His Perfect Woman (Harlequin Superromance) (19 page)

He rolled the condom on in an efficient motion she didn't want to overthink, and then slid an arm around her waist, pulling her close, pillow clutched in front of her included. A slight smile curled the corners of his mouth. She watched him, waiting, while he lowered his head and kissed her, the barest brush of his lips over hers. Time stopped. Need rose. He held her face, cradling it tenderly, his thumb stroking her cheek before he pulled away again. Staring into her eyes, he smoothed a finger over her eyebrows, palmed her head and murmured something about the softness of her hair.

Sighing, she shivered as Bryan pressed kisses to every freckle he found, whispering his thoughts, his need, into her skin, all the things he wanted to do with her. The surprise of him making love to her in the light faded and desire built again until she welcomed the feel of his hand sliding up her knee and thigh.

“So sweet,” he murmured, dropping another kiss onto her
shoulder while his fingers teased, eliciting gasps from her she couldn't control.

Bryan positioned himself between her legs and took her mouth in a kiss that stole all thoughts from her head. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe. All she could do was feel and moan and arch toward him as he joined them with a smooth, easy movement.

“Open your eyes, Melissa. That's it. Do you trust me?”

How could she not? A heartbeat later the truth slammed into her. How could she not? Here she was in a hotel room, Bryan's body joined with hers. Of course she trusted him. But when had it happened?

“Hold on to me, sweetheart.”

She gasped when he kept them joined, but sat up and pulled her with him, the pillow still held to her chest. The natural move was to curl her legs around him, and she did, shivering when Bryan's rough appreciation blew hot in her ear. She picked up the pace, her tongue entwining with his in rhythm with their powerful thrusts.

Every stroke took her deeper into the moment, until she lost herself in the feel of him and her hands shifted from the pillow to his back, loving the strength of him, the sensations. Loving him.

She whimpered at her thoughts and tried to hold back, to pull away and regain a semblance of control, but Bryan wouldn't let her.

Her head fell back in ecstasy and her body tightened. Tightened and tightened until she lost herself completely to him, crying out her release. Bryan's moan followed hers and a smile formed on her lips when she realized she'd brought him to such a state.

Limp, more thoroughly sated than she'd ever been in her
life, she kept her eyes closed as Bryan lowered her onto the mattress. She struggled to regain her equilibrium while he disposed of the condom, but it was Bryan's husky chuckle that had her opening her eyes the very moment he climbed back into bed and turned off the light.

“What?”

He pulled her close, still smiling when he kissed her, his hand sliding with ease over her hip. Then she identified the tone of Bryan's chuckle. Satisfaction. Triumph. Pleasure and pride alike.

At some point while they'd made love, he'd removed the pillow from between them—with the lights on—
and she hadn't even noticed
.

 

T
HE NEXT MORNING
Melissa woke with a start, unused to having a big, hairy body behind her in the bed. Her movement must have disturbed Bryan because he rolled onto his back. The tangled sheet pulled low on his stomach as a result and despite having wakened hours before to the feel of Bryan stroking her and entering her from behind, her body instantly warmed.

If someone had told her she'd ever feel this way after having both breasts removed, she'd have called it a cruel lie. But now that she'd had her one magical night, she knew there could be no more. She had to protect her heart.

Last night's job offer from the hospital administrator had been a godsend. The success of the fund-raising events had drawn their notice and they wanted a go-getter like her to work for them on building their PR, not only with the local community, but with larger hospitals, as well.

Getting away from Bryan would be good for both of them. Her feelings for him had grown throughout the past few
months, dangerously so. Bryan might be a player, but he had a heart. One that had already been broken by one woman's passing. The last thing she wanted was for him to think her life—or death—was his responsibility. To fall back into the void where he went from woman to woman in an attempt to escape what he saw as a failure in himself. He might have recovered once, but could he do it again? What if he completely gave up medicine this time?

Silent, she got to her feet and grabbed her dress from the floor. It was early yet, and thanks to her many trips into and out of the hotel preparing for the gala, she knew a back way that would allow her to leave undetected. She tiptoed across the floor and retrieved her shoes, smoothed her sleep-crushed hair as best she could. Then she spared one last look over her shoulder at Bryan, his big body relaxed and beautiful in sleep.

Trembling, she left, determined to go home before he woke up and had to decide whether or not he agreed to her terms.

 

F
ORTY MINUTES LATER
, Melissa entered Taylorsville's outskirts and prepared herself to pass Bryan's practice. The long drive had given her time to think, but she still wasn't sure what to do. As a policeman, her dad had often said the best place to hide was right out in the open. She doubted Bryan would brag about sleeping with her, and her dad and Ellen were so into each other they wouldn't miss her for days. She could call them later, when she got to wherever the money she'd saved would take her.

Rounding the curve in the road, she glanced at Bryan's house and slowed. “Oh, no.” Anna Pritchard was back. Heart thumping at the sight of the bruised, pitiful creature outside Bryan's door, she pulled into the parking area and hurried out of the car. The girl stumbled into her arms.

“He did it
again!
He s-said he wouldn't,” Anna cried, the words torn from her chest. “He
promised!
”

“I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm so sorry. Anna, come on. Let's get you in the car and—”

“What happened—”

She looked at Ellen and wished the ground would open up and swallow her. One glance at her wrinkled gown and appearance and Ellen knew.

“Anna's hurt,” Melissa informed her quickly, praying with all her heart her father wouldn't come storming over next. “Would you call an ambulance?”

For once the girl didn't protest. Anna simply clutched at her, crying, mumbling words she couldn't make out about promises and love and hate.

“It would be quicker to drive her.”

She acknowledged that with a nod, but no way was she going to go to the hospital in her gown.

“I'll take her. You go home and get changed.”

“What if you get sick?”

Ellen smoothed Anna's hair back, her expression concerned. “I'll…I'll call Hal. He had an errand to run out to the mayor's house. If you leave now, you'll miss him on his way here.”

“O-okay. Thank you.”

The other woman stepped back and crossed her arms over her front to ward off the cold air. “Where's Bryan? I can't imagine he'd simply—”

“I left,” she muttered. “Stay with her. I'll run and grab the phone and bring it to you.”

Apparently sensing she wouldn't discuss Bryan or what happened, Ellen nodded. “It's on the base right by the door.”

Minutes later, Melissa was on her way, Ellen's expression
burned into her memory. She'd asked the woman not to say anything to her dad and Melissa knew Ellen hated being placed in that kind of situation.

At home, Melissa showered and changed, tossed some clothes into a suitcase and zipped it tight. She hurried through the living room, grabbed her purse and pulled the door open—gasping sharply when she saw someone standing on the other side.

THE SOUND OF THE PHONE
woke Bryan. He jerked upright, knowing instantly Melissa was gone. He grabbed the phone and prayed it was her. “Hello?”

“Bryan? It's Ellen. I'm at the hospital—”

“What's wrong? Is it the baby? Is your OB there?”

“I'm fine, it's not me.”

“Did something happen to Melissa?” Bryan heard Ellen speaking to someone, her voice muffled, and fought his impatience, keeping his fear at bay by sheer will. Had Melissa had an accident?
“Ellen?”

“Just a moment—yes, water is fine, just something cold, Hal, please. Thank you.” A moment passed, but he thought he heard the deep rumble of the chief's voice. “Bryan, I'm sorry—it's Anna again. We—I found her this morning outside your house. They gave her something to calm her because she was hysterical, but I wanted to let you know.”

“Thanks. I appreciate the call. I'll—”

“Bryan, I saw Melissa this morning. She found Anna.”

He bit back a curse and shot out of the bed, paced as far as the phone cord would allow. “Was she all right?”

“You've made some mistakes since you've moved here and treated women abominably, but, Bryan, if you hurt that girl after I urged you to hire her—” A frustrated sound traveled
through the phone. “How dare you put me in the middle of this given the circumstances of how you and Melissa began working together?”

“I love her, Ellen.” Bryan chuckled at her silence, used to seeing Ellen happy, sad or flustered, but never angry or speechless.

“What?”

“She's the one you warned me about,” he murmured drily. “The woman I want, the one I love who wants nothing to do with me.”

“Oh. Oh, Bryan…I don't… Are you
sure?
”

“I obviously didn't have to shake her out of my mattress this morning, did I? Yeah, I'm sure. Actually, she told me. Said she only wanted one night, last night.”

“And you agreed? Feeling the way you do about her?”

“Guess my ego was bigger than I thought. I agreed, but only because I'd convinced myself I could change her mind.”

“Hal's heading my way so I have to hurry. Bryan, if you love her,
do
something. Don't give up.”

“I don't plan to,” he murmured, hanging up and hurrying to dress, knowing whichever doctor had admitted Anna would probably keep the girl on medication for a while. He'd drive back and see her later; he hoped with Melissa in tow.

It was only a matter of time before the whole town found out he'd spent the night at the hotel with Melissa. Her wish for secrecy was a product of the night, part of the fantasy he'd allowed her to create. A town as small as Taylorsville didn't have a true secret. Everyone knew everything or made up what they didn't. But if he had to, he planned to use that to his advantage. He was desperate. Desperate enough to brave Melissa's anger if the end result meant getting her to see the truth.

Bryan cut the drive time to Melissa's house by fifteen minutes. He drove around to the back and parked by her car, nervous and yet looking forward to the encounter.

It wasn't until he headed for the door that he lifted his head and froze. The screen door was broken, hanging from its hinges, the back door open. Her comment about him being like her father when he'd told her to keep the door locked hit him and sent fear straight to his gut. She always locked the door. Always.

“Melissa!”

 

H
AL STARED
at the trashed house and tried to get a grip on his terror. He had to hold it together because the doc sure wasn't. Booker paced, growled out curses and practically ripped his hair out by the roots every time he ran his fingers through it.

The bathroom floor was covered in shards of glass and blood, the bottles of Mel's leftover cancer and pain meds scattered throughout the house like whoever found them had grabbed them all to take with him, then wound up popping the pills and tossing the bottles aside as he ransacked the place.

Staring at the red splatters of blood and smears on the floor, he prayed hard.
God, please
. Whose blood was it? And where was his little girl?

 

“D
ON'T MESS
with Bryan's head.”

Ashley snickered from where she stood at the kitchen sink, washing the breakfast dishes too big to be placed in the dishwasher. “I think it's a bit late for that warning.”

Melissa blushed.
“Ashley.”

“I meant his
brain,
” Joe countered, sending an unamused look toward his wife.

Melissa sat at the Brodys' kitchen table, an untouched plate of food in front of her. Seeing Ashley on the other side of her back door an hour ago had given her a start, but that was nothing compared to how surprised she'd been to find out the couple had seen her and Bryan outside the hotel suite, and Ashley had insisted Joe let her check on Melissa on their way home.

“So…you slept with Bryan, enjoyed yourself, but now you want to end things?” Ashley's shook her head. “Have to tell you, sweetie, that's usually not the way things work with him.”

She rolled her eyes. “Believe me, I know.”

“You could do worse.”

“What a recommendation,” Melissa muttered. “Look, Joe, I know you're trying to help, but—”

“Why don't you let us girls have a talk?” Ashley asked pointedly, softening her words with a grin. “Maybe go give Wilson and your dad a break and take Max out for that ice cream you promised him?”

“You won't get away from him easily, Mel. Bryan's not like that with you.” With that warning, Joe shoved himself off the counter where he leaned and headed for the rooms his dad and Wilson shared.

“He's right, you know. Bryan looks at you and heats up like a flash fire. Now, what's this really about?” Ashley demanded.

Giving in, Melissa told Ashley about Bryan's past. “So even if he wants a relationship, I can't. Bryan deserves more than to go through that again.”

“Who says he'd have to? I'm going to agree with your dad and Bryan here, hon. You have to think positive. What good will it do you to prepare for something that might never happen?” Ashley smiled at her, her eyes searching. “Melissa, you told me that you couldn't be with Bryan because of your
scars. Well, obviously that isn't a factor for him. Now you've come up with another excuse—”

“It's a legitimate
reason
.”

“You're splitting hairs.”

“Even if I could ignore the women throwing themselves at him on a daily basis—”

“He hasn't been with anyone except you in quite a while now. He's lost interest. Think there isn't a reason for
that?
”

“But—”

“Ashley?” Dara entered the kitchen carrying a fussing Isabella. “I hate to do this to you after telling you I could work today, but I just called home to check on Mom and she's not answering. I need to go see about her, but I promise I'll be right back if she's okay.”

“No problem. I slept in this morning so I'm feeling much better today. Joe's surprise was just what I needed. Thank you for staying last night and keeping Issy and Max.”

“My pleasure. They were both little angels and I was glad to help out.” A smile replaced her harried frown. “How romantic that Joe took you away like that. Oh, what I wouldn't give for a man to plan a romantic night for me.”

Ashley shot Melissa a knowing look before she took Isabella from Dara. “Come'ere, baby girl. Oh, time to eat, huh?”

“I've gotta run. Mom fell last month and she's pretty unsteady, and the home-care nurse won't come again until tomorrow.”

“Keep us posted?” Ashley urged.

“Sure. Thanks again.” With a final wave and nod, Dara exited the kitchen.

“It is a romantic gesture for a man to make, isn't it?” Ashley asked once they were alone.

“I need to get moving,” Melissa said, pushing the plate
away before getting to her feet. “I'll use your car to drive myself back to the house and lock the keys inside so you and Joe can pick it up later.”

“You're not going anywhere.” Ashley donned her most maternal expression and pointed toward the ceiling. “Melissa, you're upset.
Scared
. And there are nine bedrooms up there in the guest section. If you need a place to hide out and think, at least do it where we know you're safe. We're the only ones here right now. Pick a room and lock the door if it makes you feel better, but no one will even know you're there unless you tell them. Who knows, maybe while you're here you can think of all the reasons you and Bryan would make the perfect couple.”

Melissa smiled sadly. “Or all the reasons we wouldn't?”

 

B
RYAN WAS STANDING
outside Melissa's house when he saw Wilson's battered old pickup truck crawl through the four-way stop at the corner and then turn at the last minute and head their way.

He left the yard and jogged over to the truck.

“What happened?” Joe asked, leaning forward to see overtop his son's car seat.

“Someone broke in and tore the place up,” he explained hurriedly. “Melissa's gone and there's blood all through the house. Joe, if something's happened to—”

“She's fine. Mel's with Ash at the— Bryan, wait!”

 

M
ELISSA STARED
at the ceiling and ignored the tears trickling into her ears. What a mess. Bryan had to be awake by now, would know she'd sneaked out. Would he be angry? Or would he even care at all? She ran a hand under her nose and moaned. What to do?

Step one was to take the job at the hospital, but step two?

Anna's image entered her head and Melissa shut her eyes in pain. How could anyone stand to be abused like that? Why didn't she leave? Why didn't Anna believe in herself enough to know love wasn't ugly?

Ashley's raised voice reached her ears, followed by a ruckus. Her name? She sat up and had just touched her toes to the floor when she heard someone running down the hall toward her bedroom.

“Melissa? Open up or I'll break it down.” Bryan's voice was so loud he might as well have been in the room with her.

“Bryan, calm down,” Ashley ordered. “She's fine, I told you that.”

“I want to see her myself. There was blood on the floor.”

“
Not
hers! Joe and I picked her up before the break-in. Once we saw how upset she was, we made her come with us.”

Break-in?
Melissa jumped off the bed and fumbled with the old-fashioned latch, barely getting out of the way before Bryan pushed his way inside and wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug.

“Thank you, God. Sweetheart—thank God you're all right.”

She breathed deeply, closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the feel of him one last time. “I'm fine,” she murmured, her voice muffled against his shirt. “Bryan, what—”

His mouth settled over hers, the kiss one of desperation and hunger. “Never do that again,” he ordered against her lips. “Do you hear me? Melissa, when I woke up and you were gone—then at the house. Don't leave me like that. When I saw the blood—”

“What blood? What break-in?”

“Someone broke into your house and cleaned out the medicine cabinet.”

“Oh,
no
.” She tried to get free. “I need to—”

“Your dad's there now, and you're not going anywhere except with me.” His expression changed before her eyes, turned from one of relief to anger to— “I love you, Melissa.” He palmed her face in his hands, holding her still. “I
love
you. I love your body—”

“B-Bryan, please. There's no comparison to yours or other women's and I know it.”

“You're right, there's not.”

Her mouth parted at his bluntness.

“I'm surrounded by women, and I've had more than my share, but none of them have ever made me feel what you do. I've never looked at them from across a crowded ballroom and gotten weak at the knees, or watched them run and—”

Melissa pulled away from him. “No.
No
. It was one night.
One night,
you promised.”

He shook his head. “I never agreed to that. And I'm determined to make you see how good we could be together.”

“You'd grow bored with me and run around and—”

“Weren't you listening? Melissa, I don't want them, I want you! No one else ties me up in knots or makes me crazy the way you do.”

She wasn't sure that was a compliment. “And my cancer?”

“You don't have cancer.”

“But I did,” she said, establishing more distance between them. “And the odds are I will again.”

“You don't know that, but if it happens, then we'll—”

“What are you doing, Bryan? Huh? Think! Do you know what you're saying?” She stared at him, incredulous. “One night is all you ever wanted with those other women. Why isn't that enough now?”

His smile turned her stomach to mush. “Because you're not them. Because I want more—
a lot more
—from you.”

She shook her head slowly, unable to handle the responsibility his assertion brought with it. “I can't give you that.”

“Yes, you can.” He stepped closer but stopped when she backed away. “Melissa, I want to marry you, to spend my life with y—”

“
What
life? A life of tests and MRIs? Cancer scans? A life with no
children?
”

“All I need is a life with you.”

Her laugh lacked humor. “Bryan, it wouldn't
be
a life! When are you and everyone else going to get it? A life with me isn't worth the burden you'd carry with you on a daily basis!”

“
Why
do you think that?”