Desired (Two Marks 2)

I couldn’t help swooning a little thinking of how comfortable he must make kids feel. He had that capability-porn thing going in spades. I watched as he applied the ointment and wrapped my finger with a soft, flexible bandage.

“So, Rachel, what brought you to West Springs?” He didn’t move away when he’d finished. Instead, he remained inches from my body, leaning his hands on the examination table on either side of me.

“Oh, I, um, just sort of landed here,” I replied.

Not a lie.

Cord waited for more. I didn’t plan on telling him anything, but those green eyes were so compelling, I found myself spilling.

“I’m actually a runaway bride.”

His body went still but he didn’t step back. “Yeah?”

I swallowed, tried to clarify. “I mean, not even a bride. I’m not married. I ran away from an engagement party. You see, my family wanted me to marry this guy and be this person I don’t want to be. They sprang it on me at the party, although I guess I went along for the ride for too long, even though I told my parents I wasn’t interested in Chester. Then he got down on one knee with a ring and that made it real, so…” I took a big breath and kept on going. “Rather than just say no, which hadn’t worked before, I ran. I think they got the message.” I watched Cord’s face as I dropped my crazy news to see how he would take my cowardice.

He appeared amused, perhaps not only from the story but my word vomiting. “You ran from the party.”

I sighed, nodded. “Yes. I hitched a ride home, then got my car and drove off.”

“You hitched a ride?” A muscle ticked in his jaw.

I held up a hand. “From a friend. The party was at the country club. A friend was leaving, and I asked for a ride. I didn’t stick my thumb out by a gas station,” I clarified.

He made a funny growling sound. “You left town.”

“Yes. I barely packed a bag.” I shrugged. “I drove and drove until the cash in my wallet ran out, and I wound up here.”

He was quiet for a moment, then he nodded, as if figuring something out. “Fate. You’re not married?”

“Not married, not even engaged.”

He seemed to visibly relax. “This Chester has no claim on you?”

I shook my head, my hair swaying. “No. I’m taking some time away from the influence of my family to figure out what I want to do with my life.”

Cord’s brows lowered, then he glanced about. “Are you in some kind of trouble, Rachel? Is your family a danger to you?”

“No—nothing like that,” I answered immediately, thinking of my mother and her charity lunches, and my father with his golf buddies. They wouldn’t hurt me. Everything they did was out of love, I knew that, but I felt more like a thing for them than a person who had her own dreams. “I’m not up for dealing with my family or non-fiancé yet, that’s all.”

He studied me. “You will be safe here. I’ll do anything necessary to make sure that happens.”

I could only nod. What could I say about his obvious protective streak?

His body relaxed and he stepped even closer. This time, he tucked my hair behind my ear. “Well, you landed in the right place.”

I gave a short laugh, although I shivered at the touch of his finger against my skin. It was a casual gesture, but it felt intimate. “You know, I think I did. I mean, I got lucky with the job at the diner. Bessie couldn’t be more patient with me while I learn the ropes. Everyone who’s come in has been really friendly.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Do you have a place to stay? Do you need money while you get on your feet?”

My mouth fell open with surprise. “Wow. That is so kind, but no. I mean, yes, I have a place to stay, and no, I don’t need money. I sold the pearls I wore to the party, and that was enough to rent an apartment Bessie told me about. So long as she doesn’t fire me—which, considering how bad I am, is a possibility—I think I’ll be okay.”

“She won’t fire you.” Cord’s soft voice rang with confidence.

I looked at his clothing, which was probably still damp. “Maybe you didn’t notice I just drenched a guy with ice water? Then tried to rub his crotch?”

Cord’s smile grew broader and more lethal… to my panties. “Sweetheart, you can rub my crotch anytime.”

A laugh rocketed from my throat before I could stop it. I covered my mouth with my hand, our gazes still inextricably connected.

“I want a date with you.” He didn’t ask.

My pulse sped up. Of course it was too soon, and yet I wanted to accept the offer with every cell of my body. Why did a few minutes with this man make me feel more than years with Chester?