by R J Nolan
Dale slumped onto the platform. She dropped her head down toward her chest and cursed. It was even worse than she’d thought. “My stump was completely bare, not even a sock. And she was here—watching? Damn it!”
Casey threw back her head and laughed.
Dale jerked her head up and glared at her. How could she think this was even remotely funny?
“Oh. She was watching you all right. But she sure as hell wasn’t looking at your stump.”
“How do you know that?”
“She nearly ran me down when she hotfooted it out of the room. Believe me, she didn’t look the least bit upset.” Casey grinned. “Although, she did look like she could have used a nice bucket of ice water.” She waggled her eyebrows. “To sit in.”
Dale’s thoughts raced. The idea that Logan had been aroused despite the fact that her bare stump had been in plain sight sent arousal skittering down Dale’s spine.
A brief image of her and Logan entwined brought reality crashing home. There was a big difference between Logan seeing her like that from a distance and being intimate, where Logan would be forced into close proximity to her stump—not to mention exposed to all her scars. Dale wouldn’t subject her to that.
Casey’s hand coming to rest on her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts.
“Hey, why so glum? She thinks you’re hot. That’s a good thing—right?”
“It doesn’t matter. You know I can’t get involved with her.”
“But—”
“Drop it, Casey. Please.” As Dale rose to her feet, she frowned at the exposed metal parts of her prosthesis unencumbered by the cosmetic cover she wore at work. She sighed. Hardly mattered now; Logan had seen a lot more than that. “Come on. I’m done here. Let’s find Logan.”
CHAPTER 29
Dale stopped in the doorway of the visitors’ lounge on the orthopedic ward and surveyed the room. Colorful streamers dangled from the ceiling with helium balloons floating among them. A large glitter-covered Happy New Year sign hung on the back wall where a refreshment table had been set up. Casey and Sharon had done a great job with the decorations.
“Hey, Dale,” Jeff called as he padded toward her. “What do you think?”
“Looks great. Did Casey put you to work?”
“Yeah. Told me it was time I got off my lazy butt.” He grinned.
“She’s right. About time.” It was good to see him engaged with the party preparation. She’d been concerned he might be slipping into depression over his recent setback.
“I saw Dr. Walters today.” From the look on his face, it couldn’t be bad.
“And what did he say?”
“I can start back using my prosthesis next week. I already talked to Bob about doing a socket check.”
“That’s good news.” Dale clapped him on the back. “You better be ready for PT. I’m not going to cut you any slack like I did this week.”
His hands tightened on the handles of his forearm crutches, and he stood straighter. “I’ll be ready.”
The sound of laughter and excited voices drew their attention to the door. Patients were starting to arrive. Some were ambulatory with the assistance of crutches or walkers, but most were in wheelchairs. For a few lucky ones, their families were here to celebrate the coming new year. But for most, the staff and volunteers stood in for missing family members.
Dale waved when she spotted Casey, who was pushing a patient in a wheelchair into the room. “I need to get the refreshments set up. Why don’t you go help Casey get everyone situated by the TV?”
The large television mounted on the wall was already tuned to the New Year’s Eve coverage in New York’s Times Square. The administration was willing to bend the rules only so far for the party. It would end at nine p.m. for them when the ball dropped in Times Square at midnight.
“Sure. Glad to help.” Jeff padded away.
As she filled plastic cups with nonalcoholic punch and set them out on a table, Dale’s thoughts strayed to Logan. Her gaze was drawn to the doorway with each new arrival. After what had happened in the PT department yesterday, Logan had seemed a little distant at work last night. Maybe Casey had misinterpreted what she’d seen? She couldn’t help wondering if Logan would even show up tonight. It would probably be for the best if she didn’t. Her attraction to Logan had become a problem that was impossible to ignore. There was no sense in torturing herself with something that could never be. Her shoulders slumped.
“Don’t look so glum. She’ll be here.”
At the sound of Casey’s voice so close-by, she almost dropped the cup of punch she had just poured. “Damn it, Case. Quit sneaking up on me like that.”
“I called to you—twice.” Casey snorted. “A whole platoon of marines could have marched up, and you wouldn’t have noticed.”
Scowling, Dale elbowed her. “I was busy setting up.”
“Sure. Whatever you say.” Casey’s gaze swept her. “You look really nice. New outfit?”
Dale’s cheeks heated, and she nodded. “Thanks.” After spending almost an hour trying to decide what to wear, she had given up on finding anything suitable in her closet and done something she hated—shopping for clothes. She had just wanted to look nice for the party; it had nothing to do with Logan. Yeah, right! Great, now even her own subconscious wasn’t buying her excuses.
“You look very nice too.” In total disregard of her prosthetics, Casey was wearing a knee-length dress.
“Thank you.”
The sound of new arrivals drew her attention back to the door. It wasn’t Logan. A sigh escaped before she could stifle it.
“She’ll be here,” Casey repeated.
As if summoned, Logan appeared in the doorway. She had forgone her usual ponytail, leaving her hair down so that it just brushed her shoulders. She wore a long-sleeved, V-neck print top over dark-blue slacks.
Dale knew she was staring, yet couldn’t seem to stop herself. Logan looked great.
“She looks nice—doesn’t she?” Casey asked.
Even from across the room, Dale’s gaze was drawn to the enticing bit of cleavage Logan was showing. “Oh, yeah.” She blushed at the unexpectedly husky timbre of her own voice. She cleared her throat. “I should go…um…let her know where we are.”
Casey laughed. “Good idea. I’ll go with you.”
The prickling of her senses made Logan scan the room.
Dale strode toward her.
Her vision narrowed; all she could see was Dale. She moved with the grace of a sleek, superbly muscled jungle cat. A forest-green long-sleeved blouse that hugged her body and tailored black pants clinging to her strong thighs accentuated the impression.
The closer Dale got, the faster Logan’s heart beat.
“Hey, Logan. Glad you made it,” Casey said.
She was vaguely aware of Casey but couldn’t take her eyes off Dale. “Hi.” Logan flushed when it came out much breathier than she’d intended.
Casey laughed and waved a hand in her direction. “I’m over here.”
Logan wrenched her gaze from Dale. Barely resisting the urge to scrub her hands over her burning cheeks, she turned her attention to Casey. “Good evening.”
“Ready to make the rounds and spread some New Year’s cheer? We’ve got punch and some snack mix to pass around.”
“Sure.” Logan glanced at Dale. When she realized where Dale’s attention was focused, the arousal she was trying so hard to squash roared back to life.
“Earth to Dale,” Casey said with a laugh.
Dale started and looked away from Logan’s chest. Her color high, she said, “Right. Pass out the snacks. I’d better finish up with the punch.”
When Dale walked away, Logan’s gaze dropped to her ass.
“Great pants, huh?” Casey asked.
As if red were destined to be her normal
color tonight, Logan’s face flamed. “I should go help Dale.”
“She could use your help all right,” Casey muttered.
“What?”
Casey linked her arm with Logan’s. “Never mind. Come on, let’s get this party going.”
Leaning against the wall behind the refreshment table, Casey snorted to herself as she watched Dale and Logan. Sure, they’re not the least bit interested in each other. They had only spent the whole evening watching each other when they thought no one was looking. It had been clear for some time that they were attracted to each other, but neither had the courage to act on it. But Casey knew it was much more than just physical attraction. While she didn’t agree with her, she knew what was holding Dale back. She wasn’t as sure about Logan. Obviously, she had her secrets. What she couldn’t understand was why two intelligent, accomplished, strong women who cared for each other were giving up a chance at happiness without even trying. Casey shook her head at the pair.
“Hey, Casey. Almost time,” Sharon said. “Need a hand filling the cups for the toast?”
“Sure.”
Sharon joined her behind the table and set to work. “So what’s the deal with Dale and Logan? Are they involved or not? I’ve been getting mixed signals all night.”
Of course Sharon, with her training in psychology and years as a social worker, would have picked up on the interplay between them. “They’re friends.”
“Nothing else?” Sharon’s interest was clear.
“No. Just friends,” she forced herself to say.
“Good to know.”
A group of patients filed up to the table and picked up cups of punch.
Sharon quickly grabbed two of the plastic cups and slipped from behind the table.
“Where are you going?”
Sharon grinned. “Logan’s new here. Just want to make sure she doesn’t feel left out of the celebration.”
Casey didn’t believe that for a second. As much as she wanted to, it wasn’t her place to warn her off. Besides, knowing Logan, she wouldn’t be receptive anyway. Casey lost sight of Sharon as the table was swamped with people getting cups of punch for the rapidly approaching toast. Where the hell was Dale?
“Ten minutes!” someone called.
The small crowd dispersed from around the table as quickly as they had appeared.
Casey scanned the room for Logan. When she spotted her, she cursed under her breath. Not only was Sharon at Logan’s side, but two male patients were standing close-by, looking overly eager.
Dale came striding up. “Sorry. Benson was bending my ear, and I couldn’t get away.”
“No problem. Here.” Casey pushed two cups toward Dale. “Take that to Logan and stake your claim before midnight strikes.”
“It’s not actually midnight, you know.” Ignoring the cups, Dale joined her behind the table.
“Smart-ass.” She nudged Dale and motioned across the room. “Midnight or not, the vultures are just waiting for their chance to be the one who shares a kiss with Logan when that ball drops.”
When Dale looked in the direction Casey indicated, a fierce scowl took up residence on her face. She shook her head roughly. “Knock it off, Casey.”
“Suit yourself. Maybe I’ll try my luck with her.”
Dale whirled around with fire in her eyes. “What!”
Casey smirked. “I thought you weren’t interested?”
“Casey.” Dale’s voice came out as a low growl. She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Five minutes,” someone called out.
Why was she being so stubborn? No matter what Dale said, it was clear that she wanted to kiss Logan. Hell, Casey had seen them almost kiss already. Maybe all Dale needed was an excuse? “Remember when I agreed to look after Drake, and you said you owed me big-time?”
Dale’s eyes narrowed and she nodded.
“You said name it, anything. I’m naming it. Kiss Logan at midnight. And I don’t mean a peck on the cheek. A real kiss on the lips.”
“Casey.” This time, it sounded distinctly like a whine.
“Go on, hurry up.”
Dale squared her shoulders. “Okay.” She turned and marched away.
Dale made her way through the crowd as quickly as she could. Her insides were shaking with the thought of kissing Logan. She wasn’t sure if she should thank Casey or curse her. Brushing past one of Logan’s admirers, she took her place at Logan’s side. She glanced at her, seeing the faint stress lines around her eyes, and barely resisted the urge to glare at the people around her. “Hi.”
Logan met her gaze. The tension left her face, and she smiled. “Hi.”
“Two minutes,” someone yelled.
“Logan.” Sharon put her hand on Logan’s arm. “Would you—?”
“Excuse us. Could you hold this, please?” Dale plucked the cup out of Logan’s hand and pressed it into Sharon’s before she could protest. She grabbed Logan’s hand. “Come on.”
Logan followed her lead without question.
As they stepped away, Dale couldn’t resist quirking a smile at a scowling Sharon. Never happening.
They ducked out of the room.
Dale led them far enough down the hall to be out of sight but close enough that they could still hear the countdown from the television. She glanced around the deserted hallway. Suddenly unsure, she met Logan’s gaze. “Is this okay?”
“This is good. The crowd was getting a little much.”
Dale gently rested a hand on Logan’s shoulder. She had every intention of explaining about the promise she had made to Casey.
Logan’s topaz-brown eyes darkened, making the golden starbursts surrounding her irises appear to glow.
Dale was lost. Drawn by a force too strong to resist, she moved closer to Logan as the countdown to the new year began.
The stroke of midnight found them face to face, mere inches separating them.
“Happy New Year,” they whispered simultaneously.
Dale wasn’t sure who moved first, but at the first touch of Logan’s soft lips against hers, she didn’t care.
Long ignored, the passion between them flared brightly.
Logan groaned and pressed close.
The feel of Logan’s lush body against hers sent Dale’s arousal soaring. She wrapped her arms around Logan and pulled her tightly against her.
Logan took control of the kiss, nipping at Dale’s lower lip, urging her to open to her.
When Logan’s tongue slipped into her mouth, heat rushed through Dale, pooling low in her belly.
“Friends, my ass!”
Dale and Logan jerked apart, both panting for breath.
Sharon stood several feet away. “Put a lid on it. There are patients around.” She turned on her heel and stomped away.
Dale had been so lost in Logan that she had completely forgotten where they were. Sharon was right about that; anyone could have walked up on them, including a patient. She glanced at Logan, who looked away guiltily.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” Logan turned to walk away.
Her body still humming from the kiss, she captured Logan’s arm before she could leave. “Wait. You didn’t. I was the one who started it. Don’t go.”
Logan shook her head. “We can’t… I can’t. I’m sorry.” She pulled away and fled down the hall toward the elevators.
Dale started to follow her, then stopped. What were you thinking? She sighed. Clearly, she hadn’t been. It was for the best. She could never be the whole person Logan deserved. With a heavy heart, she headed back to the party.
CHAPTER 30
Casey gave both glasses of iced tea to Dale, then levered herself up onto the couch using her hands.
“Thanks.” Once she got settled, Dale handed over one of the glasses.
“I’m s
orry I ruined things for you,” Casey said, picking up their prior conversation.
Dale dropped her head back against the cushion and sighed. “Quit saying that. It’s not your fault.”
“If I hadn’t pushed you to kiss Logan, none of this would have happened.”
“We’ve talked about this already—several times. You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. It was my choice. I could’ve said no.” In the week and a half since New Year’s Eve, she had cursed herself many times for not refusing. Yet, a large part of her couldn’t regret it. It was the only kiss they would ever share, and she treasured the moment. Every time she relived the kiss, it never failed to stir her. Not that that had been happening frequently or anything.
She pushed away the memory and focused on the issue at hand. While they still shared a snack together before work in the conference room, as had become their custom, there was a guardedness about Logan that Dale thought them long past. And they had not spent any time together outside of work. Logan always had an excuse, but they were wearing thin.
She missed Logan’s friendship, and Dale knew she wasn’t the only one, since Logan always came up with an excuse when Casey asked her to bring Drake over for a visit and to have breakfast with her. “I’m just sorry you got caught up in it. I just wish I knew what to do.”
“I know what you mean. I barely got a chance to say a word to her when she dropped Drake off at the VA on Wednesday. Same thing when she picked him up. She just blew in and out of there.” Casey smacked the couch cushion. “Damn, she pisses me off with that bland, overly polite crap. I just want to grab her and shake her—get some kind of reaction.” She blew out a breath. “Don’t suppose you want to tell me what she’s running from by living in an RV and traveling around doing locums?”
“I only know part of it.” She met Casey’s gaze. “And what I do know I don’t feel comfortable sharing. That’s up to Logan.” She knew Logan was running from the pain of her sister’s murder. What she couldn’t understand was why she was working so hard to keep them both at arm’s length again after finally letting them in. No matter how ill-advised the kiss had been, there had to be more to Logan’s current behavior.
