Animal Magnetism: Reclaiming Her Love

“Stop right there.”

“Why, darlin’, you seemed to like my kisses well enough the other day.”

She breathed in a sharp breath. “Well, you didn’t give me much of the chance to turn you down.”

He studied her cute button nose and stubborn chin. Damn, she was pretty. “You’re the one who showed up at my door. To me that said you were interested.”

“To you, interested is if a woman breathes.”

“I’m more selective than you think. Not just any woman, Doc.” He leaned closer and gave in to temptation as he brushed a soft kiss against her lips.

She sucked in a breath, but didn’t pull away. “Brady, don’t start this. Neither one of us needs this kind of complication.”

“You talk too much, Doc. It’s cold outside and we need to generate some heat.”

“Turn up the heater.”

His hand cupped her face and turned her toward him. “How about this instead?” He captured her mouth just as a whimper escaped, but she didn’t stop him. It took a few seconds to convince her but slowly her arms went around his neck and she allowed him to slide his tongue inside and taste her.

By the time he broke off the kiss, they both needed air. “Damn, woman, you’re dangerous.”

She started to pull away and he stopped her.

He leaned forward and nipped at her lower lip, drawing another moan from her. “And I’m a man who lives for danger.”

She broke free and sat up. “Well, I don’t. So back off fly boy.”

He had to admit he wasn’t used to this kind of resistance. He held up his hands. “Fine.”

Irritated, Brady sat up. That’s when he saw the headlights.

Still a little shaky from the kiss, Lindsey managed to get to the other side of the cab and pull herself together.

“Stay here,” Brady told her. “It’s cold out.”

She could only nod when Brady grabbed his hat and climbed out of the truck. She could see he, too, had been affected by the kiss. That wasn’t good.

“Hank,” Brady called as they got out of the truck.

“What’d you find, son?”

“Over here.” They walked to the campsite and shone the flashlights around the area. He handed Hank the casings. “Looks like whoever comes here has been doing it for a while.”

Hank didn’t look happy. “Well, I’m about to put a stop to it.”

“Why not hold off on that for now? Instead, set a trap for them. That way you can let the law handle it. And hopefully stop the problem for good.”

Chance stepped in. “What are you thinking of when you say trap?”

“Electronic surveillance.” He glanced back at the truck, wanting to get back to Lindsey. “I could come by the ranch and discuss it with you.” He glanced back and forth between the men.

“Sounds good,” Hank said, but held up his hand. “I just don’t want anyone to get hurt. Not us, or those kids. Nothing is worth that.” He sighed. “So stop by tomorrow and we’ll see if we can agree on a way to handle this.”

Brady nodded. “Sounds good.”

“Now, go and take Lindsey home. And thanks for the help.”

They said their goodbyes, and Hank waved to Lindsey in the truck, then drove off with Chance.

Brady climbed into the warm cab, shifted into gear and followed the other truck out. “Looks like you got your wish, Lindsey. I can take you home and get you in bed.”

“My, Captain, aren’t you taking a lot for granted?”

He grinned and winked at her. Her heart tripped in her chest and she couldn’t find any more words to say.

She was in big trouble.

Lindsey didn’t talk on the drive back to the cabin. It had been a mistake going with Brady tonight, and letting him kiss her again was even more stupid. It was time to end any involvement with the man. Not give him encouragement, because in the end he’d walk away when he learned her connection to Jack Randell. The real reason she’d come here.

When they pulled into the parking area, Lindsey tried to get out of the truck before Brady could follow her. She wanted no repeat of what happened earlier. No more kissing Brady Randell was her recited mantra.

But the stubborn captain refused to take no for an answer and walked her to the well-lit porch. She unlocked the door but didn’t go inside. Instead she turned around to face Brady. “Okay, I’m safely home. You can go now.”

He leaned an arm against the doorjamb. “Look, Doc, I know you’re ticked off at me right now, but if the truth be told, you were into that kiss just as much as I was.”

“I’m not talking about this to you. So you need to go.” She didn’t want to admit how much she was drawn to him. “All I want is some sleep. My day starts early tomorrow.”

Brady shifted his stance. He didn’t have to get up at all, if he didn’t want to. Even though his leg was throbbing like crazy, he didn’t want to go back to the cottage and sit there alone watching some meaningless late-night television.

He raised a hand to argue when her cell phone went off. She pulled it from her coat pocket. “Dr. Stafford,” she answered.

Brady watched her forehead wrinkle in a frown.

“I should be there in about twenty minutes,” she said as she went inside and picked up a pen off the counter. “Give me the directions,” she said, then began to jot down the instructions. “Yes, I know the road. Okay.” She nodded. “I’m on my way.” She flipped the phone closed.

“What’s wrong?”

“The Carson’s mare is having trouble birthing her foal. I’ve got to get out there.” She hurried into the kitchen area, grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and headed for the door.

“Need some help?” he called to her when he caught up with her on the driver’s side of her SUV. “It’s been a while, but I helped my dad a few times with calves.”

She stopped. “It’s a messy job and could take hours.”

He smiled. “I’m your man, Doc.”

That was what she was afraid of.

CHAPTER FIVE

THIS was getting to be a habit.

Brady was behind the wheel of her SUV, and Lindsey sat in the passenger seat, giving directions to the ranch. It took nearly twenty minutes to get to the Carson’s place. A boy about ten stood by the road and flagged them down, then pointed toward the barn. That was where they found the boy’s mother, Bonnie Carson, with her quarter horse.

In the oversize stall, the young mare was already down, her head cradled in her owner’s lap, and visibly in distress. Lindsey knelt on the fresh straw floor.

“Mrs. Carson, I’m Dr. Stafford. This is Brady Randell.”

“I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you, Doctor, Mr. Randell.”

Lindsey could hear the fatigue and fear in the woman’s voice. “This here is Under the Mistletoe. We call her Missy.”

Lindsey studied the laboring mare. “How long has Missy been down?”

“She’s been up and down for the last few hours, but this time it’s been about ten to fifteen minutes. My husband would have been here, but he’s stranded at the Denver Airport.” There was a tremor in her voice. “Of course Missy chose now to go into labor.” She nodded to her son. “Buddy has helped his dad, so I thought we could handle it. Then when Missy didn’t seem to be getting anywhere, I called you.”

Lindsey felt a strong contraction, and the horse’s head came up and she let out a whinny. She soothed the animal until she calmed again. “It’s okay, girl. We’ll figure out what’s taking so long.” She looked at Bonnie. “I’ll know more after I examine her.”

Lindsey stood and went to her large case, not wanting to say out loud her suspicions that the foal might be breech.

Brady stood next to her. “What can I do?”

His voice was reassuring, and she was suddenly glad he was here with her. “You can bring me those clean towels and keep them handy.” Stripping off her jacket, she nodded to the stack on a trunk outside the stall. She opened her medical bag and hung her stethoscope around her neck, then worked a waterless disinfectant over her hands and arms, took out a pair of latex gloves and slipped them on.

“I’ll need you to go help Mrs. Carson, make sure that Missy stays down while I examine her.”

“Done.” Brady grabbed the towels and stacked them close by, then took his position to help the owner.

Lindsey knelt down and checked the horse’s heart rate. Definitely fast. All the while she continued to talk softly as she slipped her hand inside the womb. She grimaced when she discovered the answer to the mare’s long labor.

She sat back on her heels. “There’s good news and bad,” she said to Bonnie Carson. “The foal isn’t a standard breech, but the legs are back. I need to bring them forward.”

She looked at Brady. “Hold her still again.” Their gaze met and he nodded, feeling a knot tighten his chest. He’d do his damnedest for her.

After another contraction, Lindsey reached back inside as far as her arm would allow and managed to get hold of one of the foal’s legs. She pulled it forward. “Got one.”

She looked at Brady and he sent her an encouraging wink. A little shiver rippled through her.

“Come on, Doc, one more to go,” he whispered. “You can do it.”

She had to glance away. That was when she spotted the preteen boy and a little girl peering between the stall railings. She didn’t have to wonder what this horse meant to them.

Everyone went silent as if their concentration could help her search for the missing limb. It seemed to take forever, then she finally located it. “There you are.” She maneuvered the leg in position as tears filled her eyes.

Entranced, Brady watched the intense focus on her face as she worked to help the mare. He soon discovered she was stronger than he could imagine. Beads of sweat popped on her forehead as she did her job. He could see her determination. With the next contraction, her efforts paid off when the mucus-covered hooves appeared.

“Come on, Missy.” Tears filled Bonnie’s eyes as she coaxed the horse to continue the birthing. With Lindsey’s assistance the foal slid out into the world. The kids cheered as Lindsey wiped the reddish-colored filly with a towel and nudged her to stand.

“Good job, Doc,” Brady said. He was surprised to see Lindsey’s blush, then her attention went back to her other patient.

“Missy did all the work.” She patted the still-down mare. “Take a rest, girl, you deserve it.”

Ten minutes later a mother’s instinct took over and the horse stood to check out her baby.

“Thank you so much, Doctor,” Bonnie said. “I was so afraid we were going to lose them both.”

“I’m glad you called me.” She turned to the kids. “Have you two come up with a name yet?”

They shrugged shyly, then the boy said, “Maybe we can call her Doc Lindsey.”

Two hours later they finally got back in the truck, Lindsey didn’t even bother fighting Brady for the keys. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the headrest, feeling exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

“Was this your first?” Brady asked. “Your first breech, I mean.”

“Did it show?”

“No. You did an incredible job.”

“Until tonight, I’ve only assisted in breech deliveries. Not that I would have told Bonnie Carson that.”

“Well, mama and baby are doing fine. That’s all that counts,” Brady said.

His compliment meant a lot to her. “Thanks. And thank you for your help, too.”

“Why? You did all the work.”

“Keeping a large horse calm is a big help, but especially with a first-time mother, it isn’t easy.”

He reached across the seat, took her hand and squeezed it. “Just glad I was there for you.”

She found she liked his reassuring touch. She needed it right now; she needed him. How easy it would be to let go. Even though he had danger written all over him, she would eagerly welcome his attention, his strength…his heart-stopping kisses. She sighed deeply.

Who was she kidding? Brady Randell was already buried deep into her thoughts. A man any woman would desire, and she was no exception.

Even if she wasn’t truly related to Jack Randell, it still wouldn’t be safe to get involved with a man who would leave her when his time here was up.

He’d go back to his first love, flying.

Brady pulled into the parking lot. “Home, safe and sound.” He looked at her from across the car, and she quickly climbed out to avoid temptation.

He came around the car and gave her the keys, then slipped his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “It’s been quite a night, Doc. Thanks for letting me tag along.”

“I need to thank you again, Brady. You were a big help.” Lindsey needed to get away from the man, before she made a big mistake. “You really don’t have to walk me down to my door. I know your leg has to be hurting.”

“It’s not a problem.”

Shaking her head, she started to back away, praying he wouldn’t pursue her. “You can watch from here to see that I get inside safely.”

He looked disappointed but nodded. “Well, Doc, it’s been an interesting evening to say the least.” He took a step closer, but Lindsey wasn’t about to let him kiss her. Oh, no, she’d be a goner for sure.

“Good night.” She turned and hurried down the slope, then tossed him a wave as she opened the cabin door. She sighed with relief when he saluted back and headed for Hank’s truck.

Once inside, she shut the door with a final click. She was alone. Brady was gone. Maybe for good. Suddenly she felt the absolute loneliness rush over her.

In the past ten years, she’d concentrated on school and her career. There hadn’t been time in her life for a man. Not that she missed it. She hadn’t found anyone yet who made her heart race, made her breath catch. Until now.

Until Brady Randell.

He wasn’t the answer, she told herself. He didn’t want commitment, or a future with a woman. He was the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. He got his thrills from piloting a F-16 thousands of feet over the earth. He was just killing time, hanging around and flirting with her.

“So get any silly thoughts out of your head,” she told herself as she headed to the bedroom, stripping off her dirty sweater. Removing her boots, she kicked free from her jeans and tossed them in the corner, deciding to deal with them in the morning. She looked longingly at the huge canopy bed with the thick satin comforter that was definitely made for two, as was the large sunken tub in the bathroom. She pushed aside any thoughts of sharing these amenities with a man.

Right now she needed sleep. Grabbing a pair of pajamas from the drawer, she slipped on the cotton bottoms and was tying the drawstring when she heard the knock on the door.

She glanced at the clock. It was after midnight. Far too late for anyone to come by. She slipped on her T-shirt and robe, then hurried to the door.

“Who is it?”

“Brady.”

She closed her eyes. “Look, Brady, I’m tired.”

“Believe me, I’d like to be home and in a warm bed, too. But the truck won’t start.”

She opened the door, and cool air hit her. Brady Randell was huddled in his coat. She could see his breath. “What’s wrong with it?”

“As far as I can tell it’s a dead battery. I think I left the dome light on.”

Lindsey realized she’d been the one who turned it on in the first place. She stepped aside to let him in. “Come inside where it’s warm.”

“Look, I hate to bother you, but I can’t call Hank this late. Could you loan me your car to get home, and I’ll bring it back in the morning?”

“Could you get it back by six?” she asked. “I have an appointment at seven.”

He groaned, then glanced at the sofa in front of the fireplace. “Then I’ll guess I’ll just bunk down here for the night, okay?”

She saw the fatigue and pain etching his face and didn’t have the heart—or the energy—to turn him away. “I’ll get you some blankets.”

He was in trouble.

Brady gripped the throttle hard, but he still couldn’t control the vibration. In his head, he ran through the aircraft’s checklist, reminding himself over and over that he was an experienced pilot. He’d been able to bring in crippled planes before, but his instincts told him this was different. For one, he wasn’t over friendly territory.

Another warning light screamed. The jet was losing altitude. Fast. His heart pounded hard in his chest, he sucked in oxygen, fought the panic.

He was going down.

The only safety net he had was his communication with ground control. He made his Mayday call.

He was left with no choice but to eject. There wasn’t any time left to think about it. He reached for the yellow-and-black-striped handle, said a quick prayer and yanked hard. He gasped at the powerful force that shot him upward. He cried out, and everything went black.

“Brady! Brady! Wake up!”

He gasped for air and jerked up. Oh, God. He blinked away sleep and saw Lindsey’s face. He groaned.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

He worked to slow his breathing and lied with a nod. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” He tried to turn away. “Please, go back to bed.”

She touched his arm, causing his gaze to meet hers. “Were you dreaming about the crash?”

“It’s not a big deal.” He lifted his shoulders. “It happens sometimes.”

Brady watched her stand up. A part of him hoped she would leave him alone. Another part ached to pull her down and hold her.

She went into the dimly lit kitchen and returned with a bottle of water. She handed it to him, then sat down on the floor in front of the sofa.

He took a hearty drink, then blew out a breath. After finishing off the water, he dropped his head back on the pillow. “Please, Lindsey, go back to bed.”

“I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine.” He closed his eyes.

“If you tell me about it, I might be able to help.”

He released another sigh. “The way I’m feeling right now, Doc, I want a hellava lot more than just your sympathy. So if you know what’s good for you, you better leave. Now.”

Lindsey had been warned, so why didn’t she go? She examined his solid and well-developed chest. He had the kind of six-pack abs most men only dream about.

Not only was he every woman’s fantasy, he looked more than capable of taking care of himself. But there was something in those dark, brooding eyes that wouldn’t let her leave him. His body might be healing quickly from his accident, but what about his soul?

“Lindsey, I said go….”

“Since when do you give the orders?” she tried to joke. “Besides, I’m awake now. So I guess you’re stuck with me. You told me the other day you loved early mornings. So do I. To see the sun come up when everything is so fresh and new.” She reached out a hand and touched his bare arm, not surprised to feel the sheen of sweat on his warm skin, the subtle tremble. He wasn’t totally naked. He still had on his jeans.

Not much of a barrier, she warned herself, and she let her hand drop away. “There are times when we need to know that we’re not alone, Brady.”

“And sometimes we need to be by ourselves to think things through.”

“And sometimes we overthink things,” she countered.

“Easy for you to say. I have to go through a Medical Review Board and let them decide if I’m fit to fly again. And nightmares don’t help my cause.”

She was surprised at his admission. “Brady, it’s okay to be afraid sometimes.” She’d been there so many times herself. “I used to have nightmares. I was scared all the time, but nighttime was the worst of all. I was so afraid to close my eyes.”

Brady rolled on his side and propped his head in his hand. “Afraid monsters would get you?”

“Yeah. But this monster was very real. My father.” She shivered, hating that she still held on to the memories. “He liked to drink. And when he drank, he got mean…and nasty.”

This time Brady reached for her hand and he gently squeezed her fingers.

“He used to take it out on my mother mostly.”

Brady cursed. “Tell me he didn’t come after you.”

She shrugged. “A few times he tried. My mom stopped him, then she paid a big price for it.” She felt the tears in her voice.

He growled. “Man, that’s rough, Doc.”

She shook her head. “No, I didn’t tell you so you’d feel sorry for me. Just to let you know that we all have nightmares, Brady. And it’s always worse when we’re alone.” She wasn’t sure if she was speaking for him or herself.

“I’m glad you’re here.” He tugged on her hand, bringing her closer as he leaned toward her. “What I’m going to do right now has nothing to do with my nightmare. I’m going to kiss you, Doc. So if you want me to stop, let me know right now.”

She didn’t say a word.

His mouth descended on hers before Lindsey could resist. Not that she wanted to, because kissing Brady Randell was like nothing she’d ever experienced before. The feelings he created in her were unbelievable.

He groaned and coaxed her up to lie down beside him on the sofa. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, tasting her thoroughly. She knew this wasn’t wise, but she wanted this man so much, she refused to listen to common sense.

Her body quaked as he pulled her under him. She whimpered, feeling the wonderful weight of him. She sensed a new tension in his body as his hands went to work pleasuring her. He caressed her skin beneath her T-shirt, causing her to arch up, offering him her breasts. When he finally touched her, she gasped, bracing herself for the sensation he caused as he lifted her shirt and his lips drew a nipple into his eager mouth.

She cried out.

“Lindsey… I can’t seem to keep away from you.” His mouth returned to hers, the kisses became more and more intense.

Lindsey’s hand moved over Brady’s back, then bravely she slipped her fingers inside his jeans, finding his taut bottom.

With a groan, he raised his head and tugged her against his chest, skin to skin. “I’ve got to feel you against me, Doc.” His gaze met hers reflecting his heated desire. “I want you.”

Her heart drummed in her chest. She wanted him, too. “Brady…”

“We’ve been dancing around these feelings since we met. You want this, too, Doc.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but her cell phone began to ring. “I’ve got to answer that.”

With a groan he raised his arm, letting her get up.

Lindsey scrambled off the sofa, pulling her clothes back together as she grabbed the phone from the table. “Hello.”

“Well good morning, Lin.” At the sound of Jack’s voice, Lindsey fought her panic but lost. She looked at the bare-chested Brady lying on the sofa and mouthed, “I need to take this call.”

She nearly changed her mind on seeing the desire in his eyes, but common sense took over. She turned away and walked into the bedroom and closed the door.

“Jack, is something wrong?” A dozen things raced through her head, none good.

“No, but we’re wondering about you. Your mother and I haven’t heard from you.”

“That’s because you’re on the trip of a lifetime. Who wants their kid calling all the time to check up on them?”

There was a long pause. “C’mon, Lin, we love hearing from you. And since you weren’t answering at your apartment, we were kind of concerned.”

She blew out a breath as she paced the bedroom. “I went to visit Kelly Grant,” she said, which wasn’t exactly a lie. She had gone to stay with her college friend nearly a month ago. “And I’ve been checking out some job prospects.”

“That’s good. Find anything interesting?”

“I’m not sure.” She tried to change the subject. “How was your trip?”

“It was great. We got back yesterday. And if you come home this weekend we’ll fill you in on everything and bore you with pictures.”

Lindsey could hear the fatigue in her stepfather’s voice. Had he told Mom the truth yet?

“We’d really love to see you.”