Finding the Perfect Man

by Marie Higgins

  He dared to go further, sweeping his fingers down her neck, then back up to her hairline. He touched her silky waves. She remained stubborn in her stance, and it surprised him she let him do this. He didn’t question. Just continued.

  He caressed her face, moving his thumb to touch her bottom lip. Her mouth opened slightly. His breathing grew faster, and it matched hers perfectly. He reached his other hand and cupped her face. Spreading his fingers, he drove them back into her hair, loosening the pins holding the tight knot together. A lock of hair sprang free, curling around his hand. His finger wound around it, feeling its silkiness.

  “I like your hair down, falling over your shoulders,” he muttered, unable to keep the thoughts in his head where they belonged.

  She didn’t reply, just continued to watch his face. Her eyes softened with every second that passed. His hands slid down her smooth, supple throat. He fought the urge to press his mouth against her skin. When she closed her eyes, the urge overwhelmed him. He lowered his head, breathing in her rose scent.

  “Jordan.” He brushed his lips against her neck. She shivered. He slid his hands down to her shoulders and pushed her up against the wall. Her hands shot up to his chest, blocking any further movement.

  “Brock, no.”

  He kissed just underneath her ear. “Why?”

  “Please, Brock. This has to stop. I cannot be Lanie’s replacement.”

  He withdrew and looked down into her passionate face. “Is that what you think I’m doing? Do you think I want you to replace my girlfriend?”

  SEVEN

  Jordan’s head knocked a picture off the wall. She looked down at her framed medical license, the broken glass near her right foot. She kicked the black-edged document aside. Brock’s question echoed through her head, and her heart thundered in her ears. She couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

  Could she have read him wrong again? Why else would she be in his strong arms with him pressed close to her unless he was thinking of his girlfriend?

  “Tell me you’re not thinking of her,” she challenged, meeting his eyes. “And if you’re not, explain to me why you’re doing this?” She arched her brow in skepticism. “Do you try to seduce every woman you meet?”

  She thought she saw the hint of a grin, but it disappeared before she could be sure. Her suspicions grew a notch.

  “No.” He dropped his arms and stepped back. “And no, I wasn’t thinking of Lanie just then.”

  “Then who were you thinking about?”

  He hesitated before answering softly, “You.”

  Her heart flipped again, and she wished it hadn’t. Was he telling the truth? She really didn’t know him that well, and today there had been a couple of odd things in his behavior to make her question his actions—most especially, his story. She’d trusted Kenneth, and look how that turned out. Was it any wonder it was hard for her to trust men?

  She folded her arms. “Brock, why are you thinking about me?”

  He shrugged. “I guess it’s because of the things you said earlier. It’s been a while since another woman called me handsome. I like it. It makes me feel like a man again.”

  She walked back to her seat and picked up her pad and pencil. “I’m glad I made you feel that way.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “I’d be blind not to notice how attractive you are, but Brock,” she said as she turned and faced him, “you can’t do this. This is the very reason I’m referring you to Doctor Fairchild. Please don’t be upset, but I just can’t do this.” She took a deep breath and calmed herself. “I’m not repulsed by your touch—as I’m sure you could tell—but from now on you’ll meet with Doctor Fairchild.”

  He nodded. “Okay.”

  He walked to the door and rested his hand on the knob. She waited for him to say something, but he continued looking at his hand as if he didn’t know what to do next. Finally, he opened the door.

  “Thank you, Dr. Reed. You’ve been a tremendous help for me today.”

  She nodded. “Brock, it was a pleasure knowing you. Just take it one day at a time. You’ll turn out fine. I know it.”

  His lips curved into a smile. “Thanks for everything.”

  After he shut the door behind him, she sighed, grateful to be alone again. She didn’t know why his presence made her nervous. None of her other clients affected her this way, but for some reason, Brock disturbed her. He caused feelings in her she’d never experienced before…especially with a client. She couldn’t even recall experiencing these feelings with one of the guys she’d dated.

  Groaning, she rubbed the back of her neck and gently massaged her muscles. This afternoon had been extremely stressful, and it wasn’t just Brock. Visions of the mysterious Rocky intruded into her thoughts.

  She sighed. Rocky. The other day she’d told him she would come back, and at the time it wasn’t a lie, but yesterday, she’d been so busy at work she didn’t dare take a long afternoon break. Today…well, that unbelievable interview with drunken Eddie had put her behind schedule, not to mention Brock’s unexpected visit.

  Unable to stop thinking about meeting Rocky, she realized she wanted to be with him again. She wanted to be in his arms, kissing him. She enjoyed their flirtation the other day, and she loved the way he gazed so deeply into her eyes that he could see through to her soul. She desperately needed to feel like a woman, especially after what had just happened with Brock. She couldn’t go with her urges because he was her client. However, with Rocky…she could let herself feel free again.

  Unfortunately, tonight wouldn’t be good, either. She still needed to decorate her townhouse with Christmas décor before her stepmother and that man came on Christmas Eve. Not only that, but Jordan had to prepare herself emotionally for their visit. She definitely wasn’t looking forward to the meeting. She also wasn’t looking forward to not having a man on her arm to pass off as her boyfriend.

  Behind her desk she sat and rolled out the kinks in her neck. She picked up the voice recorder and clicked on the record button. “Brock worries me.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “Sometimes he acts like he’s absolutely devastated because of what his girlfriend has done, yet other times I feel as if he’s trying to seduce me. Most likely both.”

  She stopped and took a deep breath, slowly releasing it. “I’m having difficulty believing his story. The puzzle is missing a piece, and I don’t have a clue where to start searching for it. But I will turn this information over to Doctor Fairchild. He will be able to help Brock from now on.”

  She stopped the recorder and set it down. She pushed the intercom button for her secretary. “Erica? When is my next appointment scheduled?”

  “Well, you did have one in thirty minutes, but she canceled, again.”

  “Mrs. Butters?”

  “Yup. That’s the one.”

  Jordan pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Thanks.”

  “Your day is over”

  “Good, I think I’ll go home. I still need to get things done at my townhouse before Serena arrives.”

  “I’ll finish up these letters then go home. Okay?”

  “Were there any more calls on the advertisement, Erica?”

  “Yes, but they were the same prank calls as the ones I got yesterday.”

  Jordan sighed, relaxed in her chair, and entwined her fingers across her stomach. Although her head filled with thoughts of her day, one rushed in unexpectedly and wouldn’t leave. It was still early in the day. Perhaps Rocky would be at the bar…

  Shaking her head, she pushed away from her desk. No! She didn’t have time for dalliances, especially with a gorgeous stranger who she couldn’t stop gazing at…and drooling over. She was also afraid of being hurt, not just physically, but emotionally. She’d never survive another heartbreak.

  This time, she knew better. If she didn’t let her heart get involved, she wouldn’t get hurt.

  She took her purse out of her drawer and tucked it under her arm. She hurried to the door and opened it. Erica stoo
d at the file cabinet flipping through some file, but turned her head and smiled at Jordan.

  “I’m going home now,” Jordan said. “I have a dreadful headache.”

  “Okie-dokie. See you later.”

  Jordan nodded and walked through the lobby, then out the front door, thinking of only one place to go right now, and it wasn’t home.

  * * * *

  Jordan stepped through the dimly lit, smoke-filled room and clasped her shaky hands. Holding them to her stomach, she tried to keep the butterflies from jumping out. The crowd at the bar tonight was larger than when she last visited. Of course, it was early evening, so there would be more people here than in the afternoon, but it made searching for Rocky more difficult.

  Moving toward the bar, she searched each person, each group, looking for that one, incredible, handsome face. Luck wasn’t on her side because drunken Eddie caught her eye. She quickly ducked behind another person and said a silent prayer that he didn’t recognize her. He had looked her way but then shook his head and turned back to the woman beside him who appeared as intoxicated as he did.

  Jordan found a stool and sat. The bartender noticed her right away, and a big cheesy grin spread across his face.

  “You’re back.”

  She smiled. “Yes.”

  “Would you like your usual? A Diet Coke, I believe.”

  It shocked her to think he remembered. “Yes, thank you, Todd.”

  He chuckled. “And the little lady still has perfect manners.”

  She turned her head toward the crowd, glancing at all the strange faces in the bar. Darn! Where was Rocky?

  Ted set her drink in front of her, and she paid him. She wanted to ask him about Rocky, but didn’t dare. Would he find her first? After fifteen minutes passed, ten minutes during which she turned away three other men, Rocky was still no where to be seen. She should leave. Obviously, he wasn’t here.

  Ted returned. “Do you want another drink?”

  “No, thanks.” She tipped back the glass, finished the last sip, and hopped off the stool. She made her way to the door, dodging between people. Her heart sank with each step closer to the door. Perhaps she should have returned yesterday as she’d promised. Loneliness consumed her, heavier than it was before she’d entered the bar.

  When she stepped outside, the chill of winter stung her legs and she bundled her coat around her neck a little tighter. Perhaps she should have went home and changed into some pants before coming here. Then again, if she had gone home, she would have talked herself out of coming to the bar tonight.

  The sun settled against the snow-covered mountains, turning the sky pink. A shiver passed through her and she hurried to her car. Just as she reached her yellow Lexus, she noticed a movement by the building’s front door. A man dashed out of the bar searching the parking lot.

  She gasped. Rocky! He looked her way, and her heart picked up speed.

  Once again, her body shook, but for different reasons this time. His heated gaze swept over her, making her forget how cold it was tonight—and that she was still in her skirt. She couldn’t control the burst of happiness coursing through her, but she waited by her car for him to join her.

  When he stopped in front of her, he smiled. She could actually see him better now. He looked more gorgeous than she remembered. He wore another cotton shirt which showed off his muscular chest. Skin-tight jeans emphasized the solid muscles in his legs. Up this close, she could see the color of his eyes better. A hypnotizing green.

  A familiar green.

  He heaved in quick breaths as if he’d been running for miles. “You came back.”

  “Yes. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday. I had a busy day at work.”

  He sighed, then took her in his arms. “I’m glad you’re here now.”

  “Me, too.” Gingerly, she touched his arm. “It’s cold out here. You should go get your coat.”

  “I will.” He grinned. “So what do you say—do you still want to know each other better?”

  She laughed. “That’s why I’m here.” Was this really her talking? When had she become so bold? Not that she cared, she liked this side of her. The new Dr. Reed. The thought almost made her giggle.

  “I missed you yesterday.”

  “I—I know I should have come, but—”

  He brought his face down, and he kissed her from saying anything else. His lips were gentle, but the moment she threw her arms around his neck and answered his kiss, he crushed her in his arms as the kiss turned urgent. Wild…and very exciting.

  He pushed her up against the car while his fingers threaded through her hair. His kiss was masterful the way his tender lips suckled hers. She loved the way he kissed, and she loved the way her heart quickened and made her head spin out of control. For someone who always had to be in control, this was a nice change. She couldn’t stop him if she wanted. Not that she did. It was like she died and floated to heaven.

  “Umm,” he groaned, breaking the kiss. “I missed this.”

  Unbelievable! So had she. “We’ve only just met. How could you miss this?”

  “You did something to me the other day and I haven’t been able to think of anything else.”

  A deep chuckle came from her throat, and she bent her head to his neck and kissed him. “Strange, because I felt the same way.”

  “So, Doc...what should we do about it?”

  Her heart hammered. She shrugged. “What do you suggest?”

  He chuckled. “I was in charge of our date last time. Now it’s your turn.”

  “Date?” She gasped, her eyes getting wider. “You thought of it as a date?”

  “Of course. Didn’t you?”

  “Well no, but…I suppose I will now.”

  “I’m working here tonight, so we can’t go out, but I want you to think of some place where we can go tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” She frowned and shook her head. “I’ll be busy tomorrow and until after Christmas. I have family coming.”

  “Then we’ll go out after the holidays. Is that all right?”

  Her heart skipped another beat. It made her happy to know he wanted to date her. “Sure.”

  Rocky took her hand and brought it up to his mouth. He kissed each finger then placed her palm on his chest, holding over his heart. The quick beats matched her heartbeat perfectly.

  “For tonight, let’s just sit in your car for a few minutes while I take a break from the bar.”

  “Okay.”

  “If anything, perhaps we can do a repeat of the other day—right here in your car.” He winked.

  “Rocky!” she gasped. “There are more people here tonight, if you haven’t noticed.

  “Sure, but they are all inside. The only ones who will see us will be the people arriving.”

  He gave her a sexy crooked grin, and it tugged at a memory. In a flash, she had seen Brock this afternoon in her office giving her that same grin. It made her pause. What was wrong with her? Why did she think Rocky resembled Brock?

  She ignored the thought. “I’ll have to think about it.”

  He brushed his lips across her forehead. “I’ll convince you.”

  Just as he moved away from her, the front doors to the bar opened, and the bartender stepped out. “Hey Hamill?”

  Her heart dropped when Rocky’s head swung in that direction. His last name is Hamill?

  “Yeah?” Rocky answered.

  “Charlie’s on the phone for you.”

  Rocky flipped his hand through the air. “Tell Charlie I’ll call him later. I’m busy right now. I’m taking my break with this pretty lady.”

  The bartender nodded and turned back into the building.

  “Hey, Todd. Bring me my jacket.”

  He opened the door for her and after she climbed in, he shut it and hurried around the passenger’s side and got in. He rubbed his cold hands together and blew on them, hoping to bring a little warmth to him.

  She started the car and turned on the heater. “It won’t take long to
feel the heat, I promise.”

  He gave her that familiar grin again as he wrapped his arms around her and snuggled beside her—even though the gear shift between the seats made it uncomfortable.

  “This will get me warm, too,” he said, nuzzling his cold face in her neck.

  She shivered. “Rocky? Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure, what?”

  “I know we don’t really know each other that well, but you remind me of somebody.”

  “I do?” He lifted his head and looked at her.

  She ran her fingers through his hair. “Is your last name Hamill?”

  His eyes widened. For the first time she saw panic splash across his face, and it worried her. She wasn’t sure if she was going to like his answer.

  EIGHT

  Brock’s heart quickened. He didn’t want to give up his charade yet. He had to remain calm. “Uh…yes, my last name is Hamill. Why?”

  “Do you have a brother?”

  Though Jordan’s voice was steady, a flicker of distrust flashed in her eyes. Did she know? She asked about a brother, so maybe she didn’t suspect they were the same person. He had to handle this carefully.

  He loosened the hold he had on her and slightly pulled away. “Yes, I have a brother.” It really wasn’t a lie.

  “Is he a construction worker?”

  “Yes.” His brother did work for their family’s construction company.

  “And he’s engaged to a woman named Lanie?”

  His smile widened. “So, you know my brother?” Okay, so no lie this time, just avoid the question.

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  She shook her head. Her eyes gleamed, relaxing the lines of doubt around her face.

  “Actually,” her voice deepened, “let’s not talk about your brother. I’d like to get to know you tonight.”

  Relieved, he laughed. He glanced down at the gear shift between them, wishing Jordan’s car wasn’t equipped with bucket seats. She sat too far away, and he wanted her closer. Making out in the car with her would be perfect, especially if someone saw them. Nowadays, people took videos with their cell phones, and posted that and pics across the internet. If something like this went viral, this would definitely ruin Jordan’s reputation as a respected psychiatrist. Since she wouldn’t let the pathetic client get to know her in a personal way, making out in the car with her was the only way he could think of to discredit her in front of her professional world.