Finding the Perfect Man (7 page)

He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the caring look in her amazing eyes.

“Lanie chose this herself. It had nothing to do with you. There is nothing wrong with you.”

“I disagree, Doctor Reed. Apparently I wasn’t man enough to confront her, which means, I’m not a man. I’m a wimp…a coward.”

“And if you had truly strangled her, you’d be a murderer. Now tell me Brock, which is worse? Personally, I’d rather have a wimpy man than one who has killing instincts in him.”

As she studied his face, his heartbeat picked up rhythm. He hoped she couldn’t see the resemblance between him and the man she’d met in the bar. Not seeing the light of recognition in her eyes, he sighed in relief. Her smile warmed him, comforted, and made him want her that much more.

Good grief! What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he stop thinking about kissing her—and hoping to get another chance? This time, it had nothing to do with getting her license revoked.

“Brock, come here. I want you to see something.”

She sparked his curiosity, and he followed her across the room to a full-length mirror on a closet door. “Do you see that handsome man in there?”

Handsome?
Who was she looking at? He was dressed—and acted—like a pathetic man. “No.”

“Well, I do. I see a man who has been hurt, but who will recover.”

Her gaze roamed over his face, wandered down his baggy shirt, and to his over-sized jeans. Her cheeks flushed red as she quickly looked back in his eyes. He liked seeing her flustered this way, and he fought the smile trying to sneak across his face.

“I see a man who needs to look at himself in the mirror a lot more.” She paused. “Brock? Tell me what you see.”

“A loser.” Although he meant it to be serious, an unexpected laugh sprang from his throat, widening his smile.

She chuckled with him. “Brock, I’m serious.”

She’s so pretty when she smiles.
He shook away the thought.

“Okay, I see…”
He paused, not really knowing what to say. “I don’t know what I see. I see a man who needs…a makeover.” Once again, he couldn’t stop the laugh from escaping his chest. Shoot! His character was slipping.

Jordan folded her arms across her chest. Tilting her head, she gave him a quizzical look with arched eyebrows. “For a man who is down on himself, you’re not showing it very well.”

He sucked in his breath. Did that mean she was onto him? He turned and faced her. “When you stand there and laugh at me, what else am I supposed to do?”

“I wasn’t laughing at you. I was laughing
with
you.”

He softened his smile as he gazed into her lovely blue eyes. They twinkled like gems. How he wanted to take her in his arms…just to touch her again. Going with his instincts, he reached up and stroked her cheek. Suddenly, her face lost its humor and her eyes widened. Her body stiffened, but she didn’t pull away.

“Brock you mustn’t touch me like that. I’m your doctor.”

“No, you’re not. You’ve referred me to another doctor, remember?”

She shook her head. “But still…”

He interrupted her before she could change the subject. “Doctor Reed, I really appreciate your kind words, but I’m not ready to look at myself in the mirror. I’m not ready to evaluate why I feel the way I do, or why I look the way I do.”

She grabbed his fingers, but he clasped onto her hand, unwilling to let go. She opened her mouth to stop him, so he said, “I know you don’t really think I’m handsome, but thanks for the compliment.”

“Brock, you’re wrong. You are a very handsome man, inside and out.”

She struggled to pull her hand away, but he kept it in his grasp. “No, I’m a beast. Why else would I have thoughts about choking Lanie?”

“Those type of urges are normal when you’ve had your heart stomped on, but what makes you a good person is that you didn’t act on them. You controlled yourself before letting your anger guide you into doing something awful.” She yanked her hands away, and her chest heaved a sigh.

“Doctor Reed, can I ask you a personal question?”

Her eyes widened in panic, but she remained in her professional mode. “What would you like to know?”

“You just said it was a normal reaction to get such urges, and I wondered if you have ever gotten the urge to do something totally unlike yourself. To give into your anger regardless of what you think is the right thing to do.”

The color on her face brightened. “I think everybody feels like that when the person they love cheats on them.”

He licked his lips. Her attention strayed to that spot. “No, I mean have you ever acted irresponsible? Ever? Have you ever let your urges get out of control?”

Different emotions flickered across her face, as if she struggled with her composure. She couldn’t meet his stare, yet her gaze kept moving back to his eyes. Her chest heaved rapidly.

“Brock,” she said in her proper, controlled tone of voice. “One should always act responsibly when they are angered. In this day and age, it could be dangerous not to. Besides, we are not here to talk about my life, but to discuss yours.”

He turned his back to her. “You don’t have to say another word. I can see it on your face. My touch and my choice of conversation makes you sick, just like it does to Lanie.”

“Brock, you’ve misread me. Please turn around so we can discuss this.”

“No, I think it’s time for me to leave.” He took a step, but she stopped him by moving around in front of him, blocking his path. Her stern, unwavering look and thin lips let him know he was not going to leave her office.

Good. Maybe something would happen like it had during their last session.

She stood like a soldier preparing for battle with her hands planted on her hips. “No, it’s not time to leave. I’m not letting you go when you feel like this.” She took a deep breath. “You’ve got it all wrong.”

“Then why did you act that way?”

She gave an uneasy laugh. “Why? Because I’m not used to talking about my life, that’s why. I don’t want my clients to think I have feelings, too,” she ended softly. “I have been hurt before. My heart has been stomped on, just as yours has. And yes, I’ve been so hurt and angry that I actually wanted to strangle the man who made me feel that kind of weakness.” She took a deep breath. “But you are my client, not the other way around. I’m here to help you, not the other way around.”

“What about my touch?”

“I’m not appalled by your touch, it’s just that...well, that....”

She was certainly uncomfortable. A grin tugged at his lips, but he fought it. “Go on.”

“I’m your doctor, Brock.”

“Not anymore.”

“But I shouldn’t be reacting this way at all. It’s not proper for you to touch me in a personal way.”

“So, are you saying you do have feelings? You do enjoy my touch?” She didn’t answer him, so he continued. “Maybe it’s not proper, but I can’t help how I feel. You say I misread you, so tell me right out. Do you enjoy my touch?”

His stare locked with hers, he waited for her answer. Her face turned a brilliant red, her breathing grew rapid, and her lips parted. This conversation must
really
be disturbing her. He lifted his hand back to her cheek, careful as he waited for her reaction. Her throat jumped, and he swallowed hard.

He dared to go further, sweeping his fingers down her neck, then back up to her hairline. He touched her silky waves. She remained stubborn in her stance, and it surprised him she let him do this. He didn’t question. Just continued.

He caressed her face, moving his thumb to touch her bottom lip. Her mouth opened slightly. His breathing grew faster, and it matched hers perfectly. He reached his other hand and cupped her face. Spreading his fingers, he drove them back into her hair, loosening the pins holding the tight knot together. A lock of hair sprang free, curling around his hand. His finger wound around it, feeling its silkiness.

“I like your hair down, falling over your shoulders,” he muttered, unable to keep the thoughts in his head where they belonged.

She didn’t reply, just continued to watch his face. Her eyes softened with every second that passed. His hands slid down her smooth, supple throat. He fought the urge to press his mouth against her skin. When she closed her eyes, the urge overwhelmed him. He lowered his head, breathing in her rose scent.

“Jordan.” He brushed his lips against her neck. She shivered. He slid his hands down to her shoulders and pushed her up against the wall. Her hands shot up to his chest, blocking any further movement.

“Brock, no.”

He kissed just underneath her ear. “Why?”

“Please, Brock. This has to stop. I cannot be Lanie’s replacement.”

He withdrew and looked down into her passionate face. “Is that what you think I’m doing? Do you think I want you to replace my girlfriend?”

SEVEN

Jordan’s head knocked a picture off the wall. She looked down at her framed medical license, the broken glass near her right foot. She kicked the black-edged document aside. Brock’s question echoed through her head, and her heart thundered in her ears. She couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

Could she have read him wrong again? Why else would she be in his strong arms with him pressed close to her unless he was thinking of his girlfriend?

“Tell me you’re not thinking of her,” she challenged, meeting his eyes. “And if you’re not, explain to me why you’re doing this?” She arched her brow in skepticism. “Do you try to seduce every woman you meet?”

She thought she saw the hint of a grin, but it disappeared before she could be sure. Her suspicions grew a notch.

“No.” He dropped his arms and stepped back. “And no, I wasn’t thinking of Lanie just then.”

“Then who were you thinking about?”

He hesitated before answering softly, “You.”

Her heart flipped again, and she wished it hadn’t. Was he telling the truth? She really didn’t know him that well, and today there had been a couple of odd things in his behavior to make her question his actions—most especially, his story. She’d trusted Kenneth, and look how that turned out. Was it any wonder it was hard for her to trust men?

She folded her arms. “Brock, why are you thinking about me?”

He shrugged. “I guess it’s because of the things you said earlier. It’s been a while since another woman called me handsome. I like it. It makes me feel like a man again.”

She walked back to her seat and picked up her pad and pencil. “I’m glad I made you feel that way.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “I’d be blind not to notice how attractive you are, but Brock,” she said as she turned and faced him, “you can’t do this. This is the very reason I’m referring you to Doctor Fairchild. Please don’t be upset, but I just can’t do this.” She took a deep breath and calmed herself. “I’m not repulsed by your touch—as I’m sure you could tell—but from now on you’ll meet with Doctor Fairchild.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

He walked to the door and rested his hand on the knob. She waited for him to say something, but he continued looking at his hand as if he didn’t know what to do next. Finally, he opened the door.

“Thank you, Dr. Reed. You’ve been a tremendous help for me today.”

She nodded. “Brock, it was a pleasure knowing you. Just take it one day at a time. You’ll turn out fine. I know it.”

His lips curved into a smile. “Thanks for everything.”

After he shut the door behind him, she sighed, grateful to be alone again. She didn’t know why his presence made her nervous. None of her other clients affected her this way, but for some reason, Brock disturbed her. He caused feelings in her she’d never experienced before…especially with a client. She couldn’t even recall experiencing these feelings with one of the guys she’d dated.

Groaning, she rubbed the back of her neck and gently massaged her muscles. This afternoon had been extremely stressful, and it wasn’t just Brock. Visions of the mysterious Rocky intruded into her thoughts.

She sighed.
Rocky
. The other day she’d told him she would come back, and at the time it wasn’t a lie, but yesterday, she’d been so busy at work she didn’t dare take a long afternoon break. Today…well, that unbelievable interview with drunken Eddie had put her behind schedule, not to mention Brock’s unexpected visit.

Unable to stop thinking about meeting Rocky, she realized she wanted to be with him again. She wanted to be in his arms, kissing him. She enjoyed their flirtation the other day, and she loved the way he gazed so deeply into her eyes that he could see through to her soul. She desperately needed to feel like a woman, especially after what had just happened with Brock. She couldn’t go with her urges because he was her client. However, with Rocky…she could let herself feel free again.

Unfortunately,  tonight wouldn’t be good, either. She still needed to decorate her townhouse with Christmas décor before her stepmother and
that man
came on Christmas Eve. Not only that, but Jordan had to prepare herself emotionally for their visit. She definitely wasn’t looking forward to the meeting. She also wasn’t looking forward to not having a man on her arm to pass off as her boyfriend.

Behind her desk she sat and rolled out the kinks in her neck. She picked up the voice recorder and clicked on the record button. “Brock worries me.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “Sometimes he acts like he’s absolutely devastated because of what his girlfriend has done, yet other times I feel as if he’s trying to seduce me. Most likely both.”

She stopped and took a deep breath, slowly releasing it. “I’m having difficulty believing his story. The puzzle is missing a piece, and I don’t have a clue where to start searching for it. But I will turn this information over to Doctor Fairchild. He will be able to help Brock from now on.”

She stopped the recorder and set it down. She pushed the intercom button for her secretary. “Erica? When is my next appointment scheduled?”

“Well, you did have one in thirty minutes, but she canceled, again.”

“Mrs. Butters?”

“Yup. That’s the one.”

Jordan pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Thanks.”

“Your day is over”

“Good, I think I’ll go home. I still need to get things done at my townhouse before Serena arrives.”

“I’ll finish up these letters then go home. Okay?”

“Were there any more calls on the advertisement, Erica?”

“Yes, but they were the same prank calls as the ones I got yesterday.”

Jordan sighed, relaxed in her chair, and entwined her fingers across her stomach. Although her head filled with thoughts of her day, one rushed in unexpectedly and wouldn’t leave. It was still early in the day. Perhaps Rocky would be at the bar…

Shaking her head, she pushed away from her desk. No! She didn’t have time for dalliances, especially with a gorgeous stranger who she couldn’t stop gazing at…and drooling over. She was also afraid of being hurt, not just physically, but emotionally. She’d never survive another heartbreak.

This time, she knew better. If she didn’t let her heart get involved, she wouldn’t get hurt.

She took her purse out of her drawer and tucked it under her arm. She hurried to the door and opened it. Erica stood at the file cabinet flipping through some file, but turned her head and smiled at Jordan.

“I’m going home now,” Jordan said. “I have a dreadful headache.”

“Okie-dokie. See you later.”

Jordan nodded and walked through the lobby, then out the front door, thinking of only one place to go right now, and it wasn’t home.

* * * *

Jordan stepped through the dimly lit, smoke-filled room and clasped her shaky hands. Holding them to her stomach, she tried to keep the butterflies from jumping out. The crowd at the bar tonight was larger than when she last visited. Of course, it was early evening, so there would be more people here than in the afternoon, but it made searching for Rocky more difficult.

Moving toward the bar, she searched each person, each group, looking for that one, incredible, handsome face. Luck wasn’t on her side because drunken Eddie caught her eye. She quickly ducked behind another person and said a silent prayer that he didn’t recognize her. He had looked her way but then shook his head and turned back to the woman beside him who appeared as intoxicated as he did.

Jordan found a stool and sat. The bartender noticed her right away, and a big cheesy grin spread across his face.

“You’re back.”

She smiled. “Yes.”

“Would you like your usual? A Diet Coke, I believe.”

It shocked her to think he remembered. “Yes, thank you, Todd.”

He chuckled. “And the little lady still has perfect manners.”

She turned her head toward the crowd, glancing at all the strange faces in the bar. Darn! Where was Rocky?

Ted set her drink in front of her, and she paid him. She wanted to ask him about Rocky, but didn’t dare. Would he find her first? After fifteen minutes passed, ten minutes during which she turned away three other men, Rocky was still no where to be seen. She should leave. Obviously, he wasn’t here.

Ted returned. “Do you want another drink?”

“No, thanks.” She tipped back the glass, finished the last sip, and hopped off the stool. She made her way to the door, dodging between people. Her heart sank with each step closer to the door. Perhaps she should have returned yesterday as she’d promised. Loneliness consumed her, heavier than it was before she’d entered the bar.

When she stepped outside, the chill of winter stung her legs and she bundled her coat around her neck a little tighter. Perhaps she should have went home and changed into some pants before coming here. Then again, if she had gone home, she would have talked herself out of coming to the bar tonight.

The sun settled against the snow-covered mountains, turning the sky pink. A shiver passed through her and she hurried to her car. Just as she reached her yellow Lexus, she noticed a movement by the building’s front door. A man dashed out of the bar searching the parking lot.

She gasped.
Rocky!
He looked her way, and her heart picked up speed.

Once again, her body shook, but for different reasons this time. His heated gaze swept over her, making her forget how cold it was tonight—and that she was still in her skirt. She couldn’t control the burst of happiness coursing through her, but she waited by her car for him to join her.

When he stopped in front of her, he smiled. She could actually see him better now. He looked more gorgeous than she remembered. He wore another cotton shirt which showed off his muscular chest. Skin-tight jeans emphasized the solid muscles in his legs. Up this close, she could see the color of his eyes better. A hypnotizing green.

A familiar green.

He heaved in quick breaths as if he’d been running for miles. “You came back.”

“Yes. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday. I had a busy day at work.”

He sighed, then took her in his arms. “I’m glad you’re here now.”

“Me, too.” Gingerly, she touched his arm. “It’s cold out here. You should go get your coat.”

“I will.” He grinned. “So what do you say—do you still want to know each other better?”

She laughed. “That’s why I’m here.” Was this really her talking? When had she become so bold? Not that she cared, she liked this side of her. The new Dr. Reed. The thought almost made her giggle.

“I missed you yesterday.”

“I—I know I should have come, but—”

He brought his face down, and he kissed her from saying anything else. His lips were gentle, but the moment she threw her arms around his neck and answered his kiss, he crushed her in his arms as the kiss turned urgent. Wild…and very exciting.

He pushed her up against the car while his fingers threaded through her hair. His kiss was masterful the way his tender lips suckled hers. She loved the way he kissed, and she loved the way her heart quickened and made her head spin out of control. For someone who always had to be in control, this was a nice change. She couldn’t stop him if she wanted. Not that she did. It was like she died and floated to heaven.

“Umm,” he groaned, breaking the kiss. “I missed this.”

Unbelievable!
So had she.
“We’ve only just met. How could you miss this?”

“You did something to me the other day and I haven’t been able to think of anything else.”

A deep chuckle came from her throat, and she bent her head to his neck and kissed him. “Strange, because I felt the same way.”

“So, Doc...what should we do about it?”

Her heart hammered. She shrugged. “What do you suggest?”

He chuckled. “I was in charge of our date last time. Now it’s your turn.”

“Date?” She gasped, her eyes getting wider. “You thought of it as a
date
?”

“Of course. Didn’t you?”

“Well no, but…I suppose I will now.”

“I’m working here tonight, so we can’t go out, but I want you to think of some place where we can go tomorrow.”

“Oh.” She frowned and shook her head. “I’ll be busy tomorrow and until after Christmas. I have family coming.”

“Then we’ll go out after the holidays. Is that all right?”

Her heart skipped another beat. It made her happy to know he wanted to date her. “Sure.”

Rocky took her hand and brought it up to his mouth. He kissed each finger then placed her palm on his chest, holding over his heart. The quick beats matched her heartbeat perfectly.

“For tonight, let’s just sit in your car for a few minutes while I take a break from the bar.”

“Okay.”

“If anything, perhaps we can do a repeat of the other day—right here in your car.” He winked.

“Rocky!” she gasped. “There are more people here tonight, if you haven’t noticed.

“Sure, but they are all inside. The only ones who will see us will be the people arriving.”