The Doctor's Pregnant Bride? (9 page)

“I know.”

“Have you been…dating?”

“Sort of.” She gave her a rundown of their “dates,” and said they were meeting this coming Saturday, too. “I don’t know what to do. I thought I would help him the one time then back away. I thought I could do that. But I can’t.”

“Or rather, you don’t
want
to.”

“Right. I don’t want to.” She pushed a piece of lettuce more securely under the bun and stared at it. “I don’t know what to do.”

“You can’t just have fun with it? With him? He won’t be your direct supervisor for much longer.”

Which stung, too, Sara Beth thought. “But he’s a doctor. And he’s stayed single all these years. And he’s absentminded, you know, which apparently has caused
many of his relationships in the past to end. Or so he said. I would just be another in a string of forgettable women.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Are you encouraging me toward him?”

“I’m not discouraging you.” She smiled and waved. “He just spotted us. He’s coming this way.” They watched him walk over. “Hi, Ted.”

“Lisa. Sara Beth. You didn’t mention you were coming here tonight.”

“I didn’t know until the last minute,” Sara Beth said. “Come here often?”

“My first time, actually. It’s…loud.”

She grinned. After all the quiet hours he spent in the lab, then in his otherwise empty loft, she could see why he would notice the noise even more than she did. “I recommend the burgers.”

“Thanks.”

“Who’s the man with you?”

“An old friend, in town for the day. How’re you, Lisa?”

Fascinating. Not only did he change the direction of the conversation, he didn’t name his friend, nor bring him over for an introduction. Sara Beth wondered what Ted’s well-mannered mother would think of that. Chance waved, but that was all.

“What is this? Institute night?” Lisa said, looking toward the front door. “Brother Derek just arrived.”

Sara Beth couldn’t imagine anyone more out of place, even more so than Ted. Derek had an air of entitlement about him. Fitting in wasn’t something he did well.

He spotted them and headed toward them. Sara Beth
felt Lisa stiffen beside her. Considering how close Lisa had been to her big brother all her life, Sara Beth was surprised at how reluctant Lisa was to see him now. Because of the money problems Lisa had alluded to earlier? He was the CFO of the institute. He would know before anyone else if they were in trouble.

“Good evening, all,” Derek said, and got lukewarm greetings in return. “I haven’t seen you here before, Ted.”

“My first time.”

“Are you alone?”

Ted gestured toward where Chance and the other man sat. “I’m with friends.”

Everyone looked that direction. Even from a distance, Sara Beth saw Ted’s friend go rigid, his already intense expression turning icy. Derek’s, too, Sara Beth noticed, then he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and answered it. She hadn’t heard it ring, but maybe it was on vibrate.

“My friend just canceled,” he said, slipping his phone back in his pocket. “Good to see you, sister dear. We should have dinner sometime.”

Lisa didn’t say a word. He left, not stopping to say hello to Chance.

“That was strange,” Sara Beth said.

Ted told them to enjoy their dinner and returned to his table. Sara Beth picked up her burger again then noticed that Lisa had shoved her plate away, her food not even half-eaten. She didn’t usually waste food.

“I shouldn’t have let you talk me into coming tonight, Sara Beth. I need to trust my instincts more.”

“Who could’ve predicted that Derek would show up? And don’t tell me this has nothing to do with him. You were fine until he came along.” Her voice drifted off as Ted, Chance and the stranger got up from their table and went to the door. Ted lifted a hand toward her. “Getting even weirder,” she said.

“I’d like to go, too.”

Sara Beth wanted to talk more about Ted, about what she should do. If she could talk it through, she might get a better handle on her feelings before she and Ted spent another Saturday together. But even if she and Lisa stayed at the pub, Sara Beth probably couldn’t get the help she needed. Not tonight, anyway. Lisa was too distracted.

“I’m sorry, Sara Beth. I’m not good company tonight. Oh, look. Carrie and Lorene just got here. They can take my place at the table.”

“I don’t want to stay without you. Just give me a couple of minutes to finish my dinner.”

Carrie and Lorene, both institute employees, pulled up chairs and livened the conversation until Lisa and Sara Beth paid their bill, then Lisa drove Sara Beth home.

“Again, I apologize,” Lisa said, double parking.

Sara Beth gave her a big hug. For a moment, Lisa leaned into it.

“Call me night or day,” Sara Beth said. “We’ve been through a lot, you know?” Closer than sisters most of the time.

“I do know. Thanks. Keep me up-to-date about how it goes with Ted. You’ve been ready to settle down for a while now. Maybe he is, too.”

“I think he’s married to his work.”

“I get the same impression. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”

“Maybe.” Sara Beth opened the car door, then turned to look at her friend. “Night or day, Lisa.”

She nodded.

Sara Beth spent what was left of the evening doing laundry, paying bills and making out a grocery list—mundane, mindless chores that allowed her thoughts to run freely, which only left her more confused. How could she fight her attraction to Ted?
Should
she? She admired so much about him. Respected his intelligence and dedication. And she’d spent a whole lot of time wondering what it would be like to kiss him, to touch him, to feel him touch her beyond the mostly accidental brushes so far.

As she was climbing into bed, her phone rang.

“I hope this isn’t too late,” Ted said.

“Not at all.”

“I didn’t want to bring up our personal lives at work.”

“Okay.” She prepared herself for the worst. He’d decided to keep his distance from her, keep their relationship business only. Or maybe Tricia had gotten to him. Or—

“I’d like to take you out to dinner on Saturday after we’re done at the loft. As a thank-you. Would you like to go?”

“Yes.” Maybe she should’ve hedged a little, but she was so relieved, the word just flew out.

“I could either take you home to change, or you could
bring clothes with you when I pick you up that morning. Whichever you’re most comfortable with.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

A small pause, then, “You’re probably wondering why we left Shots.”

“A little.”

“We decided it was too noisy.”

“Really? I would’ve said it had to do with Derek.”

Silence, then, “Yeah. I get tired of defending my research to him. I’ve said over and over that a practical treatment will take time. We’re going to put a dent in it, I hope, then maybe another and another. One step at a time. Everyone needs to be realistic.”

“You’re right. Hopes are high.”

“As are mine for that burger. I’ll try another time, maybe, when there isn’t a need for conversation.”

“They make good fish and chips, too.” She smoothed her blanket. “We left soon after you. It was a noisier-than-usual night.”

A few beats passed. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning, Sara Beth. Sleep well.”

“Thanks. You, too.” She pressed the off button then hugged the phone to her chest. She had a date with Ted Bonner. A real date, not a date of desperation, like the dinner with his parents, or a please-help-me-decorate date, but a get-dressed-up-and-go-to-dinner date.

And only three long days to decide whether to risk giving in to her feelings or ignore them.

O
ver the next few days, anticipation of her dinner with Ted replaced Sara Beth’s letdown over not being allowed into the vault. Strangely, however, since he’d extended the invitation, they’d lost their ability to talk easily to each other.

Did he regret inviting her?

He’d picked her up on Saturday morning right on time. They’d shopped for hours, buying almost everything left on their list, once again having it all delivered the same day. She’d brought her change of clothes with her, not wanting him to have to drive her home, find parking and wait for her while she got ready.

After they’d hauled empty boxes and bags down to the trash, and before she got ready for dinner, they both
sat on the sofa, their feet propped on the new coffee table, an oversize ottoman covered in a fabric that complemented the brown leather sofa. They’d finished hanging all of his art, had decided he would need a few more pieces, but only when he found something he loved. She was especially happy with his bedroom, not just the art, but the luxurious bedspread, in a gorgeous black and chocolate brown fabric that suited him exactly.

“Did I say how good you look in jeans?” she said, toasting him with her soda. He was wearing jeans and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Not completely casual, but very sexy.

“You may have mentioned it a few times. I think I got the point, Sara Beth.” He returned the toast. “We did well.”

“You should throw a party.”

“Why’d you have to go ruin my good mood?”

She laughed. “Most people have a housewarming, you know. You’ll get a few plants, which you need, some bottles of good wine—”

“Which I also need,” he interrupted.

“Right, because you can’t afford to buy your own.”

He grinned.

“And you’ll get other stuff you’ll never find a place for,” she went on. “Can’t mess with tradition. Plus, you’ll make your mother happy.”

“True. I’d make her happier if I announced I was engaged.”

Conversation came to a halt. Sara Beth didn’t squirm, but only because she made herself sit still. Ted, on the other hand, put his feet on the floor and took a long sip of soda.

“Sorry,” he said after a minute.

“No problem. I think that point had already been established at your parents’ anniversary party. So, have you seen Tricia since then?” She hoped she sounded really casual, as if his answer wasn’t crucial to her well-being.

“We’re having dinner tomorrow.”

If the previous silence had been loud, this one was deafening.

“I seem to be making room in my mouth for both feet today. Would you accept it as a compliment that I don’t have my usual self-censors up?”

She had to think about that. She could be flattered—or not. A man who was romantically interested probably wouldn’t talk about taking another woman out to dinner.

“I guess not,” he said. “I do apologize.”

“Forget it. She’s an old friend, and I’m not your girlfriend. It doesn’t matter.” Her words came out more harshly than she’d intended. She
had
begun to feel proprietary toward him. She’d had a hard time keeping her hands off him in the lab, and he’d often made excuses for getting close to her, bending over her shoulder to look at something on her monitor, when he could’ve just sat next to her.

More important, he didn’t go off into Ted-world as frequently, but was usually aware she was in the same room.

So, she’d begun to hope. Now she knew she shouldn’t.

“She really is just an old friend,” he said. “There’s nothing there.”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, Ted.” She stood. “I’ll go change.”

Her excitement about the evening dimmed. She’d needed the reminder about their different worlds, his being one in which Tricia fit. Plus, they had a history. Histories mattered. Being able to trace your family tree to the dark ages mattered to some people, and half of Sara Beth’s branches were missing.

She undressed, then looked at her image in the mirror.
Okay, so a future with Ted is out of the question, but what about now? This moment?

Sleeping with him—provided he was even interested—would break personal rules, including those drummed into her head all her life by her mother.

But what about the adventure?

Even that was coming to an end. His loft was decorated. The investigation would wrap up soon. They wouldn’t be thrown together anymore, but would have to make a conscious decision to see each other. Would he? Did she want to wait to find out?

She figured she had the next couple of hours at dinner to decide.

The longest two hours in recent memory.

Ted took a swig of his Coke, finishing it off, trying to ignore the fact that Sara Beth O’Connell was standing naked in his bathroom, right next to his shower, a place comfortably big enough for two. He kept the picture of both of them showering together in his mind for a while, savoring it.

Then, resting his arms along the back of his sofa, he inspected his decorated space, appreciating it, already
forgetting how barren it used to look. Not to mention he’d actually taken off two Saturdays in a row—although his situation at the lab had allowed for it, too. He and Chance had put together a product that might increase sperm count and motility, their goal for years now.

Time and testing would tell.

In the meantime, they would continue the research. There was still much to accomplish. Plus there was the investigation to complete, to clear the institute’s name.

After which Sara Beth would return to her former duties.

No, not immediately. She was supposed to help him put together a best-practices manual, which would take a little while longer.

He’d come to enjoy having her around, her presence oddly calming—oddly, because she also excited him. Even Chance had commented that Ted had seemed more relaxed than he could remember. Except that Chance hadn’t caught him staring at her, enjoying the way her braid lay along her spine, swinging as she moved. Or the curve of her rear when she bent over. Or the eye-catching bit of cleavage or lace when she wore V-necked sweaters, as she had today. Black sweater, her bra trimmed with black lace.

Black underwear, too? He’d bet on it.

“All yours.”

Her voice shot into his fantasy like a fire-tipped arrow.
All yours
. She meant the bathroom, of course, but he considered a different meaning for a few seconds before turning toward her.

She wore another basic black dress, but this one fit like a second skin. It dipped low, exposing the high curves of her breasts and more than a little cleavage, a gold oval locket brushing her flesh, dipping between her breasts. Her eyes didn’t shine with her usual good humor but with intensity—or maybe anticipation.

“You look beautiful,” he said, which was an understatement.

She gave a small, playful curtsy, then sniffed her arm. “I smell like you, or rather your hand soap.”

He went to her and lifted her arm until the scent reached him. He remembered the moment a week ago when he’d hugged her, and her nipples had turned hard, which he could see happening now, too. He hooked a finger around her locket, lifting it free, the back of his finger sliding along her upper breast. She held her breath, yet still her flesh quivered.

“Are there pictures inside?” he asked.

“My mom and me.”

“May I see?”

She nodded.

Gauging his welcome, he let his hands just barely rest against her as he undid the latch and opened the locket. “You must’ve been a teenager.”

“Yes. Fifteen.”

He snapped it shut then didn’t let go, his fingers itching to dip below her neckline, wishing he could fill his hands with her. “You haven’t asked me not to touch you,” he said, lifting his gaze to hers.

“No.”

The breathless sound gave him a broader answer, the answer he wanted. “Tell you what. I’ll go change and give you time to think. If you’ve tested the idea in your hand, and it still comes up positive…”

“This isn’t science, Ted,” she said, a small, nervous smile forming on her kissable lips.

“We work together.”

“Not for much longer.”

He stared at her mouth and the pale pink lipstick staining her lips, which parted invitingly. He bent low, touched his mouth to hers. Heat zapped his midsection and rocketed through him, the after-burn scorching him everywhere. He grabbed tight, pulled her against him, deepened the kiss, wanting all of her, everything she had to give.

She drew a quick breath, flattened her hands against him, pressed her forehead to his chest.

“I’m sorry.” He moved back slightly, having registered the surprise in her face—or fear. He didn’t know which. “Too much. Too soon. I’ll give you some time.” He turned around.

“Ted, wait.”

He felt like a teenager about to be reprimanded.

“It’s okay,” she said, laying a hand on his arm.

Not a reprimand, after all. “I lost control.”

“So?”

He faced her. The shock or fear, whatever it was, was gone. “I would’ve hauled you down to the sofa without thinking twice about it.”

“Then stop thinking.” She smiled, slow and steamy,
a Sara Beth he never would have anticipated. She was so…girl next door. Or so he’d thought.

“I’d prefer my bed,” he said, thinking that far ahead.

She looped her arms around his neck and moved against him. “Me, too.”

He almost thanked her. Then he scooped her up and carried her to his bed, standing her beside it. He inched her zipper down, the sound crackling with anticipation. Her dress dropped to the floor, blanketing their feet. He’d guessed right. All black undergarments, including garter belt and stockings. Her body was about as perfect as a woman’s could be. “Look what you keep hidden under your scrubs. Is this what you wear to work?”

“I like the feel of silk and lace against my skin.” She unbuttoned his shirt, pulled it loose and pressed her lips to his chest. “Mmm. This feels nice, too.”

He unhooked her bra, slipped it down her then tossed it aside. He filled his hands with her breasts, ran his thumbs over her nipples. His mouth watered.

“Um, Ted?”

Don’t make me stop now. Please don’t
. “Yeah?”

“You know those pocket protectors you wear at work?”

“Seriously? You’re going to get after me about that now? Now?”

“Um, no.” She laid her palms against his chest. His muscles twitched. “I’m hoping you have a different kind of pocket protector here at home. I can’t tolerate the pill.”

Was that all? He nudged her hair aside with his nose, dragged his lips down her neck, tasting her fragrant skin. “I was an Eagle Scout. What do you think?” He
reached into his nightstand, pulled out a condom and flipped it onto a pillow.

“Got more than one?”

He laughed, shoved the bedding out of the way, then finished undressing. Lifting her in his arms, he laid her on the bed, landing on top of her, kissing her until she moaned, her lips soft and yielding, her mouth welcoming. He unwrapped the rest of her, revealing the gift of her body, tasting and savoring her as he went until she was naked and shaking. He didn’t let her touch him, afraid everything would happen too fast. This was his present to himself. He intended to enjoy it. So he spent a lot of time swirling her nipples with his tongue, sucking them into his mouth, her back arching, sounds of pleasure coming from her throat. He moved down her body, teased her with long strokes of his tongue until she grabbed his hair and pulled him up, groaning as they kissed, wet and openmouthed, desire flowing from her.

He drew her hand to him finally, wrapped it around his erection and closed his eyes at the erotic sensation as she moved her hand up, down and around, gently. Too gently. He needed a faster rhythm, stronger motion. Completion.

He ripped open the condom, rolled it down, pulled her under him and plunged. Then he didn’t move a muscle, but felt, just felt…

Sara Beth waited for him to move, the pressure inside her growing by the second.

“You’re perfect,” he whispered, gruff and low, sliding his hands under her, lifting her impossibly closer, their
bodies fused. He moved just a little, creating a tiny bit of friction at the most responsive spot. Her world spun, pleasure burst inside her. She threw back her head, sounds coming out of her that she’d never heard before.

Then just when she was coming down, he moved, rhythmically, powerfully, and she was sent soaring again, beyond the realm of the first time, taking her to a place she wanted to stay forever….

Because she was falling in love with him. Falling for the ethical, cause-devoted, brilliant man who tried to conform to expectation but was his own man, nonetheless. No one could tell him what to do or how to live his life. He just lived it.

Sara Beth dug her fingers into his back as the realization struck her. How could she love him? It was too soon, too fast. Unrealistic.

Idiotic.

Desire was one thing, but love? No. She was just reacting to the best sex she’d ever had. He’d paid complete attention to her, just like he worked, single-minded, but this time devoted to the cause of giving her pleasure. Twice.

Just then he rolled to his side, wrapped her close and held her. No words. No kisses. Just the beat of his heart thundering in her ear, gradually slowing into a strong, steady beat.

“You okay?” he asked finally.

Okay? No, she wasn’t okay. She was shell-shocked. Satisfied. Sated.

“Never better,” she said.

“Same here. Best birthday ever.”

She tipped back her head to make eye contact. He didn’t look relaxed, but serious and tense. “Birthday? Why didn’t you say so?”

“Because it’s not important.”

“I think it is. I love birthdays. I would’ve gotten you something special. Or baked you a cake with thirty-three candles to blow out.”

“You gave me a gift already. As for the cake, I don’t need to be reminded that time is passing by that fast.”

He tucked her close again, his chin resting against her head. He’d started thinking about other things, she could tell. She just wished she knew what.

“I’ve never known anyone like you,” he said finally. “Never had a…friend like you.”