And Never Say Goodbye: A Town of Destiny Novel Read online

  His breathing picked up pace. “Oh, really?” His hand moved down over her rounded hip and thigh, over the silky material, his lips near her ear. When his tongue darted out at her neck, she jumped. “No, Gallagher. Not ready. Not yet.”

  His head lay on her pillow with hers, bringing his hand back up. “Have you slept with anyone since Scott? Were you that in love with him?”

  “I have, but I knew there were no strings attached. It’s different with you.”

  “I’ll cut the damn strings then. It doesn’t have to be.”

  “It already is. It’s more complicated with you. I can’t handle complicated now. I just want to help donor and recipient families and go home with that in my heart. Nothing else.”

  “Oh, so you’re saying anything else in your heart is a complication. I see now. And do you feel anything else in your heart?”

  In a cracked voice, she said, “Yes.”

  He sucked his breath in and clutched her hand.

  “But I don’t want to. Hence, the complication.”

  “I wish you’d just tell me what the hell this promise you made is. Maybe there won’t be a complication.”

  “I can’t. I will in time, maybe never.”

  “You remember the first day I trained you?”

  She laughed. “Oh, yeah. I was scared to death of you and with good reason.”

  “You forgot the ice.”

  “I know, and you never let me forget it. When you turned to ask me where it was, I froze. I think I turned into the ice,” she said, laughing. “I know I’d never let anyone get away with that now, so you taught me well.”

  “Like David?”

  “Don’t get me started on him.”

  He laughed. “That’s how your name started. Ice.”

  “And snowballed into other reasons, but yeah, generally.”

  “Mallory Ice McShane.”

  She pushed her rear end into him to shut him up, but realized that was probably a mistake.

  He pulled her tighter against him, his breathing picking up in her ear. “My little ice queen,” he whispered.

  Her breathing matched his as she closed her eyes. She felt him rub against her, pleading with his body. He tilted her jaw to press his lips against hers, making her turn to him, their tongues dancing outside of their mouths. As she ran her hand through his hair, he groaned against her mouth. She moaned his name. “Lawson.”

  “I’m dying, McShane.”

  “I know.”

  “I want you.”

  “I know. I want you too.”

  With that, he reached down to roll her gown up, but she stopped it. “Do you have something?”

  He looked at her with wild eyes. “What?”

  “A condom.”

  “Of course.”

  “Then get it.” She couldn’t risk pregnancy.

  He hopped up and walked to his top dresser drawer, pulling out a packet. He then whipped his shirt off, revealing a muscular chest and abdomen brushed with dark hair she wanted to touch, and then his shorts, eliciting a low moan from her throat. He slid the condom on, his eyes locked on hers, her eyes on his every move, wanting him desperately to hurry. He kneeled on the bed and collapsed on top of her.

  As he sat back up, he helped her get her gown off, his eyes appreciating her breasts. “You’re amazing.” He leaned down and kissed her, trailing kisses down her chest and stomach before sliding her black underwear off. “When I saw these through your white gown earlier, I think I nearly exploded right there.”

  She giggled, stretching her legs out against his chest. He caught them and kissed her wiggling toes. He tossed her legs back down and parted them, their eyes locked. She licked her lips as her heart thundered, bucking her hips up, ready for him.

  He bent and sucked her hard nipples, lapping at them until she couldn’t take it anymore, her nails digging into his back. Lowering his head, he traced his tongue down her stomach, sucking and licking until he trailed even lower, making her scream. He opened her wide and licked her, tasting her, and sliding his tongue deep inside, taking his sweet, fricking painful time.

  This was it. She was going to die like this. Straight out have a heart attack in Gallagher’s bed. The next rumor would be poor Ice melted in Wolf’s bed. She never had a chance. She understood now what all those women were talking about. Understood how they’d become addicted to this man. Her man. They’d never have his tongue near their slutty bodies again. He belonged to her now.

  Her body shook as her toes curled, a deep guttural moan erupting from her throat. Tingling coursed through her body as she closed her eyes and let herself go. Licking her dry lips, she grabbed his head. “Gallagher, now,” she said, panting.

  Sadie scratched at the door, bringing them both to glance at the door.

  “She can wait,” he said. “I can’t.” He then thrusted inside of her, grimacing in pain. “Jesus.”

  She rocked against him, cradling his head as she kissed him, their tongues lapping in a heated dance. Her breath hitched in her throat as she rolled over on top of him and ground her hips against him, her head falling back.

  His hand reached up to touch her face. He then pulled himself up to meet her and held her against him, gripping her hips to steer her in the right direction, the right destiny…her destiny.

  “McShane,” he cried, moving to the perfect tempo, the right angle, the right everything.

  She kissed him, tasting his lips, dropping kisses on his cheeks, forehead, and nose—his hooded eyes searing hers. She crushed his hands to her breasts, wanting to feel them there, thumbing her nipples, his mouth lowering to take them in. Her head rolled back to the building sensation once again. How would she ever walk again? She felt like a liquid mass of cells.

  His hands moved to her behind before she pushed him back down, her hair falling to the side. She wanted this man deeply and completely. Wished she didn’t have to use a condom, wanted to feel him. This was more than sex, more than having fun. So much more. This felt like home. Like the stars finally aligned and the angels sang their glory for them, a choir swaying and rejoicing to this union.

  It…felt…right.

  Their bodies simultaneously shook with pleasured moans, as he pushed deeper with a tortuous grunt, as deep as it could possibly go, and she took all of him in. Every loving bit. She then collapsed onto him in a pool of sweat, her heart racing to the moon. His chest heaved against hers, his soaked hair limp and dripping. Their cheeks glistening, sticking to each other.

  As her panting slowed down, she smiled and kissed him. “My wolf.”

  He laughed. “If you’re gonna call me that, that’s how I want it said.” He kissed her head on his chest, their bodies molding together. “Wow. That was…insane.”

  She closed her eyes. “I know.”

  “I can feel your heart.”

  “Me too.”

  “I’m crazy about you, McShane.”

  She opened her eyes. “Me too.”

  “We just can’t let anyone know at work or one of us will have to leave.”

  She nodded. “I can keep a secret. I’m good at that.” She smiled against his chest.

  “Oh, I know you are. One of these days you’ll share some with me.”

  Her hand swiped underneath his pillow next to them, and she pulled out a pair of red lacy thongs. “I knew it.”

  “What?”

  She sat up and threw them down at him, smirking.

  “I forgot about that. I didn’t think I was going to entice you up here.” He grinned, playing with her hair.

  “Yeah, right. You thought if I didn’t come up then you’d at least get to play with something.”

  He gave a raucous laugh. “What do you think I’d do with those? Wear them?”

  “Maybe. I don’t know what you’re into, Gallagher.”

  “Well, it’s certainly not that.” He picked up the offensive piece of material and flung them across the room. “And in case you didn’t notice…you’re what I’m into, McShane. O
nly you.”

  She lay back down and glanced up from his chest. “You’ll have to still date others or people will become suspicious.”

  Shaking his head, he said, “No way. I don’t want to. I’ve been dateless the past week so think it’ll be fine.”

  “People will talk, especially knowing I’m taking care of Sadie for you.”

  He lifted her chin to meet her eyes. “You’re saying you want me to go out with other women?”

  “Either that or I’ll have to date, just to throw them off.”

  He slid her up to face him. “I’ll dissect any guy who touches you.”

  “Then you’ll have to date. I don’t know what to do.”

  He lifted his head and kissed her nose, making her smile. “We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”

  But she had much more to worry about than office politics. She had a plan made out for her ten years ago, and it didn’t include another man, much less Gallagher. She lay back down and hugged him to her, knowing this couldn’t and wouldn’t last.

  Chapter Nine

  Mallory tried to sneak into the main conference room where the usual Wednesday meetings were held. Only, it wasn’t Wednesday. It was a rainy Monday. Getting the page the night before that it had changed due to one of the managers being out of town the rest of the week was not a way to start her work week back. Yet, here she was, hiding more secrets.

  She glanced around the room and found him. Lawson doing his part in flirting with one of the coordinators—something she had insisted two days before. Watching him as Wolf burned a hole right into her gut. Cora certainly enjoyed his attention. How long could she do this? She was already a fraud with no sharing of her past. Now she was a fraud in not sharing her present. Come to think of it, her future was also a fat lie, waiting to strangle her.

  His laughter drifted to her, forcing her to slink down into her seat and close her eyes. Why that one? Had to be the sexiest one of the bunch. Cora’s sexuality exuded from every follicle of her body. Why not bookish Emily in the corner? She was cute and available. And the way she leaned into him as he smiled down into her eyes. Either he was a damned good actor or he wanted to bang her right there.

  But she had to trust his words. Had to believe the old wolf wasn’t making its appearance, the one he claimed he wasn’t anymore. Just wanted to give a good front to the office. All it was. A good front.

  As she fiddled with a pen, she avoided eye contact with other staff as they entered. Some tried to talk to her, ask her how her time off was. Could they hear her heart pounding? See the sweat trickling down her brow? Just a week ago she couldn’t stand the man, or at least she told herself that. Now what?

  When Lance sat next to her, she squirmed and looked up to find Gallagher’s murderous glare firing his way. He touched her arm. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry again for being an ass. I drank before I got there, which isn’t a great excuse, but it’s all I have. Is there any way I can make it up to you? Start over?” He scooted his chair closer.

  “Look, Lance. It’s against office policy to date anyway, but we can be friends.”

  He sighed. “If I thought there was a chance for us, I’d leave and work as a nurse somewhere. I really care for you, Mallory.”

  Her eyes widened. Gallagher never even suggested doing that for her. The heat from Gallagher’s molten stare melted her, and she felt the need to protect F5 Lance. “That’s so sweet, but I’m not interested in a relationship right now…with anyone.” She gave a small smile.

  “Then what’s up with you and Lawson?”

  She shrugged. “Nothing. Just friends. I watched his dog for him, but that’s it.” When would Ellen start the meeting? It had to be 10:00 already.

  “Right. Just helping a guy out. I’d buy that if it were from a regular man, but not him. Not Wolf. Don’t be taken in by his slick words, Mallory. I don’t want to see you get hurt. He gets bored fast. Don’t be his next victim.”

  “I’m not anyone’s victim.” Her eyes caught Gallagher’s again, but his now carried concern. Was he worried about Lance selling him out? No, he wasn’t like that. There was nothing to sell out. She trusted him. She knew what she felt last night.

  “Okay, don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.” Lance faced the front and pumped fists with another coordinator.

  Ellen walked to the podium to start her normal speech and go over all the cases, good and bad. Gallagher tapped Cora’s shoulder before heading Mallory’s way, taking his regular seat behind her. She rolled her shoulder as if to push his energy away, but she could feel it, wrapping around her like a vine.

  Her chair moved from his foot pushing it. It was tenth grade all over again. She cleared her throat to send a message to him. As she touched her bun to check for flyaways, a low chuckle forged from him. A smile spread on her lips, hidden beneath her hand.

  The text on her phone sounded, and she lowered her eyes.

  You know I don’t want anything to do with Cora, right? You know that.

  Maybe.

  I guess it’s good if I had you fooled. Made everyone a fool in here then.

  Maybe.

  He kicked her chair, making her giggle.

  I want you, McShane. Now. Even with that bun, maybe especially with that bun. I HATED seeing that disgusting liar touch you, speak to you, breathe the same air as you.

  Ellen’s voice cut through their exchange, saving her from disintegrating into ash. “We’re so happy to have you back, Mallory. Lawson needs your help since it’s gotten so busy. Don’t you, Lawson?”

  He cleared his throat. “I sure do. Good to have you back, Mallory.”

  “Thank you. Believe it or not, I’m happy to be back.”

  Groans and laughter filled the room.

  She laughed. “It’s true. Shows how boring my life is.”

  “Well, I’m glad it’s boring. Welcome back.”

  Again, a low chuckle from behind and the sound of a pen tapping his chair.

  Ellen smirked at the group. “All right. Now, let’s welcome Annie Coyne, the mother of Steve Coyne, a donor who left us too early. Annie, please…” She gestured for her to take a stand.

  After the grieving mother finished her horrific story, everyone stood and clapped. Mallory wiped her eyes and glanced behind her to find Gallagher shaking his head in grief. She gave a small smile and turned to catch Lance watching them, one brow raised.

  As she sat back down, Jennifer sat next to her. “Hey, Mal. Can you go to Peoria tonight? Lawson just got off and is on no sleep, so will need you.”

  “Sure. What’s the donor history?”

  “Baby…well a 2-year-old who’s small. You can read more on the board.”

  She grabbed Jennifer’s arm. “But Lawson’s so much better with babies than I am.”

  “He’s exhausted. Unless you work out something together.” She squeezed Mallory’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re back. I don’t care what they call you; we need some ice around here.”

  She smiled and nodded.

  His deep voice purred in her ear. “Hey, if you need help, I can join you.”

  Shaking her head, she turned her chair around. “I know you’re tired, Gallagher. Just go get some sleep.”

  “But you’re not comfortable with the baby beans. I can get a few hours of sleep and drive with you. I’m sure Mike is driving you. I’ll sleep in the car.”

  “We’ll see how you feel later.”

  He leaned his chair in, balancing on two chair legs. “Meet me in the nap room.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “No way.” Her voice shook with laughter and shock.

  “Come on. It’ll wake me up so I can drive home. Knock twice so I know it’s you.” He stood and walked past other coordinators who slapped him five and fist pumped, and giving him the mating howl. He grinned at her, rolling his eyes towards the younger wolf followers.

  She laughed into her hand and pretended to read her phone when Cora startled her.

  “Hi, Mallory,” she said in her sultry vo
ice. “Since you’re close with Lawson, can you tell me if he has anything going with someone?” The coal color in her eyes matched her short dark hair. Her olive skin stood out against her white top.

  “I really don’t know what his situation is to be honest.” She should be used to lying, but it was harder than ever.

  “Have you seen him with anyone?” Cora’s shoulder lightly touched hers.

  “No. Well, maybe Sammy.”

  “Sammy? Slutty Sammy?” Her laughter crackled through the room, causing heads to turn.

  “I think so. Ask him.”

  “Where did he go?”

  How could she tell her? This was ridiculous. “I saw him go down to the nap room, I think.” She knew he’d kill her, but maybe it was for the best. She cared for him, but their demise was inevitable. And this would definitely throw Cora, Lance, and anyone off their trail because why would she send a potential cat in heat to her lover? She just hoped he’d forgive her.

  “I knew he wanted me to meet him there. He mentioned how tired he was, like he was hinting. I’ll go surprise him.” Cora stood to leave.

  “Wait…”

  “Yes?”

  She smiled at Cora. “Knock twice.”

  Cora crossed her brows before shrugging and sauntering away.

  A pit formed in her stomach. She needed to get out of here, go prepare to put her hands inside a little child’s body. No hanky-panky for her. Serious Mallory Ice McShane was back to work.

  ***

  On her drive home, her texts kept going off. She refused to look while driving and also knowing it was Gallagher. Pissed off Gallagher. The thought of sexy Cora stepping inside that room boiled her blood. It wasn’t the easiest thing for her to do. Was it right? Probably not. Cora had already been told no messing around with anymore coworkers, but she had sent her right into the lion’s den, or wolf’s den.

  Heat radiated in her chest, spreading throughout her body. Wolf.

  The rain pelted the windows. Glaring red lights glowed through the fog. Horns honked at slow drivers too scared to drive. The windshield wipers whipped at a rapid speed, wiping off what they could.

  At one red light off of Lockport Street, she dared to glance at one of his texts and immediately regretted it. Her phone then rang, bringing up a picture of a gray wolf with yellow eyes, watching its prey. She forgot to change Gallagher’s photo.