Chapter 19

 

Tiredly, Brie made her way down the short hallway after picking up a twenty ounce Styrofoam cup filled with CAT scan contrast for one of her patients to drink before their test. The day hadn't been horrible thus far, but the present five-day stretch had taken its toll. Continued silence on the Rye front only added to her fatigue and burden, making each day that much longer and trying.

She approached the farthest wing of ER rooms, which happened to be right next to the radiology department. Not paying much attention, she ambled along, trying to plan out the rest of her shift, get home at a decent time, and fall into bed.

Emmie, a petite ER nurse with cropped dark hair, waved at her. She'd taken care of Brie a few weeks back when her bravado landed her on the business end of a knife. "Hey Brie. Your guy is here."

"Rye?" Fear flooded her system and added speed to her steps. "Where?"

"Here." Emmie gestured to the room she just exited, the door still standing wide open.

Brie hurriedly strode into the room and froze. A uniformed local cop stood in the back of the small exam room. Whether part of Rye's unit or not, she didn't know or care. She only had eyes for Rye, dressed in casual jeans and a button down shirt with his badge quite visible, attached to his belt. Who presently stood just in front of Brie, with his arms wrapped around a woman she recognized as Destiny, cuddling her against his chest. His cheek rested on the top of her head as if he tried to surround her with his presence. Destiny was wrapped around him just as tight, arms around his neck, knees bracketing Rye's hips. They could have been lovers as intertwined as they were.

Destiny sniffled.

Brie's mouth dropped open, her heart dropped into her stomach. Rye chose that moment to turn his head and meet Brie's gaze. His eyes widened as his face tightened. Immediately he released Destiny and started removing her octopus arms from around his body. "Brie."

Hurt and beyond angry, Brie blinked back tears, turned, and stormed out, still carrying her cup of oral contrast. For a split second she considered hurling it in his face, but chose the high road. For now.

Fleeing, she made it only a few paces before Rye caught up, latched onto her arm, and spun her around to face him. "It's not what you think. She's hurt and upset. I was just comforting her. Just like I would anyone else in that situation."

Brie saw red. "Oh, really? If it was Gary sitting there, would you be cuddling up to him, wiping his tears away just as tenderly?"

Rye pursed his lips and blew out a breath. "Brie, you're making a mountain out of a mole hill."

"Am I?" She waved her free hand in exasperation. "You're stuck with her for days, alone, out of touch from me. Then I happen to run into you here, cradling her like a caring lover." Brushing away the tears, she let him have it with both barrels. "I understand, believe me. She has it all. Beauty. Money. She's everything that I can't be. So go be with her. Where you belong." At her wit's end, Brie swung back around and started back the way she came, slowing for a moment to glare at the woman who stole her man and broke her heart in the process.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. Twisting, she saw a tall, lanky man dressed in a red shirt, fast approaching. That wasn't nearly as concerning as the blade he wielded in his right hand, jagged edge up, as he made a beeline for her.

Panic washed over her as did a surge in survival instincts. She popped the plastic lid off the cup and threw the contents into the face of the man. He stopped and wiped at his eyes. In that second, she stepped aside and heard a gun blast rocket through the area.

The man crumpled to the floor, the knife falling harmlessly to the tile beside him.

Brie turned her attention back to Destiny, found her curled up in a ball as if that would protect her from such a threat. The officer in the back of the small room replaced his gun in his holster, the expression on his face grim.

Chaos ensued. People came out of the woodwork, jostling her as she stood transfixed. Doctors, nurses, even men in police uniforms flew into the room. Others dropped to a knee in order to appraise the man stretched out and bleeding on the floor.

Rye appeared at her side, scooped her up into his arms, and took her to a nearby empty chair. He kneeled down in front of her and searched her face anxiously. "Are you okay?"

A tremor zipped through her body as shock began to dissipate, replaced by disbelief and lingering fear. "Yes."

He tugged at her arms, lifted her scrub top, and patted down her legs. "Did he cut you? I don't see any wounds, but that doesn't mean that bastard didn't nick you."

Brie shook her head. "I'm fine. He shot him before he could get close enough." She blew out an unsteady breath.

Rye cupped her head and tenderly caressed her cheek with this thumb. "I just about had a heart attack when I saw him closing in on you and knowing I couldn't get there in time. Hell, I was still going for my gun when you threw that water in his face. Great trick, by the way. You did a good job, even if I might have nightmares for the rest of my life over it."

She shuddered, remembering another time when a knife actually connected as she fought for her life.

Rye's eyebrows furrowed as worry clouded his eyes. "I'm sorry, Brie. So sorry. I should have been there to protect you."

"You couldn't have known." She pointed out the obvious.

"That's no excuse." He drew her forward and brushed a gentle kiss over her lips. "Damn, I've missed you. Couldn't wait to get back to you. Never wanted our reunion to happen like this." He offered up a lopsided grin. "I had plans on surprising you with a rose and a ribbon."

Anger fled as Brie studied Rye's features and found love reflected in his gaze. "A ribbon?"

He nodded. "Me as a present."

She smiled softly and placed her hands on his shoulders. "That would be the perfect gift. I can even pretend to be surprised if you still want to do it."

He lowered his forehead to rest against her own. "I love you, Brie."

For the first time in weeks, she heard the words she'd longed for. "I love you too."

"Sorry to break up this moment, folks, but the chief needs your statements."

Brie sat up straight, wiped at the tears pouring down her cheek, and peered up at the cop. Reality returned with a heavy burden on her shoulders. "My patients. I have to get back to them. And, I need more contrast from x-ray."

"I'm sure someone else can watch your patients for a bit." Rye helped her stand. "Come on. Let's get this over with then I'm taking you home."

Not sure she wanted him to take over her life again, Brie balked. "But…"

"No way, honey. You're rattled. Understandably so. Returning to work isn't going to happen. If you don't believe me, ask one of the ER docs. He'll tell you the same thing."

Resigned, Brie let Rye take her hand and lead her toward a small gathering of men in uniform. They all stared at her for a moment before turning their attention to Rye. "We'll make this fast," one of the men said.

"Just tell me what happened," another coaxed, his notebook and pen at the ready.

"I was told Rye was in the ER. I thought something bad had happened." She drew in a breath and pushed through the recalled panic. "I was on my way back to my floor after picking up some CAT scan contrast for my patient. When I saw the guy with a knife, I just threw the contents in his face, trying to buy time and get out of his way. After that, I heard a gun go off, saw the officer in the room re-holster his weapon and was nearly stampeded by the mob as everyone came to investigate."

"Can someone call the floor she works on and tell them what happened? She's probably being missed," the officer asked.

Emmie stuck her head around the corner. "Already did. Mary is on her way down."

Brie began to fidget. The last thing she wanted to do was explain to her nurse manager why she couldn't return to her duty.

Rye squeezed her fingers. "It's going to be all right."

Twenty minutes later, wrung out from her ordeal, Brie collected her purse from her locker, after reporting off to the other nursing staff, which gladly stepped up and volunteered to look after her patients until the next shift arrived. Mary also demanded she take the next couple of days off to recover, even though she'd signed up to work extra. Not about to argue with her boss, she thanked her, collected her belongings, and allowed Rye to lead her out of the hospital and straight to her car. He picked up his duffle from what appeared to be a rental car and stuffed the oversized bag in the trunk.

He held his hand out for her keys. She didn't bother to bicker. Instead, she slunk down into the passenger seat, shut the door, fastened her seat belt, and stared straight ahead.

Her emotions were in a whirl, not to mention all the thoughts running through her head. Joy that both she and Rye were unhurt and headed home together. Frustration at the situation she found Rye in to begin with. Heartache with rampant concerns about how she stacked up to Destiny, and fear that she came up way short, despite what Rye said.

"You're awfully quiet." Rye started the engine and eased the car out onto the road.

"Thinking."

"About?"

Does he want a list? She still had some burning anger and hurt buried inside. Spilling that probably wasn't the best time while they were driving. "Nothing."

He frowned. "When a woman says 'nothing' it means something."

"Do you have to go back to protect her again?"

"No. Presumably that was her stalker that arrived. Either way, the chief traded me out for another unlucky chump."

"Unlucky?" Brie frowned as Rye pulled into the driveway, hit the garage door button, and pulled inside.

"Yeah." He cut the engine and shut the door again. "Let's go inside where we can talk."

She went into the house first, holding the door for Rye after he collected his duffle bag from the trunk. He dropped it off in the kitchen floor, slipped off his shoes, took Brie's hand, and led her directly to the couch.

After sitting down, she turned to face him.

"I can't tell you everything. Hell, whispering about any part of the job could jeopardize my badge."

She lowered her head. Cases were secrets, always had been, always would be. Unless the media caught hold or she was directly involved, she wasn't privy to most of Rye's work.

He placed a finger under her chin and lifted until she met his gaze. "I trust you, so I'm going to tell you what I can. You need to understand."

Time to bite the bullet. "I already know."

His eyes narrowed. "How?"

"I overheard you talking on the phone before you dashed off. Destiny. I looked her up online."

He blew out a breath. "No wonder you were so on edge." He shifted closer until their legs touched. "I meant it when I said I love you."

"I know." She found her faltering courage and spilled the beans. "She's gorgeous. Famous. Rich. I couldn't compete." Rye started to say something, but she talked over him. "We'd only been together once. I believe you, trust you, I really do. It's just that I can't stack up to her. I can't imagine what temptation she'd offer, but I thought you might have a change of heart about me when you could have her instead." There, I said it.

She waited for his answer with bated breath.

Rye cupped her cheek and searched her face for a long seconds. "Brie. Sweetheart. You needn't worry about me straying."

"But, she's a pin-up girl."

He shook his head. "It doesn't matter." He traced his fingertips along her jaw. "Let me tell you something. Outside of my own blood relatives, I've never told a woman that I love her. Until you."

Hope flared along with a healthy dose of joy. "Really?"

"Really." Rye pushed her hair away from her face. "So, when I tell you I love you, I mean it. Straight from the heart."

"Rye." Relief and happiness nearly choked her up. She sucked in air and smiled. "That means the world to me."

He grinned in return. "Good." With a show of strength, he picked her up and placed her on his lap, sealing their lips together in the process.

Soft and sweet, he offered himself up for her kisses. Brie seized the opportunity, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave back with enthusiasm and all the passion she felt for him.

Before they could get too carried away, he broke the contact and rubbed his nose against hers. "I'd never go for Destiny. She was a spoiled brat, demanding, whiny, and way too high maintenance. Unlike you. You're caring, tasty, fun, and definitely keep me on my toes."

For the first time in forever, Brie laughed. "You missed me, huh?"

"Oh, yeah. More than you know."

Since we're confessing things… She swallowed her pride and admitted one of her most embarrassing moments. "I missed you so badly, I was on the brink of buying Vegas Nights."

Rye stared at her and laughed. Hard. "Oh, honey. That's classic."

Her face heated although she knew that would be his reaction.

He took her hand in his and interlaced their fingers bringing them up for a light kiss to her knuckles. "That says a lot about what you think of me."

Brie nodded slowly. Maybe it was a sign of desperation, too, but she didn't bother to tell him that. His head was big enough already.

Sexual tension filled the air. Brie chewed her bottom lip. "I need to take a shower."

"Me, too."

Still a bit uncertain, Brie balked at the unspoken offer. "Go ahead. I'll fix something for dinner. I need to throw clothes in to wash anyway."

Rye's lips curled up in a grin. "Still shy? That's okay. We've got plenty of time to work on that."

"I…"

"Shh." He kissed her gently. "It wasn't a complaint. Not in the least. You make it all new to me as well." After a quick nuzzle, he leaned back to look at her. "If you have any doubts how you and your innocence affects me, here's proof." He took her hand and pressed it up against his hard erection.

Her eyes widened. "Oh, my." She knew how horny he made her, but to feel the proof of what she did to him right under her hand sealed the deal. Tentatively, she squeezed carefully while taking a second to explore, finding him as hard and large as she remembered.

"That, sweetheart, is what you do to me." His eyes darkened with desire.

Brie's mouth went dry as dampness began between her thighs.

"Why don't you go take a hot shower? I'll throw a couple of frozen dinners in the microwave and start a load of laundry. It won't take me long to shower once you finish."

"You don't have to." She almost felt guilty for Rye picking up the slack. Not to mention sharing a meal with him while they were both revved to go for one wild ride in the bedroom might prove more than a challenge.

"I live here, remember? Besides, I need to take care of you."

Brie smiled. "What did I do to deserve you?"

Rye chuckled. "No clue, but file that away for later. You might be ready to kick me to the curb in a week or so."

"No way."

He lifted her to her feet, then smacked her lightly on the rear. "Off to the shower with you."

Brie beamed at him. "Thank you." A resurgence of energy added quickness to her step.

Twenty minutes later, the smell of chicken and potatoes filled the house. Brie, dressed in everyday shorts and an oversized t-shirt, followed her nose to the kitchen where Rye busily set the table. In his boxer shorts. His short hair gleamed with dampness as a few straggling beads of water tapered down his chest, over his glorious six pack abs before being soaked up by the material.

Her heart skipped a beat at the gorgeous picture he made. Yummy.

Glancing up, his eyes locked on hers. "Hungry?"

"Yep." For you. She'd considered wearing something sexier, but chickened out. Not quite comfortable with running around in her birthday suit, she opted for safe and casual instead.

"Good. It's ready, so take a seat."

Brie had never considered herself a sexual extrovert or particularly lustful. Rye changed all that. She couldn't pull her focus from his amazing body or the wicked grin that appeared on his face.

They ate in near silence. Brie found Rye watching her nearly as much as she did him. She hardly tasted the food as absorbed as she was with the man sitting across the table. In need of a distraction, she kicked her one-track mind into thinking mode. "Where's your truck?"

Rye sipped his drink and took another bite of mashed potatoes. "At the station. I'll see if Gary can pick me up tomorrow so I can retrieve it."

"You don't have to work?"

He shook his head. "I get a couple of days off before having to report back to normal duty."

Two days off. With Rye. Together. Her newly found hussy side stood up and cheered. "I can take you to pick it up."

"Thanks, but I've got some reports to drop off. Gary can do that for me." He took her free hand in his. "How many overtime hours have you put in while I've been gone?"

She stared at her meal. "A lot."

"That's what I thought. You're sleeping in tomorrow."

She started to protest but he cut her off. "No arguments."

Pleased with his sensitivity and care, Brie dutifully nodded. "Yes, sir."

He smirked. "I like that."

"You would." She rolled her eyes, but couldn't hold back the grin.

They finished their food fairly quickly. Brie cleaned off the table and threw away the trash. Anticipation grew with each passing second.

Rye pulled her into against his body. "I crave you, Brie. Do you want me tonight?"

Her stomach flip-flopped at his suggestion combined with the wicked grin and gleam in his eyes. "Just try to pry me away."

He laughed and picked her up in a cradle hold.

"Wait."

"What?"

"I need to make a pit stop at the bathroom to brush my teeth first."

Rye kissed her forehead. "As you wish."

Brie laughed in pure joy. "Now, that I like."

He groaned dramatically. "You would." He fed her words back to her as he returned her to her feet.

Making a beeline for the bathroom, Brie heard Rye do the same. She cleaned her teeth, washed her face, and checked herself out in the mirror. It will just have to do because I'm not waiting a minute more.

She didn't have to. Rye walked into the room, climbed onto the bed, stretched out on his side, and motioned to her with a finger in a come-hither call. One she couldn't resist even if she wanted to. He tossed a foil package on the bed beside him.

"Umm. You don't have to wear that if you don't want to."

He blinked. "Why not?"

She walked closer, finally sliding on the bed next to him. "While you were away, I visited the doctor."

Rye gradually smiled as if the light finally turned on. "You're one surprise after another." He wrapped his arms around her middle, lifted, yanked, and rolled all in the same motion.

Brie ended up flat on her back with Rye on top of her. She stared up into his beautiful eyes and smiled. "Did I do something to please you?"

"Uh-huh." He kissed his way along her neck, up her throat, before finally settling his lips over hers.

For a while, Brie simply held on to Rye, absorbing his affections while giving him everything back with gusto. She felt the large bulge against her pelvis, tried to rub against him, but found herself trapped under Rye's heavier weight. He teased and tormented, not allowing her to do more than cling to him.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Brie gathered her strength, flexed her legs, and bracketed Rye's hips with her knees. She threw all her power into a roll, which managed to leave her on top of Rye as he stared up at her.

He grinned wickedly. "I don't mind the position at all, baby. Just as long as you get out of those clothes."

Her heart pitter-pattered. Arousal jumped tenfold. She made a show of slowly tugging her shirt off and tossing it to the floor beside the bed. Her shorts followed, although she had to move in order to get them off. Finally naked, she scooched back to Rye's side, resisting the temptation to mount him. First things first.

She tugged his boxers down and slung them in the direction her clothing had taken. His hard shaft jumped free to jut toward her as if begging for her attention. "Nice."

Rye slid one hand up the side of her leg. "I could say the same for you."

She licked her lips and smiled.

"You're devising some scheme, I can read it on your face." Rye arched an eyebrow.

"Oh, I was just thinking." She couldn't pry her focus from his big cock.

"About?"

"What you taste like."

He groaned. "Go for it." Wrapping one hand around the base of his erection, he held himself steady for her.

Brie sat down on her bottom facing Rye, curled her legs around her, leaned over, and trailed her tongue across the wide mushroom head. She lapped at the bead of moisture before opening wider and taking more of him into her mouth. Swirling her tongue, she added suction into the mix.

Rye's breathing sped. He slid one hand up her inner leg until he could go no further. "Open for me, love. Let me touch you."

Brie swiveled a bit more and parted her legs. Immediately, Rye rewarded her with a gentle exploration and exquisite pressure as he pressed one finger into her depths.

A growl escaped his throat. "You're so damn wet."

Unwilling to release her prize, she whimpered as he magically worked her body. Up and down, she bobbed her head, trying to fit more of him each time.

"Damn, Brie. Keep that up and you're going to make me come."

For a second, she wanted just that. Until Rye once again found her pearl and lightly rubbed. Her hips lurched in delightful demand.

She trailed her tongue up his shaft, laving the tip. Her libido shot through the roof as his talented fingers wove their magical spell. "Oh, Rye."

He met her gaze and smiled. "I need you, babe. Come here." He removed his hand and patted the bed next to him. "Lay down beside me. Spoon fashion."

As soon as she did, he guided her top leg up and back, resting it over his hip. The result left her open and so very vulnerable. She started to twist only for Rye to snake one arm under her in order to take one of her breasts in hand. The other, he slid down her side, across her stomach, before dipping between her legs. "Shhh. Let me pleasure you."

When he says it like that…

Brie's breath hitched as he found her moist center once more, dipped a finger inside, and delved deep. She barely had time to muster a moan when he replaced his digit with his shaft, sliding in languidly, an inch at a time.

Fullness followed. She drew in air and braced herself for the complete invasion. As much as she wanted him, she couldn't shake the sudden bundle of nerves now that the moment had arrived.

"Relax, Brie. I've got you. Slow and easy. We're going to be so good together. Just like before. Better each time."

She angled her hips toward him and lowered her upper body to the bed. Grasping a handful of comforter, she mewled softly in need as he progressed ever so gradually forward.

He patted her hip and dropped his hand lower. A second later, his nimble fingers strummed across her sensitive nub.

"Rye." Brie writhed under his touch, on fire and unable to ease the quickly building pressure.

He bottomed out and paused, taking the time to nibble at her earlobe and lick across her exposed neck. "God, Brie. I missed you. Missed this."

The husky words destroyed the last of her concerns. Heightened arousal followed, secure in the arms of the man she loved.

She twisted her upper body in order to look up at him. His eyes were hooded, his jaw locked. Intense. The word described him accurately as he showered her with erotic stimulation, hot touches, a steady pace of penetration that shoved her closer to the pinnacle with each and every thrust.

His lips found hers, aggressively plundering, exploring every corner before engaging her in a game of tag.

She mirrored his actions until the need for air broke them apart. Her heart picked up speed as she began to pant. Tautness gripped her entire body as she hurtled toward the edge. A small cry left her throat as Rye responded in kind, giving her more of what she craved.

He nibbled her earlobe. "You're so close. Just let go."

Brie did just that. She turned back around and braced herself against the mattress for impact. Bright pleasure swamped her, setting off strong rhythmic contractions that spread through her entire body. Wave after wave of bliss followed.

Belatedly, she heard Rye grunt, felt him thrust hard and deep, then remain still except for hard shudders that wracked his body. He gasped against her ear, his hand cupping her folds as she jerked with the last crests of the glorious climax.

Gradually, her breathing returned to normal. Feeling Rye still inside her, she couldn't help but rock back against him, teasing him as he eased back down from his own orgasm.

"Mmm." He moved with her and kissed her nape. "That was damn good."

She turned to see his face. "Worth waiting for?"

He smiled wide. "Definitely."