Sapphire Falls: The Doctor (Kindle Worlds Novella) by K. Lyn (1)

THE DOCTOR

A Kindle World Novella

 

By K. Lyn

 

 

 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadie believes she has found true happiness when she goes to Sapphire Falls to work for the local veterinarian.  He’s the kindest man she has ever known, and the charm of the small town is truly one-of-a-kind.  Her ex-boyfriend, however, resents her ability to move on and start a new life without him.  When Sadie agrees to visit him in an effort to provide some form of closure for him, she discovers that he has become a wealthy man in a very shady business.  Keeping secrets from the new man in her life may destroy her, but it may be the only way her dreams of a life in Sapphire Falls can be realized.

 

 

 

After her first year of medical school, Sadie had no idea what she was going to do for the six weeks of vacation that all of the students had been looking forward to for the past three months.  She loved school and would have been happy if classes continued nonstop all year long.  She had offers to spend the vacation with some of the other students at their parents’ homes, but Sadie wanted to spend some time away from the big city and experience life in a small town.  She had grown up in Hong Kong, her parents being in the banking business and setting up financial institutions in Eastern Asia.  They had insisted that Sadie return to the States for college, as they planned to return for their retirement years, but so far Sadie had seen no signs of them letting go of their busy lifestyle.  Hong Kong was a beautiful place, but it was huge and Sadie had known no other life than that experienced in a thriving metropolis.  Since fellow students had regaled her with accounts of their leisurely vacations in the country, Sadie was determined to experience it for herself.  Many of the students spoke of things that Sadie suspected were reserved for only the wealthiest of families, such as stables filled with various breeds of horses, swimming pools both indoor and outdoor, and amenities which Sadie had been fortunate to know as well as a child in Hong Kong.  When she was shown photographs of the homes of fellow students, she was awed by the amount of land surrounding the huge mansions.  Space to roam came at a premium in Hong Kong, if at all.

After giving a lot of thought regarding her plans for the next six weeks, Sadie decided to check the job board and noticed an ad for a veterinary assistant in a Midwestern town called Sapphire Falls.  She wanted to experience something new and different, and she knew precious little about animals.  She had always lived where pets were not allowed, but she had watched every television show and movie where animals were the stars.  After taking the last of her final exams, she packed what few belongings she had brought with her and caught the train to what would be her home for the next six weeks.  The train ride provided a relaxing tour for Sadie.  The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and the countryside was so green that it reminded her of pictures she had seen of Ireland.  There were rolling hills as far as the eye could see, a refreshing change from the somewhat dismal atmosphere inside the sterile walls of the university hospital.

As the train pulled into the station of the small Midwestern town, Sadie pulled out the little slip of paper with the name of the man who was supposed to meet her.  Connor Knight was written very neatly in somewhat of a calligraphic style.  Sadie had no idea what Dr. Knight looked like, but in a town the size that Sapphire Falls appeared to be, it was likely that he would be the only person waiting for someone to arrive on the train.  As Sadie entered the station, there was indeed only one man waiting for anyone.  Connor Knight was a tall man who Sadie guessed to be about six feet tall, with dark thick hair, a slight build, and a very kind face with the bluest eyes she had ever seen.  As he stood up, Sadie slowly walked toward him.

“Connor Knight,” the man said with a kind voice to match his kind face.  He reached for Sadie’s hand and she gave it in welcome relief.  The man seemed genuinely kind, which she was unaccustomed to.  “Here, let me take your bag,” he offered.

“Thank you.  I’m Sadie, but I’m sure you already know that from the picture I sent.”

“I was fairly certain it was you, especially since you were the only person on the train.”  Connor’s smile lit up his entire face and immediately put Sadie at ease.  “We have a bit of a drive to my clinic, and then a little ways north of town to the old homestead.  It’s been in the family for years.  My grandparents built it, my parents inherited it, and now it’s mine.”

“Oh,” Sadie said.  She wondered how old Dr. Knight was and guessed him to be around thirty, maybe thirty-five, but no older.

On the drive to the clinic Sadie was unusually quiet, but Connor thought nothing of it.  After all, the woman didn’t know anyone in the town and she probably felt a little out of her element.  As they drove through the main part of town, Connor pointed out various businesses to Sadie, and he waved at the people who were going about their daily activities.

“Everybody seems to know you,” Sadie commented.

“Well, when you’re the only veterinarian for miles, you get to know people pretty well,” Connor said with a chuckle in his voice.  They were soon heading north out of town and on their way to Connor’s house.  “We’ll soon be home,” he said as he sped up a little.  “You’re probably pretty tired by now.”

“Maybe a little,” Sadie replied.

As they pulled into the driveway, Connor was excited about showing Sadie the beloved farm house that his grandfather had built.  Sadie thought it was beautiful.  Connor turned off the engine, and he smiled at the awestruck look on Sadie’s face.  She had never seen such detailed architecture, nor had she ever seen a house this old so well preserved.  It was much larger than she had expected, with a porch that wrapped around all but a very small part of the house in the back.  There were two porch swings facing each other at either end at the front of the house which appeared like something out of an old movie.  Sadie was so lost in the wonder of the magnificent country estate that she didn’t hear Connor suggest they go inside.

“Sadie,” he said again.

This time Sadie snapped out of her trance.  “Oh, I’m sorry, Connor.  I was admiring your home.”

“Let me show you the inside of it,” Connor offered.  As they walked through the back door, once again Sadie was overtaken with a feeling of awe.  The kitchen was the first room they entered.  It was large, and Sadie thought that it surely had been completely remodeled.  As if reading her thoughts, Connor chimed in with his confession.  “I must admit, Sadie, I’ve spent a great deal of time and money updating the place.  After my parents were gone, I felt that it needed to be updated.”

“It’s a great house, Connor.  I’m sure your parents would have liked what you have done,” Sadie assured him.

Connor led Sadie through the first floor and up the very ornate winding staircase which he explained was one of the few parts of the house that had been left in its original state.  “Grandfather was especially proud of his staircase.  He made every step by hand,” he exclaimed, with the same enthusiasm he had when showing the rest of the house.

“It’s breathtaking, Connor.  It really is.”

Sadie’s sincerity was genuine, and Connor knew people too well not to know when someone was faking it.  At the top of the stairs the hallway stretched all the way to either end of the house.  Connor explained that there were three bedrooms on each side, with the two largest ones at the very end.  “Take your pick, Sadie.  They’re all fully stocked,” Connor offered generously.

Sadie was still overwhelmed by the main floor and was speechless at the offer.  “I assumed that I would be renting an apartment in town.  This is too generous, Connor.  I don’t want to intrude.”

“Nonsense, Sadie.  Save your money for school.  I have plenty of room out here.  How about taking the large bedroom on the east end?  My bedroom is on the west.  You’ll love watching the sun rise over the countryside in the morning.  The Midwest is a well kept secret, and my family has always been a part of Sapphire Falls.”

Connor was so kind that Sadie found herself choking up a little, and she realized just how lonely she had been.  Connor led her to her room where she put her things down and looked around at the beauty of the room.

After a long silence, Connor offered, “I’m a great cook.  Let’s go downstairs and scare up something for dinner.  You must be hungry.”

“Yes, I guess I am,” Sadie replied, beginning to feel better.  She followed Connor down the long winding staircase, through the living room, and into the kitchen where the grand tour had begun.

“Have a seat,” Connor said as he motioned to one of the antique wooden chairs that surrounded the refurnished matching table.

Sadie took a seat while Connor began to fix dinner.  “This table is exquisite,” she exclaimed, feeling more and more comfortable with the beautiful stranger.

“Thanks.  I’ve refurnished most of the furniture as well as painted, and well, did most of the remodeling myself to save money.  At the time, I was just starting out in my vet practice and had to watch my pennies.”

Sadie smiled, thinking how refreshing it was to meet someone who was not in the same line of work as she.

“Dinner is served,” Connor announced proudly.  “I hope you like potato soup and sandwiches.  It’s all homemade and a country favorite.  I love to cook.”

Sadie took it graciously.  She was very hungry.  “I’ve never had potato soup, but it smells terrific.”

“It’s one of my specialties,” Connor joked.

They ate in relative silence, both hungrier than they realized.  When they had finished eating, Connor asked Sadie if there was something she wanted to do or if she was tired and wanted to head up to bed.

“I would love to try out those swings on your porch.  We had nothing like that in our high rise apartment.”

“You bet, Sadie.  Follow me.”  Connor led Sadie to the front porch and motioned for her to sit, and he sat down beside her.  As the swing moved back and forth, Sadie thought how relaxing it was to be out of the city and how the life Connor was living seemed perfect.  Connor was thinking how much he liked having Sadie here with him and how easily and quickly he had been drawn to her.  Sadie was a very attractive young woman, and he wondered if she had a young doctor boyfriend back at school.  Her skin was beautiful and her brown eyes and dark hair complemented her facial features perfectly.  Connor was instantly attracted to her and he had never been one to fall so quickly.  He didn’t believe in love at first sight, but Sadie was different.  He imagined the two of them together, Sadie’s naked body against his own, their eyes closed and their bodies wrapped together.  He closed his eyes and tried to get the disturbing thoughts to leave, but they were here to stay.

Sadie was thinking of nothing in particular.  She was a little curious about what her job as a veterinarian assistant would entail.  She was certainly out of her element out here in the country.  She turned to ask Connor about her new job and noticed that he was looking directly at her.  She was afraid she had missed something that he had said and began to apologize.  “I’m sorry, Connor, were you saying something?  I seem to have been lost in a daze.”

Embarrassed that Sadie had obviously caught him staring at her, Connor could feel the heat rising in his face as he said, “Uh, no, I was just thinking about tomorrow and what needed to be done at the clinic.”

“Will it be a busy day?” inquired Sadie.

“A busy morning, but the clinic is only open in the mornings.  I have the afternoons to myself, but I am always available for emergencies.”

“I’m afraid that I know very little about the care of animals.”

“There’s really nothing to it, you’ll love it,” Connor said with a wink.  He needed to get his mind off of the young woman somehow.  He yawned.  “I’m tired, Sadie.  I think I’ll go on up to bed.  I set my alarm for six in the morning.  Is that too early for you?”

“That’s not too early at all.  Most of our rotations began at six and some even earlier.”

“Good deal.  I’ll set the alarm for six then.”  Connor got up and headed toward the door.

Sadie was right behind him.  “I guess I’m beginning to feel the long day.  I’d better get some sleep.”

They parted at the top of the staircase, and as Connor walked toward his bedroom he turned around to get one last look at Sadie before retreating to another night alone.

Connor awoke the next morning to the sound of the alarm and felt as if he had been asleep for a very short time.  The sun was streaming in through the window, nearly blinding him with its reflection.  He sat up and turned off the alarm.  He knew he had a busy morning, but he would have loved a few more hours of sleep.  He pulled on his jeans and T-shirt and headed down the hallway to awaken Sadie.  The door to her room was still closed, so he assumed that she was still sleeping.  He tapped lightly on the door and called her name, but there was no response.  He slowly opened the door to find her sleeping peacefully, the blankets covering her just to beneath her erect nipples that were surrounded by perfect circles of dark brown.  Her arms were raised over her head and resting on the pillow.  Her mouth was slightly open, and Connor wanted so badly to place his mouth on hers and wake her with a long lingering kiss.  Her hair, her face, and her skin were all perfect in his eyes.  He knew he should look away, but he couldn’t.  One day, he thought, you and I will be enjoying the taste of each other every night.  For now, however, Connor had to be content with sharing only his days with Sadie.

“Sadie, time to get up,” he said quietly.  Sadie was a very heavy sleeper and didn’t hear Connor’s soft request.  Connor walked to the side of the bed, trying desperately not to stare at Sadie’s beautiful and bountiful breasts as they rose and fell with every breath.  “Sadie,” he said a little louder in a more commanding voice.  Sadie’s eyes opened to see Connor’s big blue eyes staring down at her.  She sat up quickly, causing the blankets to fall all of the way down to just above her mound.  Quickly looking away, more in an effort to avoid getting aroused than to allow Sadie her privacy, Connor tried desperately to find a way out of the awkward situation.  “I’m going downstairs to start the coffee, Sadie.  Come on down when you’re ready.  Hope you slept well.”  Connor was out the door before Sadie had a chance to reply.

Sadie dressed quickly, thinking that she had made Connor late to his morning appointments, and hurried down the stairs.  She loved the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and as she reached the kitchen, Connor was pouring her first cup.  “I’m so sorry, Connor.  Have I made you late?” Sadie’s apology was quickly offered.

“Not at all.  In fact, you were sleeping so soundly that I hated to wake you.  Did you sleep well?”

Relieved that she had not disappointed Connor, Sadie assured him that she had slept better last night than she had her entire first year of medical school.  “It’s so peaceful and quiet out here, and I loved the king sized bed you so graciously offered me.”

“I’m glad,” Connor said, hoping that very soon he would be sharing that same bed with her.  “Do you like flapjacks, Sadie?  I’m an expert with my mother’s recipe, with the addition of fresh blueberries.”

Sadie looked puzzled.  She didn’t want to admit that she had no idea what flapjacks were, but she had never heard the word.  “Flapjacks?” she said with a puzzled look.

“I’m sorry.  That’s country talk for pancakes.”  Connor didn’t think it odd at all that Sadie had never heard the word since she had been living in a city all her life.

“Yes, I love them.”  She had eaten them often at school, mainly because they were cheap and a source of quick energy.  She practically inhaled the cakes, she was so hungry, and they were delicious.  Connor ate very little.  He was too busy watching Sadie.

When they had finished breakfast, they headed into town for the morning’s work.  Connor couldn’t wait to show Sadie his clinic and how much he loved his work.  He especially wanted to share his love of animals with her.  They entered the clinic and Connor introduced Sadie to the receptionist who was the motherly type and asked them why they weren’t wearing coats on such a cold morning.

“Your first patient is waiting in the back, Dr. Connor,” she announced good naturedly.

Connor explained to Sadie that he was referred to as Dr. Connor because it made the children who entrusted him with their beloved pets feel more comfortable with him, instead of being so formal and using his last name.  Connor and Sadie entered the examination room to find one of Connor’s favorite patients waiting patiently.  It was a beautiful golden retriever expecting her first litter of puppies.  The family who had adopted her took such good care of her that they had brought her in every week while she was pregnant, just as they would a human expectant mother.  They hadn’t known she was pregnant when they adopted her, but they were excited to be having new babies to care for.  They were keeping every one of them, no matter how many their precious baby gave them.  The couple was middle aged and unable to have children of their own, but it was clear to Connor that they considered this beautiful creature and her future puppies their family.  Connor greeted the lady warmly and introduced Sadie as his new assistant.  Sadie shook the lady’s hand, but she didn’t say much.  She stood aside and watched Connor work.  He was kind to the lady who was worried for no reason.  The dog hadn’t been eating much recently, but Connor explained that was a sure sign that the puppies would be born very soon.  He was gentle and kind when speaking with the lady, as well as to the dog, and it was no wonder he was loved in his hometown community of Sapphire Falls.  The lady thanked him, and he helped her carry the very pregnant dog to her car.  Connor explained to the anxious woman that the dog should not be on her feet for very long, and to keep her food and water close beside her.

“Thank you so much, Dr. Connor,” she said, though still a little worried, and she drove away.

Connor walked back inside where Sadie was waiting for him.

“You really have a way with animals and their owners, Connor.  You were very kind.”

“I guess I think of the animals as children and their owners as parents.”

Sadie knew that Connor had been extremely kind to her yesterday, but she had been a bit uncertain if his overwhelming kindness had been an act.  After today at the clinic, however, she realized his kindness was genuine.  Their next patient was a small litter of kittens, three in all, whose mother had been run over while crossing the highway.  The owners were a retired couple who would do anything to keep the little ones alive.  The kittens were only two weeks old and the couple was practically in tears.  Connor calmly and confidently assured them that they could take care of the kittens by feeding them with a dropper and then rubbing their lower abdomen to make them urinate.  He explained that making them urinate was extremely important for their kidneys to function properly.  Sadie watched in awe as Connor demonstrated with each kitten, performing both of the tasks on each one.  Sadie was so touched that she thought Connor should have become a medical doctor.  He would have been a great pediatrician.  The couple was so thankful to the good Dr. Connor that he received a big hug from both of them as they left with their basket of kittens and the supplies that Connor had given them.

“They seemed like a nice couple,” Sadie said after they had left.

Connor smiled at Sadie in agreement.  “Just a couple more patients coming in for their yearly vaccines and then we’ll be out of here,” he said, after cleaning up after the kittens.

Sadie looked at her watch and couldn’t believe that it was already eleven in the morning.  “This morning sure did go by quickly,” she said.

“Most mornings do, and being on call in the afternoon and evening sometimes makes for a long day,” Connor pretended to grumble, but Sadie could tell that he more than loved his job.  It was his entire life.  “Well, we’ll be going now,” Connor said to the receptionist as he and Sadie walked out the door.  “See you tomorrow,” he added.  The woman smiled and said goodbye.  She worked until three in the afternoon and then forwarded the phone to Connor’s house.  Most afternoons and evenings were his to do as he pleased, without interruption.  However, there were days when he worked almost nonstop all day and all night.  Connor hoped that today wasn’t one of those days.  He wanted to spend more time with Sadie.

When they arrived back at the house, Connor began fixing lunch while Sadie retreated to the cozy den at the end of the kitchen and stared out of the window.  Connor wondered what was bothering her.  She seemed sad and hadn’t said much at all during the drive home.  Connor continued heating his homemade vegetable soup, hoping that Sadie would come back into the kitchen and tell him if there was something bothering her.  He would do anything to remove the sadness he noticed in her young eyes.  “Lunch is served,” he said, looking toward Sadie.  He placed the soup and sandwiches on the table and realized that Sadie hadn’t heard a word he had said.  He walked slowly into the den and over to where she was standing with her arms crossed, staring out the big glass window as if in a trance.  He gently placed his arm around her shoulders which caused a startled jump.  “I’m sorry, Sadie.  I didn’t mean to startle you, but lunch is ready.  Are you okay?”

“Um, yes, I guess I didn’t hear you.”  She turned away from Connor and wiped what Connor was certain was a tear or two from her eyes, before following him back into the kitchen.

“You sure you’re okay?”  Sadie’s sadness was killing him.  He wanted to kiss away her tears and hold her in his arms until whatever was causing her unhappiness was gone.

“I’m fine, Connor.”

But Connor knew that she wasn’t, at least not completely.  They ate their soup and sandwiches in silence, with Sadie keeping her head down trying desperately to avert Connor’s seemingly all seeing, all knowing gaze.  “It’s very good,” she said of the vegetable soup.  She took her bowl and plate to the sink, and excused herself politely.  “I’m going to lie down for a while, Connor.  Just come and get me if you get called in for work.”

“Will do.”  Connor was worried.  He waited for approximately ten minutes before going to Sadie’s bedroom.  The door was shut, so he politely tapped on the door.

A sniffling Sadie said, “yes, come in”, in a seemingly shaky voice.

Connor walked in slowly and sat down on the side of the bed beside Sadie.  Sadie kept her eyes closed, even as Connor took one of her soft hands in both of his.  “Something’s not right, Sadie.  Can you tell me what it is?  You know you can trust me.  Whatever you tell me will go no further.”

Sadie could feel the warmth of her tears as they began seeping continuously out from beneath her closed eyelids.  Her voice was shaky as she began to speak.  “It’s really stupid, Connor.  I don’t know why it bothered me.  I was so touched by your concern and care for your patients, and even though they were animals, you treated them with the utmost respect.”

Connor reached for Sadie’s other hand and simply whispered, “yes.”

Sadie told of horrible incidents she had witnessed by physicians, how badly they treated some of their patients, and their cocky attitudes.  “The students are becoming just like them,” she admitted.  She told him about cases where she had seen firsthand the complete lack of concern for the patient’s emotional well-being.  Their only concern was the patient’s ability to pay for the services they were receiving.  “I’m not sure I belong there, Connor.  I just can’t be a robot and simply go through the motions.  Maybe I care too much.  I don’t know.  Seeing you today, though, at least made me see that I’m not completely alone on this issue.  I know you care.”

“Yes, Sadie, I do care.  That is the reason I’m practicing in Sapphire Falls.  I want to know the people of the town as well as my patients.  I could probably make a lot more money in a large city, but money is not much of a motivator for me.”  Connor added one more thing.  “I do know what you mean, Sadie.  I also have a medical degree, but I opted not to fulfill the residency requirement.”

Sadie opened her eyes.  They were full of tears as she looked into Connor’s kind blue eyes.  Holding Sadie’s hands, Connor continued to look into her eyes, hoping to somehow transfer some of his own self-confidence to the beautiful young woman.  He felt a deep connection to her, as he knew how lonely he had felt as a medical student.  He had been so lonely during that time in his life that if he closed his eyes and thought about it long enough, he felt as if he were back there.  Those four years were the darkest of his life.  He had become addicted to several different medications.  He would take anything that would make him forget where he was, as well as let him forget the indifference he witnessed all around him.  He didn’t want to tell Sadie about that time in his life, but he would if he felt that she was headed down the same road.  For now, he would be a supportive friend to her, and hopefully her lover one day, but that could wait.  Sadie’s face began to brighten as she noticed genuine compassion in Connor’s eyes, something she hadn’t seen since she had left her home in Hong Kong.  Connor smiled, which made his bright blue eyes appear even brighter.  He was falling in love with Sadie and he couldn’t fight it.  He didn’t want to fight it.

“It seems like it’s going to be a slow afternoon as far as getting calls from the office.  Would you like to walk down to the lake and catch some fish?”  Connor thought that it might be good for Sadie to get out into the fresh air.  It was beginning to warm up outside, with the coolness of the morning gone.

“I’ve never fished before, but I wouldn’t mind being out in the fresh air.  I’d prefer to just walk around though, if that’s okay?”

“Sure.  The exercise will do us both a lot of good.  I would love to show you my entire farm.”  Connor’s pride in his family homestead showed, and Sadie was thrilled to be a part of it.  They put on light jackets and headed outside.  Taking it all in, if this was the entire property, Sadie could see no end to it.  “Is this all yours, Connor?”

“It sure is,” he answered, beaming with pride.  “My grandfather was very proud to have worked hard to buy the land and build the house and I couldn’t help but get caught up in his excitement when I was growing up.”

“Where does it end?” Sadie asked, as she continued to stare out into what appeared to be infinity.

“It ends at the lake over there,” Connor said, “at the row of Grandma’s fruit trees over there,” pointing in the opposite direction, “and just at the bottom of that hill,” he finished, as he motioned straight ahead.  “So you see, it’s not all that big,” he said humbly.

“It’s so much bigger than anyone could ever dream of in Hong Kong,” Sadie said.  “I can see why you love it here, Connor.  I would too.”

“So, are you ready for a long walk?” Connor asked.

“Sure.”

Connor and Sadie walked slowly.  They were in no hurry, and Connor wanted Sadie to enjoy her entire “tour.”  As they neared the lake at the edge of the property, Sadie marveled at how blue the water was and how the slight breeze caused a slight rippling effect.  She loved the water.  It reminded her of home.  They walked around the lake and then headed on down to the far side of the property.  Sadie seemed to enjoy the silence as she took in the sounds, smells, and fresh air that surrounded her.  She began to feel the light of the day begin to fade around her and she wasn’t ready for the day to end.  Connor noticed Sadie’s occasional shivering as the cool of the evening set in and he offered to share his jacket which was a little thicker than Sadie’s.

“Okay,” Sadie agreed, though she didn’t know how they were going to accomplish that.

“Here,” Connor said, “I’ll place my arm in the left sleeve and you place your arm in the right sleeve, and then I guess we’ll just put our free arms around each other.”  It was a large jacket, so the closeness didn’t make Sadie feel uncomfortable.  “Better?” Connor asked.

“Yes, much better,” Sadie answered.

As they continued to walk in silence, the slight touch of the top of Sadie’s slender hips underneath his hand was almost too much for Connor to bear.  He wanted to feel all of Sadie’s body against his own.  The beauty of her skin was breathtaking in the moonlight. Her lips which were parted slightly were so enticing that Connor had to bite his own lips just to keep from kissing her in the moonlight.  Lost in his sensual thoughts, he hadn’t realized that Sadie was talking to him.

“Connor, did you hear me?” Sadie asked, looking into Connor’s big blue eyes.

“I guess I didn’t.  I must have been thinking about the animals at the clinic.  I’m sorry.”  He looked down at his feet, hoping that was a believable lie.  He was falling for Sadie and falling fast.  He hadn’t been with anyone for a very long time, but he didn’t want to get hurt.  He was willing to risk the latter, however, if he knew there was a chance with Sadie.  She seemed like a very sensitive young woman, though he had known her for a very short time.  Sadie was looking at him, smiling, when Connor snapped out of his daydream.  “I was doing it again, wasn’t I?” he said to Sadie’s perfect smiling face.

“I think so,” Sadie admitted.  “I asked you if you were ready to go inside because it is getting chillier now,” Sadie said hopefully.

“Yes, it is.  It gets cold early up here,” Connor agreed, and they went inside.  Once inside the cozy house, Connor asked Sadie if she was hungry.  It was five in the evening, which was Connor’s usual dinnertime, although he didn’t feel hungry yet.  He was feeling a different kind of hunger.  Sadie wasn’t really hungry, so now all Connor had to do was work up the courage to ask her the things he wanted to know about her.  “How about some wine?  I’ll admit upfront that wine is my one weakness.”

“That sounds great, Connor.”

Connor excused himself and headed toward the cellar, and when he came back up, Sadie was in the kitchen looking for the wine glasses.  “I hope you don’t mind.  I was looking for the wine glasses.”

“Not at all, Sadie.  Anything of mine is yours.”  Connor smiled genuinely, his big blues sparkling.

Sadie couldn’t help but smile back.  It had been a long time since she had felt like smiling.  Everyone in medical school was so serious all of the time.  Since being here in this beautiful place with this very special man, she was beginning to realize that there were many pleasures in life she was unwilling to forego and maybe not even place on hold while she finished medical school.  She was having negative thoughts about what her family considered the finest profession, and almost dropped the wine glasses.  She quickly set them down on the table and crossed her arms across her chest to stop her hands from shaking.

Connor quickly noticed the abrupt change in Sadie’s behavior and pulled out a chair for her to sit down.  “Are you okay?  You look a little shaken by something.”

Sadie gladly accepted the pulled out chair.  A cold sweat had broken out on her face and she laid her head in his hands, resting it on the table.  “Yes, Connor, I’m fine.  I guess I must have gotten a little lightheaded for a minute.”  Connor began to massage Sadie’s shoulders, hoping that would make her feel better.  “I’m so sorry, Connor.  I didn’t mean to frighten you.”  Sadie was afraid.  She had never been lightheaded.  When some of her fellow medical students had gagged when they uncovered their first cadaver, Sadie had stood there, knife in hand, ready to gut the thing like a fish.  Connor changed his mind about the wine and poured two glasses of Sprite.  “I’m fine, Connor, really.”

“I think we’ll save the wine for another night,” he said with a wink.  He brought crackers on a platter and Sadie moved to the sofa in the den.

They sat together on the big comfy couch that had been in the family for years.  It was old and ragged, but to Connor it was more than just a couch; it was a piece of his history.  Watching Sadie looking so much at home in his favorite part of the house, Connor couldn’t help but smile.  He wanted to know more about her.  He wanted to know everything about her.  Boldly he asked, “Do you have a boyfriend at school?”  Connor hoped she would say no, but how could she not?  She was beautiful.

“No, there’s not much time for that, I’m afraid.”  Sadie stared straight ahead as she answered, thinking about a boy she knew a long time ago.  Theirs had been a short relationship, knowing that their lives had been pre-designed years ago.  Sadie came from a long line of physicians, some world renowned, and her boyfriend was destined for the trades.  His family owned a number of plumbing operations throughout the Midwest and parts of Eastern Asia as well, and he was the direct descendant of well known leaders of organized labor.  Sadie’s father had a different view of the labor unions.  He thought they should all be banned.  Sadie had tried to get him to see the different sides of the corporate world, but he just wouldn’t listen.  “I worked damned hard for my place in this world and so can they,” he had stated firmly.  Sadie could never convince him that not everyone was as fortunate as he and not everyone was given a free ride through college, so she stopped trying.  She and her boyfriend had broken it off shortly after high school graduation and had rarely spoken to each other since.  Connor was watching Sadie, wondering what was going through her head as she stared out the window into the darkness which had settled upon the countryside.  Sadie continued to day dream, completely unaware that Connor was studying her so intently.  Sadie missed the passionate kisses of a lover, lips pressed to lips, and she would often fall asleep at night and dream of being with someone.  Finally, she snapped back into reality and was acutely aware of Connor’s adoring gaze.  Feeling awkward, she smiled back at him.  “I’m sorry, Connor.  Did you say something?”

“No, Sadie, I guess I was spacing off a little,” he quickly lied.

“How about some wine now?” Sadie suggested.

Connor smiled and went into the kitchen to get the wine.  How could he deny Sadie?  When he returned, he said, “I didn’t mean to be so personal with the boyfriend question.”

“That’s okay,” Sadie lied.  It was all she could think about now.  She drank the glass of wine and poured herself another.

“Might want to slow that down,” Connor said.

“Nah,” Sadie said, closing her eyes and resting her head on the back of the couch.  She was definitely buzzed, and only in this state was she able to ask bold questions without feeling as if she were imposing on another’s privacy.  “So, tell me Connor, how many women have you had out here?”

Connor knew Sadie was well on her way to getting wasted and was acting different from her usual self, and he didn’t know how to reply.  If he told her he had been living the life of a celibate, would she believe him?  As Sadie poured herself another glass of wine, Connor reached for it and forced her hand to the table.

“Hey, I’m just getting started,” Sadie said, beginning to slur her words.

“I think you’ve had enough, Sadie.”

Sadie was too unsteady to fight Connor, so she allowed him to set the glass back down.  “You didn’t answer my question, Connor.  How many have you had, hmm?”

Connor was a little confused by Sadie’s behavior.  He wondered if this was typical of an intoxicated Sadie, or if she was truly troubled by something.  She seemed agitated and frustrated.  “I haven’t had any women out here or anywhere else for a long time,” he answered honestly.

“Do you really expect me to believe that bullshit?” Sadie said, faking a laugh.

“It doesn’t matter if you believe it.  It’s the truth.”

Sadie said nothing.  She stared straight ahead with a serious look on her face, all of the laughter and taunting gone.  She was sobering up fast.  She realized that Connor was probably lonely out here and she understood loneliness, her constant companion.  “I’m really sorry, Connor, I mean it,” she said, looking deeply into his big blue eyes. “I…I don’t know what to say.”

Connor smiled his smile that caused old feelings to stir within Sadie.  “It’s okay.  You’re under a lot of stress, Sadie.  But don’t let it take over your life.”  He moved closer to her and took one of her hands and held it between his own.

Sadie needed to get away from him.  He was too intense.  “I feel really tired, Connor.  I think I’ll go up to bed.”  Slowly she made her way to her room.  Connor watched as she rounded the corner.  She seemed sad to him.

At the far end of the hallway, Sadie lay awake, thinking of all the things she had wanted to say to Connor but had been too afraid.  He was her boss, after all.  She wanted to tell him how sad and lonely she had been this past year in medical school.  She felt as if she were sinking slowly into despair.  She had seen fellow medical students become so unhappy trying to fulfill their parents’ dreams and not their own that they had become extremely depressed, and some had given up entirely.  She especially remembered a student just two rooms down from hers who seemed to have it all, attended private schools, had wealthy parents, was friendly, and very well liked.  But to everyone’s surprise, all of it was a façade because his roommate had found him dead one afternoon from an apparent overdose.  The entire class was shocked, but the professors hadn’t seemed to care.  Some had mentioned it, but in a matter-of-fact way, and then went on about their business.  None of them had shown any emotion at all.  To Sadie, it had seemed that the professors thought of the students as nothing more than commodities, not valued for their uniqueness, but rather, very dispensable.  Sadie thought about Connor and what it would be like to be with him here in Sapphire Falls.  He was happy with himself and he loved his life.  Maybe he could somehow teach her how to have that same level of self-assuredness.  She couldn’t shut her mind off, so she quietly made her way to the kitchen for a glass of water.

Connor had gone to bed and the house was dark.  Sadie walked quietly back to her room and reached for the small bottle of sleeping pills that were so readily available in medical school.  She was determined to sleep tonight no matter what it took.  She popped the two small pills into her mouth, and with one gulp of water they made their way into her tired body.  With the wine still in her system, the pills worked their magic just as Sadie made it to the bed.  She struggled to climb her way to the pillow and had just enough strength to pull the covers up until they lightly touched her naked butt.  She always slept in the nude.  She dreamed about sex that night, as she often did, but this time it was different.  She was making love to someone she cared about and who cared about her.  They did everything that night, Sadie and her dream lover.  The man in her dreams never had a face; just a body.  Just as their lovemaking was complete, they kissed each other goodnight, but this time Sadie saw the face clearly.  It was Connor’s face and it was Connor’s body meshed with hers.  She awoke from the dream, but she knew that her feelings for Connor were clear now.  She wanted to be with him, but how could she be?  Her time here was limited.  She would be going back to school again.  She also doubted that Connor would be interested in her.  He had already made it in the world, and she was just getting started.  Sadie’s thoughts soon blurred and she drifted off to sleep again.

 

 

 

When the alarm sounded the next morning, Sadie didn’t hear it.  She was deeply asleep.  Connor had been up for quite some time and was pouring his second cup of coffee when he noticed that it was already half past six and Sadie should have been up an hour ago.  She knew they had to be at the clinic by seven at the very latest.  He was certain he had told her.  He decided to see why she hadn’t come down yet, and when he reached the top of the stairs he could hear her alarm sounding.  The door to her room was open, as it had been last night, and Connor thought it strange.  He knocked on the door and called to her.  “Sadie, are you awake?”  There was no answer.  He called again.  “Sadie, it’s Connor.  It’s almost time for work.”  Still no answer.  Finally, Connor opened the door to find Sadie lying on her stomach, with the covers pulled just to the top of her legs.  The rest of her body was fully exposed, her flawless skin so smooth and begging to be caressed. Connor stood at the end of the bed for a few minutes, unable to look away.  Then his mind snapped back to the present and he realized the alarm was still sounding and Sadie was unresponsive.

He quickly silenced the alarm and hurried over to the other side of the bed so that he could see Sadie’s face.  She was so sound asleep that not even the sound of his raised voice could awaken her.  Connor touched her face, a face so beautiful he wished he could look at it for the rest of his life.  “Sadie, wake up sleepyhead,” he said, noticing that her breathing was quite shallow.  He reached across her back, grabbed her arm, and shook her hard.  “Wake up, Sadie, I mean it!”

Sadie finally stirred.  Not yet opening her eyes, she rolled onto her back and mumbled something inaudible.  Connor stared at her naked breasts and he felt a little ashamed of the thoughts he was having when he knew something was obviously wrong with her.  He pulled the covers up over her and continued trying to wake her.

“Come on, Sadie, open your eyes,” Connor said, a little more commanding.

Sadie rubbed her face and opened her eyes.  “Oh, hi Connor.  I guess I overslept.”

Connor still didn’t think she was acting quite right, but since she seemed to be fairly lucid, he decided to let it go for the time being.  “I have coffee downstairs.  Shall I bring you some, Sadie?”

“No, I’ll be right down,” Sadie answered, suddenly aware that Connor was watching her and she didn’t want him to know that she was taking pills to sleep.  She pulled the blankets over her nakedness and forced herself to sit up.  She was so dizzy she thought she was going to throw up.

“I’ll go back downstairs and wait for you, but don’t be long, we’ve got a lot to do today,” Connor said as he left Sadie alone.

“I’ll be right down,” she replied.

Connor left, and Sadie forced herself to dress.  She knew she shouldn’t have taken the pills on top of the wine she had drunk, but it was too late to think about that now.  She stumbled down the stairs to find Connor watching her as he poured the coffee she so desperately needed.  Sadie sat down quickly and gladly took the cup of hot coffee from Connor.

Connor knew Sadie was troubled.  After all, he had watched as she tried to drown her troubles last night.  He wasn’t going to let her ruin her life.  He cared about her too much.  “Sadie, do you want to tell me what you took last night?  Don’t tell me it was just the wine that made you so difficult to awaken.  I know better.”  Connor’s words were harsh, yet sincere and caring.

The words surprised Sadie, and the serious look on Connor’s face made her uncomfortable.  “I, um, just took a low dose sleeping pill because I was having trouble falling asleep,” she half lied.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Sadie.  Is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable so you can sleep better?”  Connor offered.  He knew that Sadie wasn’t telling the truth entirely, but he decided to let it go until tonight to see if she did it again.  He was also quite certain that she hadn’t taken only one pill, and it probably wasn’t low dose.

“No, I’m just having trouble waking up, but I’ll be fine,” she said, hoping that it was true.  She made some toast, not only because she was hungry, but in an attempt to avoid Connor’s unyielding gaze.

Connor talked about the cases of the day while Sadie ate her breakfast and drank nearly half a pot of coffee.  “Shall we go?” Connor knew they were almost late already.

“Sure, just let me get my jacket,” Sadie answered.

As she headed up the stairs, Connor went out and started the truck.  It was chillier this morning than it was yesterday and his old truck needed a little tender loving care.  Sadie was glad that Connor was outside because as she reached the top of the stairs she ran straight to the bathroom and threw up, and after the morning’s interrogation she certainly didn’t want him to know how sick she really was, having taken too high a dose of the pills along with the wine.  She felt better after throwing up and she hurried to get her jacket.  Connor was waiting in the truck and Sadie hurried outside.

“It’s chilly today,” she remarked, trying to make small talk.

“Yes, it is,” Connor agreed.

He began making small talk in such a friendly manner that Sadie couldn’t believe this was the same man who had spoken so sternly to her just a few minutes earlier.

They arrived at the clinic just in time for the first patient.  Just as Connor had guessed might happen, his pregnant patient was beginning to have her puppies.

“Oh my gosh, Connor.  I’ve never seen a baby being born.”

“Well, it’s happening right now.  I’m really going to need you this morning.”

“Just tell me what to do,” Sadie eagerly replied.

As they delivered the four little puppies, the owner petted and talked to the mama dog to keep her calm.  With each new emergence, Sadie felt more alive than she had during her entire first year of medical school.  The puppies were so small that she could hold each one easily in the palm of one hand.  Connor showed her how to clean the puppies and then lay them next to their mother so that she could begin feeding them.  She snuggled them close to her until each one was eating.  Sadie thought that the mother dog showed more love toward her new babies than she had seen human mothers show toward their children at any age.  She envied Connor his career.  He witnessed love on a daily basis.  What Sadie witnessed in medical school was duty.  There was a huge difference.  Sadie wanted to be a part of this world, not the one from which she had been given a brief respite.

Connor’s morning schedule had been rearranged so that the birth of the puppies was the only thing on it, and after counseling the owner on how to care for the mother dog and how important it was to allow her the freedom to care for the puppies instinctively, the morning had quickly come and gone.  It was nearly one in the afternoon when Connor and Sadie left the office.  It was still a little chilly, but not too bad.

“Man, it’s freezing out here,” Sadie said emphatically.

Connor agreed for Sadie’s sake, but he also knew that feeling cold was a side effect of sleeping pills and not a small dose of them.  Although he was falling for his intern, he felt it his duty to keep her away from drugs.  He had seen too many colleagues go down that path.  When they got into the truck, on the seat was a basket filled with sandwiches, muffins, and assorted cookies from the owner of the dog whose puppies they had just delivered.  She had left a card of thanks for all of Connor’s care of her pregnant dog.  Connor was touched, and Sadie was even more certain that she wanted this life… a life in Sapphire Falls… with this kind of closeness to people.

“Does this happen often, Connor?” Sadie asked.

“Yes, it does, Sadie, but every time is just as special as the time before, just as every patient is equally special to me.”

Sadie needed Connor as much as he needed her, though neither thought they had the courage to tell the other.  When they reached the house, the two of them emptied the basket of its yummy contents.

“These are so good,” said Sadie, as she downed the homemade goodies.

“They sure are,” Connor agreed.

“We don’t have anything like this in medical school.  We barely have time to eat at all most days.”

They ate until they couldn’t eat any longer and then they decided to watch a football game in the den.

“You like football, Sadie?”

“Love it.  While the other girls were getting makeovers, I was parked in front of the tube watching the pros.  How about some wine,” she offered, grabbing the liquor out of the refrigerator.  She desperately needed a drink.

“That sounds good,” Connor agreed.  He decided that today he would watch and see how much Sadie drank, and if she took pills again tonight.  She clearly needed to drink, not just wanted to, as she gulped her first glass of the sweet beverage and then poured herself another.  She seemed calmer when she drank and much more talkative and uninhibited.

Connor sipped his glass of wine and listened as Sadie talked about her childhood in Hong Kong and how much she missed her parents.  He listened intently to Sadie for a clue to her needing to find an escape from her life.  The only thing he could pick up on was that the woman wanted desperately to be loved and accepted, but that was something everyone wanted.  Sadie talked about her boyfriend and how hard it had been to break things off.  By the time she was on her fourth glass of wine, she had no idea how much personal information she had divulged, but she couldn’t seem to stop.  “Have you had many relationships?” she asked.

“A few, but none lasting, obviously,” Connor replied honestly.  He didn’t feel the need to give explicit details, but he wasn’t a game player, either.  He was quick to detect the sudden downturn in Sadie’s mood and he wondered if that was the reason for her need to escape.

Sadie didn’t want to be depressed, so she usually slept through the down periods.  Unfortunately, it took more and more pills to combat the down times.  Although it was only five in the evening, Sadie didn’t want Connor to see her downside that she knew was coming soon, so she excused herself and went to bed.  Connor hated to see her this way, but he knew he had to allow her some space.

“Are you going to eat something first, Sadie?”

“No, I’m not hungry.”  She walked out of the room, feeling dizzy as she stood up, but trying desperately not to let it show.  She made her way up the stairs and into bed.

Connor watched from a distance, longing to be lying beside Sadie, touching her, kissing her, and making love to her until her physical as well as emotional needs had been completely satisfied.  At around eight that night he decided to go to bed and read, and after cleaning up he headed up the stairs.  He was surprised to meet Sadie coming down the stairs on her way up.  “Where are you going?” he asked, but he knew she was on her way to the kitchen for a glass of water to wash down the pills that would ensure a long and deep slumber.

“I’m just a little thirsty, going to get a glass of water,” she said, hoarsely.  She hadn’t expected to meet up with Connor, and the lie didn’t come quickly enough.  Besides, she hated to lie.  Connor smiled his genuine smile and headed to his room. He purposely left his bedroom door wide open, which Sadie was not thrilled about when she noticed it on her way back up to her room.  At least it’s dark, she thought, save for the low glow of Connor’s nightstand lamp he needed in order to read.  Sadie left the door to her room half open, just as it had been.  She would have liked to close it completely, but she knew that would be a sure sign to Connor that she had been taking pills.

Connor slowly made his way down the hallway to Sadie’s room, stopping just outside the door so that he could watch what she was doing.  Sadie opened the drawer to the nightstand and reached for the bottle of pills, but it was not where she had left it.  She frantically felt around inside the entire drawer but found no bottle.  She then opened the second drawer and finally the third, but the bottle was gone.  She had no idea that Connor had removed it earlier and was now holding it in his hand as he watched her futile search.

“Looking for something?” he asked, with an understanding and loving voice.  He was not judging Sadie.  He only wanted to help.

Sadie, startled, turned around quickly.  “Why did you take my pills, Connor, why?” she snapped.  “I thought you were my friend.  I thought you were different.”  She lay on the bed defeated.

Connor slowly climbed onto the bed and placed his arm across Sadie’s back.  Speaking directly into her ear, Connor said very distinctly, “I am your friend, Sadie, but you are hurting yourself.”

Sadie said nothing, but she was glad that Connor couldn’t see her face.  “What?” she asked.

“I care about you, Sadie, but you know that you are hurting yourself.”  Connor stretched out beside her and gently caressed her back.  Sadie loved the feeling of Connor’s big hands on her back, and she began to relax.  “I won’t hurt you, Sadie, I promise.”  He moved closer to her, holding her and kissing her.

Sadie pulled him to her and kissed him.  He aroused the woman in her that had gone dormant over the past year.  She was still quite buzzed from all the wine, but she wanted this man.  His hairy chest caused her nipples to react.  Her breasts were soft and full against Connor’s chest and he pulled her closer.  Sadie wrapped her arms tightly around him and pulled him down on top of her.  She was lost in the sexual excitement coursing through her body and she didn’t want to stop.  But Connor backed away.

“Sadie, I shouldn’t have…”

“But I wanted you to,” she protested.

Connor pulled the blanket around her.  “Sadie, I forgot my place.”

Sadie refused to beg.  She sat there silently, waiting for Connor’s next move.  Connor took a deep breath and got off of the bed.  After he left, Sadie lay awake staring up at the ceiling.  She desperately needed her sleeping pills, but she knew that if she tried to get them Connor would know it.  She could hear him at the opposite end of the hallway doing something in his room.  Sadie was upset enough to confront him.  She stormed down the hallway and stopped in the doorway of his room.  He had pulled the covers back and stood there in nothing but his underwear, looking drop dead gorgeous.  He stopped what he was doing and looked at her.

“Give me back my pills,” she demanded, holding out her hand.

“You don’t need them, Sadie.”

“Don’t tell me what I need.”  She held up the blanket with one hand, as she demanded her pills with the other.

“I suppose it’s not wise to stop cold turkey, but as long as you are working for me, I will keep them and give them to you as needed.”  He shook one out into her hand and placed the bottle in a drawer of his bedside table and clicked the lock.

“I take two at night.”

“Try one and if you’re not asleep in an hour, come and wake me.”  He dismissed her and got into bed.  “Close the door behind you, please.”

Sadie gave him an evil stare and left the room.  She lay in bed and stared up at the ceiling again.  She didn’t remember when it had started.  The first exams in medical school had been a nightmare.  Everyone was nervous, so when one of the students had passed around her mother’s Lortabs, they were too hard to resist.  When those were gone, there was always someone who had something.  Codeine, Percocet, and the benzodiazepines flowed through the dormitories like a river, and by the end of the first semester Sadie was hooked.

Connor lay in his bed thinking about Sadie.  He had wanted her, but he wanted her to come to him sober.  He didn’t know if it was the alcohol that had made her want him, or if he truly was what she wanted.  He had been where she is.  There were many guys when he was in medical school who were unhappy with their lives and had chosen their careers because of a sense of duty to their family.  But Sadie had to find her own way in life.  He couldn’t do it for her.  Sleep was beginning to overtake him after struggling to stay awake for a while to make certain that Sadie was able to sleep.  He hadn’t heard anything for quite some time, so he assumed she had fallen asleep.

The alarm sounded at five in the morning and Connor slowly got out of bed.  He hadn’t remembered going to sleep and he was worried about Sadie.  He walked down the hallway and looked in to find her sleeping.  He knew he had been harsh with her last night but he wanted to get through to her.  When he was making coffee he remembered that it was Saturday and he didn’t need to be awake so early, but he was too awake to go back to sleep, so he sat in the den and waited for the coffee.  He had poured a cup when he noticed Sadie coming toward him.

“Hi,” she said.

“It’s early, Sadie, and it’s Saturday, so you can sleep awhile longer if you like.”

“I doubt if I could.  I feel horrible, Connor.  Is the coffee ready?”

“Yes it is.  Help yourself.  Sorry you feel so bad.  Is it the drug effect?”

Sadie nodded, although Connor already knew the answer to his own question.  Sadie sat down at the table holding her head.  She hated the morning after feeling, but it was certainly nothing new to her.

“Can I get you anything, Sadie?” Connor asked sincerely.

“You mean I don’t get a lecture?” Sadie retorted.

Connor knew Sadie was agitated, so he remained calm and did not respond.  Instead, he reached over and held her forearm.  “No lecture, Sadie.  You made an important first step last night.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not sure it was worth it.”

“You’re not a child, Sadie, but I will not allow you to get to the point where you have taken more and more medication in an attempt to obtain the same effect that you were on a lower dosage.  And I certainly will not let you get to the point that the drugs are causing you to have trouble walking or breathing.  Got it?”  His words were kind, but their meaning was clear.

“Yes,” Sadie said quietly, and drank her coffee.  After about three cups she was more alert and almost ready for the day.

“It’s a warm day.  Would you like to check out the lake that you thought was so beautiful?”  Connor was excited to spend the entire day with Sadie.

“Sure, but won’t the water be cold?” Sadie couldn’t imagine swimming in ice cold water.

“There’s a secret about the lake that I haven’t told you yet,” Connor said with a smile that made his big blue eyes sparkle and dance.

“What’s that?” Sadie said, not quite believing him.

“There is a warm spring that runs beneath the lake, keeping the water a very warm eighty-five degrees year around,” Connor announced proudly.  “I love it there, Sadie, and so will you.”

“It sounds great.”  Sadie was excited.  She loved it out here in the open air, especially after being cooped up in stuffy medical libraries and cold classrooms.

“I’ll throw together a lunch and we’ll get going,” Connor said, while filling a couple of thermoses with the rest of the coffee.

“What should I bring, Connor?  I’m new at this.”

“Grab some of the big towels from the hall closet,” Connor said.

Sadie knew that Connor cared about her and she wished she could knock down some of the emotional walls she had erected during her first year of medical school.  She was beginning to love Connor, too, but she was terrified of becoming too attached to him.  She went upstairs and gathered the towels, and then she very quietly went into the bedroom and pulled the bottle of Lortab from the nightstand drawer.  She planned to keep a few of the pills in her pocket, just in case, she lied to herself.  She quietly placed the bottle back into the drawer and hurried down the stairs with the towels.

Connor was waiting by the door.  “It’s seventy degrees already, but we should take a couple of jackets just in case,” he said, and the two of them left for the lake.

It was a long walk and Connor would have loved to know everything that Sadie was thinking, but he felt it best to keep things on the lighter side today.  Today was about fun.  They walked in silence, Connor thinking about Sadie, and Sadie enjoying the great outdoors, the beautiful sky which reminded her of Connor’s eyes, the sun smiling down on everything, and how much she would love to stay here with Connor forever.  After what seemed like an especially long walk that Connor was used to but Sadie was not, they could see the lake spreading out before them with a slight wave in the water, seemingly beckoning them to it.  They stopped and sat down at the water’s edge.

“It’s even more beautiful than I had remembered, Connor.  No wonder you love it here.”  Sadie opened the thermos and drank the coffee quickly, still feeling somewhat groggy from last night.

“Sometimes I come out here just to think, Sadie.”  They sat by the water until the coffee was gone.  “Well, I need to feel that warm water around me,” Connor announced, and began undressing.

Sadie watched as Connor neared the water, removing his shirt first, then his boots, his jeans, and finally his shorts, and tossing them onto the grass.  She couldn’t believe it, but she couldn’t take her eyes off of him as his body disappeared into the water.  With his back to her, Connor couldn’t see that her eyes were fixed upon his nakedness.  She loved the broadness of his shoulders which led downward to his perfectly shaped butt. She loved his body, and she watched until the water had taken all of his beautiful nakedness from her view, except for his head with its mass of thick black hair and mesmerizing blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds as the sun reflected off of the blue water.

Connor leaned on the bank of the lake and looked over at Sadie.  “Are you going to join me?  The water is warm and just what the body needs,” he teased, as he raised himself up out of the water until his nipples were clearly visible to Sadie, and then lowered himself back down again.  Sadie loved the dark hair on Connor’s chest, and she especially loved the dark hair that encircled his erect nipples.  If he were hoping to entice her, he didn’t need to do anything.  Just the thought of being with Connor was a turn-on for Sadie.  “Um…maybe another time,” she said uneasily.  Connor felt like a fool.  He couldn’t believe how easily he had disregarded Sadie’s feelings.  He wanted her so much that he forgot all about what she might need.  He smiled his most genuine smile and swam away.  As he swam, all that Sadie could focus on was his white butt that bobbed in and out of the water.  Connor’s body was perfect, with broad shoulders and gorgeous everything.  The sun’s rays warmed Sadie’s face, causing her to feel that same tingly feeling she felt after drinking half a bottle of wine.  She leaned back and rested her head on the lush grass and dangled her feet in the water.  She smoothed a hand across her breasts and pinched her nipples.  She unbuttoned her shirt and unsnapped her bra, letting the warming rays kiss her breasts.  She ran her fingers along her nipples, pulling them upward into hard points.

She had no idea Connor had been watching her.  He had gotten so aroused while watching Sadie that his legs had nearly fallen asleep standing in the same position for so long.  He moved toward her, but Sadie was so caught up in her own pleasure that she didn’t hear him approaching.  He stood up and leaned over her, surprising her as he lifted her hand and replaced it with his mouth.  Sadie gasped, and dreamily opened her eyes just as Connor moved his mouth to hers.  Sadie ran her fingers through the mass of black hair on Connor’s head as she kissed him.  She felt as though she were floating on air as he fed her desire.  She gasped for air as he moved to take a breast into his mouth once again, running his tongue across the hard nipple, teasing her, and making her want more.  Sadie’s soft moans caused Connor to gasp a little himself.  He wanted her to want him.  Sadie’s legs felt weak and she could only imagine what it would be like to make love to him.  She wanted to feel him moving inside her and bringing her to an amazing climax.

“I never want to be without you,” he confessed.

Sadie smiled at him and closed her eyes.  Connor lay over her, wetting her chest with his own.  “I want to give you more, Sadie, much more.”

“Oh, Connor,” she sighed.

“Tonight, Sadie, let me love you tonight in my bed.”  Loving Sadie was so easy and so right.  Connor felt as though the young woman who had come to him had been sent by some sort of divine intervention.  Before Sadie, it had been a very long time since he wanted to be with someone.  Connor grabbed a towel and dried Sadie’s legs and then he dried himself.  Sadie envied Connor’s ease with being naked in the presence of others.  She turned her head, which Connor interpreted as her allowing him a little privacy, but in truth Sadie had turned away because she could feel her face growing hot from her own embarrassment.  Connor dressed, and the two of them walked back to the house.  It was nearly dark and a little chilly and all they could see as they approached the house was the beautiful sky as the sun was setting.

Once inside the house, Connor quickly started a fire in the fireplace and the small cozy den was soon filled with warmth.

“That feels good, Connor,” Sadie said, and eased onto the floor in front of the crackling wood.

“How about some wine?” Connor asked, already pouring them each a glass.

“Thanks, Connor.  Come and enjoy the fire.”

Connor sat down next to Sadie in front of the fire.

“The wine is good,” Sadie said.

“Thanks.  My parents were quite the connoisseurs.”

Sadie was on her second glass already, but Connor knew he had to stop at one.  Sadie realized that she was buzzed, but she loved the feeling.  She wanted to do everything with Connor tonight, and wine was just the thing she needed to lose all of her inhibitions.  Setting her glass of wine on the table, she announced that she was heading upstairs to take a shower.

“Are you sure you’re steady enough?” Connor worried about Sadie’s drinking as well as her excessive use of narcotics.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, blowing him a kiss as she left the room.  The warm water of the shower made her feel even more relaxed and she almost fell asleep standing up.  She finished quickly, slipped on a very sexy negligee, and informed Connor that she was going to bed.

“I’ll be right up,” Connor said, trying not to sound too eager, but he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm at being with Sadie.  He put out the fire and locked the doors.  He showered quickly and sat on the side of the bed with only a towel which he removed when he climbed into bed to lie next to Sadie.  Connor rolled onto his side and pulled Sadie to him, holding her to his naked body.  He began rubbing her back and he looked into her big beautiful eyes, tasting the lips that he had known for only a short while.  Sadie closed her eyes, lost in the feeling of the man she wanted so badly.  The two were meshed together, as if they were meant to be just as they were, two lost lovers who had found each other.  Sadie could feel Connor’s hardness pressing against her.  She had only been with one other man and it had not been that pleasant.  They were too young and neither of them had known what they were doing.

The silkiness of Sadie’s negligee was an erotic feeling for Connor and he rolled her onto her back and kissed her feverishly, taking the negligee from her sexy body.  He spread her pussy lips and ran his fingers through her wetness.  He wanted to take her right then, but he slowed his pace, kissing her gorgeous body and causing her to sigh in response. Connor was a much different lover than her first lover had been.  He took his time, causing her to want him inside of her even more.  She spread her legs and urged him to take her.  Connor kissed her mound and his heated breath on her clitoris caused her breath to catch.  He moved upward and eased his cock between her lips, swimming in her wetness.  She whispered his name and he looked up at her.  With her arms outstretched, he gave himself to her, easing slowly into her tightness.  “Sadie,” he moaned.  She pulled him into her and grabbed onto him as they moved together.  It felt so right that Sadie wondered if it was really real.  Connor lifted her up as he delved into her, bringing the young woman pleasure that she did not think possible.  She fell onto him, holding onto him as he took her again and again.  Sadie climaxed over and over and she could feel Connor’s steady climb toward his own orgasm.  Connor laid her down and looked into her eyes, watching her gasp as he filled her.  He drew her legs around him to plunge deeper as he climaxed.  Sadie pulled him down onto her, their sweat mingling, as they steadied their breathing.  “Sadie,” he sighed.  Sadie loved having Connor inside of her and she never wanted to let him go.  “I love you, my precious Sadie.”

They slept in each other’s arms and awoke to the sound of the alarm at five in the morning.  Connor reached for the buzzer to silence the intrusive sound.  “I’ll start the coffee,” he said, not at all eager to begin the day.  “Are you ready for a big day of surgery?”

Sadie smiled.  She wished she could keep Connor to herself and never share him with anyone.  “Ready when you are,” she lied.  “I’ll take a quick shower while you start the coffee.  Make it strong.”  Sadie watched as Connor walked across the room completely naked, and as soon as she could hear his footsteps on the stairs, she quickly slipped out from beneath the covers and to the bathroom down the hall.  She showered quickly, dressed, and headed down the stairs to the kitchen.

“The coffee is almost done.  Help yourself. I’m heading upstairs to shower.”

While Connor was showering, Sadie quietly snuck back upstairs to retrieve her hidden bottle of Klonopin to calm her shaky nerves.  She had made it back downstairs and was nursing her second cup of coffee by the time Connor returned, having suspected nothing.

“Time to head off to save the world,” Connor announced.  “Ready to go, Sadie?”

Sadie nodded, but she was feeling a little sleepy.  Klonopin had never made her feel this out-of-it before, but she assumed she was tired from not having had enough sleep.  As they headed into town, she laid her head back and closed her eyes.  Connor glanced over at her, but he wasn’t too concerned.

The day was a long one, with Sadie struggling to stay awake through every surgical procedure.  At noon while Connor did some paperwork, she lay down on the couch in the office and fell asleep.  After what seemed a few seconds but was in actuality an hour, Connor had a difficult time waking her.  “Wake up, sleepy head,” he said teasingly.  Sadie was deeply asleep, and it took Connor nearly ten minutes to get any kind of response.  Sadie was so groggy that Connor was unsure about bringing her back into the operating room with him.  Finally, Sadie sat up.  She would do anything to hide the dark side of herself from Connor.  She wanted him to think she was perfect and worthy of his love.

“Are you still tired?” Connor asked.

“No, I’m fine, Connor,” Sadie lied.  She made it through the rest of the day, but by the end of the day she felt sick.  “If it’s okay, I think I’ll wait for you in the truck.”

“Sure, I’ll be right out,” Connor answered.

Sadie barely made it to the truck before she fell asleep on the front seat.  Connor drove home, not bothering to wake Sadie who was sleeping beside him, but once they arrived home, he tried to wake her and like before, it took a long time.

“Are we home already?” Sadie asked, trying desperately not to sound groggy.

“Yes, we’re home now, Sadie.  Are you hungry?”

Food was the last thing on Sadie’s mind.  She wanted to lie down and take a long nap.  “I think I’ll just lie down for awhile, Connor.”

Connor watched as Sadie walked slowly up the stairs, hoping to make it to the top.  Once in her bed, she fell asleep within seconds.  Connor ate alone and then he decided to check on Sadie.  He had never seen her this way.  The woman was exhausted.  It was only eight in the evening but he was a little tired, so he undressed and lay naked next to Sadie.  He placed his arm around her and pulled her to him.  He lay awake for a long time, unable to shut his mind off.  He was dreading the day when Sadie would return to school.  He loved her and wanted her to stay with him forever, but he knew that she had to make her own decisions.  He rubbed her back and kissed her cheek, wanting to make love to her, but Sadie did not stir.  Connor’s thoughts of Sadie’s unhappiness with medical school brought back memories of his own agonizing decision to quit and how disappointed his parents had been.  He remembered how guilt had consumed him the first year after having quit and how depressed he had become, with the thought of suicide rearing its ugly head from time to time.  He was one of the lucky ones, though.  One of his professors in veterinary school became a great mentor to him, but his inner demons had taken over and one day he took an entire bottle of Lortab and drifted off into eternal slumber.  He had somehow knocked the phone off of the nightstand as he fell asleep and the emergency operator had traced the call, but he had taken too many pills and was already gone by the time help had arrived.  The call from the emergency room physician had changed Connor’s life forever and he promised himself that he would never let that happen to someone he loved if he could stop it.  He was extremely concerned about Sadie taking pills to calm down or help her sleep.  It was too easy to become addicted and too easy to build up a level of tolerance to those types of substances.  Sadly, only one extra pill could be lethal if a person’s tolerance was high.

Connor suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.  Had Sadie taken pills today?  Is that why she was sleeping so soundly?  He rolled Sadie onto her back and lightly slapped her cheeks.  “Sadie, wake up!” he commanded.  He said it louder and louder, and he checked her pulse.  It seemed to be normal.  “Sadie, wake up!”  Connor made her sit up, and Sadie slowly opened her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Connor?” she asked.

“Did you take pills today, did you?” Connor demanded.

Sadie looked at him.  He sounded angry, and making him angry was the last thing she wanted to do.  “I thought I took one of my Klonopin pills this morning, but it was dark and I accidentally took a Lortab instead.  I’m sorry, Connor.”

Connor pulled her to him and rocked her back and forth as if she were a baby.  “Let me get you something to eat,” he stated in a manner which indicated very clearly to Sadie that for now he was in charge.  Sadie said nothing as she leaned against the pillow.  “Are you feeling lightheaded?” Connor asked.

“Just a little,” Sadie answered.

“You’ll feel better once you’ve eaten.  I’ll be right back.”  Connor left the room, and Sadie closed her eyes to try and stop the room from spinning.  She wished she could stop the pills, but she needed them.  Connor returned with plain toast and light soda.  “Here, Sadie, eat as much as you can.”  Sadie did as she was told and ate a few bites.  Connor sat with her on the bed, watching her eyes which seemed to be more alert.

“Thanks, Connor,” she said, and handed the tray to him.  Then she closed her eyes again.

“Let’s get some sleep.  We’ve got another busy day ahead of us.”

Sadie snuggled next to Connor and fell asleep listening to the steady beating of his heart.  She awoke the next morning feeling much better than she had the previous day.  Connor thought he detected a little more self-confidence in Sadie, and the remainder of their time together was filled with exciting days at the clinic and even more exciting nights alone with each other.  Much too soon it was time for Sadie to return to medical school.  She couldn’t hide the fact that she did not want to leave Connor and she knew that she was continuing her medical studies for her parents and not for herself.  Connor offered to drive her to school so that he could spent as much time with her as possible, but he also wanted to see where she lived.  He hoped that her surroundings weren’t too dreary.  He was still uncertain about Sadie’s ability to withstand the loneliness and stress of medical school that he knew all too well.

 

 

 

Sadie’s room was small, but it was in a fairly new dormitory.  While she had been away, she had acquired a roommate for her second year of medical school.  Her name was Elizabeth and she had been allowed to enter medical school a semester early, as her MCAT score was perfect and she had completed the honors program at her university with nothing less than an A on her transcript.  She had recited her impressive resume the minute that Sadie had opened the door to their room.  Elizabeth Karen Browning had made no secret of the fact that her family was extremely wealthy.  Her great-grandfather had been one of the early entrepreneurs in the railroad and coal industries, creating jobs for many who lacked the intellect to make their own way in this world, she bragged.  Elizabeth’s mother and father, as well as her grandfather had all graduated from the same prestigious university and gone on to do wondrous things.  Sadie just stood there as Elizabeth bragged about her family’s accomplishments.  The smug woman’s grandfather had two master’s degrees as well as a Ph.D. and had authored so many textbooks he couldn’t remember all of them.  Elizabeth’s father had become a very successful transplant surgeon and was called to consult on so many cases that he couldn’t keep up.  Much was expected of Elizabeth Karen Browning, and falling short of her family’s expectations was not an option.  She spoke with such flair that Sadie thought she would have done well in the dramatic arts, but that area of study no doubt would have been far beneath a woman of her standing.  She also made it clear that she had been expecting to room with someone of a similar background as herself.  She had not been expecting a girl named Sadie.

Sadie introduced herself warmly to Elizabeth, but was greeted with a silent nod followed by the rant of her family’s story.  Sadie set down her bags and walked back out into the hall where Connor was waiting.

“You have a roommate this year?” Connor asked, thinking it would be good for Sadie to have someone around.

“Yes, her name is Elizabeth, and she gave me her family’s history of wealth in a rambling two minutes.”

Oh, man, thought Connor.  He had known too many of that type in medical school.  This won’t help Sadie at all.  “Well, maybe she’s just putting up a brave front, Sadie,” Connor tried to be optimistic.

“Doubtful,” Sadie replied.

“Walk me back to the car?” asked Connor.

“Sure,” Sadie replied.

The car was parked in a very secluded place so they could say goodbye in privacy.  “If you need me for anything, call me anytime night or day,” Connor made her promise.

“I will,” said Sadie, looking down at the business card on which Connor had written his office number as well as his home number in case she had misplaced them.

“Look at me, Sadie,” Connor said in a commanding voice.

When Sadie looked at him, he could see the tears welling up in her eyes.  He pulled her close and hugged her without reserve.  “Oh, Connor,” she sighed.  She didn’t want to let go of him.  She raised her head up and looked at him, the tears streaming down her face.  Connor kissed her lightly on the lips and then kissed the tears that insisted upon sliding down her cheeks.  They held each other for a long time, neither wanting to say goodbye.

Taking Sadie’s face into his hands, Connor looked into her eyes and said, “I love you, Sadie, and I always will.”

“I love you, too,” Sadie whispered, and then she headed back to the dorm.

Connor watched as the huge building swallowed his friend and lover, and then he began the long trek back to the life he loved and the life he wanted to share with Sadie.  Wiping the tears from his face for the majority of the trip, he felt the loneliness and emptiness that he had thought was lost to the past, when he had said goodbye to the first woman he had truly loved.  He didn’t know if he could go through that again.  But Sadie had to make her own decisions or she would never be happy.

When Connor reached his beloved farm, he went inside and sat in the den and drank the sweet wine that Sadie loved so much until finally he fell asleep.  He awoke hours later in the chair.  He couldn’t gather the courage to go upstairs and sleep in the bed where he and Sadie had shared their bodies, and he didn’t know if he could ever sleep in that bed or any other bed again without his sweet Sadie.

Sadie lay on the bed in her dorm room staring up at the ceiling.  Her self-absorbed roommate was studying, although the semester had not yet begun.  The students had a week of boring meetings and focus sessions before settling into their classes.

Sadie rarely saw her roommate during the first week which was fine with her, since Elizabeth didn’t think her worthy of being in the presence of someone of her status.  The week before classes began seemed like a year without Connor.  Sadie missed him, and when the weekend came she knew she couldn’t handle another year of the cold harsh world of medical school.  They were not taught to heal.  They were taught not to feel.  Sadie knew this wasn’t her world.  This was the world of her roommate.  She took a couple of Klonopin tablets and slept until morning.  She slept so soundly that she didn’t hear the phone ring when Connor called early Saturday morning.

Connor went outside to get some fresh air and to hopefully sober up.  He hadn’t realized how much wine he drank until now.

Sadie awoke at around ten in the morning and was glad that her roommate had gone off to impress someone else with her pedigree.  It appeared that she had left for the entire weekend by the amount of expensive designer clothes that were missing from the closet.  Sadie dialed Connor’s number, but he didn’t answer.  Oh, please be home soon, she thought.  She needed to talk to him.  She needed to be with him.  She had withdrawn from medical school yesterday, knowing that it was not for her, and she tried every ten minutes to contact Connor.  She didn’t know that he had been drinking wine the night before until he fell asleep.  No one answered at his office either.  Sadie could only wait and hope that he returned home soon.

Connor didn’t return home until late in the afternoon, however.  He walked alone across the same ground that he and Sadie had once walked together, and he swam a few laps in the lake he loved, and then he slowly walked back to the house alone.  Would he always be alone?  That wasn’t the kind of life he had envisioned for himself.  He wanted to share his life with someone special, and that special someone was Sadie.  He walked into his quiet house hoping for the phone to ring.  He hadn’t heard from Sadie in six days, the longest six days of his life.

Sadie stared at the ceiling of her dismal dorm room for the next two hours.  Finally, she took out the bottle of Klonopin and stared at it.  I’ve got to get out of here somehow, she thought, as she rolled the bottle in her hand.  She decided to call Connor one more time.

The sun was setting over the farm and Connor was sitting alone, deep in thought, when the phone rang.  His mind was so full that he jumped at the sound of the ringing phone.  He answered it quickly, hoping it was Sadie.  Surprised to hear Connor’s voice, Sadie said nothing for a few seconds.  “Hello,” Connor said for the second time.

“Connor?” Sadie said, with what Connor thought was a sickly voice.

“Yes, Sadie, it’s me.  How are you?  Tell me all about your week.”  Connor sounded so upbeat that Sadie was afraid to tell him how she truly felt.  She didn’t know that Connor was selfishly hoping that she had missed him so much that she wanted to return to the farm.  After a very long silence, he began to worry.  “Sadie, what’s going on?”

Sadie didn’t want to sound weak, not to Connor.  But Connor had said that she could talk about anything with him.  Had he really meant it?

“Sadie, talk to me,” Connor said, trying to sound cheery.

“Connor, did you really mean it when you said I could talk to you about anything?” Sadie asked in a slow, monotonous voice.

“Absolutely.  Tell me what’s bothering you.”

After another long silence, Sadie finally spoke.  “Connor, I need to see you.  Could I come to Sapphire Falls tonight?”

Connor knew by the sound of Sadie’s voice that she wasn’t okay, but he thought it best to wait until he could talk to her in person and not over the phone.  “Of course you can.  You are always welcome here.  I meant everything I said, Sadie.”  Connor wanted to offer to come and bring Sadie back with him, but he thought he should wait until she decided if that was what she wanted, or if she needed some time alone.

“I can get a ride if you can pick me up,” Sadie stated, answering Connor’s question before it was asked.  “Will you meet me at your office?”

“You bet.  Do you need anything?”

“No, just meet me there in a few hours, okay?”

“I’ll be there, Sadie, waiting for you.”

Connor waited for Sadie to hang up first, and then he took a shower and cleaned Sadie’s room to make it look welcoming.  He arrived at his office long before Sadie was due to arrive.  He did some paperwork, but basically he just paced, occasionally looking out the window and down the road for some sign of Sadie’s arrival.  She had not said how she was getting there, and he was beginning to wonder.  It didn’t matter, though, just as long as she came home to him.  Connor did everything he could think of to make the time go by faster.  He straightened up the office, watered the plants, and then just sat and fidgeted.  It was nearly two hours before a car pulled up outside.  An older woman was driving and Connor guessed that it was one of the professors who liked to get away from the city on the weekends.  She introduced herself to Connor and explained that she was a professor on her way to Canada to spend the semester as a guest professor in Toronto.  She was very kind and had taught Sadie last year.  She didn’t question why Sadie was here.  She was just glad she could help.

When Sadie unloaded her things, Connor became even more concerned about her, but he was glad that she had summoned the courage to ask for help.  He would do anything for Sadie.  He loaded Sadie’s belongings into his truck, and the two of them set off for the farm.  Sadie stared straight ahead and Connor reached over and touched her hand gently. “I’m so glad you’re here, Sadie.  This has been the longest week of my life.”  Sadie looked at him for a second and then continued looking straight ahead.  She was feeling guilty about quitting medical school and she felt that she had somehow let everyone down.

It was dark when they pulled up at the farm house and Sadie felt as though she were home.  “Go on in and pour yourself some wine, Sadie, while I unload your things,” Connor offered with a smile.

Sadie did as she was told, and the wine tasted so good that she was on her second glass by the time Connor had set the last of her things in the kitchen.  She liked the buzzed feeling and she planned on getting drunk.  It made her forget what was bothering her, if only for a little while.  The best part was that it made her horny, and when she noticed Connor standing just inside the door with the moonlight illuminating his perfect features, she wanted him, but what she wanted more than anything was for Connor to want her.

“There we go, everything’s inside,” Connor announced, flashing his pearly smile.

Sadie stood still, suddenly feeling very intimidated by the man with whom she had shared so much in such a short time.  Connor poured himself a glass of wine and motioned for Sadie to join him in the den.  “Would you like some more wine, Sadie?” he asked, noting that Sadie’s glass was almost empty.

“I’d better not, Connor, this is the last half of my second glass, not my first.”

“Whoa, better slow down then,” Connor replied jokingly, yet in a serious tone.  “Would you like to sit and talk while we finish our drinks?”

All Sadie wanted was for Connor to hold her close and make love to her.  She wanted to feel their naked bodies writhing in heated passion together.  She wanted to feel Connor’s heartbeat and the warmth of his body.  She suddenly realized he was still awaiting a reply.  “I’m sorry, Connor.  I guess I’m just tired.  Is it okay if I sleep in the guest room again?”

Connor set his glass down on the table and walked over and stood directly in front of Sadie.  Sadie leaned against the counter and Connor leaned in, his legs straddling hers, and placed his hands firmly on Sadie’s upper arms.  “Sadie, it is not the guest room.  It is and always will be your room.  Are you wanting to be alone, or may I join you?” he asked.  Sadie seemed distant, and Connor wasn’t going to let her be alone tonight if he could help it.

Blinking her eyes to stop the tears that were forming, Sadie tried to avoid Connor’s eyes that seemed to bore into her soul.  She looked down, but Connor took her face into his hands and looked directly into her misty eyes.  “When you’re ready to talk, Sadie, I’m here, okay?”

Sadie nodded, closing her eyes.  “Stay with me tonight,” she whispered.

Connor pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her and holding her.  “You got it.”  Connor knew Sadie was fighting hard to hold back her tears, so he let go of her and headed toward the den.  “I’ll straighten up a bit, and be up in a minute,” he said, giving Sadie a few moments to be alone.

“I’ll go on up,” she replied, already on her way.  Sadie walked into her old room and knew that she was home.  She undressed, slipped into bed completely naked, just as Connor liked to sleep.

Connor walked in less than a minute after Sadie had gotten into bed.  “Does it feel the same?” he asked.

“It feels great,” Sadie admitted.  Even though it was dark in the room, the moon cast a shadow as Connor undressed.  Sadie watched him, enjoying the sight of every inch of his body as it emerged from the confinement of his t-shirt and jeans.  Facing away from Sadie, the last item of clothing that Connor removed was his shorts, and as he leaned over to remove them, Sadie couldn’t stop staring at his ass.  It was perfect, just the right size, and she had to stifle a giggle as naughty thoughts fluttered in her mind.

Connor slid into bed and pulled Sadie close to him.  Sadie put her arms around him and sighed.  “I love you, Sadie,” Connor whispered, as Sadie drifted off to sleep.

 

 

 

It was mid morning when they awoke in the same position in which they had slept.  “Sadie, are you awake?”

Sadie rolled onto her back.  “I’m awake.”

“Do you want to talk about why you came here?  I love having you here, but I would never ask you to give up something that you want and have worked hard to achieve.”

Sadie was silent.  “I just want to be here with you.”

Connor wrapped his arms around Sadie, and Sadie laid her head on Connor’s chest, nestled in the thickness of the curly dark hair that she loved, and kissed his chest.

“Are you unhappy with medical school, Sadie, and is that why you were taking so many pills?”

Sadie wished he would give it a rest, but she guessed she owed him some explanation.  “Yes, Connor. I don’t belong there.  Part of me died there last year.”  The sadness in Sadie’s voice was unmistakable.  “I feel alive out here with you.  It changed me… being here.”

Connor understood, as he too had become disillusioned with medical school, but he wondered if there was more.  “What do you plan to do?”

Connor’s question surprised Sadie.  “What do you want me to do, Connor?” asked a worried Sadie.

“I want you to live your life as you wish.  I will support whatever road you take and I will always love you, but I can’t live your life for you.  Do you need time to think it all through?”

Connor’s questions put doubts in Sadie’s head.  How could she face her parents?  They might insist that she return to Hong Kong if they knew she had quit school.

Connor wished he could stay with Sadie all day, but he had a job to do.  “I promised Mrs. Banks that I would come out and check on her mare that gave birth two days ago.  Would you like to come with me?  It would give you a chance to see another side of my practice… house calls.”  Connor kissed her gently, and then eased away just a little so that he could see her face.  “What do you say?”

“I think I’ll stay here and be alone to think for a while, Connor.”

Connor had not expected a “no” answer.  He didn’t think it wise to leave Sadie alone, and he was pretty sure that she had some type of pills with her.  “Sadie, you know I’m honest to a fault, so I’m going to be up front with you. I don’t feel it’s a good idea to leave you alone right now.”  He leaned up on his elbow and looked at her.  “Look at me, Sadie.” Sadie opened her eyes which were somewhat misty, and looked at Connor.  “You’re tired, aren’t you, Sadie?”

Connor noticed weariness in Sadie’s eyes that he had not seen before.  “A little, I guess,” she answered.

“If you really need to rest, I’ll go alone.  But please tell me what pills you have in your possession.  I’m not doing this to punish you for taking them.  I only want you to be in control of the pills, rather than the pills being in control of you.”

Sadie showed him what she had and where she kept them, including the small bottle she kept in the nightstand.  She had three different types of anti-anxiety pills from three different physicians.  Connor knew that was the sign of a hard core addiction, but he refrained from saying anything.

“How about this, I’ll leave you two of the Klonopin tablets and keep the rest with me.  When you feel you need one, all you have to do is tell me.”  Connor wanted so much to keep Sadie’s trust and to keep the lines of communication open between them.  Sadie didn’t want to give up control of her pills, but she gave them to Connor anyway.  Connor left one bottle with two of the Klonopin tablets in it in the top drawer of Sadie’s nightstand.  “I’ll be back in about an hour, but you have my cell phone number if you need anything, okay?”

“Thanks, Connor.”  Connor leaned down and kissed Sadie on her mouth, parting her gorgeous lips, and then he forced himself to move away from her.  “Get some rest,” he said, and walked out of the room.

Sadie heard Connor’s truck as it made its way down the rocky lane, and then she lay back and closed her eyes.  She needed to think about what she wanted and how she was going to get it.  All she knew was that she wanted Connor, but she feared what her parents would say.  They had their hearts set on her becoming a doctor.  Sadie thought about the guy she had dated in Hong Kong.  He was serious about her, but Sadie knew she couldn’t let herself get caught up in him.  She wasn’t ready to settle down.  The last she had heard from him he had gotten a job at the Bank of Hong Kong and was doing quite well.  She had often thought about calling him, but so far she had not.  She pulled the phone number out of her purse and stared at it.  She hoped he was doing well, but calling him might give him the wrong idea.  She pulled out her cell phone and with trembling fingers pressed the numbers of her ex-boyfriend.  The phone rang a long time before the man’s mother picked up.

“Sadie, honey, Lin is in the States.  He would love to hear from you.  Give him a call.”

It took several more minutes for Sadie to get up the nerve to make a second call.  After three rings, the voice on the other end was one she remembered well.  She gulped before uttering a weak, “Lin?”

“Sadie, how are you?  Are you here in the city?  I’m staying at a 5-star hotel… only the best, you know.  Come and see me.”  He was so excited to hear from her that he was talking faster than the speed of light.

“Uh, no, I’m in the Midwest right now, a place called Sapphire Falls, but I could come and see you.”

“I’m on an extended business trip, so get your pretty little ass to the city.”

Sadie promised that she would and then she set her phone aside and collapsed in the chair.  Lin had sounded good, too good, and Sadie thought about the good times they had shared.  He had been her first in every way.  She hoped that Connor would understand why she needed to see her former lover.  Maybe she wouldn’t tell him that he was a former lover.  Maybe former friend was good enough.  But she hated to do that to Connor.

When Connor returned, Sadie was sitting in the den thinking about Lin and the past.  Connor was happy to see that she was up and dressed.  That meant that she hadn’t taken any pills.

“How is the baby pony?” Sadie asked.

“Fine.  Sorry I was gone so long.  So you did okay while I was gone?”

“I called a friend from Hong Kong.  He’s staying not far from here for a while.”

Connor heard the hesitancy in Sadie’s voice and he feared that the friend was an ex-boyfriend.  “How is your friend?”

“He’s fine.  He’s in the city on an extended business trip.”  She paused before continuing.  “He was wondering if I could see him while he is in the city.”

Connor felt his entire body tense.  He was afraid of losing Sadie.  “You’re free to do as you please, Sadie.”  Connor sat down beside her.  Sadie’s excitement couldn’t be camouflaged.  “Do you want me to take the bus to the city?  I would like to go tomorrow, if that’s okay.”

The suddenness of the trip surprised Connor and made him a little uneasy.  “No, I can drive you, Sadie.  I don’t have patients until noon tomorrow, so if we leave at eight in the morning, I can be back here around eleven,” Connor reluctantly offered.  It was getting late and he was tired.  Sadie, however, was excited about seeing her ex.  “But tell me, please, Sadie, is this an ex-boyfriend?”

“Yes, Connor, but I’m not seeing him to get back together.  I need closure so I can move on.  Things were left undone.”

Connor understood, though he hated it all the same.  Changing the subject, he said, “I think I’ll relax awhile, Sadie.  Come on into the den and we’ll watch an old movie or something.”

“I’d love to, Connor, but I think I’ll pack.”

Sadie’s excitement was hard to take, but Connor tried to hide his insecurity.  He poured a glass of wine and headed into the den.  He drank the wine, but he didn’t bother turning on the television.  He just sat on the sofa and stared out into the darkness.

As Sadie packed, she remembered the excitement in Lin’s voice when she had told him she was coming to see him.  Connor had booked a room for her on the same floor as Lin’s and insisted upon paying for it.  She hated to leave him, but she and Lin had left things unfinished when they parted ways and she needed closure in order to go forward with Connor.  She latched the lid of her suitcase and undressed for bed.  She lay awake for a long time, wondering if Connor would come to bed soon.  After waiting for about an hour, she fell asleep.

It was midnight when Connor finally walked slowly up the stairs.  He thought about sleeping alone, but he snuggled next to Sadie instead.  He couldn’t let her leave without showing her how much he cared about her.

The next morning, instead of Connor driving her to the city, Sadie took the bus.  Connor couldn’t bear to leave the woman he loved in the arms of another man, so he used the excuse that he needed to be available for his patients.  But as he watched the bus pull away, he wondered if he would ever have his precious Sadie in his arms again.

The next two days were a living nightmare for Connor.  He went to work at the crack of dawn and remained at the clinic until evening, spending as little time at home as he possibly could.  He slept in his own bed.  He couldn’t bear sleeping alone in the bed that he and Sadie had shared.

When the bus pulled into the city, Sadie hailed a cab that whisked her to the most beautiful hotel she had ever seen.  When she opened the door to her room, she gasped in disbelief.  The room was huge with elegant fixtures and beautiful furniture.  A separate sitting area looked out over an oasis-like setting.  Sadie plopped down on the king-sized bed and then she noticed the bouquet of flowers on the cherry wood dresser.  Thinking they were a welcome gift from Lin, she bounded off of the bed and snatched the card.  ‘Missing you already.  Have fun with your friend.  Love, Connor.’  Sadie breathed in the aromatic freshly cut flowers.  What a sweetheart!  She really did love Connor and she felt a little guilty about being here, but when she returned to Sapphire Falls she would make it up to him in a big way.  A knock on the door startled her from her daydream.

“Sadie, it’s Lin.”

Sadie opened the door and saw her ex-boyfriend for the first time in over a year.  He threw his arms around her and kissed her on the mouth before she had a chance to stop him.  Closing the door with a kick, he noticed the flowers on the dresser.  “Mmm, I know I didn’t send those, so someone must have a new beau.”

“I met a man recently,” she said timidly.  Sadie felt shy in the presence of her ex, but he seemed to have more confidence than she remembered.  It was as if the two of them had traded roles.  “You seem different, Lin.”

“Do I?  I’m not the shy guy you remember?”

“No.”

Lin pulled Sadie to him and kissed her hard on the mouth.  “I’m a businessman now, Sadie, a wheeler and dealer, and I usually get what I want… making business deals, that is.”

Sadie backed away.  Lin had definitely changed.  His black hair seemed to shine as it gently swept his face, and he seemed taller than Sadie had remembered.  His slender body seemed more buff and Sadie suspected that he worked out.

“I’ve made reservations for dinner.  You did bring something a little more formal, didn’t you?”

Sadie thought his comment was a little rude, but she guessed he probably had to keep up appearances.  “Of course.  What time?”

Lin kissed her possessively before he gave her a wink and told her he would see her soon.  Sadie showered and washed her long hair, styling it loosely with her fingers as she blow dried the thick strands.  Her simple black dress was stunning with the single strand of pearls that her mother had given her.  As she admired herself in the full length mirror, she realized how much she missed getting dressed up.  She had spent the last year in scrubs and smelling of formaldehyde.  When she heard Lin’s familiar knock, she opened the door to a beautiful gift bag held temptingly under her nose.

“You will love this new fragrance from Chanel.”

Sadie opened the box, but before she could smell the fragrance Lin took it from her and sprayed it away from her.  “Walk through the mist,” he said.

Sadie slowly walked through the spray, letting it sprinkle her as it fell.  “It’s nice,” she said.

“It’s my favorite,” Lin admitted, as he added a couple of squirts to Sadie’s wrists.

“I think that’s enough, Lin.  I don’t want people to smell me from three blocks away.”

Lin capped the bottle and escorted Sadie from the room.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Sadie wasn’t sure if the change in Lin was positive or negative, but he certainly wasn’t the shy boyfriend she remembered.  When Sadie stepped into the limo that Lin had waiting for them, she felt like she had entered a new world.  “Lin, I had no idea you had done so well so quickly.”

“It’s all about connections,” he said with a wink.

Sadie felt as though Lin was bragging a little, but maybe he deserved to brag.  He had no doubt worked hard to make his way in the business world.  It was just that he had always been so humble.  Sadie didn’t quite know how to respond to him.  He opened a bottle of champagne to toast the night.  “To us, to tonight,” he said, as he urged Sadie to drink up.  Sadie took little sips but Lin seemed to have developed a taste for hard liquor.  Sadie watched as he downed glass after glass.

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, Lin was the life of the party.  They were ushered to a table in the back, a single candle the only light around them, and Lin ordered an expensive dish to impress Sadie.

“Lin, you shouldn’t have,” she said and honestly meant.

“I can do whatever I want,” he declared.  “I am no longer the shy boyfriend you left behind.  I am a man of means, and I get what I want.”  Sadie smiled weakly.  “But not to worry, Sadie, you will experience only the finest when you are with me.”

Sadie ate silently, noticing that Lin drank even more at dinner.  He didn’t seem to get drunk, but Sadie wondered if he had a problem.

The limo was waiting for them when they left the restaurant, and Lin instructed the driver to drive through the park.  It was beautiful all lit up at night and Sadie was beginning to feel like a princess.  Lin was dressed to the nines and Sadie felt sexy in her simple black dress with the short hemline.  She crossed her legs and Lin slid a hand upward along her black stockings and underneath her dress.  When his hand moved to her inner thigh, Sadie gave him a questioning look.

“Lin, the driver will see us.”

That was easy to fix.  Lin pressed a button to raise the partition and then he rested a hand firmly on Sadie’s crotch.  Sadie squirmed and Lin took it as a sign that she wanted to do more.  He swung a leg across her lap, leaned her head back and kissed her as he pressed his fingers against her pussy lips, hoping to turn her on.  She mumbled something that he couldn’t hear, but he didn’t stop.  He was determined to have Sadie tonight on his own terms.

“Lin, wait!”

He reluctantly stopped kissing, but his hand never left the crotch that was becoming wet, as he asked, “What?  Don’t you want me?”

Sadie did want him.  She couldn’t help it.  Her clitoris felt as if it were vibrating.  “But not here.”

Lin lowered the partition just enough to tell the driver to take them back to the hotel.  The hotel was quiet as Lin led Sadie to his penthouse suite.

“This is nice, Lin.”

“Nice?  It’s the best that money can buy.”  He stripped out of his designer suit and tossed it carelessly on the floor.  Completely naked, he stroked his cock until it was hard, as Sadie watched in shock.  When she had known him, he had insisted upon the room being dark before shyly discarding his clothes.  “Remember this?”

Sadie stared at him.  He did look good.  He was just different.  She nodded, but before she could say a word Lin’s hands were underneath her dress, forcing it upward.  Sadie lifted her arms for him and before she could recover from the surprises of the night, she was naked with her ex-boyfriend.  He kissed her but it was rushed.  He gripped her thighs firmly and pulled her legs apart.  He leaned over her and looked her in the eyes as he pushed into her.  Sadie wasn’t ready and she tried to relax as Lin began steady forceful thrusts.

“Slow down, Lin.  We have all night.”

Lin gave her a look that indicated clearly that he was in charge tonight, and Sadie let it go.  It felt good, but it could have been so much better if they took it slow and really made love.  Sadie felt as if she were nothing more than a receptacle for Lin’s semen.  When he came, he moaned and grunted like a wild animal, and Sadie was glad it was over.  She didn’t climax, and Lin didn’t seem to care.  He pulled out and got off of the bed.

“It was good, wasn’t it?”

Sadie sat up and watched as Lin flitted around the room, pulling on a polo shirt and jeans.  “You’re probably anxious to get some sleep,” he said, tossing Sadie’s black dress onto the bed and nodding toward the door.

“Sure,” she said, picking up her clothes.  She pulled on her dress and hurried to her room, hoping that no one noticed her.  She was barefoot and carrying her stockings, a sure sign that she was a hooker for hire by the hour.  She locked the door and lay on the bed in the fetal position.  She felt like crying, but tears would not come.  She had promised to spend two days with Lin, but she didn’t know if she wanted to.  Connor had paid for the beautiful room and she couldn’t bear to see him waste money on her.  When she finally fell asleep, it was nearly dawn.

 

 

 

The pounding on the door woke Sadie from a sound sleep.  She pulled on a robe and said, “Who is it?”

“Sadie, it’s noon.  Come on.  We’ve got a big day ahead.”

Sadie opened the door to find Lin once again dressed to the nines but this time in seagoing attire.

“You look awful, kid.”

Sadie’s head hurt and she was in no mood to be on a boat.  “Where are we going?”

Lin looked down at his tailored clothes.  “Isn’t it obvious?”

“Give me a minute, okay?”

Lin nodded and Sadie closed the door.  She put on a pair of casual pants and a blouse and walked down the hallway with her ex.

“You like?” he asked, motioning to himself.

“They’re nice, very sporty.”

“It’s more than nice, honey.  It’s the best that money can buy.”

Sadie was tired of the sentence that seemed to be a standard part of Lin’s vocabulary.  When had he become so self-centered?  The limo was waiting for them again, but today they were driven to a dock where a small yacht was waiting.

“Lin, is this yours?”

“Unfortunately, not yet.  But I do indulge my passion often.  This is the only way to leave dry land.”

Welcomed aboard by the crew, Sadie was a little embarrassed by all of the attention she was given.  They lounged on the deck and anything they wanted was brought to them within minutes.

“This is nice, Lin.”

“Nice, hell, this is the life I deserve.”

Sadie didn’t say anything more.  It seemed that everything she said was taken as a challenge.  She stared out to sea and thought about Connor.  He would never treat people as badly as Lin did, and she couldn’t imagine him having an attitude like Lin’s.  Sadie was hot and tired by the time Lin finally agreed to head back to shore.  All she wanted was a hot shower and to be free of Lin, but Lin had other plans.

“Come to my room for dinner.  I’m having some friends over.”

Sadie smiled and reluctantly agreed.  When she knocked on Lin’s door, it wasn’t Lin who opened it.  “Sadie, come in.  Lin has told us so much about you.”  Sadie walked into the room where a few of Lin’s colleagues were talking and drinking.  She was very quickly handed a glass of hard liquor that made her cough.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Nothing but the best,” Lin spoke up, appearing out of nowhere it seemed.  He put his arm around her and bragged to his colleagues, “This is Sadie.”

“Ah, yes, come and sit with me, Sadie,” one of the men said.

“Sadie, Mr. Madison is very wealthy and very influential.”  Lin motioned for her to go and sit with the man.  Sadie looked at Lin who gave her a stern look, so she sat down beside the stranger.  “Sadie is attending medical school, gentlemen, and I’m sure she will be happy to give you whatever you desire.”

Sadie stiffened.  Was she here to have sex with these men?  She started to get up, but Mr. Madison put a firm hand on her arm.  “Let’s make a deal,” he said.  “Lin and I have started a business together, and you can be a part of our grand enterprise.  You’ve seen how Lin has benefited.  He has everything… absolutely everything.”

Sadie couldn’t figure these guys out.  If it wasn’t sex they were after, then what did they want?  “I didn’t know you owned a business, Lin.  What is it?”

“Ah, my dear Sadie, I work for the Bank of Hong Kong, and what I do outside of that is known to very few.  Mr. Madison and I know all about your, well, love of pharmaceuticals.  I hate to call it an addiction, but I may as well call it what it is.  You are addicted, aren’t you, Sadie?”

Sadie gulped.  How did he know?  She tried to play it cool.  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.  I don’t have an addiction.”

Lin sat down on the opposite side of Sadie so that she was sandwiched between the two men.  He put his hand on her thigh, daring her to remove it.  “Now, Sadie, we can quibble about what to call it all we want, but according to a Miss Karen Browning, who discovered a full bottle of Percocet as well as a half full bottle of Klonopin upon your sudden departure, you have an addiction.  She immediately reported the drugs to the school authorities.  It’s a good thing you decided to drop out.  You would have been dismissed had you not left voluntarily.”

Sadie was livid.  It was just like the uppity rich girl to rat her out.  She could have thrown the bottles away, but she had no doubt gained big points with the dean.  The school was probably using Sadie’s presumed addiction to set an example for the entire student body.  “What has that got to do with you two?”

“We have connections with medical schools in many countries.  Doctors with addictions are our best customers.”  Sadie still didn’t know what this had to do with her.  “You wouldn’t want that nice veterinarian and the good folks of Sapphire Falls to know how much money you waste on your addiction, would you?”

“How do you know about him?”

Lin laughed an obnoxious laugh.  “Honey, I know everything about you.  I have known where you were and who you were with since you dumped me.”

“I didn’t dump you.  Our breakup was mutual.”

“Was it?  We won’t argue about that, either.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Mr. Madison and I need someone to meet the yacht, you remember the yacht, when it docks.  You see, Mr. Madison made a little mistake a few years ago and did some time in the federal pen.”

Sadie looked at the man, but he merely shrugged his shoulders. “It’s true.  What can I say?”

“The people on the yacht… they know?”

“Of course they know, and they liked you, Sadie.  All you have to do is meet the yacht when you get the call.  My limo driver will take you to the dock and then you will bring the shipment back here to me.  It’s easy.”

“Why me?”

“Ah, Sadie, yours is not to ask or wonder why… yours is but to do or die.”

Sadie stood up.  “You don’t scare me.”

She could feel the men behind her coming closer.  There were four of them, and one of the men spoke up.  “We don’t mean to frighten you, but you will do as you are told.  This is a business with a very small margin of error.  You were a medical student.  Doctors are not afforded the luxury of making mistakes.  That will be your code name… the doctor.  How ‘bout it, boys?”

Sadie heard mumbles behind her as the men agreed.  Lin gave Sadie a hurtful smirk.

“The doctor it is.  Cheer up, Sadie.  Your addiction will be fed at cost.”

Sadie started to say that she did not have an addiction, but she stopped short of saying actual words.  “I only have the room for another day.”

“After tomorrow, you will share my suite,” Lin informed her, with a brush of his lips to her cheek.

Sadie cringed at Lin’s touch.  He had changed so much that she doubted he would recognize his former self.  He had to be taking drugs.  He was the one who was addicted.  Sadie went to the door, but she was followed by one of Lin’s men.

“We wouldn’t want you to be alone, Sadie.  Who knows, you could change your mind.”

Sadie scowled as she walked out the door.  She thought that maybe she could make a quick getaway and call Connor.  He would meet her and get her out of this place, but her assigned bodyguard watched her every movement.  She changed her clothes in the bathroom, after the henchman made certain there were no phones inside her hotel room.  Sadie emptied her pockets and the bodyguard frisked her like a common criminal to make certain that she was not carrying a cell phone.  She went to bed and pulled the blankets up over her head facing away from the man standing guard at her door.  She was almost asleep when the phone rang.  She bounded out of bed and picked it up but the bodyguard pressed the button before she had a chance to speak.

“Why did you do that?”

“I have my orders.”

Sadie knew the caller was Connor.  He was probably calling to ask what time he was supposed to pick her up.  Now he wouldn’t know where she was.  The days would pass and he would think she had dumped him or gone back to school and forgotten about him.  She lay in bed thinking about him and wondering how and when she would see him again.  She fell asleep exhausted from a day she wished had never come.

Sadie was awakened the following morning by having the blankets stripped from her and her tired body pulled to its feet.  “What are you doing?”

“It’s time, Sadie.  The yacht is approaching the dock.”

Sadie yawned.  “It’s dark.”

“Very good, Sadie.  You were a shoe-in for medical school.  You’re as sharp as a whip.”

Sadie tried to focus on the bedside clock.  It was not yet six in the morning.

“You must hurry,” the guard ordered.

Sadie pulled on a pair of jeans, but the man stopped her.  “No, you must dress well.  The black dress… Lin wants you to wear the black dress and heels.”

“Whatever,” she mumbled.

Sadie was whisked through the streets of downtown and out toward the docks.  The lights of the yacht seemed to light up the sky in the darkness as the limo stopped a short way from the dock and the driver opened the door for her.  She looked like a wealthy socialite taking a vacation with friends or spending a day on a yacht with her husband.  She attracted no attention from early morning passersby or dock workers.

“Welcome, Sadie,” the captain said as he extended a hand to the woman he remembered.

“Hi,” she said weakly.  She remembered the handsome captain and she would not have imagined him being a part of something as shady as this.  When she had been with Lin on this very same yacht, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.  Now she realized that had been part of the plan.  The captain escorted her to the lower level of the yacht where the transaction took place.  The captain immediately lost his appeal.

“Where is the money?” he demanded.  Sadie opened the little black clutch that Lin had given her as a ‘gift’ or so he claimed and handed the man a wad of cash.  “Is it all here?”

“Um, that’s what they gave me.  I’m sure Lin wouldn’t cheat you.”

The captain eyed her suspiciously.  “Of course he would.  He has tried to cheat me often.”  He circled Sadie as if she were his prey.  He stood behind her and ran his hands along the front of her dress, pushing her breasts together and kissing her neck.  Sadie cringed at the man’s touch and feared what he might do to her alone on the yacht.  “Lin has chosen well.  You and I are going to have a lot of fun on this yacht.  I can feel it.”  All that Sadie could feel were clammy hands making their way toward her naked breasts.  The captain let go of her.  “But that will have to wait for another day.”  He handed her a small heavy suitcase.  “You understand that you are on your own now.  If your driver gets stopped by the police for any reason, you are not to give him my name.”

Sadie nodded, took the suitcase, stumbled while going up the steps, and hurried off of the yacht and to the awaiting limo.  Every time the driver went through an intersection on a yellow light or went a little over the speed limit, Sadie looked nervously out the window.  All she wanted was to be rid of the stuff that was in the suitcase.  She smiled nervously at the hotel doorman and willed the elevator to climb faster.  She knocked on the door of Lin’s suite and handed him the suitcase.  When she turned to go back to her room, he stopped her.

“Your personal belongings have been brought to my suite.  You and I are together again, Sadie.”

Once inside Lin’s suite, Sadie looked around for the rest of the man’s entourage.  “Where are the others?”

“They are doing their jobs, Sadie, as am I.  All of us have respectable jobs, but it’s what we do on the side that gives us what we need most.”

“And what is that?” she demanded.

“Respect.”

“But you just said you had respect.”

“I said we had respectable jobs, but we will never have the respect that our Caucasian counterparts are freely given.  That’s right.  You heard me.  It’s not out there unless we demand it.  And so, my dear, we have demanded it.  Surely you noticed the somewhat eclectic group of men that is my world.”

Yes, Sadie had noticed, but she didn’t believe what Lin was saying.  She thought he must have a chip on his shoulder or something.  Perhaps he had not gotten a promotion or something and thought it was because of his ethnicity.  “Really, Lin, maybe you’re imagining things.”

“You bitch, you’re just like them.  You are one of them.  I need to get out of here before I regret doing something that would get me put away for years.”

Sadie watched as Lin unlocked a safe and pulled out a gun.  He tucked it inside his suit jacket and left her alone in the penthouse suite.  Sadie knew that this was her one chance to at least try and escape.  She looked around the suite for some sign that she was being watched.  Then she looked for a phone.  The only one she could find was in the bedroom.  She called the lobby and made a collect call to Connor.  The phone rang several times and Sadie feared that Lin would come back and catch her.  Come on, Connor. What if he was at the office?

“Hello?”

“Connor,” Sadie whispered.

“Sadie, what happened?  Honey, when can I pick you up and where?”

“Connor, listen.  Lin is involved in something really bad.  You’ve got to help me.”

Connor’s blood ran cold.  What kind of trouble is Sadie in because of her ex?  “Just tell me what to do, honey.”

“Meet me at the dock tomorrow at six in the morning.  This is the address.”  After she read the directions to Connor, Sadie tried to answer his questions.

“Sadie, what are you doing at the dock?”

“I can’t talk, Connor.  Please, just do it.”

“Okay, honey.  I’ll be there.”

“And Connor, bring a gun.”

She hung up before he could ask why.  Sadie needed to calm down, so she searched Lin’s suite for Klonopin pills and took one.  She didn’t want to sleep.  She just needed steady nerves.  It was thirty minutes later when Lin returned.

“So, you didn’t try to run.  You wouldn’t have gotten far anyway.”  He laughed his sickening laugh as he took off his suit jacket, revealing the pistol he never left the suite without.  He poured himself a drink but didn’t offer Sadie anything.

“So, I’m supposed to sit here in your suite day after day.”

“Only until you have proven your loyalty to me and the business.  Once we know we can trust you, freedom shall be yours, with limits of course.”

Sadie was bored.  Lin was on his cell phone most of the day making what Sadie assumed were drug deals.  His conversations were in Mandarin, so she didn’t know for certain what he was saying.  She turned on the television, hoping to will the time to move faster.  She didn’t realize she had fallen asleep until she heard Lin’s commanding voice.

“Sadie, we’re going out.”

“What…why?”

“I like to be seen in my new threads.”

Sadie was sick of her ex, and she was without a doubt ‘over’ him.  He didn’t have real respect.  What he had were people who feared him.  He was like a gang leader.  Being a kingpin in the drug business was the only kind of respect he thought he could get, so in his mind it was real, but Sadie knew that true respect was earned…not demanded.

After an exhaustive night at a club that was filled with men who looked and acted like Lin, Sadie lay down on the sofa while Lin droned on about his latest connections.

“Sadie, come to bed.”

“I’m fine right here.”

Lin held her face in his hands and kissed her hard, as if he were trying to punish her.  He pulled away and looked at her in disgust.  “I can do better than you.”

He walked away and Sadie was relieved.  She wished she hadn’t slept with him at all.  She lay there thinking about what he had said… that he was treated like a second class citizen in the business world.  Somebody must have really screwed him over.  Was it her?  She didn’t think so.  She hadn’t cared that his father was in the trades, but maybe his father felt inferior to hers.  Was that her problem?  No, it was Lin’s problem and he needed to get over it.  She didn’t sleep well, knowing that tomorrow she would see Connor again.  She had to escape from Lin somehow.  She was awakened at five in the morning.

“Get up.  It’s time.”

Sadie had slept in the previous night’s dress and she needed to shower, but Lin practically pushed her out the door.  Handing her the little black clutch on her way out, he told her not to fuck it up.  The driver was waiting and they sped quickly to the dock.  When she stepped out, she looked around for Connor but she didn’t see him.  Sadie’s heart sank.  Where could he be?  She approached the yacht, but the captain was not waiting for her.  The yacht was dark, but she went aboard anyway.  “Is anyone here?” she called.  No one answered, but she heard a noise coming from below the deck.  Slowly descending the steps, when she reached the bottom she felt a man’s hand across her mouth and her body being pulled to a far corner.  She tried to get away until she heard the soothing voice in her ear.

“Sadie, it’s Connor.  You’re okay.  The FBI is here.  You must remain calm, okay?”  Sadie nodded, and Connor slowly took his hand from her mouth.  He took her into his arms and then he led her to a room at the back of the deck.  “The captain is in FBI custody, honey, and the two men with guns over there are with the FBI.  They are waiting for Lin.  He and his group have been wanted for years.  I had to do it, Sadie.  If I hadn’t, you would have been in as much trouble as Lin.  You were being forced to participate, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“That’s all you have to tell the FBI.  They kidnapped you, Sadie.  You know that, right?”

Sadie nodded.  She could feel the tears forming and she felt like a fool.

“It’s okay, baby.  We’ll be home soon.”

Lin and his gang were arrested a few hours later when Sadie failed to return with the suitcase and they went to the dock to find her.  Once Sadie gave a statement that she had been forced to participate in the drug transactions, Connor took her home.

 

 

 

Sadie showered and slipped on a new silk negligee that Connor had laid out on the bed.  “It’s beautiful.”

“Are you comfortable, baby?”

“Yes.  Oh, I missed my bed.”  Sadie lay down and spread her body across the bed.

Connor lay down beside her, facing her.  “Are you really okay, Sadie?  You’ve been through a lot.”

Sadie turned onto her side.  “He’s changed, Connor.  He was a nice guy, but something changed.”

Connor listened as Sadie talked about her ex.  He should have stopped her from going, but she would have always wondered about Lin.  As painful as it had been for her, she now knew the truth.  “Did you miss me?”

Connor kissed her.  “Do you have to ask?  I was sick with worry, especially when I couldn’t contact you.”

“I’m sorry, Connor.”

“No, honey.  I’m sorry that you had to go through it.  You were in a very dangerous situation.”  He sighed.  He was exhausted.  “Let’s sleep, Sadie.  You look exhausted and I think I could sleep for a week.”

When Sadie awoke the following morning, she looked over at Connor who was sleeping soundly.  She tried to get out of bed without waking him, but the creak of the bed woke him immediately.

“Where are you going?”

“I thought I would make breakfast.”

“In a little bit.  Come back to bed.”  He patted the bed and Sadie snuggled next to him.  “Where are you in regard to the pills, Sadie?”

“I’m okay.”

“Just okay?”

“I took two the entire time I was gone, which is a miracle given the situation.  I don’t have any with me because Lin took everything.  I think that’s why he thought I would be willing to go to the docks every morning.  He said I could have anything I wanted at a very low price.”

Connor sighed.  He felt guilty about not being there for Sadie.  “I think you and I need to get away… take a real vacation.  Let’s go to Niagara Falls.  It’s beautiful.  Have you been?”

Sadie shook her head.  “No, but I would love to go.  When?”

“Just as soon as we can pack.”

When they crossed the border into Canada, Sadie was impressed.  The little town was filled with shops and restaurants and it reminded her of Sapphire Falls.  “We’ll do it all, Sadie.  We’ll take boat trips, walk along the hiking paths, visit the vineyards, check out the art museums, do some shopping, but first we need to check into one the best hotels Niagara has to offer.  It overlooks the Falls and makes my old farm house look like a shack.”

“Don’t say that.  I love your old farm and I love Sapphire Falls.”

Connor smiled and pulled up in front of the hotel, and immediately they were met by a young man eager to assist them.  As Connor picked up the key at the front desk, Sadie looked out at the Falls from the lobby.  The elevator swept them upward and into what Sadie believed was paradise.  Connor put the key in the lock and opened the door to the most beautiful suite Sadie had ever seen.  It opened to a small hallway which led to a cozy living area with a wraparound sofa and an entertainment center with a flat screen television and a digital music center.

“Can you believe this room, Connor?”

“It’s better than they described to me.”

At the opposite end of the room was a kitchenette with a breakfast nook situated by a window that made up the entire wall and boasted a view of the Falls as far as the eye could see.

“Wow!” Sadie exclaimed.

“The brochures do not do the place justice,” Connor said, as they stared out at the water, watching a boat as it passed in the distance.

They were just enough above the water to enjoy its beauty and watch the tourist boats occasionally in the distance, and just far enough away that no one could see inside their suite.  On the other side of the kitchen was the bedroom suite that looked like a honeymoon suite, with antique furniture and a round bed in the center of the room.  At the far end of the room was a half wall, and as they walked around the wall they gasped at the site of a huge whirlpool tub with the jets running, simulating the water of the Falls.

“Oh, Connor, this looks like something out of a movie.”

“It sure does.  I think we should check out one of the restaurants in this lovely hotel.”

Sadie nodded.  She was hungry, too, but she also couldn’t wait to be alone with Connor tonight.  It had been a long time since they had made love.  They found an intimate restaurant off of the lobby where they could enjoy a leisurely lunch.  When they returned to the suite, a complimentary bottle of wine was chilling in a bucket of ice.

“Did you do this?” Sadie accused.

But Connor swore he had nothing to do with it.

“Do they think we’re on our honeymoon?”

“I don’t know, Sadie.”  Connor wouldn’t have minded if they had been on their honeymoon, but he didn’t want to scare Sadie away by saying anything.

They drank a couple of glasses of wine as they stared out at the Falls, mesmerized by the crashing waves.  Connor took Sadie by the hand and led her into the bedroom and to the Jacuzzi that was filling with warm water, the jets shooting forcefully.

“Be my guest,” Connor offered, and Sadie did a slow striptease until she was completely naked.  Connor was a little surprised that she had gone that far, but he wasn’t complaining.

“Your turn,” she teased, as she stepped into the warm water.  She sat on the bottom with her breasts bobbing in and out of the water.

Connor stared at the ripe melons with the nipples made hard from the water.  He nearly tripped as he quickly stripped out of his clothes.  He jumped into the water, causing the water to splash onto Sadie’s face.

“Hey!”

“Sorry about that. How can I make it up to you?”

Sadie grinned.  “I’ll think of something.”

Connor rested against the side of the Jacuzzi, but he couldn’t hide his desire for Sadie.  It was clearly visible and Sadie wanted it.  She stood up, her breasts glistening from the water, and lifted one leg out of the water, giving Connor a good view of her pussy as she straddled him, pinning him against the side.  She lifted Connor’s arms above his head and walked the tips of her fingers from his armpits to the tips of his fingers.  Hovering her open pussy over the head of Connor’s cock, she kissed him, opening his mouth with her tongue and running her tongue lightly along his lips.  He tried to push into her but Sadie teased him and made him wait.  She held his hands to maintain control and moved her hard nipples against his chest, occasionally leaning back to give him a good look at her full breasts.

“Sadie, you’re killing me.”

Sadie looked at him and then she kissed her way down his body until her lips met the top of the water.  Connor’s eyes were closed and his lead leaned back when Sadie finally allowed the head of his penis to enter her.  He moaned and thrust upward, and Sadie slowly eased downward, taking him slowly inside of her, squeezing his cock and driving him mad.  She lifted upward just as slowly and back down, as Connor tried desperately to get her to go faster.  She leaned in and whispered, “If you be good and fuck me hard and fast, I will let go of your hands.  Can you do that?”  Connor promised that he would.  Sadie let go of one hand and Connor placed it firmly on one of her butt cheeks.  When the other hand was released, he grabbed the other butt cheek and held her down as he fucked her as hard as he could.  She fell forward, holding onto him, as he did what he had promised to do.  Moaning and writhing with pleasure, Sadie slid her hands beneath Connor’s butt and pulled him into her as he thrust as hard as he could into the woman he loved.  When Sadie came, she nearly screamed with the intensity.  Connor was surprised that he had been able to hold on as long as he had when he filled the woman with his abundant seed.  The two lovers weakly made their way to the bed where they lay together naked and wet.

It was morning before they forced themselves to move from the bed.  “I’m hungry,” Sadie said.

“That’s the first thing you have to say after last night?”

Sadie kissed him.  “Thanks for the good hard fucking.  I was due.”

Connor pulled her down to him and kissed her.  “That’s better.  And you’re welcome.”

Sadie slid down along Connor’s body until her heated breath was at the head of his cock.  Connor gasped when Sadie pulled the length of him into her mouth.  “Sadie!”  He watched as she pulled him between her luscious lips, swirling her tongue around his cock and tickling the head.  She ran her fingers along the inside of his thighs, and she let the hard cock leave her warm wet mouth, moving down to his balls and taking them one at a time into her mouth.  When Connor could will his body to move, he lifted Sadie and laid her onto her back.  “Ooh, my big strong man,” she cooed.  Connor spread the thighs of his lover and entered her quickly, fucking her like a crazed man, grabbing her breasts and causing Sadie to wrap her legs around him to take him deeper as they rocked back and forth until they reached an amazing climax.  Sadie lowered her legs and Connor fell onto her, gasping for breath.

“What the fuck was that?”

“That was my way of saying good morning,” Sadie answered.

Connor kissed her a long lingering passionate kiss.  “Tell me you love me, Sadie.  I know you do.”

“I love you,” she said softly.

He looked at her.  “Do you mean it?”

“Of course I do.”

“I want you to marry me, Sadie.  Will you?”

“Sure, I mean yes.”

“I mean now, here, today.”

Sadie wasn’t prepared for the urgency.  “Okay.  I mean, I guess you were thinking someday, but I always knew you were the man for me.”

Connor pulled one of Sadie’s nipples into his mouth and smoothed his hand over her breast.  “Mmm, these will be all mine.”

Sadie giggled, but she was already becoming aroused again.  They forced themselves apart and somehow managed to make their way to breakfast.

“I’m starving, Connor.”

“You should be,” he teased, and slapped her on the butt.

They feasted on pancakes with fresh berries swimming in their own juices. Afterward, they decided to explore the quaint little town that was home to the Canadian Niagara Falls.  When they came to the Niagara Falls Art Gallery, Sadie couldn’t pass it up.  If there was one thing she missed about the university, it was the stunning works of art that graced the halls of the buildings.

“Do you mind, Connor?” she asked, walking toward the entrance.

“Not at all.  I don’t get to see much artwork in my profession.”

“But what you do see is live art.”

Connor agreed.

Many of the paintings were the work of local artists and Sadie was extremely impressed with their work.

“How about a tour of a winery?” Connor offered.  “The Peller Estates Winery is open to the public and it’s not too far from here.”

“Sure.”

When they were able to sneak away from the group touring the winery, Connor took Sadie into a quiet area where grapes were ripening on the vine.  He got down on one knee and pulled a small box from his pocket.  Sadie put her hands over her mouth to keeping from screaming.  The ring was beautiful, a diamond solitary surrounded by tiny sapphires.

“How long have you had that?”

“Since the day you left.  I promised myself that if you came back to me, I wouldn’t waste time.”  He slipped it onto Sadie’s finger, and Sadie stared at the beautiful rock.

“You thought I wouldn’t come back?”

“I hoped you would.”

“It’s perfect, Connor.”  Sadie was awed by the ring that caught the light and cast a beam of many colors.  She realized that no one could insist upon her returning to Hong Kong or the university any longer.  She was getting married to a wonderful man and he was the only person to whom she owed any explanation regarding her decisions.

 

 

 

Two simple bands of white gold were exchanged at the wedding ceremony of Connor and Sadie.  It was only the two of them along with the minister and his wife who had decorated their home in warm colors for their guests.  Connor and Sadie would have had it no other way as they stood facing each other.  After the exchange of vows and the appropriate governmental signatures, Connor and Sadie were officially married.  They returned to their suite and Connor allowed Sadie to choose between a few more days in Niagara or returning to the town he loved.  Sadie wanted to go home and begin her life married woman in Sapphire Falls.

A steady rain accompanied them across the border and all the way to Connor’s country home.  When they arrived, they opened the door to find that nearly everyone in town was there to welcome them.  With balloons, streamers, champagne, and a three-tired cake, Sadie was overwhelmed by their kindness.

“To the newlyweds!”  The celebration came as no surprise to Connor, but Sadie wept openly.  She had never felt such love.

When they were alone once again, Connor asked, “You’re quiet, Sadie.  What’s up?”

“I was thinking about what I enjoyed doing before I was steered in the direction of medical school.”

“And what was that?”

“I liked to draw and paint, and I was pretty good at it.”

Connor smiled.  “We usually are good at what we enjoy.  Perhaps if everyone listened to that little voice inside of them, the world would be a better place.  You could sell your artwork, I’m sure.”

“Or, I could draw and paint the animals that come to your clinic and give the art to their owners.  And I could paint the beauty of Sapphire Falls.  It’s all around me.”

Connor took Sadie’s hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly.  “Perfect,” he said.

“Careful, you’re holding the hand of an artist.”

~K. Lyn~