Stripped - By Brenda Rothert Page 0,59
this in your car, I can get my stuff out later,” he said.
They were both quiet as they rode a shuttle to the parking lot where Abby had left her car. When she stepped out, the bitter Chicago wind slapped her cheeks harshly. She made her way to her car quickly, and Chris threw her bag in the trunk and jumped into the passenger seat.
“Where’s your car?” she asked, rubbing her hands together.
“I’m in that lot over there.”
“I’ll be so glad to see the girls. We’ve never been apart this long.”
“Are you glad you came?”
“I’m so glad I did. I had such an amazing time, Chris. I’ll miss seeing so much of you.”
“Me, too. I’ve been thinking about something.” He sighed, looking nervous as he stared out the window. “You know how I feel about the stripping. I want you all to myself, and I worry about you. But I respect that it’s your decision, not mine. When you’re in a relationship with someone, you have to take all of them. I don’t want to lose what we found in Malibu. I want us to be together.”
Abby let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“You’re saying you’re okay with the job?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes. It’s your decision. I love you, Abby, and I’d never forgive myself if I lost you over that. I’ll always worry about you, but I trust that your heart is with me.”
“It is,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “I love you, too, Chris.”
“I promise I’ll make you happy,” he said.
“You already do.”
The familiar glare of the Benedict ER sign made Abby’s attention snap back to her driving. It was late – so late it was early, and she was tired. But the chance to see Chris was too good to pass up. They’d had conflicting schedules for several days, and had settled for phone conversations.
The desk attendant just waved Abby in, and as soon as she walked into the ER, she saw Chris working behind a desk.
“Hey,” he said, smiling as he looked up and saw her. He got up and led her right to a sleeping room, where he embraced her as soon as he pushed the door closed.
“It’s been way too long,” she said as he slid her coat off and her dress up over her head.
“I know. What the hell is up with this outfit?”
He eyed her with a mixture of confusion and lust, and Abby laughed. She wore a skimpy bra and panties made from a red bandana.
“It’s Cowgirls and Indians night. I’m a cowgirl. I can go get the hat if you’d like.”
“I want to kick the shit out of every man who saw you in this tonight,” Chris said, looking serious.
“Chris…”
He ran a hand through his hair, looking stressed.
“It’s hard, Abby. I love you and we’ll get through it, but it’s hard. I hate the thought of other men ogling your perfect body and smelling your minty hair. I’ll never stop wanting it all for myself.”
“The part of me that feels is only for you,” she said, pressing herself against him.
“And what are you feeling now?” he asked playfully. Abby nipped at his neck, pushing her hands under his shirt to feel his bare skin. She slowly kissed her way down his body, enjoying his shallow breathing. As she got to his waist, the flash of something caught her eye. As she looked over, she saw that the flash was from his pager, which was buzzing.
“Shit,” he muttered, pulling it from his waist to check it. “I have to go. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not. We have to make some time for each other this weekend.”
“We will,” Abby said, slipping her dress back on. “I can come over tomorrow night because Justin’s taking the girls to a pajama party at one of the museums in the city.”
“Good. Maybe I’ll find some chaps and a hat to match your getup,” he said with a grin.
“And a rope?”
“I think you’re a little kinky after all,” he teased.
“Maybe I am. You can find out tomorrow night.”
The closer she got to Charlotte’s office, the more Abby’s apprehension grew. Chris had been evasive when she had asked him why he wanted to talk to her there. She had run through all the possibilities in her mind, but none of them made sense.
When she knocked softly on the dark door, Charlotte answered it swiftly. Chris was already inside, looking pensive from the end of the couch where he sat.
“What’s going on?” Abby asked