Randall Honor (12 page)

She heard the strain in her sister’s voice. Great! Now Jessica was upset, too. She got off the couch and opened the door, checking to be sure it was only Jessica.

“Honey, everything’s all right, I promise. I just got a little too upset. And I’m sorry I left it to you to clean up.” She did feel guilty about that. Poor Jess.

“Will you eat your lunch? Mom will be upset if you don’t.”

“Jessica,” Tori said, sternly this time, “I’m an adult. You don’t have to tell Mom if I don’t eat my lunch.”

“Okay. I won’t tell.”

With a deep sigh, Tori thanked her sister. “I meant it that you could go home early. I’m going to take a rest.”

Jessica offered to keep the office open. “I have some work that I can be doing.”

“The world won’t end if you don’t get it done today. I’m sure everyone will cut us some slack under the circumstances. And if you work, I’ll feel guilty for not working.”

“Okay, I’ll go home.” She paused after opening the door. “But you know Mom is going to ask about it. So don’t be surprised if she calls.”

“I know, but do the best you can. Tell her I decided to take a rest because of all the strain and if she calls, she’ll wake me up.”

“Ooh, good thinking,” Jessica exclaimed.

She turned to go, opening the door. Tori closed her eyes, glad to be alone at last.

“Hi, Jessica,” said a deep, immediately recognizable voice. “Is your sister home?”

“Sure. Come in. Tori, it’s Jon.”

Tori didn’t waste any time. “Go away.”

“Tori!” Jessica protested, shock in her voice. “That was rude.”

“Good. That’s what I intended. Show him out, Jess.”

She covered her face again, hoping her sister would do as she asked. When she heard the door close, she looked up to thank Jessica, only to find Jon standing in her place. “What did you do with Jessica?”

“She’s gone home. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Why aren’t you with your patients?”

“I heard I had a patient here.”

“Damn! My family again! What did they tell you?”

“That you threw up your lunch.”

“And, of course, you immediately decided I was pregnant? I’m not. I have a sensitive stomach. When I get upset, I can’t keep anything down!”

“You’re sure?” he asked, coming closer.

“I’m sure.”

But he didn’t leave. Instead, he sat down on the edge of the sofa and took her wrist in his hand. “Your pulse is a little elevated.”

“Big surprise. Why would I be calm around you? You’ve caused me to be tense all day!”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“What a crock! No, all you wanted was for me to do whatever you wanted. Or else you’ll keep my entire family stirred up!”

“Have you finished your lunch?”

“No! I’m drinking a glass of milk to calm my nerves, and I’m taking a nap—as soon as you leave.”

He got up and she hoped he was leaving. Instead,
he stood behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m going to give you a neck rub to get rid of the tension, okay? Just relax.”

“I don’t want you to give me a…” Her protest finished with a sigh as his fingers began to rub her neck. It reminded her too much of his touch when they had been alone in the cabin. It made her vulnerable.

He began to work magic with his fingers. In spite of herself, she realized he was having a positive effect on her. After a few minutes, he pulled her from her chair.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, tense again.

“I’m taking you to your bed,” he said softly.

Tori tried to retrieve her anger quickly enough to protest, but she couldn’t. His massage had felt too good. “I—I don’t think…”

“Tori, I meant I was taking you to your bed so you could go to sleep. All this tension isn’t good for you. You need to relax.”

“I’ll relax when you get out of here.”

“Do you promise?”

“Oh, yes. So, just be on your way.”

He smiled. “Okay. There’s just one thing I need to do before I go.”

“What’s that?” she said with a frown.

“Kiss you goodbye.” Without another word, he took her lips in a strong, deep kiss, one that reawakened the desire they’d shared in the cabin. A kiss that wiped away his obnoxious behavior when he’d real
ized they hadn’t used protection. A kiss that matched the dreams she’d been experiencing since that night.

He lifted his head, breathing heavily. “I’ll see you tonight,” he whispered. Then he left her alone.

So, the end result was the same.

She was alone with her dreams.

Jon checked to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything. Popcorn, juice, two packages of cupcakes. He’d showered and shaved since he’d gotten home.

Checking his watch, he knew it was time. With everything in a sack, he swung open his apartment door…only to discover Jennifer Waggoner standing there, her hand raised, as if she’d been about to knock.

“Jon!”

“Uh, hi, Jennifer. Do you have an emergency?” He couldn’t think of any other reason she’d be at his door.

“No, not an emergency, unless you consider boredom in that category. I went for a walk and decided to stop by.”

He quickly surveyed her. Her hair was curled, her face made up and she was wearing a dress that he figured was date bait. Uh-oh.

“Um, well, you can join me and Tori. We’re watching a movie tonight. One of my favorites is coming on.” It suddenly occurred to him that Jennifer’s presence might make Tori let him in.

“Oh, really? I don’t want to intrude.”

“Not at all. Knock on Tori’s door for me, will you? My hands are full.”

“Who is it?” Tori called through the wooden door.

“It’s Jennifer and—”

The door opened. “Jennifer, what are you—Jon.”

“Jon asked me to join you two to watch his favorite movie. I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t even think to ask the name of the movie, I’m so desperate for entertainment.”

Jon licked his dry lips. “I didn’t think you’d mind since I have only a small black-and-white television set. The movie is set in Paris and black-and-white just doesn’t do justice to Paris.”

Jennifer looked over her shoulder at him, frowning. Apparently she was realizing Tori didn’t know he was coming. But to Jon’s relief, Tori stepped back in invitation. “Of course I don’t mind. Just what is this movie that’s so great, Jon?”

“
Charade.
It’s an old Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn movie. Have you seen it?”

“Yes, it’s wonderful.”

Satisfaction swept through Jon. They had the same taste in movies. “I brought some snacks, too.” He set the sack down on her breakfast table and pulled out the popcorn and the cupcakes. Then he set a bottle of fruit juice beside them. “I figured we’d need something healthy with the cupcakes.” He leaned closer to Tori as Jennifer settled on the sofa. “I’ll run back to my apartment and get more cupcakes,” he whispered.

She shook her head and opened her pantry to take out another package. “No need.”

“Didn’t you bring any soda?” Jennifer asked. “It goes better with popcorn.”

“What kind do you like?” Tori asked. “I have some.”

Jon stood in the kitchen, watching while Tori fixed the soda for Jennifer. He wasn’t going to sit down beside Jennifer. “May I put the popcorn in the microwave?”

“Of course.”

Then he crossed to the television and turned it on, finding the right channel. The distinctive music came on. Returning to the kitchen, he asked for a bowl for the popcorn. Then he said, “Take Jennifer’s soda to her. I’ll bring in the popcorn when it’s ready, along with the juice.”

“And if I want a soda?” she asked, a challenge in her eyes.

“Then I’ll fix you a soda. I thought juice might be easier on your sensitive stomach. How are you feeling, by the way?” He’d kept his voice low and Jennifer was staring at them.

“Need any help?” she called from the sofa.

“No, thanks,” Tori said. Then she gathered up the packets of cupcakes and Jennifer’s drink and headed to the sofa.

Jon poured the popcorn into a large bowl and fixed two glasses of juice. Then he found a place on the sofa beside Tori.

Jennifer stared at him. “Well, I’m going to have to
get closer to the popcorn. I just love it.” She jumped up and came around the sofa to Jon’s other side.

Tori stood up. “Here, Jen, take my place. I’m eating my cupcakes right now.”

Jon ground his teeth. What was wrong with her? Tori knew he wanted to sit by her, didn’t she? Maybe not. But if she was trying to matchmake, he was going to have a talk with her. Unable to do anything else, he scooted over, closer to Tori, leaving plenty of room for Jennifer.

When the movie ended at ten, two of the three people watching were completely frustrated. Jon hadn’t had any privacy with Tori. And Jennifer had fared similarly with Jon.

She, however, hadn’t given up. She thanked Tori for letting her join them. Then she turned to Jon. “Would you mind walking me home, Jon? The darkness scares me a little.”

He didn’t ask why she went out after dark if it scared her. His father had raised him to be a gentleman. “Of course I will.”

Tori walked them to the door, and Jon bent down to kiss her cheek. “I won’t be long.”

Jennifer’s gaze widened. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you two have something planned?”

“Not at all,” Tori said.

“She worries if I’m gone at night,” Jon said, ignoring Tori’s glare.

He took long strides on the one-block walk to the store. “It’s convenient living over the store, isn’t it?
In Chicago, we spent a lot of time on the Ell or taking taxis.”

Jennifer shrugged. Maybe she was too out of breath to answer. “We’re walking a little fast.”

“Sorry, I make hospital rounds at seven in the morning. A doctor’s life is difficult.”

“But I always hear about doctors playing a lot of golf. Surely you have free time.”

“Not much. I don’t know of any golf courses here.”

“There’s one about an hour from here. I’d be glad to show you. In fact, I could take you around the county, give you a guided tour, if you’d like?”

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t have time.”

“You had time to go up into the mountains with Tori,” she retorted, irritation in her voice.

“I had to see my patient.”

They’d reached the store and he stood there, waiting for her to open the door.

She looked up at him. “Well, thanks for escorting me. I hope I didn’t keep you from your bed.”

He smiled.

Suddenly she leaned against him and got on her tiptoes to kiss him. He managed to turn his head, taking the kiss on his cheek. “Night, Jennifer.”

Then he jogged away. “Whew! That was a close call,” he muttered to himself. He realized his reaction would have been quite different if it had been Tori wanting to kiss him. Just the thought of her touching him made him move faster.

As soon as he got back to their building, he jogged up the stairs to knock on Tori’s door.

“Who is it?” she called.

“It’s me,” he replied. He was pleased when she opened the door. Of course, she didn’t invite him in, but he didn’t expect that she would.

“That was a fast trip.”

“Yeah. Are you feeling all right?”

“Yes. I had a nap this afternoon, recommended by my doctor,” she told him, grinning.

“Good.”

“Jon, I’m sure Jennifer would have invited you to her place to see the movie. They just got a big-screen television, so you’ll know in the future.”

“I didn’t invite her to come to your place tonight. At least, I did, but I didn’t intend to. I’m glad you liked the movie, though.”

“It’s one of my favorites, too.”

“Yeah, we have a lot in common.”

“Right. One movie.” She started closing the door. “Good night, Jon.”

“Wait! Uh, we both like cupcakes.”

She paused, leaving three inches of space between the door and the wall. “Yes, we do, along with a million other people. Otherwise that company would go broke.”

“Yeah, but it counts.”

She grinned. “Okay, cupcakes and movies.”

“Yeah.” He couldn’t think of anything else to say, except “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Okay.” Then she shut the door.

Jon stood there in the moonlight, wishing he’d thought of something more intelligent to keep her talking. But he hadn’t. He unlocked his apartment door and got ready for bed.

Maybe it was best he’d had a chaperon tonight. Her cousins had told him to make friends with her. Then they could work something out. It was the first time he’d realized they hadn’t spent enough time together for the intimacy they’d shared.

The night they’d made love, it had seemed so right, so perfect. Until he’d announced they hadn’t used protection. He’d been mad at himself, but he hadn’t explained that to Tori. Tonight had been good. He’d spent the evening with her. They’d liked the same movie.

He crawled into bed. When he closed his eyes, all he saw was Tori. All he thought about was Tori. All he wanted was Tori.

T
ORI AND
J
ESSICA WERE
closing the office for lunch the next day when a stranger appeared. It wasn’t often that they saw strangers walking around.

Tori gave him a smile and a nod as Jessica was locking the door.

They’d had a good morning, calm and quiet, and she’d gotten a lot of work done without any problems. She was feeling good today.

“Uh, miss?” the man asked.

Since he looked nice, just a little older than her
dad, Tori assumed he was trying to find someone. “Yes?”

“I’m looking for the doctor.”

“Is something wrong? Are you ill?” she asked.

With surprising vibrancy, he said, “I’m looking for my son.”

“Does he live around here?” Jessica asked, just as confused as Tori.

“Of course he does. He’s the new doctor.”

“Jon?” Tori gasped. “You’re looking for Jon?”

“Yes, I am. Do you know him?”

“Uh, yes,” Tori responded cautiously. “He didn’t tell us he was having a visitor. But the clinic is only a couple of blocks away.” She pointed toward the building.

The man heaved a sigh. “Anywhere I can call him?”

Tori gave him an alternate choice. “Why don’t you come to the café across the street and join us for lunch? We’ll call Jon and have him come meet you.”

“Will that be okay? I don’t want to cause him any trouble. I left him a message last night. And this is his address.” The man looked around, puzzled.

“You’re right,” Tori assured him. “His apartment is on the second floor.”

“Thanks for the information, and I
am
hungry. You won’t mind if I join you?”

With a shake of her head, Tori motioned toward the café. The man fell into step with them. “Are you Jon’s father?” she asked, studying him.

“Yes, I am,” he announced, pride in his gaze.

She escorted him and Jessica to a booth. “Look at the menu and I’ll go call Jon.”

“Tell him not to hurry on my part,” the man insisted, frowning again.

Tori smiled and nodded. Then she crossed over to the counter. “Mona? Can I borrow your phone for a minute?”

“Sure, hon.”

When Faye answered, she asked to speak with Jon.

“The doctor’s with a patient, Tori. Can you wait a minute?”

“Yes, of course.” She could leave a message, but she was afraid the visitor would be a shock.

Almost at once, he spoke. “Hello?”

“Jon, it’s Tori.”

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling ill? I’ll be right there.”

“Jon, wait. You mustn’t assume I’m sick every time you see me. I’m really very healthy.”

“And you called to chat?” he asked, raising his voice in disbelief.

“Well, no, not exactly. Uh, were you expecting a visitor?”

“Visitor? Is your father there? Has he decided to punch my nose after all?”

“No. I’m talking about your father.”

“What? Dad talked about maybe coming soon, but—is he accompanied by a fussy old lady?”

“No, it’s just him, Jon.”

“Where?” he asked, sounding bewildered.

“At the café with me and Jessica, having lunch. He decided to eat with us while I called you.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Mona was at the table, taking orders, when Tori returned to the table.

“Did you talk to him?” Bill Wilson asked.

“Yes. He’s on his way.”

“You ready to order, Tori?” Mona asked.

“Yes, I’ll have my usual salad, and bring the meat loaf for Jon.”

“The doc? Yep, that’s his favorite. Will he want creamed potatoes with gravy, or French fries?”

“Creamed,” Tori guessed. “And two iced teas.”

Mona walked away and Bill Wilson looked at Tori. “You already know his favorites?”

“Um, the waitress knew them, too,” she pointed out.

Even Jessica was staring at her, surprise on her face, when Jon scooted into the booth beside her, his arm going around Tori’s shoulders.

“Hello, Dad. Welcome to Rawhide.”

Tori immediately shrugged against his arm, but he ignored her.

Jon looked at his father. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

“I left you a message last night. Aunt Tabitha got invited to take a vacation with a friend. I thought I should come here when I wouldn’t have to drag her along. You know she usually complains about traveling.” He looked anxious. “You said I could come. Is it not a good time for you?”

Jon felt bad. His father always worried about causing someone a problem. “I’m delighted, Dad. But I haven’t bought another bed for the apartment. Don’t worry. I’ll get one before I go back to the clinic.”

“Can you do that?” His father asked.

“Sure,” Jon responded. “Rawhide has most everything a person could need.”

Raising one eyebrow, Tori said, “Sounds like you’ve changed your opinion about Rawhide since you first arrived, Doctor.”

“It does, doesn’t it,” Mr. Wilson said.

“I guess he shared his attitude toward small towns before he left Chicago,” Tori said with a smile.

“Call me Bill. I was hoping he’d change his mind after he got here. This town looks like a nice place to live, especially with pretty girls like you two.”

“Thanks, Bill. Call me Tori, and this is my sister Jessica.”

“I can’t believe it, Dad. Aunt Tabitha never does anything without you. What happened?”

“She goes to lunch a few blocks away once a week with an old friend. Of course, I have to get the car out and drive her, but I don’t mind. Only this time, her friend offered to pay for Tabitha to go with her as a companion on a cruise to Alaska. To my surprise, Tabitha agreed and packed overnight. I figured it was my opportunity to see the mountains.”

“I’m glad you came, Dad.” Jon smiled at his father.

“And you’re right. The mountains are beautiful,”
Tori assured him. “We’ll have you out to the ranch to get a closer look at them.”