by Beverly Rae
“Hey, are you the new doc?”
The lightning-fast speed of the local gossip mill had been at work, no doubt. “That’s right. I’m Chance Dannigan, and I’m taking over Dr. Treadwell’s practice.”
“Yeah, I heard.” Tom placed the drinks in front of him. “Doc Treadwell will be hard to replace, but we’re glad you’re here. The drinks are on the house. Welcome to Cottageville.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Chance’s gaze settled on Meg, once again sending her a smile hinting at intimate promises. He picked up the drinks and turned on his heel, cutting off any further conversation.
He stopped to study the scene and saw her eyebrows lift in anticipation. Should he go directly to her? Or should he tease her a little first? He sipped his whiskey, then took a few steps toward the group of women waiting for him. Her frown was his reward.
Score one more for me.
Just as he was about to reach Lucy and the other women, he diverted his course and headed straight for Meg. She squashed the smile threatening to turn up the corners of her mouth, and he grinned wide, letting her know he’d caught her slip. She almost smiled again but instead directed her attention to the tall man beside her, then placed her back to Chance.
But that didn’t fool him either. She was waiting for him, and he wanted to continue their game up close and personal. Pushing his way into the group, he stood behind her, taking the time to study the highlights of her coppery locks. Until his gaze slipped to the rounded curves of her bottom. Long, lean legs flowed out of the short skirt down to silver high heels.
If the woman were any hotter, she’d set the bar on fire. What’s more, he’d gladly go up in flames with her.
She pivoted toward him in the same moment she finished her drink. Seizing the opportunity, Chance jerked his head at the man next to him, gesturing for him to take her empty glass. The confused man took her glass, then started to offer to get her another drink. Edging the poor guy aside, Chance gave her the drink he’d gotten from Tom. She took it, studying the liquid as though unsure of what it contained.
“You can relax. I’m not out to drug you or anything. Besides, your brother-in-law made it.” He lifted his index finger, halting her from speaking. “On second thought, that’s not the whole truth. I don’t want to drug you, but I am open to anything.”
Blue eyes dove into him, and he swore he would have given her his heart if she’d asked for it.
“I know.”
“Ah, so you were watching me.”
Her full lips pouted, then swept into a Mona Lisa smile. “I guess I was. After all, this is a small town and you are new here. Am I right?”
“You are.” He moved an inch closer, cutting off another one of her admirers. “Would you like to sit down? I’ve reserved a booth in the corner.” He nodded toward the darkened corner of the club.
She followed his direction, then hesitated. “Okay. But only for a little while. Excuse me, guys.”
Groans and protests followed her as Chance let her lead the way. He paused before following her and took a sip of his drink as he watched her nicely rounded bottom sway with her sexy walk. She slid onto one side of the booth and he waited, enjoying the way the movement made her skirt slide up to reveal a creamy thigh. Instead of taking the seat across from her, he scooted in beside her and offered his hand. “Hi. I’m Chance Dannigan.”
“Meg Tristan. You must be the new doctor.”
“News travels fast around here. I’m taking over—”
“Doc Treadwell’s practice.”
“Does everyone know I’m here?”
She smiled. “You’re one of a few doctors in town, and the rest of them have been around for a while. So we notice when someone new arrives.” She pulled the straw from her glass and dropped it on the table before taking a slow long drink. “And yes, news flies at light speed in a small town.”
He loved how she sipped her drink, her lips parting just enough to skim over the rim of the glass. He imagined her lips skimming over a part of him and let the rush of lust course through him. The woman was sex personified. “Then I guess you know everything about me.”
“Not everything.” The playful minx was back, a twinkle lighting the amazing blue eyes. “For instance, I don’t know why you’d want to earn the income of a small-town doctor when you could make big bucks in the city. And don’t tell me it’s the lure of our nightlife.”
Chance smiled, tolerating the question he’d heard many times since he’d arrived last week. In fact he could tolerate anything she asked as long as he could hear her lilting voice. “My mother grew up outside of town and she wanted to come back home. And, since she’s in failing health…” He let the implications of his mother’s need for him sink in.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Compassion, sincere and soothing, filled her eyes, momentarily wiping away the temptress.
Chance shrugged, uncomfortable with revealing details of his personal life but understanding that it was expected in a town like Cottageville. Unwilling to discuss his mother’s condition, he went into full player mode, using the smile women always found irresistible.
Not that he thought he was anything but an average man. Good-looking, sure, and a doctor, but still he was just an ordinary guy. Why did women go gaga over those two things? In fact, they never bothered looking past his appearance and profession to see the real him. Why shouldn’t he do the same?
“Besides, this place has a lot to offer. For instance, incredible women like you.” He studied the perfect face with the glowing skin and sensuous lips.
Was that a smug smile? Almost as though she’d expected him to flatter her? Of course, when a girl looked like her, she should expect a man to treat her like the special beauty she was.
But Chance had to be careful. Simple flattery wouldn’t get very far with her. He’d have to stand out from the other men by doing something to surprise and intrigue her. He needed to throw her for a loop to bring down her defenses and take her off her throne. Then he’d have to take it nice and slow so she wouldn’t catch on. After all, anyone could see that she was no slouch in seduction. The intelligence and the playfulness in her eyes said as much.
He took a drink and got ready to play. This is going to be fun.
Meg took another sip of her drink. What was it about this man that had her so mixed-up inside? So ready to take him on in any way she could? She glanced at Chance out of the corner of her eye. Granted, he’d give a younger George Clooney a run for his money, but she’d known lots of handsome men. No, this one had an extra appeal. An extra appeal that was exciting yet familiar. One minute she wanted to lean into him and pull his mouth to hers. Then in the next second, she wanted to tease him and show him she could resist his charms.
“Flattery is wasted on me, Doc.” Truthfully, she enjoyed adulation in any form, but he didn’t have to know, did he?
“Really? I’d think a woman like you would welcome all the attention she could get.”
The sip she’d taken almost choked her, but she managed to cover well enough. Did he think she hungered for male attention? Sure, she enjoyed having men fawn over her, but what woman didn’t? Or did he think she had a difficult time garnering her fair share of admirers? Had he not seen the group of men competing for a single word from her?
“What does that mean?”
He lifted his palms, warding off any ill feelings. Yet she didn’t think the gesture was sincere.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. You’re a beautiful woman and I’m sure plenty of men fall all over you. It’s just that—”
“It’s just that what?” Interest skyrocketed into irritation in record time. Who the hell did he think he was? God’s gift to women? If he was, then surely she was God’s gift to men. Meg struggled to keep her composure, determined not to let him see how much he flustered her.
“You don’t assume every man will want you, do you?”
“Actually, I—” Meg slammed her mouth shut, the word “do” effectively caught behi
nd clenched teeth. What the hell? How had the discussion gone so terribly wrong? Maybe he was right, but how rude to say so. Anger surged and she balled her fists, resisting the impulse to cast a spell on his sorry ass. So much for a fun night with this guy. “Did I just hear you say what I think you said?”
Meg did a quick search of the area, hoping to find one of her sisters delighting in how well her prank was going. Yeah, this had to be a joke. Too bad she couldn’t scope out the culprit who’d talked the doc into playing his thoroughly infuriating part.
“Look, I can understand how a country girl like you would think she’s God’s gift to men—”
She blanched. Had he heard her thoughts? Maybe this wasn’t a joke. Was he a warlock or a sorcerer? She checked his aura for any signs of magic and found none.
“—but I’ve known women who were, shall we say, more.”
“More? What do you mean by ‘more’?” Meg pushed back her drink and crossed her arms. Forget the spell, she might haul off and slap him instead.
“More as in able to attract any man they want.”
At first, she wasn’t sure what to think. Had he just insulted her again? What was the matter with this guy? Was he blind? Whatever the reason, she wanted him to know just how wrong he was. “Are you saying I can’t get any man I want? Which, by the way, sure as hell isn’t you.”
He feigned an insincere surprise. “Hey, I didn’t mean to offend you. Like I said, you’re beautiful and I’m sure you can find a guy every night. Especially if you’re not too picky.”
For one of the few times in her life, Meg was flummoxed. He obviously wasn’t as enamored with her as she’d thought he was. But even so, she hadn’t expected him say such rude—not to mention incorrect—things about her. “Not choosy? Me? Listen, you jerk—” she stabbed a finger into the middle of his chest and enjoyed his responding move backward, “—I can have any man I want. Anytime, anywhere, any way. And I’m damned selective in who I take to my bed.”
“I’m sure you are.” Chance took a sip and looked away.
Oh, my stars and moon. Is he placating me?
“I am,” she protested, then cringed at the whine in her tone. She was off balance, disturbed and…damn it all, curious as hell.
He turned toward her again, the challenge written on his face. “Right. So, have you taken any of these guys to bed?” He tipped his head toward the crowd.
Meg scanned the people dancing, drinking and having a whole lot more fun than she was having. Yes, she’d had sex with a couple of them. Okay, more than a couple. And, she had to admit, not all of them were winners. But a girl with needs had to do what she had to do, right?
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I know a couple of them and they’re all very nice men.” Ugh, did that sound as lame as she thought it did?
“Right.”
“Will you stop saying that? What point are you trying to make, anyway?” She thought about pushing him off the seat and storming away, but knew it wouldn’t prove anything. Like a spectator drawn to a car crash, she had to see where the conversation led.
“Right. Oops, sorry. There’s that word again. My point is that you can have any man you want.” He cleared his throat, then continued, “As long as that man isn’t too much man for you.”
“Too much man?” Meg scowled, her mind reeling with confusion and disbelief. Did he mean in the bedroom? Was such a thing even possible? Especially if she used magic?
“You know. As in…out of your league.”
“Out of my league?”
“Do you always repeat what people say? Or is what I’m saying upsetting you?” His concerned expression seemed as fake as a three-dollar bill. “I’m sorry if it is, but sometimes the truth is hard to hear.”
A trickle of perspiration crawled down her spine. Had Tom turned off the air conditioning in the club? Or was Chance’s assessment of her—his so off-the-mark assessment—making her sweat? “Are you frickin’ kidding me? Hell, yeah, you’re upsetting me. But not in the way you think.”
The twinkle in his eyes beckoned to her, teasing her, thrilling her against her wishes. “Oh? Then I’m upsetting you in some other way?” His smile grew bright. “Perhaps in a more basic way?” His gaze dropped to her lips.
She sucked in a breath and fought against the sudden desire to pull his mouth to hers. In no way would she let him get the better of her. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
His smile faded, replaced by a brief moment of indecision flickering across his features. “I wouldn’t dare. But I stand by what I said. Still, I apologize. I tend to be blunt even when I shouldn’t.”
Anger, more intense than ever, flared, taking her past the edge of reason. She lost control, no longer caring about anything other than proving him wrong.
Almost as quickly as the argument had started, Chance leaned back, his voice taking on a more conciliatory tone. “Hey, I’m sorry I’ve upset you. I certainly didn’t mean to.”
Meg unclenched her hands, noticed how they shook, then fisted them again. Maybe she should cut him a little slack since he was new in town. Just this once. “Yeah, well—”
“Listen, there’s no shame in going home alone. I mean if you strike out, you strike out.”
Then again, maybe she shouldn’t. “Let’s get this straight, Doc. I never strike out. And no one is out of my league.” She threw back her shoulders and tossed her hair, ready to take the discussion to whatever length she had to. Anything to get him to admit he was wrong.
For a few blessed moments, they sat in silence. How had she ever found this guy appealing? He was one of those men who looked great on the outside but was awful on the inside. Like the mud-filled pies she used to trick her sisters with when they were kids. So why was she letting him get to her?
“You know what? Never mind. Just move over and let me out. I don’t know why I agreed to sit with you in the first place.” Meg shoved him, giving him no choice but to do as she demanded. She scooted out of the booth as fast as she could.
“Oh, I see. So you’re afraid.”
She’d already started to fast track away from him but had no alternative but to turn and face him again. “Me? Afraid? Of what?”
“Of the truth, of course. Of finding out that you can’t get any man you want.”
She stomped back to him and wagged a finger in front of his face. “Is that so? Well, what about you? Can you say the same, Mr. Sweet-Talker? Can you get a smokin’ hot woman every night? I don’t think so. Not with your mouth.”
“Well, I don’t want to brag, but I’ve never been turned down.” Chance flashed his pearly whites at her again.
“Really? Never?” She scoffed, narrowed her eyes and aimed for the jugular. “Prove it.”
“I will if you will.”
Chance leaned away from her with a confident expression that sent a shiver down her spine. Suddenly, she really was afraid. Of him? Definitely not. Afraid of having bitten off more than she could chew? Maybe.
And yet she couldn’t deny what was happening inside her. She hated it, but there it was. She was more turned on than she’d been in years. Hell, in forever.
She shook off the feeling and concentrated on studying him. He’d dared her, but was that really what he wanted? Or was he baiting her for a different reason? Still, she’d never backed down from a challenge and she wasn’t about to start now.
“You’re on, Doc.” A tickle of excitement at the idea of a competition with the handsome doctor filtered into Meg’s irritation, defraying a small part of her anger. Someone needed to bring him down a peg and she was just the woman to do it. Yet when his cat-ate-the-canary smile grew into a wide grin, she couldn’t help but think she’d gotten cornered.
“Great. Game on. Of course, we’re going to need a few rules.”
She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Of course. And why do I get the impression that you already know what those rules are?”
He lifted his drink to her in a toast. “You’re not only beautif
ul, but smart. And, if my judgment serves me, also very clever.”
“Well, at least your judgment isn’t always out of whack.”
He laughed, the sound drawing the attention of the few women in the room who weren’t already drooling over him. “Okay, here are the rules for our little game. I choose the men you have to bed and you choose the women I have the pleasure of seducing. The first one who fails to get the selected subject in bed loses.”
“Wait. You’re going to choose the men I take to my bed?”
Those dark, soulful eyes glittered at her, sucking her in. “And you’ll choose the women I take to mine. That’s fair, isn’t it? How else can I be satisfied that your sex partner is up to snuff and not just some pushover you’ve already slept with?”
Now he’s calling me a cheater. Meg drew in two slow breaths, resolved to maintain control. Of course, if she slipped and accidentally kicked his shin she couldn’t be held responsible, could she? Instead, she gritted her teeth, grinding out her words. “And I choose the women so you don’t slip in an old girlfriend or a partner-for-pay.”
He flattened his hand over his heart. “Would I do such a thing?”
She arched an “oh wouldn’t you?” eyebrow. “And no matter who I choose, you have to get her to have sex with you. Have I got this right?”
“You do. Of course, you’ll want to select gorgeous subjects just as I’ll choose men I consider to be not only handsome but—hmm, how should I put this?—discerning. Then, as I mentioned, the first person who fails to seduce the chosen subject loses the challenge. Simple, really.”
Meg narrowed her eyes at him, unable to shake the feeling that she’d gotten trapped into his game. A game he knew all too well. Yet, from her perspective, he was the poor schmuck who didn’t know what he’d walked into. She didn’t doubt her charms, but she could always use magic—if she had to. “Okay. But one thing. What do I get when I win?”
