The Doctor′s Secret Son
The Doctor's Secret Son
Janice Lynn
The truth about that nightNurse Chrissie Tomberlain never thought shed see the unforgettable Dr Trace Stevens, father of her little boy, again. She hasnt heard from him in four years, but then he shows up at a charity event, and offers her another night of unbridled, no-strings passion!Driven by his own demons, nomadic Trace has been saving lives in the worlds most war-torn places. Hes never wanted to put down roots, but then beautiful Chrissie turns his whole life upside down with one incredible revelationhes a father!
The truth about that night...
Nurse Chrissie Tomberlain never thought shed see the unforgettable Dr. Trace Stevens, father of her little boy, again. She hadnt heard from him in four years, but then he shows up at a charity event and offers her another night of unbridled, no-strings passion!
Driven by his own demons, nomadic Trace has been saving lives in the worlds most war-torn places. Hes never wanted to put down roots, but then beautiful Chrissie turns his whole life upside down with one incredible revelationhes a father!
Dear Reader (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a),
While writing my last Medical Romance I became more and more intrigued by my heroines best friend. By the end of that book I knew I had to know what her story was and give her a happy ending.
Chrissie Tomberlain has a secret shes kept for the four years since she last saw Trace Stevensa beautiful three-year-old son. Providing medical care to impoverished and war-torn countries is Traces life mission, but hes back in Atlanta for a few weeks and discovers the attraction between him and Chrissie has only grown with time. Trace knows he wont stay, and Chrissie isnt looking to have an affair. But when he learns her reasons why hes confronted with a past hed rather forget.
I hope you enjoy Trace and Chrissies book as much as I enjoyed researching and writing their story. Drop me an email at Janice@janicelynn.net to share your thoughts about their romance, about Chattanooga, or just to say hello.
Happy reading!
Janice
The Doctors Secret Son
Janice Lynn
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Books by Janice Lynn
Mills & Boon Medical Romance
Flirting with the Doc of Her Dreams
New York Doc to Blushing Bride
Winter Wedding in Vegas
Sizzling Nights with Dr Off-Limits
It Started at Christmas...
The Nurses Baby Secret
Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk (http://millsandboon.co.uk) for more titles.
Janice won The National Readers Choice Award for her first book The Doctors Pregnancy Bombshell
To my editor, Kathryn Cheshire.
Thanks for all your fabulous insight and hard work
to make my stories shine.
Contents
Cover (#u500fed6f-8dbe-5653-8c1e-514e0aeab88c)
Back Cover Text (#u8bc32392-f522-55c6-a807-dc29b25c8f49)
Dear Reader (#ue87a79aa-d431-5df8-a142-80b4832aa856)
Title Page (#ucf276da9-70de-59a9-8d5f-2365db9401fe)
Booklist (#uff3d8f2d-3d9f-5d57-87b7-347ff35306a4)
Dedication (#udee56ab5-1de3-5a1e-a3f7-a14a4b5a79c0)
CHAPTER ONE (#u9bd53594-0e9f-5338-a4c6-170876a99929)
CHAPTER TWO (#u74e80539-b3eb-5974-939a-80bb8a3235af)
CHAPTER THREE (#u1a050525-9be7-5417-a32b-e2065b2012b5)
CHAPTER FOUR (#u83922614-d19d-5c6a-870a-f20a955b2b9e)
CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)
EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
IT WAS HER.
Her hair was longer and her body a bit curvier, but the wide smile on her full lips was the same, as was the sparkle in her bright green gaze.
Not for a single second did Dr. Trace Stevens doubt the perky little blonde nurses identity. How could he? No woman had ever caused such an intense sexual reaction in him as Chrissie Tomberlain.
Traces lips curved.
This weekend had definitely just taken a turn for the better. A big turn. Four years ago shed made his last weekend in the States unforgettable. He still had a few weeks before leaving again, but he welcomed the distraction.
Chrissie had been the best distraction hed ever known.
So much so that even now, from time to time, hed awaken drenched in sweat, with an ache in his gut that hadnt been satisfied in years.
Four years, to be exact.
Ironic to run into her because more than once hed considered looking her up, seeing if she was single, seeing if shed be interested in spending time with him while he was home.
Then again, this event was where theyd met, so maybe not so ironic. Still, this weekend was exactly what he needed in so many ways.
A few weeks from now, hed go back to doing what he was meant to do in life. There were places in the world that needed him a lot more than he was needed in Atlanta, Georgia, even if his friends and family thought otherwise.
* * *
Chrissie Tomberlain hadnt spent a night away from her three-year-old son since hed been born. So why had she let her best friend convince her that staying away from him for a whole weekend would be a good idea?
Okay, Savannah was right that Chrissie never did anything but work and take care of Joss. But there wasnt anything shed rather do than spend time with her son, so she hadnt seen it as a problem. Spending time with Joss was a blessing she cherished each and every time she looked into his precious face, heard his sweet voice, felt his little hands pat her cheek.
Prior to Josss birth, she had enjoyed volunteering at various charity fund-raisers around her hometown of Chattanooga. Shed done so at the huge childrens cancer prevention event in Atlanta several times in the past.
But not since shed gotten pregnant with Joss.
At the event.
By a man she hadnt seen since.
Until now.
Trace Stevens hadnt changed much from four years ago.
He was still sexy as hell and made her body do crazy, previously unexperienced things.
Made her mind go back to the night of passion of four years ago that had led to her becoming a single mother by a man shed just met.
A man who had no idea hed fathered a son.
Her son. Her sweet, wonderful Joss.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and prepared herself for what she hadnt really thought would ever happen.
She wasnt supposed to see Trace again.
He wasnt supposed to be here.
Yet, if she was honest with herself, wouldnt she admit that from the moment shed gotten into her car in Chattanooga shed had a nervous energy inside, wondering what if the entire two-hour drive?
What if Trace was there?
What if their paths really did cross again?
What if he still lit her body on fire with a mere glance, something no one else had ever done before or since?
There he was, standing in a tent not so unlike the one theyd met in four years ago. For all she knew it might be the exact same one if Childrens Cancer Prevention Organization owned their commercial tents, rather than rented them.
A big sexy grin climbed up Traces face as his gaze collided with hers and recognition hit.
He remembered her.
Of course he remembered her.
Theyd spent an entire weekend together. A lot of it together together. Four years wasnt so long ago that hed forget a weekend that hot and heavy.
Then again, maybe he had hot and heavy weekends like that routinely.
She knew nothing about the man except that he was amazing in bed and had been a fellow volunteer at the CCPO. That year, the event had done a three-day walk. This year, the organization was sponsoring a weekend of family fun. On Friday evening, they were having a welcome event and a bubble-a-thon dance party open to all participants and their families. On Saturday morning, they were having a marathon, with various levels of participation. Some committing to a five K, some to the full marathon. Others committing to various distances in between. Then, in the evening, they were having sponsored Olympic-style games for the kids.
Now, as then, Chrissie had signed up to work the medical tent all weekend. Full of nervous energy, shed dropped Joss off to Savannah early that morning, then made the drive so she could help organize the medical station and volunteer to assist with anything else needed prior to the families and fund-raiser participants starting to arrive.
Imagine running into Trace within minutes of her arrival.
Imagine, she had.
For four years shed imagined this moment, coming face to face with the man whod haunted her dreams and her reality.
Yet it wasnt really as intense as it should have been. The sun hadnt stood still in the sky. The earth hadnt quaked. Lightning hadnt streaked its way to the ground. Nothing. They were just standing in a tent, looking at each other, a man and a woman with a past while the rest of the world went on as usual.
No big deal. But her heart pounded like crazy and her chest wanted to heave from lack of air.
Probably had something to do with the look in Traces eyes when hed spotted her that said hed figured out exactly what hed be doing this weekend, other than working the medical tent.
Or more like who.
Why, oh, why was everything in her screaming yes?
Other than her brain, that was. Her brain warned shed best stay far, far away because to have anything to do with him would be risking everything.
He wasnt that good in bed.
She skimmed her gaze over his body, noting on closer inspection that he was slightly leaner than she remembered, more tan, too. His loose CCPO event T-shirt and khaki cargo shorts did little to hide his broad shoulders and narrow hips. His left hand was still bare of jewelry and had no telltale tan line to hint at deception. Lifting her gaze back to his face, she took in his sandy-colored hair, strong aquiline nose, cleft chin, and toffee-colored eyes that were staring straight into hers with obvious interest. His smile widened and her thighs clenched in immediate response.
He had been that good, but she still wasnt risking it.
She had too much at stake to play sexual escapades with Trace all weekend.
But boy, oh, boy, did the man tempt everything in her.
* * *
Its been a while, Trace said by way of greeting when he closed the distance between them.
Four years.
Four years. Four long years where hed seen things hed like to forget, and she was just the woman who might accomplish that for him, even if only for a short while.
A short while sounded like heaven after the hell hed seen, that hed no doubt see more of when he returned to wherever they sent him this time.
How have you been? he asked, studying her. Other than the change of hairstyle and the few extra pounds she carried, she looked the same as he recalled. Better even. He liked the fullness to her breasts and hips that hadnt been there four years ago.
His groin tightened.
Yeah, he liked her curves a lot.
His bodys instant reaction to her nearness made him feel like a Neanderthal. It hadnt been that long since hed been with a woman. But when he tried to think back to the last time hed had sex, he struggled to recall exactly how long it had been.
A problem he intended to rectify, assuming Chrissie still felt the strong attraction theyd shared. Time certainly hadnt faded a thing for him.
Sex just hadnt been a priority recently. Lifelife had been the top priority where hed been. Helping those who desperately needed help and doing what he could with significantly limited resources had been a priority. Surviving tragedy, and healing, had been a priority.
Im great, she answered, shifting her weight as if she was nervous.
She had nothing to be nervous about. Theyd ended on good terms, or so hed thought, after their weekend. Hed thought about her often enough that had there been anything negative he would have remembered. Hed swear he recalled every detail of that weekend in vivid color.
Thats good to hear. Hows life been treating you?
Her gaze cut to beyond him, and, ignoring his question, she said, Sorry, but if youll excuse me, I see someone I need to talk to. She paused, briefly met his gaze with a steely expression in her green eyes. Good to see you again, Travis.
Travis? Ouch.
He watched her walk away, greet Agnes Coulson, a bear of a woman and the Childrens Cancer Prevention Organization founder. True to how hed just thought of her, Agnes wrapped Chrissie into a big hug, causing her to laugh as she hugged the woman back, then wiggled free.
Its so good to see you, she exclaimed to the woman, showing the excitement Trace would like to have seen when shed greeted him. He wouldnt have minded one of those hugs, either.
Instead, hed effectively been put in his place.
Not that he was buying that shed forgotten his name.
He wasnt.
She hadnt forgotten. But she wanted him to think she had. That was her way of letting him know she wasnt interested.
Which wasnt what her eyes had conveyed when shed first seen him. Hed have bet anything shed felt the same excitement he had.
He knew she had.
Maybe shed taken that closer look, seen the harshness that almost suffocated him these days, and known the best thing she could do was stay away.
He wasnt the same man hed been four years ago. Not by far. In some ways, he was better. In some, not so much.
You two had something a few years back, didnt you? Right before you left for Sudan?
Trace turned to Bud Coulson, Agness husband. They headed up the event each year. Theyd done so for the past twenty years. Their only child had been diagnosed with, and died from, a rare type of brain cancer, and theyd dedicated their lives to raising awareness and funds to fight pediatric cancers. Traces family regularly donated to their organization. Four years ago, before hed left for his Doctors Around the World stint overseas, Trace had done more than pull out his hefty checkbook. Hed volunteered as an extra helper, something hed done numerous times over the years in different capacities with CCPO.
Even before Doctors Around the World hed wanted to do more to help others than just practice medicine. Thank goodness for Bud and Agness influence over the years that had planted that seed that drove him to help others.
How could he not support the foundation when it was a way of keeping Kerry alive to the couple he loved so much?
I was quite taken with her the weekend we met, he admitted, not letting his mind go to little Kerry and the guilt he always felt when he thought of her.
Instead, he let memories of Chrissie flood through his mind. Hed always wondered if the intensity of that weekend had been because hed known he was heading into the unknown. Which hed wanted. He still wanted even if his parents had begged him to come home to stay. He understood their concern.
Especially after the incident at the Shiara MSF hospital in Yemen.
Automatically, he placed his hand over his right lower abdomen. That one had been a bit too close for comfort, but at least hed walked away with his life, which he couldnt say of all his colleagues.
Damn cowardly terrorists attacking a hospital. Damn that hed walked away when so many good people had died.
Your dad told me about what happened. Bud gestured to where Trace touched. You should have come home to let us take care of you.
Trace rammed his hand into his pocket.
There was nothing anyone could do. There hadnt been. Hed been one of the lucky ones. Besides, I lived.
I was surprised you didnt opt to come home after that, Bud mused, then shook his head. I take that back. That you opted to stay didnt really surprise me.
Coming home wasnt an option. Not one that hed ever considered at any rate. He planned to live his life doing mission work. Settling down wasnt for him. A wife and kids wasnt his lot in life and he never wanted it to be.
His gaze cut to the woman still smiling and chatting with Agnes. Her hands waved animatedly as she described something. Both women burst into laughter and a deep ache pierced Trace.
Your father would move heaven and earth to convince you to come back, Bud mused, watching Trace rather than his wife and Chrissie. Hes hoping youre home to stay.
Trace frowned. We both know Ill be leaving as soon as Im given my next assignment. My father doesnt understand.
Bud shook his head. Youre right. He doesnt. Not many do.
Traces eyes shifted toward the older man. You saying you dont? Because I wouldnt believe you. You of all people understand the need to do more than just accept things for the way they are. This organization is testament to that.
Agnes and CCPO are my life. One side of Buds mouth tugged upward. Then again, at one time the Marine Corps was my life, too. I served time overseas and wouldnt trade those memories and the brothers I gained for anything. I think we accomplished a lot of good things, but that doesnt mean Id go back. Sometimes we have to let go of one thing we care about to make room for another. He glanced lovingly at his wife.
Trace cocked his brow at the older man. You trying to tell me you dont think I should go?
Bud shrugged. Only you know the answer to whether or not you should go back. He nodded toward where Chrissie and Agnes still talked, obviously catching up. Maybe its time you find a reason to want to stay home rather than go as far away as possible.
Those people need help every bit as much as the kids youre raising money for, Trace pointed out, not acknowledging Buds claim that he might have been running from something when hed signed on to Doctors Around the World. Theyre innocent victims of governments and wars they have no control over.
Civilians are always the innocent victims of war, Bud agreed. You do what you feel is right for you, son. All Im saying is that there is a lot of good you can do here, too. I just think you need to keep that in mind, because Im not convinced going back is the right choice for you.
Trace eyed the older man suspiciously. Youre sure Dad didnt put you up to trying to talk me into staying?
Bud laughed. I wont say hes never mentioned hoping youd stay to me, but Im speaking for myself.
Trace nodded. Hed figured as much. His successful businessman father would probably fund Buds charity for the next fifty years if he could convince Trace to stay in Atlanta.
Which would be a good reason to stay, if it didnt mean having to deal with his father on a regular basis.
In case you havent noticed, Blondie is looking your way.
Trace had noticed. Hard not to notice those intense emerald eyes studying him. He could feel her interest, could feel her bodys reaction to him.
The same interest and reaction he was having to her.
Obviously, the chemistry theyd shared still burned hot.
So, why had she given him the cold shoulder?
* * *
Chrissie ordered her gaze to remove itself from Trace. Unfortunately, her eyes didnt seem connected to her brain.
Why did he have to be so hot? Those amazing eyes just sucked her in. Rich, warm toffee that made her want to melt.
She was melting.
No wonder shed lost her mind four years ago. Trace was hot. Scorching, melt-a-woman-all-the-way-to-her-toes hot.
Chrissies toes were ooey-gooey puddles in her shoes.
Its good to have Trace back with us, too, isnt it?
Oops. Obviously, Agnes noticed her distraction and had no compunction on commenting.
Chrissie dragged her gaze away from Trace and focused on the older woman, who was watching her curiously. Something told her the woman wouldnt buy it if she pretended not to know what she referred to. After all, Chrissie and Trace had only had eyes for each other four years ago. No doubt every volunteer there had picked up on their attraction.
Wheres he been? she asked.
Agness concerned gaze went to Trace. For the past couple of years? Yemen.
Surprise hit Chrissie. Yemen?
He works with Doctors Around the World. A troubled look came over Agness face, making her appear every one of her sixty plus years. Hell be leaving again soon. Unfortunately. Hes home because his only cousin had a baby and the timing fell right at the end of his contract.
Chrissies gaze went back to Trace. Yemen. She knew that was in the Middle East, but she wasnt sure exactly where. She probably should have paid better attention in geography class.
I wondered if you two had stayed in touch while he was there and that it wasnt a coincidence you were both volunteering again at the same time. Agnes looked disappointed. Obviously not.
Chrissie shook her head. No, meeting Trace four years ago was nice. Nice? Ha, that was so not the right word to describe that meeting. More like naughty. But neither of us fooled each other that our meeting was anything more. I didnt know hed be here.
Too bad, Agnes countered. That boy needs someone in his life.
You sound as if you know him well, Chrissie mused, trying not to look overly interested.
All his life. His father and Bud go back a long way. Well, she clarified with a low laugh, all the way back to elementary school. They were best friends. Trace was a few months older than our daughter. Wed always hoped theyd grow up, fall in love, and connect our families in yet another way. Pain momentarily aged her face. Instead, Kerry died and Trace spends his time overseas.
Are you gossiping about me, Agnes?
Agnes quickly recovered, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. Every chance I get to extol your virtues.
My virtues dont deserve extolling.
There was more to what he was saying than what appeared. But Chrissies own cheeks were burning too much with embarrassment at getting caught discussing him for her to over-analyze his comment.
Thats a matter of opinion, Agnes countered. So, where are we going to put our Chrissie to work this year?
Chrissie frowned. She wasnt their Chrissie. At least, not his Chrissie. But Agnes was smiling and chatting on about the medical tent and making sure everything was ready for the event kick-off.
Id like to do triage if thats okay, Chrissie spoke up. Its what I did last time.
Youve been back? Trace asked, studying her.
Agnes nodded. Not for a few years, but our Chrissie is an angel from heaven, for sure.
Yeah, Chrissie was pretty sure with the way her insides were burning that she was from somewhere way more south.
And Agnes knew that it had been four years. Why had she left the date a little vague?
Maybe you could take her to the triage area and show her how things are set up this year? Agness question was directed at Trace.
Yes, maam. His gaze locked with Chrissies and he grinned as if she hadnt cut him off earlier. Follow me.
His facial expression was so similar to one she often saw on her sons face that her breath caught. Her feet refused to move. Her head spun.
Chrissie?
Shaking her head to stop the spinning, she stepped toward him.
Three days. Three days and then shed change charities to volunteer at ones in Chattanooga so shed never have to see Trace Stevens again.
CHAPTER TWO (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
YOUVE CHANGED.
Chrissies gaze shot to Traces. Of course she had changed. She was a mother now. Not that she was going to tell him that.
Although they hadnt done a lot of talking four years ago, he had told her that he was a bachelor for life and had no plans to reproduce ever. Because of his words, and the trauma from her parents custody battle when she was seven, Chrissie had convinced herself that Joss belonged to her because shed just been a weekend fling for Trace.
Guilt pinched at her conscience, but she shoved it aside.
Now was not the time to feel guilty. Theyd shared a wild weekend of sex that had never been meant to be anything more. He hadnt wanted it to be anything more.
Only shed ended up pregnant.
Pregnant, and she hadnt known how to get in touch with him.
She could have contacted Bud and Agnes, could have asked for Traces information. Perhaps they would have given it to her.
Only, she hadnt.
She and Trace had parted ways with no plans to stay in touch or ever see each other again. Hed known the city where she lived because shed told him. Just as hed told her he lived in Atlanta. He hadnt bothered to get in touch with her or continue their relationship in any way.
If hed left the country, who knew if hed even had a way of staying in touch? Then again, if hed wanted to, he would have found a way. Chattanooga wasnt that big and tracking down a nurse with her name couldnt have been that difficult.
He hadnt, and because of that shed never felt the need to attempt to track him down. Well, twinges from time to time, but overall she knew shed done the right thing for her son and had even given Trace what hed said he wanted by keeping her secret.
How Joss had come into existence didnt matter these days. What mattered was her precious little boy who was the center of her world, and that shed do anything to protect him from the hell shed gone through as a child. She would give him the best life possible, and that was that.
But then, she hadnt thought shed see Trace again. Not really.
She stared into his eyes, wondering at the emotions she saw flickering there.
She hadnt known he was leaving the country, hadnt known he was with Doctors Around the World. Hed never mentioned anything of the sort to her. Something like leaving the country for an extended period of time was a big deal.
When did you leave for Doctors Around the World?
His pupils dilated and for the briefest moment darkness replaced the interest in his eyes. I see Agnes really was gossiping about me.
He hadnt answered her question. Interesting. Most of the guys she knew would have made sure everyone knew they were a doctor, that theyd signed up selflessly to help others, and theyd have played that angle to the max. Four years ago Trace hadnt told her he was a doctor or that he was with DAW.
Fifteen minutes and she already knew things about him she hadnt known then.
Was that why hed told her he wasnt interested in anything more than a weekend fling and never would be? Because hed been about to leave?
When? she repeated, needing to know, although she wasnt sure why it even mattered. That he hadnt told her such pertinent details about his life just reinforced what she already knew. It hadnt mattered that she hadnt known the details of his life. She was not someone who mattered.
The week after we met. His lips twisted as if the words triggered unpleasant memories. Id purposely put off my leave date until after the event so I could help Bud and Agnes and to spend a little time with them before I took off. Thats why I didnt sign on to work as a physician at the event, but just as extra help where needed.
The week after... Hed left the country the week after theyd met.
I havent been back in the United States since. Not until a week ago.
Four years had passed and hed not come home. For all of Josss life, Trace had been out of the country, serving others.
Oh.
Yeah, oh. He reached out, brushed his fingertip over her cheek then down her jawline. Not sure how much help I was that weekend. All I remember about those three days is you.
Her insides perked up at his admission and it was all she could do not to ask It is? with a silly school girl expression plastered to her face. Instead, she bit her tongue.
Hed been out of the country for four years. How many times while shed been pregnant had she thought about him living it up in Atlantas night life? Wining and dining some slim beauty queen while she grew rounder and rounder with his child? The glimpse of darkness in his eyes said that he hadnt been wining or dining anyone, that hed seen things hed like to forget, that the past four years hadnt been a bed of roses.
Have you thought about me, Chrissie?
She winced. Had he read her mind?
Still, she didnt want to answer his question any more than hed wanted to answer hers. She didnt want to tell him that not a day went by that he didnt cross her mind.
How could it when Joss was a constant reminder?
When she went home, it would be even worse now that shed seen Trace again and realized just how much her son truly resembled his handsome father. The facial expressions. The eyes. Joss was Traces mini-me.
Or did you forget me the minute you left Atlanta?
His question made her sound as if she had flings all the time, as if what shed done with him had been no big deal. Other than a college boyfriend shed hung around with long enough for him to take her virginity and introduce her to a mediocre sex life, shed had no other lovers. Only Trace.
There had been nothing mediocre about Trace.
But she wasnt telling him that, either.
Because hed been so good he must have had many lovers over the years.
Had probably had many since, despite his being out of the country. Chrissie couldnt suppress her grimace.
You know as well as I do that you arent exactly the kind of man a woman forgets, she admitted as if it were no big deal. Nor was that weekend the kind Id just forget.
Good to know. He smiled at her admission. It was a phenomenal weekend, wasnt it?
She crossed her arms and kept her mouth shut. Shed answered enough questions.
But not one you want to repeat?
Yeah, she didnt want to answer that either. Mainly because her body was like, Yes, sign me up for an encore performance! but her brain knew the best thing she could do was keep as much distance between her and Trace as possible.
He was the father to her son. A son he didnt know about. She needed to stay far, far away before she slipped up and said something she shouldnt. What if she said something and he pulled a stunt like the one her father had pulled?
She couldnt bear the thought of Trace disappearing with her son. Not that he would likely even want anything to do with Joss, but, still, her own father had practically ignored her the first seven years of her life and that hadnt stopped him.
Her gaze lifted to his and rather than saying, No, I dont want a repeat, as a good, smart girl would do, she asked, Why do you say that?
His expression brightened. Then you do want a repeat?
Ugh. Shed walked right into that one.
She studied his toffee-colored gaze, his smooth tanned skin, the obvious sexual interest in his eyes. You do?
What sane man wouldnt want a repeat of what you and I had?
There was that.
Sex without strings?
His gaze narrowed. Not exactly how Id have worded it.
She didnt let her gaze waver. Which doesnt make it any less true.
His forehead furrowed and he did some studying of his own. She refused to look away, refused to shift her weight or show any sign of weakness.
Even if her insides quaked at the power this man had over her.
Did you want strings, Chrissie?
Heat rushed into her face. She was going to have to be careful of what she said. Which was why she needed to stay away. Nothing good could come from spending time with Trace.
No, of course not. She hadnt. Shed known what they shared was just a man and a woman thrown together by circumstances and sexual attraction. You told me you werent the marrying kind. I didnt expect anything to come of our weekend together. She sure hadnt expected to become a mother. No strings was fine.
A tired look came over his face and he raked his fingers through his hair. I was leaving the country in three days. I couldnt have done strings if Id wanted to.
Something in his tone had her insides fluttering with a bundle of nervous energy.
Did you want to?
* * *
Good question, and one that Trace had asked himself a thousand times in the years that had passed since hed last seen this woman. What would he have done differently had he not been committed?
I didnt allow myself to consider strings as a possibility. Which was what he always came back to when his mind got to wondering. Not that he would ever have settled down, but he would have liked more time with Chrissie, to have been able to let the fire between them burn out naturally.
Her pretty face pinched and her gaze averted. Which explains why you never asked for a phone number.
Although he was sure she didnt want them to, her words conveyed that shed been hurt. That hed hurt her stung.
There was no point in my asking.
I see. Her lower lip disappeared again.
I dont think you do. He lifted her chin and stared into the greenest eyes hed ever looked into. I was leaving the country, had volunteered for a crazy assignment. Putting you or any woman through the stress of a relationship when I was over there, especially when nothing would ever have come from that relationship anywayit wouldnt have been fair.
Her chin trembled beneath his fingertips and Trace wanted to kiss her so badly his insides ached. They were alone in the medical tent, but someone could walk in. Which didnt overly concern him. Hed seen and done too much to let something as irrelevant as someone seeing him kiss Chrissie get to him. But Chrissie was still sending mixed signals.
One minute hot, the next cold.
When he kissed her next, he wanted her to want it as much as he did, not to be second-guessing herself.
He would kiss her again. Soon. She might not want to admit it, but she wanted the kiss as much as he did. Everything in her expression, her stance, her eyes, said so.
Well, I guess youre a damn saint, then, eh?
There went the cold again. And the hurt.
Far from it.
Looking away, she shrugged. Not to hear Agnes tell it.
Agnes is biased. Shes my godmother.
Chrissies eyes widened. Obviously Agnes hadnt told her that part.
Her husband, Bud, and my father grew up in the same neighborhood and were best friends. Somehow, that friendship survived my fathers personality all these years.
Something wrong with your fathers personality?
Ha, now there was a tricky question if ever there was one.
Most people would say hes near perfect.
Her eyebrow arched. But not you?
Not a subject he wanted to discuss any more than he wanted to discuss Sudan or Yemen or Kerry. Maybe less so.
So, about those Braves...
He watched emotions play across her face, but she let any further questions she had go. How many times had he closed his eyes and recalled her face? How many times when the whole world seemed to have gone crazy had he closed his eyes and just remembered everything about her?
Yeah, well, apparently you dont recall, or maybe you never knew her chin tilted upward but Im not a fan of baseball.
Well, no one was perfect even if in his mind she was close.
Thats un-American, he teased.
She shrugged. Overpaid bunch of men who never grew up as far as Im concerned.
His lips twitched. Ill have you know those guys work hard.
She gave him an accusing look. You sound as if youre one of them. Former player or just a wannabe?
He laughed and it felt good. Foreign, but good. Hed not had many reasons to laugh over the past four years. It hadnt all been bad. Some parts had been wonderful. Hed been helping people who desperately needed help. But overall there hadnt been nearly enough laughter.
For all the craziness, hed felt as if he was doing something positive in the world, had felt alive and needed.
Nope, never been much of a baseball player, he admitted. But I have a few friends on the team.
On the Atlanta Braves baseball team? She sounded incredulous.
He nodded. His father handled more than one of the players finances, was a real-estate mogul, and prior to Trace leaving the country theyd moved in the same social circles. These days, all the parties and hoopla seemed pointless when there were people starving and being killed for their beliefs or place of birth.
Shaking off the memory, he focused on the petite blonde staring up at him and drank her in like a breath of fresh air.
Chrissies brows pinched. Just who are you, anyway?
Determined that he was going to keep the past four years at bay, not think about pending decisions that needed making about his future, Trace grinned. Thats right. You forgot my name.
For the first time, a smile toyed on her lips.
A guilty smile.
That shed pretended not to remember him was as telling as her comment about his not asking for her phone number.
He stuck out his hand. Hi. Im Trace Stevens. Im a volunteer in the medical tent. Ill be working closely with you over the next couple of days.
Not that closely.
It occurred to him that just because his life hadnt moved forward, a lot could have changed in hers.
Hed just assumed she was single, available.
His gaze dropped to her left hand and specifically to her empty third finger.
No wedding ring, he mused out loud. Boyfriend?
Im not married. Her lower lip disappeared between her teeth. But I date from time to time.
He let her answer digest, not liking the green sludge making its way through his veins. He had no claims on her. He never had. When hed spotted her across the tent he hadnt even considered that she might be involved with someone else. Hed just seen her and wanted her.
Four years had come and gone. It wasnt as if hed have expected anyone to have waited on him.
And to wait for what? A weekend fling every few years when he came home?
He had nothing to offer beyond that and never would.
CHAPTER THREE (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
CHRISSIE NEEDED TO get away from Trace. Quickly. Being around him made her insides mush.
So, she said as a way of moving the conversation away from anything personal. What can I do to help get things set up?
Bud and Agnes are so organized they have most everything taken care of. The bins of donated supplies are over here and are labeled. We can set the area up along the lines of what we did four years ago.
Chrissies face heated, which told her way too much about her state of mind.
A triage area and a treatment area? Had her voice been several octaves higher or was that just her imagination?
Yes. How dared he sound so calm? Well set one treatment area up to be a bit more private, just in case.
No. No. No. There went her naughty imagination again to places it shouldnt go. To memories of a former private treatment area where her body had been quite ravished.
She couldnt prevent her blush.
Hoping he didnt notice, or that hed think it the result of the Georgia heat, she nodded. That works for me. How many volunteers do we have in the medical area this year?
The more the better. She hoped they were so over-staffed that being alone was impossible.
Around a dozen, I think. He pulled out a list and began reading it. We have a couple of doctors, a couple of nurses, a paramedic, a few nurse practitioners, and a few techs, and then some med and nursing students. It should run smoothly.
Trace Stevens, is that you? a female voice with a light accent called out from the other side of the tent.
Trace and Chrissie both turned. A pretty brunette with long sleek hair pulled into a ponytail headed their direction. A huge smile was on her face and Chrissie wouldnt have been surprised if shed broken into a run to close the gap between her and Trace quicker.
Alexis, he greeted the woman, who wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big hug. I just saw your name on the list.
Chrissie was beginning to think she was going to have to peel the woman off to get her to let go of Trace, but eventually, and with obvious reluctance, she stepped back and brushed her hands down her white shorts and turquoise top.
I heard you were back in town Alexiss smile was so big and bright she could be a toothpaste ad and would be here this weekend, but thought it too good to be true.
You heard right. Trace grinned easily at the beautiful woman.
No wonder. She was a Greek goddess, had a husky voice that held a light accent and was downright sexy, and she was looking at Trace with obvious interest in her dark eyes.
She was looking at him the way Chrissie had, no doubt, looked at him four years ago.
Thank goodness she wasnt looking at him that way now. Okay, maybe a little.
I am not jealous, she told herself over and over. It does not matter that another woman is batting her lashes at him as if he is coated in chocolate and shes just come off a strict diet.
It didnt matter. He meant nothing to Chrissie. Just a stranger shed had an amazing weekend with years ago.
A stranger who shed made a child with.
She grimaced. Yeah, there was that. Which explained why she couldnt bear to watch their interaction a moment longer. It had nothing to do with anything other than a natural instinct because of Joss.
Um...Ill go unpack bins while you two catch up, she offered, not even sure if either of them remembered she was there as the woman caught him up on a few mutual acquaintances and their recent activities.
At Chrissies words, the woman gave a horrified look. Did I interrupt? Im sorry. I saw Trace and had to immediately say hello and then, as always with this man, I got carried away. She winked at Chrissie as if they shared a secret. He has that effect on women, so be careful.
Chrissie didnt need Alexis to point out the effect Trace had on women. She knew. She forced a smile, tight though it was, to her lips.
Ill take note.
Chrissies immune to whatever effect I have, he told Alexis, although Chrissie had no idea why.
The womans perfectly shaped eyebrow arched.
Chrissie frowned, but didnt respond to his comment.
Traces gaze darted back and forth between the gorgeous brunette and Chrissie. No doubt he saw the stark contrast. It was hard to miss.
Chrissie, this is Dr. Alexis Gianakos, Trace introduced the woman. One of the best cardiologists Ive ever had the pleasure of working with.
A doctor? Beautiful and smart it would seem.
As you may have figured out from our conversation, she and I worked at the same hospital prior to when I joined DAW, Trace continued. Shes volunteering this weekend.
Will you be working closely with her, too? Chrissie wanted to ask, but somehow managed to keep her tongue in place.
Ugh. She hated feeling jealous. Hated it.
But she was. Denial didnt make reality any less true.
Nice to meet you, she greeted, holding out her hand and forcing the corners of her mouth upward.
The woman took her hand. Hers was smooth, strong, feminine. Well-manicured.
Chrissie couldnt help but look down at her own as she pulled away from the womans. A bit rough, nails cropped short and unpainted, and no jewelry.
None on the horizon, either.
Shed dated, but found she quickly tired of the men who had come into her life. They either thought because she was a single mom that that meant she was easy for the taking or they didnt understand that Joss came first and always would. None had lasted beyond a couple of dates.
Her best friend, Savannah, was always pushing her to date, especially now that Savannah was so over the moon, happily married to cardiologist Dr. Charlie Keele. Just because Savannah had found the right man for her it didnt mean Chrissie had to do the same. Or that she even wanted to. She was quite happy with just her and Joss. Fabulously so.
Youre also an old friend of Traces? Alexiss accent came out a bit thicker than previously.
We arent old friends, just acquaintances who met here a few years ago.
Ah, Alexis said as if gaining insight. This time it was her dark gaze going back and forth between Chrissie and Trace.
If youll excuse me, Ill get started, Chrissie said, feeling more and more awkward.
She walked away before either could say anything. She didnt want to listen to the beautiful woman chat up Trace and she sure didnt want to listen to whatever response he made to the womans obvious interest.
Had they been an item when Trace worked with her? The woman was so beautiful that no doubt theyd made an attractive couple.
He was free to do whatever he wanted. Whomever he wanted. But she didnt want to know about it. Or see it.
What shed really like to do was block it completely from her mind. Forever. She began organizing supplies and forcing a smile to stay on her face.
Attitude was everything and she was going to have a good attitude this weekend even if it killed her.
* * *
Chrissie was jealous.
She had no reason to be jealous, but the fact that she was made Trace happier than it should have.
Alexis was still chatting about the hospital and his former coworkers, but Traces attention followed Chrissie to where she began opening bins with a vengeance and a smile that didnt fit. Hed already helped volunteers set up tables and chairs in their tent, so, other than however they opted to organize their supplies, there wasnt a lot more to do. Many of their items would stay boxed up until needed.
Who is she?
Alexiss question didnt surprise him. Right or wrong, he hadnt attempted to hide his interest in Chrissie.
I met her here four years ago.
You stayed in touch?
Still watching Chrissie work, he shook his head. Ive not seen or spoken to her since until today.
Surprise registered on Alexiss face. That must have been some meeting four years ago.
Must have been, was all he said, then, Im going to help her set up. You coming?
* * *
Chrissie was one of those people who liked event-opening ceremonies. She liked knowing the history of whatever was taking place, of who the funds were going to help, of who they had already helped. Tonights was no exception.
Listening to Bud and Agnes talk about their daughter whod died with cancer at such a young age, of the heartbreaking prevalence of childhood cancers, listening to how they had formed the Childrens Cancer Prevention Organization and how the charity had grown, and their hope it would expand further into more cities, filled her heart with warm emotion.
She simply could not imagine something happening to Joss or how she would react if it did. Like Bud and Agnes, shed like to think shed deal with her grief in a way that would make the world a better place for others.
She wasnt sure shed be able to function at all.
What are you thinking?
Chrissie jumped at Traces question. I didnt see you.
Obviously. His gaze was on her rather than the stage where Agnes spoke. You were lost in your thoughts.
I was marveling at how Bud and Agnes turned something so personally tragic into something so positive.
They are good people who live to give to others.
Some would say a man who gave up four years of his life to help others was a good person, too.
His expression tightened. On my best day I dont measure up to the man and woman on that stage.
Yeah, well, I didnt say I meant you, Chrissie assured him, grateful when his serious expression lightened at her comment, as shed intended.
There was something darker about him than she remembered. No doubt the things hed seen over the past four years had changed him.
Was there anyone in Traces life that made it better? Someone who helped him deal with the no doubt tragic situations hed encountered while working overseas?
Is Alexis an old girlfriend? That wasnt what shed meant to ask when shed opened her mouth.
We went out a few times.
His smile was quick and too cocky for her liking. He knew she was jealous of the woman. Great.
Which is more than you can say about me, so I guess that answers my question. Which probably only made her sound jealous and bitter and judgmental. Ugh. She should keep her mouth shut.
What question would that be?
Whether or not youd slept with her. She fought to keep the image of him with the woman from her mind. An image shed fought for four years. Shed just never had a face to put with her thoughts of what hed been doing while shed been raising their son.
I havent.
She rolled her eyes. Right.
I said she and I went out a few times. I didnt say we had stayed in a few times. At her continued doubt, he added, I have no reason to lie to you.
He had a point. He owed her nothing, least of all a defense of whether or not hed had sex with someone.
No, I guess you dont, she admitted, trying to hide the fact that she was happy he hadnt slept with the beautiful Alexis.
Would it matter if I had?
Good grief. Could he see inside her head or what?
No. But she was lying. It would have mattered. Maybe it shouldnt, but it would have. Because of Joss, she told herself. That was why she cared who hed slept with and who he hadnt. Because shed given birth to his child that made her more possessive, more concerned. At least, that was what she was going to keep telling herself, as she conveniently ignored the fact hed been out of the country for four years.
Hoping he hadnt realized shed lied and that if he had, he wouldnt call her on it, Chrissie focused on the stage.
Agnes was still speaking and Chrissie did her best to take in each word. With Trace standing so close, she couldnt focus on the woman on stage. She was surrounded by people. How was it possible to be so physically aware of one man that she could smell his spicy scent, hear the call of his body?
I dont believe you, Trace whispered close to her ear, further sensitizing her nerve-endings.
His breath tickled her skin. She could feel his heat and would swear hed just nuzzled her hair.
It really doesnt matter what you believe, she said, stepping back. Ill see you in medical.
With that she pushed through the crowd to get away from him.
But mainly to get away from her unwanted reaction to everything about him.
* * *
Later that evening in the medical tent, Trace lifted the fifty-year-old womans foot and examined her swollen ankle.
Yep. He glanced at her name tag on the lanyard around her neck. Ms. Perez, you have definitely done a number on your ankle.
I shouldnt have been quite so vigorous dancing in the bubbles, eh?
Apparently not. He had her turn and rest on her knees while he squeezed her calf, watching carefully as it triggered the appropriate movement in her foot. Theres no evidence that youve torn your Achilles tendon, but youre definitely out of commission for the rest of the weekend.
The womans face fell. I was afraid you were going to say that. Cant you give me a quick-fix pill?
Its not that easy, Ms. Perez. Some things take time and rest, not a pill. Im sorry.
She heaved her chest in frustration. Me, too.
Sit here with ice for about twenty minutes with your foot elevated. Later, one of the guys will drive you on a gator to your tent. Is there someone we can call for you?
Ms. Perez shook her head. My daughter is out of town with work and my son lives in Chicago with his wife and kids. Im by myself.
He gestured to her leg. You need to stay off that ankle.
I was looking forward to volunteering in the food tent. Ive not missed a year there since CCPO started these events.
Theres no way I can okay for you to serve food.
The woman perked up. Maybe I could volunteer in a different way? One where I could still keep my foot up?
Trace didnt want to burst the womans bubble, but she was going to be in quite a bit of pain and wouldnt be able to put any weight on her ankle for several days. Not with the amount shed injured the tissue.
Stepping back into the exam area, Chrissie assisted the woman in propping up her foot and then put the womans ice pack back on her ankle. Is there anything I can get you? We have a few magazines if youd like, and I brought a stack of books Ive finished if you want to take one.
The woman shook her head and held up her cellular phone. I have books on this thing to keep my mind occupied for times such as these.
Patting the womans hand, Chrissie smiled. Thats good.
The medical tent had been slow most of the evening.
Trace liked being busy, and felt restless. He was used to having more to do than time to do it.
Alexis was seeing a gentleman who had come into the tent with some indigestion. The other volunteers were not quite twiddling their thumbs but none of them were busy, either.
Trace compared it to where hed been not so long ago, in the midst of mayhem and a war-torn country where there had been more ill and injured than hands to care for them, with problems much worse than a sprained ankle.
He closed his eyes. There were other assignments he could take with Doctors Around the World. Less dangerous places. He didnt have to go back to the places hed gone before, but he chose to.
You okay?
He opened his eyes, surprised Chrissie had initiated a conversation with him that didnt have something to do with a patient or the event. For the most part shed ignored him or given him the cold shoulder when hed attempted conversation.
Fine.
Appearing torn, she eyed him. You didnt look fine. You looked like you didnt feel well.
Had a flashback, he admitted, shocking himself that hed said the words out loud. He hadnt talked to anyone here about the things hed seen or done. DAW had required he go through psychological evaluation. Hed passed with flying colors, but that wasnt to say that the things hed lived through and seen hadnt affected him. Hed never be quite the same. No big deal.
It wasnt a big deal. Nothing he couldnt cope with.
What kind of flashback?
Not one of you, he teased, unwilling to tell her the nitty-gritty details, so it wasnt good.
She smirked. Ha-ha. Too funny. Seriously, you turned a bit green there for a few seconds.
Maybe hed been green at how stand-offish she was around him. He wanted to go back to the way she was four years ago.
He suddenly longed for at least a glimpse of more carefree times. Even if just a short one.
You want to go play in the bubbles?
Her jaw dropped at the same time her brow rose. What?
He gestured around the medical tent. Were not busy and might not get another chance to catch more of the events. The bubbles are new this year. Agnes was excited about them.
The more he said, the more he wanted her to say yes. He wanted to play, to let loose and have fun. With Chrissie.
But...we cant leave. Ms. Perez, she reminded him, looking a little panicked.
You should go, the woman called from a few feet away, obviously listening to their conversation. Dont mind me. Im fine and can have one of these other folk help me out of here.
First mouthing thank you, Trace grinned at the woman. See, Ms. Perez wants us to go check out the bubbles. Well share a dance in her honor.
That would be absolutely lovely! the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands together and obviously playing cupid. I insist you go.
Chrissie still looked hesitant.
Hey, Gianakos? he called to Alexis, who had just finished with the only other patient in the tent and sent him on his way with an antacid and instructions to cut back on spicy foods. Will you check on Ms. Perezs ankle in a few? Shes got about another ten minutes of icing, then have one of the guys take her to wherever she wants to go. Chrissie and I are going to the main area for a while.
Alexis shot an envious glance toward Chrissie, then nodded. No problem.
Perfect. See, Ill be fine. Ms. Perez shooed them away. You two go have a little fun.
Before she could find another excuse, Trace grabbed Chrissies hand and led her out of Medical. Thank you.
For?
Not kicking and screaming the whole way. I needed to get out of there for a few.
She looked as if she still might kick and scream, then her expression morphed into one of confusion. Trace, what were you thinking about back there?
He shook his head. Nothing important now. Lets go check out the bubbles.
Her hand was still inside his. He didnt want to let go so he held on tightly as he led them toward the bubbles. Her hand felt warm and comfortable in his.
As if it belonged there.
Without thought he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the top. Because that felt warm and comfortable, as if it belonged in that moment in time.
Trace, I... Chrissies voice trailed off as she came to an abrupt stop and stared up at him. You shouldnt.
She was right. He shouldnt, but he was glad he had. They stood behind the medical tent on the path leading toward the main event area. They were alone, but someone could come up the path at any time.
Probably not. He was only home for a short while, had nothing to offer her beyond the weekend. Which was too bad, because from the time hed seen her hed known what he wanted, what he needed. Chrissie.
Yes.
But her eyes said something different and that fueled him forward to say what had already been in the back of his mind, tempting his conscious thought and actions.
We were good together. We could be good together again.
Her expression tightened.
And then hed take off for parts unknown, for who knew how long, before hed be home for another few weeks hiatus from his reality? Maybe he should let the attraction go but, for whatever reason, he pushed. Whatever it was about Chrissie seemed to be dictating his every move from the moment hed laid eyes on her that afternoon.
I can tell youre still attracted to me, he pointed out, as if that were breaking news.
Doesnt matter. Her exasperation was palpable, and yet she still didnt pull her hand away from his, just kept staring at where their fingers intertwined.
Sure, it does. To prove his point, he bent and pressed his lips to hers. Gentle, to where she could push him away with ease if she wanted to.
He hoped she didnt. Her lips were so sweet.
She didnt stop him or push him away, but he felt the struggle within her and that gave him pause.
He pulled back, stared down into her wide eyes.
Her wide, slightly dazed eyes.
Her eyes that were filled with desire so sweet it punched him in the gut.
This was why he hadnt been able to resist kissing her.
Because her kisses were addictive and powerful. He craved what being with her promised.
You taste good, like the sweetest wine, making me want to drink until Im intoxicated, he admitted. Let me, Chrissie. We both know you want to.
CHAPTER FOUR (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
CHRISSIE STARED UP at the man who had haunted her dreams for four years. Who needed more? One kiss and she already felt drunk.
Because his kiss drugged her and made her forget reason.
She wanted to drag him back to her, to kiss him all over until they were both satiated, until the whole world subsided and it was just the two of them.
As it had felt four years ago.
What a marvelous event, a womans voice interrupted as she and a group of women rounded the path.
Tugging her hand free from his, Chrissie stepped back to the side of a tent.
Absolutely. CCPO fund-raisers are always the best fun, another chimed in.
The first day and were already sneaking around in the shadows.
Which should tell you something.
She sighed. That Im crazy?
That theres something between us.
More than he knew.
That doesnt mean we should act on that something, she tried to reason, reminding herself that she had to think of Joss, not her crazy bodys reaction to him.
Should I apologize that I want you still, Chrissie? Do you want me to pretend I dont find you attractive?
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. If I said yes, would you?
He studied her a moment, then took on a slight look of remorse. If you said yes.
Say no. Say no. Say no.
Chrissie wasnt sure where the inner voice was coming from, but the phrase beat in perfect rhythm with her racing heart.
I know youre struggling with this, Chrissie. I see it in your eyes when you look at me. I felt it in your kiss. You wanted to let go and just feel, but wouldnt allow yourself.
He certainly had her pegged.
My question is why?
Been there, done that, she reminded him.
Was our time together so bad?
No, but Id like to think Ive learned a thing or two over the last four years.
Such as?
Such as I shouldnt get mixed up with sexy strangers.
Im not a stranger.
Sure, you are.
His brow inched upward. You believe that?
Yes.
Then we should get to know each other this weekend.
She narrowed her gaze suspiciously. To what purpose?
To know each other. There doesnt have to be a purpose beyond that.
In the flickering light of the shadows, Chrissie stared at him. Get to know Trace? Why?
What about when Joss asked about his father years down the road?
Simple things like what was his favorite color and had he played sports or had any major childhood illnesses? Shouldnt she know how to answer her son? Wouldnt it be horrible to have to say she didnt know anything beyond the fact that Trace had seemed a likable, good person, and had made her laugh and feel as if she was sexy?
He still made her feel sexy.
Every time his eyes lit on her, they shifted as if molten gold had been poured in their depths. Trace wanted her. Whatever the attraction between them was, it was powerful. The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful, desirable. It was a heady sensation.
Youre talking get to know each other as in not biblically know each other, right? she clarified.
He chuckled. Make no mistake, my ultimate goal is to physically know you again. But for the moment, I am talking get to know each other as in not biblically.
She wanted to say yes, but knew shed be toying with dynamite. Im not sure.
Its obvious youre attracted to me, he pointed out.
Okay, fine, youre an attractive man and Im not blind. If not for Joss, would she even be hesitating?
Youre saying any attractive man would do?
Thats not what Im saying.
Then that makes me special?
More so than he knew.
His look of triumph made her nervous. Are you fishing for compliments, Trace? Because, if so, you grabbed the wrong woman from the medical tent. Dr. Gianakos would be more than happy to be your fluffer.
At her comment, he grinned and shook his head. I got the right girl and want her complimenting me. Come on, no more serious talk. Lets go have fun for a few minutes then well get back to work.
Okay. This time she met his hand halfway when he reached for hers and tried not to overanalyze how amazing it felt to simply hold his hand.
* * *
Chrissie had never seen such a huge area of bubbles before.
Agnes had set up a special non-slip floor and then had machines create mountains of bubbles. Currently, hundreds, maybe thousands, of children and adults alike danced and played in the bubbles to the directions of the emcee in a bubble-a-thon fund-raiser.
Put your right hand in. Put your right hand out, he instructed.
You have extra clothes?
Her head jerked toward Trace. What?
Did you bring extra clothes? he repeated, taking off his tennis shoes and raising her feet one at a time to do the same to hers.
Im a prepared kind of girl, but stop that, she demanded, attempting to pull her foot free and instead just helping him accomplish his goal. Im not going into
But he wasnt listening. Hed tugged her to the outskirts of the bubble floor and she was mid-chest-high in bubbles.
Oh, my, she exclaimed, unable to resist lifting a handful of the foamy white stuff to her mouth and blowing it.
Joss would love this, she couldnt help but think.
Put your left hand in. Put your left hand out, the emcee continued.
She wiggled her toes, letting the bubbles tickle her feet and bare legs beneath her shorts. A giggle escaped. A happy giggle. Oh, my. She didnt want to feel happy.
Chrissie frowned. What was she thinking? Of course, she wanted to feel happy. Besides, when was she going to have the opportunity to play in bubbles with hundreds of other people ever again?
Probably never.
This was fun. She was allowed to have fun.
If were going to do this, were going to do it right, she informed Trace, holding her left hand out and shaking it.
That was the plan. His grin was lethal and gave her more giddiness than the bubbles.
I know what your plan is, she accused, trying to splash him, but the bubbles didnt cooperate, sticking to her hand instead and plopping back onto the sea surrounding them.
He laughed. With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he scooped up an armful of bubbles. Im not denying it.
Which doesnt make it any better. Instinctively knowing what he was about to do, she took a few steps back, but only managed to plop down in the midst of the bubbles.
Laughing, he held out a hand and pulled her to her feet. She sputtered, clearing the bubbles from her face.
You look good covered in bubbles. His eyes glittered with all sorts of mischief.
Trace.
What? He gave her an innocent look. You do. I like it.
Truthfully, she liked how he looked waist deep in bubbles, too. There were too many people around for her mind to go to romantic bubble baths, but seeing Trace laughing out loud had cracked something inside her.
Something that had been vital in protecting her from how she felt about him. How dared he break down her defenses with bubbles and laughter and talk of getting to know each other? Who did that?
Then again, nothing about Trace had ever been typical, so of course hed use bubbles to knock down the barriers shed erected between them. Bubbles.
No one could be standoffish when surrounded by bubbles.
Shake your leg and be quiet, she ordered, but was unable to keep the smile from her face.
Maybe it was her inner child coming out. Maybe it was all the happy laughter around her. Maybe it was the happy gleam in Traces eyes as he stood in bubbles. Maybe it was feeling alive and desirable and amazing because she was his focus. Maybe it was all of the above.
Regardless, she laughed and played along with whatever the emcee had going. They hokey-pokeyed through the rest of the song, then participated in a couple of the other bubble games.
When the emcee announced a bubble-snowman-building contest for kids ten and under, they made their way out.
Admit it, you had fun.
I had fun. No point in denying it. She was still smiling.
A teenaged boy came up and handed Trace two towels. Chrissie glanced around, amazed by the boys appearance since towels werent provided and they should have brought their own.
Why did he bring us these?
He waggled his brows. Im a resourceful man.
Apparently, she agreed, taking the towel from him, and wiping off the bubbles clinging to her skin and clothes. We werent dressed for this.
We were fine, he countered. Most everyone is wearing T-shirts and shorts, except for the kids.
Thank you.
His smile was amazing. Brilliant. Beautiful.
Youre welcome, Chrissie. Making you smile is my pleasure.
* * *
There were a dozen or so people on the medical crew. More than theyd needed tonight, but that would change with sun-up.
There were a few two-man tents at the back of the medical area so there would be medical staff close in case middle-of-the-night care was needed. Chrissie was rooming with one of the nurse-practitioner volunteers, a pretty woman in her late forties who worked with a local childrens hospital and said shed been volunteering with CCPO for the past couple of years, after one of her patients family had mentioned how the organization had helped with expenses.
Chrissie liked hearing how the organization was making a difference out in the real world, rather than just through the testimonies given on stage at the event. Somehow, hearing Bernadette say CCPO had helped one of her patients made it all so much more real.
She and Trace had checked to make sure the medical area was still slow, then shed slipped off to her tent to grab her toiletries where she bumped into her roommate.
Im headed to the shower truck to wash the bubbles off myself, she told the smiling woman.
Ill be heading that way before the rush, too, Bernadette said, from where she sat on her sleeping bag, holding her phone. Im going to call home and check on my husband and kids since theres not a need in the medical tent right now.
Chrissie nodded, then left their tent to give the woman a semblance of privacy. In reality, there was very little. Yet, four years ago, she and Trace had found ways to be alone, especially at night when theyd been the two manning the slow, midnight hours.
Trace.
Shed essentially agreed to get to know him.
Ha. What did that even mean? She wasnt sure.
At least hed been upfront that his main goal was to sleep with her again.
What a goal.
What a man.
She hung her head and took a deep breath. Why was she even fighting him?
He was right. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Probably more.
But she was four years older, four years wiser, four years more mature. She didnt have wild sexual flings.
Especially premeditated ones.
Then again, trying to convince herself of greater maturity right after playing in a sea of bubbles probably wasnt the most effective argument shed ever waged.
But, oh, how shed had fun playing with Trace.
Whod have ever thought shed be surrounded by bubbles, dancing and acting goofy with Trace Stevens?
Shed have bet against those odds every time.
But she didnt regret it. How could she when shed laughed more than she recalled laughing in months? Years?
No, that wasnt true. She laughed with Joss. Lots and lots. Goodness, but that kid made her happy.
And Savannah. Spending time with her best friend and her baby daughter made Chrissie happy, too. Prior to Savannahs wedding, her friend had stayed the night and theyd giggled the night away while Joss slept.
.
.
, (https://www.litres.ru/janice-lynn/the-doctor-s-secret-son/) .
Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, , , , PayPal, WebMoney, ., QIWI , .
Janice Lynn
The truth about that nightNurse Chrissie Tomberlain never thought shed see the unforgettable Dr Trace Stevens, father of her little boy, again. She hasnt heard from him in four years, but then he shows up at a charity event, and offers her another night of unbridled, no-strings passion!Driven by his own demons, nomadic Trace has been saving lives in the worlds most war-torn places. Hes never wanted to put down roots, but then beautiful Chrissie turns his whole life upside down with one incredible revelationhes a father!
The truth about that night...
Nurse Chrissie Tomberlain never thought shed see the unforgettable Dr. Trace Stevens, father of her little boy, again. She hadnt heard from him in four years, but then he shows up at a charity event and offers her another night of unbridled, no-strings passion!
Driven by his own demons, nomadic Trace has been saving lives in the worlds most war-torn places. Hes never wanted to put down roots, but then beautiful Chrissie turns his whole life upside down with one incredible revelationhes a father!
Dear Reader (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a),
While writing my last Medical Romance I became more and more intrigued by my heroines best friend. By the end of that book I knew I had to know what her story was and give her a happy ending.
Chrissie Tomberlain has a secret shes kept for the four years since she last saw Trace Stevensa beautiful three-year-old son. Providing medical care to impoverished and war-torn countries is Traces life mission, but hes back in Atlanta for a few weeks and discovers the attraction between him and Chrissie has only grown with time. Trace knows he wont stay, and Chrissie isnt looking to have an affair. But when he learns her reasons why hes confronted with a past hed rather forget.
I hope you enjoy Trace and Chrissies book as much as I enjoyed researching and writing their story. Drop me an email at Janice@janicelynn.net to share your thoughts about their romance, about Chattanooga, or just to say hello.
Happy reading!
Janice
The Doctors Secret Son
Janice Lynn
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Books by Janice Lynn
Mills & Boon Medical Romance
Flirting with the Doc of Her Dreams
New York Doc to Blushing Bride
Winter Wedding in Vegas
Sizzling Nights with Dr Off-Limits
It Started at Christmas...
The Nurses Baby Secret
Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk (http://millsandboon.co.uk) for more titles.
Janice won The National Readers Choice Award for her first book The Doctors Pregnancy Bombshell
To my editor, Kathryn Cheshire.
Thanks for all your fabulous insight and hard work
to make my stories shine.
Contents
Cover (#u500fed6f-8dbe-5653-8c1e-514e0aeab88c)
Back Cover Text (#u8bc32392-f522-55c6-a807-dc29b25c8f49)
Dear Reader (#ue87a79aa-d431-5df8-a142-80b4832aa856)
Title Page (#ucf276da9-70de-59a9-8d5f-2365db9401fe)
Booklist (#uff3d8f2d-3d9f-5d57-87b7-347ff35306a4)
Dedication (#udee56ab5-1de3-5a1e-a3f7-a14a4b5a79c0)
CHAPTER ONE (#u9bd53594-0e9f-5338-a4c6-170876a99929)
CHAPTER TWO (#u74e80539-b3eb-5974-939a-80bb8a3235af)
CHAPTER THREE (#u1a050525-9be7-5417-a32b-e2065b2012b5)
CHAPTER FOUR (#u83922614-d19d-5c6a-870a-f20a955b2b9e)
CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)
EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
IT WAS HER.
Her hair was longer and her body a bit curvier, but the wide smile on her full lips was the same, as was the sparkle in her bright green gaze.
Not for a single second did Dr. Trace Stevens doubt the perky little blonde nurses identity. How could he? No woman had ever caused such an intense sexual reaction in him as Chrissie Tomberlain.
Traces lips curved.
This weekend had definitely just taken a turn for the better. A big turn. Four years ago shed made his last weekend in the States unforgettable. He still had a few weeks before leaving again, but he welcomed the distraction.
Chrissie had been the best distraction hed ever known.
So much so that even now, from time to time, hed awaken drenched in sweat, with an ache in his gut that hadnt been satisfied in years.
Four years, to be exact.
Ironic to run into her because more than once hed considered looking her up, seeing if she was single, seeing if shed be interested in spending time with him while he was home.
Then again, this event was where theyd met, so maybe not so ironic. Still, this weekend was exactly what he needed in so many ways.
A few weeks from now, hed go back to doing what he was meant to do in life. There were places in the world that needed him a lot more than he was needed in Atlanta, Georgia, even if his friends and family thought otherwise.
* * *
Chrissie Tomberlain hadnt spent a night away from her three-year-old son since hed been born. So why had she let her best friend convince her that staying away from him for a whole weekend would be a good idea?
Okay, Savannah was right that Chrissie never did anything but work and take care of Joss. But there wasnt anything shed rather do than spend time with her son, so she hadnt seen it as a problem. Spending time with Joss was a blessing she cherished each and every time she looked into his precious face, heard his sweet voice, felt his little hands pat her cheek.
Prior to Josss birth, she had enjoyed volunteering at various charity fund-raisers around her hometown of Chattanooga. Shed done so at the huge childrens cancer prevention event in Atlanta several times in the past.
But not since shed gotten pregnant with Joss.
At the event.
By a man she hadnt seen since.
Until now.
Trace Stevens hadnt changed much from four years ago.
He was still sexy as hell and made her body do crazy, previously unexperienced things.
Made her mind go back to the night of passion of four years ago that had led to her becoming a single mother by a man shed just met.
A man who had no idea hed fathered a son.
Her son. Her sweet, wonderful Joss.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and prepared herself for what she hadnt really thought would ever happen.
She wasnt supposed to see Trace again.
He wasnt supposed to be here.
Yet, if she was honest with herself, wouldnt she admit that from the moment shed gotten into her car in Chattanooga shed had a nervous energy inside, wondering what if the entire two-hour drive?
What if Trace was there?
What if their paths really did cross again?
What if he still lit her body on fire with a mere glance, something no one else had ever done before or since?
There he was, standing in a tent not so unlike the one theyd met in four years ago. For all she knew it might be the exact same one if Childrens Cancer Prevention Organization owned their commercial tents, rather than rented them.
A big sexy grin climbed up Traces face as his gaze collided with hers and recognition hit.
He remembered her.
Of course he remembered her.
Theyd spent an entire weekend together. A lot of it together together. Four years wasnt so long ago that hed forget a weekend that hot and heavy.
Then again, maybe he had hot and heavy weekends like that routinely.
She knew nothing about the man except that he was amazing in bed and had been a fellow volunteer at the CCPO. That year, the event had done a three-day walk. This year, the organization was sponsoring a weekend of family fun. On Friday evening, they were having a welcome event and a bubble-a-thon dance party open to all participants and their families. On Saturday morning, they were having a marathon, with various levels of participation. Some committing to a five K, some to the full marathon. Others committing to various distances in between. Then, in the evening, they were having sponsored Olympic-style games for the kids.
Now, as then, Chrissie had signed up to work the medical tent all weekend. Full of nervous energy, shed dropped Joss off to Savannah early that morning, then made the drive so she could help organize the medical station and volunteer to assist with anything else needed prior to the families and fund-raiser participants starting to arrive.
Imagine running into Trace within minutes of her arrival.
Imagine, she had.
For four years shed imagined this moment, coming face to face with the man whod haunted her dreams and her reality.
Yet it wasnt really as intense as it should have been. The sun hadnt stood still in the sky. The earth hadnt quaked. Lightning hadnt streaked its way to the ground. Nothing. They were just standing in a tent, looking at each other, a man and a woman with a past while the rest of the world went on as usual.
No big deal. But her heart pounded like crazy and her chest wanted to heave from lack of air.
Probably had something to do with the look in Traces eyes when hed spotted her that said hed figured out exactly what hed be doing this weekend, other than working the medical tent.
Or more like who.
Why, oh, why was everything in her screaming yes?
Other than her brain, that was. Her brain warned shed best stay far, far away because to have anything to do with him would be risking everything.
He wasnt that good in bed.
She skimmed her gaze over his body, noting on closer inspection that he was slightly leaner than she remembered, more tan, too. His loose CCPO event T-shirt and khaki cargo shorts did little to hide his broad shoulders and narrow hips. His left hand was still bare of jewelry and had no telltale tan line to hint at deception. Lifting her gaze back to his face, she took in his sandy-colored hair, strong aquiline nose, cleft chin, and toffee-colored eyes that were staring straight into hers with obvious interest. His smile widened and her thighs clenched in immediate response.
He had been that good, but she still wasnt risking it.
She had too much at stake to play sexual escapades with Trace all weekend.
But boy, oh, boy, did the man tempt everything in her.
* * *
Its been a while, Trace said by way of greeting when he closed the distance between them.
Four years.
Four years. Four long years where hed seen things hed like to forget, and she was just the woman who might accomplish that for him, even if only for a short while.
A short while sounded like heaven after the hell hed seen, that hed no doubt see more of when he returned to wherever they sent him this time.
How have you been? he asked, studying her. Other than the change of hairstyle and the few extra pounds she carried, she looked the same as he recalled. Better even. He liked the fullness to her breasts and hips that hadnt been there four years ago.
His groin tightened.
Yeah, he liked her curves a lot.
His bodys instant reaction to her nearness made him feel like a Neanderthal. It hadnt been that long since hed been with a woman. But when he tried to think back to the last time hed had sex, he struggled to recall exactly how long it had been.
A problem he intended to rectify, assuming Chrissie still felt the strong attraction theyd shared. Time certainly hadnt faded a thing for him.
Sex just hadnt been a priority recently. Lifelife had been the top priority where hed been. Helping those who desperately needed help and doing what he could with significantly limited resources had been a priority. Surviving tragedy, and healing, had been a priority.
Im great, she answered, shifting her weight as if she was nervous.
She had nothing to be nervous about. Theyd ended on good terms, or so hed thought, after their weekend. Hed thought about her often enough that had there been anything negative he would have remembered. Hed swear he recalled every detail of that weekend in vivid color.
Thats good to hear. Hows life been treating you?
Her gaze cut to beyond him, and, ignoring his question, she said, Sorry, but if youll excuse me, I see someone I need to talk to. She paused, briefly met his gaze with a steely expression in her green eyes. Good to see you again, Travis.
Travis? Ouch.
He watched her walk away, greet Agnes Coulson, a bear of a woman and the Childrens Cancer Prevention Organization founder. True to how hed just thought of her, Agnes wrapped Chrissie into a big hug, causing her to laugh as she hugged the woman back, then wiggled free.
Its so good to see you, she exclaimed to the woman, showing the excitement Trace would like to have seen when shed greeted him. He wouldnt have minded one of those hugs, either.
Instead, hed effectively been put in his place.
Not that he was buying that shed forgotten his name.
He wasnt.
She hadnt forgotten. But she wanted him to think she had. That was her way of letting him know she wasnt interested.
Which wasnt what her eyes had conveyed when shed first seen him. Hed have bet anything shed felt the same excitement he had.
He knew she had.
Maybe shed taken that closer look, seen the harshness that almost suffocated him these days, and known the best thing she could do was stay away.
He wasnt the same man hed been four years ago. Not by far. In some ways, he was better. In some, not so much.
You two had something a few years back, didnt you? Right before you left for Sudan?
Trace turned to Bud Coulson, Agness husband. They headed up the event each year. Theyd done so for the past twenty years. Their only child had been diagnosed with, and died from, a rare type of brain cancer, and theyd dedicated their lives to raising awareness and funds to fight pediatric cancers. Traces family regularly donated to their organization. Four years ago, before hed left for his Doctors Around the World stint overseas, Trace had done more than pull out his hefty checkbook. Hed volunteered as an extra helper, something hed done numerous times over the years in different capacities with CCPO.
Even before Doctors Around the World hed wanted to do more to help others than just practice medicine. Thank goodness for Bud and Agness influence over the years that had planted that seed that drove him to help others.
How could he not support the foundation when it was a way of keeping Kerry alive to the couple he loved so much?
I was quite taken with her the weekend we met, he admitted, not letting his mind go to little Kerry and the guilt he always felt when he thought of her.
Instead, he let memories of Chrissie flood through his mind. Hed always wondered if the intensity of that weekend had been because hed known he was heading into the unknown. Which hed wanted. He still wanted even if his parents had begged him to come home to stay. He understood their concern.
Especially after the incident at the Shiara MSF hospital in Yemen.
Automatically, he placed his hand over his right lower abdomen. That one had been a bit too close for comfort, but at least hed walked away with his life, which he couldnt say of all his colleagues.
Damn cowardly terrorists attacking a hospital. Damn that hed walked away when so many good people had died.
Your dad told me about what happened. Bud gestured to where Trace touched. You should have come home to let us take care of you.
Trace rammed his hand into his pocket.
There was nothing anyone could do. There hadnt been. Hed been one of the lucky ones. Besides, I lived.
I was surprised you didnt opt to come home after that, Bud mused, then shook his head. I take that back. That you opted to stay didnt really surprise me.
Coming home wasnt an option. Not one that hed ever considered at any rate. He planned to live his life doing mission work. Settling down wasnt for him. A wife and kids wasnt his lot in life and he never wanted it to be.
His gaze cut to the woman still smiling and chatting with Agnes. Her hands waved animatedly as she described something. Both women burst into laughter and a deep ache pierced Trace.
Your father would move heaven and earth to convince you to come back, Bud mused, watching Trace rather than his wife and Chrissie. Hes hoping youre home to stay.
Trace frowned. We both know Ill be leaving as soon as Im given my next assignment. My father doesnt understand.
Bud shook his head. Youre right. He doesnt. Not many do.
Traces eyes shifted toward the older man. You saying you dont? Because I wouldnt believe you. You of all people understand the need to do more than just accept things for the way they are. This organization is testament to that.
Agnes and CCPO are my life. One side of Buds mouth tugged upward. Then again, at one time the Marine Corps was my life, too. I served time overseas and wouldnt trade those memories and the brothers I gained for anything. I think we accomplished a lot of good things, but that doesnt mean Id go back. Sometimes we have to let go of one thing we care about to make room for another. He glanced lovingly at his wife.
Trace cocked his brow at the older man. You trying to tell me you dont think I should go?
Bud shrugged. Only you know the answer to whether or not you should go back. He nodded toward where Chrissie and Agnes still talked, obviously catching up. Maybe its time you find a reason to want to stay home rather than go as far away as possible.
Those people need help every bit as much as the kids youre raising money for, Trace pointed out, not acknowledging Buds claim that he might have been running from something when hed signed on to Doctors Around the World. Theyre innocent victims of governments and wars they have no control over.
Civilians are always the innocent victims of war, Bud agreed. You do what you feel is right for you, son. All Im saying is that there is a lot of good you can do here, too. I just think you need to keep that in mind, because Im not convinced going back is the right choice for you.
Trace eyed the older man suspiciously. Youre sure Dad didnt put you up to trying to talk me into staying?
Bud laughed. I wont say hes never mentioned hoping youd stay to me, but Im speaking for myself.
Trace nodded. Hed figured as much. His successful businessman father would probably fund Buds charity for the next fifty years if he could convince Trace to stay in Atlanta.
Which would be a good reason to stay, if it didnt mean having to deal with his father on a regular basis.
In case you havent noticed, Blondie is looking your way.
Trace had noticed. Hard not to notice those intense emerald eyes studying him. He could feel her interest, could feel her bodys reaction to him.
The same interest and reaction he was having to her.
Obviously, the chemistry theyd shared still burned hot.
So, why had she given him the cold shoulder?
* * *
Chrissie ordered her gaze to remove itself from Trace. Unfortunately, her eyes didnt seem connected to her brain.
Why did he have to be so hot? Those amazing eyes just sucked her in. Rich, warm toffee that made her want to melt.
She was melting.
No wonder shed lost her mind four years ago. Trace was hot. Scorching, melt-a-woman-all-the-way-to-her-toes hot.
Chrissies toes were ooey-gooey puddles in her shoes.
Its good to have Trace back with us, too, isnt it?
Oops. Obviously, Agnes noticed her distraction and had no compunction on commenting.
Chrissie dragged her gaze away from Trace and focused on the older woman, who was watching her curiously. Something told her the woman wouldnt buy it if she pretended not to know what she referred to. After all, Chrissie and Trace had only had eyes for each other four years ago. No doubt every volunteer there had picked up on their attraction.
Wheres he been? she asked.
Agness concerned gaze went to Trace. For the past couple of years? Yemen.
Surprise hit Chrissie. Yemen?
He works with Doctors Around the World. A troubled look came over Agness face, making her appear every one of her sixty plus years. Hell be leaving again soon. Unfortunately. Hes home because his only cousin had a baby and the timing fell right at the end of his contract.
Chrissies gaze went back to Trace. Yemen. She knew that was in the Middle East, but she wasnt sure exactly where. She probably should have paid better attention in geography class.
I wondered if you two had stayed in touch while he was there and that it wasnt a coincidence you were both volunteering again at the same time. Agnes looked disappointed. Obviously not.
Chrissie shook her head. No, meeting Trace four years ago was nice. Nice? Ha, that was so not the right word to describe that meeting. More like naughty. But neither of us fooled each other that our meeting was anything more. I didnt know hed be here.
Too bad, Agnes countered. That boy needs someone in his life.
You sound as if you know him well, Chrissie mused, trying not to look overly interested.
All his life. His father and Bud go back a long way. Well, she clarified with a low laugh, all the way back to elementary school. They were best friends. Trace was a few months older than our daughter. Wed always hoped theyd grow up, fall in love, and connect our families in yet another way. Pain momentarily aged her face. Instead, Kerry died and Trace spends his time overseas.
Are you gossiping about me, Agnes?
Agnes quickly recovered, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. Every chance I get to extol your virtues.
My virtues dont deserve extolling.
There was more to what he was saying than what appeared. But Chrissies own cheeks were burning too much with embarrassment at getting caught discussing him for her to over-analyze his comment.
Thats a matter of opinion, Agnes countered. So, where are we going to put our Chrissie to work this year?
Chrissie frowned. She wasnt their Chrissie. At least, not his Chrissie. But Agnes was smiling and chatting on about the medical tent and making sure everything was ready for the event kick-off.
Id like to do triage if thats okay, Chrissie spoke up. Its what I did last time.
Youve been back? Trace asked, studying her.
Agnes nodded. Not for a few years, but our Chrissie is an angel from heaven, for sure.
Yeah, Chrissie was pretty sure with the way her insides were burning that she was from somewhere way more south.
And Agnes knew that it had been four years. Why had she left the date a little vague?
Maybe you could take her to the triage area and show her how things are set up this year? Agness question was directed at Trace.
Yes, maam. His gaze locked with Chrissies and he grinned as if she hadnt cut him off earlier. Follow me.
His facial expression was so similar to one she often saw on her sons face that her breath caught. Her feet refused to move. Her head spun.
Chrissie?
Shaking her head to stop the spinning, she stepped toward him.
Three days. Three days and then shed change charities to volunteer at ones in Chattanooga so shed never have to see Trace Stevens again.
CHAPTER TWO (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
YOUVE CHANGED.
Chrissies gaze shot to Traces. Of course she had changed. She was a mother now. Not that she was going to tell him that.
Although they hadnt done a lot of talking four years ago, he had told her that he was a bachelor for life and had no plans to reproduce ever. Because of his words, and the trauma from her parents custody battle when she was seven, Chrissie had convinced herself that Joss belonged to her because shed just been a weekend fling for Trace.
Guilt pinched at her conscience, but she shoved it aside.
Now was not the time to feel guilty. Theyd shared a wild weekend of sex that had never been meant to be anything more. He hadnt wanted it to be anything more.
Only shed ended up pregnant.
Pregnant, and she hadnt known how to get in touch with him.
She could have contacted Bud and Agnes, could have asked for Traces information. Perhaps they would have given it to her.
Only, she hadnt.
She and Trace had parted ways with no plans to stay in touch or ever see each other again. Hed known the city where she lived because shed told him. Just as hed told her he lived in Atlanta. He hadnt bothered to get in touch with her or continue their relationship in any way.
If hed left the country, who knew if hed even had a way of staying in touch? Then again, if hed wanted to, he would have found a way. Chattanooga wasnt that big and tracking down a nurse with her name couldnt have been that difficult.
He hadnt, and because of that shed never felt the need to attempt to track him down. Well, twinges from time to time, but overall she knew shed done the right thing for her son and had even given Trace what hed said he wanted by keeping her secret.
How Joss had come into existence didnt matter these days. What mattered was her precious little boy who was the center of her world, and that shed do anything to protect him from the hell shed gone through as a child. She would give him the best life possible, and that was that.
But then, she hadnt thought shed see Trace again. Not really.
She stared into his eyes, wondering at the emotions she saw flickering there.
She hadnt known he was leaving the country, hadnt known he was with Doctors Around the World. Hed never mentioned anything of the sort to her. Something like leaving the country for an extended period of time was a big deal.
When did you leave for Doctors Around the World?
His pupils dilated and for the briefest moment darkness replaced the interest in his eyes. I see Agnes really was gossiping about me.
He hadnt answered her question. Interesting. Most of the guys she knew would have made sure everyone knew they were a doctor, that theyd signed up selflessly to help others, and theyd have played that angle to the max. Four years ago Trace hadnt told her he was a doctor or that he was with DAW.
Fifteen minutes and she already knew things about him she hadnt known then.
Was that why hed told her he wasnt interested in anything more than a weekend fling and never would be? Because hed been about to leave?
When? she repeated, needing to know, although she wasnt sure why it even mattered. That he hadnt told her such pertinent details about his life just reinforced what she already knew. It hadnt mattered that she hadnt known the details of his life. She was not someone who mattered.
The week after we met. His lips twisted as if the words triggered unpleasant memories. Id purposely put off my leave date until after the event so I could help Bud and Agnes and to spend a little time with them before I took off. Thats why I didnt sign on to work as a physician at the event, but just as extra help where needed.
The week after... Hed left the country the week after theyd met.
I havent been back in the United States since. Not until a week ago.
Four years had passed and hed not come home. For all of Josss life, Trace had been out of the country, serving others.
Oh.
Yeah, oh. He reached out, brushed his fingertip over her cheek then down her jawline. Not sure how much help I was that weekend. All I remember about those three days is you.
Her insides perked up at his admission and it was all she could do not to ask It is? with a silly school girl expression plastered to her face. Instead, she bit her tongue.
Hed been out of the country for four years. How many times while shed been pregnant had she thought about him living it up in Atlantas night life? Wining and dining some slim beauty queen while she grew rounder and rounder with his child? The glimpse of darkness in his eyes said that he hadnt been wining or dining anyone, that hed seen things hed like to forget, that the past four years hadnt been a bed of roses.
Have you thought about me, Chrissie?
She winced. Had he read her mind?
Still, she didnt want to answer his question any more than hed wanted to answer hers. She didnt want to tell him that not a day went by that he didnt cross her mind.
How could it when Joss was a constant reminder?
When she went home, it would be even worse now that shed seen Trace again and realized just how much her son truly resembled his handsome father. The facial expressions. The eyes. Joss was Traces mini-me.
Or did you forget me the minute you left Atlanta?
His question made her sound as if she had flings all the time, as if what shed done with him had been no big deal. Other than a college boyfriend shed hung around with long enough for him to take her virginity and introduce her to a mediocre sex life, shed had no other lovers. Only Trace.
There had been nothing mediocre about Trace.
But she wasnt telling him that, either.
Because hed been so good he must have had many lovers over the years.
Had probably had many since, despite his being out of the country. Chrissie couldnt suppress her grimace.
You know as well as I do that you arent exactly the kind of man a woman forgets, she admitted as if it were no big deal. Nor was that weekend the kind Id just forget.
Good to know. He smiled at her admission. It was a phenomenal weekend, wasnt it?
She crossed her arms and kept her mouth shut. Shed answered enough questions.
But not one you want to repeat?
Yeah, she didnt want to answer that either. Mainly because her body was like, Yes, sign me up for an encore performance! but her brain knew the best thing she could do was keep as much distance between her and Trace as possible.
He was the father to her son. A son he didnt know about. She needed to stay far, far away before she slipped up and said something she shouldnt. What if she said something and he pulled a stunt like the one her father had pulled?
She couldnt bear the thought of Trace disappearing with her son. Not that he would likely even want anything to do with Joss, but, still, her own father had practically ignored her the first seven years of her life and that hadnt stopped him.
Her gaze lifted to his and rather than saying, No, I dont want a repeat, as a good, smart girl would do, she asked, Why do you say that?
His expression brightened. Then you do want a repeat?
Ugh. Shed walked right into that one.
She studied his toffee-colored gaze, his smooth tanned skin, the obvious sexual interest in his eyes. You do?
What sane man wouldnt want a repeat of what you and I had?
There was that.
Sex without strings?
His gaze narrowed. Not exactly how Id have worded it.
She didnt let her gaze waver. Which doesnt make it any less true.
His forehead furrowed and he did some studying of his own. She refused to look away, refused to shift her weight or show any sign of weakness.
Even if her insides quaked at the power this man had over her.
Did you want strings, Chrissie?
Heat rushed into her face. She was going to have to be careful of what she said. Which was why she needed to stay away. Nothing good could come from spending time with Trace.
No, of course not. She hadnt. Shed known what they shared was just a man and a woman thrown together by circumstances and sexual attraction. You told me you werent the marrying kind. I didnt expect anything to come of our weekend together. She sure hadnt expected to become a mother. No strings was fine.
A tired look came over his face and he raked his fingers through his hair. I was leaving the country in three days. I couldnt have done strings if Id wanted to.
Something in his tone had her insides fluttering with a bundle of nervous energy.
Did you want to?
* * *
Good question, and one that Trace had asked himself a thousand times in the years that had passed since hed last seen this woman. What would he have done differently had he not been committed?
I didnt allow myself to consider strings as a possibility. Which was what he always came back to when his mind got to wondering. Not that he would ever have settled down, but he would have liked more time with Chrissie, to have been able to let the fire between them burn out naturally.
Her pretty face pinched and her gaze averted. Which explains why you never asked for a phone number.
Although he was sure she didnt want them to, her words conveyed that shed been hurt. That hed hurt her stung.
There was no point in my asking.
I see. Her lower lip disappeared again.
I dont think you do. He lifted her chin and stared into the greenest eyes hed ever looked into. I was leaving the country, had volunteered for a crazy assignment. Putting you or any woman through the stress of a relationship when I was over there, especially when nothing would ever have come from that relationship anywayit wouldnt have been fair.
Her chin trembled beneath his fingertips and Trace wanted to kiss her so badly his insides ached. They were alone in the medical tent, but someone could walk in. Which didnt overly concern him. Hed seen and done too much to let something as irrelevant as someone seeing him kiss Chrissie get to him. But Chrissie was still sending mixed signals.
One minute hot, the next cold.
When he kissed her next, he wanted her to want it as much as he did, not to be second-guessing herself.
He would kiss her again. Soon. She might not want to admit it, but she wanted the kiss as much as he did. Everything in her expression, her stance, her eyes, said so.
Well, I guess youre a damn saint, then, eh?
There went the cold again. And the hurt.
Far from it.
Looking away, she shrugged. Not to hear Agnes tell it.
Agnes is biased. Shes my godmother.
Chrissies eyes widened. Obviously Agnes hadnt told her that part.
Her husband, Bud, and my father grew up in the same neighborhood and were best friends. Somehow, that friendship survived my fathers personality all these years.
Something wrong with your fathers personality?
Ha, now there was a tricky question if ever there was one.
Most people would say hes near perfect.
Her eyebrow arched. But not you?
Not a subject he wanted to discuss any more than he wanted to discuss Sudan or Yemen or Kerry. Maybe less so.
So, about those Braves...
He watched emotions play across her face, but she let any further questions she had go. How many times had he closed his eyes and recalled her face? How many times when the whole world seemed to have gone crazy had he closed his eyes and just remembered everything about her?
Yeah, well, apparently you dont recall, or maybe you never knew her chin tilted upward but Im not a fan of baseball.
Well, no one was perfect even if in his mind she was close.
Thats un-American, he teased.
She shrugged. Overpaid bunch of men who never grew up as far as Im concerned.
His lips twitched. Ill have you know those guys work hard.
She gave him an accusing look. You sound as if youre one of them. Former player or just a wannabe?
He laughed and it felt good. Foreign, but good. Hed not had many reasons to laugh over the past four years. It hadnt all been bad. Some parts had been wonderful. Hed been helping people who desperately needed help. But overall there hadnt been nearly enough laughter.
For all the craziness, hed felt as if he was doing something positive in the world, had felt alive and needed.
Nope, never been much of a baseball player, he admitted. But I have a few friends on the team.
On the Atlanta Braves baseball team? She sounded incredulous.
He nodded. His father handled more than one of the players finances, was a real-estate mogul, and prior to Trace leaving the country theyd moved in the same social circles. These days, all the parties and hoopla seemed pointless when there were people starving and being killed for their beliefs or place of birth.
Shaking off the memory, he focused on the petite blonde staring up at him and drank her in like a breath of fresh air.
Chrissies brows pinched. Just who are you, anyway?
Determined that he was going to keep the past four years at bay, not think about pending decisions that needed making about his future, Trace grinned. Thats right. You forgot my name.
For the first time, a smile toyed on her lips.
A guilty smile.
That shed pretended not to remember him was as telling as her comment about his not asking for her phone number.
He stuck out his hand. Hi. Im Trace Stevens. Im a volunteer in the medical tent. Ill be working closely with you over the next couple of days.
Not that closely.
It occurred to him that just because his life hadnt moved forward, a lot could have changed in hers.
Hed just assumed she was single, available.
His gaze dropped to her left hand and specifically to her empty third finger.
No wedding ring, he mused out loud. Boyfriend?
Im not married. Her lower lip disappeared between her teeth. But I date from time to time.
He let her answer digest, not liking the green sludge making its way through his veins. He had no claims on her. He never had. When hed spotted her across the tent he hadnt even considered that she might be involved with someone else. Hed just seen her and wanted her.
Four years had come and gone. It wasnt as if hed have expected anyone to have waited on him.
And to wait for what? A weekend fling every few years when he came home?
He had nothing to offer beyond that and never would.
CHAPTER THREE (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
CHRISSIE NEEDED TO get away from Trace. Quickly. Being around him made her insides mush.
So, she said as a way of moving the conversation away from anything personal. What can I do to help get things set up?
Bud and Agnes are so organized they have most everything taken care of. The bins of donated supplies are over here and are labeled. We can set the area up along the lines of what we did four years ago.
Chrissies face heated, which told her way too much about her state of mind.
A triage area and a treatment area? Had her voice been several octaves higher or was that just her imagination?
Yes. How dared he sound so calm? Well set one treatment area up to be a bit more private, just in case.
No. No. No. There went her naughty imagination again to places it shouldnt go. To memories of a former private treatment area where her body had been quite ravished.
She couldnt prevent her blush.
Hoping he didnt notice, or that hed think it the result of the Georgia heat, she nodded. That works for me. How many volunteers do we have in the medical area this year?
The more the better. She hoped they were so over-staffed that being alone was impossible.
Around a dozen, I think. He pulled out a list and began reading it. We have a couple of doctors, a couple of nurses, a paramedic, a few nurse practitioners, and a few techs, and then some med and nursing students. It should run smoothly.
Trace Stevens, is that you? a female voice with a light accent called out from the other side of the tent.
Trace and Chrissie both turned. A pretty brunette with long sleek hair pulled into a ponytail headed their direction. A huge smile was on her face and Chrissie wouldnt have been surprised if shed broken into a run to close the gap between her and Trace quicker.
Alexis, he greeted the woman, who wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big hug. I just saw your name on the list.
Chrissie was beginning to think she was going to have to peel the woman off to get her to let go of Trace, but eventually, and with obvious reluctance, she stepped back and brushed her hands down her white shorts and turquoise top.
I heard you were back in town Alexiss smile was so big and bright she could be a toothpaste ad and would be here this weekend, but thought it too good to be true.
You heard right. Trace grinned easily at the beautiful woman.
No wonder. She was a Greek goddess, had a husky voice that held a light accent and was downright sexy, and she was looking at Trace with obvious interest in her dark eyes.
She was looking at him the way Chrissie had, no doubt, looked at him four years ago.
Thank goodness she wasnt looking at him that way now. Okay, maybe a little.
I am not jealous, she told herself over and over. It does not matter that another woman is batting her lashes at him as if he is coated in chocolate and shes just come off a strict diet.
It didnt matter. He meant nothing to Chrissie. Just a stranger shed had an amazing weekend with years ago.
A stranger who shed made a child with.
She grimaced. Yeah, there was that. Which explained why she couldnt bear to watch their interaction a moment longer. It had nothing to do with anything other than a natural instinct because of Joss.
Um...Ill go unpack bins while you two catch up, she offered, not even sure if either of them remembered she was there as the woman caught him up on a few mutual acquaintances and their recent activities.
At Chrissies words, the woman gave a horrified look. Did I interrupt? Im sorry. I saw Trace and had to immediately say hello and then, as always with this man, I got carried away. She winked at Chrissie as if they shared a secret. He has that effect on women, so be careful.
Chrissie didnt need Alexis to point out the effect Trace had on women. She knew. She forced a smile, tight though it was, to her lips.
Ill take note.
Chrissies immune to whatever effect I have, he told Alexis, although Chrissie had no idea why.
The womans perfectly shaped eyebrow arched.
Chrissie frowned, but didnt respond to his comment.
Traces gaze darted back and forth between the gorgeous brunette and Chrissie. No doubt he saw the stark contrast. It was hard to miss.
Chrissie, this is Dr. Alexis Gianakos, Trace introduced the woman. One of the best cardiologists Ive ever had the pleasure of working with.
A doctor? Beautiful and smart it would seem.
As you may have figured out from our conversation, she and I worked at the same hospital prior to when I joined DAW, Trace continued. Shes volunteering this weekend.
Will you be working closely with her, too? Chrissie wanted to ask, but somehow managed to keep her tongue in place.
Ugh. She hated feeling jealous. Hated it.
But she was. Denial didnt make reality any less true.
Nice to meet you, she greeted, holding out her hand and forcing the corners of her mouth upward.
The woman took her hand. Hers was smooth, strong, feminine. Well-manicured.
Chrissie couldnt help but look down at her own as she pulled away from the womans. A bit rough, nails cropped short and unpainted, and no jewelry.
None on the horizon, either.
Shed dated, but found she quickly tired of the men who had come into her life. They either thought because she was a single mom that that meant she was easy for the taking or they didnt understand that Joss came first and always would. None had lasted beyond a couple of dates.
Her best friend, Savannah, was always pushing her to date, especially now that Savannah was so over the moon, happily married to cardiologist Dr. Charlie Keele. Just because Savannah had found the right man for her it didnt mean Chrissie had to do the same. Or that she even wanted to. She was quite happy with just her and Joss. Fabulously so.
Youre also an old friend of Traces? Alexiss accent came out a bit thicker than previously.
We arent old friends, just acquaintances who met here a few years ago.
Ah, Alexis said as if gaining insight. This time it was her dark gaze going back and forth between Chrissie and Trace.
If youll excuse me, Ill get started, Chrissie said, feeling more and more awkward.
She walked away before either could say anything. She didnt want to listen to the beautiful woman chat up Trace and she sure didnt want to listen to whatever response he made to the womans obvious interest.
Had they been an item when Trace worked with her? The woman was so beautiful that no doubt theyd made an attractive couple.
He was free to do whatever he wanted. Whomever he wanted. But she didnt want to know about it. Or see it.
What shed really like to do was block it completely from her mind. Forever. She began organizing supplies and forcing a smile to stay on her face.
Attitude was everything and she was going to have a good attitude this weekend even if it killed her.
* * *
Chrissie was jealous.
She had no reason to be jealous, but the fact that she was made Trace happier than it should have.
Alexis was still chatting about the hospital and his former coworkers, but Traces attention followed Chrissie to where she began opening bins with a vengeance and a smile that didnt fit. Hed already helped volunteers set up tables and chairs in their tent, so, other than however they opted to organize their supplies, there wasnt a lot more to do. Many of their items would stay boxed up until needed.
Who is she?
Alexiss question didnt surprise him. Right or wrong, he hadnt attempted to hide his interest in Chrissie.
I met her here four years ago.
You stayed in touch?
Still watching Chrissie work, he shook his head. Ive not seen or spoken to her since until today.
Surprise registered on Alexiss face. That must have been some meeting four years ago.
Must have been, was all he said, then, Im going to help her set up. You coming?
* * *
Chrissie was one of those people who liked event-opening ceremonies. She liked knowing the history of whatever was taking place, of who the funds were going to help, of who they had already helped. Tonights was no exception.
Listening to Bud and Agnes talk about their daughter whod died with cancer at such a young age, of the heartbreaking prevalence of childhood cancers, listening to how they had formed the Childrens Cancer Prevention Organization and how the charity had grown, and their hope it would expand further into more cities, filled her heart with warm emotion.
She simply could not imagine something happening to Joss or how she would react if it did. Like Bud and Agnes, shed like to think shed deal with her grief in a way that would make the world a better place for others.
She wasnt sure shed be able to function at all.
What are you thinking?
Chrissie jumped at Traces question. I didnt see you.
Obviously. His gaze was on her rather than the stage where Agnes spoke. You were lost in your thoughts.
I was marveling at how Bud and Agnes turned something so personally tragic into something so positive.
They are good people who live to give to others.
Some would say a man who gave up four years of his life to help others was a good person, too.
His expression tightened. On my best day I dont measure up to the man and woman on that stage.
Yeah, well, I didnt say I meant you, Chrissie assured him, grateful when his serious expression lightened at her comment, as shed intended.
There was something darker about him than she remembered. No doubt the things hed seen over the past four years had changed him.
Was there anyone in Traces life that made it better? Someone who helped him deal with the no doubt tragic situations hed encountered while working overseas?
Is Alexis an old girlfriend? That wasnt what shed meant to ask when shed opened her mouth.
We went out a few times.
His smile was quick and too cocky for her liking. He knew she was jealous of the woman. Great.
Which is more than you can say about me, so I guess that answers my question. Which probably only made her sound jealous and bitter and judgmental. Ugh. She should keep her mouth shut.
What question would that be?
Whether or not youd slept with her. She fought to keep the image of him with the woman from her mind. An image shed fought for four years. Shed just never had a face to put with her thoughts of what hed been doing while shed been raising their son.
I havent.
She rolled her eyes. Right.
I said she and I went out a few times. I didnt say we had stayed in a few times. At her continued doubt, he added, I have no reason to lie to you.
He had a point. He owed her nothing, least of all a defense of whether or not hed had sex with someone.
No, I guess you dont, she admitted, trying to hide the fact that she was happy he hadnt slept with the beautiful Alexis.
Would it matter if I had?
Good grief. Could he see inside her head or what?
No. But she was lying. It would have mattered. Maybe it shouldnt, but it would have. Because of Joss, she told herself. That was why she cared who hed slept with and who he hadnt. Because shed given birth to his child that made her more possessive, more concerned. At least, that was what she was going to keep telling herself, as she conveniently ignored the fact hed been out of the country for four years.
Hoping he hadnt realized shed lied and that if he had, he wouldnt call her on it, Chrissie focused on the stage.
Agnes was still speaking and Chrissie did her best to take in each word. With Trace standing so close, she couldnt focus on the woman on stage. She was surrounded by people. How was it possible to be so physically aware of one man that she could smell his spicy scent, hear the call of his body?
I dont believe you, Trace whispered close to her ear, further sensitizing her nerve-endings.
His breath tickled her skin. She could feel his heat and would swear hed just nuzzled her hair.
It really doesnt matter what you believe, she said, stepping back. Ill see you in medical.
With that she pushed through the crowd to get away from him.
But mainly to get away from her unwanted reaction to everything about him.
* * *
Later that evening in the medical tent, Trace lifted the fifty-year-old womans foot and examined her swollen ankle.
Yep. He glanced at her name tag on the lanyard around her neck. Ms. Perez, you have definitely done a number on your ankle.
I shouldnt have been quite so vigorous dancing in the bubbles, eh?
Apparently not. He had her turn and rest on her knees while he squeezed her calf, watching carefully as it triggered the appropriate movement in her foot. Theres no evidence that youve torn your Achilles tendon, but youre definitely out of commission for the rest of the weekend.
The womans face fell. I was afraid you were going to say that. Cant you give me a quick-fix pill?
Its not that easy, Ms. Perez. Some things take time and rest, not a pill. Im sorry.
She heaved her chest in frustration. Me, too.
Sit here with ice for about twenty minutes with your foot elevated. Later, one of the guys will drive you on a gator to your tent. Is there someone we can call for you?
Ms. Perez shook her head. My daughter is out of town with work and my son lives in Chicago with his wife and kids. Im by myself.
He gestured to her leg. You need to stay off that ankle.
I was looking forward to volunteering in the food tent. Ive not missed a year there since CCPO started these events.
Theres no way I can okay for you to serve food.
The woman perked up. Maybe I could volunteer in a different way? One where I could still keep my foot up?
Trace didnt want to burst the womans bubble, but she was going to be in quite a bit of pain and wouldnt be able to put any weight on her ankle for several days. Not with the amount shed injured the tissue.
Stepping back into the exam area, Chrissie assisted the woman in propping up her foot and then put the womans ice pack back on her ankle. Is there anything I can get you? We have a few magazines if youd like, and I brought a stack of books Ive finished if you want to take one.
The woman shook her head and held up her cellular phone. I have books on this thing to keep my mind occupied for times such as these.
Patting the womans hand, Chrissie smiled. Thats good.
The medical tent had been slow most of the evening.
Trace liked being busy, and felt restless. He was used to having more to do than time to do it.
Alexis was seeing a gentleman who had come into the tent with some indigestion. The other volunteers were not quite twiddling their thumbs but none of them were busy, either.
Trace compared it to where hed been not so long ago, in the midst of mayhem and a war-torn country where there had been more ill and injured than hands to care for them, with problems much worse than a sprained ankle.
He closed his eyes. There were other assignments he could take with Doctors Around the World. Less dangerous places. He didnt have to go back to the places hed gone before, but he chose to.
You okay?
He opened his eyes, surprised Chrissie had initiated a conversation with him that didnt have something to do with a patient or the event. For the most part shed ignored him or given him the cold shoulder when hed attempted conversation.
Fine.
Appearing torn, she eyed him. You didnt look fine. You looked like you didnt feel well.
Had a flashback, he admitted, shocking himself that hed said the words out loud. He hadnt talked to anyone here about the things hed seen or done. DAW had required he go through psychological evaluation. Hed passed with flying colors, but that wasnt to say that the things hed lived through and seen hadnt affected him. Hed never be quite the same. No big deal.
It wasnt a big deal. Nothing he couldnt cope with.
What kind of flashback?
Not one of you, he teased, unwilling to tell her the nitty-gritty details, so it wasnt good.
She smirked. Ha-ha. Too funny. Seriously, you turned a bit green there for a few seconds.
Maybe hed been green at how stand-offish she was around him. He wanted to go back to the way she was four years ago.
He suddenly longed for at least a glimpse of more carefree times. Even if just a short one.
You want to go play in the bubbles?
Her jaw dropped at the same time her brow rose. What?
He gestured around the medical tent. Were not busy and might not get another chance to catch more of the events. The bubbles are new this year. Agnes was excited about them.
The more he said, the more he wanted her to say yes. He wanted to play, to let loose and have fun. With Chrissie.
But...we cant leave. Ms. Perez, she reminded him, looking a little panicked.
You should go, the woman called from a few feet away, obviously listening to their conversation. Dont mind me. Im fine and can have one of these other folk help me out of here.
First mouthing thank you, Trace grinned at the woman. See, Ms. Perez wants us to go check out the bubbles. Well share a dance in her honor.
That would be absolutely lovely! the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands together and obviously playing cupid. I insist you go.
Chrissie still looked hesitant.
Hey, Gianakos? he called to Alexis, who had just finished with the only other patient in the tent and sent him on his way with an antacid and instructions to cut back on spicy foods. Will you check on Ms. Perezs ankle in a few? Shes got about another ten minutes of icing, then have one of the guys take her to wherever she wants to go. Chrissie and I are going to the main area for a while.
Alexis shot an envious glance toward Chrissie, then nodded. No problem.
Perfect. See, Ill be fine. Ms. Perez shooed them away. You two go have a little fun.
Before she could find another excuse, Trace grabbed Chrissies hand and led her out of Medical. Thank you.
For?
Not kicking and screaming the whole way. I needed to get out of there for a few.
She looked as if she still might kick and scream, then her expression morphed into one of confusion. Trace, what were you thinking about back there?
He shook his head. Nothing important now. Lets go check out the bubbles.
Her hand was still inside his. He didnt want to let go so he held on tightly as he led them toward the bubbles. Her hand felt warm and comfortable in his.
As if it belonged there.
Without thought he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the top. Because that felt warm and comfortable, as if it belonged in that moment in time.
Trace, I... Chrissies voice trailed off as she came to an abrupt stop and stared up at him. You shouldnt.
She was right. He shouldnt, but he was glad he had. They stood behind the medical tent on the path leading toward the main event area. They were alone, but someone could come up the path at any time.
Probably not. He was only home for a short while, had nothing to offer her beyond the weekend. Which was too bad, because from the time hed seen her hed known what he wanted, what he needed. Chrissie.
Yes.
But her eyes said something different and that fueled him forward to say what had already been in the back of his mind, tempting his conscious thought and actions.
We were good together. We could be good together again.
Her expression tightened.
And then hed take off for parts unknown, for who knew how long, before hed be home for another few weeks hiatus from his reality? Maybe he should let the attraction go but, for whatever reason, he pushed. Whatever it was about Chrissie seemed to be dictating his every move from the moment hed laid eyes on her that afternoon.
I can tell youre still attracted to me, he pointed out, as if that were breaking news.
Doesnt matter. Her exasperation was palpable, and yet she still didnt pull her hand away from his, just kept staring at where their fingers intertwined.
Sure, it does. To prove his point, he bent and pressed his lips to hers. Gentle, to where she could push him away with ease if she wanted to.
He hoped she didnt. Her lips were so sweet.
She didnt stop him or push him away, but he felt the struggle within her and that gave him pause.
He pulled back, stared down into her wide eyes.
Her wide, slightly dazed eyes.
Her eyes that were filled with desire so sweet it punched him in the gut.
This was why he hadnt been able to resist kissing her.
Because her kisses were addictive and powerful. He craved what being with her promised.
You taste good, like the sweetest wine, making me want to drink until Im intoxicated, he admitted. Let me, Chrissie. We both know you want to.
CHAPTER FOUR (#ubc2ceeca-d2ba-5831-9eeb-6069c727f27a)
CHRISSIE STARED UP at the man who had haunted her dreams for four years. Who needed more? One kiss and she already felt drunk.
Because his kiss drugged her and made her forget reason.
She wanted to drag him back to her, to kiss him all over until they were both satiated, until the whole world subsided and it was just the two of them.
As it had felt four years ago.
What a marvelous event, a womans voice interrupted as she and a group of women rounded the path.
Tugging her hand free from his, Chrissie stepped back to the side of a tent.
Absolutely. CCPO fund-raisers are always the best fun, another chimed in.
The first day and were already sneaking around in the shadows.
Which should tell you something.
She sighed. That Im crazy?
That theres something between us.
More than he knew.
That doesnt mean we should act on that something, she tried to reason, reminding herself that she had to think of Joss, not her crazy bodys reaction to him.
Should I apologize that I want you still, Chrissie? Do you want me to pretend I dont find you attractive?
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. If I said yes, would you?
He studied her a moment, then took on a slight look of remorse. If you said yes.
Say no. Say no. Say no.
Chrissie wasnt sure where the inner voice was coming from, but the phrase beat in perfect rhythm with her racing heart.
I know youre struggling with this, Chrissie. I see it in your eyes when you look at me. I felt it in your kiss. You wanted to let go and just feel, but wouldnt allow yourself.
He certainly had her pegged.
My question is why?
Been there, done that, she reminded him.
Was our time together so bad?
No, but Id like to think Ive learned a thing or two over the last four years.
Such as?
Such as I shouldnt get mixed up with sexy strangers.
Im not a stranger.
Sure, you are.
His brow inched upward. You believe that?
Yes.
Then we should get to know each other this weekend.
She narrowed her gaze suspiciously. To what purpose?
To know each other. There doesnt have to be a purpose beyond that.
In the flickering light of the shadows, Chrissie stared at him. Get to know Trace? Why?
What about when Joss asked about his father years down the road?
Simple things like what was his favorite color and had he played sports or had any major childhood illnesses? Shouldnt she know how to answer her son? Wouldnt it be horrible to have to say she didnt know anything beyond the fact that Trace had seemed a likable, good person, and had made her laugh and feel as if she was sexy?
He still made her feel sexy.
Every time his eyes lit on her, they shifted as if molten gold had been poured in their depths. Trace wanted her. Whatever the attraction between them was, it was powerful. The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful, desirable. It was a heady sensation.
Youre talking get to know each other as in not biblically know each other, right? she clarified.
He chuckled. Make no mistake, my ultimate goal is to physically know you again. But for the moment, I am talking get to know each other as in not biblically.
She wanted to say yes, but knew shed be toying with dynamite. Im not sure.
Its obvious youre attracted to me, he pointed out.
Okay, fine, youre an attractive man and Im not blind. If not for Joss, would she even be hesitating?
Youre saying any attractive man would do?
Thats not what Im saying.
Then that makes me special?
More so than he knew.
His look of triumph made her nervous. Are you fishing for compliments, Trace? Because, if so, you grabbed the wrong woman from the medical tent. Dr. Gianakos would be more than happy to be your fluffer.
At her comment, he grinned and shook his head. I got the right girl and want her complimenting me. Come on, no more serious talk. Lets go have fun for a few minutes then well get back to work.
Okay. This time she met his hand halfway when he reached for hers and tried not to overanalyze how amazing it felt to simply hold his hand.
* * *
Chrissie had never seen such a huge area of bubbles before.
Agnes had set up a special non-slip floor and then had machines create mountains of bubbles. Currently, hundreds, maybe thousands, of children and adults alike danced and played in the bubbles to the directions of the emcee in a bubble-a-thon fund-raiser.
Put your right hand in. Put your right hand out, he instructed.
You have extra clothes?
Her head jerked toward Trace. What?
Did you bring extra clothes? he repeated, taking off his tennis shoes and raising her feet one at a time to do the same to hers.
Im a prepared kind of girl, but stop that, she demanded, attempting to pull her foot free and instead just helping him accomplish his goal. Im not going into
But he wasnt listening. Hed tugged her to the outskirts of the bubble floor and she was mid-chest-high in bubbles.
Oh, my, she exclaimed, unable to resist lifting a handful of the foamy white stuff to her mouth and blowing it.
Joss would love this, she couldnt help but think.
Put your left hand in. Put your left hand out, the emcee continued.
She wiggled her toes, letting the bubbles tickle her feet and bare legs beneath her shorts. A giggle escaped. A happy giggle. Oh, my. She didnt want to feel happy.
Chrissie frowned. What was she thinking? Of course, she wanted to feel happy. Besides, when was she going to have the opportunity to play in bubbles with hundreds of other people ever again?
Probably never.
This was fun. She was allowed to have fun.
If were going to do this, were going to do it right, she informed Trace, holding her left hand out and shaking it.
That was the plan. His grin was lethal and gave her more giddiness than the bubbles.
I know what your plan is, she accused, trying to splash him, but the bubbles didnt cooperate, sticking to her hand instead and plopping back onto the sea surrounding them.
He laughed. With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he scooped up an armful of bubbles. Im not denying it.
Which doesnt make it any better. Instinctively knowing what he was about to do, she took a few steps back, but only managed to plop down in the midst of the bubbles.
Laughing, he held out a hand and pulled her to her feet. She sputtered, clearing the bubbles from her face.
You look good covered in bubbles. His eyes glittered with all sorts of mischief.
Trace.
What? He gave her an innocent look. You do. I like it.
Truthfully, she liked how he looked waist deep in bubbles, too. There were too many people around for her mind to go to romantic bubble baths, but seeing Trace laughing out loud had cracked something inside her.
Something that had been vital in protecting her from how she felt about him. How dared he break down her defenses with bubbles and laughter and talk of getting to know each other? Who did that?
Then again, nothing about Trace had ever been typical, so of course hed use bubbles to knock down the barriers shed erected between them. Bubbles.
No one could be standoffish when surrounded by bubbles.
Shake your leg and be quiet, she ordered, but was unable to keep the smile from her face.
Maybe it was her inner child coming out. Maybe it was all the happy laughter around her. Maybe it was the happy gleam in Traces eyes as he stood in bubbles. Maybe it was feeling alive and desirable and amazing because she was his focus. Maybe it was all of the above.
Regardless, she laughed and played along with whatever the emcee had going. They hokey-pokeyed through the rest of the song, then participated in a couple of the other bubble games.
When the emcee announced a bubble-snowman-building contest for kids ten and under, they made their way out.
Admit it, you had fun.
I had fun. No point in denying it. She was still smiling.
A teenaged boy came up and handed Trace two towels. Chrissie glanced around, amazed by the boys appearance since towels werent provided and they should have brought their own.
Why did he bring us these?
He waggled his brows. Im a resourceful man.
Apparently, she agreed, taking the towel from him, and wiping off the bubbles clinging to her skin and clothes. We werent dressed for this.
We were fine, he countered. Most everyone is wearing T-shirts and shorts, except for the kids.
Thank you.
His smile was amazing. Brilliant. Beautiful.
Youre welcome, Chrissie. Making you smile is my pleasure.
* * *
There were a dozen or so people on the medical crew. More than theyd needed tonight, but that would change with sun-up.
There were a few two-man tents at the back of the medical area so there would be medical staff close in case middle-of-the-night care was needed. Chrissie was rooming with one of the nurse-practitioner volunteers, a pretty woman in her late forties who worked with a local childrens hospital and said shed been volunteering with CCPO for the past couple of years, after one of her patients family had mentioned how the organization had helped with expenses.
Chrissie liked hearing how the organization was making a difference out in the real world, rather than just through the testimonies given on stage at the event. Somehow, hearing Bernadette say CCPO had helped one of her patients made it all so much more real.
She and Trace had checked to make sure the medical area was still slow, then shed slipped off to her tent to grab her toiletries where she bumped into her roommate.
Im headed to the shower truck to wash the bubbles off myself, she told the smiling woman.
Ill be heading that way before the rush, too, Bernadette said, from where she sat on her sleeping bag, holding her phone. Im going to call home and check on my husband and kids since theres not a need in the medical tent right now.
Chrissie nodded, then left their tent to give the woman a semblance of privacy. In reality, there was very little. Yet, four years ago, she and Trace had found ways to be alone, especially at night when theyd been the two manning the slow, midnight hours.
Trace.
Shed essentially agreed to get to know him.
Ha. What did that even mean? She wasnt sure.
At least hed been upfront that his main goal was to sleep with her again.
What a goal.
What a man.
She hung her head and took a deep breath. Why was she even fighting him?
He was right. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Probably more.
But she was four years older, four years wiser, four years more mature. She didnt have wild sexual flings.
Especially premeditated ones.
Then again, trying to convince herself of greater maturity right after playing in a sea of bubbles probably wasnt the most effective argument shed ever waged.
But, oh, how shed had fun playing with Trace.
Whod have ever thought shed be surrounded by bubbles, dancing and acting goofy with Trace Stevens?
Shed have bet against those odds every time.
But she didnt regret it. How could she when shed laughed more than she recalled laughing in months? Years?
No, that wasnt true. She laughed with Joss. Lots and lots. Goodness, but that kid made her happy.
And Savannah. Spending time with her best friend and her baby daughter made Chrissie happy, too. Prior to Savannahs wedding, her friend had stayed the night and theyd giggled the night away while Joss slept.
.
.
, (https://www.litres.ru/janice-lynn/the-doctor-s-secret-son/) .
Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, , , , PayPal, WebMoney, ., QIWI , .
Janice Lynn
Тип: электронная книга
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
Язык: на английском языке
Издательство: HarperCollins
Дата публикации: 16.04.2024
Отзывы: Пока нет Добавить отзыв
О книге: The truth about that night…Nurse Chrissie Tomberlain never thought she’d see the unforgettable Dr Trace Stevens, father of her little boy, again. She hasn’t heard from him in four years, but then he shows up at a charity event, and offers her another night of unbridled, no-strings passion!Driven by his own demons, nomadic Trace has been saving lives in the world’s most war-torn places. He’s never wanted to put down roots, but then beautiful Chrissie turns his whole life upside down with one incredible revelation…he’s a father!