And Never Say Goodbye: A Town of Destiny Novel Page 8

  As they entered her house, Sadie looked up at Mallory waiting for her next command. “You like music?” She walked to the stereo and hooked her phone to it, pushing play.

  She began to move, swaying to the fast music, goading Sadie to spin around and jump to her. She laughed and danced around the room. At one point, Sadie barked at the window, running up to it. Gallagher better not be there. She crept over to it and saw him backing out of the driveway. Didn’t he already leave? How long had he been there?

  She shrugged and snapped her fingers to the fast beat, finally sitting down and breathing hard. “Now what? TV? Sounds good to me.” That text dribbled back into her mind, the one from Marie. She pictured some hot, saucy young thing that let Gallagher, or Wolf, do anything he wanted to her. His little play toy.

  In her mind, she saw Gallagher as this aggressive lover, not caring, totally selfish and trying to hurry it up to get his happy ending. At least from what Lance had said. But why believe him? There was a tenderness in Gallagher that threw her off at times.

  Scott was sweet and loving in his ways. They were each other’s first and didn’t know much about sex. He had tried to learn things and she tried to have patience, but it was hard at times. She just wanted him to know what to do. Sometimes you overlooked things for love, and she did love him.

  Since then, she’s secretly dated a few men she’d met at work conferences, once even the brother of a donor who had tracked her down and asked her out, but it never amounted to anything. They’d want something more from her she couldn’t give. She’d break up with them after a few months and go back to her quiet life and a life mapped out for her, which didn’t include another man.

  Now, it was anything but. She had a dog to take care of and a man who made her blood boil.

  Chapter Six

  Lawson couldn’t wipe the silly grin off his face as he drove to the diner. Watching McShane dance with his dog did something to him. Never did he think he’d see such a vision. If he hadn’t forgotten to put Sadie’s leash on the porch, he never would have seen it.

  He turned on Staind, a band he happened to enjoy, and fought off thoughts of McShane. Her body swaying to the music, her hips in those shorts moving side-to-side, those thigh muscles clenching, her toned arms flexing when she snapped her fingers. Hair falling out of its bun, draping her face. Sweat glistening on her throat, pooling down into her tank top.

  Shifting himself in his seat, he blasted the air to cool the truck off faster. Still in the nineties out there. He wiped his forehead and caught his eyes in the mirror. “Stop thinking about her. It’ll never work. It’s against company policy anyway, so stop right now, Lawson.” Although, he’s messed around with other coworkers, but only flings, knowing they’d go nowhere.

  He’d want more with her.

  He’d be greedy with her.

  He’d eat her alive.

  Again, he caught his eyes in the mirror and shook his head in disgust at his thoughts.

  The road crunched beneath him as he pulled into the lot of Charlie’s Café. He ran inside and ordered his usual, trying to get out fast before she saw him. Damn. Too late.

  “Lawson Gallagher. Why haven’t I seen you here in a month? Where’ve you been hiding that sexy self of yours?” Janie Bird rubbed up against his thigh as he sat on the bar stool, wearing her pink striped uniform and dark blonde hair in a side ponytail. “I’ve missed you. Why haven’t you called me back?” She leaned in to show ample cleavage, cringing at the sight now as he averted his eyes to the older waitress behind the counter.

  “Thanks, Sue.” He turned his attention back to the waitress in heat. “Sorry, Janie. I’ve been busy as hell. Going to work now, in fact.”

  “Oh, stop. Is there someone serious in your life now? Now, that I can understand, but you just not wanting to call I don’t.”

  “Yes. Yes, there is. She’s pretty special, so I really don’t want to hurt things. But you were great while it lasted.” He grabbed the white paper bag and tried to get up.

  “Really? And who is this special girl?” Is she prettier than me?” Her red lips pouted, something that would have gotten to him before, but not now. Not anymore.

  He’d make it up as he went. “You wouldn’t know her. I’d just appreciate it if you don’t mention it to anyone. You know how rumors spread fast around here, especially about me. Thanks.” He kissed her cheek and ducked underneath her arm.

  “Is she that good in bed, better than me? I can’t believe it. I’m the best, baby.” With her hands on her hips, she spewed flames from her glare.

  “I wouldn’t know.” He was honest for once.

  “You haven’t slept with her yet?”

  “Nope. Makes her even more special I guess.” He saluted her and ran out to his truck, leaving her to stand there in shock.

  At the hospital, he waited for a new OR time, just as McShane had predicted. Cook County was known to postpone their times due to emergencies. This was the most challenging part. He already spoke to the family, checked and recorded all stats, and now it was wait time. And at 7:00 on a Friday night, it was never fun. He thought about what he could be doing.

  With her.

  He slapped the table to shake this thing. This one little thing that’d end it all for him.

  He tried to think of the last time he had sex, and it was maybe two weeks ago. Who with? Jeez, Lawson. Get it together, man. Already feeling soft, he needed to get back into the game again. All these young hotshots were trying to take over. But he was the real Wolf, right?

  McShane seemed to like calling him that. Maybe he didn’t want to disappoint her since she had this image of him in her gorgeous little head. He’d almost be afraid to be with her, wanting to impress her. He never cared about that before. He just did his thing and it worked. But now...

  “Hey, Wolf. How are you?” Linda, the screw-me-nurse any time, sat next to him in the staff lounge, them being the only staff. She also had a body he once enjoyed.

  She could get any thoughts of McShane out of his head, something he desperately needed. Yeah, he was glad Linda stopped by. “What’s on your mind, sexy.” He didn’t even sound like himself to his own ears. What was wrong with him? Sweat trickled down his back.

  She ran her fingers through his already disheveled hair. “Anything your wolfie hands want. There’s a nice janitor’s closet we can sneak into, if you have time.” She kissed his shoulder and grabbed his hand to pull him up.

  He laughed. “Hang on, horn dog. I can’t just leave my stuff.”

  “Bring it. Plenty of room.”

  It’d be a nice way to kill the time, and he was stressed, needing sweet release. If anyone could do it, Linda could. He slid his laptop into his bag and let her lead him after glancing around.

  Once there in the Pine-Sol fragranced closet, she closed the door and pushed a mop out of the way, ripping her top off, exposing a hefty chest for his usual appreciative view. “Come on, Lawson. Bring out the wolf.” She drew him to her for a kiss, but he turned his face. “What are you doing? Give me that tongue like you know how to do.”

  It all felt mechanical. He kissed her minus the tongue, only lifeless lips. What the hell? More sweat ran down his back. Mallory dancing with Sadie popped into his head. He remembered when he stood behind her in her kitchen how bad he wanted to kiss her, just turn her around and taste her, breathe her in, but he didn’t want to do that to her knowing what she’d just been through with Lance. She didn’t need two men hitting on her in one day, and not in her own home. His hands had itched at his side, wanting her in his arms.

  Dragged back into the present, his lips still pressed to hers, he blinked and met a set of disappointed eyes.

  “I’m starting to get hurt, Wolf. Don’t you want me?”

  “Uh, yeah. I’m just tired and not feeling it today.”

  “Since when? Let me see if you’re not feeling it.” She groped at him, and he slapped her hand away. “Jesus, you’re right. You’re usually busting through those scr
ubs. Are you sick?” She felt his head.

  “Yeah, I’m not feeling too well. Just need to get through this case and get home. Raincheck?”

  “Oh, honey. There’s things I can do to help you in that department.” She fell to her knees, but he pulled her back up.

  “No, Linda. Now take that pretty little ass and find someone else to help you with your needs. It won’t be me tonight.”

  “But I don’t want anyone else. Only you. When are you going to settle down, Lawson? You’re not that young anymore, you know. I’d love to be that one and only.” She wrapped her thin arms around his neck and stared into his eyes.

  He shook his head. “I don’t know. Maybe never. Maybe I’m not meant for real love.” He sometimes wondered if that were true.

  She pouted. “Don’t say that. You’ll make me cry. Of course you are. Whoever told you that was lying. Even if it’s not me, there’s someone waiting for you to love them and be loved by them. You’re a good man, Lawson Gallagher. Better than most. Reason why we all want to snag you, not just for your talented ways.”

  “You think so? I don’t know.”

  “Yes. Who is she? Spill it.”

  “Who’s who?”

  “I’ve seen that look before but on other men who’ve turned away from me. They act like this when they start falling for someone else. So, who is she?”

  Shocked, he shook his head. “There’s no one.” Love? He didn’t know about love. He sure liked McShane, but love? He knew he was definitely attracted to her, had always been. But love? Love? Nah.

  “Okay, maybe you don’t want to admit it yet, hot stuff, even to yourself, but she’s there, deep in your heart. Otherwise, you’d be all over me. I think you got it real bad. You just need to let her know, but first admit it to yourself. Damn, she’s one lucky woman. I’m so jealous I could spit. Take care, Lawson. I won’t be bothering you again, unless you want me to.” She kissed his lips and threw her top back on. “You know where to find me.” She winked and opened the door, casting bright light into the darkened closet that was no longer dark.

  ***

  Going on 9:00 now, he was getting antsy. He tapped the table as he stared at his laptop, McShane slipping into his head again. After a thought came to him, he pulled out his phone and found her name. He figured he’d rather text so no one could hear his conversation.

  How’s my dog? he texted, smiling. The bubble appeared and he knew she was typing.

  She’s alive, Gallagher. Still waiting for an OR time I see?

  He laughed. Yep, very intuitive of you. What are you girls up to? He didn’t know what to say but that he just wanted to talk to her.

  Oh, just sitting here on the couch watching The Real Housewives. She said it was her favorite, lol

  Oh yeah, especially the one with the cute blondes.

  She likes blondes or you do?

  Blonde dogs, silly. There’s this golden retriever that gets her heart pumping, can’t get her mind off of her. Pants whenever she thinks about her. A grin curved his lips out.

  I don’t remember seeing that dog but will keep my eye out. I know there’s some sexy husbands.

  He squinted at the screen, clenching his jaw. Really? Sexy because of their money?

  No, just sexy. You know, rippling muscles and sensual brown eyes, that sort of thing.

  Clearing his throat, he set the phone down for a moment before picking it back up. Is that your type, McShane?

  I don’t have a type. Hot, young-blooded men are any woman’s type.

  You like them young? He wanted to throw his phone off the tenth floor and watch it splatter to a thousand pieces.

  Lol no not really. I’m just playing with you. I like older, more mature men who know what they’re doing.

  Big smile split his face wide. Glad he didn’t throw his phone. Ah, so like me?

  Whatever you say, Gallagher. If that makes you feel better, sure…like you.

  His breathing picked up pace as he wiped his forehead, looking around as if his mind could be read. How did she do this to him? They were only words in a text.

  She asked, Still there?

  Yep, just taking in what you’re saying.

  :)

  Do I make you smile, McShane? Is that for me? She was a hard woman to read. No woman had ever made him feel so insecure before. He wanted her to like him…a lot.

  Sorry, Sadie needs to go out. She’s barking like a lunatic at the door.

  Wait, she only does that if someone’s there! Don’t let her out unless you know for sure no one’s out there. You hear me, McShane?

  She just has to go out. No one ever comes out here, but that’s sweet you’re worried.

  Can you keep texting me? His heart pounded at the thought of someone hurting her.

  Fine. Ok, here we go. Going to the door, turning the porch light on. Opening the door. Go, Sadie. Do your thing, girl. No one around. Just Sadie running to a tree to take a good one. Want me to describe it to you, Gallagher?

  He chuckled. He loved her humor. Ha-ha, very cute. Let me know when she’s inside and you’re safe.

  Waiting for her to finish up. Chasing a bunny into its hole. I’m calling to her. Ok, here she comes, happy as can be, wagging her tail. Closed the door. Turned off the light.

  Ok, I’m happy as can be now. I was worried for my dog.

  Lol, yeah right. You thought an F5 was ripping through here again. I told you I can handle myself.

  He grinned like an idiot, hoping no one saw him. Next time I want you to put me on Facetime.

  I hate Facetime. I always look bad.

  Impossible.

  Blushing over here. Stop.

  Ok, got my orders. We have an OR time finally. Please lock up and don’t let her out anymore. She’ll probably bug you one more time. She can wait until the morning.

  Promise. Have a good case, Gallagher. See you in the morning.

  Thanks. Sweet dreams. Should I expect another text in the OR from you about a dream?

  Ha-ha, nope. I won’t do that again. I know you’ll be in there now.

  Fine, but go ahead and dream away. At least someone will be.

  I’m sure there’s plenty of women dreaming about Wolf. I don’t feel sorry for you.

  I’d rather them dream about Lawson. And I don’t want those women dreaming of me. Sweet dreams.

  ***

  Lawson pulled his cap off and gown as he left the OR suite and walked to the sink to scrub his hands, shaking his head.

  “Sorry about the cancer, Lawson. Should have known,” Luke, a scrubbing nurse said, walking past him.

  “Yeah, just sorry for the families. That’s the part that sucks.” He dried his hands and smiled at the nurse.

  “Why don’t you have a drink with us. It’s been a week since you have.”

  “Can’t. Need to get my dog.”

  “Where is she? Can a neighbor take care of her? You’ve done that before.”

  He shook his head. “She’s at McShane’s as a favor.”

  Luke drew his brows together. “Ice is doing a favor?”

  “She’s not like that, man.”

  “Oh, really? What’s she like then? You melting her, Wolf?” He laughed, throwing his bag over his shoulder.

  “That’s enough, Luke. She didn’t have to do that for me, so knock it off. And no, to answer your disgusting question, I’m not melting her.”

  “Oh, she’s melting you?”

  He headed down the hall. “Maybe.”

  “Come on, Lawson. Hang out. It’s not fun without you there. Sorry for offending you or Mallory. Didn’t realize there was something between you. Lawson!”

  But Lawson kept going, trying to blot out what Luke was saying. He didn’t care anymore. Let them think what they wanted. He just wanted to get back to McShane’s house.

  ***

  After completing the paperwork at the office and taking the long drive, he pulled up to her dark house except for the porch light she left on for him. At two in the morning
, the full moon guided him all the way.

  He almost fell asleep, nodding off as he parked, wanting his bed, any bed. Slugging his way to her door and finding the key, he worked it in and pushed the door open. “Honey, I’m home,” he whispered. It felt good saying that for some odd reason. He always wanted to say that but to a real wife, not to his dog, but Sadie appreciated it.

  Speaking of which, where was she? She usually greeted him at the door. Must be upstairs with McShane, snuggling together in her bed. Lucky dog. He closed the door and looked at the couch, wanting to sleep there. Too tired to drive home. Should have asked McShane first so she could put blankets there.

  Whistling for Sadie to come, he waited but nothing. He didn’t want to go upstairs and drag her down, but he had no other choice. Or he could just sprawl out on that couch and wake no one. Sadie would come down sooner or later.

  He sat down for a moment and closed his eyes. He opened them and saw McShane standing there in a see-through nightie. “Mallory?”

  “Shh, go back to sleep. Here, lie down on this pillow.”

  In the light of the moon, her silhouette in the form of a filmy nightgown danced in front of him, or at least moved like it did. Her long hair hanging as she tucked him in. “Come here,” he said in a throaty voice.

  “No, you’re exhausted. Go back to sleep.”

  But he couldn’t help it. Forget about sleep. He pulled her down to his lap and cradled her head, her cheeks in his hands, before he drew her face to his. He paused a second, looking into her eyes, and then crushed her mouth with his.

  She tried pulling away for air, but he dragged her back, his tongue lapping at hers, his breathing becoming more labored. “Mallory. God, Mallory. You taste so good.”

  “Lawson, you don’t want to do this.” But her lips said otherwise as she moaned and pressed her tongue against his, pressed her body against his. She adjusted herself so she straddled him, hiking her nightgown up to her waist.