The Doctor Wears A Stetson (Contemporary Western Romance)

by Anne Marie Novark

  The Doctor Wears A Stetson

  by

  Anne Marie Novark

  ****

  SMASHWORDS EDITION

  ****

  The atmosphere sizzled in the small office. Jessie stood like a statue, her eyes opened wide. "Why did you come back?" Her raspy voice held a note of accusation.

  Cameron also heard anguish in her words. Was he causing Jessie pain? When all he wanted was to hold her in his arms, take her to bed and make love to her until the passion between them was spent?

  In two long strides, he was beside her. She backed against the file cabinet. He stepped closer.

  "You know why I'm back. We need to finish what we started seventeen years ago." He touched a finger to her cheek, traced the smooth line of her jaw, eased his hand behind her neck and pulled her to him. Her trembling intensified and she put her hands on his chest as if to ward him off.

  He caught her hands and moved them over his heart. "Feel my heartbeat, Jess. It's beating for you." He pressed his body against hers. "Feel how much I want you. I tried to stay away, but God help me, I couldn't."

  His mouth claimed hers in fierce desire. Jessie moaned, holding back only for a second, knowing deep down resistance was hopeless.

  She couldn't help it . . . she kissed him back.

  ****

  Reviews for Anne Marie Novark

  "Ms. Novark is a fantastic storyteller, and has a wonderful grasp for writing very emotionally charged scenes. There is far more here than a romance, but rather, this is a story with complexity and substance, which is everything a reader could ask for and more."

  ~ Fern, Long and Short Reviews

  "This is the first book I have read by Ms. Novark but it will not be my last. Her characters are strong and passionate and she takes the reader along for an emotional ride through her story!"

  ~ Steph B., The Romance Studio

  "I loved reading a western romance that wasn’t historical. I’ve heard that everything is bigger in Texas, but didn’t think that would mean the sex scenes as well. Get a tall glass of lemonade since this book is hot!"

  ~Robyn, Once Upon a Romance Review

  ****

  The Doctor Wears A Stetson

  Copyright © 2010 by Anne Marie Novark

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ****

  Dedication

  To all of those who have been given a

  Second Chance at Love . . .

  ****

  Prologue

  "You want me to do what?"

  Jessie Kincaid dropped the wrench she'd been using to tighten a loose radiator hose on an old pickup truck. The metal tool echoed on the cement floor of her father's service station. She stared toward the big double doors, wondering if she were hallucinating.

  "I want you to go to the prom with me." The deep low voice drifted into the garage on the cool West Texas breeze.

  Jessie's head buzzed and her lungs refused to draw in air. Had Cameron McCade, star football player for the Salt Fork Bulldogs, the most popular senior in school and drop-dead gorgeous, just asked her to the prom?

  Oh my God. I'm only a freshman.

  Nothing like this had ever happened before. Her life was predictable, boring. Every afternoon, she came home from school, changed into her coveralls and helped her dad. She repaired cars, trucks and tractors, pumped gas, changed oil and some days even balanced the books. Kincaid's Garage did a brisk business, considering it was one of two gas stations in the small town of Salt Fork, Texas.

  Jessie took a deep calming breath and stared at Cameron. He was still standing near the garage doors looking incredibly handsome in his Stetson, with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his letter jacket.

  "Will you go with me, Jess? Please?" He walked toward her until he was only a couple of feet away.

  His killer smile made Jessie's stomach flutter. She picked up the wrench and placed it in the toolbox. "Why me?" she asked, although she knew the answer.

  Cameron's sapphire blue eyes widened in surprise. He probably hadn't expected her to question his invitation. Jessie knew he had recently broken up with his girlfriend. The prom was only a week away. Everyone had arranged for dates and escorts months ago, everyone except Jessie.

  "Why not you?" Cameron asked, tipping back his Stetson and smiling down at her. "Don't you want to go?"

  That smile was dangerous. Cameron was dangerous, too. He was way out of Jessie's league. She didn't date much; hardly ever, if you wanted to get downright technical about it.

  "Okay. Sure, I'll go with you." Who cared if she was his last-ditch effort? A chance like this didn't come along every day.

  Cameron nodded. "Good. I'll pick you up around seven on Saturday. See you, Jess. And thanks."

  She watched him drive away, knowing she probably had a dopey grin on her face. Just like all the girls in town, Jessie had a crush on Cameron McCade. Except her feelings bordered on hero-worship, because he was so far beyond her reach. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought she would actually get to go out with him.

  Oh my God.

  When her heart finally stopped pounding, she ran to find her dad and begged him to take her to Lubbock to buy a dress. She hadn't worn one since she was a baby. They went that night and after a long and frantic search, she settled on an ankle-length, backless gown of creamy white satin.

  On Saturday afternoon, Jessie locked herself in her room and prayed for a miracle. For the first time in her life, she rolled her hair, painted her nails and applied makeup. Donning the dress, she looked at herself critically in the full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door. Not miraculous, but definitely not bad.

  Jessie grabbed her new purse and went in search of her father. She found him in the office next to the garage, seated at his desk with his back to her. She stopped in the doorway, suddenly feeling nervous and unsure. Was her dress too daring? Her hair too curly? Had she used enough makeup? Too much? She didn't want to embarrass Cameron.

  "Dad, close your eyes before turning around," Jessie said. "I want your honest opinion of how I look."

  George Kincaid swiveled until he faced the doorway. Slowly he opened his eyes. A glowing smile spread across his rugged face. "Come on in, baby. Let me have a closer look."

  Jessie stepped into the small office and pirouetted in front of him. She watched his face anxiously, trying to decide if she could trust his judgement. He was her father after all.

  "You'll be the belle of the ball," he said. "Just like your mama, God rest her soul. Cameron McCade is one lucky fella."

  "Oh, Daddy. You know he only asked me because he and Patti broke up and no one else was available."

  "Even if you weren't his fi
rst choice, he's still lucky," her father declared stoutly.

  A knock on the office door made Jessie jump. "Goodness! He's here!" she cried.

  While Cameron shook hands with her father, Jessie looked him over. He was stunning in his black tuxedo and baby-blue shirt. The tanned face, clear blue eyes, and that kilowatt smile were producing astonishing effects on her. How was she going to survive this night? She wished with all her heart she had more experience with boys.

  Cameron turned toward her. Jessie summoned a brave smile, banishing the urge to run away. He didn't say anything for a moment. It was his turn to look her over, from the top of her head to the tips of her brand new satin slippers, and then slowly back up. He inched closer, his gaze appreciative. "You look nice."

  "Thanks." His compliment warmed her all over. "So do you."

  Jessie's father cleared his throat. "Cameron, you take care of my little girl, you hear? Don't keep her out too late. Have a good time, baby." He kissed her cheek, before disappearing into the living quarters behind the garage.

  Cameron thrust a small cardboard box toward her. "I forgot to ask what color your dress was going to be. I hope this is all right."

  Jessie opened the box. Nestled in the folds of tissue lay a wrist corsage of pink tea roses. "It's beautiful."

  Cameron removed the flowers and took her hand in his. "May I?" His voice sounded low and husky in the confines of the office. Before she could reply, he slipped the elastic loop over her trembling hand.

  Jessie admired the corsage, sniffing the delicate fragrance, closing her eyes. This whole experience was like a dream or fairy tale. Not real at all.

  "Are you ready to go?" Cameron asked.

  That deep voice again. One more sniff of her corsage and Jessie opened her eyes. "Not yet. Stay here, I'll be right back."

  Dashing to the kitchen, she opened the refrigerator door and grabbed the single blue carnation wrapped in clear cellophane. Thank goodness one of the older girls at school had explained about corsages and boutonnieres, because she never would have thought of it herself.

  When she offered the flower to Cameron, he shook his head. "Huh-uh, it's your turn." He stepped closer until he stood only a few inches away.

  Jessie gulped and prayed she wouldn't faint. Nothing had prepared her for the incredible sensations flowing through her body. This was unknown territory where unfamiliar emotions threatened to consume her. She was very good at taking apart engines and putting them together again. She wasn't good with boys.

  "Pin it on, Jess."

  With shaking fingers, she carefully fastened the boutonniere to his lapel with a long straight pin. She avoided eye contact, keeping her attention on the task. The warmth from Cameron's body, the width of his shoulders, the clean fresh scent of his aftershave made Jessie feel weak in the knees. If she had known being close to Cameron would cause her to lose her breathing abilities and the control of her muscles, she never would have accepted his invitation to the prom.

  Yeah right. She wouldn't have missed this for the world. Everything was new and exciting and just a little bit scary.

  The drive to the high school gym took all of five minutes. Somehow, Jessie managed to get out of the truck with some semblance of grace. She wasn't used to dresses and high-heels. Cameron adjusted her satin wrap around her shoulders and escorted her inside.

  Everyone gaped at Jessie when she walked in the gym on Cameron's arm. No one could believe she was attending the prom with Cameron McCade! A feeling of pure feminine satisfaction rose inside of her, giving her confidence a much-needed boost.

  "Cameron! Jessie! Over here."

  Cameron guided Jessie to one of the center tables, where Lester Smith stood waving to them.

  "Hey, buddy." Lester slapped Cameron's shoulder. "I grabbed the best table and saved a place for you two."

  "Thanks, Les." Cameron seated Jessie before sinking his tall frame into the chair between her and Lester's date, Amanda Harding.

  He threw his arm across the back of Jessie's chair. When his fingers brushed back and forth against her shoulder, her body tensed. The soft caress made her tummy feel heavy and tingly at the same time. If Cameron's touch affected her so strongly, how was she going to survive dancing with him?

  "Hooey, Jessie!" Lester let out a low wolfish whistle. "You sure look a danged-sight better in that dress than you do in coveralls. Don't she, Cam?"

  "Yes, she does." The admiration in Cameron's deep voice made Jessie's cheeks burn, and she didn't know where to look.

  The noise in the gym quieted when the band struck up the first tune. Amanda dragged Lester to the dance floor. Jessie laughed at the comical look he threw Cameron.

  All desire to laugh ceased when Cameron pushed back his chair and stood. "Shall we join them?" He gave her one of his special smiles and held out his hand.

  The heat from his fingers burned her flesh as he led her to the dance floor. How in the world was she going to survive when Cameron held her in his arms for the slow dances?

  For the first two sets, the band played rock and roll. Jessie enjoyed moving to the music. She loved to dance. But then the beat changed, the tempo mellowed and the time of reckoning had come. Cameron pulled her into his arms and held her close. They swayed to the soft music of a love song. She held herself rigid, afraid to breathe, afraid she'd do something foolish.

  "Relax," Cameron whispered in her ear.

  Jessie forced herself to ease her strained muscles. She tentatively laid her head against Cameron's chest and sighed deeply. This was like a piece of heaven.

  When Cameron suddenly stiffened, Jessie jerked her head back and looked up at him. He was staring at something or someone across the gym. She quickly scanned the dancing couples and found the object of Cameron's fierce gaze. Near one of the doors, Patti Nichols and Bubba Garrison were locked in an intimate embrace. Jessie wasn't familiar with the details of the big break up, but Cameron certainly wasn't happy with his ex-girlfriend's behavior.

  He forced a smile when he caught Jessie's look of concern. "Sorry about that." With a shrug, Cameron turned with the music and held her close.

  The rest of the evening passed in a dreamy blur for Jessie. Cameron never looked Patti's way again. Instead, he focused all his charm and attention on Jessie. She, in turn, lost her heart.

  When the prom ended, Jessie and Cameron walked out into the starry West Texas night with Lester and Amanda.

  Lester had his arm around Amanda's waist, whispering in her ear, making her giggle. He punched Cameron's arm. "Some of us are going up to Lover's Point. Why don't y'all come along?"

  Jessie, acutely aware of Cameron's big hand on the small of her back, tried not to panic. Lover's Point?

  Cameron glanced down at her before answering. "I don't know, Les . . ."

  Amanda laughed nastily. "I bet Jessie's never been to Lover's Point. Her experience with parked cars is strictly mechanical."

  "Unlike yours. Right, Amanda?" Cameron said.

  Amanda sputtered, caught Lester's arm and hurried away.

  Cameron helped Jessie into the truck and braced an arm on the doorframe, searching her face. "Why don't we go for a little while? We don't have to stay long," he said softly. "It's up to you."

  Jessie swallowed hard. Did he really want to take her to Lover's Point? Was he offering her a way out or himself?

  Amanda's words stung. Jessie raised her chin. "I guess we can go if you want to."

  He stared at her for a moment, then nodded. She trembled at the thought of being alone with Cameron in the parked truck.

  Lover's Point was a large precipice overlooking a deep gorge west of town. After maneuvering his truck on the bluff, Cameron dimmed his headlights and rolled down the windows.

  Jessie hoped she didn't look as nervous as she felt. When Cameron swung his arm over the back of the seat and turned toward her, it was all she could do not to open the door and run.

  "You should wear a dress more often." Cameron's deep velvet voice oozed over Jessie's
heart, causing it to miss a beat. He gently caressed the nape of her neck and his muscular thigh pressed against her own, the satin fabric of her gown offering little protection from the heat of his body. When had he moved so close? And why?

  Oh my God, he's going to kiss me.

  Good lord, what was she doing on Lover's Point with Cameron McCade? She had never kissed a boy in her whole entire life. She had no idea how to go about it. Did it come naturally? Was there a certain technique or skill to it?

  Cameron leaned toward her, his eyes on her lips. A husky laugh from one of the cars floated on the warm breeze. Jessie felt Cameron's body go rigid as he stared at the couple in the next car. She knew without a doubt it must be Patti and Bubba.

  Before she could turn to look, Jessie was locked in a vise-like embrace. Cameron's lips came down on hers hard, demanding. He forced her mouth open, plunging his tongue inside, grinding his lips against hers until she thought she would smother.

  Jessie realized Cameron was hurting and angry. She felt an overwhelming need to give him comfort. But the punishing force of the kiss frightened her, and she tried to push him away.

  Immediately, the kiss changed. The pressure of Cameron's lips gentled and Jessie stopped struggling. Abruptly, he released her.

  She opened her eyes slowly, then quickly closed them again. All traces of fear had faded, replaced by a vague flickering of desire. Her breasts felt heavy and full. A churning sensation began in the pit of her stomach and traveled all the way to her toes. It was a new and intoxicating feeling.

  "Look at me, Jess."

  Gripping her hands in her lap, she peeked up at Cameron. His sexy blue eyes were fixed on her face. Jessie's stomach ricocheted and she looked away.

  Cameron cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You've never done this before, have you?"