The Doctor's Dating Bargain

by Teresa Southwick

  “I’m glad you comprehend the full magnitude of the situation.” He started to lower his head, then stopped and said, “Keep in mind we’ll be standing up for this one.”

  “Got it.”

  She closed her eyes and lifted her chin just as his mouth met hers, lips slightly apart. Before she was ready to let go, he pulled back.

  His chest was rising and falling quickly. “That was pretty good.”

  “Thanks.” She stared into his eyes and asked breathlessly, “What else have you got?”

  He touched his mouth to her cheek and nibbled his way to her neck. “I call that the wait-until-I-get-you-alone.”

  She didn’t have to wait; they were alone.

  “Very nice.” She swallowed hard. “That’s an impressive repertoire. I think that covers just about everything we should need—”

  “There’s one more we might have to pull off.”

  She settled her palm on his chest and felt his heart pounding. “Does it have a name?”

  “I call it get-a-room.”

  “Oh, my—”

  He called it right, she thought when he touched his mouth to hers. At the same time he pulled her tightly against him and wrapped her in his arms. Heat devoured her when he traced the seam of her lips with his tongue. She opened for him and he willingly took what she offered.

  He stroked her and she let him, loving the feeling of being held and stroked. But it was more than that. It was the fact that this man was doing the holding making all the difference. She wanted this; she wanted him.

  “Oh, Ben, this is so—”

  “If you say it’s not right, then I’m doing something wrong.”

  “No. Everything is perfect. Get-a-room delivers in a big way, and—”

  He pulled back to look at her and seemed to know what she was thinking. “We don’t have a room, but the tent is handy.”

  It had been so long for her and he felt so good that she just couldn’t find the will to say this wasn’t a good idea. At this moment it seemed like the best idea she’d ever heard.

  “I’ll race you.”

  Ben surged to his feet and pulled her up with him. He tugged her to the dome tent at the edge of the clearing, then led her inside and zipped the entrance closed after them. Cam dropped to the sleeping bag and pulled off her hiking boots. He did the same.

  The sound of their rapid breathing filled the tiny space as they yanked at buttons, shirts and jeans. Clothes were gone in what was possibly a land speed record and she was naked in the sleeping bag with an equally naked Ben.

  He settled his hand on her breast and brushed his thumb across the peak. The sensation started a throbbing between her legs and she moaned with need. She put her hand on his chest, letting the dusting of hair tickle her palm, and her touch made him groan.

  He kissed her over and over until she could hardly draw enough air into her lungs. When he pulled back she nearly whimpered with disappointment.

  “What do you call that one?” she asked, cupping his lean cheek in her palm.

  “The I-need-you-now.” Just enough glow from the fire penetrated the tent to see the primal intensity in his eyes.

  She nodded wordlessly and tried to pull him down.

  “Hold that thought.” He fumbled through the tangle of clothes beside them and finally found his jeans. After pulling something from his wallet, he was back. “Condom.”

  Cam didn’t ask why he’d brought it; she was only grateful that he was prepared. When he’d put it on, he settled on top of her and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he entered her.

  He was still for a moment, letting her get used to the feel of him. Then he started to move and in seconds she caught his rhythm, as if this weren’t their first time together. He stroked her over and over, then slid an arm beneath her and rolled until she was straddling him.

  “What do you call that move?” she asked, gently biting his earlobe.

  He sucked in a breath and said, “I’ve got you right where I want you.” His voice was a sexy growl that scraped over her bare skin.

  Then he cupped her breasts in his hands and groaned as she arched her hips and lifted them up and down. He reached between their bodies and rubbed his thumb over the bundle of nerve endings between her thighs. Instantly pleasure exploded through her and she collapsed on top of him. He held her until the shudders subsided, then gently rolled her to her back.

  He moved inside her once, twice. The third time he groaned and his body went still as he found his release. Cam held him the same way he’d held her. She held him until he relaxed in her arms. It seemed as if they stayed that way for hours but probably was only minutes.

  Ben lifted his weight onto his elbows and said, “We better put clothes on. It’s going to get cold.”

  It wasn’t the mountain air, but his words and tone that chilled Cam. Holy cow, she thought, sex wasn’t even on the list of rules they’d discussed. But now that they’d done the deed, talking was probably mandatory.

  When she was dressed and in her sleeping bag, she glanced at Ben. Their shoulders almost touched, but his face was in shadow and she couldn’t see his expression.

  “Are you awake?” she asked.

  “Yeah.” His tone somehow said that sleep was the last thing on his mind.

  “So that probably wasn’t the wisest thing we could have done.”

  “Fun though,” he said.

  She smiled in the dark. “It was fun. But this doesn’t change anything.”

  “I know.” There was a restless rustling as he shifted in the sleeping bag. “I’m not looking for a relationship.”

  “Right,” she agreed.

  “And you’re not staying in Blackwater Lake, no matter what happens to the lodge.”

  “Right again. If it turns around financially, I’m gone. If not—same thing.”

  “So we’re on the same page. Good, that’s settled. We should probably get some sleep.” He rolled onto his side, away from her. “’Night, Cam.”

  “Good night.”

  But there was nothing good about this night, and things had changed, no matter what he said. After what they’d done, the reasons for the bargain were less about practicality and logic. Just like that, there was an unforeseen personal investment, at least on her part. Suddenly the “no one gets hurt” clause of the agreement turned into gray area and she had to find a way to shift it back to black and white.

  Chapter Nine

  Bright and early Monday morning Cam walked out of her suite and came face-to-face with Ben, who was just coming out of his. She hadn’t seen him since returning to town exhausted yesterday afternoon. They’d both worked very hard to pretend sex hadn’t happened.

  “Good morning.”

  “Hi,” she said, brightly, still working to forget.

  He fell into step beside her on the way to the elevator at the end of the hall. “Apparently a weekend in the mountains agrees with you.”

  “Oh? How can you tell?”

  “Because you’re looking particularly lovely this morning. And relaxed.”

  That just meant she was a good actress. “Thanks.”

  If he wasn’t simply being charming, that was just proof of how good cosmetics could be. She wanted to say that he was looking particularly good, too, but she preferred the sexy, scruffy, hair sticking up first thing in the morning look. And she’d never have experienced it if they hadn’t gone camping. Though their rooms were side by side, there seemed to be an invisible line neither of them was willing to cross here in the civilized world.

  A lot of things had changed because she’d gone away with him. For the first time since he’d invaded her serenity spot here in the civilized world she didn’t know what to say to him. Finally she came up with, “I miss trout for breakfast.”

  He grinned. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  “I was talking about fish. That has nothing to do with you.”

  “Sure it does.” At the end of the corridor he pressed
the elevator’s down button. “I caught it, cleaned it, cooked it. I feel a deep, personal satisfaction at having introduced you to the great outdoors.”

  He’d introduced her to more than that, but it was best not to go there. “I’ll admit to doubts about hiking into the mountains.”

  “Doubts? You were looking for an exit strategy until we set up camp.”

  “You’re not going to let up, are you?”

  “That’s not my current plan, no.”

  “Okay. I was wrong.” Best to keep things light, she decided. “There, I said it.”

  “You’re a big person,” he said, looking down at her.

  Two dings behind them indicated the elevator had arrived and when the doors opened they got in.

  “What’s on your agenda for today?” she asked, moving away from him. As much as she liked breathing in the scent of his skin, it was best to keep her distance.

  “Patient appointments this morning, then a trek to the hospital for a hip replacement.”

  “That’s close to a hundred miles away, isn’t it?”

  He nodded. “Plans are moving forward for the Mercy Medical Clinic expansion and part of that is an outpatient surgery center. That will make a huge difference to people here in town.”

  “And to you.”

  “Yup.” They arrived on the first floor. “What’s up for you today?”

  “Battle damage assessment.”

  “Excuse me?” He took her elbow as they rounded the corner to the lodge lobby.

  “That article wasn’t especially flattering to me and I’ve been unavailable for the last couple of days since it hit.”

  “You’re welcome for that.” He wore a smug expression, but on him it looked good. Better than good.

  “Your humility brings a tear to my eye.” She shook her head. “Anyway, I need to evaluate the fallout and hope that it hasn’t set me back in my quest to win the hearts and minds of the lodge staff.”

  “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.” He stopped by the corner of the registration desk. “People in Blackwater Lake can be stubborn, but if they decide you’re a friend, you’ll be one forever. They’re incredibly loyal. Don’t forget you started to break down the walls and show them the real Camille Halliday, not the one created by the media to sell newspapers and magazines.”

  “I’m not sure that will be enough.” She glanced over to where M.J. talked to the night manager to coordinate any unresolved issues at the change of shift. “It could be back to them calling me Ms. Halliday, or better yet, the rich witch.”

  “Then maybe it’s time for a couple refresher course.” He moved closer and his eyes went dark, the way they had by the campfire just before he took her into the tent. “I call this one the it-will-have-to-hold-you-until-later kiss.”

  Cam’s heart started thumping wildly as he cupped her cheek in his hand, then lowered his mouth to hers. It wasn’t a playful peck on the cheek, just a quick touch that left her wanting so much more.

  He stared into her eyes and gently brushed his thumb over her jaw. “Have a good day.”

  This was a really good start. Dangerous, but good. “You, too. Drive carefully.”

  “Will do.” He moved toward the front door and waved at M.J. before walking out.

  Cam watched through the floor-to-ceiling windows until he disappeared. Then she took a deep breath and braced for a bad day. After pasting a big, everything’s peachy smile on her face, she rounded the high registration desk.

  “Hi, M.J.”

  The blonde looked up from the computer monitor, then pushed her square black glasses more firmly up on her nose. “Hi, Cam. How was your weekend? Did you and Ben have a good time?”

  She wasn’t getting any unpleasant vibes, at least not yet. “It was my first time. Camping,” she added. To distinguish the outdoor experience from her first time with Ben, which had been pretty awesome. “As you can see I survived.”

  “When they do Survivor: Blackwater Lake, the celebrity season, you’ll have to try out.” Her smile said she didn’t mean that in a bad way. “Seriously, I’d expect nothing less of Ben McKnight. There was no doubt that he’d take good care of you.”

  “He certainly did.” And then some. A blush crept up her neck and she hoped her face didn’t look as red from the outside as it felt on the inside. “The mountains are so beautiful. I can’t even put it into words. Everything took my breath away.”

  That was the honest truth in every single aspect.

  M.J. smiled. “I’m glad.”

  “The next time a guest asks me what to do while they’re here, I can recommend hiking and camping without hesitation.” The other woman looked at her like a proud mother, as if Cam had somehow passed a test. “How was everything here at the lodge while I was gone?”

  “No more scum-sucking journalists asking questions, I can tell you that.”

  “Good to know.”

  “Otherwise, it was busy. Really busy.” She clicked her mouse and pulled up a computer screen. “Remember how sparse the reservations looked the last time you checked?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.” Cam scrolled through, studying the information. “Is this a mistake?”

  “No. The phone’s been practically ringing off the hook. The summer is filling up nicely.” What looked like teasing stole into M.J.’s blue eyes.

  Cam was afraid to trust both the woman’s expression and the explosion of business. “This is on the level?”

  “I think it’s a direct result of the public finally discovering the whereabouts of the notorious Halliday heiress and her hunky boyfriend. Because curious people want to know.”

  This was teasing. A normal give-and-take between friends. And Cam liked it a lot. “You know, I still hate that story, but if it helped put Blackwater Lake Lodge on the map, then I’ll gladly take one for the team.”

  “I didn’t believe any of that stuff written about you. The jerk put the worst possible spin on it.”

  “Thanks for saying so.” Cam meant that from the bottom of her heart.

  “It’s just wrong for someone to invade your privacy like that and imply what he did in that article. Anyone can see by the way you look at Ben McKnight that you’ve got genuine feelings for the man.” She sighed. “Just the way he kisses you goodbye...”

  “Oh?”

  “Who’s kissing?” Jenny the hostile waitress from Fireside walked up and rested her forearms on the high desk in front of them. “Hi, M.J. Hey, Cam.”

  “Good morning.” Her good feeling disappeared and she tensed for the worst. It was best to ignore the kissing question. “What’s up?”

  “Amanda sent me to ask if you’re still having lunch with her today. She said to tell you before you asked that she’s too busy cooking to call or come herself.”

  “That sounds like her.” Cam laughed. “Yes, I’m planning on it.”

  “Good.” Jenny hesitated for a second, then said, “She also wants to hear all about your weekend with Dr. McKnight.” She shrugged. “And she’s not the only one. I’m curious, too. So shoot me. Did you have fun?”

  “I had a great time. I’m no longer a wilderness virgin.” The two women laughed as she’d hoped. “And the scenery is spectacular.”

  “A boyfriend like Dr. M doesn’t hurt either.” Jenny was just stating a fact and seemed genuinely interested.

  “That man can definitely hold his own with Mother Nature and enhance any setting.” Again that was the truth.

  “Amen. Glad you had a good weekend. I have to get back before I get in trouble with the boss.” Jenny winked. “I’ll let Amanda know about lunch.”

  “Thanks.”

  Cam was truly amazed, and the feeling continued for the rest of the day. Dustin from the concierge desk strolled over to find out if she’d had a good time. Then someone from housekeeping stopped by to see how the weekend had gone. She felt as if they’d accepted her, as if she was one of their own.

  The good news was that so far they all seemed to be talking to her
. The bad was that they really believed she and Ben were a romantic couple. More astonishing was that the staff seemed to be in favor of the relationship, which made Cam feel like a fraud for deceiving everyone.

  But worst of all, she couldn’t stop thinking about her hunky wilderness guide. Cam wished she could tell Amanda everything and talk this through, but that was impossible. If she let the truth slip to anyone at the lodge, everything could blow up in her face.

  Her only other real friend was Ben, and she couldn’t discuss him with him? The bargain seemed to be working, but sometimes it was inconvenient when a plan came together.

  * * *

  Ben was glad he hadn’t scheduled appointments until later in the morning and had taken his time getting to the clinic. It had been a late night at the hospital when the patient had a complication from surgery. She came through fine, but then there was the long drive home. He’d hung around the lodge longer because of that; at least that’s what he’d told himself.

  But if he was being completely honest, it was more about hoping to catch a glimpse of Cam. He hadn’t. Now he wasn’t sure if his bad mood was a reflection of that or simply fatigue. If he had to guess, it would be the former. Yesterday, kissing her goodbye before heading off to work had been the best part of his day.

  Camping with her had been such a good time, and not only because of the sex—although he couldn’t deny that was a highlight. But seeing through her eyes the beauty of the mountains, streams and big blue sky he loved and had missed so much had been satisfying in a way he’d never experienced before. She could have been a whining, complaining diva, but that wasn’t how it went down. The awe she’d felt was as clear as the blue of her eyes and she’d been a terrific sport.

  Seeing her in the morning had been pretty amazing, too. All that tousled blond hair, messed up because he’d run his fingers through it the night before, was flat-out the sexiest thing he’d ever experienced. Even now the memory shot pure lust straight to his groin. Really inconvenient, since he’d just pulled into the clinic parking lot.

  His office was on the second floor of the Victorian mansion donated to the town and turned into a medical facility. The first floor had exam rooms and reception and waiting areas. There was a lab for simple tests, nothing sophisticated since there wasn’t the equipment or personnel for that. Anything complex went to the hospital. His footsteps sounded on the wooden floor after he walked in the back door and down the hall to the stairway.