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Chapter Two

Hunter sat holding a warm, trembling female, unsure what to do next. He didn’t mind holding her. In fact, sitting as they were, things were getting interesting. But she might object, since she’d already been leery of him.

“I know I should get down,” she muttered against his neck, sending tingling sensations through his body, “but I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I have a phobia about rats.”

“A phobia?”

“Yes, an unreasonable fear of something.”

He chuckled. “I’m a doctor, remember? I know what a phobia is.”

“Well, mine is rats. I was okay as long as I could convince myself they wouldn’t really show up here, but—but is it a rat in the trap?”

“Looks like it to me,” he said, staring over her shoulder. “I can’t be sure until I go over there.”

She squeezed him tighter. “No! No, don’t go over there! He might bite you.”

“How did you get a phobia about rats?” He cuddled her a little closer, liking the feel of her, her scent. “Were you raised in a slum?”

“No, not at all! We had a very nice house, but I saw a movie about a little boy and the rats—terrorized him. I screamed every night for weeks. My brothers laughed at me. Finally my father let me keep a cat in my room all night so I’d be protected.”

Her voice trembled, and Hunter had an immediate picture of that little girl, wildly afraid of rats, pleading for protection. He held her more tightly against him. “It’s all right. You’re safe, Briana. I won’t let the rats get you.”

“Are you laughing at me?” she asked, her voice small.

“No. I’m not laughing. I’m understanding.”

“Oh. Thank you. But we can’t—I mean, we can’t—this isn’t seemly.”

Ah. He knew what was causing her concern. “Look, Bri,” he said, shortening her name, “men react to stimuli without any, uh, intent. It’s not something they can control. I promise I won’t take advantage.”

“But it must be uncomfortable.”

“If I were wearing jeans, it would be. They don’t allow much wiggle room, uh, I mean, extra space.” He was discovering any extra space he had was disappearing rapidly. He said, “Maybe I should go over and look. Maybe it’s just a really big mouse. Would that be better?”

“I don’t think you should go over there,” she said, the trembling starting again.

“I won’t get close, I promise,” he said gently and placed his hands on her arms, deadlocked around his neck.

“Come on, Bri, turn loose. I’ll come right back, I promise.”

“And I can stay on the stool?”

“Of course. You can even have another Twinkie.”

“No. Treats never help. Dad tried that.”

“I bet he did,” Hunter muttered. Slowly he got her to lower her arms. Putting his hands on her waist, he slipped off the stool and swung her on top of it.

As he turned away, she reached out for him. “Hunter, be careful.”

“I will, Bri, I promise.”

He walked over to the corner and stared at the dead animal. It was definitely a rat, a large one. Could he get away with telling Bri it was a big mouse? He was afraid she’d realize he was lying. He’d never been good at lying.

He came back to the stool.

She held out her arms, as if ready to resume her position in his lap. He shook his head. “I’m going to walk around for a while, to stretch my legs.”

“And what was it?”

He hung his head. He hated to tell her. “It was a rat. But it’s definitely dead.”

She reached for him, her hold probably leaving bruises on his skin. “You’d better get back up here with me. We’ll be safe here.”

He wasn’t going to discuss the safety of the stool. If he took that refuge away from her, she’d go to pieces. “Nope, I’ll be safe enough out here in the open.”

He began to pace, but thought of a question he’d wanted to ask. “You know, when you’ve talked about your childhood, you never mention your mother. Where was she?”

“She died when we were born.”

“Why?”

“She bled to death. That’s why Dad—uh, it was sad for my father, but we didn’t know the difference.”

“Didn’t he ever remarry?”

She shook her head, but she kept her gaze fastened to the trap in the corner.

“But your dad took care of the three of you?” Somehow, he wanted to know she’d been okay.

She shrugged. “He hired someone.”

Hunter was surprised by the anger mixed with sorrow he felt. “He hired someone? He didn’t take care of you himself?”

“He was busy. And he doesn’t seem to care for babies. Once we got old enough to talk, to understand, he began to take a little interest in us.”

“Hence the cat?”

Briana shot him a rueful smile. “That was the first time he listened to me. And then only because I was disrupting his peace. But I believed it was because he loved me. More than my brothers. It satisfied me for several years. I’d tell myself the cat was there because he loved me, even if he couldn’t spend time with me.”

“How did your brothers react?”

“They hated the cat. And teased it a couple of times when they caught it. But then it scratched them and they backed off.”

He’d taken a lot of psychology classes and was fascinated with children’s coping mechanisms. “And when did you demand more attention?”

“How do you know I did?” She wouldn’t look at him and he grinned, stepped closer and slid his arms around her waist. He liked holding her close.

“Just a hunch,” he said with a grin. Her memories seemed to relax her, and that was a good thing.

“Actually, my brothers took action first. They became little hellions. Again, my father’s peace was cut up. He demanded Grace make them behave. Grace and her husband, Douglas, took care of us. Grace looked him in the eye and told him if he didn’t participate in his children’s lives, there wasn’t anything she could do.”

“Wise woman.”

“Yes, and brave. Dad wasn’t an easy man to face down. He’d been grieving about our mother’s death and paying attention to business. It was easier to leave us to someone else. But to his credit, that’s when he changed. We’d started school, and he’d discovered we had minds.”

Hunter lifted one hand and cupped her soft, warm cheek. “So then your father loved you?”

She shrugged again. “That’s when he played a part in our lives. By the time we graduated from college, I think he loved us. We’ve been a family the last few years.”

He pulled her against him and rubbed her back. “What about you? Did you have the perfect childhood?”

“I suppose I did. My dad was a doctor, had a small practice in the country, handled all kinds of emergencies. My mom was always there for me and my brother. Not that we realized we had anything special. Now I do.”

She pushed away from him. “And I suppose that’s the kind of woman you’ll marry for your future kids. So they’ll have the same life.”

There was a bitterness in her voice that made him raise his eyebrows. “Wouldn’t everyone want the same thing? Wouldn’t you have preferred to have a mother?”

“Of course I would!” she snapped.

“Whoa, there, lady. What did I say wrong?”

“Nothing. What time is it?”

“Almost three. Are you exhausted?” He’d give her her change of subject. Things were stressful enough for her as it was.

“Yes. I didn’t get much sleep during the conference. I didn’t want to miss anything,” she said, rubbing one temple.

“Did your headache ever go away?” he asked, taking her pulse at her neck.

“Yes, mostly.”

“Look, why don’t you—I can hold you and let you sleep a little. That’s probably the only thing that will give you any relief, and it will make the time pass faster. Before you know it, it will be morning and your nightmare will be over.”

“That’s not fair to you,” she said doubtfully, staring at him. “And it’s—you know what happened last time.”

“I explained it’s something a man can’t control. But nothing happened, remember?” He was glad she couldn’t read his mind. Holding her again was becoming an obsession for him.

Finally, she slid off the stool, standing next to it. “If you’re sure you don’t mind. I’d give a lot to get a few minutes of sleep.”

“I don’t mind.” He climbed onto the stool and held out his arms. Slowly, unlike the last time, she responded to his invitation. She settled in his lap, but she seemed unsure where to put her hands.

“Wrap your arms around me,” he suggested, “and lay your head on my chest.”

She did so, and he held her in place, feeling a surprising peace settle in him. He had her safe in his arms. Softly rubbing her back, he whispered, “You’re safe now. Just relax.”

After several minutes, her body began to relax and grow heavy against him. She was asleep.

AS BRIANA settled into Hunter’s embrace, she knew she was being weak. But she’d reached her limit, and she didn’t mind admitting it.

And she’d never met such a strong man, physically and mentally. He’d been calm and protective. It seemed all her life she’d been competing with her brothers. She loved them dearly, but being one of triplets, and the only female, made life difficult.

So, just once in her life, she was going to accept her weakness and give in to the protection this man offered. Besides, it felt so good to be in his arms. As she laid her head against his chest, his heart beat a steady rhythm that lulled her in to relaxation, and she closed her eyes.

SATISFACTION filled Hunter as he realized Briana was getting the rest she so desperately needed. Apparently she’d been a lot more intense about the conference than him. He’d attended a few before. Besides, as a doctor, he’d pulled a few long nights as he came through medical school.

He checked his watch. They only had a couple more hours if the morning guy came in at six o’clock. His arms tightened around Briana as she rested against him. He’d love to be able to return to his comfortable bed in the hotel, but he wouldn’t want to turn Briana loose anyway.

That thought brought him up short. What was he thinking? They’d part as soon as morning came, of course. She was from Texas. He was from Chicago. Maybe they’d see each other at future conventions and laugh about their adventure in a New York deli.

He thought again of Briana as a little girl, frightened by a movie. She’d sounded so alone as she’d told him about her phobia. She must’ve been adorable as a child. How could her father have ignored her?

Of course, he’d eventually responded to her fears and allowed her to keep a cat in her room. He supposed that showed the man’s humanity.

But he’d want more than humanity for his children. He intended to love them and be there for them. He looked down at the brunette beauty in his arms. They’d make beautiful babies together, he decided. “Should that ever come up in the future,” he quickly amended with a rumble of laughter.

She stirred in his arms, her eyes fluttering open. “Everything okay?” she muttered.

He kissed her forehead and drew her closer. “Everything’s fine. You’re safe. Go back to sleep,” he whispered. Almost before he finished speaking, she dropped off to sleep again.

His body was responding, as it had earlier, to her closeness, but it was to be expected. He shifted a little, hoping his movement wouldn’t awaken her.

He wished they’d talked longer. He’d like to know about her situation, what job she held, her personal life. Hell, he didn’t even know if she had a boyfriend.

She must. She was too pretty, too dynamic, to be alone. Unless all the men in Texas were dummies, and that’s not what he’d heard.

He didn’t like the idea that someone else would hold her. A ridiculous thought, but he felt possessive about her. He’d saved her from the rats. She was his to protect.

He decided that kind of thinking was dangerous, so he tried to concentrate on a new theory introduced at the conference about treating at-risk pregnancies. Anything to take his mind off the woman in his arms.

AN HOUR later, Hunter eased off the stool. He had to stand before his rear became permanently attached to the hard surface of the stool. His arms slid beneath Briana’s bottom. He was glad he worked out regularly, or he wouldn’t be able to stand and hold her, too. Slowly, he maneuvered his way around the storeroom. Still another hour or two before the morning guy would arrive. He looked at the stool, not sure he could sit again.

But he wasn’t sure either that he could stand with Briana in his arms until someone came. And he didn’t want to wake her up.

“My choices are limited,” he muttered. Finally, he pushed the stool toward the thick door. When he got the stool directly in front of the door, he shoved it a little to one side. Then he settled back onto the stool, managing to arrange Briana’s sleeping form in a more comfortable position.

He’d have to give her credit. When she slept, she really slept. She hadn’t shown any signs of waking up the entire time he moved around.

After she was settled, he slowly leaned his back against the door and felt relief at the support. Then he let his head rest there, too. Could he sleep at all and maintain his balance? He was kind of wedged up between the door and the edge of the shelving.

He’d just doze.

It would be all right.

SOMETHING was bothering her.

Briana shook her head, irritated by the noise that was disrupting her sleep. Then it stopped. She settled back against the mattress, the comforting throb soothing her again. This was a great bed, she decided. It held her close.

Even at the thought, arms tightened around her.

Arms? Mattresses don’t have arms, do they? Briana wasn’t ready to wake up, but that strange question forced her to open her eyes.

The first thing she realized was that she was upright, leaning against—a man. Suddenly she remembered where she was and what had happened. Hunter. She was leaning against Hunter.

He’d fallen asleep leaning against the door. She checked her watch. It was five after seven. “Hunter?” she whispered.

He hugged her against him, as if he thought she was asking him to keep her safe. It did feel good, but that wasn’t the point.

“Hunter, there should be someone here now,” she whispered. “Shouldn’t we shout or something?”

He sat upright suddenly, shifting Briana. “What?”

“It’s after seven.”

“After seven? Haven’t you heard anyone outside?”

“I don’t know. Something woke me.”

He stood abruptly, and Briana found herself held in his arms.

“You—you can put me down,” she insisted.

He let her slide down his body, an interesting trip to say the least, and suddenly she was standing on her feet.

“Can you stand?” he asked, still holding on to her. “Of course. Can you, after I’ve used you for a bed all night?”

He smiled, but Briana noticed the strain around his eyes and the weariness. “I think so. I’m just a little stiff.” He moved the stool away from the door and beat on it as he yelled.

They both heard a startled exclamation. Hunter grinned at Briana like a caveman who had found meat for his family.

“Who’s in there?”

Whoever asked that question sounded more afraid of them than she was of the rats. “We’re customers who got locked in last night. Please let us out.”

“Oh! Yes. Yes, I will!”

When the door opened, they discovered an elderly woman wearing an apron, a look of horror on her face. “Who locked you in?” she wanted to know.

Hunter took over. “The clerk who was working last night. He robbed us of what cash we had and put us in here before he left. He also cleaned out your cash register.”

“So, it wasn’t a thief?”

“No, it wasn’t. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’d like to get back to our hotel,” he said, gently moving the woman to one side. Then he reached out for Briana’s hand.

She gladly gave him her hand. It made her feel under his protection, as she’d been all night. He pulled her toward the door.

“Aren’t we going to stay and talk to the police?” she asked him in a low voice.

“Do you believe it will help them catch the guy?” he asked.

“No, of course not.”

“Then what’s the point? If we stay, we won’t catch our planes, and I have to be back in Chicago for a special surgery in the morning.”

He had a point. “Okay, we’ll leave our names and addresses and they can contact us if they need to.” They each wrote their information down and gave it to the owner.

They emerged into a busy world. There were car fumes, noisy taxis, people everywhere, which seemed strange after there having only been the two of them for the past few hours.

It was half a block to the conference hotel. When they reached the entrance, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “They’re going to think we’ve been out partying all night,” he muttered. “Hope we don’t see anyone from the conference or the rumors will fly.”

She hadn’t thought of that. She certainly didn’t want rumors of her pulling an all-nighter with a handsome doctor. She was working too hard to prove herself. She ducked her head and both of them walked fast.

They managed to snag an elevator at once and when the doors closed, leaving them alone, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

“Glad to be alone again?” he asked with a weary smile.

“Surprisingly, yes. This would’ve been awkward to explain.”

“Awkward? It would’ve been impossible. Is there a husband around who is going to read you the riot act?”

It was a little late to be asking that question, but Hunter had been a perfect gentleman from the beginning. She shook her head. “No husband.”

He looped his arms around her, pulling her closer to rest against his body. “I’m glad.”

“Any wife?”

“Nope, not even a girlfriend.” He put a finger under her chin, and, before she realized what was going on, he kissed her.

Chapter Three

There were people waiting when the elevator door opened on her floor. Briana, who’d been enjoying the kiss as much as Hunter seemed to be, was grateful she didn’t know any of them.

“Uh, out, please.” She kept her eyes lowered. She didn’t want anyone, even strangers, to see the effect of Hunter’s kiss. Her lips still tingled and she felt a surprising desire to repeat their behavior.

Hunter followed her off the elevator.

“Your room is on this floor, too?” she asked in surprise and uneasiness. She needed distance to avoid doing something unwise.

“No, I’m escorting you to your room,” he assured her.

Always a gentleman.

“Look, Hunter, I know you must be exhausted. I certainly am. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

‘It’s kind of become a habit,” he said with a charming smile, “worrying about you.”

She dug her plastic key card out of her jeans pocket where she’d put it only a few hours ago, though it seemed like a lifetime. “This is my room,” she assured him as she stopped in front of a door and inserted the key card. The small light turned from red to green and she shoved the door open.

Hunter followed her in so that when she turned to thank him for his…whatever, he was there. And his arms were around her again. And he looked as if he was about to repeat the embrace they’d shared on the elevator.

It had been an incredible kiss, one she’d felt to her very toes. Unlike any she’d ever had before. But that was probably because they’d spent so much time together, really together.

She should stop him. But curiosity, wondering if it had really been that good a kiss, welcomed him. Her arms went around his neck, her body pressed against his. Her lips, when he touched them with his, leapt to mate with him.

Three or four kisses later, Hunter, breathing heavily, managed to say “Briana.”

She thought it was a good thing he could remember her name, because his kisses had scrambled her brain. All she could think about was him…and getting closer. It wasn’t like her to respond so completely to a man’s touch. But Hunter’s touch had a magical effect on her. “Hunter,” she murmured in response.

“Sweetheart,” he muttered, “I need you.”

Instead of bothering with words, she pulled him toward the bed. They fell on it with a sigh of relief and resumed kissing. He was the most incredible kisser.

Tuxedo studs went flying as Briana’s fingers went to work. It occurred to her that later she might regret such abandon, but it felt wonderful now. As more and more of his muscular chest, with blond hairs winding their way down it, came into view, the happier she became.

Each of them removed clothing piece by piece, exposing the other. But Briana never felt awkward or uncomfortable. She was too involved in what was going on. It seemed right that, after their night of togetherness, they should be completely together.

As a lover, Hunter was as gentlemanly and considerate as he’d been all night. But there was an edge of need that made her heart beat faster. He stroked and urged her closer, his mouth consuming hers. When he entered her, she felt completely loved and cradled, protected, until an urgency began that drove her even closer.

Then there was no conscious thought, just emotions, feelings, a consuming fire that left her exhausted yet sated. Hunter fell against her as he, too, reached the zenith of feelings. She held him close.

As she sank into a drifting state of sensations, he pushed up from the bed. “Did I hurt you, Bri? Are you all right?”

“I’m wonderful, Hunter, absolutely…wonderful.” She never opened her eyes. And that was the last she remembered.

HUNTER STARED DOWN at the beautiful face. It seemed most of the time he’d had with her, her eyes had been closed. But he remembered their hazel beauty. He remembered everything about her.

He’d never experienced such emotions, such sensations in making love before. It had never been so overpowering. Briana was clearly a special woman, but there’d been so little time. He truly hadn’t intended to make love to her when he’d followed her into the room. All he’d wanted was one more kiss. The kiss in the elevator had been so special, so…he couldn’t come up with another word to describe it.

His hand cupped her soft cheek as she slept. He didn’t want to leave her, but he needed a shower and clean clothes. If he changed now, while she slept, he’d be back before she even knew he was gone. Then he’d take her to breakfast.

They had a lot to discuss. He had no intention of letting her walk away with no plans for the future. She was his to protect, to love, to cherish. That much he knew. He thought she knew it, too.

They’d plan a future. They’d compromise. Somehow they’d find a way to be together. Because Briana…he suddenly realized he didn’t even know her last name. But he’d take care of that detail. Finally he’d found the one woman in the world who made his life complete. They’d find a way to be together.

After rubbing his lips over hers, he slid from the bed and searched for his clothing. He found everything but one of the studs for the tuxedo shirt. He smiled as he remembered Briana dispensing with them recklessly. He’d loved that about her. She was an enthusiastic lover, making him feel wanted, a great aphrodisiac.

Longingly, he stared once more at her sprawled under the sheet with which he’d covered her. As tired as he was, he wanted to make love to her all over again. And he suspected he’d feel that way the rest of his life.

He whispered, “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart.” Then he left her hotel room to climb the flight of stairs at the end of the corridor. He was on the next floor. Not far away. He hurried, unable to stand being away from her any longer than he had to.

THE BUZZING of an alarm awakened Briana from a deep sleep. She flailed at the noise and found the snooze button, she supposed, because the noise stopped. She drifted back to sleep.

Five minutes later, the noise repeated itself. This time she opened her eyes, barely, and noted the time. Eight-o-five. She sat up in bed. Her flight left La-Guardia Airport at nine-forty-five. She needed to catch a taxi by eight-thirty. She’d set the alarm last night before she ventured out of the hotel. She leapt from the bed and suddenly realized she was naked. A flood of memories held her frozen as the events of the night and, in particular, the morning hit her.

She’d made love to Hunter!

She looked around the room as if expecting him to pop out from behind the dresser. He’d left? Disappeared? Or had she dreamed the entire thing?

She really didn’t know. She was still exhausted and wasn’t thinking too clearly. She moved toward the bathroom, sure a shower would help, when she winced in pain and hopped on her left foot. Bending down, she discovered a stud for a tuxedo shirt in the carpet.

So, it hadn’t been a dream. Hunter had come in with her and they’d made love. Or maybe they’d just had sex. He certainly appeared to have made a fast exit. There was no note. Nothing.

Briana threw herself in the shower for a fast rinse-off. There was no time to wash her hair. She put on the sweater and jeans again, with fresh underwear, thrust the last few things in the bag and gathered her belongings.

In the meantime, her mind was searching for some kind of explanation for Hunter’s behavior. He’d been such a gentleman. But leaving with no word, no pretense even of a future, almost destroyed her. Did he care nothing about her? Had she been so misled by his behavior that she’d completely misread his character?

She couldn’t call his room and ask him because the only name she had was Hunter. She’d assumed that was his first name, but she didn’t know.

She stared at the phone, tempted to try anyway, but she knew she didn’t have time. She was going to have to chalk the bizarre night and even stranger morning to experience and go catch her plane.

As she stood in the doorway for a long moment, tears came to her eyes. She’d thought this morning she’d found something special. But like so many women, she’d been misled by a handsome face and broad shoulders. And a gentle touch and blue eyes to die for.

What a jerk!

HALF AN HOUR later, Hunter hurried down the stairs again. He was feeling much better, even though he still hadn’t had much sleep. But he’d showered and shaved and changed into jeans and shirt, sports shoes, comfortable again. And he was looking forward to breakfast with Briana.

He hoped she’d gotten enough rest. It was just past eight-thirty, and he didn’t want to wait too long to wake her up. His flight left at two, but he didn’t know her schedule. He wanted to spend time with her before they had to be parted for however long it took for him to arrange his schedule. To work out their lives.

He shoved his hands in his pockets and started whistling as he reached her floor. It was a glorious day. When he’d arrived at the conference, he’d had a lousy attitude. He hadn’t been happy lately. Now, he was on top of the world. One of the maids had her cart in the hallway near Briana’s room, and Hunter greeted her cheerfully.

He passed her and reached Bri’s room, and began to knock on the door. He hoped he could wake her. She slept so soundly.

“No one’s there.”

He whirled around, realizing it was the maid speaking.

Smiling, he explained, “No, she’s there. She’s a sound sleeper.”

The maid shook her head. “No, they just called me from downstairs to clean the room. She checked out a few minutes ago.”

The smile on his face disappeared. “No, you’re wrong. She’s still sleeping.”

The maid shrugged her shoulders and turned away. Hunter formed a fist and beat on the door now, determined to awaken Briana.

“Here, I’ll open the door.”

He found the maid beside him, a look of sympathy on her face.

“Thanks. I’ll wake her up.”

He pushed into the room, only to find it empty. The bed with the sheets in disarray, the closet empty, nothing in the bathroom. No note.

“Where is she?” he demanded harshly, turning to the maid.

His expression must’ve frightened her because she backed up a step. “I told you. She checked out a few minutes ago.”

“No, she wouldn’t have just left! There’s some mistake.” He searched the room again for some minute piece of evidence that would tell him something—anything about Briana. But there was nothing.

“Sorry, sir.” The maid stayed pressed against the wall, trying to keep out of his way.

“Thanks,” he managed as he left the room and ran for the elevators. As soon as he reached the main floor, he hurried over to the front desk. “A woman named Briana, from room 812, just checked out?”

“Yes, sir. Miss McCallum left for the airport about twenty minutes ago.” The young man behind the desk smiled, pleased to serve a customer properly.

“McCallum? Briana McCallum?”

“Yes, sir. I helped her myself.”

Now why did that name sound familiar? McCallum. Then he remembered. Maitland Maternity Hospital, the famous maternity hospital in Austin, Texas, was opening a new wing, a state-of-the-art facility specializing in multiple births. The McCallum Wing, dedicated to the donor’s wife, who’d died in childbirth. Administered by the donor’s daughter. It had been the main gossip of the conference, heightened by questions about her competency. Most everyone figured she was a rich woman playing at being a do-gooder. He usually gave people the benefit of the doubt, but he was in too much pain.

Briana McCallum. Rich woman. Looking for a new thrill. How about a doctor? Try one for the night and then skip town if it didn’t work out?

But it did work out! He raged within himself. It did! How could she deny what had happened between them? How could she just leave?

“Sir?” The clerk said with a frown. “Is anything wrong?”

“No!” Hunter snapped. “No, nothing’s wrong.”

What could be wrong? He asked himself savagely. He knew his lover’s name now. Briana McCallum. A rich woman—who had walked away.

But she hadn’t left her name for him. She hadn’t wanted him to know. She hadn’t wanted any more than what she’d got.

He hoped she was satisfied.

He wasn’t.