“If I knew when I got dressed earlier we’d end up here I would’ve planned accordingly.”
Vaughn kissed her leg, and then tickled the back of her knee with his tongue. Sienna giggled in response.
“Ticklish, huh?” That was all the incentive he needed. Vaughn trailed kisses up the length of her body. He gave prolonged attention to spots that were sensitive for her. He didn’t stop until he was poised at her lips. “I think you’re sexy as hell—regardless of what you’re wearing.”
She blushed at his compliment. “How do you always know the perfect thing to say?”
“I guess it comes naturally when I’m with you.”
“You have too many clothes on,” Sienna stated pointing to his pants. “It’s your turn.”
His eyes never broke contact with hers as he eased off the bed. Standing, Vaughn lowered his pants and stepped out of them.
Sienna looked him over appreciatively. “Hmm…looks like I’m not the only one not keeping secrets tonight. You aren’t wearing them either.”
“Pity,” he told her returning back to the bed. He covered her body lightly with his.
Sienna moaned aloud when they made contact. When Vaughn wedged his knee between her legs she shuddered. “Now you’re killing me.”
“With pleasure?”
“Always.”
Vaughn placed both of her wrists in his hand and raised them over her head. Sienna gasped.
He let go and was off her in an instant. “What’s the matter? Sweetheart, did I hurt you?”
“No, you didn’t. I guess I just hurt my side earlier.”
He searched her face. “Sienna, when were you going to tell me? How long has it been bothering you?”
“Vaughn, I just noticed it in the shower. I reached for something and felt it. I’m sure it’s just a bruise.”
He glared at her. “You don’t know that for sure. We should go get it x-rayed to rule out a broken rib or something.”
“Vaughn, it’s not major. The ATV rolled over on me. I’m bound to have some soreness over the next few days. I promise if it feels worse I’ll go get it checked out,” she soothed reaching for him.
He was still tense. “If it’s not better tomorrow, we’re going in,” he clarified.
“Okay, okay.”
“Where does it hurt?”
She lifted up her top and pointed to her ribcage on her right side. Vaughn leaned in to examine it. He ran his fingers lightly over her skin. Sienna tried to remain on an even keel, but it was difficult. His warm touch was causing her breathing to accelerate.
When she felt his lips on her skin her eyes fluttered closed. “Vaughn,” she pleaded.
“I’m right here, baby,” he returned to the attention he was giving her body.
This time when he leaned over her he supported most of his weight with his forearms. Sienna wanted to feel him against her, but it was clear Vaughn was being overly cautious. Wanting him closer, she wrapped her legs around his middle to pull him in. She almost saw stars.
She wasn’t fast enough to hide the pained expression. He took her legs in each of his hands and gently eased them back onto the bed.
He took a deep breath and expelled it raggedly.
When the pain subsided, Sienna eyed him quizzically. “Vaughn?”
“Doc, I want you so badly, but—”
“If you want me, why do you look so tortured?”
He closed his eyes. “Sweetheart, we can’t—”
Sienna’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God,” she murmured. Her face drained of color and she leaned as far away from him as she could manage. “I can’t believe this,” she cried out.
“Sienna—”
“You’re married,” she blurted out.
Vaughn looked incredulous. “Huh? What are you talking about? Doc, I’m not married.”
“Then what is it you’re not telling me? I…I don’t think you’re gay, but—”
“Whoa, slow down,” he cut her off. “I’m not gay, married, nor am I a priest.”
Her face crinkled with confusion. “Then I don’t understand. Why don’t you want to sleep with me?”
“Are you crazy? Sienna, I want to—very much. He slid his hand under her top and raised it past the now reddened area above her ribcage. He lowered his head and feathered a soft kiss on her bruised skin before returning his gaze to her face. “I just don’t think we should make love until we get your side checked out by a doctor.”
She searched his face. “That’s all?”
He took her face in his hands. “Believe me that is the only reason why I stopped.”
Sienna released the breath she was holding. “It’s not that bad, Vaughn. I can handle this.”
Vaughn smiled. “Sienna, our lovemaking is supposed to be bringing us pleasure, not pain.”
She averted her eyes.
He tilted her face toward him. “Hey, this isn’t easy for me, either.”
She snorted, “could’ve fooled me.”
He placed a finger under her chin and tilted her face to meet his. “Sleeping next to you and not being able to make you mine is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Trust me when I tell you it poses a serious challenge. I may not even sleep tonight.”
Her face lit up. “You’re going to spend the night?”
“Where did you think I’d be? I’m sure as heck not leaving you alone. You may take a turn for the worse and need to go to the hospital. Besides, I couldn’t stay away from you if I tried,” he admitted. He studied her face. “You don’t want me to stay?”
“Vaughn, of course I want you to stay,” she assured him.
“Good to know. I’ll take the couch.”
“No. I want you here—right here,” she pointed next to her. “You may not be sleeping with me tonight, but I want you sleeping in this bed,” her eyes sought his out. “You aren’t the only one that can’t stay away.”
“I don’t want to run the risk of hurting you during the night.”
“You won’t,” she said, confidently.
He kissed the bridge of her nose. “All right, Doc.” Vaughn got up and went to throw another log on the fire. He went to the bathroom while he was up. When he returned, he helped Sienna get comfortable in bed before sliding in next to her.
He gathered her carefully in his arms. “Can I get you anything, or do you want to watch television?”
“Nope,” Sienna replied trying hard to lose the visual in her head of him in nothing but boxer briefs. “I’m fine right here.”
Silently, they gazed at the fire blazing in the hearth. Occasionally, Vaughn would rub her shoulder or kiss the top of her head. Sienna was perfectly happy spending this intimate time with him. Their tumultuous beginning made the recent declarations between them even more special. They were best friends now, and soon would be lovers. Just anticipating their union made her antsy. This is how it should be. She let out a contented sigh. Her last thought before she drifted into unconsciousness was of Vaughn wearing nothing but a devilish smile.
Chapter Seventeen
A Second Opinion
Vaughn heard Sienna’s breathing even out. She was finally asleep. He gazed at the ceiling. Beads of perspiration were forming at his brow. If he slept at all tonight it would be a miracle. The effort to keep his body in check this close to Sienna was herculean. The only thing prohibiting him from burying himself deep within her honeyed walls was her injuries. At this point they didn’t know how extensive they were. Not being able to get her looked at that night made him more on edge.
Suddenly, Sienna shifted in her sleep. Her hand was centimeters from his groin. Lord, I’m going to lose my mind, he lamented. Slowly so not to wake her, Vaughn raised her hand back to his chest. He kept his fingers at her wrist. A breathe escaped his mouth in a loud shudder. You can do this. No matter what the personal sacrifice to his mind—or body—Vaughn refused to knowingly cause Sienna pain. If that meant being tortured all night with fantasies of making love to her,
and that intoxicating scent of hers overwhelming his senses, so be it.
The next morning, Sienna woke up to find herself stretched across Vaughn’s expansive chest. She blinked a few times to be sure she wasn’t dreaming. Nope. It’s real all right. The silly grin plastered on her face was spreading by the second. Vivian wouldn’t believe the turn of events her life had taken in two short days.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Vaughn’s deep voice rumbled in the ear she had lying on his chest.
The vibration tickled. Sienna lifted her head. Her hair splayed across his chest. “Morning,” she leaned in and kissed him.
When she pulled back she got a good look at his face. Her smile vanished. “Vaughn, you look like warmed over crap.”
“Thank you, I feel like it, too.”
“You didn’t get any sleep?”
He rubbed his hand over her back. “A certain sex goddess kept me up all night with erotic images dancing through my head.”
Sienna cautiously raised herself up. “Vaughn, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to be up all night.”
“Baby, it’s okay. It wasn’t all night just some of it. I’m fine, really.”
She kissed him lingeringly on the lips. Vaughn’s smile could have rivaled the silly grin on her face moments earlier. “This is how I want to wake up every time we’re together.”
Her hand drifted over his abdomen. “I think that can be arranged,” she said, teasingly. When it went lower, he lightly grabbed her wrist. “Doc, you’re playing with fire. My defenses are weakest in the morning.”
“Ooh, good to know.”
Her suggestive tone got to him. In one swift motion Vaughn turned her over and under him. Sienna cried out in pain. He was off her in an instant. “Damn, I’m sorry. I forgot.”
“I’m fine,” her hand instinctively went to her side.
He moved her hand out of the way and raised her shirt. Her bruise was deep purple. “That’s it. We’re going to the hospital. I’ll help you into the bathroom and when you’re ready we’ll get you dressed.”
He got up off the bed and went to retrieve his clothes. “We’ll stop at a coffee shop on the way.”
“This is crazy, Vaughn. It’s just a bruise. All bruises hurt worst on the second day. Everyone knows that.”
Vaughn ran a thumb lightly over her lips. “Humor me, Doc.”
Her stomach fluttered. There was no way she could refuse him when he looked at her like that or called her pet names. “Fine,” she said, grudgingly, “But I’m telling you the doctor is going to say the same thing I did. That it isn’t serious.”
Vaughn kissed the tip of her nose. “I have no problem with that.”
“Good. I’m glad you won’t have a problem when we find out it’s nothing and I say ‘I told you so.’
With Vaughn helping her it didn’t take Sienna long to get ready. They were on the road with Vaughn driving her to Verde Valley Medical Center in no time. Their wait in the emergency room waiting area was negligible. Vaughn remained seated while Sienna was escorted back to get her temperature and blood pressure taken.
When she was accompanied back to a trauma room Vaughn went with her. She answered various questions from the nurse regarding her symptoms. The woman gave Sienna a gown to wear and other instructions before the doctor came in to see her. Vaughn averted his eyes while she changed. He swallowed hard. Just thinking about her naked made his imagination run wild. Get a grip, man, he scolded himself. This wasn’t the time for fantasizing. With a deep breath, Vaughn turned his attention to the patterned cotton curtain in front of him.
Sienna gingerly removed her clothing, but had difficulty unhooking her bra.
“Vaughn, I’m going to need some help with this,” she called over her shoulder.
“Sure,” he tried sounding calm and nonchalant. Turning, Vaughn walked over to stand behind her. He released the hooks one at a time. His fingers lightly grazed her skin. We’re in a hospital, he admonished, not exactly an ideal spot to see your girlfriend’s breasts for the first time. His thoughts turned to his brother. He could almost hear his voice. “Are you crazy? Any time is the right time to take the girls out for a spin.”
“All done,” he said, slightly louder than necessary.
“Thanks.” She eased back into her gown.
Vaughn assisted Sienna with tying it at the nape of her neck, in the middle and at the small of her back. Gathering her clothes, Vaughn folded them neatly and placed them on a nearby table before helping her into the hospital bed. He adjusted the blanket over her.
“How do you feel?”
“A little wiped out to be honest.”
“Why don’t you close your eyes and try to nap? It always takes a while for the doctor to get here.”
“I’m not too sleepy. Vaughn, tell me about your family? Do your parents live in the area?”
“No, they live in Michigan. They have a place in Florida, too. They drive down during the winter months like the majority of retirees their age. I have two brothers. You’ve already met Pierce, and I have a brother, Chase.”
She looked shocked. “Chase? Vaughn, I’ve never heard you mention him before.”
“He travels all the time. He’s in the Army. The next time he’s home on leave I promise we’ll go up to my parent’s house so you can meet everyone.”
The silly smile was back and plastered securely on her face.
Just then the curtain was pulled back and a tall, well-built man walked in.
“Good morning. I’m Dr. Ivan Weissman. You must be Dr. Sienna Lambert.”
“I am,” she replied.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The doctor shook Sienna’s hand. He glanced over at Vaughn. “Are you Dr. Lambert’s husband?”
Vaughn winked at Sienna. “I’m her boyfriend.”
Sienna couldn’t contain her smirk. When asked, she recounted her accident and the symptoms she’d reported. Dr. Weissman took rapid notes.
“How long has the pain persisted?”
“Since the accident yesterday.”
“Any difficulty breathing, Doctor?”
“Some,” she admitted looking away from Vaughn.
Dr. Weissman asked a few more questions before he began Sienna’s physical exam. He carefully prodded her side with his gloved fingers, listened to her breathing with a stethoscope and made more notes in her file.
“There’s some definite blunt force trauma to your ribcage, Dr. Lambert, but we’re going to take a chest x-ray to determine whether you have any broken ribs or fractures. This is just a precaution. The good news is we aren’t too busy this morning so we’ll know what we’re dealing with shortly.”
He stepped out to go write up the order. Sienna leaned back against the pillows. Vaughn came over and gently sat on the side of her bed. “I should have insisted we come here last night. I suppose telling me you were having difficulty breathing was an oversight?”
Sienna could tell by his expression he wasn’t pleased to hear her admission. She touched his arm. “Vaughn, I didn’t want you to worry. I honestly think it’s just something that will have to wear off.”
“Yes, but it’s better to know that for sure instead of guessing, don’t you think?”
The nurse arrived interrupting any further conversation between them. Minutes later, Sienna was being wheeled out to go get her x-ray.
It was almost an hour later when Dr. Weissman parted the curtain and came in. He stood at the end of Sienna’s bed. “Good news, Dr. Lambert, there were no broken or fractured ribs just some bruising. There is really no treatment for this kind of injury other than to manage the pain you’ll have while your ribs heal. So, I’m recommending plenty of rest, I’m going to give you a prescription for the pain and an anti-inflammatory. I’d like for you to use ice packs to reduce the swelling as needed.”
“So what can’t she do Doctor?”
“She’ll have to avoid anything that will aggravate the injury. No sports of any kind, and no sudden, jarring movemen
ts. You will experience pain when breathing, Dr. Lambert, but I want you to continue to breathe regularly. I can’t stress that enough, okay? If you don’t you run the risk of developing pneumonia. That would be bad.”
“Got it.”
“If your condition worsens I want you to go see your primary physician immediately.”
“She will,” Vaughn assured him. “Oh, we’re scheduled to fly back to North Carolina today. Will she be okay to travel?”
“Yes, she’ll be fine. Just make sure she takes the medication I’ve prescribed before then.” He handed Sienna the prescriptions.
“Thank you. It was nice meeting you, Dr. Weissman.”
“You too, Dr. Lambert. Your nurse will be in with your discharge instructions shortly. You can get dressed whenever you’re ready. A wheel chair will be here soon. Take care.” He smiled and left the room.
Vaughn looked down at Sienna. “You look tired. You’ll feel better when we get some pain killers in you. You want me to help you get dressed?”
“That would be great.”
By the time Sienna was dressed the nurse had returned with her discharge instructions. The nurse pushed Sienna in a wheel chair to the main entrance while Vaughn got the car. When he returned they both assisted Sienna in on the passenger side.
Once she was secure, he walked around the car and slid into the driver’s side. He found a pharmacy nearby, and ran in to get her prescription filled while Sienna closed her eyes to rest. By the time he returned, she was asleep. He didn’t wake her until they were back at L’Auberge. Helping her inside, Vaughn got her situated in bed. He gave her a bottled water so she could take her medication. “You should try and catnap. I’ve got some calls to make and packing to do.”
“Vaughn, I’m not an invalid. I can pack myself.”
“Tell you what; if you take a snooze I’ll let you help when you wake up.”
She yawned loudly. “Tyrant.”
While Sienna slept Vaughn made several calls. He changed his flight, booked himself on Sienna’s plane and moved their departure to late afternoon. He phoned Pierce to make arrangements for him to retrieve his car from the airport and drop it at Sienna’s house.
Interview with Love Page 13
