Chapter 15

Harper

I closed the door after my first patient of the morning left. There was an ache in the pit of my stomach, and I didn’t think I could take another minute at work. It was always the same, people in and out, and the level of their grief was so disheartening that I was finding it hard to lend a helpful ear. I wondered if it was the same all across the world or would it be any different in a smaller town.

The thought of not giving them the proper care, of neglecting my duties was more than I could take. I’d seen what could happen. Maybe Kentucky is what I needed. I had almost had myself talked into it the night before, but I had thought I’d give my job another shot. Maybe the break had done me good, and I could return and lose myself in other people’s problems.

Not a chance. I sat behind my desk and dialed Nora. I’d made up my mind.

She answered the phone, and before she could get past her hello all of my emotions came spilling out at once. “I’m coming back. I can’t do this here anymore. These people are sucking the life out of me, and I feel so guilty for feeling that way. Besides, Luke is the man for me. We both know it. Don’t you think?”

There was a moment of silence, and then she gasped. “You really mean that?” Her voice rose an octave, and she gave a little squeal. Then her tone went serious again. “Have you heard from him?”

“Who, Luke? No. Why?” There was no way he was going to call begging for me.

“Oh, um I just wondered. Tanner is here. He fell and hit his head. I just stitched him up.” She didn’t sound a bit concerned.

“Oh wow, is he okay?” A groan of frustration was my answer. “Nora?”

“He’s fine, but he bled a lot. Took twelve stitches— five in seven out. You know head wounds. He should be fine, and it didn’t damage his pretty face. So you’re really coming back?”

“Yeah, I’m going to get things in order today. I know I need to call him, but I’m just so scared. What if he’s changed his mind? You know about his offer. If I do come back, I’m going to need a place to work. There isn’t anything for me there unless you need a receptionist.” I had run from him, and I couldn’t blame him if he never wanted to see me again or had come to his senses in my absence.

“He’s not, trust me. I told you he was drinking himself stupid. Call me before you leave okay?” She seemed a little off if not overly concerned.

She sounded just like mom. “I promise. I’ll let you know when to expect me. Take it easy on poor Tanner. He’s an idiot, and he tries too hard, but it could be worse, right? At least you know he’s crazy about you.”

“No, I’m not sure it could be worse, but yeah, his infatuation is a bit crazy. I better write him a prescription for pain before he hits on my receptionist. Talk soon.” Her end of the phone went dead as my secretary, Susan, stuck her head inside my door.

Her face had gone white. “There’s a gentleman here to see you. He doesn’t have an appointment, but he says you’ll want to see him. He said his name is Luke?” Her eyes were wide, and I had a feeling she wanted to know how I knew him. I stood to my feet, my eyes wide and my jaw on the floor. I must have looked terrified. “Would you like for me to send him away or call security?”

I snapped to reality and found my voice. This was why Nora was acting so strange. She knew he would be arriving soon. He must have driven all night. Only she could tell him how to find me. “No, please send him in.”

Susan stepped aside, and as I walked around the desk, Luke entered the room looking road weary. I froze unable to speak or move. His green eyes were shadowed with emotion, but as gorgeous as ever and I ached at the sight of him. His posture was stiff, and I didn’t know if it were nerves or the fact that he’d ridden that bike all that way.

We stood for the longest time just staring at each other and then I offered him a seat. “Please sit. I know you’re tired. It’s quite a long drive isn’t it?” I pulled my lips in tight to stop my rambling.

“I’m good, I’ve been sitting a long time, so I’d like to stand if it’s okay.” He didn’t seem as happy to see me as I had expected he’d be and I started to rethink my decision. He didn’t want me. That’s not what this was about.

“Suit yourself.” I lifted a shoulder. “Nora asked if I’d spoken with you. I just got off the phone with her.” I remembered his brother and wondered if he knew what had happened. “Oh, and Tanner got stitches. He fell and hit his head? Did you know?”

“Dammit. No, I didn’t. I swear he’s a grown man, and I can’t leave him alone for a day.” He shook his head, and a smile teased around his lips. “At least he’s in good hands. Did Nora tell you I was on my way?”

“No, but now I know why she wanted me to call her before I headed back that way.”

He took a step forward, shifting his weight. “You were heading back?” His brow lifted and he met my eyes dead on.

“Yes. Unless you came here to tell me to stay away or to put me in my place.”

He closed the distance between us and took me in his arms. “The only place you belong is with me, back home. Did you reconsider my offer? Is that why you’re coming back?” His hands felt so good against me that I locked my arms around his neck. Before I could answer his lips crushed against mine.

After a moment he pulled away. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes. If you’re absolutely sure you want me, big load of baggage and all?” I searched his eyes, and he brushed my hair back behind my ear. It was as if I was the most precious thing he’d ever held in his arms.

He rested his forehead against mine. “Yeah, I’m sure. I should never have let you leave. It killed me to see you go. I couldn’t get you out of my head if I tried. Not that I’d want to.”

“I’ll have to tie up some loose ends here before I go back for good, but you coming here saved me another trip back and forth.” I realized he’d be needed back home and my face fell.

“What’s the matter?” He stroked my cheek with his thumb as he cradled my face in his palms.

“I wish you could stay with me until I can leave, but I know you’ve got responsibilities. You’re friends and volunteer work, Little League. Those people need you just as much.”

“I’ll call in a few favors, and the assistant coach can handle the kids. You’re all that’s important to me, and besides, I made myself a promise.”

“You did? What kind of promise?” I narrowed my eyes as that sly smile spread across his lips.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t leave New York without you, even if I had to bring you back to Kentucky kicking and screaming.” He released a soft chuckle.

“So you would have kidnapped me, huh?” I stepped closer and pressed my hip against his crotch. “Maybe later you can show me how you’d have tied me up?”

“Only if you promise to scream my name.” His mouth moved to my breasts, and after a moment I stepped away to lock the door.

“You know I hoped you’d do that.” He took my hand as I offered it and led him to the sofa near the window.

“Wow, what a view. Are you sure you want to leave all this for me and a little Kentucky hillside?”

“I’m sure. Are you sure you want to help me? I know you made your offer hoping I’d stay, but if you’ve reconsidered, I’d need to know. I have to find work so I can support myself.”

“We’ll figure it out, but you know, I can take care of you, Harper. I know you’re an independent woman and all that, but you’re my girl, and I want to.” He gazed deep into my eyes. “What you think about that?”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I love you. Let me take care of you. You can take your time getting back to work, no hurry and no pressure. I’d like me and you to take a bit of time off together.” I could hear what he was saying, but most of the words had garbled after he’d said he loved me. He gave me a nudge. “Well, what do you think?”

“I love you too, and we’ll figure the rest out and take it as it comes. Together.”

His smile lit up his eyes, and he took me into his arms. “That’s my girl.”

He pressed himself against me, and as a soft heat blossomed at my core, I gave myself to him, body, mind, and soul.

The End

Author Note: You got to see a little bit of Tanner and Nora in that last one. We gave them their own story and included it for you. Enjoy.