by Robin Gianna
“See you around, Dr. Flynn,” he said, trying to keep his voice normal and professional.
“Hope your dive goes well, Dr. Edwards.” Her eyes met his, briefly transmitting the warmth and intimate feelings he’d been trying to keep to himself, before she turned to walk toward the hallway leading to the hospital.
He watched her go, and blew out a breath. Was he making a mistake here, and would she get hurt because of it?
The men traveling with him began asking questions about the distance to the dive hole and what he’d collected so far as they stowed the last of their personal gear. They all piled into the van, Zeke sitting in front next to Lance, who was behind the wheel. The men in back began comparing notes about some other research project they’d done together, and Zeke found his mind drifting to Jordan.
She’d loved her first trip driving through this vast, icy landscape when they’d gone to the dive hole together, and her delight had made him feel like he was seeing it with new eyes, too. He thought about diving with her, and how special that had been. Thought about the night they’d just shared, and how it had been way beyond special.
That he couldn’t get her out of his head, hadn’t been able to for days, made him face an uncomfortable truth. He was falling hard for her, and it would not be good for her to fall the same way, considering everything. What the hell he could do to make sure that didn’t happen, he had no clue.
A strange, moaning sound came from Lance, and the oddness of it shook Zeke out of his worrisome thoughts. He looked over to see Lance was holding his stomach, a deep grimace etched on his face.
“What’s wrong?”
“I...don’t know. My stomach hurt a little this morning, and I didn’t feel like eating. But now it’s a real sharp pain.”
“Where is the pain?”
“Right...here.” He held his hand over the lower right side of his abdomen, and grunted again. “Man. It was just kind of a dull ache in the middle of my stomach this morning, but it’s a whole lot worse, and lower, now.”
Zeke frowned. The symptoms he described didn’t really tell him much, and he turned to the men in the backseat. “Can one of you grab my medical bag from behind you? It’s tucked into the side slot of the van.”
One of them leaned over the seat to look around, coming up with the bag. “This it?”
“Yes. Thanks.” Zeke unzipped the bag, looking for his thermometer. “Stop the van for a minute, Lance. I want to check your temperature. If—”
Zeke and the other two were thrown forward as Lance jammed on the brakes, barely stopping the vehicle before he flung open his door. He leaned over, vomiting onto the ice, which was a new symptom Zeke needed to consider. Maybe it was a simple virus, but appendicitis was another possibility. Even if that was unlikely, Lance needed to be seen and have some tests run right away.
“Damn, I’m so sorry.” Lance sat back up and wiped his mouth on his sleeve before looking over at Zeke, clutching at his stomach again.
“All right. No point in taking your temp now, or in trying to get this trip in, when you’re feeling like this. We need to get you to the hospital so Dr. Flynn can check you out and see what’s wrong.”
“Hospital?” Lance looked shocked. “No, I probably have a bug or something. Don’t you think?”
“Maybe. But your symptoms also could be from appendicitis, and waiting around to do something about that could result in a rupture. Believe me, you don’t want that to happen.” He’d seen it more than once, resulting in peritonitis, which was a serious infection. “We’re switching seats, and going back to the station.”
Once he was behind the wheel, he turned to talk to the men in back. “I won’t be able to go with you today, but I think there’s a good chance you can find a few others to join you. It’s early enough that you can still get a mostly full day under the ice, if you do.”
They nodded and looked at Lance, obviously understanding why they had to go back, which Zeke was glad about. There had been times when scientists he knew got so focused on the work they had to get done that, when something went wrong, they got frustrated and argued about the right course of action.
Things happened sometimes that couldn’t be controlled. And that something was happening today. Which meant he would be one more day behind where he’d wanted to be to get his grant work finished and submitted.
He held in a deep sigh and hit the gas, wanting to get Lance to Jordan as soon as possible. He’d just have to work harder and smarter in less time. And he hoped that wouldn’t mean he couldn’t spend much time with Jordan until it was done.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
BEING IN THE hospital so early meant Jordan could get the paperwork finished that she’d set aside while working on the newest round of baseline physicals. With Tony and Megan gone for the day, she’d decided not to schedule too many appointments in a row, in case there was an emergency she had to deal with.
Which had proven to be a good decision, though she hadn’t known at the time that it would have nothing to do with taking care of an emergency patient. Functioning even after drinking several cups of coffee was proving to be a little difficult, since she felt pretty exhausted after the night she’d spent with Zeke. Exhausted, but exhilarated.
If she’d known what a fantastic lover the man would be, she wouldn’t have held him at arm’s length, though even as the thought came, that niggle of worry she’d had from the beginning poked again. Ezekiel Edwards was head and shoulders above any man she’d been involved with before, both literally and figuratively. Would it be hard to fall in love with someone back in England, having known Zeke?
No. It would be okay. She loved adventuring beneath the water with him and out in the field here, but she also knew very well that he wasn’t the man she’d spend her life with. So she was going to let herself enjoy being with him for the “now” and remember him fondly when it was over.
If only she could have gone diving with him today. Hopefully, there would be plenty of other days when they’d be under the ice together. Months of fun with him, exploring with him, making love with him.
Elation filled her chest and she tapped away at the computer with renewed energy. Living in Antarctica was going to be a whole lot more interesting than she’d ever dreamed it might be, in a way she hadn’t imagined.
The clack of the hospital’s swinging doors had her turning in surprise to see who might be coming in. Then was even more surprised when she saw Zeke. A man was with him, walking a little hunched over, his face pinched and drawn.
She hurried over. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Stomach hurts. A lot. Right here.” The man pointed at his lower right abdomen.
“Lance was driving us to the site, planning to work as our tender,” Zeke said. “Experiencing belly pain and vomiting. I haven’t taken his temperature, but I knew there was a slight risk of it being appendicitis, and didn’t want to wait for him to see you.”
She looked up at Zeke, impressed yet again at his medical skills to even think of that. The symptoms were so vague most people would just assume he was sick with a virus. “All right. Lance, we’ll start with a urine test, then I want to do an ultrasound and take a look at your appendix. Will you help him to the bathroom, Zeke? The sample bottles are in the cabinet above the sink. When you’re done, I want you to take off your shirt and pants and put on a paper gown, open in the front. You can leave on your underwear.”
“Okay.”
“This way, Lance,” Zeke said.
Her eyes met Zeke’s as he gave her a quick nod and one of his trademark knee-weakening smiles. She got the ultrasound machine and gel ready, and when they returned, Zeke handed her the sample bottle.
“For you.”
Something about the way he said it made her want to laugh. “Thank you. You’re a peach.”
“So, why did you want the urine sample?” Lance asked, pres
sing his hand to his stomach again as he nearly doubled over.
“To see if you might have a urinary tract infection.” She held up the bottle and it looked clear, not cloudy, but she’d check it with a dipstick after the ultrasound, if that test wasn’t conclusive. “I’m sorry you’re in pain, but we’re going to figure this out as quickly as we can. Please lie down on the exam table.”
She rolled some ultrasound gel around Lance’s belly, following with the wand. She studied the picture on the monitor as she slowly moved the wand across his skin, and saw that Zeke was staring at the images, as well, his brows lowered in concentration.
Sometimes ultrasound was inconclusive. But today, they were lucky. Zeke’s eyes met hers, and she gave him a wide smile and nodding salute, because he deserved it.
“Dr. Edwards might not be a medical doctor, but he knows his stuff, Lance. You do have appendicitis, and figuring that out is the first big step. Next step? You’re going to need an appendectomy.”
“Ah, hell. You mean surgery?”
“I’m afraid so. We have to remove your appendix before it has a chance to rupture. But I’ll do it laparoscopically, which means small incisions and less recovery time than traditional surgery.”
“Dr. Flynn informed me earlier that she has the skilled precision of a diamond cutter when using a laparoscope. So you’re in luck, Lance.”
The amusement, and something else, in his eyes as they met hers had her nearly choking trying not to laugh, which wouldn’t be very professional. Neither would letting her mind go to what they’d been doing when she’d said that...
She turned to the patient, getting her head back to her job. “I have done a lot of these procedures, so you don’t need to worry. I’m going to give you antibiotics beforehand, then a general anesthetic to put you to sleep, so you won’t feel a thing.”
“How long will I have to be off work?”
“After a couple days of rest you’ll be able to do light work. But no heavy lifting until you’ve had at least two weeks to heal.” She looked up at Zeke, so glad that, with Megan gone, he was there with her. Doing this procedure alone would have been a lot more difficult, though she felt bad she had to lean on him yet again.
“I’m sorry to ask, but can you assist? I know you need to get diving, but having you here would be a huge help. Not very good timing for both Megan and Tony to be gone.”
“I’ve never assisted with a surgery before, but I think I can figure it out.”
“I know you can.” She knew Zeke Edwards was smart and capable of pretty much anything he set his mind to. And it bothered her that, after what happened to his grandparents, he didn’t seem to believe that about himself.
She gave Lance the antibiotic, administered the anesthesia, then got to work. Zeke proved to be an excellent assistant, not that she was surprised. With him responding to her every request, it all went smoothly, and when the surgery was over, she snapped off her gloves and lowered her mask to give him a big smile of thanks.
“You were awesome. Are you sure you don’t want to add medical doctor to your list of advanced degrees?”
“I think two are enough.” He returned her smile. “And I can confirm that ‘diamond cutter’ is a good way to describe your surgical skills, Dr. Flynn. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. We make a good team.”
“We do.”
Their eyes met again. That crazy connection between them seemed to vibrate in the room, and the way he was looking at her, a little like she imagined a hungry leopard seal might look, made her feel breathless.
“Are you okay here alone now?” he asked. “I’ll stay if you really need me, but I’d like to get to the dive site as soon as I can. I’m already behind on getting everything I need for the grant, so showing up late today is better than not at all.”
“Go dive. With the surgery finished, I’m fine here alone.” Somehow, despite the conversation being about work, her heart did that fluttering thing again, times ten. Because now she knew how beautiful he was beneath those clothes, how it felt to lie with him skin to skin, how it felt to make love with him.
He must have seen it in her eyes, since he closed the gap between them, drew her close and kissed her. When they separated, the seriousness of his expression seemed at odds with his light words.
“Hold that thought, Dr. Flynn. Until tonight.”
She lifted shaking fingertips to her lips as she watched him leave. She’d thought living in Antarctica meant nonstop cold? How wrong she’d been. Being around Zeke Edwards definitely made her feel very, very hot. And she had a feeling it would seem like a very long day until she got to be with him again.
Feeling a little like a giddy teenager was not the way to get her work done, and Jordan checked on Lance, pleased to see he was doing well after waking from the anesthesia. She gave him pain medication, then doubled down on the paperwork she had to finish. A couple of people came into the clinic to bring medical supplies that had arrived with the latest boat, and she absently pointed them to the supply closet.
Then did a double take. She stood to stare before they went into the room to stash the items they’d brought.
Was that...was that Weston MacIntyre? Lia’s ex-boyfriend? Ex-fiancé? The guy who’d practically left her at the altar? The man who had completely disappeared from sight, not letting Lia or anyone else know where he’d gone?
Her heart beating double time, she crept to peek into the supply room. Sure enough, it was West who was taking boxes from the wheeled cart and stacking them on shelves.
Oh, my Lord. She practically ran back to hide behind the computer while her mind raced. Should she go talk to him? Let him know she’d seen him? Or should she let Lia know first?
Lia. Lia was her best friend, and after looking for West for who knew how long she deserved to know.
Jordan grabbed the satellite phone, having no idea if it would be working or not, and felt a little limp with relief when she got a dial tone. She shakily punched in Lia’s number, and waited.
“Ophelia Monterrosa.”
“Lia,” she whispered, glancing up to make sure West wasn’t coming her way. “It’s Jordan. Are you sitting down?”
“What? Is something wrong?”
“I’m working in the hospital and clinic alone today. And who walks in but...are you ready? Weston MacIntyre.”
“What?” Lia’s voice rose to a squeak. “Are you kidding me? He’s in Antarctica?”
“He’s in Antarctica. Alive and well.”
“Antarctica. Antarctica. No wonder I couldn’t find him! The rat bastard!”
“I know a group just came here from another station last night. Since I haven’t seen him in the galley or anywhere else, maybe he was there for the winter, then working in this new station for the summer. Or maybe not. Obviously, I have no idea what he’s been up to. Want me to talk to him? Ask him anything?”
Lia was silent at the other end for a long moment before she answered. “No. No, I’m coming down there.”
Jordan lifted the phone from her ear and stared. She was going to make the trek all the way to the south pole to confront the man who’d broken her heart?
“Are you sure? I thought you were dealing with difficult things at home.”
“I am, but it can wait a short time. I’d actually been thinking about that job opportunity you told me about. So I’m finding a way to get down there and do some work. I need to see him face-to-face. I’ve been looking for him for months, and I’m not waiting more months to make that happen, now that I know where he is.”
“Wow, you amaze me. Always have, of course! Let me know when you might get here, okay?”
“I will. And please don’t let him know you’ve seen him, if at all possible. I want it to be a surprise.”
Her friend’s hard voice was totally different from anything Jordan had heard come out of her m
outh before, and she almost felt sorry for West, having to deal with a furious, betrayed Lia. Almost. But the man had hurt her badly, and deserved whatever Lia planned to throw at him.
“I’ll steer clear from him if I can. And, Lia?”
“Yes?”
“Best of luck and safe travels. I can’t believe I’m going to get to see you here in Antarctica, but I can’t wait.”
* * *
Held close in the warmth of Zeke’s arms as they lay in his bed together had Jordan wishing that they could stay here together all morning and forget work and the outside world. Just as she had yesterday, and the day before that, and for every one of the seven glorious nights and mornings they’d spent together. The only thing making her feel better about leaving the pleasure of their naked bodies pressed to one another was her excitement about getting to dive with him.
“What time did you say you reserved the van to go out to the dive hole?” she asked.
“Not until after two.” His warm palm stroked her hair as he looked down at her. “But now that we have twenty-four-hour daylight down here, getting started late doesn’t matter so much. I have work I’ve got to finish in the aquarium this morning, but we’ll still be able to get in a decent day’s dive.”
Her pleasure-fogged brain finally registered that his usual relaxed or teasing expression wasn’t there this morning, and she looked at him a little more carefully. There was a slight tenseness etched there, some distance, even, like his mind wasn’t as focused on their naked bodies pressed together as hers was.
Her heart gave a little lurch, wondering what he might be thinking about, and if he was concerned about the two of them spending every night laughing and talking and making love. If maybe he felt uneasy about so much togetherness. That she might be starting to expect more than he wanted to give, since they both knew this couldn’t be anything more than a short-term fling. Then the second the thought came, she wanted to thrash herself.
