He wanted to say something, figured he should, but didn't know what to say. That had been the most amazing lovemaking he'd ever experienced.
His body relaxed, muscles he hadn't realized were tense slowly unknotted. He fought sleep, knowing it would be easy to drift off, but also knowing she would need comfort and connection. He opened his eyes, pleased by the sight of her contented smile.
"Hi," she said, almost provocatively enough to spur him to do it all over again.
"Hi," he answered.
She giggled again, and he listened, surprised by the childlike behavior--so unlike her.
"What's so funny?" he asked after a moment.
"Nothing." She rolled onto her back. "I'm just enjoying an after-great-sex-buzz."
"So it was great?"
She rolled onto her side and raised herself onto an elbow, letting her head rest in her hand. "It wasn't for you?"
"Oh, no. I mean, yes. Yes, it was." He felt his face heat.
"Good. Now," she said snuggling close again, her lavender-scented hair tickling his face, let's go to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."
"But don't you want to talk about--"
"No," she interrupted. "Not now. There's plenty of time for guilt and regret tomorrow."
"Okay," he said, relieved, but at the same time troubled. They'd just crossed a major threshold, and no matter what anyone said, they couldn't go back. Things were different.
But regret? He couldn't say he regretted what they'd done. He relished the feel of her warm body resting against his, the sound of her even breathing, the smell of soap still lingering on her skin. Fresh, sexy, beautiful. An amazing woman.
He closed his eyes. Sleep treaded softly, carrying him away before he thought too much more about what their impulsive actions might cost. If she could put off worrying about it until morning, so could he.
###
Hailey woke up and for a moment forgot where she was. She moved, feeling the weight of an arm on her stomach. And that's when the groan escaped. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
She'd never wanted ties back to Detroit, even when she'd doubted her dreams of the marine rescue. Now, whether she liked it or not, she had to face what she'd done.
She hoped Rainer would see things her way, but doubted it. He didn't seem the kind of guy to have impulsive, meaningless sex. Not that she didn't respect him for it, since she didn't usually view sex so casually either.
But this complication was the last thing either of them needed. Why had she been so foolish last night? She hadn't been carried away like that before--so desperate. She stretched and moved away slowly, wanting to get a shower and wash away the remains of his touches and kisses, before she found herself wanting to repea
t last night's mistake.
Or last night's bliss.
Last night had been the most powerful, soul-shattering lovemaking she'd ever experienced. The first time she'd ever climaxed. She'd thought she knew what sex was all about. Was she wrong!
Shaking away those thoughts, which would only lead her down the wrong road again, she untangled herself from his long arms and legs and sat up. She glanced at the clock. Six o'clock. Perfect. She'd get a shower, go to the hospital, get knocked out for a few hours, then wake up and fly home--assuming she recovered okay. She'd feel horrible, she was sure. But getting away from temptation was essential.
Anything to return to her normal world. This bizarre world she'd wandered into was too much for her to take--with Heidi, her mother, and now Rainer. Yes, going back to Paws and Claws and living her former life was a soothing thought.
"Where are you going?" Rainer whispered into the darkness.
She walked toward the bathroom. "I wanted to get a shower before we go to the hospital."
"It's still early. Why don't you come back to bed?"
She stopped at the bathroom door. "Nope. Can't do that."
"Guess the guilt's settled in," he said, his voice soft, but the words clubbing her good.
"Yeah. Guess so." She turned to face him, but couldn't see much. Shadows cloaked the bed. "I'm sorry, Rainer. I don't know why I acted that way last night. I mean, I thought I knew at the time--"
"Please, don't apologize."
"But--" As she watched, a deep shadow moved. He was standing. She felt his growing nearness, until he stood directly before her.
"I don't know why we did what we did," he said. "We probably both have a myriad of reasons we don't understand. But I won't apologize. Ever. We're adults. We made a choice. We made love last night, and it was incredible. I won't ever forget it."
She groaned inwardly. That wasn't what she wanted to hear, although she had to admit she felt the same way. "Won't forget?"
"Not a chance."
"But we both agree it won't happen again," she said, wishing she could make out his expression better. The room was so dark most of his face was hidden. "Right?"
"Right."
Why didn't that make her feel better? "No strings, right?"
"Right."
That was too easy, even if he was a man. She stepped into the bathroom, the stone tiles ice cold under her feet, and swung the door closed. She flipped on the light, relieved herself and then turned on the shower.
If only water washed away everything.
Chapter 13
Hailey woke up groggy and disorientated. A nurse smiled, and Hailey tried to smile back, even though she felt terrible.
"Dr. Hartmann'll be glad to hear you're awake. How are you feeling, dearie?" the white-haired woman asked.
"Like death," she rasped, her throat dry and scratchy.
"Give yourself some time. You'll be as good as new before you know it. Do you hurt anywhere?"
"No."
"Good. We'll try to get you home and in bed before the anesthesia wears off. You'll be a bit sore for a few days." The nurse stepped closer to Hailey and slipped a hand behind her back. "Can you sit up?"
"I don't want to."
"I know. But the sooner you get home, the better. You really don't want to wait."
"Oh, yes I do." Hailey grimaced, her head swimming and foggy. She sat up and let the nurse help her dress, noting a small gauze bandage on her hips, the only visible evidence of the donation. Her legs flopped, numb and clumsy, as she slipped the cotton jogging pants up and then put on her shoes.
After she dressed, she fell back on the bed, exhausted. How would she fly home today?
A knock sounded at the door, and the nurse opened it. Rainer stepped in.
"Oh, good. She's awake. Ready to go?" he asked, as he approached.
"No."
"I want to get you comfortable before the drugs wear off. You don't want to be riding in a car without them." He helped her up, and half carried her from the room.
"I'm going to feel that bad?"
"I hope not. We'll see how you are in a bit. Depends upon your pain threshold."
"I don't do pain well," she huffed, out of breath, as they slowly walked down the corridor. "Don't I get a wheelchair, for God's sake?"
"I didn't want to wait for transport. They can take a half-hour or longer."
"I'd be glad to wait."
"I'm sure you would," he said, laughter in his voice.
"This isn't funny, damn it! I'm dizzy, nauseated and in pain. And you're running me out of here like we're in a three-legged race!"
"I'm sorry," he said, slowing the pace.
She glanced around as they rode the elevator and then walked through the lobby. When they reached the exit, Rainer helped her onto a bench by the door. An aching throb settled in her hip and traveled up her back as she sat. She groaned.
"We'll get you in bed. It's a long drive home. That's why I wanted to get you on the road as soon as possible. Once you're home, you can take some painkillers and sleep for a few hours. By tomorrow morning, you should be much better.
"But my flight tonight--"
"You didn't believe you'd be flying home today, did you?"
"Yes."
"We'll see how you feel. I wouldn't recommend it, though."
She nodded. Even the thought of sitting in an airline seat made her stomach turn and her head throb. She'd call Pete and Andrew, make sure they were doing okay and then reschedule her flight for tomorrow. What would one more day hurt? She'd probably be in a drug-induced haze anyway, wouldn't accomplish much at home even if she made it there.
And she couldn't get in too much trouble here, either.
"I'll be back in a minute. I'll bring the car around, then help you out."
"Okay." She leaned back against the cold stone wall, then jerked upright. The bone-chilling, slick surface on her back sent shivers up her spine. The quaking made her hips throb even more. Now, both hurt. The nurse had said she'd be a little sore. A little sore? She felt like someone had taken a jackhammer to her bones.
Rainer returned a few minutes later and helped her into the car. It was a long ride--one hour of increasing pain. But at least the nausea lifted. She didn't talk much, intent to close her eyes and rest. She didn't want last night to come up.
Once she was back in bed, tucked snug and warm, she couldn't stay awake, regardless of the nagging throb running up her sides. At one point, Rainer woke her and offered some codeine, but she refused, knowing it would make her sick. She'd taken codeine once, after oral surgery, and had vomited non-stop for days.
No. No major pain relievers, nothing that would delay her return home tomorrow. Her eyes flew open. Pete. She hadn't called.
She forced herself from bed and staggered, first to the bathroom to take care of personal business, and then into the hallway. As she descended the stairs, Rainer appeared at the landing below and grimaced.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I need to call home," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, but knowing she sounded like a prisoner on the rack.
"You could have waited for me to come up," he scolded, taking the steps two at a time, then wrapping an arm around her waist and helping her down the remaining stairs.
"I didn't know how long you'd be," she said, trying to ignore how good it felt to have his arm wrapped protectively around her.
"Pete's waited several days. What's one more?"
"He's a worrier. If I don't get home by the time he thinks I should, he'll assume something's happened. He'll be on the phone with the hospitals and police in no time."
"I see," he said, his tone suddenly not as friendly as it had been.
"Why did you say that like that?" She slowly sunk into the couch cushions in the living room and studied his face.
"Like what?" He walked to the dining room.
"Who's running now?"
"I'm not running," he answered, returning with the phone and waving it
before her. "I never run."
"Never?"
His gaze steady on her, he thrust the phone at her. "Never."
"Thanks," she said, taking the phone. Getting into a heated debate today was about as tempting as going through the stem cell extraction again. She shivered at the thought.
"Are you cold?" he asked, sounding worried.
"No. I'm fine." After doing some quick mental math to figure out what time it was at home, she dialed the shelter's phone number. Both Pete and Andrew should be there by now.
No answer. She pulled the phone away and stared at the digital display. Had she misdialed? She tried it again, and again. The crackly answering machine's recording repeated each time. "What the hell?"
Hoping to get answers, she dialed Pete's home number.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Pete? You're home."
"Hello, Hailey."
"Is everything all right? I tried calling the shelter."
"Everything's fine. How are you? Are you coming home today?"
"Probably not."
"Are you all right?" He sounded worried.
"I'm fine." She looked at Rainer as she spoke, but as their gazes met, he turned away. "I had some minor surgery--"
"Surgery? Hailey, what aren't you telling me?"
She ran her hand over her shorn hair. Was he in for a surprise! "Nothing. I swear I'm okay. A little sore. I'm flying home tomorrow. About the shelter--"
"It can wait until tomorrow."
She didn't like the way he said that. "What are you hiding?"
"Nothing important. You just had surgery. Take a day off."
"But--"
"Tomorrow, Hailey." His voice was firm, more direct and sure than she'd ever heard it.
"Where's Andrew? How can I get in touch with him?"
"I'll let him know you'll be home tomorrow."
"What about the land deal? Any progress?" She wanted to reach into the phone and grab him by the shoulders. Rainer looked at her, a scowl on his face. He stepped closer, a stack of newspapers in his hands.
"I'd rather wait until tomorrow, especially since you just had--"
"No. Tell me now. I don't like surprises." She sat forward, waves of expectation coursing through her veins. Her heart galloped. Rainer stood at her side and rested a hand on her shoulder.
Rescue Me (a quirky romance novel about secrets, forgiveness and falling in love) Page 15
