
I'd like to thank Jennifer Miller, my wonderful and very patient editor. I may not always like what she has to say, but she's usually right. Thanks, Jennifer!
"Can we please dance? I hate just sitting here watching while everyone else has fun."
"I don't know what you're complaining about, Allison Tristan Halloran. Grab a man and dance if you want." Meg, middle child of the three Tristan sisters, tried to ignore her younger sister's complaints and leaned against the back of the chair before placing a second napkin under her Long Island iced tea. She drank in the energy of the nearby dancers, enjoying the crowd that had gathered at The Sundowner Club. Twinkling lights played over the people's features and the disc jockey announced another song.
"Oh, sure. Like any man's going to want to twirl this wide load around the room." Allie tore at the edge of a napkin. "Besides, I was talking about dancing with one of you. After all, I'm a married woman."
Meg's gaze dropped to her sister's stomach. Allie was large, sure, but pregnancy made her even more beautiful. Her golden hair framed her face and highlighted the blue eyes that matched her sisters' while the pregnancy rounded out her features and gave her an almost ethereal glow. Allie had survived the dangerous transformation from succubus to mortal and had come out looking better than ever.
Meg jerked her thumb toward the man pouring drinks behind the bar. "What about Tom? Can't you sit at the bar and keep him company? Or is he upset that you're hanging around here in your condition?"
Allie waved to her husband. "I could, although sitting on a barstool isn't the easiest thing with a baby belly. But he understands that I need to socialize with my sisters once in a while, and he doesn't complain. In fact, my tagging along with you two was his idea. This way he can stay close in case the baby comes. She's due any time, you know."
"Which is why you should be at home." Meg shot her sister a look, then gave up. What was the use of arguing, anyway? Instead of waiting for a response, she swiveled her chair around to scope out the men standing near the far wall.
Meg pushed her straw around in her drink and let her thoughts wander. Maybe if she used magic, she could entice the baby to come tonight. But she knew better than to interfere with Mother Nature again. The last time she had, the Big Earth Mamma had threatened to wash her sisters away in a flash flood.
Not seeing any interesting men, she turned back to the table and met Hilly's thoughtful appraisal.
Meg owed her older sister everything. After the untimely death of their parents, Hilly had taken on the role of both mother and father, raising Allie and Meg on her own. But it was time for Hilly to step out of the parental role and back into the world. A world where Hilly could put her single status into good use. Too bad she didn't realize it. Although a beauty by anyone's standards, Hilly had never tried to attract men. She was a homebody, content to run the family bakery, Sweet Nothings, along with her sisters' help.
Hilly frowned, the lines marring her smooth forehead. "Babies have a way of making their entrance at the worst possible time, you know. Especially the baby of a succubus-turned-human. Or at least that's what Aunt Matilda told me in her last email. And a nightclub isn't the best place for any expectant mother."
Allie fluttered her hands at Hilly, waving off her concerns. "Don't worry. It's safe since Tom doesn't allow smoking. And I do enjoy having my husband's attention. Heaven knows, once our daughter is born, I won't have him wrapped around my little finger any longer. She will." Allie laughed and ran her hands over her stomach.
"Still, Hilly's right. You should go home and get your rest. You don't want to wear yourself out before the baby comes." If Meg could get Hilly to take Allie home, then she would be free to have her fun.
"But I feel fine."
Hilly's concern for her baby sister sparkled in her big blue eyes. "I know you do and you look good. But---"
"But nothing," Meg said. "When you're right, you're right, Hilly. You should take her home. Besides, I know you don't like the nightclub scene. Now that Allie's had a little fun, you can leave. Both of you."
Meg nursed her drink. Not for the first time, she wondered how her wild night out had turned into a night with her sisters discussing her soon-to-be-born niece, Allie's husband and the bakery business. She wouldn't let them throw off her plans for the evening. "I don't need a chaperone, you know. Especially once I decide on which man I want."
Meg glanced at a couple of men who were giving her the once-over, and her enthusiasm dropped a level lower. Every man seemed the same as the last. What the club, the town, needed was a fresh crop of maleness. But until then, she'd just have to make do.
"Oh. Are we cramping your style?"
As if Hilly didn't know. "Ya think? Heck, the least you could do is to shape-shift into a man, big sis. Then I'd have something better to look at. Or how about morphing into a nice, obedient dog?"
Hilly shook her head, her black hair dancing in a long cascade down her back. "Hmm. Maybe I should change into a rat so I could scuttle away and leave you alone?"
"Hey, now there's an idea." Meg met Hilly's grin with one of her own.
"Why do you want any of these men anyway? Haven't you had enough liaisons?"
"Liaisons? Wow, Hilly, what a quaint word. Actually, I prefer to think of my so-called liaisons as hooking up. It's sex, plain and simple. And I'm about to get some, if you know what I mean."
"Everyone knows what you mean. Aren't you afraid of getting a bad reputation?"
Meg laughed, happy to see how the sound drew several men's notice, even though none of them made her heart beat any faster. "Seriously, Hilly? A bad reputation? What is this, the sixteenth century?"
At her sister's scoff, she added, "Oh, come on, you two. You know this is who I am. Allie may have been a succubus, but I was always more sexually active. And as for you, Hilly... Well, we know you aren't into flings. Now, if you'll excuse me, those men over there need my attention. Hilly, help Allie the Preggers over to kiss her husband goodnight and then take her home, okay?"
Ignoring her sisters' protests, Meg threw them a kiss and swayed toward the large group of men. Every man turned toward her as she moved closer. It was almost too easy attracting men. With or without an attraction spell, she could have any man she wanted. The realization was an intoxicating one, but even so, the familiar knot in her stomach grew harder. Sex was one thing, but would she ever find love like Allie had?
She glanced at Tom as he rushed over to help Allie waddle through the crowd, and she felt the familiar stab of yearning. If she could find a man who could stimulate her both sexually and intellectually, she'd gladly give up one-night stands. But finding a man like that was about as likely as winning the lottery. Of course, that didn't mean she wouldn't keep buying lottery tickets.
"Hey, baby, how're you doing?"
Meg looked him over, from the top of the man's head down to the tips of his shoes and back again, while his friends watched and waited. He was good-looking, but she sensed that he wasn't the brightest light in the room. His body, however, boasted hours of gym time so she considered him a likely candidate. Did he have enough stamina to handle a romp with her? Especially if she used a little magic to spice things up?
"Can't you tell how I'm doing?" She pursed her lips, thrust out her chest and received the appropriate admiring looks. One of the men licked his lips as though he could already taste her. Down, boy. I haven't made my choice yet.
A taller man edged the first man aside. "Hi, I'm Rick. Can I buy you a drink?"
Meg lifted an eyebrow and gave him the once-over. Couldn't he see that her glass was half full? Yep, this group was a virtual think tank. "Thanks, but I'm good."
The usual exchange of names and light chit-chat ensued while other women in the club cast jealous glares her way. How many of them could command the attention of five men at the same time? Meg covered her smug smile with a sip of her drink. Half the fun was having the rest of the women turn green with envy. Not that she was mean-spirited about it, and she'd never blatantly throw it in their faces, but who didn't like being the envy of others once in a while? She sipped her drink and basked under the attention, answering only when she needed to keep the conversation flowing.
Having finished her drink at last, she held it up and shook the glass. Within a second, someone handed her another drink---hmm, at least one of these guys can think ahead---and she politely thanked the sweet-faced young man. Then she let her gaze roam, landing on one man then another in her quest to find the best possible candidate for a night of sex and, hopefully, more sex.
Dark, soulful eyes, eyes that made her believe he could possess the answers to every question in life, caught hers, bringing her search to an abrupt stop. She blinked, then narrowed her own eyes, trying to see through the gaggle of women surrounding him. An almost too-handsome-to-be-real face captured her attention. Dark hair framed the sculpted face and made her palm itch. What would it be like to touch the silky wave falling across his forehead? Or better yet, how would that mass of hair feel tickling the skin of her inner thighs? He took a sip of his drink, bringing her focus to his full lips. Lips she could easily imagine nibbling. Her nibbling him. Him nibbling her.
She took another sip of her drink, never taking her eyes off him. One of the women standing next to him ran her palm along his jaw line. His jaw was so well defined, so strong she imagined that it could cut steel. A twinge of something unfamiliar twisted inside her. She drew in a slow breath and frowned, trying to place the new emotion. She could recall a similar reaction clenching her stomach whenever she thought about Tom's love for Allie, or when Hilly made her incredible cupcakes, a feat Meg could never quite accomplish. Why did she feel this way? Her gut twisted, and she concentrated, bringing the niggling idea to the forefront.
Recognition hit her, stunning her. Could she be...? No, wait. She couldn't be. And yet, she couldn't deny the truth.
Am I jealous? Stars and moon, what the hell is wrong with me?
Meg forced herself to look away from the mesmerizing face the other woman still caressed, to slide over the well-muscled chest outlined by his silky black shirt. She concentrated on sizing him up, his confident, almost arrogant stance, the rich quality of his attire. If only the women around him would get out of the way, she could see what lay below his slim waist, perhaps even get a glimpse at the size of the bulge in his slacks.
Unable to keep from doing so, she came back to his face and once again found him studying her. His bemused expression bothered her, but she'd be damned if she'd let him see how he'd unnerved her with one look. Instead, she dipped her head and pretended to laugh at the awful joke one of the men had told.
Where had he come from? She hadn't seen him around Cottageville, much less the club, which meant he had to be new in town. She paused, grasping for something her sisters had said. Was he the new doctor? That had to be it. She blew out a silent whistle. How such a dreamy man could wind up in the small North Carolina town was a mystery, but she wasn't about to question her luck. Here was the night's pleasure stud she'd been searching for. In fact, he was so delicious she might keep him for more than one night. Overcoming her sudden bout of nerves, she lifted her head and, once again, felt his invisible force take hold.
Chance Dannigan didn't believe in fate. He was a practical man, a physician by trade and a skeptic in anything but a firm belief in his abilities, both as a doctor and a lover. To say fate had led him to this bar to see the unbelievably gorgeous woman would have made him laugh. At least until she'd leveled her bright cerulean eyes at him. Now he wasn't so certain.
"Hmm?" Had the woman next to him said something? But who cared? His full attention stayed on the gorgeous redhead across the room. The moment her sparkling eyes, hinting at hidden secrets, had landed on him, he'd forgotten the women vying for his attention. Her red hair fell along her shoulders, bringing out the glow of her pale skin. The sapphire of her off-the-shoulders blouse couldn't match the azure of her eyes and he doubted even the bluest of skies could. Her nose, upturned at the end, made him want to smile, but then her lush full lips drew another more primal instinct from him. If ever he'd seen kissable lips, hers were those lips.
"Beautiful."
The women circling him tittered, each girl thinking he'd complimented her. But as sexy and as willing as they were, he no longer cared. He curved his lips into a smile that was meant solely for the mesmerizing vixen and saw her accept the gesture with the grace of a queen. She was used to being adored, worshipped and, yes, lusted after. She tipped her head then, laughing at one of the men trying to gain her full attention. In that same moment, Chance's stomach flipped and a churning burned in his gut. Was she toying with him?
He wanted her. He wanted her more than any woman he'd ever seen. She had a face that could not only launch ships, but could send them sailing off the edge of the world. And although the men blocked his view, allowing him only glimpses of her body, he knew he wouldn't be disappointed. Any woman who stood the way she did, shoulders back, head held high, resonating pride and self-assurance, would no doubt have the body to match. He licked his lips, sending an overt invitation.
Two can play at this game, beautiful.
She blinked, and he knew he'd thrown her, thrilling him with the small victory. Score a point for me.
Her lips parted as if in invitation, making him wonder if she would answer him by mimicking his gesture and, for a second, he held his breath in anticipation. Regaining his confidence, he scanned her, letting her know he liked what he saw. She laughed, an act that brought smiles to the men around her, but he knew her act was meant for him alone. He played it cool, but the churning in his gut grew stronger.
Score a point for Red.
She was a woman after his own heart, a woman hunting for a sexual playmate. Tossing her hair, she studied him as she leisurely sipped her drink. At once, the air around him thickened, heated from her unseen torch, her sexuality blazing across the room. She would make any man beg to lie between her legs and, God help him, he desperately wanted to be that man. But he'd be damned if he'd let her know just how much he wanted her. She was like a wild horse, free and spirited.
No, his usual methods wouldn't work. She needed a special kind of taming. And he was just the man to tame her.
He waited for her to look at him again, then winked. She froze, her drink halfway to her mouth, and stared.
"Chance, could I get you another drink?"
He forced himself to answer the woman on his right. What was her name? Lucy? He couldn't remember, although he'd considered taking her home earlier in the evening. Now, she was just one of many unseen faces.
"No, thanks. I'll get my own." The women complained as they grasped his arms to keep him with them, but he begged off and strode to the bar.
"Bartender, I need another whiskey along with whatever the redhead across the room is drinking." Chance tipped his head in the mesmerizing woman's direction, then watched her image reflected in the mirror behind the bar. Her eyes widened as their gazes met, then she quickly looked away. He stifled a grin. He'd hoped that she'd followed his move, and she hadn't disappointed him. All he had to do was to stay calm and reel her in.
"Her name's Meg."
"What'd you say?" Chance squinted at the bartender. Jealousy, an unfamiliar emotion, swirled, ready to break free. Were the bartender and the redhead a couple? He hoped not. He drew the line at taking another man's woman.
"I said her name is Meg." The bartender extended his hand, and Chance shook it, already planning on congratulating the lucky bastard. "I'm Tom Halloran and this is my club. My wife's the gorgeous blonde talking to the dark-haired beauty at the end of the counter."
Chance glanced at the two women who were in a deep discussion and nodded, acknowledging the accuracy of Tom's description. Both women were stunning in their own way, but they couldn't match the third woman's beauty. The knot in his stomach eased.
"And she---" Tom pointed toward the beautiful redhead, "---is my sister-in-law, Meg Tristan. Trust me, buddy, if you don't want your heart ripped out, you'll stay away from her."
Relief swept through Chance. "I take it you don't like your sister-in-law?" He'd heard of men hating their mother-in-law, but hating your wife's sister didn't happen as often. Did all men feel the same way about her? Or was it just a family thing?
"No, don't get me wrong. That's not what I meant. Meg's terrific." Tom slid a cloth over the counter. "As a sister-in-law. But as a girlfriend---"
"Whoa. Hold up. Who said anything about a girlfriend?" Where was this guy going? Chance glanced at Meg by way of the mirror again. She was certainly one-night-stand material. Maybe even affair-worthy. But thinking about a relationship? Not him. Yet Tom had him intrigued.
"I see. Then you're thinking of a one-night-stand kind of thing?"
So the guy had a way of reading minds. Although a bartender would come to that conclusion a lot with all the hook-ups he saw. He gave Tom a quick appraisal and didn't note any signs of animosity. Still, it was better to be safe.
"Truthfully, hook-ups are more my style. But, hey, if you want me to back off because she's your wife's sister, then just say the word. I don't want to cause any trouble, especially since I just moved here." He wanted her, but causing problems in a small town like Cottageville didn't make sense. He looked her way again and swallowed hard when her blue eyes found his. Although if any woman was worth ruffling a few feathers...
"Hey, are you the new doc?"
The lightning-fast speed of the local gossip mill had been at work, no doubt. "That's right. I'm Chance Dannigan, and I'm taking over Dr. Treadwell's practice."
"Yeah, I heard." Tom placed the drinks in front of him. "Doc Treadwell will be hard to replace, but we're glad you're here. The drinks are on the house. Welcome to Cottageville."
"Thanks. I appreciate it." Chance's gaze settled on Meg, once again sending her a smile hinting at intimate promises. He picked up the drinks and turned on his heel, cutting off any further conversation.
He stopped to study the scene and saw her eyebrows lift in anticipation. Should he go directly to her? Or should he tease her a little first? He sipped his whiskey, then took a few steps toward the group of women waiting for him. Her frown was his reward.
Score one more for me.
Just as he was about to reach Lucy and the other women, he diverted his course and headed straight for Meg. She squashed the smile threatening to turn up the corners of her mouth, and he grinned wide, letting her know he'd caught her slip. She almost smiled again but instead directed her attention to the tall man beside her, then placed her back to Chance.
But that didn't fool him either. She was waiting for him, and he wanted to continue their game up close and personal. Pushing his way into the group, he stood behind her, taking the time to study the highlights of her coppery locks. Until his gaze slipped to the rounded curves of her bottom. Long, lean legs flowed out of the short skirt down to silver high heels.
If the woman were any hotter, she'd set the bar on fire. What's more, he'd gladly go up in flames with her.
She pivoted toward him in the same moment she finished her drink. Seizing the opportunity, Chance jerked his head at the man next to him, gesturing for him to take her empty glass. The confused man took her glass, then started to offer to get her another drink. Edging the poor guy aside, Chance gave her the drink he'd gotten from Tom. She took it, studying the liquid as though unsure of what it contained.
"You can relax. I'm not out to drug you or anything. Besides, your brother-in-law made it." He lifted his index finger, halting her from speaking. "On second thought, that's not the whole truth. I don't want to drug you, but I am open to anything."
Blue eyes dove into him, and he swore he would have given her his heart if she'd asked for it.
"I know."
"Ah, so you were watching me."
Her full lips pouted, then swept into a Mona Lisa smile. "I guess I was. After all, this is a small town and you are new here. Am I right?"
"You are." He moved an inch closer, cutting off another one of her admirers. "Would you like to sit down? I've reserved a booth in the corner." He nodded toward the darkened corner of the club.
She followed his direction, then hesitated. "Okay. But only for a little while. Excuse me, guys."
Groans and protests followed her as Chance let her lead the way. He paused before following her and took a sip of his drink as he watched her nicely rounded bottom sway with her sexy walk. She slid onto one side of the booth and he waited, enjoying the way the movement made her skirt slide up to reveal a creamy thigh. Instead of taking the seat across from her, he scooted in beside her and offered his hand. "Hi. I'm Chance Dannigan."
"Meg Tristan. You must be the new doctor."
"News travels fast around here. I'm taking over---"
"Doc Treadwell's practice."
"Does everyone know I'm here?"
She smiled. "You're one of a few doctors in town, and the rest of them have been around for a while. So we notice when someone new arrives." She pulled the straw from her glass and dropped it on the table before taking a slow long drink. "And yes, news flies at light speed in a small town."
He loved how she sipped her drink, her lips parting just enough to skim over the rim of the glass. He imagined her lips skimming over a part of him and let the rush of lust course through him. The woman was sex personified. "Then I guess you know everything about me."
"Not everything." The playful minx was back, a twinkle lighting the amazing blue eyes. "For instance, I don't know why you'd want to earn the income of a small-town doctor when you could make big bucks in the city. And don't tell me it's the lure of our nightlife."
Chance smiled, tolerating the question he'd heard many times since he'd arrived last week. In fact he could tolerate anything she asked as long as he could hear her lilting voice. "My mother grew up outside of town and she wanted to come back home. And, since she's in failing health..." He let the implications of his mother's need for him sink in.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Compassion, sincere and soothing, filled her eyes, momentarily wiping away the temptress.
Chance shrugged, uncomfortable with revealing details of his personal life but understanding that it was expected in a town like Cottageville. Unwilling to discuss his mother's condition, he went into full player mode, using the smile women always found irresistible.
Not that he thought he was anything but an average man. Good-looking, sure, and a doctor, but still he was just an ordinary guy. Why did women go gaga over those two things? In fact, they never bothered looking past his appearance and profession to see the real him. Why shouldn't he do the same?
"Besides, this place has a lot to offer. For instance, incredible women like you." He studied the perfect face with the glowing skin and sensuous lips.
Was that a smug smile? Almost as though she'd expected him to flatter her? Of course, when a girl looked like her, she should expect a man to treat her like the special beauty she was.
But Chance had to be careful. Simple flattery wouldn't get very far with her. He'd have to stand out from the other men by doing something to surprise and intrigue her. He needed to throw her for a loop to bring down her defenses and take her off her throne. Then he'd have to take it nice and slow so she wouldn't catch on. After all, anyone could see that she was no slouch in seduction. The intelligence and the playfulness in her eyes said as much.
He took a drink and got ready to play. This is going to be fun.
Meg took another sip of her drink. What was it about this man that had her so mixed-up inside? So ready to take him on in any way she could? She glanced at Chance out of the corner of her eye. Granted, he'd give a younger George Clooney a run for his money, but she'd known lots of handsome men. No, this one had an extra appeal. An extra appeal that was exciting yet familiar. One minute she wanted to lean into him and pull his mouth to hers. Then in the next second, she wanted to tease him and show him she could resist his charms.
"Flattery is wasted on me, Doc." Truthfully, she enjoyed adulation in any form, but he didn't have to know, did he?
"Really? I'd think a woman like you would welcome all the attention she could get."
The sip she'd taken almost choked her, but she managed to cover well enough. Did he think she hungered for male attention? Sure, she enjoyed having men fawn over her, but what woman didn't? Or did he think she had a difficult time garnering her fair share of admirers? Had he not seen the group of men competing for a single word from her?
"What does that mean?"
He lifted his palms, warding off any ill feelings. Yet she didn't think the gesture was sincere.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. You're a beautiful woman and I'm sure plenty of men fall all over you. It's just that---"
"It's just that what?" Interest skyrocketed into irritation in record time. Who the hell did he think he was? God's gift to women? If he was, then surely she was God's gift to men. Meg struggled to keep her composure, determined not to let him see how much he flustered her.
"You don't assume every man will want you, do you?"
"Actually, I---" Meg slammed her mouth shut, the word "do" effectively caught behind clenched teeth. What the hell? How had the discussion gone so terribly wrong? Maybe he was right, but how rude to say so. Anger surged and she balled her fists, resisting the impulse to cast a spell on his sorry ass. So much for a fun night with this guy. "Did I just hear you say what I think you said?"
Meg did a quick search of the area, hoping to find one of her sisters delighting in how well her prank was going. Yeah, this had to be a joke. Too bad she couldn't scope out the culprit who'd talked the doc into playing his thoroughly infuriating part.
"Look, I can understand how a country girl like you would think she's God's gift to men---"
She blanched. Had he heard her thoughts? Maybe this wasn't a joke. Was he a warlock or a sorcerer? She checked his aura for any signs of magic and found none.
"---but I've known women who were, shall we say, more."
"More? What do you mean by 'more'?" Meg pushed back her drink and crossed her arms. Forget the spell, she might haul off and slap him instead.
"More as in able to attract any man they want."
At first, she wasn't sure what to think. Had he just insulted her again? What was the matter with this guy? Was he blind? Whatever the reason, she wanted him to know just how wrong he was. "Are you saying I can't get any man I want? Which, by the way, sure as hell isn't you."
He feigned an insincere surprise. "Hey, I didn't mean to offend you. Like I said, you're beautiful and I'm sure you can find a guy every night. Especially if you're not too picky."
For one of the few times in her life, Meg was flummoxed. He obviously wasn't as enamored with her as she'd thought he was. But even so, she hadn't expected him say such rude---not to mention incorrect---things about her. "Not choosy? Me? Listen, you jerk---" she stabbed a finger into the middle of his chest and enjoyed his responding move backward, "---I can have any man I want. Anytime, anywhere, any way. And I'm damned selective in who I take to my bed."
"I'm sure you are." Chance took a sip and looked away.
Oh, my stars and moon. Is he placating me?
"I am," she protested, then cringed at the whine in her tone. She was off balance, disturbed and...damn it all, curious as hell.
He turned toward her again, the challenge written on his face. "Right. So, have you taken any of these guys to bed?" He tipped his head toward the crowd.
Meg scanned the people dancing, drinking and having a whole lot more fun than she was having. Yes, she'd had sex with a couple of them. Okay, more than a couple. And, she had to admit, not all of them were winners. But a girl with needs had to do what she had to do, right?
"Not that it's any of your business, but I know a couple of them and they're all very nice men." Ugh, did that sound as lame as she thought it did?
"Right."
"Will you stop saying that? What point are you trying to make, anyway?" She thought about pushing him off the seat and storming away, but knew it wouldn't prove anything. Like a spectator drawn to a car crash, she had to see where the conversation led.
"Right. Oops, sorry. There's that word again. My point is that you can have any man you want." He cleared his throat, then continued, "As long as that man isn't too much man for you."
"Too much man?" Meg scowled, her mind reeling with confusion and disbelief. Did he mean in the bedroom? Was such a thing even possible? Especially if she used magic?
"You know. As in...out of your league."
"Out of my league?"
"Do you always repeat what people say? Or is what I'm saying upsetting you?" His concerned expression seemed as fake as a three-dollar bill. "I'm sorry if it is, but sometimes the truth is hard to hear."
A trickle of perspiration crawled down her spine. Had Tom turned off the air conditioning in the club? Or was Chance's assessment of her---his so off-the-mark assessment---making her sweat? "Are you frickin' kidding me? Hell, yeah, you're upsetting me. But not in the way you think."
The twinkle in his eyes beckoned to her, teasing her, thrilling her against her wishes. "Oh? Then I'm upsetting you in some other way?" His smile grew bright. "Perhaps in a more basic way?" His gaze dropped to her lips.
She sucked in a breath and fought against the sudden desire to pull his mouth to hers. In no way would she let him get the better of her. "Don't flatter yourself."
His smile faded, replaced by a brief moment of indecision flickering across his features. "I wouldn't dare. But I stand by what I said. Still, I apologize. I tend to be blunt even when I shouldn't."
Anger, more intense than ever, flared, taking her past the edge of reason. She lost control, no longer caring about anything other than proving him wrong.
Almost as quickly as the argument had started, Chance leaned back, his voice taking on a more conciliatory tone. "Hey, I'm sorry I've upset you. I certainly didn't mean to."
Meg unclenched her hands, noticed how they shook, then fisted them again. Maybe she should cut him a little slack since he was new in town. Just this once. "Yeah, well---"
"Listen, there's no shame in going home alone. I mean if you strike out, you strike out."
Then again, maybe she shouldn't. "Let's get this straight, Doc. I never strike out. And no one is out of my league." She threw back her shoulders and tossed her hair, ready to take the discussion to whatever length she had to. Anything to get him to admit he was wrong.
For a few blessed moments, they sat in silence. How had she ever found this guy appealing? He was one of those men who looked great on the outside but was awful on the inside. Like the mud-filled pies she used to trick her sisters with when they were kids. So why was she letting him get to her?
"You know what? Never mind. Just move over and let me out. I don't know why I agreed to sit with you in the first place." Meg shoved him, giving him no choice but to do as she demanded. She scooted out of the booth as fast as she could.
"Oh, I see. So you're afraid."
She'd already started to fast track away from him but had no alternative but to turn and face him again. "Me? Afraid? Of what?"
"Of the truth, of course. Of finding out that you can't get any man you want."
She stomped back to him and wagged a finger in front of his face. "Is that so? Well, what about you? Can you say the same, Mr. Sweet-Talker? Can you get a smokin' hot woman every night? I don't think so. Not with your mouth."
"Well, I don't want to brag, but I've never been turned down." Chance flashed his pearly whites at her again.
"Really? Never?" She scoffed, narrowed her eyes and aimed for the jugular. "Prove it."
"I will if you will."
Chance leaned away from her with a confident expression that sent a shiver down her spine. Suddenly, she really was afraid. Of him? Definitely not. Afraid of having bitten off more than she could chew? Maybe.
And yet she couldn't deny what was happening inside her. She hated it, but there it was. She was more turned on than she'd been in years. Hell, in forever.
She shook off the feeling and concentrated on studying him. He'd dared her, but was that really what he wanted? Or was he baiting her for a different reason? Still, she'd never backed down from a challenge and she wasn't about to start now.
"You're on, Doc." A tickle of excitement at the idea of a competition with the handsome doctor filtered into Meg's irritation, defraying a small part of her anger. Someone needed to bring him down a peg and she was just the woman to do it. Yet when his cat-ate-the-canary smile grew into a wide grin, she couldn't help but think she'd gotten cornered.
"Great. Game on. Of course, we're going to need a few rules."
She crossed her arms and glared at him. "Of course. And why do I get the impression that you already know what those rules are?"
He lifted his drink to her in a toast. "You're not only beautiful, but smart. And, if my judgment serves me, also very clever."
"Well, at least your judgment isn't always out of whack."
He laughed, the sound drawing the attention of the few women in the room who weren't already drooling over him. "Okay, here are the rules for our little game. I choose the men you have to bed and you choose the women I have the pleasure of seducing. The first one who fails to get the selected subject in bed loses."
"Wait. You're going to choose the men I take to my bed?"
Those dark, soulful eyes glittered at her, sucking her in. "And you'll choose the women I take to mine. That's fair, isn't it? How else can I be satisfied that your sex partner is up to snuff and not just some pushover you've already slept with?"
Now he's calling me a cheater. Meg drew in two slow breaths, resolved to maintain control. Of course, if she slipped and accidentally kicked his shin she couldn't be held responsible, could she? Instead, she gritted her teeth, grinding out her words. "And I choose the women so you don't slip in an old girlfriend or a partner-for-pay."
He flattened his hand over his heart. "Would I do such a thing?"
She arched an "oh wouldn't you?" eyebrow. "And no matter who I choose, you have to get her to have sex with you. Have I got this right?"
"You do. Of course, you'll want to select gorgeous subjects just as I'll choose men I consider to be not only handsome but---hmm, how should I put this?---discerning. Then, as I mentioned, the first person who fails to seduce the chosen subject loses the challenge. Simple, really."
Meg narrowed her eyes at him, unable to shake the feeling that she'd gotten trapped into his game. A game he knew all too well. Yet, from her perspective, he was the poor schmuck who didn't know what he'd walked into. She didn't doubt her charms, but she could always use magic---if she had to. "Okay. But one thing. What do I get when I win?"
She had to admit she liked his laugh. Even when he was laughing at her.
"You're that sure of yourself, huh?"
"I'm sure of myself for good reason. So how about this? When I win, you have to come back to the club, climb up on top of the bar and announce to everyone that I am the sexiest woman in the world who can get any man she wants. Plus, you have to tell everyone that you're brokenhearted---" she paused for full effect, "---because I don't want you."
He chuckled, giving her a taste of his compelling laugh again. "Done. And when I win, you have to cook and serve me dinner at my place. Dressed in a French maid's uniform."
Meg grimaced at the image. "I don't have a maid's uniform."
"Then I suggest you'd better buy one."
"Now who's sure of himself?" But why should she worry? She had this competition all sewn up, hands down. "Never mind. I don't have to worry about losing. Is that everything or are you planning on bringing in referees?"
His chuckle was low, throaty and as sexy as they come. "No need for refs. But there is one other condition."
Ignoring the signals of desire her body insisted on sending her, Meg fisted her hands on her hips and put on her best evil smile. He had a trick up his sleeve, no doubt. "I should have known. What now?"
"You can't simply say you had sex, you have to prove it."
A wave of heat swept through her, almost melting her knees and bringing her to the floor. Down, girl. He may be hot as hell, but he threw down the gauntlet and you have no intention of losing. Remember: He's the competition. "And how do you suggest we prove it to each other?"
"Easy. We get to watch."
Meg slammed the front door of Allie's house and spouted a few choice curse words for good measure, but her ire still wasn't eased. Tossing her purse on the nearby entry table, she headed for the kitchen, hoping to find both things she desperately needed: chocolate and her sisters. She pushed the swinging door open to find Hilly and Allie chatting away as they worked to prepare a snack.
"Whoa, what's wrong with you? I could hear you as soon as you pulled into the driveway." Allie cupped her hands over her protruding belly. "And watch the language, will you? I don't want the baby to pick up any of her auntie's bad habits."
Meg rolled her eyes and reached for the canister containing Allie's not-so-secret stash of dark chocolate. "Oh, right. As if my future niece can hear me," she teased.
"Of course she can. Studies show that babies can already---"
"Never mind, Allie. Instead of fussing at me, why don't you tell your husband to ban certain people from his club. All kinds of riffraff are coming in."
"Did Woolly Wilbur sneak in again?" Hilly snatched a piece of chocolate, narrowly missing getting slapped by Meg. "Hey, I just want a little bite."
"Wilbur doesn't have to sneak in anymore," Allie said. "Tom lets him sleep in the office whenever he wants as long as he doesn't come into the main club area during business hours. He lost that privilege when he started helping himself to the booze. But tell us what has your panties in a bunch."
"Yeah, what's up? Why begrudge your favorite sister a taste?" Hilly snagged another piece of chocolate.
"Look, after the night I've had, I don't need chocolate thieves taking my precious treat away."
"Hey, wait a sec. Are you forgetting this is my chocolate?" Allie complained.
Meg pulled the canister closer. "Not anymore. I need it more than you do and I deserve every bite of comfort I can eat. Hilly, if you want junk food, then why don't you go change yourself into an alley cat and go scrounge in the garbage can?"
About to take another bite, Hilly stopped her hand in midair. "I haven't shape-shifted in a while, but if this is the mood you're in, I think I may just do as you so impolitely suggested. Even mangy animals would be better company than you right now."
Allie giggled, then wiped her grin away at Meg's sour look. "She's only teasing. But seriously, tell us what's bothering you."
"Do not. I repeat. Do not say the word game ever again." Meg stalked out of the kitchen and into the living room, knowing her sisters would follow her. "Or men. Don't ever mention men again, either."
"Wow. That's the last thing I thought I'd ever hear coming from you." Hilly tugged a scowling Meg onto the couch with her as Allie plopped her oversized body into the armchair. "Don't tell me you finally met a man you didn't like."
Meg snarled at her sister. "So not funny. And yes, there are plenty of men I don't like. It's just that now there's one in particular. One irritating, aggravating, low-living, conceited, arrogant asshole of a jerk."
Allie and Hilly exchanged telling glances before asking in unison, "Who are you talking about?"
"His name is---" Meg spit out the words, then had to force herself to get the rest of the sentence out, "---Dr. Chance Dannigan."
"Ooh, are you talking about the new doctor? The one who's replacing Dr. Treadwell? Tom pointed him out to us at the club. Wow, he's a real hottie. And I hear he's a very nice man, too."
Meg snarled at Allie. "Don't believe a word of it. Oh, he's good-looking, that's for sure, and he knows it. But he's also an irritating, aggravating, low-living, conceited, arrogant---"
"I think you've already covered those adjectives." Hilly dodged another halfhearted slap.
"Fine. Then how about smug, condescending, annoying and a self-important know-it-all? If you'd met him, you'd say the same things."
Her sisters' noncommittal silence was almost as unnerving as Chance Dannigan's arrogance had been. "What? Why are you two giving me that look?"
"What look?"
Allie asked the question, but she ducked her head, diverting her eyes away from Meg.
"You know what look." Meg glared at her older sister. "The same look Hilly's still giving me."
Hilly didn't avoid her harsh perusal. Instead, she zoned in on Meg and leveled her aim. "Sounds to me like you found a man who intrigues you."
Allie giggled and pointed at Meg. "Hilly's right. You might not like him, but he made one major impression on you and you can't let it---or him---go. This is epic."
Meg fell back against the couch cushions, stunned by their lack of support. "Have you two lost your minds?"
"Think about it, sister. You're always saying how each man you've ever met is dull, unimaginative and exactly like every other man. The new doctor is apparently none of those things."
Meg couldn't believe her ears. What was Hilly getting at? "Okay, I'll admit it. Maybe he's not boring, but he's also everything I just called him."
"I'm not sure you understand what Hilly's saying."
Meg gaped at Allie. "Well then, please explain it to me."
But it was Hilly who answered. "I'm saying the doctor, albeit maybe all of the things you said, is also a man who has caught your attention. And not just for what's in his pants."
Meg shook her head, trying to deny her sister's assertions. "Why are you two making this more than it is? I'm just out to prove the bastard wrong. Not to hook up with him."
"Wow, Meg, he might just be the perfect man for you." Allie rubbed her stomach and bent her head to talk to her baby. "Did you hear that, sweet pea? Auntie Meg may have finally met her match."
"I think you've both lost it." Were her sisters taking the annoying, obnoxious, hot-as-hell man's side? She paused, suddenly aware of her last adjective for Chance. But hot didn't mean anything when everything else about him was wrong. Or did it? She chastised herself and shoved the unwelcome image of Chance and his captivating smile from her mind. Not to mention the memory of the warmth his smile had caused between her legs.
"Wait. What did you mean about proving the bas---uh, I mean, the man, wrong?"
At least Hilly was paying attention to the real problem at hand. "Just this. And I bet you'll both sing a different tune once you hear what he suggested I, er, he and I, uh, I mean, we do."
Allie scooted forward as far as she could to the edge of the chair. She clung to the arms even as the weight of her huge belly threatened to topple her forward and onto the floor. "What did he suggest, Meg? I mean, what in the world could any man suggest that you haven't heard, and probably done, a hundred times before?"
Hilly grew serious and took her hand. "Did he actually do something to you, Meg? Did he hurt you in any way? If so, we can go back down there and teach him a lesson."
It's about time they came around to my side. Meg took a deep breath, relieved to have them finally doubting Mr. Perfect. "No, no. He didn't hurt me." Aside from bruising my ego. She pulled herself straighter in her seat. "But what he did was nothing less than diabolical."
"Really?" Allie's eyes grew wider, probably in direct correlation to her imagination. "Wow. Do you think he's evil?" She gasped and covered her belly protectively. "Don't tell me he's a warlock? Or worse, a demon? Aunt Matilda emailed us about an outbreak of demons getting loose from you-know-where."
"No, he's not evil." Meg tapped a finger to her temple. "But he's definitely clever. He challenged me to a game."
Allie exchanged a skeptical glance with Hilly. "What kind of game?"
"Yes, Meg, what kind of game? And why is that bad? You usually like games. Of course, just because he wants you to play his game doesn't mean you have to take him up on it. But knowing you, dear sister, you accepted the challenge, didn't you?" Hilly zapped into full big-sister-slash-pseudo-mother role and added in an accusatory tone, "Meg, what did you do now?"
So much for being on my side. Meg adopted a hurt expression. Judging from Hilly's reaction, however, she didn't buy it. "I didn't do anything."
"Uh-huh. Or do you mean you haven't done anything yet?"
True enough. Her older sister knew her well. Maybe too well. "Okay. Fine. I haven't done anything yet."
"Then you might as well spit it out. You took his bait, didn't you?"
Meg sprang from the sofa and paced to the other side of the room. She could feel her sisters' intense stares so she whirled around, ready to lay out the problem.
"You're right again, Hilly. I accepted his challenge. But I didn't have any other choice. He insulted me."
Both of her sisters reacted. Too bad their reactions were at opposite ends of the spectrum. While Hilly scoffed, Allie's eyes grew soft and full of concern. "Oh, Meg, how can we help?"
"I'm not sure you can. What he said was awful. And untrue, of course. He said that I could only get a man as long as he wasn't out of my league. He said I couldn't get any man I wanted."
Confusion, then relief washed over Allie's face. Hilly didn't just giggle, she laughed her head off.
Where was their sisterly camaraderie? Where was the one-for-all, all-for-one attitude they usually provided? "Gee, thanks, Hilly. LOL right back at ya."
"I'm sorry, sister, but really. That's all? He bruised your ego and deflated your self-esteem? Why didn't you simply ignore him?"
"Ignore him? Are you serious? He out and out told me I wasn't good enough to have any man I wanted. I couldn't let him get away with it."
"So what's the challenge, Meg?" Allie's relief morphed into fascination.
Meg swallowed and resumed her place on the sofa. But this time she sat farther away from Hilly. Her big sister wouldn't like what she had to tell her. Why be too close when the explosion that was Hilly's anger erupted? "Okay, here's the deal. And, Hilly, let's try to remember why I agreed to this, all right?"
Hilly crossed her arms and leaned back. "I'll try, but I can't promise anything. Just spit it out and get it over with."
"The challenge is a simple one, really. One I know I'll win without even trying." She shot a "help me out" smile to Allie. Her younger sister, however, appeared to miss her silent plea.
"Go on."
Hilly's cold tone raked over Meg, making her doubt her decision to take Chance's bet. But she was past the point of changing her mind.
"The gist of the challenge is this: We each choose a sexual partner for the other to take to bed."
"Meg, are you crazy?"
"Hang on, Allie, and hear me out. The first person who fails to have sex with the chosen partner loses the challenge."
Hilly's cold composure broke apart, making way for a heated glare. "Megan Tristan, I can't believe even you would agree to something so unwise. Have you no common sense? I know you're impulsive and often jump before you look, but this is beyond comprehension." Hilly paused to shake her head, her mouth open as she searched for more to say.
"Hilly, don't---"
"Don't tell me don't. Don't is the perfect word for what you should do. You don't do this crazy thing. Oh, my word, Meg. You promised a virtual stranger to have sex with another stranger. And not even a stranger of your own choosing, but one he picks."
"Ooh, but what if he chooses an ugly, disgusting man?" Allie's eyes grew bigger. "Or worse, someone with bad hygiene?"
At least she could answer Allie's questions. "Uh-uh. Won't happen. The point is to find a handsome man who's supposedly better than me---you know, out of my league---and have him turn me down. Trust me. Ugly, disgusting or unhygienic won't be an issue."
Hilly shook her head in a slow arc, her disbelief radiating off her in waves. "Meg, you've done some outlandish and foolish things, but this one tops them all. What if the man he chooses tries to hurt you?"
Meg was eager to dispel her sister's fear. Maybe too eager since her mouth decided to act faster than her brain. "You don't have to worry about that. He'll be wat---ching."
Meg cringed. If only she'd caught her last word before it had escaped.
"He's going to watch? Oh, wow, Meg."
Sure, she'd shocked Allie, but Hilly? She studied her older sister. Was she in shock? Okay, maybe shocked wasn't the right description. Maybe stunned or flabbergasted was a better way to explain Hilly's quiet reflection. Yet Meg knew her sister too well to be comforted by her silence. No, Hilly saying nothing was like the quiet before the storm. And yet, suddenly, the storm had passed without so much as a single lightning bolt.
"I see. So all you have to do is find a woman who will turn down his advances. Am I correct?"
Oh, crap. Analytical Hilly is in the house. Meg was almost afraid to agree with her. "Right. Then when he fails, I win. See how simple this is? I bet I won't even have to sleep with anyone to prove him wrong."
"Fine." Hilly stood up and smoothed her skirt. "Then let's get this over with. Although I would appreciate you not getting yourself in such a bind again. I'm willing to bail you out this time, but your sexual adventures and the ensuing havoc have to stop."
Meg checked with Allie who shook her head, denying her own understanding of Hilly's offer. "I'm not sure I know what you're saying."
Hilly sighed, taking on the ever-suffering attitude she used when Meg or Allie got out of line. "We'll go to the club and I'll change into a beautiful woman who would attract any man, including this one. Then you choose me as his first subject. When he tries to seduce me, I'll shoot him down and you'll win the challenge."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course I would. I'd do anything for either of you. Although this one is pushing my limit."
"Hilly, that's so nice." Allie shoved against the arms of the chair to heft her body onto her feet. "Isn't that nice of her, Meg?"
"Yeah. Nice." Meg stood to take Hilly into her arms and give her a long hug. Then she pulled away and got ready for her sister's reaction. "But..."
Hilly's blue eyes met Meg's in a challenge all their own. "But what?"
"He insulted me, Hilly, and I have to prove him wrong. It's a matter of honor." Meg cringed at the antiquated word, but couldn't find any better word to replace it. Maybe pride? But that sounded too self-serving, albeit closer to the truth.
"Sleeping with strangers to prove a point is hardly what I would call honorable."
"Well, no, I guess not. But I still have to do this. If only for my own self-esteem."
Hilly inhaled, then let her breath out in one long sigh. "I guess I can appreciate your position. Sort of. Maybe. Oh, my word, you've always been a difficult one to understand, Meg."
"I know. But I have to do this. To prove him wrong, I have to win." She threw back her shoulders. "And what's more, I want to win on my own. With my own natural charm. I want to win as me. Not because you changed into another woman and not because I used any spells. Besides, you know I can get any man I want. All I have to do is prove it to the doc."
"So you're going to go through with this thing?"
Meg couldn't tell if Allie was astonished or impressed. Her younger sister had always taken an interest in her sexual exploits. More so before Allie had changed from a succubus into a mortal. But she still often asked about Meg's "playtimes". Hilly, on the other hand, was a different matter.
"So you'll let him find a man for you to seduce, then you'll take him to your bed? And let the doctor watch, too?"
"Oh, come on, Hilly. It's not as though I haven't participated in a little voyeurism before. Besides, he's going to lose the bet first. Fairly and squarely, of course."
"One can only hope, I guess." Hilly plopped onto the couch, her hands clasped in her lap. "So you're really going through with this crazy dare?"
"I am. After all, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do." Meg grinned at Hilly. "Besides, it might be fun."
Yet the thought of Chance watching her with another man unsettled her. But why? She'd had sex in front of others before. What made having Chance watch any different?
"Meg, you're incorrigible. Why can't you behave yourself and settle down with a nice man like your sister?"
Because I'm not willing to wait for the fairy tale to happen. "Relax, Hilly. I've got this in the bag." Meg picked up her black address book and started turning pages. "Let's get started. Does anyone know a sexy yet frigid woman who'd love to meet a handsome doctor?"
"So how do you know the good doctor's shopping for groceries?" Meg leaned closer to whisper in Allie's ear. "Have you been stalking him?"
"Of course not. At least not in the way you mean."
Meg followed her sister around the corner, stopping to peer down the next aisle. Baby food and diapers dominated the row, ending with paper products at the far end. "This is silly. I don't think we're going to find him in the baby food aisle and I can't believe we're skulking around Marilou's Market like two rejects from the CIA. Why are we acting this way?"
Allie hissed at her and pressed her finger to her lips. "Dr. Treadwell's nurse Dorris Lee McClusky told Shyla Wilson who told Minda Revhan who then called me to let me know Dr. Dannigan had left the office and was headed to the market. Now be quiet and keep an eye peeled. Sheesh, you'd think I was the one trying to win a bet."
Leave it to old Doc Treadwell's elderly nurse and the Cottageville Baptist Church phone tree to know everyone's whereabouts. "Please tell me you didn't spread the word about my, uh, little game with Dr. Dannigan. I don't want everyone in town knowing what's going on." But if nosy old bitty Mrs. McClusky knew, then all hope of keeping her secret was already flushed down the social drain.
"Of course not. They think you've got a little crush on him, is all."
Meg tugged at her sister's golden locks. "Stars and moon, Allie. Why in the world would you tell them that?" She hurried past her sister down the last aisle toward the produce section.
"Ow." Allie rubbed her head. "Would you rather I told them the truth?"
"No, but---"
"But nothing. I told you I'd help you and that's what I'm doing."
Meg slid next to Allie to hide behind a mountain of onions. Who would've thought such a pregnant woman could move so fast? "I appreciate it. I really do. But are you sure about Stephanie Howerson?"
Supposedly Stephanie was either celibate or a lesbian. Either way, the beautiful pharmacist had never had sex and wasn't about to start anytime soon. That, of course, meant she would be perfect for Meg to choose as Chance's first---and last---subject of seduction.
"Sure I am. Shyla Wilson told Minda Revhan who told Ruby Ellison who told Michele Watlink who then called---"
"Okay, okay. Far be it for me to doubt your sources."
"If you're still worried, I guess you could always ask Stephanie if the rumors are true." Allie skirted the table holding a giant pile of potatoes, grabbed a bag of russets and put her back to the rest of the vegetable displays. "However, my girls have never been wrong. Well, almost never. But this time they're right on the money."
"I hope so because there's Chance Dannigan now."
Allie gasped and squatted---as much as a very pregnant woman could squat---to hide from Chance. She tugged on Meg's arm, trying to get her to hunker down too. "Get down before he sees you."
Meg pulled her sister back into a standing position. "Why are we hiding anyway? I have to tell him to take on Stephanie. Come on, little sister, before you upend the cart and get buried under a ton of Idaho's best." Without waiting for her sister, Meg strolled toward Chance who was focused on selecting the perfect head of lettuce.
The man's profile was as good as his other angles. A strong chin led to an even stronger jaw line. His black hair, although styled, had a mind of its own and curled around his ears to tempt a woman to run her fingers through the strands. His nose, although a bit too long, suited his face. But it was his eyelashes that were surprising. Long black lashes any woman would've paid cold hard cash for highlighted the soulful eyes. He studied each head of lettuce as though he were making the most important decision in the world.
Meg heard Allie's puffs as she hurried behind her until as last, she held up a hand to stop her sister from piling into her backside. Pulling her body to its tallest height, Meg thrust out her chest and tossed her hair over her shoulders. Girls in position and guns aimed. Get ready, Doc.
"It's not rocket science, you know."
His dark eyes locked on to her. She inhaled, then suddenly hoped he hadn't noticed her quick intake of air. At least she could rest assured he hadn't felt the tight squeeze in her chest that had accompanied his intense scrutiny. She swallowed and wondered if he'd somehow robbed her of her voice.
"I'm sorry?" The upward tilt of his mouth countered the frown of his brow.
With a confidence she didn't feel, Meg took the head of lettuce from him, set it back on top of the others, then chose another. "Choosing lettuce. Like I said, it's not rocket science. Just make sure the leaves are green but not too dark. Then when you hold it like this---" she held up the head, "---the leaves shouldn't flop or look limp. Check for brown spots to make sure it's not already going bad and then put it in your cart. Simple."
The twinkle in his eyes rewarded her playfulness. "Well, aren't I lucky you came along when you did?" His gaze slid to Allie. "Hi. I'm Chance Dannigan."
Allie pushed Meg aside in her haste to shake his hand and giggled like a silly school girl. "Hi, I'm Allie Halloran. I'm Meg's younger sister."
Meg arched an eyebrow at her. Since when had Allie ever emphasized the word "younger" in an introduction? And what was with the giggle? However, two could play at that game. "Yeah. Allie's my younger, married and extremely pregnant sister."
"Right. I met your husband at the club the other night." His smile was warm but his eyes had taken on the studious look from before as he took in Allie's belly. "I'd guess you're due almost any time. Will I see you in my office soon?" He raised his hands. "Sorry. Forget I asked. I'm sure you're already under a doctor's care."
"But I want you!" Allie's exuberance wasn't lost on anyone, even her. "Uh, I mean, since you're taking over Dr. Treadwell's patients and I was one of Dr. Treadwell's patients, then I guess--- I wouldn't have changed to a different practice if I'd known you'd be the new doctor."
Meg clamped a hand on Allie's arm, cutting off her ramble. "Slow down, sis. I think he gets it."
"If you're sure you want to switch again, just give my office a call, okay?"
"Oh, I will!"
Sheesh, Allie. Why not just drool? Meg decided to get to the most important matter. "Tell me, Dr. Dannigan. Are you ready for your first and final challenge?"
He looked thrown by her question. Almost as though he'd forgotten about their agreement. "First of all, call me Chance. I mean why get formal now? And I'll call you Meg, okay?" He glanced around him, either checking for his first conquest or to see how many others could overhear their conversation. "So you have someone for me to seduce?" He made a motion toward Allie. "Uh, should we discuss this in front of your sister?"
"Don't worry. I know all about your game." Allie's grin was so wide Meg was sure it would split her head in two. "Of course Meg is going to win." At Chance's surprised expression, she hurried on. "Oh, no. I didn't mean that I don't think you couldn't win. I mean, obviously you're a very attractive man who probably knows how to have great sex." Allie sucked in a gasp, then clasped her hand over her mouth.
Although watching Allie flustered was great entertainment, Meg had to help her sister out of her foot-in-mouth problem. She tugged Allie closer. "The answer is yes. I have your first subject."
Almost as though a veil had been pulled in front of Chance, he changed, his demeanor going from friendly new doctor in town to the master player she'd met the other night. Both sides of the man were interesting, but Meg wasn't sure if she didn't like the easygoing side better. But it was the player side who had made the deal.
"That didn't take long."
She sized him up, trying to find the Achilles' heel in the confident man. "Why should it? I know the women of this town and I know the type of man you are."
If the scowl he gave her was any indication, he didn't like her description of him. Funny how his scowl made her stomach twist into a knot.
"What do you mean by the type of man I am?"
When she started to answer, he stopped her. "No, never mind. I'm not sure I want to know. So? Where is this woman?"
The knot tightened and a sick feeling swept over her. But why? Why should she care if he was angry? Taking Allie's hand, Meg turned and strolled toward the pharmacy. "Right this way."
Meg and Allie led the way toward the other side of the building where the pharmacy was located. As usual, Stephanie was hard at work behind the counter, her head bent so that her golden tresses fell in front of her face.
Meg brought the procession to a halt several feet away. "There she is."
Chance gave a low whistle of admiration. "I have to give it to you. You have great taste in women. What's her name?"
His focus locked on to the woman, reminding Meg of a lion about to pounce on a zebra. The hungry look in his eyes was unmistakable and---irritating. And yet why she cared how he looked at Stephanie was a mystery. It wasn't like she was jealous, right? "Uh-uh-uh."
At least he brought his rapt attention back to her then. "Huh?"
"I can't tell you her name and I'm sure not going to introduce you. That might slant the odds in your favor. Just let me say that she's a high-ranking member of the local celibacy club and a virgin to boot." Meg shot Allie a look, telling her not to add the info about Stephanie possibly playing for the other team.
"Wow. You really came up with a challenge." Chance chuckled, the rich, full sound of it caressing Meg's ears. Allie sighed and leaned against Meg.
Meg snorted, aware of the unladylike sound. "What's the matter? Don't you think you're man enough?"
Dark, sultry eyes zeroed in on her. "Don't worry. I'm man enough."
The heat from those eyes melted Meg's legs and did serious damage to her libido. Damn it. Get a grip. This is a contest and nothing more.
"Okay, then, I'm going in." He winked at Meg and added, "I guess it'd be slanting the odds in my favor if you wished me luck, right?"
Could the man be any more arrogant? Yet, in spite of herself, she smiled. "You, Mr. Confident, are going to need every bit of luck you can get so, yeah, I wish you luck. Just be sure to let me know when and where to come for the show."
"No need. The show's going to happen now. Stick around and you won't miss any of the action."
Meg grabbed his arm, keeping him with her. "Wait. What? You think you can talk her into having sex right here, right now? In the middle of Marilou's Market?" He had to be kidding. Or bluffing big-time.
"Watch and learn, little girl. Watch and learn."
Jim Bob Morris, the local expert fisherman, could've mounted her on the wall. After all, her mouth hung open wider than the sixteen-pound largemouth bass old Jim Bob had caught in Georgia, then brought home to display on his living room wall for anyone who wanted to take a gander at it.
Chance appeared not to notice her astonishment and headed for the part of the pharmacy counter where a handwritten sign with the word "Counseling" rested against a jar of lollipops. He leaned on the counter, then tapped the silver bell once.
Stephanie tore her attention away from her work, opened her mouth to no doubt ask whomever it was to wait a second, and froze. All in all, she did her own imitation of a largemouth bass about to snag a juicy worm. Meg saw the subtle change from bored professional to very interested woman register on Stephanie's face and realized Chance must've beamed his winning smile at the poor woman. Meg grabbed Allie's hand and slipped closer, pretending to sort through the various items promising to solve any diarrhea issue.
"Hi." Chance lifted a hand and glanced at Meg and Allie who had now moved several feet from him, but stayed close enough to see his face.
"Hi." Stephanie's pearly whites echoed the cheeriness of her tone. "May I help you?"
Chance's own smile flashed as though an inner light had somehow gotten switched on to its brightest level. "I wish you would. I'm new in town."
"Oh?" Stephanie smoothed her white coat before coming out of the small room housing the medications. She slinked over to the counter and batted her eyes. "I'm Stephanie Howerson."
Meg frowned, and worry etched its way into her mind. Was Stephanie really celibate or a lesbian? Or did the rumor mill have her all wrong? She certainly didn't act like a virgin. What if the rumors were wrong? Was good old Stephanie actually a sexy, single professional looking for a handsome man to make her own? Or maybe even a closet nymphomaniac?
"Nice to meet you, Stephanie. I'm Chance Dannigan. Dr. Chance Dannigan."
Really? Did he have to emphasize the doctor part of his name?
Stephanie's interest increased, and she took a step closer. "It's nice to meet you, Doctor."
"Chance." He reached out to take her hand between both of his. "May I call you Stephanie?"
The pharmacist tittered and batted her eyes. "You can call me anything you want. Just as long you call me. But most of my friends call me Steph."
Meg dropped a packet of Tums and scrambled to retrieve them. What the hell was going on here? She looked at Allie for an answer, but got none. Her sister was too intent on the couple's conversation to even notice the woman's obvious sexual confidence. Great. This is the perfect time for Allie's information-seeking hormones to dry up.
"Steph, I hope this doesn't sound lame or seem too forward, but I just have to tell you how beautiful you are."
Pink coursed up Steph's neck and into her face in a second flat. "No." She batted her eyelashes again. "I mean, I don't think it sounds lame or forward."
"Well, then, maybe you could help me out."
Steph was as eager as a puppy begging for a new chew toy. "I'll do my very best."
Chance checked out his surroundings, looking through Meg and Allie as though they didn't even exist, then moved forward to press his lips to Steph's. At first the surprised pharmacist didn't react. Then she moaned and leaned into the kiss, deepening the intensity between them.
Meg's throat suddenly went dry. What the hell was the woman doing? She acted as though she kissed her customers all the time. With tongue, no less. After what seemed like an hour-long minute, the pair finally parted.
"Steph, I don't suppose you'd like to show me the medication room, would you?"
For the first time, Steph resisted. "Oh, I don't know. I don't let anyone behind the counter, much less in the dispensing area."
Chance slid his palm along her cheek, and she closed her eyes, a rapt expression softening her features. "Of course you don't. I wouldn't ask but as the new doctor in town, it would help me a great deal to know how well the pharmacy is stocked. Dr. Treadwell even suggested it." He closed in on her again, his lips so close to hers that Meg was sure they could tell what each other had eaten for lunch.
"Well, I don't know. But I suppose since Dr. Treadwell suggested it..."
Come on, Steph. Don't fall for the old "I need to see your pills" ploy. Meg gritted her teeth to keep her words unspoken.
"You'd really be doing me a big favor, Steph. One I would love to repay."
Steph cast a look around. Meg and Allie dipped their heads in unison and pretended to be absorbed in reading labels. At last the pharmacist gave him a slight nod. Lifting the part of the counter that served as a gate, Steph motioned for Chance to hurry inside. Once Steph had placed her back to him to enter the other room, Chance raised his eyebrows at Meg and tilted his head, indicating she should follow.
"Oh, my word," breathed Allie.
"Knock it off, sister. You sound like Hilly." Meg's retort came out in a short burst of air. She shoved a box of Advil back on the shelf. Damn, damn, damn. After checking for any approaching customers, Meg hurried to lift the counter gate and motioned for Allie to follow.
"Meg, we can't go in there. No one's allowed back there."
"Other than Dr. Smooth-Talker, you mean? But he knows I have to watch or his seduction doesn't count. Of course he left it up to me to figure out how I'm going to do that." Meg pulled Allie behind her and made her body one with the wall. "If Hilly was here, she could change into a fly and scope things out for me."
"If Hilly was here, she'd take us by the ears and yank some sense into us."
Allie was right. But since she didn't have her older sister's transformation ability she'd have to use her own talent. "I have to see what's going on. Otherwise, he can claim he did it with Miss I'm-So-Not-a-Virgin, and the game will be over."
Meg could hear amorous sounds coming from the room, but sounds wouldn't cut it. She had to see. "Okay, do you remember the blue screen I used when you were getting it on with Mitch and Jim?"
"We. When we were getting it on." Allie shook her head as though ridding herself of a bad memory. "And don't remind me. I'm a happily married woman now and I don't want to even think about my succubus past."
"Get over it, sis. Anyway, I'm going to do it again. Only this time the wall will be thicker and will work kind of like a two-way mirror. They won't be able to see us or the blue wall, although they will be able to hear us. We, however, will be able to see and hear them. So if you want to come with me and watch, follow along and keep quiet."
"Are you sure they won't see the blue wall?"
"Trust me. They won't."
"I don't know. This really isn't my kind of thing."
Meg shot her a bemused look. "The old Allie would've jumped at this."
"You're right. But I haven't been a succubus for a long time. Thank God."
Meg took her sister's hand and squeezed. "It's your choice. But right now, I've got to get in there. How about standing guard for me instead?"
Allie gave her a little salute. "No problem." She lifted the gate and slipped back to the customer side of the counter.
Allie waited as Meg murmured the spell. A flash of blue light brightened the space in front of Meg, then was quickly replaced with a wall of blue. Meg held her hands up and walked forward, moving the blue wall along with her.
Once inside the room, Meg scanned the cramped interior but saw nothing but rack after rack of shelves filled with various prescriptions and medical devices. Meg pushed the wall and moved to the far side. A moan and soft cry led her to the last row of shelves. Behind the row at the back wall, Chance had his back to the wall, his eyes closed, his face filled with lust. Steph was on her knees pulling the flaps of his jeans wider to give her more room to perform fellatio.
"Wow."
Chance's eyes opened, then narrowed as he searched for whoever had spoken. Meg clamped a hand over her mouth, then froze.
"Hmm, you taste so good."
Chance gave the room another once-over before turning his attention to the woman at his feet. He tracked his hands through her hair and urged her to take him into her mouth again. She mewed, then rocked back and forth, drawing him in and out in slow movements. She pressed a hand against his toned stomach and held his erect shaft with the other.
"I've got to admit, Steph, you're different from what I've heard." Chance groaned, closed his eyes, then opened them to study the woman at his feet.
Steph laughed. "I bet I am. But then I try to keep my playtime activities out of town. Gotta protect the image, you know." She looked up at him and licked her lips. "But I couldn't resist you. What woman could?"
Oh, please. Don't make the head on his neck any bigger. Meg narrowed her eyes and glared at the pharmacist.
Chance moaned again, bringing Meg's attention upward. She rolled her lips under as her breathing increased, the heat from Chance's face lighting the fire between her legs. She soon found herself wanting Steph to lean back and give her a better view of his manhood. The brief glimpses were not enough.
Chance groaned, then reached down to take his shaft in his hand, freeing Steph's hands to wander over the tops of his muscled legs and under the material of his jeans. Steph cupped his balls, eliciting yet another groan from him, then slid her tongue along the side of his dick. The movement gave Meg the best view yet, and she licked her lips, her desire ratcheting skyward as Steph pumped the engorged cock.
Stars and moon, he's huge. Meg imagined taking the pharmacist's place on the floor. Oh, what she wouldn't like to do to this hunk of a man. She imagined dragging him inside, tasting his muskiness, smelling his unique aroma.
Steph enveloped him again, running her hands under his shirt. Taking her hint, Chance tugged off the tight T-shirt, exposing the hardest chest Meg had ever seen. He was rock solid, a granite mass of man, and her fingertips tingled at the thought of running her hands over the ridges his muscles formed as she slipped her palm from his taut abdomen upward to his pebbled nipples. Meg had to fight to keep a moan of delight contained.
Instead, she pushed against the blue wall and moved closer. Now only four feet away from the couple, Meg inhaled, hoping that, if she couldn't touch him, she could at least smell his sex. She was rewarded with a manly scent that made her lightheaded with desire.
"Steph, I think you'd better stop before I, uh, you know."
Steph giggled, wiped her mouth and gazed up at him. "It's okay if you do."
Okay, she's definitely no virgin, much less a lesbian. Stephanie, you've got the whole town fooled. Meg gritted her teeth, fighting against the urge to push the woman aside and take over.
Chance paused as though listening, then tugged Steph to her feet. "I'd rather give you more enjoyment than that." He pulled a condom package from his back pocket and shot her a smile that almost melted Meg's knees.
The man has more charm than any one man should have. Meg couldn't decide whether she wanted Steph to take him up on his offer or refuse him. If she refused him, Meg would win the bet. But if she didn't... Well, Meg wouldn't mind watching the hunky doc in action. Although she'd prefer it if the action were directed her way.
For the first time, Steph seemed to remember where she was. She glanced behind her as though searching for any onlookers.
Chance was a one-track-minded man. Taking Steph by the shoulders, he switched positions and pressed her against the wall. Suddenly, he paused and stared at Steph. "I just want to be clear. This is a hook-up, pure and simple. I'm not looking for a relationship."
Meg grinned. He was going to blow it.
Steph arched an eyebrow and gave him a sultry look. "Who says I do?"
He crushed his mouth to hers.
The pharmacist wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers clutching his hair. Chance lifted her skirt and shoved his hand underneath to rip her black thong away. He cupped her mons, and Meg leaned to the right to try and see better. From the motion his hand was making, Meg could tell he'd plunged at least one of his fingers deep inside the woman.
Meg squirmed, almost feeling his fingers on her instead of the buxom blonde. Warmth having nothing to do with the temperature of the room circled her neck then spread outward, downward to meet the heat hiding between her legs. She closed her eyes, forcing a calmness she didn't possess, then opened them again, unable to resist watching.
At last the kiss broke apart, and Chance pushed Steph's hair away from her shoulders to nibble his way down the curve of her breast. He unbuttoned her prim white blouse and tugged on the lacy bra until he exposed her nipple. Meg bit her lip, her own nipples pebbling as he bent to take Steph's in his mouth.
Meg wanted to have his mouth, his tongue on her. Needed to let his touch enliven her already sensitized nerve endings, ached to experience his body next to hers. Instead, she was only an observer.
Both of Steph's breasts were free of her bra, and Chance showered each one with kisses. He continued to rub her, eliciting louder moans from her, driving her to frantically clutch him. Shoving her harder against the wall again to use it as leverage, he hoisted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. She locked her heels behind him, ready to hang on for the ride. They bucked against each other, Chance's grunts muffled by Steph's chest, her pants an accompaniment to his sounds. The vibration of the wall shook the shelves nearest them and toppled a few bottles onto the floor.
Then, all of a sudden, both of them ceased to move. Chance touched Steph's face, a tender gesture that elicited a soft moan from her. His intimate touch drove an ache into Meg while simultaneously giving freedom to a small orgasm. She gasped, surprised at both her reactions.
Letting out a deep-throated growl, Chance plunged into Steph. She inhaled, threw her head to the side, and dug her fingernails into his back, leaving raw angry red marks in her wake. But Chance didn't seem to mind as he continued to pound into her. His jeans slid lower to reveal his buttocks as the muscles in them clenched and unclenched time and again. Perspiration beaded on the back of his neck to wet his hair.
Unable to watch a moment longer, Meg spoke the spell she rarely used, then prayed it would work. Almost as soon as the last word had left her mouth, the couple went still. Sweat no longer ran between Chance's shoulders. Instead, the beads of perspiration stayed where they were as though suspended in time. Stephanie's elation was captured on her face, her mouth wide open in a silent scream of lust.
Meg waved her hand, and with a slight popping sound, the blue wall disappeared. Time to get a better look at him.
Meg grew closer, near enough to run her palms along Chance's back, upward to skim over his chiseled arms, then to glide her fingers across his shoulders. He's magnificent. If only he was naked. If only it was me he was doing.
Meg bent over to take in Chance's body pressed against Steph's. His hard stomach was just as delicious as the rest of him. So much that she couldn't resist. She slipped her hand over his ribbed abdomen, letting her palm rise and fall over the valleys and hills of his well-defined muscles. "You, Doc, are one fine specimen of a man."
But Meg wasn't finished. She had to take a better look at their coupling. Chance was half inside Steph, his fine, long cock positioned to drive deeper. Again she couldn't help herself. She continued moving lower, over the length of him, and loved the texture of the swirls of dark hair as they twined around her fingers. With a moan, she inhaled and drew in more of his masculine scent.
"Meg! Hurry up and get out of there. I just know we're going to get caught. Oh, no. I think I hear someone coming."
Allie's harsh whisper shattered her fantasy. Meg whirled around to find Allie in the doorway, her hand cupped over her eyes.
"Okay, okay. Keep your panties on, little sister. Go on. I'll be there in a sec." Stars and moon. I hate to stop just when things are getting good. I knew he'd be amazing, but I never expected he'd be that amazing. If only I could switch places with Stephanie. She sighed, then did what she knew she had to do. Stepping back to her previous position, Meg said the incantation and brought the blue wall up again. Then with a snap of her finger, she unfroze the couple.
"Oh! Oh, oh, oh!" Steph puffed as Chance drove into her, neither one of them aware of what had happened.
He lowered his head to place his forehead on her shoulder, his body tensing as his climax neared. No longer needing to hold her, he flattened his palms on the wall and rammed again, and again, and again. Groaning, he released at the same moment Steph opened her eyes and cried out his name.
"Uh, is anyone back there? Miss Howerson? Stephanie? Are you all right?"
Crap. I should've gotten away when Allie told me to.
"Oh, my God." Panic swept through Steph, widening her eyes as she hurriedly dropped to her feet. Chance leaned his shoulder against the wall and pulled up his jeans as she straightened her clothing.
"Uh, I'll be there in just a minute." Steph ran a hand over his shoulder. "I hope you fill all your prescriptions here. In person, for that personal touch."
Chance whispered, "Damn straight I will." Squeezing her butt, he gave her another kiss.
Motioning for Chance to stay where he was, Steph hurried out from behind the shelf, almost knocking over Meg, who jumped out of the way, the blue wall moving with her. Meg took one last look at the still half-clothed Chance and hurried out of the room.
Meg quickened her pace, sprinting more than jogging now. She loved her morning run in the park, but today was different. Instead of lifting her spirits and wiping her troubles from her mind, the early morning exercise brought more thoughts---tempting, tantalizing thoughts---rather than ridding her of the lingering ones she'd fought all night. She lifted her face toward the sun, but the bright morning rays that warmed her were nothing compared to the heat she felt every time she remembered how Chance had looked, how he'd performed with the pharmacist. In fact, she'd thought of little else since leaving the pharmacy.
Chance Dannigan. Even two days later, she could still see the muscles in his back rippling with each thrust and the tautness of the swell of his buttocks peeking out from the waist of his unbuttoned jeans as he pounded into Stephanie. His puffs of exertion still filled her ears, waking her in the middle of the night to tease her.
Oh, how she'd longed to grab his dark hair and pull him away from Stephanie. But if she had, she would've lost the bet and her dignity. Still, she had to wonder. Would losing the bet have gained her so much more? Could she have tempted him away from the lovely pharmacist?
She took a swig of the bottled water she kept hooked to her running shorts, then strapped it on again. Such thoughts weren't helping her. She had to win, had to bring the dashing-yet-cocky Dr. Dannigan down a notch or two. Her reputation as a man-eater was at stake, not to mention her pride. Still, maybe after she'd taught him a lesson, she could teach him another, even more intimate lesson.
Meg glanced at a couple snuggling together under a tree and groaned. How often had she dreamed of finding the perfect man to fill not only her nights but her days? And yet, every time she allowed her hopes to thrive, the man ended up disappointing her. Although she'd found men who were suitable in bed, she hadn't found a man who could hold her interest after the sex was over. No, love was good for Allie and, hopefully, one day for Hilly, too. But not for her. Instead, she'd make a happy life filled with endless sexual encounters.
"That's not such a bad thing, you know," she mused aloud. But if what she'd said was true, why did her stomach churn every time she thought about it?
"What's not such a bad thing?"
Meg's heart did a double beat before she dared to glance sideways. Chance, wearing a sweat-soaked T-shirt and perfectly fitting running shorts that hugged the curve of his buttocks, pulled up beside her. She forced herself to keep running even though her breath hitched in her throat. Determined to show composure she didn't feel, she kept up her pace and glued her gaze to the path.
"Do you always talk to yourself when you run?"
"Do you always sneak up on someone when she's jogging?" Crap. That wasn't the glib response she'd wanted to say. Sometimes her mouth worked faster than her brain.
"You think I'm lying in wait, ready to sneak up on you? I'm out for a morning run like you. Should I have gone past without saying hello?"
She could sense the smug smile filling his face and could hear it in his tone. "Oh, is that what you're doing? Saying hello? Okay, then. Hello. And goodbye." She pushed harder, speeding up.
"Hey, what's the hurry? Besides, I wanted to check with you about the other day."
She knew what he meant but didn't want to respond. Besides, it was hard enough keeping her breathing regular with him so near.
"I scored the first point in our bet."
Meg squelched a wince. Scored? She hated the way that sounded but had to admit it was the truth. "I'd rather not think of a sexual conquest as scoring a point. Granted, you can view it that way, but I'd rather not."
"Hmm, I'm not sure how else to view it, but okay. Besides, it's not as though Stephanie didn't enjoy herself."
That was true enough. What woman wouldn't have enjoyed Chance's attentions? Damn, damn, damn.
"You did see us, right?"
Meg looked at him, then was unable to resist a grin. "Oh, I saw, all right."
"Which means I succeeded." His dark eyes flashed at her, mischievous and teasing.
She had to give credit where credit was due. "You did. But don't go getting too cocky." She immediately regretted her choice of words. "The bet's not over yet."
She inhaled, catching a whiff of his natural aroma mixed with good old perspiration. Any other man wouldn't have smelled half as good.
Chance kept pace with her, the slap of his feet matching the softer thud of hers. "So how do you know for sure? I didn't see you anywhere around. Although it was difficult to pay attention to anything other than Stephanie. Are you taking my word for it and just saying you watched?"
She laughed, enjoying talking to him. "Not on your life, Doc. Trust me. I saw everything." And boy, did she mean everything. Not to mention getting a little touchy-feely in, too. Thankfully, he wouldn't remember.
"Where were you watching from?" He hurried in front of her, then turned around to watch her as she jogged past him. He caught up with her again, his intent look foretelling his question. "Meg Tristan, did you hide a camera in the pharmacy? Do you make sexy amateur videos?"
She shot him a look that said it all, then diverted off the path and onto the grass. She stopped, shook her head and tried to catch her breath. "First of all, if I was into videos, they wouldn't be amateurish. At least not with me as the star."
Chance's eyebrows shot up. "Really? Are you telling me you're a pseudo porn star? Please tell me more." His grin grew lecherous. "Much more."
"You wish. Secondly, I was stunned when Stephanie did what she did. The woman has a stone-cold rep for, well, being stone cold. So kudos for you for pulling that---or should I say getting her off. Although, in the future, I'd prefer the women know they're being watched."
"Hmm, now that might make things a lot more difficult."
Meg shrugged. "Not my problem. Besides, the men I take to bed will definitely know the score." This time she couldn't hide her wince. "Urgh. You know what I mean."
"I guess we should've ironed out more of the details up front."
She tilted her head at him and grinned. "Are you giving up?"
"Not on your life. It means what I said it means. It'll take a little more doing, is all."
"Good. Then we're straight on this." Meg started to step back on the path again when Chance took her arm.
"Hey, hold up. It's your turn."
Meg jerked her arm away. Not that she didn't want him touching her. Hell, he could touch her anywhere he liked. Still, he'd surprised her. "My turn?"
Chance closed in on her, putting his face a puff away from her lips. Heat flashed through her, sudden, intense and hotter than when she'd been watching him with Stephanie, as her gaze dropped to his lips. He ran his palms along her arms, making her wish he would caress a different part of her.
Meg held her breath, anticipating the moment he would press his lips to hers. No man had ever gotten this close and not kissed her. His dark eyes deepened to a coal black, an endless depth she wanted to explore, but she had to look away. Instead, she held her breath, saw him easing closer and closed her eyes. Her lips trembled in anticipation.
Kiss me.
Instead, he shifted slightly to brush his cheek against hers as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Your first subject is over there by the bench. Open your eyes and take a look."
What? Why didn't he kiss her? What could have kept him from doing what men always wanted to do? She flattened her fingers to her lips to confirm they weren't plumped and wet from his kiss. Her mind screamed at the rejection, confusion mixing with irritation at the unprecedented denial.
Meg pulled herself together, ridding her mind of everything except the conviction to stand tall and keep her dignity. Somehow she managed to open her eyes and follow Chance's glance.
She had to hand it to Chance. He knew how to choose men. The man was gorgeous. And yet, Meg couldn't feel anything other than an unemotional appreciation of his looks. He was a flat image, a soulless body, a man stretching before a run and nothing more. His long limbs were toned and tanned, his arms solid and welcoming. The angles of his stubble-covered face virile, his demeanor commanding.
A few days ago she would've found the man exciting and sexy, so why didn't he appeal to her now? She frowned. Was she not interested because of her thoughts about Chance? She compared the two men, both handsome, both unique in their own way. Yet where Chance emitted a sexual allure, a daring charm, the other man was simply a pretty face and a good body, like a model on a billboard.
"Him?" Why she asked, she didn't know. Was she hoping he'd say no?
"Of course." Chance studied her as though he sensed her lack of enthusiasm. "He's very good-looking, right? Well built? And judging from his appearance, he's a man of discrimination."
Like he's too discriminating to have sex with me? She shot him a pointed look at the back-handed jab, but decided not to take his bait. "Yeah. Sure." The man was handsome, but he wasn't Chance.
"Well, then, okay. I choose him as your first---and maybe your last---conquest."
Meg chuckled, patted Chance roughly on the cheek and scoffed. "Don't count your victory just yet, Doc." She scanned the area, seeking a safe place. "Sheesh, at least you could've chosen someone indoors."
"You're not trying to back out, are you? Besides, you probably live close by, right? Why not invite him back to your place? Just be careful to leave the door open so I can get inside."
"Don't worry. By the time I get him back to my place, he won't mind if the whole world wants to watch." She tugged her shirt down and moistened her lips, earning an admiring look from Chance. "Watch and learn, Doc."
Meg strolled over to the tall runner, letting her hips take on an action all their own. She was a few feet from him when his head jerked up and he stared straight at her. His features brightened, and he paused in his routine to watch her approach. A hungry gleam sparked in his eyes.
"Hi. Can I ask you a question?" Meg gave him her brightest smile and eased closer to him.
His appreciative gaze slid down the length of her, then back up. "Sure, sugar. You can ask me anything you like."
Oh, boy. A Southern accent and Romeo ways. This guy's going to be easy. Meg placed her foot on the bench and ran her hands along her calf. "I think I may have strained a muscle. Do you think you could help me?" She paused, giving her next words more weight. "Would you help me back to my apartment?"
The man physically swayed on his feet. "You want me to take you home?"
She widened her eyes and her smile, giving him both the innocent along with the vixen. "Yes. And then into bed. I need a booty call. A one-time thing with no strings. Just a little dirty fun. Are you up for it?"
The man almost drooled. "Sugar, it would be my pleasure."
True. So true. Meg slinked her hand over his shoulder and leaned her body next to his, letting him support her weight. "Let's go."
Chance followed Meg and her soon-to-be conquest back to her apartment. She hadn't had to work at seducing the guy. Granted, what man could resist helping a beautiful woman home? But he'd hoped the fact that she was a stranger would've given the man pause. He'd need to give his selections more thought and research if he planned on winning the challenge.
Her apartment was small, clean and neat. A loveseat dominated the middle of the room, skirted by one bookshelf and a large flat-screen television. Off to the right, Chance could see a kitchen with a two-seat table nestled next to a floor-to-ceiling window. The place shouted "cozy", which didn't fit with the wild, impetuous woman. Somehow he'd pictured more of a single girl's home scattered with discarded clothes and women's magazines.
Murmured voices drew him to the left and down a short hallway with a tiny bathroom to one side and two more doors, one on each side. Wary of how the other man might react, Chance peeked around the corner to find Meg tugging the shirt off the runner.
"Don't be shy, Chance. Come on in and take a seat. This is Bill. Bill, Chance is going to watch."
"Uh, just to be sure. Are you sure Bill doesn't mind?" Granted, he was there to observe, but he hadn't planned on being so out in the open with it. What if Bill didn't like the idea?
"You don't mind, do you, Bill?" The still fully clothed Meg pushed the man down on her bed.
"Mind?" Bill glanced at Chance, his indecision playing across his face. "I don't know. That's a little weird. Maybe---"
Meg placed her fingers to his lips. "Shh. It'll make everything even sexier. Don't worry about it." She pouted, drawing Bill's attention to her lips. "You want me, don't you, Bill?"
"Hell, yeah." He reached for her, pulling her on top of him. She lifted her hair off her shoulders, then let it fall as she slid her palms down her chest and over her breasts. "I get off on someone watching. Let him watch and this will be the best sex you'll ever have."
Bill took her in, lust radiating off him, then shifted his gaze from her to Chance and back again. "Okay. If that's what you want."
"Good. You won't be disappointed." Her attention slid to his erect shaft pressing against the front of his running shorts.
The man struggled to yank off his shorts but didn't seem to notice as Chance walked into the room. He sat on the edge of the oversized chair, ready to get out if Bill changed his mind.
The coziness of the home continued with a flowered comforter and various pillows decorating a king-sized bed. Photographs of Meg's sisters sat on matching nightstands and a teddy bear rested against the bay window adorned with bright yellow curtains.
"Chance?"
He jerked, surprised that he'd gotten lost in thought. "Yeah?"
"Turn on the MP3 player next to you, okay? The one in the docking station?"
Chance did as she ordered and pounding music filled the air. Meg swayed with the music and fingered the lace at the neck of her tank top. Soon her swaying grew more exaggerated, turning into a stripper-style gyration. The hem of the tight running shorts rose and fell over her firm bottom, giving him quick glimpses of the roundness of her cheeks. Chance ached to run his teeth over the tender flesh. Her movements were intoxicating visual gestures that had his palms itching to reach for her.
Maybe if he gave in and let her win the bet, she'd take him to her bed instead of Bill. Chance's imagination conjured an image of Meg on top of him, her perky breasts bouncing to his thrusts. The music floated around him, punctuating his rising desire with each boom of the bass.
She turned to him, putting her back to Bill, and their eyes met. Chance's mouth suddenly went dry as she took the bottom of her tank top and slowly worked the material upward. He could hardly wait for her to slide the material over the swell of her breasts. She did so, lifting one side then the other only to drop them back in an agonizing game of peek-a-boo.
Turning around in a seductive way that made Chance's growing erection stretch the limits of his running shorts, Meg danced closer to him. Bill groaned, his hand on his shaft, and longed to fondle her bottom. Chance gripped the arms of the chair to keep from grabbing her and pulling her to him, but she had other ideas, and with one whirl, she spun away from him and danced toward Bill. The eager man released his cock and started to sit up, eager to pull her into bed.
"Uh-uh-uh, Bill. You get up and I stop everything."
Chance gritted his teeth, holding back the urge to shout at Bill to stay where he was. She couldn't stop now.
"Just enjoy the show, Bill. I'll get around to the other stuff soon enough." Meg skimmed the tank over her head, exposing the tight sports bra. She twirled around, her arms in the air, her nipples hardened under the simple cotton. Her hair streamed over her shoulders like a red waterfall trying to rush to the peaks below. Her eyes glistened with confidence in her mastery over men, and Chance ached to change her confidence into a plea for his cock.
"God, woman, you have a great ass."
Lowering the straps of her bra, Meg slowly, deliberately turned toward Chance. "Do you think so?" She wiggled the straps lower, then crossed her arms to tug the bra over her head and toss it to the floor.
Bill groaned, took his shaft in his hand and started pumping it. "Holy shit. I don't think I can stand much more."
Meg pouted, her blue eyes darkening with forbidden pleasures, then pivoted back to Bill. "I hope you can stand more than that."
Bill worked his shaft faster. If he wasn't careful, he'd end up drooling. Not that Chance would blame him if he did.
Chance couldn't stand much more either and he sure wasn't going to miss seeing every little move. Standing, he pushed the chair toward the door, thus giving him a side view of Meg and her delicious body.
"I'm not finished taking my clothes off." Meg pushed her arms together so her breasts plumped up. Crossing her arms again, she stroked her pebbled nipples and swayed her hips back and forth. "Ooh, Bill, I can almost feel you inside me."
Bill groaned louder and reached out with his free hand. "Then come on and let me fuck you."
Thumbing the waistband of her shorts, Meg shimmied them down a few inches, then paused as if trying to decide whether to drop them. She rotated her hips, proving she could gyrate with the best of the exotic dancers and again placed her back to Bill.
"God, sugar, if your backside was any better, they'd have to put it in a museum for everyone to see."
"Why, thank you, Bill." She glanced at Chance with eyes that were soft and dewy, and a dreamy lust-filled expression spread over her face. Then, with a wicked giggle, she bent over and shoved her shorts to the floor, exposing her rounded butt. The red thong she wore strained with her movement.
"Holy shit!" Bill's attention to his shaft increased and his eyes widened, trying to take in every inch of Meg's rosy bottom.
Chance inhaled and swore he caught the aroma of womanly come. He swallowed and gripped the arms of the chair even harder. Vaguely, he wondered if he might damage the chair, tearing material away as he fought to keep sane.
Meg tossed her hair forward to fall over her face, then tilted her head to smile at Chance. She dropped to her knees, throwing her hair back, and fondled her breasts while continuing her seductive dance. Moving with the rhythm of the music, she shimmied the thong past the swell of her cheeks until it rested around her knees. She slapped her buttocks twice, emitting a small mew with each slap. Placing her hands on the floor in front of her, she slowly raised her buttocks into the air and wiggled her bottom.
"Damn, Meg. Do the man or do me." Perspiration dotted Chance's brow. "Do someone before I pass out."
Cupping her breasts again, she shot him a sultry look, then walked over to stand in front of Chance. Inches from his face, her breasts tempted him, and he finally gave in to temptation and lifted his hands to touch them. Whirling around, Meg left him, his hands still in the air reaching for her, and swayed over to Bill.
"Oh man," Chance whispered. If only he'd been quicker...
With one last look at Chance, Meg climbed on top of the bed and pushed Bill onto his back. Standing, she stepped over Bill's shoulders and placed her feet on either side of his head. Her hair billowed around her shoulders, full and wild, as she looked at Bill, then Chance, and licked her lips. "Eat me."
Whether he groaned or Bill did, Chance wasn't sure. Probably both of them had. The only thing he knew was that he would've given anything to trade places with the man on the bed.
Taking hold of the headboard, Meg let Bill pull her downward as he lifted up to taste her nectar. Her eyes closed briefly and her mouth opened in a silent gasp. Arching her back, she rocked back and forth to match Bill's hungry licks and sucks. She clutched a breast and pinched her nipple, and moaned as Bill clutched her butt cheek.
Chance shifted in the chair, ran his hand over his erect cock and tried to devour her every move. Meg was a goddess, a temptress to match the sirens of mythology. His lips parted, mimicking hers, and he imagined his tongue meeting hers in sexual play. He studied Bill, wanting to feel everything the man felt, taste every drop he tasted. Silently he urged him to open his eyes so he could see vicariously through them past the tiny patch of curly red hair to the golden melons of her breasts.
Meg cried out, gripped the headboard harder, then shuddered. She moaned, tiny spasms of smaller orgasms racking her body. Bill drank her climax, holding her legs until Chance could see Bill's fingers digging into her skin. Once the final release had passed, a shaky Meg pulled away from him and slid to his side. She feathered kisses along his shoulder, then paused to stare at Chance. She took in the bulge in his crotch, and a soft, knowing smile played on her lips.
Chance is about to come. Meg forced her attention away from Chance and back to Bill. If the truth were told, she'd trade Bill for Chance in a flash. But at least he got to enjoy the show and maybe, just maybe, he'd forget about their bet and have her instead.
Bill's hands ran over her breasts, and he nuzzled her neck, murmuring words she couldn't really understand. But it didn't matter. She was in control and would stay that way. Pushing him back, she slid down the side of him, running her tongue along his hot skin.
Her hands found his shaft and the large balls beneath it as she moved to the side of his leg. He took her hair, pulling it out of the way, and she blew a hot breath across his cock. His shaft twitched in anticipation.
"Tit for tat, Bill. Just let me know when to stop. This is only the beginning."
"I don't know that I'll last, but hell yes, do me."
Meg glanced at Chance who had hardly blinked since she'd taken position next to Bill. Using the tip of her tongue, she touched Bill's mushroomed cap, then trailed it around the circumference. He stiffened, then let out a long sigh. Meg closed her eyes and imagined holding Chance's shaft instead of Bill's. Breathing in the scent of male cock mixed with sweat, Meg sucked him inside, taking her time to draw him in inch by slow inch.
Chance---Bill---clutched her hair and thrust his pelvis upward, coaxing her to take him deeper. She gagged a little but managed to ease him back out. Tracing her tongue in circles around his shaft from the base of his cock to the tip, she blew a breath over him, adding an extra spark to the sensation. She leaned harder against his leg to rub her breasts against his skin and cupped his balls, gently fondling them. He said something she couldn't understand, and she ignored it, her attention focused on catching him before he spilled. She trailed her tongue along his cock, kissing and nibbling at the tender skin. He groaned, his body stiffening as his climax grew nearer.
She glanced at Chance. He sat back in the chair now, his attention glued to her. Even when she smiled at him, he didn't react. It was almost as though he couldn't move or he would lose control. She pumped Bill with her hand, feathering kisses along the vein-covered length until he tightened and she sensed the end was near. Reaching into the nightstand, she unpackaged a condom, then slipped it onto him.
Meg straddled Bill and slid his shaft into her. She flattened her hands against his chest and rocked against him. His glassy eyes met hers, and she closed her eyes again, preferring to think of Chance. Using her arms to press her breasts together, she pushed them toward Bill. He lifted up to suck first one then the other nipple into his mouth, nibbling on them to send pleasurable stabs of pain into her breasts. Bill cupped her butt cheeks and thrust into her again and again, bucking her like she was a bronc rider going for the eight-second ride. Her breasts bounced freely, and she could feel the heat of Bill's gaze upon her skin.
Harder she rode him, not because it gave her greater pleasure, but because she wanted the sex to end. She sensed something wasn't right, that her usual love of sexual fun was off, but she couldn't understand why. No matter how good the sex was, her heart wasn't in it.
Until she imagined Chance watching her. Having him see her in all her glory shot a fresh wave of desire through her that had nothing to do with the man underneath her. Chance watching her was more important, sexier than anything Bill could ever do. If she could have, she would've asked Chance to join them. But that wasn't the wager. Besides, tantalizing Chance, making him sweat for her, was too much fun.
Bill froze for a moment, then renewed his movements, going faster, deeper toward a conclusion she knew was near. The whirlwind inside her grew, speeding through her body to push emotions out of the way. She cleared her mind and focused on simply feeling, simply doing.
At last Bill shouted his climax and she cried out a moment later. Her shudders rushed into Bill's until she could stay upright no longer. She slumped to Bill's side, panting, her eyes still closed. Only the sounds of their labored breathing filled the room. Taking a deep breath to ready herself for Chance's reaction, she opened her eyes and sought his.
Chance stood by the door, a mixture of desire and another emotion she couldn't decipher closing his features. His hands were fisted at his sides as though trying to keep under control. Alarm struck her, rocking her confidence. Their gazes locked and, in that brief moment, Meg was afraid of what he might say.
Chance opened his mouth to speak, then shook his head and strode out of the room.
"What the hell? Where did Chance go?"
"Huh? Chance who?" Bill pulled her closer to nibble on her neck. "How about I come back tonight?"
Meg pushed against him. "I like you, Bill, I really do, but you knew this was a one-time thing."
"Yeah, sure. But if you ever want another booty call, I'm your man. This was the best sex I've ever had."
Didn't I tell you it would be? She touched his cheek, gently. "Aw, you're sweet. And because you're so sweet, I'm going to give you a gift."
He laughed. "I thought you just did." He moved to take her in his arms. "What kind of gift?"
"If you think this was good, wait until the next time."
He studied her, suspicion in his eyes. "I don't get it. If this was just a one-time thing, then---"
Meg whipped her hand in front of Bill, cutting off his sentence. Blue mist floated around him as she chanted a spell of sexual skill.
"What did you just do, sugar?"
"I just gave you the gift of sexual prowess."
"Huh? I don't get it." He grinned and tried to tug her to him. "Is this some kind of game? 'Cause if it is, I'm ready to play."
Meg hopped off the bed and tugged on her clothes, then threw Bill's clothes at him. "From this point on, your body is a sex machine that'll just keep on going. Kind of like having natural Viagra."
He scoffed and tugged on his clothes. "O-kay. I'm not sure what you're getting at, but whatever."
Meg grinned and led him out of the bedroom and into the living room. "You will. Oh, boy, will you ever. Now say goodbye and go back to the park. Oh, and just in case, you won't remember me or what we did today. Is that clear?"
Bill frowned, his mind fighting against what she'd told him and what he knew to be real. A second later, however, his brow smoothed and he hurried off the bed, then rushed toward the front door. Meg followed him and watched him jog toward the park.
"Now to find out where Chance dashed off to." Actually, the better question was not where he'd gone but why he'd left so quickly. She had to assume that finding the answer to the first question would give her the answer to the second.
Meg showered and changed into jeans and a T-shirt. Next, she hurried to her guest room that doubled as a witch's laboratory and checked her stash of spices, herbs, animal parts and assorted other items every witch tried to keep on hand. Luckily, she had all the necessary ingredients for the finding spell and she stirred them into her Crock-Pot. Within minutes she'd brought the tangy mixture to a boil.
While most people assumed witches used cauldrons, Meg had always found a Crock-Pot to be handier. Besides, Crock-Pots were much better for making soups and stews. Of course, she made sure to wash the pot carefully after using it for spells, but sometimes the remnants of a magical concoction made the recipe better.
Dropping a pinch of an anteater's tongue into the bubbling mix, she chanted the incantation and peered into the orange-colored liquid. A minute later, she had her answer.
"Sheesh, I should've guessed he'd go there after he'd gone home to change. But at least I know for sure now." Sliding her license into her back pocket, Meg made it to her car and sped toward Milledgeville and the nearest hospital.
By the time she found a spot in the hospital's parking lot she was convinced. Chance must have received an emergency call during her time with Bill. Why else would he have had rushed off? But if so, would he have taken the time to go home, shower and change?
She liked the idea that an emergency had made him leave and fought hard to hold on to the reason. But she couldn't push the doubts away. What if he hadn't left because he'd had to? What if he'd disliked what he'd seen? Could he have found her unattractive? She shook off the ridiculous idea and forged ahead. No, she'd seen his arousal. The only reasonable explanation was an emergency call. She had to stop worrying, find him and then he'd tell her she was right.
Meg smiled at the doctors and nurses she passed in the lobby, then cut in front of several people waiting at the reception desk.
"Hey!"
Complaints assaulted her from behind, demanding that she take her place at the end of the line. Instead, she held up one finger at the pretty brunette receptionist who halted her speech about breaking the rules and turned to face the other people. Saying a quick hex, she gave everyone the biggest smile she could and hoped the spell could handle the large group.
"I am so sorry, and normally I wouldn't think of cutting in line, but I have a real emergency." She nodded her head, helping the people to agree with her. "I'm sure you all understand. Right?"
They echoed her nod, matching her smile, and she pivoted back to the receptionist. Meg read the nametag hanging precariously from the uniform stretched as far as it could go over the girl's ample bosom and leaned on the counter. "Shelly---that's such a pretty name---can you tell me where I can find Dr. Chance Dannigan?" She would've sworn the young woman sighed at the mention of Chance's name, and she couldn't blame her.
"Oh, Chance." She sang the name. "I mean, Dr. Dannigan isn't on duty today."
"Really? But I'm sure he's here." Too bad Meg couldn't tell her why she was so certain.
"You're right." Shelly sighed. "He's not on duty, but he's here anyway. Isn't he the best doctor ever?"
"Yep. The best ever." Why would he want to work when he could've stayed with her? "Great. So can you tell me where I can find him? Maybe in his office?"
Sweet Shelly transformed into Sergeant Shelly, ready to defend Dr. Dannigan against all intruders---especially female intruders. "Why do you need to see him?" Her voice dripped ice.
Meg thought about using a spell, then decided to try a less magical method of persuasion. "Well, you see, I have a date with him tonight."
The shock on Shelly's face was comical, but Meg managed to keep from grinning.
"You have a date with Chance?"
The astonishment in Shelly's tone made Meg wish she had laughed. Did the little snit think she wasn't good enough for the wonderful Dr. Dannigan? But she had to stick to the plan. "Yes, I do. Unfortunately, I have to cancel."
"You're kidding!" Shelly's voice rang out, but the girl didn't notice everyone staring at her.
Meg leaned closer, keeping her voice low in hopes of drawing less attention. "Nope. Not kidding. So could you tell me where to find him?"
Shelly started to object, then changed her mind. "Well, I'm not supposed to give out that kind of information, but you can usually find him on his days off in the Wesley Ward."
"The Wesley Ward?"
"It's the facility located at the back of the hospital. Wesley Ward provides senior care."
"Oh." Obviously Chance was checking on some of his older patients. They were probably long-time patients of Dr. Treadwell's and the first ones who would meet the new doctor. "Thanks, Shelly, you've been a great help."
Shelly's face lit up as she pointed toward the double doors leading toward the back of the hospital. "You're very welcome. If you'll go through those doors and keep going straight, you'll find the breezeway leading into Wesley's main hall."
"Thanks again." Meg was halfway to the doors when Shelly called to her.
"Miss? Would you please tell Chance---" Shelly blushed, "---I mean, Dr. Dannigan that I'm available tonight? You know, in case he still needs a date."
"You bet." Uh-huh. I'll do that right after I run naked through the streets. Not. Meg waved to Shelly, then put her back to the young woman and pushed through the doors. "Talk about nerve," she mumbled.
The hallway was like any other hallway in a hospital until she barreled through another set of double doors and into the sunlit lobby of the Wesley Ward. Meg slammed to a stop, narrowly missing an elderly man moving at a remarkable speed toward the large bright room on the right. Luscious greenery covered the cheery lobby dotted with colorful couches and chairs. A large reception desk fielded by an older woman dominated the far wall while senior citizens of all ethnicities and sizes entered and exited along with helpful smiling staff. Meg couldn't help but think that she'd be lucky to spend her final days in a place like Wesley Ward.
"Hi there. I'm Mildred." An older woman behind the reception desk waved at her, her reddened cheeks adding to the spirited gleam in her eyes. Salon manufactured red hair shot up in spikes. "May I help you?"
An older gentleman with sparse hair and covered with age spots wiggled his fingers at Meg and winked at her. "Hey there, cutie. Did you come to visit me?"
"Mr. Honeycutt, you watch your manners and leave the young lady alone." The woman shooed the spry old man away, then gestured Meg closer. "Now. What can I help you with? Are you here to visit one of our guests?"
Meg took an instant liking to Mildred. "Actually, I'm looking for Dr. Dannigan."
A knowing smile filled Mildred's face with lines that added to her charm. "You and every other young woman. But don't mind me. If I were twenty years younger, I'd be chasing after him too. Is he expecting you?"
The lie was almost out of Meg's mouth before she managed to stop it. "No. But I'm a friend of his."
Mildred's sharp eyes took her in, her eyebrows lifting just enough to cause Meg to squirm. "I see. Well, I guess it won't hurt anything if you pop in on him. He's visiting..." She tilted her head, her suspicion even more obvious than before. "But as his friend, you'd know why he's here, wouldn't you? Would you like me to call him for you?"
Meg swallowed yet another lie and pointed to the large room labeled Recreation Room where she could see several older people playing cards or relaxing in front of a large television. "No, don't bother. I'll find him."
Mildred chuckled, letting Meg know everything was all right. "I'm sure you will."
Giving the woman her thanks, Meg moved away and entered the rec room. A large floor-to-ceiling window spilled sunshine across the floor. Card games abounded, although a few of the ladies were intent on turning up the volume on a popular daytime drama to the frustration of the players. Meg scanned the interior and was about to leave when she heard Chance's deep voice.
"Mrs. Obama, we already agreed. You promised to take your medication if I played a game of Go Fish with you. You aren't trying to renege on our deal, are you? What would the president think?"
Mrs. Obama? Meg skirted around a table filled with men protesting the last hand of cards, then inched around a corner and into another small room. Chance sat next to an elderly white-haired woman who had her arms crossed and a determined pout on her face.
"Tell you what, Mrs. O. How about I talk the cook into giving you an extra dessert if you take your medicine?" Chance opened the woman's hand, gently but firmly, and deposited a pill on her palm. "Plus, I won't mention the dessert to your son. Do we have a deal?"
Mrs. O. grunted, then shrugged and popped the pill into her mouth. She took the paper cup of water Chance offered her and made a tremendous show of swallowing the medicine.
"Great. Thank you." He patted her hand, then stood and took a nurse's arm to lead her several feet away from the old woman.
"You've got the charm, Dr. Dannigan. I swear I couldn't get her to take her meds no matter what I tried. Then when Mr. Huston told her she wasn't the president's wife, I thought she'd haul off and knock him in the head."
"I'm sure you did your best, Irene. Mr. Huston, however, needs to learn to mind his own business. After all, what harm does it do to let her believe she's the first lady?" He chuckled along with the nurse, then took a seat next to a man with silver hair and sagging jaws made even uglier by his huge scowl. "How are you, Lawrence?"
Lawrence jerked his head up as though aware of Chance's presence for the first time. The scowl dissipated, morphing into a toothless grin. "Aw, you know me, son. I'm a tough old bird."
"I've never seen anyone tougher." Chance performed a quick examination, checking the elderly gentleman's pulse, then listening to his chest. "Still, if you ever need anything I want you to tell the nurses. Tell them they can call me any time, night or day. Would you do that for me?"
Lawrence sat up straighter and waved a hand in the air. "Sure, sure. But I don't need nothing. I'm a tough old bird."
Chance laughed and hooked his stethoscope around his neck. "The toughest. Nonetheless, you call if you need anything, got it?"
"Yeah, yeah. I got it. I'm a tough old bird."
A lump formed in Meg's throat, caught between a sob and a smile. The brash playboy she'd met at the club was nothing like the caring doctor. Chance's compassionate treatment of his patients awed her, touching her heart more than she'd have ever expected.
A frail lady, her wrinkled face turned to the floor as she shuffled forward, ambled toward Meg. Once next to Meg, the older woman paused, then lifted her head. Vacant sad eyes, eyes clouded with cataracts met Meg's.
Meg's throat closed. The poor thing. She looks lost and alone. "Are you all right, ma'am?"
"Are you my daughter? Are you my Sandy?" Bony hands clutched Meg's shirt. "I want to go home. Please take me home. I promise I won't be any trouble."
Meg inhaled and the flowery scent of the woman's perfume mixed with the smell of incontinence and cleaning solution. Placing her hand over the woman's, she slipped her other arm around the tiny waist. "No, I'm sorry, but I'm not Sandy. Here. You look tired. Let's get you a chair, okay?" Taking it slowly, Meg led the woman to a worn armchair and eased her onto it.
"But I need Sandy." The lady peered at Meg. "You're not my Sandy."
I wish I was. If I was Sandy, I'd make sure you're okay. "No, I'm not. But how about I give Sandy a call? Would you like me to do that?"
Tears sprang to Meg's eyes a second after a tear slid down the woman's face. "Would you?"
"Sure I would. What's your name?" Meg rummaged through her purse, and found a pencil and paper.
The woman straightened her back, regaining an aura of dignity. "My name is Lucille Cunningham."
Meg offered her an encouraging smile. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cunningham. What's Sandy's last name? Is she married?"
Panic made the wrinkles in the old lady's face deepen. "Oh, no. I-I don't remember." Another tear slid down her cheek.
Meg shook her head and patted her hand. "Don't worry about it. I'll ask around and find out. Then I'll call her. Don't you worry."
The relief on Mrs. Cunningham's face broke Meg's heart. "Oh, thank you, honey."
Meg stood, then patted her hand again. "I'm glad to help. Take care of yourself." I'll call your daughter, all right. I'll call her and put a spell on her to make her visit her mother more. Trust me, Mrs. C., you'll hear from Sandy real soon.
Remembering Chance, Meg glanced up just in time to see Lawrence look her way. Uh-oh.
"Who's she? A new nurse? I don't need no more nurses fussing around me."
Chance pivoted in the chair, his dark eyes flashing in surprise. "Meg? What are you doing here?"
"I, uh, came to visit my great uncle and then I met Mrs. Cunningham." She kept her features neutral although her stomach had flipped over twice at the lie. But she couldn't tell him she'd come to see him, could she?
Chance paused as though wondering whether to believe her. "I see. What's your great uncle's name? I know most of the patients here."
Meg glanced around the room, thinking Chance had to hear her heart pounding against her chest. "His name is Rupert. Uncle Rupert Stanley." She had to fight the urge to check to see if her nose had grown an inch.
"Stanley? I don't know any patient named Stanley." Chance rose and closed the distance between them. Taking her hand, he led her toward the door and into the lobby, then took her other hand in his.
"Um, he's new here. I, uh, just admitted him yesterday." Meg tugged, trying to free her hands, but he held on. Could he feel her sweaty palms?
"Funny. I don't remember seeing his name on the list of new patients."
"Yeah, that is strange. But you know how slow hospital bureaucracy is." She yanked her hands out of his, almost stumbling backward in the effort. "Well, anyway, I guess we're even, right?"
Chance's eyes darkened, his lips parting to tempt her, then he tipped his head. "Yeah. We're even."
They stood, each regarding the other and waiting for the other to speak. Meg's pulse thundered in her ears, and she fought against the urge to plant a kiss on his lips. Could she find another reason to stay? Maybe she should invite him to get coffee?
She started to ask just as Chance took the plunge. "How about we meet tonight to discuss the competition? Maybe at The Sundowner?"
She couldn't think of what they needed to discuss---especially since talking about the competition was the last thing she wanted to do with him---but she wasn't about to miss an opportunity to see him. Shrugging, she pretended a nonchalance she didn't feel. "Sure. Why not? See you around eight?"
"I'll be there."
For an exciting moment, Meg thought he would go in for a kiss she so desperately wanted. Then he stepped away, bursting the bubble of anticipation. Her stomach made another awful lurch as she watched him reenter the rec room.
Meg sighed, more disappointed than she'd thought possible. She took a few steps toward the rec room, then catching Mildred studying her, she hurried out the double doors, already planning which outfit to wear for their "date".
Meg saw Chance raise his hand from the same corner booth they'd used the night they'd met. She nodded, waved at Tom who'd called to her from behind the counter of The Sundowner, and strolled in Chance's direction. Taking time to greet several male admirers along the way, she forced herself not to peek at Chance to see his reaction. Not that she was trying to make him jealous, but it couldn't hurt for him to realize that other men found her attractive.
A bevy of beautiful women sitting at a corner table called to Chance. Meg turned toward him, needing to see how he'd respond. He smiled a greeting in return, then brought his attention back to Meg. Their eyes met, then she pivoted, putting her side to him to greet Luke Paulson with a laugh and a touch on the shoulder.
Okay, maybe I do want to make him jealous.
As she pulled away from a protesting Luke, her thoughts came back to Chance at Wesley Ward. She'd thought of him as "the good doctor" simply by using the old-fashioned term, but after seeing him with the elderly patients at Wesley Ward, she knew the term fit him perfectly. She'd seen a side of him he'd hidden behind a wall of witty cockiness, and she wondered if he realized that the nurturing caregiver part of him made him even sexier.
Meg slid into the booth, bumping into him to make him scoot across the seat. "Hi."
"Hi yourself." He repositioned himself so he could look directly at her. "Seems I'm not the only one who likes sitting close."
Meg fumbled for an answer for why she hadn't chosen to sit across from him instead of putting her body in close contact with his. She didn't want to admit the truth; that she'd wanted to feel his energy, his heat, the chemistry between them. Instead, she shrugged and greeted Tom as he brought her usual drink to the table. Saved by the Tom.
"Why did you follow me today?" Chance's dreamy gaze met hers, warm, yet challenging.
Uh-oh. "I told you. I was visiting my great uncle." Afraid he could see the lie in her eyes, Meg broke their connection to take a sip of her drink. The fiery liquid helped wash down the lump in her throat.
"Oh, right. Rupert Stanley."
"That's right." She took another sip and forced herself not to squirm under his scrutiny.
"There's no Rupert Stanley registered at Wesley."
She started to object, to try another lie about hospital paperwork, then saw his smug smile and realized it was hopeless. She was busted and they both knew it. "So?" Yeah, Meg, great comeback.
"So why don't you tell me the real reason you followed me."
She sat back against the seat cushion. "Okay, fine. I was curious, that's all. Plus, I wanted to confirm my point in the game."
Chance skimmed his fingertip along her shoulder, setting off a myriad of sensations. Her skin ached for his touch, ached for him to touch her all over her body. His one touch did more to her than all the attention she received from other men. She shifted in her seat and hoped he wouldn't notice how she'd inched closer to him.
"See? Was that so hard to admit?"
"Well, you did dash out of my apartment without saying goodbye. Even before you could tell me how much you enjoyed the show."
A glimmer of regret flashed across his face, and for a moment, Meg felt the same regret. Did he think less of her now? After all, she'd only followed the rules of the bet. She frowned and wished he'd tell her how much he still liked her. Her frown deepened. Had he ever really liked her? Or was it all just a game? When had she grown so interested in his opinion of her?
Chance took a drink of his beer, glancing away as though he didn't want to look at her. "You fulfilled your part of the deal. Like I said, I guess that puts us neck and neck."
He seemed remorseful, almost sad. Was he worried about losing the bet? Or was there another reason for the way he sounded? She blew out a breath, trying to ease the sudden ache in the middle of her chest.
"Yeah." Meg tried to keep her voice light but failed, bringing Chance's focus back to her. "What did you want to discuss about our bet?" An image of Chance sucking Stephanie's breast hit her, making the tightness in her chest even worse.
He appeared confused by the question, but recovered. "I just wanted to make sure you still wanted to go through with it."
She narrowed her eyes at him, wondering if he had a trick up his sleeve. "Why? Are you wanting out?"
The ache in her chest eased a little. Would she get lucky with him calling off the bet? Then she wouldn't have to see him with anyone else. Sure, watching him with Stephanie had been sexy as hell at the time, but did she want to see him with another woman? Would watching Chance with someone else bother her as much as the memory of Stephanie and Chance having sex did now? The idea of playing voyeur as he made love to another woman made her more than a little uneasy. Uneasy and jealous. But what choice did she have?
"No, no." His eyebrows shot up and he adopted an eager expression. "Unless you want to stop."
Meg's hope for a quick end to the competition fell flat, and the ache returned with full force. But back out now? She'd never backed down from a challenge, and she wasn't about to start. "Nope. I'm in it for the long haul." She shot him a sultry look. "Not that I think it'll last much longer. You got lucky with Stephanie. I'm sure you'll get rejected next time."
Stars and moon, Meg, just tell him you want out! Instead of following her heart, she gritted her teeth and held on to her stubbornness. Ache, be damned!
"Why would I?" The cocky doc was back and baiting her.
Because I'll use magic if I have to. Anything to have you lose. Not to mention keeping another woman's hands off of you. Instead, she quipped, "Trust me on this one, Doc. You're going down."
He glanced at her crotch, then yanked back to her eyes. "Whatever you say."
Heat born of desire flashed through her body to meet the pink coloring her cheeks. If he wanted to explore her nether regions, she wouldn't stop him. Hell, she'd lead him to them. She swallowed, unnerved by how much she wanted him. If she got any hotter, she'd grab him, jump on top and take him right in the booth. Changing the subject was imperative. "Tell me, Doc, why do you visit patients on your day off?"
He relaxed next to her as though simply mentioning his patients made him feel better. His arm touched hers, setting off another round of warmth. "I like senior citizens. They have the best stories and give us a wealth of wisdom. Providing we take the time to listen."
Meg couldn't help but smile at his words. Caring just didn't say enough about the man. She didn't resist the urge to place her hand on his leg and was pleased when he covered hers with his. "You're very good with them. You're supportive without acting like a know-it-all doc."
His laugh warmed her, and she noticed how his gaze slipped to her cleavage. "Know-it-all? You mean like how I am here at the club?"
"Your words, not mine." She leaned into him, wanting him even closer.
"Do you like the doctor side of me better?"
She couldn't tell if he was playing her or if he really wanted to know. Nonetheless, she opted to be upfront with him. "I thought about that and I decided I like both sides of you. Maybe a little more doc than cock would be nice, but I wouldn't want you to be a total goody-two-shoes either."
"I see. Then you like a bit of the bad boy in a man."
"What girl doesn't?" She thrilled when he reached out to push a strand of her hair over her shoulder. Once again, his touch was electric against her skin, and she wanted more of it. More, and in intimate places. If only he'd let his hand move lower...
"You're an intriguing woman, Meg Tristan."
"I'm thinking that's a good thing."
"Yeah, it's definitely a good thing."
Almost as though a switch had been flipped, Meg sensed urgency within Chance that matched the heat burning inside her. Her lips parted in anticipation, her pulse pounded in her ears as she laid her head against the seat and reached out to place her palm on his chest. She couldn't have made her invitation any clearer if she'd handed him an embossed card saying "come and get me".
His gaze swept over her, turning her insides to liquid fire. Cupping her cheek, he moved in, then stopped centimeters from her mouth. She could feel his breath on her face and inhaled, drawing in the intoxicating scent. The table squeaked as he pushed it out of the way and pivoted to hover his body over hers. Needing to have him next to her, she wrapped an arm around him and tugged, but he resisted, tearing a groan from her.
"God, I want you."
"No more than I want you." Meg answered in kind, but she meant more than his body. She wanted him.
Chance moved an inch closer, and she shifted so that they both sat with one shoulder against the back of the seat, their bodies facing each other. He glanced at the crowd, some of whom were taking interest in what they were doing. "Not here. It's cliché to say, but how about my place?"
Meg fought to keep her tone level, her breathing regular, but knew the battle would be lost soon. She shuddered from the tantalizing feel of his thumb skimming over her lips. "Too far."
The corners of his mouth tipped upward. "But you don't know where I live."
"Anywhere more than a few feet from here would be too far."
He chuckled, then pulled her to him. His lips grazed hers, gentle at first, until he slipped his tongue inside and demanded to taste her. She moaned and pushed her breasts against him. Luxuriating in the long-awaited kiss, Meg forgot where she was, no longer caring about anything other than Chance.
Had any man ever made her feel this way? Had her body ever reacted to a simple touch the way hers reacted to his?
"Hey, you two, don't you think you need to take it somewhere else?"
Chance's breath puffed from him as he broke the kiss, leaving Meg breathless. She touched her fingertips to her lips and glared at Tom. "Can't you see we're busy?"
Tom's bemused expression was full of meaning. "I sure can and so can everyone else." He darted his glance between Meg and Chance. "How about taking your, um, discussion to my office?"
The door to Tom's office slammed behind Meg and Chance as they stumbled toward the couch, groping for each other's clothes. Chance's silk shirt fell to the floor, leaving his hard chest exposed for Meg's wandering hands. He was all flesh imitating rock under her fingertips. She soon dropped her hands to the waistband of his slacks to unhook the button, then run the zipper down.
She inhaled, aware of his masculine scent, the mix of heated hormones with his musky aftershave. Every nerve in her came alive, her senses reveling in his look, his touch, his smell. She ached for him like an addict long denied a drug and, for a moment, she was afraid. She paused, her breathing quickened not only from being near him, but because she felt he was different from the others. More important than the others. If she continued whatever their relationship was, would she be risking her heart? For the first time, she was ready to take that risk.
Chance freed her of her blouse in record time, then slipped the straps of her bra down her shoulders, trailing kisses along their path. Her bra followed his pants to the floor, and, picking her up, he tossed her onto the couch. He stopped her giggles as his mouth found her belly and he tugged her jeans to her ankles, then onto the floor.
Cupping her breasts, he paused, his gaze flowing down her like a molten stream of lava. Meg reached for him the second after he tore off her thong. Her fingernails dug into his broad shoulders, careless of the marks she left. In fact, she hoped she left deep, possessive marks.
Diving to her breast, Chance sucked her nipple into his mouth. The tender bud hardened along with the other one he stroked with his thumb. Meg arched her back, needing to be closer than humanly possible. His body lay against hers, just heavy enough for pleasure. She lifted her leg to skim it along his thigh, encouraging him to take what he wanted.
Meg was wet, hotter than she could ever remember. She caressed his shoulders, then dug into his skin again. Her heart pounded against her chest, threatening to break free. She closed her eyes, letting the sensations rush over her. She trembled as though it were her first time.
Mumbling words she couldn't understand, he moved down her body, showering her with soft kisses. He ran his hand along her raised leg to push it outward so he could trace a path down her inner thigh with his lips. She threw her head to the side, soundless in her cry for him to take her, to drink from her until she dried up and blew away. She tried to reach for him, to touch him somewhere, anywhere, but could only grab the hand that kneaded her breast. Her other hand clutched at the nubby material of the couch.
"Tell me how you like it."
She inhaled at the harsh rush of his breath against her mound. "Please. Taste me. Lick me. Suck on me."
He shoved her legs wider, hooking one over the top of the sofa, the other dangling off the side. Spreading her folds, he slid one hand underneath her buttocks and blew a breath against her nub. She cried out, the simple contact of warm air against her inflaming her to a higher pitch.
Chance nipped her, making her jerk. "Do you like that?"
"Oh, yes."
He slipped his tongue over the sensitive spot. "And this?"
"Yes, yes."
He chuckled in that sexy way of his, amazing her that a voice could drive her insane with need.
"Maybe this?" He was a master with his tongue, probing, slipping, tasting until she was afraid she'd pass out. Lights flashed behind her eyes in cadence with each new tremor that broke free from her orgasm. Her body betrayed her, squirming to get away from him yet fighting to stay.
Again, he dipped over her, pleasuring her with his tongue and hands. She cried out, unconcerned with who might hear her. Another release ripped through her in a strong rush, shaking her from her core outward. She sobbed, sure she couldn't take any more. And still he drank from her.
Her body tingled, tensing only to let wave after wave wash through her. She struggled to breathe, fought to reach him and failed. She bucked against his mouth, her legs tensing. The air filled with her fragrance. At last, she did the only thing she could. She let go and gave herself to his complete control.
Chance lifted Meg, flipping her over onto her stomach, then moved her to her knees. Sliding his hand over the small of her back, he urged her lower until her forehead rested on the couch. She panted against the cushion and cried out, unable to move and praying he'd go on.
"Your ass is amazing. So round and firm." Chance flattened his tongue in her butt crack and pressed his mouth against her to suck.
She started to answer but her words fled. Instead, she froze, then let out a huge breath as the tortuous sensation overtook her, shaking her legs, sending an earthquake that took the rest of her body and tore it apart. On her elbows with her head against the sofa, she lowered her head and looked between her breasts to the soft curls between her legs.
"Damn, but you taste good." He darted his tongue into her anus, his hands spreading her wide. A slap to her butt cheek startled her, adding to the excitement, renewing her strength.
"Slap me again, Chance."
He paused, then slapped her other cheek. "Meg."
Her name sounded like a song coming from his lips. Another slap led the way to his leaning forward, his oh-so-erect shaft coming to rest against her bottom. Reaching around her, he fondled her breast and rubbed his rod into her crack.
"Do you want me like that?" She didn't care how he took her, just as long as he did.
"From behind? In your ass?"
She heard the exhilaration in his voice and smiled. "Take me any way you want me, Chance."
He took so long to respond, continuing to rub against her, to fondle her, that she pivoted around to look at him. His sex-fogged eyes found hers, then he shook his head. "Not today. Today, I want you another way." His sexy grin spread. "But I'll take you from behind another day."
She licked her lips and rejoiced when his eyes widened. "Just as long as you do."
Again he lifted her as though she weighed nothing to cradle her against his chest. His arms circled her, one under her bottom, the other around her back so that his fingertip grazed the side of her breast.
"What are you doing? Don't you---"
But her question was gone the moment he set her down on top of Tom's desk and took her face in his hands.
"Meg?"
"Yes?" Please don't stop. But why would he?
"Do you think Tom will mind our using his desk?"
Relieved, she giggled and shook her head. "I don't know, but I guess we'll find out."
Chance grinned, but the grin was soon gone. "Damn. Hang on a minute and let me get a condom from my wallet."
"Don't worry about it." Meg snapped her fingers once, then opened a small box on Tom's desk. When she upended the box, a condom package fell to the desktop. "Got one."
"How did you know it was there?"
Because I just made it appear in the box. The lie, however, came quickly. "Because I know my sister and brother-in-law."
"Oh." Relief filled Chance's voice.
She slapped his chest, half-joking. "Oh, come on. I may have had sex with a lot of men, but I don't mess with my sister's man. Or any married man either." She froze. "Please don't tell me you're married."
"No. I'm as single as they come."
Ripping the package open, Meg slid the condom over his shaft, using the motion to press against her breasts and plump them up. She laced her fingers behind his neck and let him wrap her legs around his waist. "Speaking of coming..."
Her vagina pressed against him. Chance took her mouth, crushed his body against hers, then slid inside her. He was huge, thick and wide and throbbing. Her vaginal walls enveloped him, each nerve ending pulsing with pleasure. She flattened her hands on the desk behind her and arched her breasts, her hair dancing against her shoulders and back. He took her nipple with a groan, his hands on her ass to steady her as he pounded deeper and deeper with each thrust.
Meg's bottom scooted with each drive, and she tightened her legs around him. The friction of his cock rubbed against her silkiness, striking her sweet spot in just the right way. Bursts of orgasm sped outward, but still she held on. She panted, finding it harder to keep pace with him. Her breasts bounced, tempting him to take them, and Chance treasured each one with nibbles and licks. Sweat ran down between her breasts and he caught the droplets with his tongue.
Another explosion, bigger than she'd ever experienced, stormed through her, and she cried out, calling his name. Unable to hold herself upright any longer, she went down on her elbows and then to her back against the cool surface. Chance filled his hands with her breasts, holding on as he worked his engorged cock in, then out, then in again. The concentration on his face steeled his features as he locked eyes with her. She tightened again and another rush of release pummeled through her.
She held on to his sweaty forearms, loving the way his damp hair tickled her skin. His scent was stronger now, sweat mixing with his body's chemistry, her body's juices mingling with his. He rode her, driving against her, his jaw clenched, his eyes bright.
Suddenly, he gripped her breasts harder, almost to the point of being painful, as his body tensed. For a moment, neither of them moved, a moment in time frozen for them to remember.
Chance closed his eyes, laid his head back and groaned. His orgasm was an upheaval that shook his body, and Meg ran her hands over his shoulders, urging him to let go. He jerked forward, the short bursts of his release thundering through his body as he plunged harder, deeper for every last ounce of pleasure.
Chance opened his eyes as his body's tremors eased, then bent forward to brush a strand of her hair away from her face. "Damn."
"You can say that again."
Chuckling, he laid his body on top of hers, mingling their sweat. Meg dropped her legs away from him and tracked her fingers through the damp hair at the nape of his neck. She smiled as yet another wave of shakes ripped through him.
The desk wasn't as comfortable as a bed, but she could've remained next to him, his body pressed to hers, for hours. Unlike her usual quick departures after previous encounters, she longed to savor the time after the sex.
"Oh, my God. I'm so sorry."
Chance covered Meg's body at the sound of the woman's voice. Peeking over his shoulder, she saw Tom's newest waitress gawking at them. Embarrassment rushed heat to her face, but she pretended to be unconcerned that they'd been caught in the act. "Uh, hi, Tammy."
The young girl flushed with color and covered her eyes, turning her face away from them. "I am so, so sorry. I should've asked Tom first, but I needed another receipt book... Oh, my God."
Chance swept Meg's clothes from the floor and handed them to her, then grabbed his slacks and skirted behind the couch. Meg slipped on her blouse, then tugged on her jeans. "Don't worry about it. But I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about what you saw." She grinned at Chance. "After all, the good doctor has a reputation, you know."
"No, no. I won't say a thing. I promise."
"Great. Oh, and Tammy?"
"Yes?"
"Could you get out of here?"
Meg wouldn't have thought it possible, but Tammy turned an even brighter shade of pink and rushed out of the office faster than Meg had ever seen anyone move. She met Chance's twinkling eyes and broke into laughter along with him.
"Wow, that little girl can move faster than a preacher caught with an underage parishioner."
Shy for once, Meg placed her back to Chance to finish getting dressed and ran her fingers through her hair. What was it about the guy that made her nervous? Heavens knew she'd never cared what her "quickies" had thought. Not as long as they hadn't done the clingy thing and asked when they could see her again. This time, however, she couldn't help but hope Chance would ask.
"So."
She pivoted to face him and barely resisted the urge to run her fingers through the small patch of hair peeking over the V in his shirt. "So."
Sheesh. Great repartee. What next? Discussing the weather?
Chance ran a hand through his hair much as she'd done. Was he nervous too? "I guess we move on to the next, um, subjects, right?"
A hard knot smacked her dead center in her chest. Did she want to keep going with the bet? Did he? She studied his strange expression and couldn't decipher what he was thinking. Yet didn't his silence say everything? If their little back-office rendezvous had meant anything to him, wouldn't he say so? Wouldn't he want to keep other men away from her? She rubbed her chest, trying to ease the uncomfortable feeling.
"I guess so."
What was that flash in his eyes? Had he expected, maybe even hoped, she'd say something else?
Chance moved closer to her and she held her breath, her heart beating hard and adding to the pain in her chest. He took her by the shoulders and, for one exciting moment, she thought he would pull her close to kiss her. And if he kissed her, wouldn't he want more? The ache was suddenly gone and she closed her eyes and leaned forward, ready and eager.
He kissed her, all right, but not where she'd wanted him to. Instead, he pressed his lips to her forehead, barely touching her skin.
"Then I guess I'll see you soon."
Meg's jaw dropped a second before she opened her eyes and saw the door closing behind him.
Chance waited outside the daycare center, his mind whirling. He never should have taken Meg to bed. Or desk, as it turned out. But as soon as he'd seen her walk through the door of The Sundowner he'd known he had to have her. The woman was temptress and hometown sex kitten rolled into one desirable female. He was unable to resist her. Still, maybe now that he'd tasted her desire, he could restrain himself from losing control again.
The bad feeling he'd had ever since Meg's abrupt call telling him to meet her intensified. Could this have anything to do with his second seduction? Had Meg found another woman so soon after they'd made love? And why here in front of a daycare?
He closed his eyes, picturing Meg lying under him, her legs around his waist. As though he were still in the office, the heat swept over him, bringing back the way her skin felt, how tight she was and the look in her eyes. But there was more than the physical impressions. He knitted his brow, concentrating on the feelings she'd awakened inside him. His head swirled with questions.
Meg is special, but how special? How far will I let this crazy bet go?
A flash of Bill in bed with Meg brought his eyes wide open and he clenched his jaw.
Once again he reconsidered going through with their bet.
"Hey, handsome."
His quick and primal response to Meg's voice surprised him, causing him to delay turning to greet her. Control yourself. "Hey yourself, beautiful."
Damn, she was gorgeous. He had to make a fist to keep from running his fingers through her fiery tangle of curls. Although she dressed simply in jeans and a cleavage-revealing top, she could've given any queen in the world a run for her money. Her skin glowed with an almost magical presence and her bright blue eyes took hold of him and wouldn't let go. He had to force himself to breathe normally.
She paused a few feet from him and he had the silly notion that she was afraid to get closer. Was she afraid he might pull her close and take what he wanted again? If so, she was right to fear him.
"Are you ready for your next victim?"
His gut clenched as his hopes dropped away and disappointment tore a hole inside him. "I don't think I'd call her a victim."
She took the bait and ran with it. "Whoa. Cocky much? So what should we call her? The next lucky lady?"
"Sounds more descriptive to me." He grinned, hiding his frustration.
Meg laughed and tossed her hair back, causing the sunlight to tease the coppery highlights. "Sure, fine. Lucky lady, it is."
Was she that unmoved by their sexual encounter? He tried to tell himself that her nonchalant attitude was real, but couldn't. She had to have thought of it as more than a simple romp. "Please don't tell me you're thinking about asking me to rob the cradle. I do have my limits, you know."
"Urgh, no. Of course not."
He started to reach out to touch her face, to wipe away her grimace, then chose to face the daycare center before he lost control and pulled her to him. "Good to know. Then why are we here?"
Meg pointed toward one of the windows on the right side of the building. A beautiful blonde woman moved around the classroom instructing several children. She was amazing, a ten if ever there was one. And yet Chance felt nothing.
"That's Haley Osmond. She's twenty-five, unmarried and the ultimate good girl. I mean, the woman's hardly ever been kissed, much less had sex. Plus, she's also extremely devout and doesn't believe in fooling around until after the ring's on the finger."
The woman was beautiful and, before today, he'd have found the idea of seducing a "good girl" enticing. Now he wasn't so sure.
"She sounds perfect. Not to mention that she's got a body any man would love to have underneath him."
Was that anger flashing in Meg's eyes? Chance did a double-take, hoping to see it again, but the expression in her intriguing eyes was gone.
"Good. Then get to it. I've got a date tonight."
He clamped down on the urge to ask her about her date. What business was it of his, anyway? Still, the idea of Meg going out with another man, laughing with another man, doing whatever with another man brought bile to his throat. "So do you want to introduce us?"
Meg stared at him as though he'd gone insane. "Of course not. You wouldn't want me to break the rules, would you? Nope. It's all up to you, big guy."
Chance sighed, noted that she'd seen his sigh but didn't say anything, and counted himself lucky. "Okay, then. Here goes." Taking the steps up to the front door, he took one last look at Meg and went inside.
Children rushed around him as they hurried down the hallway, out a back door and into a large playground. The halls were oddly silent after their departure and he took a moment to glance around at the children's artwork on the walls. Family scenes played out around him, and he smiled as he took them all in.
Then his gaze fell on one special drawing. The family consisted of a father, mother and one little girl. The mother and daughter were similar in shape and dress, but it was their red hair that captured his attention. If Meg had a daughter, would she have red hair too? Before he knew what he was doing, he'd reached out to touch the woman in the picture, then let his finger slide to the girl.
"Are you Sheila's father?"
Chance dropped his hand as though he'd touched fire. The beautiful blonde regarded him, her lips parted, her brown eyes wide. "No, I'm not."
"Oh. I guess I just thought since you were so enamored of the picture..." She blushed, the pink glowing in her cheeks. "Never mind. Can I help you?" She'd changed, transforming from the friendly observer to the polished educator.
"Yes. You most definitely can." Although his heart wasn't in it, Chance gave her his most engaging smile.
"Damn him. How does he do it?" Meg peered into the window of the daycare classroom. Careful to not get caught spying, she watched as Haley offered an adult-sized chair to Chance, then took her seat in the other one. He pulled the chair closer so their knees almost touched.
Meg strained to hear but couldn't make out anything but murmurs. If she used a spell she could hear them better, but she was afraid the blue mist that accompanied her spells would attract attention either from the two in the classroom or someone passing by on the street.
Chance leaned forward and took Haley's hand. The young woman reacted by sitting back, obviously thrown by the gesture, but she didn't remove her hand from his.
Meg had to wonder if she'd made a mistake. Thinking that Haley was not only virtuous but young and innocent, Meg had assumed she wouldn't make an easy prey for Chance. Yet watching them now, she had to wonder if the opposite wasn't true. Maybe Haley's innocence worked against Meg, making the young woman vulnerable to Chance's charms. After all, the man had a gift for getting under women's skin---not to mention their clothes.
Meg gasped as Chance slipped a hand behind Haley's neck and brought her forward for a kiss. How had he gotten her to kiss him so fast? She clutched the window frame, ignoring the paint chips working their way under her fingernails.
Calm down. It's only a kiss. And a kiss is a long way from sex. Perhaps she and Chance should've outlined exactly what constituted sex. Did he believe as she did? Was it like the song said, "A kiss is just a kiss"?
The kiss, simple though it was, lasted much longer than Meg liked. She silently urged Haley to resist. Not only because she wanted to win the bet---although that now seemed far less important---but because she didn't want Haley anywhere near him.
"Come on, Haley. Knock it off." Anger welled inside her. Were all the so-called "good girls" in Cottageville fakes?
Haley appeared to have forgotten her vow of chastity. Chance pulled her to a standing position and wrapped his arms around her. Haley hesitated, then clung to him.
"Stars and moon, what's going on?" The woman acted like Chance had cast a spell over her.
Needing to see better yet hating herself for having to, Meg climbed on top of a statue of a small garden gnome. Balancing on one foot, she no longer cared if anyone saw her.
Chance slid his hand along Haley's back, over the curve of her hip and cupped her bottom. Yet instead of pushing him away, the teacher thrust her hips toward his.
"What the hell is going on in this town? I choose the two most unlikely women in the entire town, the two women who supposedly won't let any man touch them and, bam, they're ready to hop into the sack at his first touch." Meg uttered a few curses to go along with her rant.
Her anger made her forget where she was and what she was standing on. Wobbling on top of the statue, Meg let out a squeak and clutched the windowsill. Chance broke the lip lock and glanced toward the window, saw her there, then arched an eyebrow at her. She shot him a glare that elicited a grin from him.
Shooting Meg a wink first, he lifted Haley's chin and crushed his mouth to hers. Haley rose onto the tips of her toes, yielding to him. Taking advantage of Haley's eagerness, Chance fingered his way underneath her blouse and covered one of her firm, perky breasts.
Why, you little hussy! And in the classroom, no less!
Meg couldn't restrain her anger any longer. Whether she was furious at Chance or at Haley or both, she didn't know or care. Growling out a frustrated groan, she slapped her hand against the window.
The sound startled the couple, causing the teacher to stumble away and look toward the door as though expecting a horde of children to flock into the room at any second. Chance glared at Meg and raised his hands in a "what gives?" gesture.
Meg knew she was being ridiculous but she didn't care. The only thing that mattered was Chance not touching Haley. If he did, which he was bound to do to win the bet, she sure as hell didn't want to watch him do it. Slapping the window pane again, Meg jumped off the gnome and dashed toward the street.
Meg was halfway down the block before Chance grabbed her, whirling her around to face him.
"What do you think you were doing?" His thunderous expression matched the roar in his tone.
"I decided I didn't want to watch you deflower Cottageville's purest flower."
For a moment, they regarded each other, both letting her strange statement sink in. But the moment was gone before Meg could gather her composure.
"Deflower? What is this? The Middle Ages?"
Chance let her yank her arm out of his grip, but she sensed he wouldn't let her leave. "You know what I mean."
"Actually, I'm not sure I know anything about you. I thought the whole 'deflower' thing was the point of our contest."
He was right, of course, but that didn't make it any better. "Yeah, well, maybe it is."
"Maybe?"
"But that doesn't mean I want to stand there and watch."
"Again, part of the bet, right? Although making noise while I'm trying to work didn't seem fair."
The fury and confusion inside her whirled, tensing her and clouding her mind. If only she could think. "Sorry, but I couldn't stand to watch you take advantage of a sweet, innocent woman. No matter if she's a 'ho in disguise."
"A 'ho? Who are you? A member of the Bad Girls Club?"
Chance gazed at her as though she'd lost her mind. And, frankly, she was wondering the same thing. "Never mind. I just didn't see the point in hanging around."
How can I stand there, watching you do to her what you did to me? How can you do to her what you did to me? Not that I care. I don't care. Do I?
Meg blew out a breath instead of the words wanting to fly out, and tried to ease the tension in her neck. Hell, her body.
"Does this mean you'll trust me when I say I had sex with her?" His anger had dissipated but the mischievous twinkle in his eyes didn't help matters.
"Yeah. Sure. Whatever." She searched for a way out, a way to stop what was surely going to happen. "Just make sure she understands it's a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am kind of situation."
Chance took her arms again and narrowed his eyes, studying her until she could no longer meet his gaze. "Hmm, Meg Tristan, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear you're jealous."
Meg's mouth dropped almost as far as her heart. "Jealous? Me? You can't be serious."
"I am. And for what it's worth, jealous looks good on you."
"Dr. Dannigan, you're full of yourself."
"Pot, I wouldn't insult the kettle, if I were you."
"Why, you---"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. It's just that sometimes you push the right buttons. Or wrong ones as the case may be." He ran a hand through his hair and dragged in a breath. "Look. How about we start this conversation over? And if you like, we can call the bet off. Hell, I'll even let you win."
"What do you mean you'll let me win? Why? So you can play the big man and tell everyone you let me win? Not on your life. No one lets me win a bet. I'm going to win this thing and have you eating crow before the week's out."
"Damn, can you emphasize the word let more? Crap, I didn't mean that, either. Meg, come on."
He took her hands and, for a second, she wanted nothing more than to lay her head on his chest and cry. But no man had ever made her cry.
"Do we really need to keep this up, Meg? I'd just as soon stop---"
She fisted her hands in her armpits and clucked like a chicken. His face hardened.
"I take it the bet's still on?"
She wanted to tell him no. She wanted to call the whole thing off, but how could she? She couldn't admit defeat. She never had and she never would. No matter how much she yearned to do just that. "Damn right it's still on."
"Then I'll find another guy for you to seduce."
Was her imagination playing tricks on her? Did he look sad? Almost as though he felt the same way she did? Or was he just worried about losing?
She swallowed, thrust out her chin and squirmed out of his hold again. Yet what she really wanted was to fall into his arms and let him hold her until the anger went away. Instead, she straightened her back and held on to her dignity. "You do that. Right after you finish with Miss Daycare. I'll trust your word that you screwed her." A sob clogged her throat. "Go on. Get back to her. I want to win this bet before the week's out."
A cloud covered his face, but he still tried to reach out for her. "Meg, stop. How about you and I go for---"
Meg stepped back, her hands raised to keep him from taking hers again. "Why don't we get this challenge over with and then do our best to stay out of each other's way? Call me when you've found my next seduction."
The cloud turned into a storm, fury etched in the hard line of his jaw. "Have it your way."
On the verge of crying, Meg spun around and stalked away. She waited until she was sure he couldn't see what she was doing before she wiped away the tear on her cheek.
"Sweet Nothings. Great name for a bakery." Chance stood in front of a display case filled with pastries and studied Meg's dark-haired beauty of a sister, Hilly, then slid his smile over to Allie. Hoping to catch a glimpse of Meg, he leaned over the counter and searched the adjacent hallway. "I'd like to see Meg."
Where are you, Meg? I need to talk to you.
"Ahem."
Chance jerked backward and felt his face grow red. "Sorry. But I really need to speak to her."
The sisters shared a meaningful glance, then zeroed in on him like predatory cats moving in for the kill. Hilly threw a towel over her shoulder and arched an eyebrow at him. "Who may I say is asking for her?"
"This is the new doctor, Hilly." Allie widened her eyes and inclined her head toward him, giving Hilly a pointed look.
"I'm Chance Dannigan. Could you ask her to come out here?" He noticed several customers watching the exchange. "Or I could go back there so we can talk in private." Meg, please.
"I could ask her." Hilly's eyes sparkled, challenging him. "If she was here."
Why hadn't she told him that from the start? Chance squashed the irritation tensing his jaw. Although he'd thought of nothing else since Meg had stormed off, Chance still wasn't sure what he'd say to her. He only knew he had to say something. The way their last conversation had ended had left him feeling unsettled and lonely. "Could you tell me where to find her, please?"
"I don't think so."
If anyone personified "protective big sister" it was Hilly Tristan. Although he could understand and even admire her determination to keep her sister safe, he didn't want her standing in the way of his getting to Meg. Judging from her expression, however, his present tactic wasn't working. Chance dug in his heels and opted for Plan B.
I'm going to talk to Meg even if I have to go over you, lady. Hell, if I have to, I'll put Plan C into action and storm the back room. He took a deep breath and tried again.
"Then maybe I could talk to you." He checked Allie and found her expression to be less defensive than Hilly's. "And you, too, of course."
His curveball threw Hilly and she shifted on her feet, her defenses dropping a notch. "What do you want to talk about?"
What do I say? Do I tell them how much she means to me? Should I tell them how much I think about her? How much I dream about her? How I long to wake up next to her? But those words were for Meg and Meg alone.
"Let's talk about Meg."
Hilly didn't respond, leaving him drifting in an open sea and grabbing for a virtual oar. Now was the time to get real. "I want to talk about how much I care about her." Saying the words out loud hadn't been as hard as he'd feared. In fact, they made him feel better. He let out a rush of air, releasing some of the tension along with the urge to jump over the counter and dash down the hallway.
"You care about her?" Hilly's attitude did a flip-flop, the frown leaving her face for the first time since he'd walked through the door.
"Wow." Allie laid a hand on his chest and stared at him, making him a bit nervous. "Let me look at your eyes." She took him by the chin and, going on her tiptoes to butt her belly against him, squinted at him. "Did Meg do something to you?"
"Like what?" Chance tried to regard her in the same way she stared at him but couldn't match her intensity. What did she think Meg did to him? Other than turn his world upside down? And yet he didn't think that's what Allie meant.
"Leave it be, Allie. I think you're barking up the wrong tree." Crossing her arms over her chest, Hilly eyed him. "If you care for her, then stop this silly bet."
"I tried. I offered to let her win."
Both sisters groaned, but Hilly was the one in charge. "Did you say it that way? That you'd let her win?"
"What is it with you Tristan women and the word let? Yeah, I did, but I don't understand why that's such a big deal." The irritation he'd held in check so far threatened to break free.
"And let me guess. She turned you down flat, right?" Hilly seemed almost as annoyed as he was.
"Flatter than a watered-down pancake."
"That's our Meg." Allie leaned her back against the counter. "She's as stubborn as they come."
Chance loved Meg's stubborn nature and he hated it, just as he hated and liked his own stubbornness. "I think we're like two bulls fighting over a cornered matador."
"Close. Actually, you're more like two bullheaded people who don't like to lose. Meg's always been obstinate and now she's met her match. Come with me, Dr. Dannigan." Hilly took his hand and tugged him along behind her toward the hallway leading to the rear of the store.
He allowed Hilly to lead the way with Allie bringing up the rear. Hell, he'd let them take him anywhere just as long as he found Meg and had a chance to make her see reason. Inside an office at the back of the store, Hilly whirled around and ordered Allie back to the front counter.
Allie, however, had other ideas. "Are you kidding me? Meg and the doc hooking up is the biggest thing to hit our family since Tom came along. No way, big sister, I'm not missing this for anything."
"So you're going to leave the store unattended?"
Allie scoffed and crossed her arms over her ample bosom. "Puhlease. Those are our friends and neighbors out there. No one's going to rob us. And even if they do, hearing whatever's about to happen will be worth it."
Hilly grumbled, then turned in his direction. Chance couldn't help it. He swallowed and hoped she wouldn't take it as a sign of weakness. Part of him wanted to place his palm over his jugular.
"Okay, then, tell us in no uncertain terms. What are you feeling for Meg? And say what you have to say in plain English."
Hilly jabbed him with a finger, and he had to resist the urge to rub the sore spot. "Look, I'm not sure how I'm feeling or if I can put it in a way you'll understand. I only know..." He paused to search for the perfect words. How did he feel about Meg? More than anything he'd ever felt for any other woman, that was certain. But more how?
"Well, obviously you're attracted to her," offered Hilly.
"Of course I am. She's sexy as hell. But this is more."
"Then you're saying you like Meg. Not just for sex, but as a person. Am I getting close?"
Hilly's blue eyes reminded him of Meg's, but right now they could've belonged to a master interrogator. "Very close. But like isn't a strong enough word. I...care."
He hurried on, trying not to squirm under Hilly's glare. "Although I'm not sure why I care so much. She's irritating, annoying, cocky---"
"Hmm, seems like I heard her use the same words to describe you."
He laughed, not doubting her. "But at the same time, she's intelligent, clever, witty, charming and the most unique person I've ever met."
"Ooh, go on. What else do you like about Meg?" Allie was the opposite of Hilly. Her face was open, eager, ready to accept what he had to say.
"I also know she can be compassionate and caring. I saw as much when she watched the seniors at Wesley Ward. Especially how she interacted with Mrs. Cunningham."
"Wait a minute. Our sister visited old people?" Allie took Hilly's hand. "Can you believe it?"
Hilly tipped her chin at him, urging him to go on. "What else, Doc?"
"I love it when Meg calls me Doc. Like a lot of people do, but it doesn't give me the same, uh, gut reaction. If you know what I mean."
As luck would have it, she understood his joke and chuckled along with him. Allie grew silent, her face now edged with concern. "Dr. Dannigan?"
"Please call me Chance."
Allie stepped closer still, tilting her head back to gaze up at him. "Chance, do you think what you're trying to say is that you love our sister?"
The question caught him unprepared, rattling through him like he'd driven over the world's biggest speed bump. He tried to respond but couldn't. Not because he didn't have the answer, but out of surprise at the answer that found its way to his lips. Yes. Damn it. That's it.
He loved her. He was as certain of that fact as he was that he was a good physician. Yet how had he not realized how he felt before Allie asked the question? Meg was a wildcard, a woman who could annoy him one minute, then have him dying to tear her clothes off the next. But it was more than a physical connection. She held his heart in his hand, and he liked the idea more than he could believe. The loneliness inside him broke apart.
"I do." His laughter held a note of awe. "I really do."
Allie gasped, then covered her mouth. But the joy on her face and in her eyes was unmistakable. Hilly, on the other hand, stood back and studied him like a fish she needed to gut.
"As much as she can bug me, as much as I often don't understand her, I can't deny it. I love her. How the hell that happened in so short a time, I haven't a clue. But I can't ignore it and, what's more, I don't want to." He paused, letting the emotion set in. "I love Meg."
He'd made the pronouncement as much for himself as for their benefit. He needed to hear the words spoken out loud, needed to declare to the world what he had accepted in his heart.
Allie hugged him, hopping up and down, holding her huge belly as it rubbed against him. He hugged her back, careful to take her arms in case she became unbalanced.
"This doesn't make any sense." Hilly turned and paced away, only to turn back. "You said it. You two hardly know each other. And from what I've heard, what little time you've spent together usually ended up in arguments. Then you two top it off with this ridiculous bet."
"Well, we didn't spend all our time arguing."
Hard blue daggers bored into him, and he mentally dodged the invisible poisonous darts.
"Then you're in lust. You're not in love. Love doesn't happen that fast except in fairy tales and trashy romances."
He shook his head. "No. I know what lust is like and that's not what this is. I'm sorry if you don't approve, Hilly, but I love your sister and no amount of denial is going to change how I feel. Trust me. I know."
Allie hurried over to Hilly. "Don't you see? Love doesn't have a time limit. Take Tom and me. Two people don't have to know each other for X number of months or years. That's what so great about love. It's unpredictable and can strike at any time. Whether you're looking for it or not. Whether you recognize it or not. But until you experience it for yourself, you'll find it hard to understand."
Was that the problem? Was Hilly not only a protective sister but a woman in need of her own love?
"But here's the thing, ladies. I'm not sure if she cares for me. Hell, I can't even get her to have a civil conversation."
"Ooh, but you can't give up on her, Chance. You have to keep trying. True love demands nothing else."
He liked the romantic Allie and was sure he'd like Hilly once she put down her guard. But right now, he needed their help. "I have no intention of giving up, Allie. Not now. But can you help me? Can you tell me how to win her over? I don't know what to do. Should I send her a huge bouquet of flowers and a love poem?" He wasn't the type to write love sonnets, but for Meg he'd try anything.
"No, don't bother. She gets flowers from men all the time. No, flowers won't help." Allie checked Hilly before giving him an answer. "But of course we'll help. We'll put our heads together and come up with a plan. Right, Hilly?"
Hilly didn't answer. Or was her silence her answer? "So I guess if flowers won't persuade her, candy's out too."
"No. No candy. No gifts of any kind." Allie sighed. "She's not into material things."
"Then what do you suggest? A midnight serenade? My head on a platter?"
"That last one might work."
At least Hilly had a sense of humor. Was she coming around?
"We could go to Meg on your behalf. You know, to tell her how much you care." Allie looked hopeful, but her tone was less than enthusiastic.
"We could, I suppose." Hilly shot her sister a stern look. "We could loosen her up a bit. Perhaps get her to at least understand that you're not her adversary."
Had he won over Hilly? "No. I don't want either of you saying anything to her. I want to be the one to tell her how I feel. Once I can get her to listen."
The beeping of his cell phone broke the sudden silence. "Speak of the devil."
Hilly's eyebrows shot up.
"You know what I mean. She texted me." Chance scanned the message, then read it to her sisters. "She's daring me to find not one, but two men for her to seduce at once and to do it today. She says to bring them to the club tonight."
"Typical Meg. When in doubt, go on the offensive." Hilly sat on the edge of the desk.
"Shit." The hope he'd held a moment ago was gone, replaced by a heavy weight that threatened to bring him to his knees. He gave them a wan smile. "On second thought, I think she's cornered the market on stubborn."
Allie took his hand and squeezed. "What are you going to do?"
He squeezed her hand back, then released her and squared his shoulders. "What else can I do? She won't drop the bet even though I offered to let her win. I'm going to have to finish this challenge."
Meg spent the time since she'd left Chance standing on the sidewalk trying to figure out how her game of sexual fun had shifted gears. Hell, shifted gears? That was an understatement. Their wild car ride had veered off the road and straight into a ditch. At first, the idea of seducing men Chance chose for her, especially while he watched, had excited her. But everything had changed, and not for the better.
Meg had stayed up last night, drinking and wallowing in self-pity until, at last, in the early morning hours she'd had a revelation. Not the kind of revelation a party girl expected or wanted. Instead the epiphany she'd experienced had taken her world and thrown it end over end.
She cared about Chance. But not in the way she cared for other men in her life. Chance wasn't a plaything or even a friend with benefits. No, he was more. How much more shocked her, leaving her stunned and afraid.
What would she do now? She'd never liked---loved!---any man before. She wasn't even sure she knew how to handle love. Did she tell him? What if he didn't return her affection? Or worse, rejected her outright?
She no longer wanted any other man. In fact, taking another man to bed churned a hole in her stomach. She couldn't, wouldn't do that to Chance whether he cared for her or not. She grimaced, the idea of Chance touching another woman constricting her chest until she feared her heart would burst.
She had to find a way out of their crazy contest.
The sun was rising when the answer finally came to her. She couldn't take Chance up on his offer to let her win. Pride, stupid or not, wouldn't let her. The alternative was clear. She'd have to win the bet and win it once and for all. If she took two men to bed at once, men he'd chosen, he'd have to agree she could get any man she wanted---and more. Once he saw her seduce two men, he'd admit his defeat, giving her the win.
But she couldn't stomach the thought of actually sleeping with anyone other than Chance. Strange as it may seem, she couldn't get past the idea that she'd be cheating on him. Granted, they didn't have a relationship outside the challenge, and she shouldn't worry about it, but she couldn't shake the impression that she was doing something wrong. Besides, how could she sleep with any other guy when her feelings for Chance grew stronger every day?
Her mind whirled. Maybe if she could make him think she'd had sex with two men, perhaps even let him see her having sex with two men, she'd solve her problem. As long as the two men weren't really there, of course. Then she'd win and the bet would be over.
A worrisome thought pushed at her happiness. She'd wanted to draw the men to her with her natural allure, and she'd done so. She hadn't used magic to attract Bill, only to make him forget and then to give him a wonderful gift any man would love. Putting a spell on him had been to his benefit, not hers.
But her new plan was filled with spells. Still, a girl had to do what a girl had to do, right? Especially a girl who was a witch. Besides, after he forfeited the challenge, she could try and make him love her---without using any magic.
She glanced at the leather-bound spell book sitting on her bedside table. One day she'd switch over to an eBook reader for her spells like most witches had done, but for now she'd find her answers within the pages of the ancient text. The basics of her plan had come together, but she needed specific spells. Plopping the book on her lap, she flipped page after page, her mind toying with the details until at last she found the spells that suited her needs.
Calling and leaving a message on the bakery's answering machine for her sisters and begging off work for the day, Meg crawled under the sheets and slept soundly for the first time since she'd met Chance Dannigan.
Meg strolled through The Sundowner, a smile plastered on her face, and waved to the many people who recognized her. Keeping her game face on, she scanned the dimly lit room for Chance.
Chance sat at their booth---their booth?---with two very handsome men sitting across from him. The golden man could've taken Brad Pitt's place as his twin and the dark-haired hunk was the perfect bad-boy type, sultry, lust-filled eyes included.
Meg slowed her pace, not to catch their attention as she usually would have wanted, but to prolong the time before she had to meet her new subjects of seduction. Her heart and mind urged her to turn around and run. But she couldn't. Although she hated her pride, she couldn't ignore it.
"Hi." She didn't even try to come on to the men. Instead, she studied them, committing their features to memory. If her plan had any hope of succeeding, she had to get every detail exactly right.
"Hi, Meg." Chance's tone was light as though he was surprised to see her. "Are you out clubbing tonight?"
Oh, right, Doc. Act like we hadn't planned on meeting at the club.
She tried to ignore the rapid increase of her pulse and failed. Heat swirled between her legs, and her stomach did the strange little flip-flop it always did whenever Chance looked at her. Ignoring her instant attraction to him was like ignoring an erupting volcano. If the lava didn't get her, the acid rain would. "Not really. I just popped in for a quick drink." She forced her gaze away from him to settle on his friends. "So, who are your friends?"
"Oh, I'm sorry." His grin faltered for a moment. "This is Josh and Ian. Guys, this is the lady I told you about. This is Meg."
The blond god gave her a slight wave when his name was mentioned, but Ian remained emotionless, keeping his dark, broody image intact.
"That's why my ears are burning. I hope you've told them good things."
"Of course."
Chance not providing their last names didn't faze her. After all, who cared? She had no reason to contact them later. "Hi, guys. May I join you?"
"Please." Chance motioned to Josh who stood, allowing her to slide onto the seat and between the two men.
"Chance didn't tell us how beautiful you are." Josh sneaked his arm behind her to rest on the top of the booth.
Any other time she would've accepted the compliment and flirted back. But now the words were meaningless. Still, she had a game to win. Then the real challenge to win Chance's love would begin.
A waitress Meg knew well brought her a drink, bending over the table to push the glass toward Meg and give the men a good look at her tantalizing cleavage. "Hi, everyone. I'm Lisa."
Her giggle screeched through Meg like fingernails on a blackboard. "Thanks, Lisa, but I think we're good. We'll let you know if we need refills. But for now, could you give us some privacy, please?"
Lisa glanced at the men, who remained silent, then pouted, plumping her lips for their benefit. "No problem." She leaned over, placing her palms on the table. "But if the gentlemen need anything---" she batted her eyes at all three men, "---all you have to do is whistle."
Puckering up, she let out a low, slow whistle and pushed her arms against the sides of her breasts. Ian and Josh gave her bosom plenty of admiration, but Chance lifted his drink to his lips and checked out the couples on the dance floor. He didn't even watch as she strutted back to the bar, her hips swinging like a pendulum.
Meg smothered a happy grin at Chance's lack of reaction to the buxom waitress. Too bad she couldn't reward him with a kiss.
"What does she think this is? Casablanca?" Meg played with the swivel stick in her drink.
"Casablanca? Is that a new club in town?"
Meg barely managed to keep from rolling her eyes. If only she'd added an intelligent factor to the contest. Josh was the male equivalent of a blonde bimbo with all looks and no brains. "Um, Joshy, what do you like to do for fun?"
Chance's eyebrows shot up at her new name for his friend, then he snarled when Ian chuckled under his breath.
Josh, however, was happy to take the bait. "Well, I like what most men like."
"And what's that, Joshy?" Ian smirked.
Josh played with the back of her hair. "I like to make my ladies feel wonderful. You know, satisfied and well taken care of. I like to know they've had a good time."
"Ooh, so it's all about the woman's pleasure, huh?" She laughed, took a sip of her drink, then licked her lips.
Josh was easy and willing to take her to bed. So why had Chance selected him? Did he still want to lose the bet? She shifted, and in doing so, brushed a breast against Ian's shoulder. His gaze flicked to the spot where she'd touched him, skimmed over her chest, then drifted to her eyes.
"Let's quit dancing around the subject. What are you after, Meg? Are you one of those tease-'em-then-leave-'em-hanging kinds of girls? Or are you a real woman who likes real men?"
She knew his type. He liked to bait women into coming on to him which, of course, made him feel desired and powerful. Meg took another sip of her drink, then dove into his dark eyes and gave him what he wanted. "Ian, honey, I don't leave anyone hanging in any way."
He crooked the corner of his mouth upward and placed his hand on her leg. Meg smiled, although what she really wanted to do was thwack him on his hand.
"Would you care to prove it?" His eyes darkened, the tiger ready to pounce.
Meg faltered, then glanced at Chance with an unspoken question. Why had he chosen these two? They were hardly a challenge. But Chance kept his head turned away from the booth as though he couldn't be bothered to follow their conversation. Was he so willing to get the game over with? To never see her again? Hurt hit her first and she had the sudden urge to let the tears fall. Then anger followed in its wake to save her the humiliation of crying over a man who obviously didn't care for her.
Downing the remainder of her drink, she covered Ian's hand with hers. "Ian? Josh? Would you two like to see my apartment?"
"Only if I can see your bedroom." Ian leaned in to nuzzle her ear and whisper, "Do you have a friend who'd like to join us? Maybe Lisa?"
Meg stiffened at his request but fought back the urge to tell him to take a flying leap into a giant pot of boiling oil. She'd never entertain the idea of Lisa joining them. Besides, Lisa getting involved would blow her scheme sky high. She looked at him, letting the unspoken invitation linger in her eyes. "Why don't I call my sisters when we get to my place?"
"Yeah? Are they as hot as you?"
Ian, you do have a one-track mind, don't you? She giggled. "You won't be disappointed."
She had Chance's attention at last. He frowned. "Your sisters? But Allie's---"
"Allie will love this, Chance. So are you boys in or out?"
Even Ian was taken aback. "Chance is coming, too?"
"Why not? The more, the merrier, I always say. Trust me. None of you will be disappointed." Her heart dropped at Chance's frown. But she had to stick to the plan.
Ian wiped his mouth. Maybe to wipe away the drool? "Damn, girl, you really are freaky."
Meg pushed at him, making him slide out of the booth, then tugged on Josh to get him to slide out behind her. Enough was enough. Time to put her plot into action.
"Honey, you don't know the half of it." Turning to face Chance she added, "I'm going to let my new friends ride with me. You don't mind following in your car, do you? You do remember where I live, don't you?"
She smiled, remembering the quick spell she'd performed before entering the club. She needed Chance to take his car---not that he'd be able to use it right away.
She left Chance nodding, an irritated expression clouding his features. Striding through the club with Ian taking one arm and Josh taking the other, she couldn't help but mentally cross her fingers for luck. So far, so good.
"Nice place you have."
"Thanks." Meg smiled at Josh and, for what had to be the thousandth time, reevaluated her plan. But she couldn't turn back. Not after saying she'd have sex with two men at once, then sabotaging Chance's car with a flat tire to delay his arrival.
Ian wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her closer. He was toned and strong, but that didn't make him any more attractive to her. She put her weight against him and snaked her hand along his spine toward his shoulders to take in every curve and hard edge. She had to get his body firmly in her mind.
Josh wasn't one to be left out. Laughing, he tugged her out of Ian's hold and pressed her against his chest. She did the same to him that she'd done to Ian, moving her hands over his body to memorize his frame. But she had to move fast. A flat tire wouldn't delay Chance for long.
"How about we skip the pleasantries and get down to the fun?" Meg kissed the hollow of Josh's neck, earning a moan.
"I do like a woman who knows what she wants." Ian sandwiched her between them and cupped her ass. "So which of us gets to fuck you first?"
She didn't worry that they might notice how fake her laugh was. Hell, she could've dropped a bomb on their feet and they wouldn't have taken their hungry eyes off her.
"That's up to you. And to tell the truth, I don't mind a little competition between my men." She glanced at the front door, confirmed that she'd left it unlocked, and squeezed out from between the men. "Follow me, guys."
Leading them down the hallway, she strode past her bedroom and led them into the guest bedroom. An eager Josh and Ian grabbed her and pushed her onto the bed, letting her fall onto her back. Josh ran his hands under her T-shirt and left unbuttoning her jeans to Ian.
Alarm caught her breath until, at last, she regained her composure. But by then, her shirt was gone and her jeans lay piled on the floor. "Hey, slow down, okay?"
Ian shucked his shirt and got busy taking off his belt. "What the hell for?"
Josh fondled her breasts, working to push the top part of the bra under her breasts. "Yeah. What the hell for?" He latched on to a nipple and sucked.
Meg attempted to wiggle away, but Ian spread her legs, levering his knee between them. He slipped his hand under her thong and yanked, but she resisted, taking hold of the thin strap to pull them back up.
"Knock it off." She hadn't planned on the men being so aggressive, and the situation was quickly getting out of control. She kicked, barely missing Ian's shaft, but freeing one leg.
"Hey, I thought you wanted this." Ian tried to take her leg again, but she kept kicking. Josh slid his hand over her stomach and she knew if both men went for her thong again, she would lose it.
"Urgh!" She slapped Josh's hand away, shoved a foot against Ian's chest and scooted to the edge of the bed. The men lunged for her and she spun away to stumble backward.
Praying it would work, she waved her hand in the air and recited the spell she'd practiced. If it didn't, she'd have to get out of trouble the old-fashioned way: by taking them down with quick kicks to their balls.
A popping sound heralded the blue mist that settled around them. Meg yanked her bra back over her breasts and waited for the hex to work.
Ian and Josh froze, two statues with erect shafts. Josh's eyes grew wide. Groaning, he tried to reach out for her, but his arms wouldn't move. Emitting the saddest cry she'd ever heard, he fell sideways onto the bed. Fear wiped away Ian's erection and he uttered a curse before pitching headfirst on top of Josh.
"Stars and moon, I'm glad that worked." Meg shoved Ian off Josh to lie flat on his back next to the out-like-a-light Josh. Ian's snores soon accompanied his friend's. She took a deep breath and relaxed, thankful she'd managed the spell. "Sleep tight, boys. I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
Meg grabbed the Crock-Pot sitting on the edge of the dresser, took a quick look at the concoction brewing inside and said a silent prayer that the next spell would work. She'd never tried any spell quite as elaborate, and she wasn't sure the homemade dolls she'd found at the local arts-and-crafts store would work. If she'd known what Josh and Ian looked like before she'd met them, she could've added the correct eye and hair color, thus increasing the chances that her charm would work. As it was, she'd just have to give it a try and hope for the best.
She dropped the two dolls into the bubbling goo and closed her eyes. Speaking with as much emotion as she could, she intoned the hex. She held her breath, then turned to see if it had worked.
"Damn it!" Although the room wasn't large, she scanned the area, hoping to see something. Hell, anything. But she and the two men were the only ones there. She chewed her lip and reminded herself to stay calm. She'd have to try again. But what had gone wrong the first time?
Taking a steadying breath, she recited the spell again. Unlike before, she kept her eyes peeled on the boiling liquid and the two dolls bobbing to the surface of the brew. Sparks danced inside the pot and tiny blue flames emerged, then died out. Was that what was supposed to happen? If not, if the spell didn't work this time, she'd be in a heap of---
"What the hell?"
Josh and Ian had awakened and stood at the end of the bed, their eyes locked on the other Josh and Ian standing before them. The real Josh reached out to touch the fake Josh, then dropped his hand.
Shit. How did they wake up so soon? Meg made a mental note to practice her sleeping spell more often and made a quick wish that the other spells she needed tonight would last longer.
"What's going on, man?" Josh tilted his head from one side to the next. "Is that me?"
Meg made her voice as light as she could. "Hi, guys. Wow, we did some powerful stuff, huh?" She pushed her way in between the two sets of men as though she could hide the fakes from the real men.
Ian, who had until now remained silent, zeroed in on her. "Am I really seeing what I'm seeing? There's two of us?"
Meg twisted around, pretended not to see the fake Ian and Josh, then shrugged. "Two of who?"
"Two of those." Josh pointed at the fakes.
"Wow, you guys can't handle the hard drugs, can you? I thought you said you used this stuff all the time." She scoffed and shook her head at them.
"Stuff? What kind of stuff?"
"Oh, come on. Quit fooling around. You know. The stuff Josh gave us. The super-duper meds." Meg turned away from the real Ian and Josh to gawk at the exact body lookalikes that she'd hocus-pocused into creation, acting like she was seeing them for the first time.
"Wow, what a high! Are you guys seeing double, too? It's like there's more than one of you." Hopefully, they wouldn't notice that she didn't have a lookalike. But then, even if they did, they wouldn't have long to wonder.
Josh was more confused than ever. "The stuff I gave us? But I haven't done any E since the judge threatened to lock me up until I turned forty. Or I got smarter. Whichever one came first."
Meg would've bet he'd turn forty long before he ever got smarter. "I guess you didn't listen to the judge."
The cool and calm bad boy Ian of earlier was a thing of the past. Instead, his wild eyes darted from the other Ian, to her and back again. "Are you seeing another you? Because I don't see another you. But I do see another Josh and me." His voice trembled. "Holy shit. This is freaky weird."
Josh reached out to the fake Josh and finally made contact. His hand disappeared into the flesh, then reappeared as it left the illusion's body. Stunned, he jumped backwards. "Damn! Did you see that? My hand went right through him. Or in him. Or through him. Aw, hell, I don't even know."
Ian's words were jumbled, incomprehensible mumbles as he struggled to make sense out of the impossible. His arm shook as he reached out to touch the Ian copy.
"No! Don't touch him." Ian yanked his hand away at Meg's shout.
She should've counted on them being freaked out. After all, how many people met their exact double? Nonetheless, she had to regain control of the situation before Chance arrived. Acting fast, she waved her hands in front of their faces and chanted a forgetting spell. Their eyes glazed over, taking on a faraway look.
Now what? Maybe I should've given this plan a little more thought. Still, she was knee-deep into the scheme with no turning back.
"Okay, you two." She pointed at the real Ian and Josh. "Sit on the bed and wait until I return. Do not make a sound and do not leave this room no matter what you hear and no matter what happens. Do you understand?" She mumbled the spell for obedience and prayed it would work better than her sleeping spell had.
Ian and Josh nodded dumbly and did as they were told. For now. But would the spell last?
Heaving a big sigh, Meg turned to the Ian and Josh imitations, who acted as though nothing unusual was happening. They stared at her, their eyes blank windows in empty houses. But then what else would they act like? Could illusions think? Would they be able to act like their real counterparts when she needed them to?
She snapped her fingers in front of their faces and motioned for them to follow her into the hallway. Checking on the real men again, she turned the lock and closed the door. "Come with me, boys."
Hurrying the illusions into her bedroom, she ordered them onto her bed, thankful that they understood her. She climbed onto the bed, placing them on either side of her.
Ian's double was the first to speak, and his voice was a perfect match to the voice of the real man. "What are we doing here? I don't remember...anything."
Well of course you don't. You're not real. Would he ever gain Ian's memories? She scanned him from head to toe, then did the same to Josh and couldn't help but feel a spark of pride. She'd done a damn good job reproducing the men's bodies.
Carrying on with her plan, Meg answered as though Ian were real and had a history going back longer than the past few minutes. "Damn, Ian, way to hurt a girl's ego. Don't you remember going down on me?"
Meg thrust out her breasts and pressed them toward Josh's face. He moaned and filled his hands with them, then brought his mouth to her nipple just like the real Josh had done. She looked at Ian, wondering why he hadn't touched her yet. Didn't the libido copy as well as the rest of Ian?
Ian's face brightened. "I did? With your thong still on?"
She ignored his question and unclasped her bra to free her breasts. Yet when she tried to take Ian's hand, her fingers slid through his skin and out the other side. Why could they touch her, but she couldn't touch them? That question would have to wait for another time. She'd just have to make sure she didn't touch them once Chance was watching. "Ian, why don't you do less talking and more...you know?"
Ian grabbed her buttocks and squeezed, then ran his fingers along the thin strip of her thong. "Anything you want, honey."
"Then rip them off, Ian. Rip them off and put your tongue where it does the most good."
Ian tore the lacy underwear from her and bent to run his tongue over her butt cheek. "I don't remember doing this before. I don't remember doing anything."
"You don't? Ouch. You really do know how to make a woman feel wanted, Ian." Meg caught a glimpse of them in the mirror and winced. She hated deceiving Chance this way, hated having to make the charade look real, and hated having to use magic. But it was better than having sex with real men.
At least, she hoped so.
"No, no. I'm sure you taste great. In fact, I want another taste."
Meg pushed her breasts together and Josh sucked on a nipple while thumbing her other bud. "And you'll get another taste. But let's take this easy. After all, we've got all night." Not. But for her plan to work, she had to put up with the two horny men until Chance arrived. Worried, she glanced at the door. Flat tire or not, Chance should've arrived by now.
Chance, where the hell are you? "Just make it look good, Ian."
"Make what look good?"
"Never mind." Meg studied his eyes. Was that intelligence she saw? Could an illusion grow and learn? Again, she pushed aside her concerns. After all, the fakes wouldn't be around long enough for her to find out.
"Whatever you say." Ian slid his tongue over her bottom, moving behind her to glide between her butt cheeks. Josh kept busy sucking and nipping at her nipples. He cupped her mons, moving a finger inside to stroke her nub. She jerked and forced herself not to move away.
For the first time in her life, Meg was unmoved by the attentions of a handsome man. Even the attentions of two handsome men and especially the attentions of two unreal men. Nonetheless, she had a part to play in this ruse and she'd do her best to make Chance believe what he was seeing was genuine. If he'd only arrive!
How far would she let them go before she put a stop to their play? Meg didn't bother uttering the appropriate satisfied sounds to make the men think she was having a good time. Instead, she focused on the bedroom door.
If she hadn't been listening, she never would've heard the front door open and close. Finally! Chance is here. Now all she had to do was wait for him to find the right bedroom.
Sticking out her breasts, she wiggled them against Josh's face. He grinned and nuzzled his head between her breasts while Ian reached around to replace Josh's hand on her nub. He rubbed and yet all she could feel was a slight impression of someone touching her. How she would enjoy any pleasurable sensation---much less pretend to have wild sex with the two fakes---was beyond her. But she had no choice.
Watching the bedroom door without overtly staring at it, Meg made sure Chance would find his way to her. "Ooh, ooh, ooh." She paused, listening for Chance's approach but heard nothing. But maybe her moans weren't loud enough. "Oh, yes, Josh. Yes! Suck on my tits. Good, Ian. Do it again."
Stars and moon, I sound like a bad porn actress.
Josh and Ian paused, their questioning expressions displaying their thoughts. Meg shrugged. "Hey, what can I tell you? I'm loud in bed." She moaned, this time almost shouting her imaginary delight.
Damn, if I get any louder, the neighbors might think I'm in pain and call for help. Come on, Chance.
She cleared her throat, ready to continue her role, and took Josh by the hair. Her hand vanished under his blond mane, and a cold sensation slithered over her skin. Yanking away, she reminded herself to keep her hands off the men and let them do the work.
Where the hell are you, Doc? Get in here and watch so I can win this bet once and for all.
Chance had made his decision and he would stick with it. He'd take her sisters' advice and tell Meg how he felt about her. No matter how hard it was, no matter if he had to hold her down and make her listen to him, he'd make her understand how much he cared. Once he had, he was certain she'd agree to end the challenge. After that, anything could happen.
Then he heard her cry. At first, his mind only registered the fact that she'd shouted. Was she in trouble? He was powering down the hallway at breakneck speed, planning on saving her from whatever the two men were doing to her, when the tone of her voice finally hit him. Had she sounded hurt? Or turned on?
He stopped, panting, and waited to hear her again. He did, but still couldn't make out the words. She was in danger, right? And if she was, he had to help her. After all, he'd set her up with strangers, men he'd just met. Who knew what they might do? If they hurt her, he'd blame himself.
Another sound, softer than the previous one, drifted to him and he concentrated, trying to make out what she'd said. Had he misunderstood the earlier shout?
"Ooh, Josh, suck harder. That's it."
Suddenly Chance wanted to be anywhere other than standing in Meg's apartment. Or at least not standing in Meg's apartment with the intention of watching her have sex with two strangers. Granted, he didn't have any room to judge. He'd taken women he'd just met home plenty of times. No, it wasn't because they were strangers. Rather, he simply didn't want her to be with anyone else.
An excruciating ache struck him in the chest, taking his breath away and making him dizzy. For a moment, he wondered if he was about to suffer a heart attack. She definitely wasn't in pain or in need of help. In fact, judging from the sounds he heard, she wasn't in need of anything.
He wanted to get the hell out of there. Away from the sexual moans. Away from the images invading his mind. But he couldn't. Knowing Meg, she'd keep pushing him to finish their challenge. If not tonight, then later.
Squaring his shoulders, he pushed the slightly opened door wide and grimaced at the scene. Even though he was prepared for what he would find, the sight before him rocked him on his feet.
Meg was on her hands and knees, her firm, round bottom wiggling, her breasts hanging above Josh's face. Josh lay flat on his back, playing with her breasts as he lifted his head to suck on her nipples. Ian was on his knees behind her, his cock in his hand, the tip positioned at the entrance of Meg's anus. He glanced at Chance, grinned, then slid inside her.
Ian's thrust knocked her to her elbows, bringing her breasts to either side of Josh's face. Her hair streamed to cover some of the view, but not enough as far as Chance was concerned.
She'd taken them to bed just as she'd vowed. Why had he let himself hope for a different outcome? No man could've resisted her, so he couldn't blame Ian or Josh. But even though her goal was to win the challenge---a challenge he'd enjoyed at first---it didn't help ease the pain. She'd managed to rip out his heart as effectively as if she'd taken a scalpel and split him down the center of his chest.
Ian pounded into her, moaning over and over. Josh slid out from under her, pushed his friend aside and flipped her onto her back. Meg's eyes widened as they locked onto Chance's, but she didn't try to stop Josh from entering her. Ian shuffled to the side, took her breast and offered her his shaft to taste. She shook her head, her attention locked on Chance.
The agony in Chance's chest was nothing compared to the misery surging through his body. If he hadn't been sure before, he was now. He loved her and wanted her for his and his alone.
"Chance."
The way she said his name gored hot agony into him. He wanted her to say his name again, even as another man plunged into her. If he could have her say his name for the rest of his life, he'd want for nothing else. Except for the game to stop.
"Meg." He ground out her name. "Stop."
"What did you say?"
"I told you to stop." At her stubborn expression, he amended his words. "Please stop."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." He was never more certain of anything in his life.
Giving him a curt nod, she ordered the men away, ignoring their protests, and scrambled to the edge of the bed. A strange expression brightened her face. Was she relieved?
"But why? Wasn't this what you wanted?"
What he wanted? Hell, no, but he could see why she might think so. He'd wanted the game in the beginning, had suggested it thinking they'd have fun and had been thrilled when she'd accepted. But now? No, this wasn't what he'd wanted.
She was what he wanted. She was goddess, a vision come to life. Her hair, a wild swirl of curls, floated around her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes grew wider, bigger, expectant. Her lips parted and he longed to kiss them, but couldn't make his feet take the first step toward her.
"Chance? Tell me what you want."
Where pain was before, anger took hold, wiping out all other emotions like a giant cleansing wave. He couldn't leave yet. Not before he hurt her the way she'd hurt him.
"Bravo, Ms. Tristan. Two men at once. That's quite an achievement. One I'm sure I'll find hard to surpass. Congratulations." He filled his smile with the coldness lodged in his heart. "But the bet's not over yet."
"But, Doc---"
He couldn't stand anymore. Couldn't bear to see Ian and Josh touch what should've been his. She reached out and he spun on his heel.
"Chance, wait. Let me explain---"
But he was already striding down the hall and through the front door before she could finish her sentence.
"Get off me, damn you." Meg tugged out of Josh's grasp and lunged for the bedroom door. Heedless of her nudity, she raced down the hall just in time to see the front door slam shut.
"Chance!" She flung the door open only to find the elderly couple living across the hall gaping at her. Mr. Wittacker's eyebrows shot up, and a sly grin filled his face. But his joy at seeing Meg in full frontal nudity didn't last long. Mrs. Wittacker thumped him on the head and shooed him inside their apartment.
"Shit." Meg ducked behind her door and closed it to find the naked Ian and Josh on high cruise down the runway of her hall, heading toward her like two heat-seeking missiles.
"Back off." She snapped her fingers and a blue mist filled the air in front of the two men. They froze, their hands reaching for her stuck in midair.
"How do I get myself into these messes?" Before meeting Chance, she would've found the situation funny, but not now. Instead, she felt empty and alone. And worse, she had the distinct impression that she'd made the biggest mistake of her life.
Snapping her fingers again brought them out of their frozen state. "Back to the bedroom with the both of you." She slapped away Ian's hand. Her hand swept through his, but he reacted as though she'd made contact which was all that mattered. "Stars and moon, this is so not good."
Meg retrieved another pair of jeans and a shirt from the closet, fighting off the still randy illusion men, then hurried across the hallway to unlock the guest bedroom door. The real Ian and Josh were exactly as she'd left them, and she heaved a sigh of relief.
"Okay, you fake studs. Stand over there by your, um, by your original selves and stay put."
The men grumbled under their breaths. Thankfully, they were intelligent enough to do as she ordered, but not smart enough to question why. They took their places in front of their doubles and waited.
Taking the lid off the Crock-Pot, Meg checked the temperature, thankful to find that the bubbling liquid had cooled. Holding her breath against the foul odor, she stuck her hand in and grabbed the first solid object she found. "Gotcha."
The dummy was semi-dissolved but enough had remained intact for her purposes. After digging out the second doll, she laid it next to the first one. Weary and thrown by Chance's reaction, she closed her eyes and repeated the words to the hex. Once she'd finished, she opened her eyes and turned toward the foursome, hoping to find a twosome.
The original Ian and Josh sat alone in the room, statues needing to be brought back to life. For a moment, the old Meg, the free-loving, noncommitted woman she'd been before she'd met Chance returned and she slid her gaze over the men. "Here you are, ready for me to play with like presents on Christmas morning, and I can't work up any enthusiasm for the idea. Sheesh, I've got it bad for the doc."
Her plan hadn't worked. Not exactly. As she'd wanted, Chance had found her with the two fakes, yet instead of offering to call off the bet, he'd gone a step further and had congratulated her on her conquest. A conquest he would, no doubt, attempt to beat. She'd won the battle, but she was sure she'd lost the war.
Meg shoved the terrible feeling away and focused on getting Ian and Josh back to normal. Although it took a bit of explaining, she managed to convince them---with a little forgetting spell---that they'd had the time of their lives, even if they couldn't remember a minute of it.
Pushing them out the front door and promising to call them, Meg waved the confused men on their way and closed the door. She sank to the floor, tears welling in her eyes and fought the urge to give in to her despair.
Why was she acting like she'd just gotten run over by an eighteen-wheeler? She'd set the bar too high for Chance to jump over. Hell, she'd thought he wouldn't even try. But he'd shown her. He was more than ready to fight until he won. Why, oh why hadn't she taken him up on his offer to let her win when she'd had the opportunity? Her stomach rolled over, threatening to bring her last meal back to her mouth.
Chance's furious expression, the pain in his eyes, raked through her, tearing her apart as easily as a knife sliced through butter. Why had he acted so angry? Hadn't he known what to expect?
She held her head in her hands, her elbows propped on her knees and stared at the carpet. Was he mad because she'd done what he'd wanted her to do? What he'd set her up to do? But that didn't make sense. After all, he'd wanted to give her the victory earlier. Then why was he so upset now? In fact, he'd seemed almost as upset as she'd been when she'd seen him with Haley.
Meg sat up straight, an idea giving light to a glimmer of hope. Could it be possible? Was Chance upset with her for the same reason she'd gotten upset with him? Although he'd known what he'd see, had he disliked it more than he'd thought he would?
A small smile tipped up the corners of her mouth. Was Chance jealous? If he was, didn't that mean he cared for her at least a little? And if he cared for her a little, then couldn't he grow to care for her a lot?
Meg hopped to her feet and spun around, sticking out her arms in a joyous twirl. Her hair flowed out around her and she giggled with delight. "He likes me. He really likes me. Holy crap, he likes me!"
Her happiness, however, didn't last long as a horrible thought hit her, driving all the joy from her. He may have liked her, but had she driven him away with her wild sexual antics?
She had to know. Was his reaction a result of his feelings for her? Or simply those of a man determined to win a bet?
Snatching her keys off the coffee table, she flung open the door and raced down the stairs. She needed her sisters' help more than she ever had.
"Hilly, you have to do this for me." Meg caught herself wringing her hands---something she would've never believed she'd ever do---and clenched her fists to her sides. She'd come up with another plan on her way to the bakery where she knew she'd find her sisters. Thank goodness it was inventory night, which always had them working well beyond business hours.
"First you blow off inventory night and then you want a favor? Besides, I thought you wanted to win this bet fair and square. Without using magic." Hilly placed a shipping receipt on top of a stack of other receipts, then sat back in her desk chair.
Meg paced to the opposite side of the small office. Allie stood by the door and took in the scene.
"I did, but things have changed."
"I'll say they have."
Whatever Allie meant was locked inside her at Hilly's glare. Any other time, Meg would've jumped on her younger sister's slip of the tongue, but she had to convince Hilly to help her first.
"Hilly, what I'm asking you isn't that big a deal, is it? I mean, you've impersonated lots of people before, right? All you have to do is change into a beautiful woman, let him try to get you into bed, then turn him down flat. That way he loses and the game's over."
"When she's right, she's right, Hilly." Allie placed her hands on her pregnant belly as though protecting her child from Hilly's scowl. "If you'll remember, you changed into me when Tom and I first got together. All in an attempt to run him off. This time you'd be helping one of your sisters."
Hilly snorted. "If both of you will remember, I offered to do the exact thing when you first told us about this challenge."
"Then what's the big deal now?" Meg glanced from Hilly to Allie and back again.
"I didn't know him then. Now I do, and I don't like tricking him."
"Please, Hilly. Do this for Meg."
Meg squeezed Allie's hand, thanking her for taking her side. "Look, I'm not even asking you to take the form of someone we know. You can be any woman you like just as long as she's no one Chance knows. Oh, and she's got to be drop-dead sexy gorgeous, of course."
Hilly chewed on the end of her pencil. "I don't know. I hate having any part in winning this silly contest. Plus, like I said. I really don't like lying to him. Then there's the possibility that I'd squash his fragile male ego. I could do irreparable harm to the man."
"Oh, come on. I think Chance's ego can take this one blow. Besides, I need to end this bet once and for all."
"Then end it. Just walk up to him and tell him he's won. Or that you quit."
"Hilly's right, Meg. That's what you should do."
Why didn't her sisters understand? Meg frowned, suddenly aware that she didn't fully comprehend how things had gone so horribly wrong. "I can't. First of all, I don't want to pay the price of losing." She ignored Hilly's judgmental lift of her eyebrow. "And second, after what he saw, he'll know something's not right if I just up and quit. I mean, who forfeits a game when they're ahead?"
"Then find him three women who will sleep with him and give him the win." Allie shrugged. "Seems like that's the best way to handle this."
"No way. I don't want him to sleep with one other woman, much less three." Meg couldn't keep the whine out of her voice, but she didn't care.
"Really? Is there a reason you don't want him to be with someone else?" Allie, the perpetual romantic, grinned at her sister. "Tell us, Meg. Do you care about him? Do you maybe...love him?"
Meg narrowed her eyes and studied her sisters. Allie acted as though she were about to burst while Hilly, once again, cast hard looks at their younger sister.
"Okay, spill. What's going on?" Realizing she'd have an uphill battle getting information out of Hilly, Meg centered her interrogation on Allie. "Little sister, what do you know that you're not telling me?"
Allie scurried over to Hilly's chair, using the chair and her older sister for protection. "Nothing. I think it's you who aren't telling us everything."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, come off it, Meg. Admit it, you love him."
Cornered, Meg had no choice but to lay it on the line. She held up her head and nodded, at once nervous and delighted to admit the truth. "Yeah. I think I do love him."
"Wow, oh, wow. She actually said the words. Hilly, this is serious. Now you really do have to help her."
"Yeah, Hilly, listen to Allie. You have to help me." Tears blurred Meg's vision. "I love the arrogant, bullheaded, sexy, intelligent man. So will you help me? Will you change into a hot woman and be his next seduction?"
Hilly slumped into the chair and tossed the pencil on top of the desk. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't blame me if this whole scheme blows up in your face."
Chance downed another drink and slammed the glass on the bar. Would any amount of alcohol clear away the image of Meg with Ian and Josh? If only he could chalk the memory up to a bad dream.
"Hey, take it easy, Doc. Any harder and you'll break the glass."
"Don't call me Doc." Meg called him Doc.
"Sure thing, D--- I mean, Chance." Tom rested his forearms on the counter and leaned closer. "Look, man, if you need to talk, then just say the word. As Allie's husband I know how a Tristan woman can get under your skin. Trust me, Allie and I had a major obstacle to overcome when we first got together."
"Meg and I are not together." At least not in the way Tom meant. Chance squashed the quick ache of yearning and rattled the ice in his glass. He might wish he and Meg were a couple, but wishing didn't make it so.
"I see." Tom refilled his glass, then ran his towel over the counter. "But you wish you were. Am I right?"
Chance didn't bother denying it. Tom would see the truth on his face, not to mention his hurt and frustration. He'd give anything to turn back time and forget he'd ever thought about the damn challenge. Winning or losing no longer mattered. The only thing he cared about now was ending it with hopes of starting over with Meg.
"I see."
"Will you stop saying that?"
"No, you don't understand. I really do see." Tom gestured behind Chance. "I see Meg coming this way."
The drink made it halfway to Chance's mouth and then stalled. Meg was here? Setting the glass down, he spun around on his stool and came face to face with the woman of his dreams. "Meg."
Blue eyes sparkled a wicked gleam at him. "Hi, Doc." Her gaze slid to the glass behind him, then narrowed and locked on to him. "I see---"
"Aw, hell." Did everyone see but him?
Her perfectly shaped eyebrows dipped. "---you've bellied up to the bar. For quite a while, it seems."
Was he drunk? Good thing he wasn't on call. "Is that a problem?" Damn, why did he always want to argue with her? Because he loved to see her chin tip up in defiance? Or was it the way her eyes flashed and her nostrils flared?
"Not for me. But I figured you might want another chance at winning."
He shook his head, but she'd already turned to point at a beautiful woman sitting alone at their---their?---booth. The woman was tall with legs that accounted for more than half of her body. She pulled her long flowing red hair like Meg's over one shoulder. Her almond-shaped eyes gave her an exotic look Chance had always found enticing. Breasts that ached for a man's touch pushed against the red fabric of her tight, almost-short-enough-to-flash-her-crotch dress.
"Her name is Sasha Grey and I've heard she's a real ball-buster. In fact, word has it that she hasn't taken a man to bed in over a year."
His laugh sounded harsh even to his ears. "Then she's an ice bitch. Or maybe she swims in the other pool."
Meg jerked back, then regained her composure. "Ouch, Chance. What's got your panties in a bunch? And I disagree. I've heard she's a real wildcat in bed. In fact, I've heard she wears men out."
He harrumphed and took a drink, using the time to study the woman.
"In fact, I think that proves she can have any man she wants, but she simply hasn't wanted any man for a while. The problem is...are you the man to make her crave what's she's been missing? Do you have the stamina to take her on?"
He didn't care if he was what Sasha Grey wanted or not. The only woman whose opinion was important stood before him extolling the virtues of a complete stranger.
"But who knows? You might have a chance, Doc. She's new in town and doesn't know many people. Plus, you can always use the 'I'm a doctor' card if you need it."
He scowled at Meg, then drained his drink. "Whatever." He just wanted to finish the bet, one way or another. "But she's only one woman. You had two men."
"Oh, don't worry about that. Ian and Josh were fun, but they weren't much of a challenge. I hardly had to bat an eye to get them into bed. Sasha, on the other hand, is a formidable challenge, so I'd count her as a match for my twosome any day."
"Okay, then I guess I'm up." Chance lunged off the stool.
"Watch out, Doc."
Meg took his arm and wrapped it over her shoulders, helping to steady him. Heat, wicked and unyielding, flashed from her body into his. He gritted his teeth, determined not to give in to every nerve shouting for her touch.
"Are you sure you want to do this right now, Chance? You can wait until you've sobered up, if you want."
Her face, her tantalizing, sexy, come-and-get-me face was inches from his. He could see the small flecks of silver in her eyes, smell her perfume and almost taste her lips. If he relaxed, he'd get closer and press his mouth---
"It's your call, Doc."
Meg released him, breaking the magic of the moment.
"No time like the present." Pulling himself straighter, he walked toward Sasha, his mind filled not with what he had to do to the stranger, but what he wanted to do to Meg.
Just get it over with. After that, I can start fresh with Meg.
He plastered on his practiced smile and gazed into the green eyes of Sasha Grey. "Hi. I'm Chance Dannigan. Dr. Chance Dannigan." Cripes, he hadn't meant to use the doctor card, but if it made things move faster, then who cared?
A haughty eyebrow arched, and she gave him a slow once-over. She halted at his crotch, the corners of her mouth tipping upward, then swept over the rest of him. "Hello. I'm Sasha Grey."
"Yes, you are. May I sit down?"
She paused to consider his request and he couldn't help but hope she'd say no. "Of course."
Sighing, Chance slid in next to her, raking his arm around her on the top of the booth cushion. An image of himself doing the same thing with Meg struck him in the gut, shooting pain outward.
"Are you all right? You went kind of pale for a second."
"I'm fine."
Sasha was perfect. Perfect eyes. Perfect teeth. Perfect voice. Hell, she even had the perfect aroma that he sensed wasn't from a perfume. Everything about the woman told him she was a temptress who could give more than she got in bed and leave a man breathless and satisfied. But the one thing she wasn't was the one thing he wanted. She wasn't Meg.
"I hear you're new in town. So am I."
Her laughter was like a bell and, of course, perfect. "I guess nothing stays a secret for long in a small town." Her shoulder pressed against him, signaling her interest. "I'm glad I'm not the only new kid on the block. Maybe we should get to know our new town together?"
Chance knew a come-on line when he heard one. Seemed Sasha wasn't as hard to win over as Meg thought she was. Risking one last glance at Meg who had taken his seat at the bar, he moved in for the kill.
"Damn, I hate this." Meg swirled around on the stool to put her back to Chance and Hilly-turned-seductress. But she could still watch them by way of the mirror on the wall behind the bar. "Damn."
"Then why don't you call it off? Or throw the bet? Why make Hilly go through the motions of turning him down?" Tom wiped the counter clean, then refilled the peanut bowl.
"Oh, so I see Allie called and filled you in."
"Yeah, but you didn't answer my question. Why go to all this hassle?"
She groaned and played with the swizzle stick in her drink. "I've already gone through my so-called logic with my sisters. Ask Allie to explain it to you later. Right now, I'm a little preoccupied with the action in the booth to do a rundown of the stupidest mistake I've ever made."
"Well, at least you know when you've screwed up." Tom ducked away from her slap, then made her another drink. "Here. I think you're going to need this."
"Some bartender you are. Aren't you supposed to have some words of wisdom? Or at least commiserate with me a little?"
Why the hell was her sister taking so long to turn Chance down? Sure, she needed to make it look good, but why drag it out?
"Hey, I'm merely a sounding board. Nothing more, nothing less. If you want more, you need to see a shrink."
"Then sound me this. Why do I feel like crap? I'm about to win the bet and have him announce that I can get any man I want. I should be doing a happy dance. Instead, all I want is for him to be with me. Sheesh, I'm a mess."
She squirmed under Tom's hard perusal "Why are you looking at me that way?" She tucked her head, studying the wood grain in the bar.
"What you're feeling, my sweet sister-in-law, is guilt. You know tricking Chance is a lousy way to win the game."
Tom was often right and this time was no exception. "Damn."
"Look, Meg, you two got this thing going before you really knew each other. You're both players who wound up having the game play you. But then you had to take it a step further and beat him by using magic. No wonder you feel guilty."
"Okay then, smart man, what would you do?"
But Tom didn't answer. Instead, his eyes grew large and he suddenly found work behind the bar. "Don't look now, but they're both headed this way."
Sasha hurried by, shot a quick look at Meg and whispered, "Catch you later." She rushed toward the exit.
Meg swallowed, closed her eyes and prepared to meet Chance head-on. Please let this awful game be over. She gasped as he spun her around to face him. "Look, Chance, I---"
"You win." His dark eyes were dull, yet his jaw was clenched.
"Wait. What did you say?"
"I said you win. Sasha turned me down cold." He glanced at the door where Sasha had gone.
Meg wished she could swallow the lie, but she was in it too far to turn back. "She did, huh? So fast?"
He glanced at Tom who, catching Chance's warning tilt of his head, moved to the other end of the bar. "Yeah, she did, and I'd thank you not to rub my nose in it. Move over and let me do what I have to do."
"What do you have to do?" She slipped off the stool at his insistence and stepped out of the way.
"Like you don't remember. Like I said. Don't rub it in."
Oh, hell. Is he really going to do it? "I'm not. But seriously, you don't have to do this." Her guilt level skyrocketed, clogging her throat and putting a vise on her heart.
"Out of my way, Meg."
Using the footrest on the stool, Chance jumped and landed, butt first, on top of the counter. Laughter and shouts of surprise filled the club and the crowd moved closer, eager to find out what he would do next.
Meg glanced around her, the flame of embarrassment heating her face. "Chance, get down from there, okay? I don't want you to do this." How could she have ever wanted him to make a fool of himself? She reached out for him, but he ignored her.
Clearing his throat, he threw his arms wide. "Listen up, everyone. I have an announcement."
Meg cringed. The crowd probably expected him to propose to her. Then to call out "drinks for everyone" in celebration. Instead, they'd get front-row seats to his humiliation.
"Chance, please. I don't want you to do this."
He smiled at her, shocking and thrilling her in the same moment. "It's okay, Meg. A bet's a bet and I always pay up."
"But---"
Chance threw back his shoulders and let his voice boom. "I want everyone to know that Meg Tristan---" he nodded toward her, pausing long enough for everyone to look at her, "---delightful, wonderful, sexy, amazing Meg Tristan can get any man she wants. No matter how handsome, how rich, how intelligent---no man can withstand her charms."
"Oh, my God." Although what he'd said delighted her, she wanted nothing more than to yank him off the bar. She looked to Tom for help, but he was as mesmerized as the rest of them.
"Including me."
Meg inhaled along with most of the other women in the room. Had he meant what he'd said? Or was he just getting into the spirit of the game? Was he pretending to play the rejected lover? Yet when she met his gaze she saw real adoration, a match for the love she felt for him. She pressed a hand over her heart. Would he say more?
Chance looked away, his features hardening. "But the sad part is that while I care for her, her heart isn't mine."
Women around her almost swooned, their collective aws singing into the silence. Confused and even angry stares assaulted her as though demanding her reason for not loving such a romantic man.
She had to stop him. But not with magic. No, she'd used enough magic to trick him. "Chance, please, listen to me."
"No. She doesn't care for me and my heart is broken."
Had she heard sincerity in his tone? Meg studied him, her breath hitched in her throat, fearful she hadn't. Chance's eyes locked with hers and tore a hole in her heart. The pain, the hurt she saw was too much to bear. But what else could she do?
"I had to get that off my chest. Thanks for listening, everyone."
Applause thundered as Chance dropped to the floor in front of the bar. Several girls reached out to touch him, to comfort him, while a couple of men patted him on the back.
"Was that good enough for you?"
Meg lifted her head, a tear at her eye as she tried to find the right words to say. But the right words didn't exist. "I'm so sorry, Chance. I tried to stop you, but you wouldn't listen."
"What did you say? I can't hear you for all this commotion." He tugged her arm to pull her into a corner by the front door, then took both her arms, forcing her to confront him. "Okay, go ahead. Talk."
"You didn't lose the bet."
He turned her loose, then ran a hand over his face. "What are you talking about? I lost, fair and square. Sasha turned me down flat."
"No she didn't. Not really."
He gritted his teeth and planted his feet apart as though ready to fight her. "I don't understand, and frankly, after the day I've had, I'm not sure I want to."
"Oh, Chance, I'm so sorry. I wish we'd never made this stupid bet. But you didn't lose. Sasha was..." She couldn't tell him that Sasha didn't exist. Or that Hilly had transformed into the intoxicating woman. So what could she say?
"Sasha was what?" His tone was controlled, but a heavy layer of anger lay underneath the control.
"Sasha was a fake. I got her to turn you down so you would lose the bet."
Chance took a deep breath and stepped back from her. "This was a set-up? So you lied?"
"No. Yes. But I only did it so I could win. I mean, I only wanted the challenge to end. I didn't want you to get up on the counter and say all those things." She reached out for him, needing to touch him, needing to make him understand.
"No." He held up his hands to ward her off, then started to say more before he finally shook his head. Without saying another word, he turned on his heel, pushed through the door and stormed into the night.
"Meg, you have to tell him the truth."
Hilly's arms around her couldn't lessen the sorrow raging through Meg. "I wish I could, but he won't talk to me."
"How do you know?" Allie reached across the kitchen table and covered Meg's hands with her own. "You haven't tried to get him to talk."
"I don't have to. Why should he talk to me? I lied and then let him make that speech at the club." A sob shuddered through her shoulders. "Even then I didn't tell him the whole truth. God knows how he would've reacted if he'd known everything."
"Wow, I wish I could've been there to hear his speech. I'll bet he was amazing."
Meg scowled at Allie, then let out another sob. "That's not the point, is it?" She slumped back into the chair. "How did this go so wrong? All I wanted was to have fun. You know, to do what I've always done. How was I to know I'd fall for the big lug?"
"Well, I hate to say it, but I told you so."
Meg gaped at Hilly. "Now? You're going to say 'I told you so' now? Why didn't you stop me?"
Hilly shook her head, refusing to take the blame. "Meg Tristan, don't put your mistake on me."
"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't blame you, but I don't know what else to do. Hilly, please, you've got to find a way to help me."
"I think I've already done too much."
"Please, Hilly. Please help me."
Hilly grew quiet, then shrugged. "Fine, I'll help. But as I see it, honey, there's only one thing to do."
Meg bit her lip, almost afraid to ask and burst her bubble of hope. "Then tell me. What should I do?"
"Tell him the truth." Hilly paused. "And I mean the whole truth this time."
Did Hilly mean what she thought she meant? But they'd always vowed to keep their secrets. "You want me to tell him I'm a witch?"
"Meg, do you love Chance?"
Meg didn't have to hesitate. She'd thought of nothing else since she'd shooed Ian and Josh out of her apartment. "I don't know when it happened or how, but yes, I do." Another cry escaped her. "Stars and moon, I do."
"And since you love him, don't you want to be with him?"
Meg nodded, knowing what the next question would be. "I want to be with him every day and every night, for as long as I live."
Allie wiped away a tear and handed her a tissue. "This is so romantic I just can't stand it."
But Hilly wasn't finished. "So if you want to be with him every day and every night for as long as you live---" she smiled and patted Meg's hand, "---then don't you think you have to tell him? A relationship based on lies is no relationship at all. Besides, I think he'll notice the witch's paraphernalia once you two move in together."
Allie's laugh lifted the atmosphere in the room. "Ain't that the truth? The first time he eats the wrong goop out of your Crock-Pot and turns into a goat, he'll probably figure it out."
Her sisters were right, of course. "When you're right, you're right." A smile to match Hilly's formed on Meg's lips. "And you're always right."
"Then find him and tell him everything. From the moment you saw him to the last time you spoke. Tell him you're a witch." Hilly took her hand. "But most important of all, tell him that you love him."
Locating Chance wasn't difficult. A simple finding spell brought Meg the answer she needed. Granted, he wasn't where she'd assumed he would be---either at the hospital or at Wesley Ward---but that didn't matter. If he'd gone to the moon she would've followed him.
Meg walked into the lobby of the Golden Retreat Long Care Facility ready to wrinkle her nose at the smell. Howard Nursing Home where her grandfather used to live had always smelled like an odd mixture of cleaning solutions, sickness and other aromas she didn't care to identify. But this one was different. Golden Retreat had the fragrance of a hotel. Crisp and clean, the windows sparkled and the floor shone. The place was as cheerful as Wesley Ward.
"May I help you? I'm Sara." A smiling young woman clasped her hands in front of her starched white uniform and waited to fulfill Meg's needs. "Are you looking for someone?"
A few elderly patients strolled by her, their laughter right at home in the sunlit room. "Yes, I am."
"May I ask the name? I could check the register for them." The girl's ponytail swung as she motioned for Meg to accompany her to the reception desk. "What's the name?"
"I'd like to speak with Chance."
An older nurse moved to peek over Sara's shoulder. "She means Dr. Chance Dannigan, sweetie."
Sara's face brightened even more at the mention of Chance's name. "Oh, Dr. Dannigan."
Meg would've sworn every woman in the room stopped to look her way, hoping to find the handsome Dr. Dannigan nearby. "Right. I assume he's working here." She made her tone sound neutral, using neither a questioning tone nor a declarative one.
"I wish." The older nurse blushed, her giggle sounding much like Sara's. She cleared her throat and tugged on her uniform. "Uh, I mean, I wish he did. From what I hear, he's a wonderful physician. Unfortunately, he doesn't work here."
"Hmm." Did the man check in with all the retirement and senior care facilities? If so, growing old didn't sound so bad. "But he is here. I know he is." Hopefully, they wouldn't ask her how she knew.
"Oh, yes, he's here," answered the older woman.
Meg paused, waiting for more information, but received none. "Okay, then could you tell me where I might find him?"
Sara and the nurse exchanged a quick glance. "I'm not sure we should give out that information," replied Sara.
"Even to his fiancée?" Meg held her head high and kept her unadorned fingers in her pockets.
"His fiancée?" The strident tones of the shocked women answered her.
In for a penny, in for a pound. Meg nodded, giving a quick thought to using a compelling spell. But if she could bluff her way through...
"That's right. Now, please, tell me where I can find my fiancé. We have to decide on a china pattern today before our wedding registry activates." Was that how registries worked? Did they activate? Meg hoped she'd used the phrase correctly. From now on, she'd have to pay more attention to Hilly's preoccupation with the latest bridal reality show.
The stunned nurses, however, weren't forthcoming. Taking a risk, Meg started toward the right hallway. "He's down this way, right?"
Sara was the first one to unfreeze. "No, no. His mother was moved to a different room." She slid beside Meg. "Didn't he tell you?"
Meg made an "oh, you know men" face. "It probably just slipped his mind. You know how busy doctors are."
"Oh, sure."
Meg whirled around and headed for the other hallway with Sara hurrying to stay up with her. "So what room was she moved to?"
"Room one-fourteen, the best room in the place."
Figures they'd want the charming Dr. Dannigan's mom in the best room. Anything to get on the handsome doctor's good side. "Great. Well, then, don't let me keep you from your duties."
But Sara didn't take the not-so-subtle hint. "I'm actually going on a break soon, so it's no bother."
"Great." Yeah, just great. Meg shot her a halfhearted smile. The room numbers on the walls next to the rooms whizzed by her until, at last, she stood outside the correct room. Giving Sara a quick pat on the back, Meg shoved her toward the lobby. "Okay, we're here. Thanks so much. Bye."
For the first time, a frown marred Sara's features, but she kept moving down the hallway. Still, if the girl moved any slower, she'd get run over by the elderly man shuffling down the hall with his walker. Meg waited, biting her lower lip, until the girl was finally out of earshot.
Summoning her courage, she pushed the door open and took a step forward. Half hidden by the door, she peered around the edge into the room.
The room was as different from her grandfather's as a room could be. Bright sunshine spilled in through a large lace-trimmed window. The bed, although a hospital bed, was inviting, with a colorful quilt and two overstuffed pillows. Photos and mementos sat scattered on a desk and side table. A television, tuned to a popular soap opera, hung overhead.
Chance sat on a plump-looking sofa next to a woman who had to have reached beyond eighty years. Her full white hair shone, silver sparkling in the natural light. Classic yet stylish gold earrings hung from her ears although she was dressed in a housecoat. Slippers hugged her feet and her hands worked the knitting needles and yarn as well as any woman half her age. Her smile lifted the wrinkles in her face to frame intelligent dark eyes, eyes so much like Chance's. She tilted her head, interrupting whatever Chance was saying to her and drawing his attention to the door.
"Meg?" A flash of a grin stole away, replaced by his scowl. "What are you doing here?" His mother took his hand and he covered hers with his own but didn't take his focus away from Meg.
Meg dragged in a steadying breath, then forged ahead with her plan. "Hello, Mrs. Dannigan, I'm so sorry to interrupt, but could I please talk to your son? Um, in private?" She'd have gotten on her knees to beg him if she'd thought it would do any good. Instead, she entered the room and stopped when his scowl deepened.
Chance stood, but didn't draw near. "What for? You won the bet, Meg, although you cheated to do so. But I don't care. I'm not going on with it. You and I have nothing left to talk about. I'm sure you can find your way out." He turned his back on her and retook his seat next to his mother.
"Please, Chance, let me explain."
"You don't owe me an explanation and I don't owe you anything. Now, one last time, please leave."
Meg didn't know which hurt worse: his rejection or the pain she could hear in his voice. Once again she considered going down on her knees, but rejected it. No, she would stand her ground and make him listen. Then, if he wanted nothing to do with her, she would accept his decision and try to move on.
"Look, Chance, we got off on the wrong side of things from the very beginning."
"Meg, this isn't the time or the place."
"Maybe not, but I'm making it the time and the place. Mrs. Dannigan, I apologize, but I have to do this now."
Mrs. Dannigan stared at Meg, but she didn't sense any animosity. Instead, the older woman seemed to be silently urging her to continue.
"Chance, I don't even understand why or how everything went so wrong. You were just so arrogant..." She paused, remembering his mother. "And I was a party girl whose ego was sky high. Our pride and stupidity had us butting heads and that got us wound up in something we couldn't stop."
Chance's jaw tightened, clenching and unclenching his teeth. "Meg, I'm warning you. Either you leave on your own or I'll call security."
She didn't mean to laugh, but she couldn't help it. "You're new in town so let me fill you in. Security in Cottageville, even for the banks, much less a nursing home, is usually a geriatric citizen who's asleep in a chair somewhere. He won't have the muscles to lift a puppy much less a determined woman like me. I'm not going anywhere, so you might as well get this over with."
"Fine." Chance was up and standing inches from her face before she could blink. "Let's do this. I saw you that first night at the club and I wanted you more than any woman I'd ever seen. But what's strange is that I wanted more than just your body. I wanted to know you, every part of you."
A bit of his anger dimmed as he twisted around to his mother. "I'm sorry, Mom. I know you don't want to hear this."
His mother waved her hand, dismissing his concerns and letting them know he could speak his mind.
"Then why didn't you just act like a normal guy and try to take me home?" Meg was more confused than when she'd walked in.
"Because I knew you weren't like any normal woman. If I'd taken you home that night, I would've given up the chance for us to be more than a one-night stand. Besides, you were just so damn annoying and egotistical---" Chance's nostrils flared and his eyes blazed.
"I was annoying and egotistical? Stars and moon, are you kidding me? Like you once said to me, that's the pot tramping all over the kettle. You were the irritating, egotistical blankety-blank. Why I wanted to have anything to do with you, I'll never know." She could smell the spicy aroma of his breath, almost feel the touch of his lips, thinned in fury, against hers. For a second, she had to work to keep her hands fisted at her sides.
"I wanted to bring you down a peg." Chance's harsh whisper brought her gaze to his.
His eyes sparkled as though egging her on. But on to what? More fighting? Yes, but only if the fighting ended in his bed.
"Same here."
A sound behind him turned them toward his mother. Mrs. Dannigan remained on the sofa, but her hands rose and fell to make slapping sounds on the cushions. Was she trying to tell them something? If so, why didn't she simply speak up?
"Mom, are you all right?" Chance started toward her, but she lifted her hand, palm out to him, then thrust her pointed finger at Meg. He pivoted, the anger replaced by another emotion Meg couldn't define. He tunneled his fingers through his hair and drew in a deep breath.
"Aw, hell. That's how we started. And I admit it. I loved the game the first couple of times we did---" he glanced at his mother, then back to Meg, "---what we did. But then, I don't know, something changed when I saw you with another man. I didn't know it at the time, but I finally figured it out. Seeing you with him just pissed me off."
"But why? Were you upset at me?" Meg swallowed, suddenly afraid to ask the question that frightened her too much to say aloud. "Chance, because we did this challenge, because I did what I did, do you think less of me?" She couldn't meet his eyes. "I've never much cared for what people thought of me, but I care what you think. Almost from the first moment we met, I've cared what you thought."
The silence following her admission was worse than anything else he could've done, short of tossing her out on her ear.
"I was pissed off because I was jealous. Not because of what you did. And I never once thought any less of you. How could I? I was doing the same thing. I was the same way."
"Yeah, well, men often have a double standard regarding sex." She managed to lift her head and found his eyes. Gone was the hard glint of before, replaced by a softer warmth.
"Not me."
Not him. She'd known deep down that he wasn't that way. Had known he understood the freedom sex could bring. "Would it make a difference if you knew I didn't actually do anything with Ian and Josh?"
He dipped his head and lowered his voice. "How can you stand there and tell me nothing happened? I saw you."
"You thought you saw me."
"No, I saw you. But I don't care about them. Like I said, I can hardly fault you for doing what I've done."
Trying to explain how she'd made love to illusions overwhelmed her. She could explain later, after she got him to accept what she was. "Oh, Chance, how did we end up this way? If I could take it all back and start over, I would."
He took her arms, firm yet not hurting her. "I'd like to do the same thing. If I could, I'd walk up to you that first night, take you in my arms and never let you go."
A hum vibrated through her before she realized the hum was a result of her heart's frantic pounding. "I wouldn't let you go either. Damn, we're a couple of idiots, aren't we?"
"Fools, more like it. Unfortunately, we can't change the past." His mouth grew thin again. "But why did you cheat, Meg? If that's the way you felt, why didn't you take my offer to let you win? Then I wouldn't have had to watch and I wouldn't have given Sasha the time of day."
"Have you met me? I never forfeit or let someone else take the loss so I can win. Yep, that's me. Bullheaded to the end." She leaned into him and heard his heart speeding as fast as hers. "I'm so sorry I tricked you, Chance. But I just couldn't stand to see you with another woman. So I set you up and cheated, but I'm not proud of it. Can you forgive me? Can we please start over? Can we pretend like the past never happened?"
"At first I was angry that you'd lied to me and used a woman you knew wouldn't accept my advances, but my anger didn't last."
"It sure felt like it had a minute ago." She gave him a shy smile.
"Yeah, well, I put on a good front when I'm hurt. But, hell, I've already forgiven you." Chance brushed his lips across hers. "Meg, I know this is fast and, frankly, a little crazy, but I have to tell you." He touched the side of her cheek with the back of his fingers, and Meg sighed. "I love you, Meg Tristan. I love every bullheaded, annoying, frustrating, sexy, sweet part of you."
Meg breathed in, refilling her body with much-needed strength. She'd hoped and prayed for this moment and now she wanted it to last. "I love you, too. Every stubborn, arrogant, handsome, caring part of you."
His laughter settled over her like a warm blanket. "As long as we're confessing, I have to admit I was glad Sasha turned me down. If push came to shove, I would've found a way out of being with her."
"You would have? Wow, wait until I tell Hilly that she would've been rejected." Meg gasped, aware of her mistake the second the words left her mouth.
Chance turned her loose. "What do you mean? What does Hilly have to do with Sasha?"
Meg let several possible answers---all lies---race through her head, discarding each one. She wouldn't lie again. Besides, hadn't she planned on telling him the whole truth? The fact that she'd wanted to ease into the topic, maybe find out if he believed in the supernatural first, was no longer an option.
"Meg, are you going to answer me?"
She could see the struggle to believe her on his face. If she didn't tell him the truth, he'd know and would never trust her again. But would he recognize the truth when he heard it? She glanced at Mrs. Dannigan, who appeared alert as ever, listening in on their conversation.
"Chance, I have something more to tell you. But I'd rather not tell you around your mother. Can we please go to another room?"
"Not on your life. Anything you have to tell me you can say in front of her." The ire in his expression softened, sadness overtaking his eyes. Leaning toward her, he whispered, "Whatever you say will remain between us. My mother suffered a stroke a few years ago. Since then, her movement has improved, but her speech has never recovered. She couldn't tell anyone even if she wanted to."
The news about Chance's mother almost floored Meg. Trying not to convey pity, she studied the older woman. Although Mrs. Dannigan may have lost her speech, her stiff spine and the regal lift of her head conveyed dignity.
"I'm so sorry, Chance. I didn't know."
"But you see now that you can speak freely. So go ahead. Tell me about Sasha and Hilly. Tell me whatever it is you need to tell me."
Meg had tried different speeches on the way over to Golden Retreat, but none of them had sounded right. How did you tell the man you loved that you were a witch and your sister was a shape-shifter? Realizing she'd never come up with the perfect words to say, Meg took a leap of faith that Chance's love would make him believe.
"I'm a witch."
Chance blinked, then blinked again as though trying to see her more clearly. "I'm sorry. What did you say?" Over his initial surprise, he fought to keep the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth from winning the battle.
Oh, crap. This is going to be harder than I thought. Meg gathered her resolve. "I know this is hard to come to terms with, but it's true."
Maybe if she tried telling him in a different way. She thrust out her hand for a handshake. "Hi, I'm Meg Tristan and I'm a card-carrying, spell-brewing witch. Have Crock-Pot, will conjure. Okay, so maybe we witches don't actually have cards, but some of us have Facebook pages, if that counts. Would you care to like my page?"
The smile lost the war to his frown. "I don't think this is the right time for a lame joke, Meg. Tell me about Sasha and your sister."
"Sasha was my sister." Yet another abrupt confession. Would she ever find the best way to tell him?
"You mean you have three sisters?"
"Nope. Just the two, and believe me those two are enough." She wasn't happy that he didn't laugh along with her. "But seriously, Hilly was Sasha. She was in...disguise. Sort of."
"I don't get it. No amount of makeup or wigs could make Hilly look like Sasha."
"You're right. But when you're a shape-shifter, you don't need that other stuff."
He narrowed his eyes at her, intensifying the glare. "I don't have time for this nonsense, Meg. I forgave you for the trick. Why make things bad between us again?"
She was losing him and knew he wouldn't give her another chance. "I'm not. I'm trying to be honest with you. If we have any hope of a long-term relationship, then we have to lay our cards on the table. And my cards include my being a witch and my sister a shape-shifter. Oh, and by the way, Allie used to be a succubus, but she underwent a transformation and now she's all human."
She crossed her arms, trying to physically restrain her growing frustration. "That's the truth, believe it or not." Please, believe it. For both our sakes, please believe.
"Oh, my God, you're serious, aren't you? Meg, I'm sorry, but that's the biggest load of sh---"
The clanking of knitting needles on the tile floor had them gaping at his mother. Her eyes were wild and the thin line of her lips looked like Chance's, but it was the way she waved her hands in the air that worried Meg. Chance hastened toward her, but Mrs. Dannigan thrust out her palm and shook her head.
"I think your mother's trying to tell you something. In no uncertain terms, either."
Chance sat beside his mother to take her hands and force them to her lap. She still shook her head, then opened her mouth to speak words that couldn't come out. "Mom, what is it? Are you hurting? Are you in trouble?"
Again, she shook her head. Breaking free of him, she pointed at Meg, shook her finger at Chance, then pointed again at Meg.
The older woman wanted him to listen to her. Meg smiled, forever grateful for his mother's insistence. "She wants you to hear me out. Am I right, Mrs. Dannigan?"
At once, his mother lowered her hands and nodded.
"Are you trying to say you believe her wild story?"
To Meg's disappointment, Mrs. Dannigan shook her head. Damn, I thought she was on my side.
His mother tilted her head at Meg and made a motion as though she were writing. "Oh! She wants to write her thoughts down, Chance. Grab the pad and pencil on the side table."
Once she had the writing materials, Mrs. Dannigan scribbled her message. Although her stroke had left her speechless, it hadn't left her unable to communicate. The message, written in childlike block letters made her message very clear. She held up the pad and pointed at Meg.
Prove it.
Meg stared at the words. "Now why didn't I think of that?"
"Mother, this is ridiculous. Hey!" Chance yanked back the hand his mother had whacked with the pencil. "Okay, Mom, take it easy."
Turning to Meg, he gave her the opportunity she needed. "Go ahead before my mother hits me again. Although I think it's a waste of time to even acknowledge your silly claim, I'll do as my mother wants. Prove you're telling the truth."
"Sure. Fine, I will. I mean, I can prove I'm a witch, but I can't prove Hilly's a shape-shifter. Not without her being here."
"Show me you're a real witch and I'll take the other on faith."
"Deal." Meg scanned the small room, searching for a way to prove her abilities. Should she levitate the vase of flowers on the side table? Or maybe transform the bedpan into a squirrel? Both would go a long way to proving her assertion, but she wanted to do a spell that wouldn't leave any doubts in Chance's mind. She looked at the expectant face of Mrs. Dannigan and knew what she had to do.
Taking a seat on the other side of Mrs. Dannigan, she placed a hand on the old woman's shoulder, praying she'd go along with her plan. "Mrs. Dannigan, would you like to speak to your son?"
Chance's frown matched his mother's, displaying a definite family resemblance. "Meg, how can you be so cruel? My mother hasn't said one word to anyone since her stroke."
Bullheaded wasn't the only adjective that fit Chance. He was also close-minded. At least as far as witchcraft was concerned. "I would never do anything to hurt your mother. So what do you say, Mrs. Dannigan? Want to give it a try?"
His mother's bewildered yet hopeful expression almost broke Meg's heart. Then she smiled and nodded.
"Good." Keeping her hand on the woman's shoulder, Meg offered her other hand and Mrs. Dannigan took it. "Close your eyes and think about what you want to say. I can't promise you'll have much time, so make sure you say what you really want to say. When the connection's gone, it's gone for good. I won't be able to perform this spell ever again."
"Why not?"
Chance's look of guarded optimism brightened Meg's heart. Did he already believe? Or was he simply grasping at anything, even magic, to help his mother?
"Doing this kind of spell where I connect with another person takes a lot of energy out of me. Once I've done it, I won't have the strength to do it again. I'm not sure why. It's just one of the many mysteries of magic." Meg wished she could offer him more, but even witches had their limitations. "Are you ready?"
Mrs. Dannigan nodded again. Then, without warning, she squeezed Meg's hand.
Please, let this work. "Let's do this. Mrs. Dannigan, close your eyes and think the words you want to say to Chance. Chance, stay quiet and listen."
Shutting her eyes, Meg concentrated and silently chanted the spell she'd often read but never thought she'd use. Once said, she repeated the spell twice more, then let her mind go blank. A swelling of emotion tumbled inside her, sending chills through her as it whirled and ebbed, growing weaker, then stronger. Her body shook, her ears rang, heralding the pain. An unidentifiable aroma assaulted her, and a sharp pain zipped from the front of her head to the rear. She gasped, but held on to Mrs. Dannigan's hand. No matter how awful the ache became, she'd hold on.
The cold soon became unbearable, shaking her body and making her teeth chatter. But still she hung on. Her body tensed and straightened as the storm inside her transformed into a ball of fire in her stomach. She moaned and heard Chance speak, but he sounded like he was a thousand miles away. Letting the power spill from her, her strength died and Meg slumped beside the old woman.
"Chance?" His mother inhaled sharply as though stunned to hear her own voice. A delighted smile filled her face and sparkled in her eyes.
"Mother? Oh, my God, Mom. You're talking." Chance took his mother's hand in both of his, careful not to break the hold Meg had on her left hand.
"My precious son. I love you, son. I'm so proud of you."
"I can't... This is amazing. I hear your voice, Mom, I hear you." Tears sprang to his eyes, but he couldn't, wouldn't let go of her hand to wipe them away. If he somehow broke the connection and lost the precious gift Meg was giving to them, he'd never forgive himself.
"Listen to me, son. Meg said we don't have a lot of time." His mother's smile weakened, but remained.
"I know, Mom, I know. Please. Keep talking." He never wanted her to stop.
"Chance, I want you to be happy. But you have to see happiness, and when you find it, don't let it get away." The lines in her face deepened with the effort to reach him with her words.
"I don't understand." Of course he was happy she could speak again. Was that what she meant?
"Poppycock, son. You do see it, but you're letting your stubbornness get in the way. Meg is your happiness. I can see the love she has for you. And I see the love you have for her, too."
He glanced at Meg who, although lying against the cushions of the loveseat, still gripped his mother's hand firmly in hers. "I'm not sure I understand."
"Don't be a fool, Chance Dannigan. Of course you do. You know you love the girl. So stop putting up roadblocks. Promise me, son. Promise me you'll accept her love and give her yours."
A tear slid into the corner of his smile. "You always did know best, Mom."
She nodded, her eyes welling with unshed tears. "And I always knew when I needed to kick you in the butt, too."
Chance chuckled, leaning forward to place a kiss on his mother's cheek. "Yes, you did."
"Then promise me, Chance."
"I promise."
Meg's eyelashes fluttered and she moaned. Chance held his breath, worried for Meg, but not ready to never hear his mother's voice again.
"Son, remember another thing."
"Sure, Mom. Anything."
"Remember how much I love you and remember how very proud---" His mother gasped, her mouth open, her jaws working. But she could no longer speak. The tears she'd managed to keep in check rolled freely down her cheeks. She pulled her hand from Meg's, then covered Chance's.
"Mom, no! Please don't stop." Chance's voice broke, but he wouldn't give up hope. "Keep trying, Mom. For me. Keep trying."
His mother shook her head sadly, then reached out to touch his cheek. Where her voice now failed her, the love that shone in her eyes spoke volumes.
Meg groaned, opened her eyes and pushed her body into a sitting position. Her face was white and her hair lacked the luster it had only minutes earlier, but her eyes still shone with eagerness. "Did it work? Did she speak?"
Chance struggled to tell her, but his voice was gone with the emotion choking his throat. Instead, he could only bow his head.
"Are you all right, Chance?"
The woman who had given so much of herself so he could hear his mother's voice one last time wanted to know if he was all right. Chance lifted his head and saw the woman he'd fallen in love with. She was stubborn, irritating and more, but she was also feisty, loving and more woman than he had ever hoped to find.
"I'm fine. God, Meg, I can't thank you enough. But are you all right?"
Meg shrugged. "Did you speak, Mrs. Dannigan? Did the spell work?"
His mother placed a palm on Meg's cheek, regarded her for a few moments, then pulled her into a hug.
Surprise, then joy swept over Meg's features until, at last, she enveloped his mother in her arms. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Did you hear anything she said?"
Meg kept one arm around his mother as they leaned back, both of them showing signs of exhaustion. "Not a word. I kind of went to another place. Almost like sleeping but without the feeling of being refreshed when I woke up. But that doesn't matter. What matters is that you and your mom were able to talk."
"She told me that I love you."
"She did? You already told me you love me."
"True, and I meant it. But when you started talking about being a witch, I have to admit I had doubts again. My mom cleared away all my doubts in her usual no-nonsense kind of way."
Meg regarded them and gave his mother a squeeze. "Good for her and good for me. So you believe me now? About me being a witch?"
Chance released his mother's hands and stood, reaching out for Meg. She took his hands and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Slipping his arms around her, he brought her against him, intent on never letting her go.
"I have no doubts about anything now. You're a witch and your sister is a shape-shifter." Had he just said those words? A few minutes ago he would've bet everything he owned that he'd never say anything so outlandish. But the truth had to be acknowledged. "I'll need some time to let it sink in, but I believe you."
"I'm glad."
"But most of all, I have no doubts that I love you. The only question that remains is whether you still love me after I doubted you. Can you still love me, Meg Tristan? Do you still love me?"
Meg tossed back her hair and gave him a hard look, arching one eyebrow. "Hmm, let me see. Do I love the man who annoys the hell out of me? Do I love the man who has to be shown that everything is real instead of simply believing? Do I love the man who treats his mother like the queen she is? Yes, Chance Dannigan, I can and I do."
"Then I guess the only thing left to do is to tell your sisters. What do you say? Want to grab a pastry at your bakery?"
The ringing of his phone, however, jumped ahead of Meg's answer. "Dr. Dannigan speaking." His grin, the one he was sure would never go away now that he and Meg were together died. "I understand. How far apart are the contractions?" He sought out Meg's eyes. "No, don't bother calling her. I'll give her the information. Tell her I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Is there an emergency?"
He hated having to release Meg and step away. But she wasn't going far. Not if he could help it. Taking her hand, he told his mother goodbye, promising to return soon, then tugged Meg toward the door.
"Where's the fire, Chance?"
He hurried her out the front door of the facility. "No fire. Just a certain Halloran baby wanting to come into the world."
"Stars and moon, why didn't you say so? You'd better get a move on, Doc!"
"Are you planning on getting up today, Dr. Dannigan?"
Chance peeked open one eye and took in Meg's half-dressed body. "Are you asking me to get it up? Because if you are, I'm ready to give you my answer."
Meg rolled her eyes, narrowly jumping out of reach as he tried to grab her. She would've loved to jump back into bed with her handsome live-in lover. But he needed to work for what he wanted, right? "God, can you get any cheesier? I asked you if you were planning on getting out of bed. Not how high up Little Doc is."
"Urgh. I hate when you refer to my cock as 'Little Doc'."
She bent over to pick up the brush she'd "accidentally" dropped, giving him a front row view of her scantily clad bottom. "I know. Which is why I do it."
"Come on, Meg, hop back into bed. It's freezing out and you're running around with nothing on. As your doctor, I must warn you that you'll catch a bad cold. And you know what a rotten patient you make. Don't make me suffer by taking care of you."
"Hey, I thought I was a terrific patient after my tonsils were removed."
"Um, only because you couldn't talk much."
"Why, you no good bum! You'll pay for that." Meg pounced on top of Chance. In seconds, he had her flat on her back.
Chance stopped wrestling and brushed her hair off her face. "When are you going to make an honest man out of me?"
"Why in the world would I care if you're an honest man? At least as far as the marriage thing goes, that is." They'd had the same discussion several times since the day Chance delivered Emma Grace, Allie's precious baby, over five months earlier. But Meg had never understood the need for a piece of paper to legitimize their love. She was as committed to Chance as he was to her. Who needed more?
His kisses trailing along the length of her neck almost made her reconsider. Almost.
"Well, if you won't do it for me, how about doing it for my mother? You know she's hoping for a spring wedding."
Meg shot him the squintiest eyes she could, pretending offense. "Low blow, Doc. Low blow. You know I'd do anything for your mom, but I don't think she's the one pushing the ''til death do us part' option. And you! To use your mother to try and manipulate me. You should be ashamed of yourself."
Chance feigned a repentant expression. "Oh, I am. But can I help if it I want the world to know---personally and legally---that you're my woman?"
"Yuck. You make me sound like a cow being sold at auction. Damn, man, you're getting the milk, why do you need to buy the cow, too?"
A wide grin split his face. He lowered his voice, adopting a hillbilly accent. "Because I'm a meat man and I've got a hankerin' for some witchy meat."
"Are you saying you want to eat me?" She batted her eyelids, then slipped her hands over his shoulders to enjoy the mountain range of his back. "You don't need a license to do that. But I do have an idea you might like."
Chance released her nipple after a quick tug. "Uh-oh. The last time you had an idea while we were in bed, we both ended up in the emergency room. I still hear the nurses whispering about that night."
She didn't mean to laugh, but every time she thought about how badly he'd burned his butt, she couldn't keep from giggling. "I know and I'm sorry."
"Funny how you never really sound sorry."
"Well, I am." Sort of. "But this idea is better. And I promise it won't include any fire. Remember our bet?"
"How could I ever forget? Please don't tell me you're challenging me to another one."
"Nope. Nothing like that one, anyway. But do you remember my explanation of what happened with Ian and Josh?" She wrapped her legs around his waist and snuggled her body next to his.
"Of course I do. Do you know they're still avoiding me at the gym? I find myself wanting to tell them that they didn't do anything wrong. But why bother? They'd never buy the story unless you showed them, and I'm not letting you near those two ever again."
"Wait. Out of all the men I slept with---"
"I'd rather not go there, if you don't mind."
"---you're jealous of the two men I didn't sleep with?"
He paused to reflect. "Jealous isn't the right word. I just don't trust the real things. After all, what red-blooded male could turn you down?"
She gave him a quick kiss. "Aw, you're so sweet."
"I'm just telling the truth. So what's your idea?"
"How would you like it if we added a couple of people, not real ones but illusions, to the mix? Just because we're in a monogamous relationship doesn't mean we can't spice it up now and then, does it?"
He slipped to her side, his gaze never leaving hers. "I'm almost afraid to ask, but I will anyway. What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I still have two dolls left over from the illusion spell, and I kind of need to use them before they get too old. So...I was thinking I could conjure up another couple of fakes. A Sasha type for you and a movie star leading man for me."
"No way. I don't want any man but me in bed with you."
She'd assumed he'd take that stance, in fact had hoped he would, and was ready. "Okay, then, you won't have to. What if the other man was you and the other woman was me?"
"Are you talking about doubles of us?"
She'd surprised him. And from his smirk, in a good way, too.
"Hmm, that does sound intriguing and it takes care of the problem of another couple. We'd---" he motioned to her, then back to himself, "---still be the only couple in our bed, right?"
"Exactly. Us, but multiplied. So? Is it a go?"
"Yeah, let's give it try." He caught hold of her wrist as she scooted to the side of the bed. "But you can get rid of them after the fun's over, right? We won't have our doubles hanging around forever?"
"Yeah, I can get rid of them. Just stay here and I'll be back in a flash."
A few minutes later, Meg returned, her face warm from the heat of the Crock-Pot. "I'm back. Or should I say we're back." Pushing the door wide, she did a Vanna White impression and waved her hand in front of the Meg and Chance lookalikes who stood behind her. "Ta-da."
Chance sat up and gaped at them. "Holy crap, you really did it."
"Of course I did. Did you doubt my powers?"
"I wouldn't dare."
"Even better, I've perfected the spell. Unlike the fakes of Ian and Josh, these doubles can touch and be touched."
"Nonetheless, seeing them still throws me. Especially since they're butt-ass naked."
Meg took a hand of each fake and led them to the edge of the bed. "Why bother putting clothes on them?" She placed a hand on the back of her double to move her onto the bed. The double slid next to the real Chance and brushed his shoulder with her breasts. She wrapped an arm around him, then slid her tongue along his neck.
Chance jerked, then tensed. "Okay, kind of freaked out here. Are you sure you're okay with this?"
Meg answered by taking the illusion's shaft in her hand. The double sucked in a breath, then cupped her neck and moved closer.
"Chance?"
"Yes?" Both Chances spoke at the same time.
Meg laughed at the real Chance's irritated expression. "Uh-oh. Maybe we should give them different names to avoid confusion." She took the double's chin and stared into his eyes. "From now on, your name is Chancy."
Taking her lead, Chance caught the fake Meg's attention. "And your name is Meggy."
"Meggy? Urgh. I've always hated being called that."
"Hey, you name your guy and I'll name my girl. Besides, you're not actually being called Meggy, are you?" Chance gasped as Meggy pushed him back, then leaned over to cup his balls. Her hand slid over his cock in a slow motion.
"Good point. Although technically, she is me." Meg motioned to Chancy to lie down next to Chance. Thankfully, the extra-large king bed had plenty of room for all four of them. Meg mimicked her twin's movements. Chancy's shaft twitched, growing quickly until reaching its full length.
"Tell me you didn't give him a few extra inches."
"Chance, trust me. You have nothing to worry about with any man, much less your own double."
But Chance was no longer concerned. He closed his eyes and laced his fingers behind his head. Moaning, he lay back and enjoyed Meggy's work. Meg grinned, pleased to see her man happy and more than a little turned on by the show.
Licking her lips, she swiped her tongue over Chancy's mushroomed cap, taking in the sweetness. Chancy moaned and reached out to dig his fingers into her hair with one hand while the other snaked around to fondle her buttocks.
She hadn't thought of it, but realized that the double tasted like Chance. Pleased with her illusion, she sucked him inside her mouth, drawing out the musky taste that was all Chance. Up and down she went, slowly at first, then speeding up. He tightened his grip on her hair and slid a finger into her ass.
Another moan had her checking on Chance, but she needn't have bothered. He was lost in ecstasy, eyes closed, the corners of his lips lifting upward as Meggy continued to pleasure him. Not wanting to be outdone by her own illusion, Meg intensified her moves, drawing several more moans from Chancy.
"Meg."
She pulled away from Chancy to check with her real lover. "Do you need something?"
"No." Chance's eyes darkened and a tear formed in the corner of his eye. "I just wanted you to know how much I love you."
Wetness welled in her eyes, overpowering her with raw emotion. "Aw, shucks, Doc. Are you sure you're not just saying that because of what Meggy's doing?" Her double paid no attention to them, causing Chance to hitch his breath when she deep-throated him.
Chance blew out a breath. "I have to admit your double does good work." The smile he'd given her faded. "But have no doubt, you're the one I love."
Suddenly Meg couldn't stand the idea of anyone else, even her double, touching Chance. He was her man and she would always be his woman. "Okay, I was wrong. I admit it. I don't want any other woman making my man moan. Hands off, Meggy. You belong to Chancy now."
Meggy lifted her head, frowned, then shrugged. "Whatever you say."
"Hey, they speak."
Meg switched places with her illusion. "Yeah, but now that we're all with the right partner, let's cut the chatter."
Meggy and Chancy didn't need any more urging. Straddling him, Meggy rubbed her crotch against his swollen shaft and placed her hands on each side of his head. Chancy grabbed her breasts and rubbed them against his cheeks.
Laughing, Meg straddled Chance, but in the opposite direction. Chance took hold of her legs and tugged her pussy closer, his moan spilling warm air onto her already wet mons. Meg closed her lips over his shaft. Her gasp at Chance's tongue on her nub made her jump, but she didn't let go. Rubbing her nipples against his ribbed stomach, she concentrated, determined to make Meggy's handiwork pale in comparison.
But Meggy hadn't had the distraction of Chance's mouth pressing against her pussy. He sucked on her sensitive nub, then thrust his tongue inside, his sounds making vibrations against her skin that flowed outward. He gripped her butt cheeks, squeezing them, playing a game of slap and tickle that had her tightening her buttocks, then releasing them, only to tighten them again after the next slap. Each slap brought a fresh rush of lust. Even the sound of his hand against her soft skin made her ache for more.
"Ah, Doc, that's so good. Suck on me. You know I love it when you tongue-fuck me." She knew he loved the way she sex-talked, too. She wiggled her bottom, enticing him to smack her a little harder. "Ooh, spank me harder next time."
Her hair dangled onto his shaft and she shook her head, loving the way he twitched. Going to her elbows, she pushed her face against the crease between his cock and his leg and took a deep breath. No one smelled the way he did. Not even his double. He was sex, man and raw earthiness all rolled into one gorgeous piece of maleness.
She sucked him in again at the same moment he thrust a finger into her pussy and another into her anus. The delicious sensation his fingers gave her made her pant with yearning. She needed him inside her but not before he pushed her away. No, she wanted to bring him to the edge before she'd allow him entry.
Drawing his oozing shaft inside her mouth, she cupped his balls, letting them dance over her fingers. He sucked harder, then pressed his tongue against her, sucking again. He found the perfect spot inside her clitoris and massaged it, using his masterful tongue. Meg's body shook as a climax broke free, catching her unprepared with its strength. She had to let go of him just to breathe.
Chance thrust his pelvis upward, urging her to return. Instead, she slipped her hands under his bottom and dug her fingers into his ass cheeks. Nuzzling her face into his crotch, she drew in the skin of one ball and listened for the gasp of pleasure she knew would come. Chance didn't disappoint her and she moved on to the next one. Adding torture to delicious agony, she wrapped her hand around him and pumped.
"Holy shit, Meg. Are you trying to make me come?"
Her chuckle blew the curly hairs. "Do you want me to make you come?"
"Not now. Not until---"
She shrieked as he pushed her bottom away and yanked her around to face him.
"---you ride me hard, woman."
"Whatever you say, Doc." Throwing her leg over, she settled on top of his saluting shaft.
Meg glanced at their doubles. Meggy rode on top of Chancy, her hands flattened against his pecs, his hands cupping her breasts. Her hair flowed around her shoulders with each thrust he made.
Meg studied the illusion's face and wondered if her face looked the same way when Chance pounded into her. Sliding her bottom half lower, Meg let Chance's shaft slip easily into place. Her insides widened, welcoming him. Yet as soon as he was inside, her walls enclosed around him, possessing his body as he had already possessed her heart.
He fit her perfectly. From the bottom of his shaft to the capped end, he fit her like a hand to her glove. She drew in a breath, feeling him against her sweet spot, and tensed as a higher ledge was reached, then another, until she felt herself hurtling into space, her body stiffening then relaxing as the release shook through her.
"Chance, oh, Chance!"
Realization struck her on the precipice of yet another climax. A realization that all the men she'd taken to her bed were mere stepping stones to finding the one and only man she could ever have loved. She'd had to take them to recognize what true love was. If she hadn't, she might have missed him, discarded him as just another man.
Only Chance had been her match in every way. Only Chance had been made for her.
His chest grew harder, his arms straightened, his fingers dug into her skin. Her gaze met his lust-clouded one and she watched, diving deep inside to see his climax. He uttered a strangled cry and pushed upward, driving deeper than he'd ever gone.
Meg held on, staying upright through sheer force of will. Ripple after ripple cascaded through her body as well as his, and for a moment, she couldn't tell where hers ended and his began.
She fell to her side and snuggled against him. Resting a palm on his chest, she tried to steady her breathing.
"I think they're finished, too."
Chancy and Meggy lay in an almost identical way, each covered in perspiration.
"Hang on a sec, okay?" Meg sat up, but was dragged back by Chance.
"No. Don't go anywhere."
She saw the urgency in his eyes and nodded. "Let me get rid of them."
With his agreement, she turned to the illusions and ordered them to go to the other room and wait for her. Once they'd done as she'd instructed, she started to slide back into place in the crook of his arm, but Chance grabbed her and placed her on top of his stomach.
"Don't tell me you're ready to go again so soon." She checked, but couldn't see his shaft. Still, if size of the pole underneath her was any indication...
"Meg, look at me."
She did as he commanded, unable to do anything else. Dark eyes locked onto her, seizing her in a way no physical touch ever could. Sliding his palms down her shoulders, Chance let them fall toward her stomach, then moved outward to take her hips.
"You're a witch."
After all these months, after all he'd seen, did he still doubt her? "You know I am."
"You're my witch."
She couldn't shake the uneasiness his statement left with her. "Yes."
"Yet you still don't understand. You make magic happen, but it's only hexes and chants."
Meg swallowed, laid her head back and took a moment to center herself, then met his gaze again. "What are you getting at, Chance? What don't I understand?"
He lifted a hand to cup her neck. Pulling her down, he took her mouth, dragging her taste from her, giving her a taste of her own juices. His kiss, filled with unbridled emotion, rocked her. She broke free to stare at him and drag in a deep breath. "Wow. You took my breath away. I mean, literally."
When he didn't echo her chuckle, she quieted and waited for him to speak.
"You and me. We're the real magic."
If he hadn't already owned her heart, she would've given it to him in that moment. Along with her heart came her soul and her total dedication. "Yes. And we're the strongest kind of magic, too."
"Do you really believe that?" He searched her, his face an open book revealing all he was feeling. Love, fear and anticipation flitted across his expression.
Meg tried to imagine life without him. But she couldn't. "Yeah, I do. I believe it with everything I am."
"Then marry me, Meg. Marry me today." He took her face and brought her closer. "At the courthouse, in Vegas, I don't care where. But I won't rest until you marry me."
Choking back the passion she felt for him, Meg kissed him, then laughed. "Stars and moon, Doc. Of course, I'll marry you. Anywhere, anytime."
He paused, and for a moment, she was afraid he didn't believe her. Then, all at once, he threw her to her back and plunged his shaft deep inside. She gasped and clung to him, arching her pelvis against his. Their gazes locked and held, each saying more with one look than all the words in the world ever could. Watching each other, they moved as one, their bodies working in concert as though they were two parts of a puzzle fitting perfectly together.
Tensing in the same moment, they joined their cries and climaxed. Spent, Meg fell on top of him. Happier than she'd ever thought possible, she closed her eyes and listened to his heart, matching hers beat for beat.
You're right, Doc. This is real magic.
About the Author
To learn more about Beverly Rae, please visit www.beverlyrae.com. Send an email to Beverly at info@beverlyrae.com or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as Beverly! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Beverly\_Rae\_Fantasies/.
Look for these titles by Beverly Rae
Now Available:
Touch Me
Wailing for Love
To Fat and Back
Magical Mayhem
Wild Things
Cannon Pack
Howling for My Baby
Dance on the Wilde Side
Running with the Pack
Magical Sisters
Magical Sex
Para-Mates
I Married a Demon
I Married a Dragon
Wild Things
Cougar
Wild Cat
Clawed
Coming Soon:
Betting the Moon
Sexual Shift
He can give her satisfaction...if he can survive her kiss.
Magical Sex
© 2011 Beverly Rae
Magical Sisters, Book 1
Allie Tristan's older sisters get to have sex. She's not allowed---not until she learns to control the ravenous appetite of her emerging succubus powers. Till then, she's resigned to her sisters watching her every move, poised to intervene before her kiss drains a man of his life force.
There's something about local bar owner Tom Halloran, though, that tempts her to sneak away to have another taste of their deliciously electric connection.
Love and marriage are not in Tom's plans. Occasional hot sex with a willing partner, when his busy life allows it? Definitely on the menu. Yet Allie nails him to the wall with her smokin' hot body, innocent blue eyes...and drugging kisses that leave him more than just weak in the knees. For the first time in his life, he pictures a woman in his life long-term, not just for one night.
Along with hunger for raw sex, fear claws at Allie's soul. Giving in to her raging need will kill him. Which leaves her only one choice: risk everything to keep their love alive---or die trying.
Warning: If you like flowery language, sweet sex and your heroines all sugar and no spice, do not enter. However, if you like lots of sex with a magical edge described in no uncertain terms, and hot women with smokin' men, enter and enjoy.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Magical Sex:
A jolt of energy swept over Tom Halloran as those mesmerizing cerulean eyes locked on to him. He'd found many women attractive before and, in fact, liked everything about women. Fat, thin, old, young---every girl he'd ever met had an allure all her own. Even so, he'd never found one who could make him think of settling down, much less one who could capture his heart. But the magnetism, the mystical charm this sex kitten of a woman possessed drew him in as no other had.
He frowned, simultaneously wary of her charms and unable to resist her. Her long golden hair flowed past her bare shoulders, shoulders of porcelain skin that led to the soft swell of her bosom cruelly hidden under a simple red halter top. He lingered on her breasts, thinking they were the perfect size for his hands, then abruptly jerked his attention away lest he reach out and fondle them. He met her gaze, his mouth suddenly dry. Her mouth, pursed in either petulance or in anticipation of a kiss, called to him, daring him to find out which it was. An oval face fooled him at first, making him think her naïve, yet he could sense an ageless wisdom hiding under the surface.
Then she touched him.
A spark leapt from her finger, lighting up the spot where her fingertip met his shirt. Heat flamed into him, diving downward to scorch his heart, then raced to blaze into his abdomen and between his legs. His shaft jerked to full extension, painfully pressing against the material of his slacks until he ached to shift his package for relief. But relief wouldn't come so easily. He shuddered as though an ice-cold breeze had wafted over him, but that couldn't have been further from the reality. He was caught in a vortex of heat, the need to seize her overwhelming him until he had to hold back the yearning to throw her on top of the counter and fuck her until she screamed his name.
"What the hell?"
Tom almost expected her to question his outburst but, instead, she merely gave him a smile that could own any man.
Her gaze melted him, torching him from the inside out and threatening to stoke the fire even hotter. Taking his hand in hers, she turned and led him toward the hallway leading to the restrooms. Tom had no choice but to follow her. Not that he would've chosen any other option.
She hurried down the dimly lit hallway. Tom, however, couldn't wait another minute. Tugging her with him, he stepped into a dark corner and pressed her to the wall.
His mouth crushed against her full lips, his hands slid over her curves, his body pushed against her hot form. Yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get close enough. Lying next to her wouldn't be close enough for him. Only by getting inside her would he have a chance to quench his desire.
Feathering kisses along her soft shoulders, he ran his hand under her top, pushing the material aside to find the taut tip of her breast. Groaning, he rubbed his thumb over the pebbled bud and almost came when she sighed. This girl was more than he could ever have imagined, somehow claiming his body and mind with one sound.
Forgetting that someone might happen upon them at any moment, he lifted her and rejoiced when she wrapped her legs around his waist. Using the wall to hold her, he ran both hands under her top to fondle her breasts, kneading them, pinching at the hardened nipples. His mouth found hers again and this time he slowed down, leisurely tasting her exhilarating flavors.
Her hands gripped his shoulders, beckoning him to lower his head and take her sweet bud in his mouth. Licking, then nibbling, he pulled the tender flesh, suckling as though she held the elixir to life itself. He groaned again, unable to express his aching need for her in any other way.
Pulling her skirt higher, he cupped her bottom. He kept her bud in his mouth, then slipped his hand between their bodies, and when she rubbed her pantiless pussy against his crotch, he had to fight to keep from passing out. Instead, he pushed her pussy lips apart with his middle finger. She lifted her face to the ceiling, inhaled, then tightened her legs around him.
"Holy shit." Tom pushed his finger deeper, going as far inside her as he could. Warm wetness enveloped him and his cock throbbed, demanding to replace his finger. His thumb found her already swollen clit and massaged it, working it, making it enlarge even more. She cried out and clutched his back, digging her nails into his shirt, into his skin. Finger-fucking her, he laid his head against her neck to savor her exotic smell. Soon, he would lick her juices from his finger, then plunge his shaft far inside her cave.
"Allison Tristan, no!" The woman's voice was low yet full of command.
To survive, they'll have to think outside the circle.
Brightwater Blood
© 2012 Shona Husk
Were-lion Lachlan Garvey is closing in on the Brightwater women, the last of a Shamanic line that the Council wants eradicated for their murderous use of magic. One minute he's in his animal form, examining a dead body in a patch of charred grass. The next, he wakes up human---naked, shot and lying in a circle of his own blood.
Dayna Brightwater is sure the man she's bound with a blood spell is the one who just murdered her twin sister. Yet even if she did have the stomach for revenge killing, she doesn't have the power. But what to do with him now? If she lets him go, he'll kill her, too.
Trapped in the path of a deadly magical fire, Lachlan has to think fast---and talk faster---to convince the beautiful Shaman he's innocent. As the roaring flames creep closer, Dayna must choose. Trust Lachlan and use magic to save them both...or flee. And live with the knowledge she caused his death, proving that no Brightwater is capable of love.
Warning: Contains a naked hero who'll do anything to save his life...including saving hers.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Brightwater Blood:
Lachlan lifted his gaze and stared at Dayna. She was part shaman, and she could make a circle; she'd proved that by binding him. They couldn't outrun it, so they would have to stay until the fire had swept over them.
"Get everything you want to save into the circle." Talking tore at his dry throat, and he swallowed, but it was more reflex than relief.
"The barrier is down."
"I know. You're going to put it back up---with us inside."
She gave a tight shake of her head. "No, I'll get the car. We'll be fine."
"The fire is on all sides---there is no way through. Get inside the circle," he said through his teeth. He knew it was only adrenaline keeping him going, when that left him...well. At least he'd be unconscious and out of pain, and that was beginning to sound like a blessing.
Her face paled, and she looked more like a frightened woman than the gun-toting, magic-wielding shaman who'd confronted him earlier. "I can't put it back up. It takes too much energy."
"Trust me, Dayna." If she didn't, there wouldn't be much left for the experts to identify. He hoped he was right, and he wasn't overestimating her power. But they had no other choice. There was no way to escape the fire so they had to hunker down and hope they had the resources to survive. His palm on his leg was slick as his blood ran in rivulets to the ground. They needed more than magic. They needed a miracle.
She held his gaze for a heartbeat. When she moved, Lachlan released the breath he'd been holding. If they did nothing they were dead, and if she couldn't raise the barrier, they'd get a free cremation.
He coughed to try and clear his throat. "Bring the water."
If this was his last drink he'd rather be licking salt off her skin and chasing it with tequila and a slice of lemon. He glanced at Dayna and his tongue moved against the back of his teeth. If they got out of this, he'd buy her a drink. Hell, he'd do whatever she wanted.
Dayna tossed him the plastic bottle, and it rolled to a stop near his leg. It looked like water would have to do. Besides, alcohol and fire probably wasn't the best combination. He reached for the bottle and gulped down several mouthfuls---tequila had never tasted this good, sweet with a burn in his gut that almost made him feel less than half-dead---before making himself stop. Too much and he'd make himself sick. But his mouth felt better and his throat wasn't so dusty.
He pushed a breath out between his teeth as Dayna sat next to him with the two bags she'd been carrying. She overlapped the ends of the bloodstained cord, then froze with her gaze locked in the distance.
"It's here," she whispered like the fire could hear her.
He already knew. It didn't matter where he looked---the fire was closing in. For a moment he tried to pretend this plan was a good one and that it would work. Around him the air was heating, and the noise of the fire was getting louder with each passing second.
"Put up the circle." His voice was just loud enough to carry over the noise of the flames as they devoured everything in their path. He glanced at Dayna; her eyes were wide with fear. He touched her shoulder, drawing her attention back to him. "Make it a sphere this time."
Spheres were strong. They'd be in a magic bubble. This was never going to work. Putting his faith in an invisible magical barrier was like wishing for unicorns, highly dangerous---unless you were a virgin, which he wasn't. Right now, if given the choice, he'd rather risk death by righteous unicorn than a wall of angry, magic-fueled fire.
"We're surrounded." Her words were stilted, as if she didn't believe what she was seeing.
"Yeah. I got that." Three hundred and sixty degrees of crackling flames. His stomach tightened. He was insane. A bit of rope and a part-shaman's magic was never going to be able to save their lives. He kept his absolute bone-melting terror of fire confined to his body. His muscles tensed, and the irrational urge to run even though they were surrounded pounded in his head. He fought against the lionish instincts that would get him killed. He had to act like he knew what he was doing or Dayna was going to freak out further, and he needed her to concentrate. "The magic is contracting back to the center."
She released a shaky breath. "Then what?"
"Then it's over." He threw a pinch of dirt at the cord and it sailed right over the threshold. His heart lurched and snagged on his ribs. "If you don't get that barrier up, we're dead." His words came out harsher than he'd expected. He really wanted to live.
"I'm trying. I'm not good at this. I can't just tap in---"
Lachlan sealed her lips with a hard, urgent kiss.
Sex with a Hex
Beverly Rae
It's all in good, dirty fun...until the heart raises the stakes.
Magical Sisters, Book 2
Meg Tristan is spontaneous, spirited, outspoken and beautiful---and she enjoys every second of it. She can have any man she wants, with or without casting a spell. Too bad she hasn't found one who can keep up with her non-magical sex drive, much less handle her hexual prowess.
When he's not caring for his patients, Dr. Chance Dannigan spends his off hours getting acquainted with as many women as he can in his new town. None hold his attention---until he catches Meg's flirtatious glance across the bar. One drink later, he's sure he's found the one woman who can stimulate both his heads.
Sensing a kindred spirit, he challenges Meg to a daring competition. Each must choose a random partner for the other, and the one who fails to seduce the target, loses. And to keep it honest? The opponent must witness the act.
Winning each round proves almost too easy. The ultimate challenge is figuring out how to handle their unexpected attraction to each other...and how to end the game without both of them coming out losers.
Warning: Hocus pocus is unleashed along with free lovin'---with no holds barred. One on one leads to two on two in a magical sexual romp that takes playing doctor to a whole new level.
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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
11821 Mason Montgomery Road Suite 4B
Cincinnati OH 45249
Sex With a Hex
Copyright © 2012 by Beverly Rae
ISBN: 978-1-60928-565-4
Edited by Jennifer Miller
Cover by Angela Waters
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: January 2012
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