And Never Say Goodbye: A Town of Destiny Novel Page 9

  He groaned when he felt her lick his neck, his hands on her hips, grinding her against him, his scrubs an invisible paper between them. His body shook, his breathing growing louder, his chest heaving hard against hers.

  His eyes popped open, his heart pounding, and he realized it was a dream, breathing hard. He exhaled and raked his fingers through his hair. Looking around the empty living room and dust flying in the air, he slapped his leg. “Dammit.” His body finally relaxed to its normal state. Too old for these dreams, Gallagher. That was a close one. Hadn’t had one of those in a long time, since puberty. Should have known it wasn’t real when he called her Mallory. Plus, he wasn’t even wearing his scrubs, had changed into sweats and a T-shirt at the office.

  He’d have to find the courage to go up there and ask her where the blankets were. Would that be so wrong to do? He shrugged and made his way up the stairs and to her room, pushing the door open a little. He was right. Sadie was curled up against McShane’s leg like a traitor.

  “McShane?” he whispered. He stood near the bed and his breath hitched in his throat. A vision of silk and lace wrinkled all around her body, her hair spread out on the pillow, one hand on her breast and another on Sadie’s head who peered up at him, wagging her tail. The moonlight poured through the blinds, bathing her in milky white.

  He jumped when McShane moved and opened her eyes. “Gallagher? Why are you in my bedroom?” she said with a frog in her throat. She sat up and pulled the blankets around her.

  “Now, that’s the McShane I know and love. Sorry to wake you, but do you have any blankets so I can crash on your couch?”

  “I do, but not sure where they are right now. Didn’t expect you to sleep here, sorry.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll sleep there without them. Sorry for disturbing you.”

  “Wait.”

  He glanced back at her.

  “This bed is huge. I’ll make room. Sadie can sleep between us as a protective wall.” She grinned, moving over to the other side.

  He grinned back. “I know because I’ll need her protection. Keep your hands to yourself, McShane. All I’m asking.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Just get in. And no funny business, Wolf.”

  He slid under the blankets, ruffling Sadie’s hair, before glancing over at her. “You love calling me that, don’t you? Like it’s your way of reminding me of who I am.”

  “I do? Never noticed before. Sorry, I’ll stop. I don’t want you to think that. I obviously trust you if I’m letting you share my bed, right? Just like a brother.”

  “Right…a brother. I guess we’ll see. Goodnight, McShane.”

  “Night. Oh, hey. Sorry about your patient. I checked on the board before going to bed.”

  “Thanks. Can’t get them all.” He laid his head on his hand and looked over at her while still petting Sadie. “Was she good for you?” He wasn’t ready to let go of the night, wanted to talk longer with her. And he hated talking.

  She nodded against the pillow. “Best dog I know. Can I keep her?” She giggled, accidentally hitting his hand when she stroked Sadie’s head. “Oh, sorry.” She moved her hand away.

  Chills ran throughout his body when their hands touched. He felt like a teenager all over again.

  “You cold, Gallagher? Because I can turn the air down.”

  “Uh, no. I’m good. And, no, you may not keep my dog, even though she’s betrayed me enough.”

  “She hasn’t betrayed you. She just likes another female around.”

  “I’ve had other females around, and she’s never left my side to be by theirs.”

  “Oh, right. I forgot about your harem. You mean she hasn’t attached herself to a hundred different women traipsing through your house? I’m surprised.”

  “Not a hundred…maybe twenty, but not a hundred.”

  She scoffed. “That’s disgusting. Not endearing you to me at all.”

  His smile disappeared. “The last time I had a woman there was over a month ago, so don’t get all judgy on me.”

  “A month ago? Wow, dry spell or no more hearts to crush?”

  He tightened his jaw. Withdrawing his hand from Sadie, he turned to his back and stared at the ceiling. Why did he let her get to him like that? Wolf would have laughed it off.

  Her head popped up on her elbow and her hand stretched out to his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Lawson. It’s really none of my business. I can be such a…well, I’m just sorry...again. Please forgive me.” She rubbed his shoulder, not realizing the effect it was having on him.

  “It’s okay. I’m used to it. I’ll never get away from my reputation. Women I don’t even know come up to me and call me Wolf. You’d think a guy would love that, but I don’t. I hate it. Probably now more than ever.”

  “I never realized. Look at me.” She touched his face and turned it towards her. “You’re a great guy, an awesome surgical coordinator—the best. If people don’t see that, then that’s their problem. You know what you are and the gifts you have. You trained me, didn’t you?” She smiled.

  That smile that knocked him out. He gave a weak smile in return, dying against her hand, aching to press his lips against her palm. “I may have trained you, but you’re better than me now.”

  She shook her head. “No way. I could never be better.”

  “You are,” he whispered.

  Smiling while holding his stare, she pulled her hand away and continued petting Sadie who sniffed her hand and then closed her eyes.

  “Why did you run out of the OR that day like you did?” He had always wondered what happened.

  “Just a patient’s wife sharing something with me. It touched a place I thought I’d forgotten.”

  “Oohh, secrets. Tell me now.” He sat up against the headboard, folding his arms over his chest as he looked down. Her nightgown didn’t cover much, but he kept his gaze on her face, not wanting to disrespect her, although his body already began to respond. It’d been a while since he had a reaction to just seeing an outline or even a nipple. He usually needed the whole package to get him going. He knew in this moment the true strength he carried and was pleased with himself. She brought that out in him.

  She laughed. “Some other time. I’m not ready to share my heart’s secrets with you or anyone. But when I am, I’ll call.”

  “I thought we were friends. You know I’d never blab it to anyone. Maybe it’ll help me understand you more.” He reached out and pulled a strand of hair out of her mouth before softly touching her lips. Something he couldn’t resist.

  She pretended to bite his fingers and laughed, making him snatch them away.

  “She bites. I like it.”

  “Don’t get any ideas.”

  He smiled, closing his eyes. “I think you want me to have ideas when you say things like that,” he said in a drunken state.

  “Go to sleep, Gallagher. You’re going to be busy tomorrow, too.”

  “Oh, no I’m not. They can’t bother me for twelve hours. I have until…only 1:00? You’re right, I better get some sleep.” He slid down to his pillow. “Night, McShane.”

  “Goodnight, Rocky.”

  “Rocky? I like it, but why?”

  “You’re a fighter like he is…you keep going.”

  Sadie’s tail swished back and forth on the bed, agreeing with the beautiful McShane. He smiled and zonked out.

  ***

  The sun spiked through the blinds, spilling through the room. Lawson turned and cuddled Sadie close like he always did. His eyes snapped open when he realized there was no fur, but a soft nightgown filled out by a round behind.

  She moaned in her sleep and snuggled closer, grabbing his arm around her waist.

  “McShane? McShane?” He chuckled and laid his head back down behind hers. Her hair spilled into his face, smelling of lilacs instead of flushing fluids. Her body pressed against his, making him groan. Jesus, the thoughts in his head. Needed to get out of this bed.

  Sadie sniffed from behind him, sitting on the floor and waiting
to be fed. He needed to find a way to get out without waking her and thinking he pulled her into this position. That was all he needed.

  At first he thought she was messing with him, maybe testing him, but then he heard soft snoring. She had no idea she was driving him insane. No more than usual, but this was way worse.

  He could feel Sadie nosing him in the back. “I know, girl. I’m trying,” he whispered. His breathing grew heavier, his body reacting again. This was not happening. He was either in heaven or hell, he wasn’t sure which.

  He slid his hand out from her clutch, sliding it up past her hip. He closed his eyes, fighting every fiber in his being to tear her gown off and press into her body. Rocky was his new name now, right? He was a fighter according to her. He was definitely fighting the good fight.

  “Lawson?” she whispered, awake or in her sleep he couldn’t tell.

  “Yes?” His voice was thick with desire, forcing himself to sound as normal as he could, steadying his breathing.

  She turned her face towards him. “Why are you holding me like this?”

  “You’ll never believe me but I woke up like this. You ended up in my arms somehow.”

  She spun around and looked red in the face. Her eyes drifted down to his bulge, making him red in the face, covering himself with his hand.

  “Seriously?”

  “I swear. I thought I was hugging Sadie when it was really you, and then you grabbed my hands and I was locked. Please believe me.” He sat up and walked to the door with Sadie and to get away from her accusing eyes, turning his body away. Women had it so much easier than men. They could hide their excitement, but not men. Nope. All there for proof.

  She smiled. “I believe you. And don’t worry. I know about morning…problems.”

  His face turned even redder if that was possible. “I’m gonna go feed Sadie and get going.”

  “It’s only 10:00. I’ll make us breakfast. Don’t go yet.” She kneeled on the bed, the sun shining through her sheer gown, her hair a fiery gold halo. She looked like an angel.

  “Maybe you should put a robe on or change?” His eyes shifted downward and then back to her widening eyes.

  She folded her arms over her bodice and nodded. “I was going to change anyway, Gallagher.”

  “Great. Meet you downstairs. I’ll feed her and let her out for a while. I won’t mistake you for Sadie again. Promise.” He grinned and left her laughing.

  “Maybe I’ll mistake you for Sadie next time. Especially with that facial stubble.”

  He stopped on the stairs and wondered what she meant by that. Would there be a next time? He then touched his jawline and chuckled, feeling the hair growth. Maybe he’d let it grow out.

  Chapter Seven

  Mallory threw the stick as far as she could, laughing at Sadie chasing it and then get distracted by a flock of birds overhead. “I think she has ADD. Better have that looked at.” Since last night, a part of her was beginning to care more for him than she dared allow. Needed to put the brakes on it before it got out of hand and messed with her plan. A plan she started to think twice about. A plan she didn’t know if she wanted anymore, but it wasn’t up to her. Or was it?

  Lawson came down the wooden porch steps in clean scrubs, smiling. “Thanks for letting her stay again. She thinks this is her new home.”

  His height and brick build always caught her off guard. He was definitely all man. With her lips parted, an intense heat simmered in her lower belly, the same feeling she fought when she woke up in his arms that morning.

  “Earth to McShane. You hear me?” He stood in front of her, snapping his fingers.

  “What? Oh, yeah. I love watching Sadie. She keeps me company while I’m bored at home.” She picked up another stick and threw it to catch the dog’s attention, distracting her own.

  “You can put blankets on the couch this time, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to wake you.” He watched Sadie run and grab the stick and then flop to the grass to chew on it. “That’s my girl.” He shook his head with a chuckle.

  “No, it’s fine. I actually enjoyed our talk. I’m learning more about you now than I’ve known in all the years we worked together.” She adjusted her halter top as it rode up her sides, catching his eyes on her hands before looking up at his dog again.

  He closed the distance and stood directly in front of her. “I don’t know. You’re kind of a snorer, and I like my peaceful sleep.”

  Her eyes widened and then slapped his chest when she saw him grin. “I do not snore.”

  “Uh, yeah you do. Softly, like a girl, sorta cute.”

  “Should I snore like a man?”

  “When it comes to you, yes. You try to be the man in charge, like you can do it all, so it’s nice when you’re…feminine.”

  Her hands gripped her hips, tilting her head. “Why can’t women be feminine and do it all?”

  He shrugged. “They can. I just like to know I’m with a woman.”

  She snickered “Oh, we all know too well. You like your women, Gallagher.”

  “You know, I could have had some fun with a particular nurse yesterday, but I chose not to.”

  “Oh, really? Huh. That does surprise me. She had to be hurt.” For some reason, a shiver stroked her body. He turned down sex? And who was this slutty nurse?

  He grinned. “Sure, after it became a challenge that she lost. She even said I had to be falling for someone else because of a stupid look I had on my face. I have no idea what she meant, but it got her to cool down, whatever it was.” His eyes shifted to hers and then back to Sadie.

  “Could she be right? Is there someone else?” Her voice sounded foreign to her, like a little girl asking a question. She tucked an escaped curl back behind her ear. There were so many women in his life that it could be anyone. She was probably unbelievable in the sack—some young, firm, bouncy thing in her twenties.

  He shrugged. “Sadie, I gotta go, girl. Be good.” The dog ran up to him and jumped to lick his face.

  “Hey, Sadie. What does it feel like to be his number one girl?” She laughed as Sadie turned to her, licking her face.

  Gallagher laughed. “Looks like you’re her number one girl.”

  Sadie’s slobber glistened on her face, as she wiped at it. “Thanks, Sadie. So, who was this nurse that wanted you so desperately at the hospital?” She couldn’t help herself.

  “Jealous?”

  “No. Just wondering. Tracy?”

  “Nope. I don’t kiss and tell.”

  “Wait, you went to Cook, right? What hot nurse works the night shift?” She stared into the sky, trying to think who it could be. “Oh, I know. Big-boobed Linda Collins. Am I right?” She watched Sadie run to her water bowl in the shade, hiding from the afternoon sun baking through the trees.

  He rolled his eyes and grinned.

  “It is! I knew it. You turned her down? Wow. I still can’t believe you like that type.”

  “Why? She’s attractive and available. Two things I usually look for.” He started for his truck, with her following.

  “I guess. So who’s at this hospital tonight? Isn’t Tracy there? She might want to reconcile after your little tiff last week.” Let it go, Mallory. He’s not yours.

  “She is, and maybe I’ll take her up on it.” He winked and opened his door.

  “Well, if that’s the case, you can sleep on the couch. I don’t want to even think…”

  “What?”

  “That you just had sex and then sleeping in my clean bed. You’re not dirtying it up.” Blood filled her cheeks, her heart racing. Didn’t she tell him he was like a brother? She never acted like this, but she couldn’t control herself.

  He laughed. “Maybe it needs a little dirty,” he said, chuckling at her shocked expression. “I’d take a shower. This is really bugging you.” He leaned on the roof, staring down at her. “Your face is beet red.”

  She shook her head. “The sun is hot.” She collected herself. “Look, I don’t give a crap what you do before w
ork, during work, after work, but you’re not bringing it to my home. Besides, it shouldn’t be too late when you finish. You can just get Sadie and go home.” Pouting was not her thing…ever. He really brought the worst out in her.

  He gently grabbed her wrists. “Why does this bother you so much?” he whispered. “Tell me.”

  “It doesn’t. Like I said…”

  “Oh, I know what you said, doll face. It’s what you’re not saying.” He glanced upward and then returned to her face, shaking his head. “I want you to know I have no intention of sleeping with Tracy tonight or ever. I ended it with her last week. I was just messing with you. Okay? I won’t dirty your home…promise.”

  She sucked on her lips, trying not to speak. What was wrong with her? His grip on her wrists sent a shock through her, his body inches from hers, almost touching. She trembled, hopefully not visibly to him. She’s dated before this, so why was it so hard with him? It didn’t have to be serious. He was a fun type of guy. But did she want more? She knew the answer to that—there was no more to have with anyone. She was stuck.

  “Okay?” He stared down into her eyes.

  After she nodded, she smiled. “Sorry for that. I’m just protective of what comes into my home.”

  “You mean your heart?”

  “My home.”

  He grinned. “Okay. Have it your way. But you’re right. I might finish this case early and it would be silly for me to stay. I’ll just grab Sadie and leave.”

  “Up to you, but you’re welcome to stay. I don’t mind.” Her eyes shifted to her feet like an insecure kid.

  He released his grip, his thumbs sliding up her forearms. “We’ll see. Want me to bring dinner if I do? I’ll text you. How ‘bout that?”

  His thumbs on her arms ignited a small flame that needed dousing. “Sure.” A giddiness came over her, and she gave a small smile. Her eyes lowered to a patch of dark hair sticking out of his scrub shirt, and the flame fanned.

  “I can’t wait for you to come back to work. I’d like to do more cases with you.”