Dangerous Therapy: O'Connor Brothers (Volume 1) (14 page)

Sean dropped by to check on her and ensured John she was doing fine. The rest of the afternoon was spent fighting with Stephanie to stay in bed and waiting for a phone call from Kurt. He wasn’t optimistic. If there wasn’t proof somebody tried to poison Stephanie, nothing could be done. He was tempted to go talk to Brad and Kim himself, but letting someone else handle this was the intelligent option, but it wasn’t easy.

“How’s our girl?” Nanny Betty barged through the front door because Nanny Betty didn’t knock. John grabbed the containers she was balancing in her arms. When someone was sick, Nan was the first one to bring food. Nobody ever questioned if she should still be driving, because well, everyone valued their lives.

“She’s doing better, Nan.” John kissed her cheek. “What are you doing here?” She pushed him aside and headed right for Stephanie’s bedroom. What a stupid question to ask?

“I’m here to check on our girl.” She stood by the side of the bed and put her tiny hand against Stephanie’s forehead. “At least there’s no fever.”

“She was stomach sick.” He stood in the doorway still holding the containers.

“Don’t jus’ stand der heat up some of dat turkey broth and bring it here for the girl. She needs her strength.” Stephanie’s eyes were wide. “Go on wit ya.”

John shrugged his shoulders and left the room. When Nanny Betty took over, you listened because you really didn’t have a choice.

It had been two days and she finally started eating solid food. Nanny Betty insisted she needed to try something. You just couldn’t say no to the woman. It was funny to see how she bossed John, Sean, Kurt and John’s brothers around. Even Cora jumped when the little woman spoke.

Stephanie worried that being forced to stay in bed would set John back with his therapy, but Nanny Betty made sure he did his daily exercises. Yesterday, when John said he was going to take it easy, Nanny Betty grabbed his ear and pulled him right into the gym. Stephanie laughed so hard she couldn’t breathe.

“Just because she’s sick, ya don’t get no time off.” Nanny Betty said. “Ya’ve been doin dis long enough to know wat ya gotta do. Now get yar arse in gear.” John looked like a little boy being chastised. He was adorable. He really was doing well and started a scaled down version of his regular exercise program. There was one problem. The closer he got to a full recovery, the closer he got to not needing her anymore. It made her chest hurt.

Kurt informed them that Kim and Brad were questioned, but neither of them had any idea what happened. There was nothing to prove either of them did it. It was probably an isolated incident, or someone thinking it would be funny. John and Kurt didn’t think it was the least bit funny. She just had to forget about it and move on.

The next four weeks flew by. John’s therapy was scaled down to once a week. It was as if she was getting paid for nothing, but Cora insisted she continue until the end of her contract. Since Marina moved away, she and Sandy spent a lot of time together. Donna would drop by a couple of times a week. On her days off she would go to see her parents, but most of her time she was with John.

They watched movies, played cards or just talked. Sometimes she couldn’t breathe when he looked at her. His massage sessions were still not easy, but she had learned that if she concentrated on the tattoo he had on his left shoulder, it was easier. John explained that it was a family crest, and all his brothers had the same one.

He was supposed to have his massage today but changed it because he and his brothers were watching a hockey game. So, she was free all day. Sandy had plans and Donna was working. Her parents were gone to Ottawa to visit Marina and Danny. She really needed more friends.

All morning she’d cleaned her apartment, but that only killed a little over two hours. There was nothing to do and she didn’t like being bored. She was scrolling through Facebook when there was a light knock on the door. Her heart jumped in her chest expecting to see John. When she opened the door a pretty brunette, with bright blue eyes stood there with a huge smile on her face.

“Hi.” Stephanie was polite but felt a little green eyed monster crawl up onto her shoulder. Who was this woman?

“Hi, Stephanie.” The girl reached out her hand. Stephanie shook her hand. “I’m Kristy.” Why did that name sound familiar?

“Nice to meet you.” Stephanie hoped this wasn’t the real reason he canceled his therapy. Was he seeing this girl? She seemed kind of young. There was something familiar about her, but she just couldn’t figure it out.

“Okay, I can tell by the look on your face, you’ve got no idea who I am.” Kristy chuckled.

“I’m sorry, but no.” Stephanie forced a smile.

“I’m John’s cousin. Kurt and Alice are my parents.” Now it made sense why she looked so familiar. Stephanie had seen her picture on John’s wall. “I just moved back from Nova Scotia, and James invited me and my sisters over for the game.”

“That’s cool.” Stephanie didn’t want to be rude but why did Kristy tell her this?

“Anyway my cousins told me you were here and I wanted to meet you and thank you for helping John. He’s like his old self again.” Kristy definitely had the O’Connor dimples. “So anyway, since he’s too stupid to invite you over for the party, I decided to invite you.” Kristy put her hands on her hips. “But first who do you like Montreal, or Toronto?”

Stephanie was almost afraid to answer, but she couldn’t lie. “Montreal has always been my favorite.”

“Woohoo.” Kristy grabbed her by the hand and pulled her to John’s living room. “This is one intelligent girl.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re a Habs fan.” John groaned.

“Sorry, but I’ve always been a Montreal fan.” Kristy pulled Stephanie to the couch.

“I used to like you.” John chuckled.

“You still do.” Said a girl sitting on the floor in front of them. “I’m Jess, and much to his dismay a Montreal fan.” She reached over and shook Stephanie’s hand. “All these idiots like Toronto.”

“Is it started yet?” Another woman walked in from the hallway, and there was no doubt she was Kristy and Jess’s sister.

“That’s Isabelle. She owns a restaurant on Harbour Street.” John leaned over and his warm breath blew against her cheek, making her shiver.

“Hey, you must be the miracle worker.” Isabelle sat on the arm of the couch next to John. “Too bad you couldn’t cure his hockey team too.” John shoved her with his elbow almost knocking her to the floor.

“Asshole.” Isabelle smacked John’s arm.

“You want a beer or something?” Mike carried a large tray filled with bottles. She hadn’t seen him come into the room because all her attention was on the way John’s thigh was brushing against hers.

“She’s a Montreal fan, bro.” Ian grabbed a bottle as he put a fake grimace on his handsome face. It was strange, all of the brothers were very hot, but the only one to stop her heart was John.

“Get out!” Mike pointed toward the door.

“You shut up, jerk wad. She’s a smart woman.” Kristy grabbed two bottles and handed one to Stephanie.

“Sorry guys, but Montreal is a better team.” Stephanie clinked bottles with Kristy.

“No wonder Aunt Cora hired her,” Keith grumbled. “For some reason all the women in this family like the Habs.” His lips quirked up into a small smile. Keith was the middle brother, but he didn’t talk much. He didn’t smile very much either, but when he did it could melt a woman’s heart.

Stephanie was trying hard to concentrate on the game. She really did love it, but sitting next to John was playing havoc with her hormones. Concentrating on anything but how his muscles flexed every time his team came close to scoring was impossible. Anytime Montreal scored, a deep groan would come from his throat and Stephanie’s mouth would go dry. It wasn’t meant to be sexual, but damn, it sure sounded that way in her mind.

“You guys are so screwed.” Kristy squealed as Montreal scored their fourth goal. Toronto raced toward the opposite net. John leaned forward and Stephanie stiffened. His hand pressed against her knee. He probably didn’t realize it, but the closer the team got to the net, the tighter he squeezed. It should have been painful, but it was making her entire body vibrate.

“Go, go, go.” John and his brothers yelled at the television. The girls screamed at the goalie, but Stephanie couldn’t speak. Her throat was like a freaking desert.

“Damn it.” John flopped back, and his arm dropped across the back of the couch grazing the back of her neck. This was complete torture. “I can’t believe you’re a Habs fan.”

“I only cheer for winners.” She teased.

“That was mean.” John narrowed his eyes, and then that sexy smile spread across his face. The one that made her heart flip.

“No, just smart.” She giggled when he poked her side. “Hey!” She grabbed his hand and he tightened his grip on it. Their eyes locked, and she stopped breathing for a moment. It seemed like he was about to kiss her, but a shout from the girls drew his attention toward the TV.

“You owe me twenty bucks, A.J.” Isabelle held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “I told you they’d win.”  Aaron slapped a twenty-dollar bill into Isabelle’s hand. Then the TV went black.

Everyone started wandering around the house talking and teasing each other. Of course, the girls were gloating and the boys were groaning. John didn’t move, and she was still pressed against his side, even though they were the only two sitting on the couch.

“I hope they didn’t turn you off of hockey.” John chuckled.

She glanced up at him and damn if that smile didn’t make her melt.

“Not at all.” How those words managed to come out was beyond her. His eyes were burning into hers and she couldn’t look away. “I had fun.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“I’m glad you joined us.” He pushed a stray piece of hair out of her face and she froze and swallowed hard. His eyes moved to her lips. “Really, glad.” His scent enveloped her as he leaned closer. A strong masculine scent, like soap, and John.

His lips brushed against hers, soft and unsure. She didn’t even care that there were nine other people in the house. His lips pressed firmer against hers and his hand slid into her hair. The man could kiss. She opened her mouth to his tongue and it plunged into her mouth. His taste was addictive and she needed more. Her hands tangled through his hair to pull him even closer, if that was even possible. She was dizzy, but someone cleared his throat. She jumped away from John.

“Umm…. sorry to interrupt. I’ll come back later.” Nick grinned and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Her cheeks were hot, along with another part of her anatomy, but that was a different kind of hot. She covered her face with her hands.

“I really didn’t mean for that to happen,” John whispered.

“It’s okay. I’m sure it didn’t mean anything.” She stood, completely embarrassed but he grabbed her hand.

“I didn’t say that.” John put a finger under her chin forcing her to look up at him. “I didn’t plan on doing that with a house full of people.” His thumb brushed across her lips.

“I wasn’t really paying attention to the people.” She stared into his eyes.

“Me either,” He said. “But right now, I’d like to kick them out.”

“I’m sure they wouldn’t like that.” Stephanie pressed her hand against his chest.

“I don’t really care.” He brushed his lips against hers.

“Hey, bro. Oh. Sorry.” Another voice behind her. She closed her eyes. Maybe John should kick them all out.

“Get out, A.J,” John growled as he glared over her shoulder.

“Okay. Yep. I’m gone.” Aaron whistled as he left the living room. John feathered his lips against hers again.

“I think we should probably stop right now.” Stephanie sighed as his tongue ran across her bottom lip.

“I don’t want to stop. Since the first time I met you, all I wanted to do was kiss you.” He whispered against her ear. “But you’re right. I should get rid of everyone first.”

“I think we need to talk first,” She said softly.

“We do because I’ve got a lot I want to say.” He stepped back from her.

So did she. Hopefully, what he had to say was something she wanted to hear.

Where the hell did he get the courage to finally kiss her again? Where ever it came from, there was no taking it back now. The first thing he needed was get his family out of his house. The way she was looking at him now made his jeans very uncomfortable, and John wasn’t exactly able to adjust himself to fix it.

“I better see why they keep interrupting.” He kissed her cheek, then walked into the kitchen and all eyes turned to him. He ignored the staring and grabbed a beer out of his fridge. There is no way Nick or Aaron were going to keep what they saw to themselves. John leaned against the counter and waited.

“What?”

“So how’s therapy going?” Keith was the last person he expected to speak. His quiet brother’s lips twitched. Keith wasn’t usually one for teasing, but he was definitely trying to hide a grin.

“Fine.” John lifted the bottle to his lips.

“I bet it is.” Mike wiggled his eyebrows.

John narrowed his eyes. He didn’t have to ask to know what Mike was thinking. What all of them were probably thinking. Not that he didn’t want to be getting hot and sweaty with Stephanie, but his feelings for her went a lot deeper than the sexual attraction.

“I like her.” Jess linked her arm into John’s.

“Me too.” Kristy agreed.

“I think John does too.” Ian chuckled. Any minute Nick and Aaron would make some dirty comment.

“Time for a subject change.” John cleared his throat. “What did you asses want anyway?”

“Some of what you were about to get.” Aaron grinned. There it was. John glared at his youngest brother.

“We’ve been asked to perform for a fundraiser. You know the one the NPD throws every year for the Janeway.” Nick explained. The NPD or Newfoundland Police Department threw a major fundraiser every year for the local children’s hospital. The Janeway was the only children’s hospital in the province and was one of the major charities the police supported.

“The guy that’s filling in for you is good, but it’s not the same. We miss you.” Mike admitted.

John put the bottle of beer to his lips to cover his grin. If he was being honest with himself, he liked the fact his brothers missed him.

“So we were wondering if you’re feeling up to it.” Nick picked up where Mike left off. The band was only a hobby for them, but it was something the brothers shared. Ian, Keith, and James didn’t perform publicly but helped out with backstage stuff. The other two guys in the band were friends of Nick and Aaron but were like adopted brothers.

“When is it.?” John asked.

“Saturday night,” Aaron said.

“This Saturday?” That didn’t give him much time. “That’s three days away. I haven’t played or sang in months.”

“Like you need to practice.” Isabelle chortled.

“Come on. If it doesn’t interfere with your therapy, we can rehearse here for a couple of days.” Mike was in begging mode. “It’s not like we’ll be playing anything we haven’t done a thousand times.”

Nick was giving him a hopeful look. “Then Friday night we can do a short rehearsal at the ballroom.” He wasn’t the only one. Kristy had her hands clasped together like she was praying. Isabelle kept nodding and Jess was pouting. The hopeful look on their faces was almost funny.

“Oh for fuck sakes. Stop with the puppy faces.” John groaned. “I’ll do it.” The kitchen erupted in cheers. Soon he was surrounded with his brothers slapping him on the back and his cousins clinging off his neck.

“Good to have you back, bro.” James shook his hand.

One by one his brothers and cousins left. Each of them giving advice on what he should do about Stephanie. Of course, Aaron’s advice was X-rated and Nick offered to take John’s place in case he was too tired. He loved his brothers but sometimes he just wanted to pretend they were not related.

John expected to see Stephanie waiting for him once everyone left, but he walked into the living room and it was empty. So was the kitchen. After that kiss, she wasn’t getting away from him that easy. He knocked on the door to her apartment. Part of him thought she had changed her mind, and until she opened the door, his stomach was in knots. At least she didn’t run for the hills.

“Hi.” He leaned against the door frame.

“Hi.” She smiled at him and his heart skipped. “So is your family gone?”

“Yes.” Why did his voice sound like that? It was trembling. He gazed into her eyes, unable to look away.

“Did you want to talk?” She leaned her cheek against the door.

“Yes.”

Stephanie stepped back and motioned him to the couch. She seemed reluctant as he sat down. “If all you want to do is talk, that’s fine. I just want to spend time with you.”

Stephanie sat next to him clasping her hands in her lap and fiddling with her fingers. John chuckled. She was definitely nervous. He hooked his finger under her chin so he could see her eyes.

“Just talking, Honey.” She smiled and relaxed a little.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”

He wanted her to be at home with him. “I don’t want to make you feel that way.”

“John, I…...” She stopped and looked down. “I’m attracted to you. Really, attracted.”

“That’s good, sweetheart because, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m really attracted to you too.”

“Are you sure this attraction isn’t because I’ve helped you get back on your feet again?”

John couldn’t believe that she’d even considered that. “Is that what you think?”

“It’s quite common for patients to fall for their nurses, doctors, therapists and so on.”

John put his finger to her lips. “Stephanie, I’m extremely grateful for what you’ve done for me. I don’t think I could’ve done it otherwise.” She lowered her eyes and he ducked his head to get her to meet his gaze. “But these feelings I have for you have nothing to do with that. From the day I pulled you over, I felt something, and to be honest, when I found out you were my therapist, I was happy but embarrassed. I didn’t want you to see me so broken. In such bad shape.”

Stephanie giggled and her cheeks flushed. “There was nothing wrong with your shape.”

“I wasn’t exactly at peak form.” John touched her cheek. “Those massages were hell.”

Her smile faded. “I know they hurt at the beginning, but it’s because your muscles were so tight.”

“Not what I meant.” He laughed when he saw the confusion on her face. “There was one muscle that was stiff, but you weren’t paying attention to that one.” For a moment, she stared at him until he raised an eyebrow.

“Oh!” The color in her cheeks made her even more beautiful if that was even possible.

“It was difficult to relax when all I wanted was to pull you down on the table.”

“I didn’t mean to put you through that.”

“I know you weren’t trying to torture me.” He touched her cheek. “It was amazing torture.”

“It wasn’t easy for me either,” She whispered. “You’ve got an amazing body.” His thumb ran across her lower lip and a small sound escaped her mouth.

“Stephanie, I really want to kiss you right now, but if I do I won’t be able to stop at just that, and I want to do this right.” John stared into her eyes. If his eyes moved to her lips again, he wasn’t going to be able to keep from devouring her mouth. “I want to take you on a date.”             

“You do?” Her smile lit up her face.

“I don’t want this to start the wrong way. I care about you.” John held her hand in his.

“I care about you too.” She squeezed back.

There was an issue with their date. John just promised to play with his brothers for the fundraiser. That meant being tied up for the next three days. The only thing he could think of was the fundraiser.

“I’d like you to be my date for a fundraiser on Friday, but I won’t get to spend much time with you.” That sounded like a date every girl dreamed of.

“Is it formal?” She asked.

“It’s black tie.”

“I’d love to go.”

He smiled and mentally pumped his fist in the air. It would be too much like Aaron to actually do it. It would be really hypocritical to do something he gave his brother shit for doing. There was nothing that could wipe the smile off his face.

John gave Stephanie details about the Janeway fundraiser and why it was held. Of course, the rambling he was doing was mostly because he didn’t want the night to end. Unfortunately, when her small hand covered her mouth to stifle a yawn, John walked to the door separating her apartment and his house. He really didn’t want to walk away from her, but he also wanted to do things right. With her, it would be more than sex. He could see more. John could see his future.