Something soft touched his cheek and he longed to open his eyes. Unfortunately the day’s excitement left him exhausted, his body aching with the need for relief from the pain. The hand was back and the fingers danced lightly over his forehead, tenderly running through his hair. A hint of roses touched his senses and he knew whose hands were touching him.
“Anne,” he whispered without opening his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Chris, I didn’t mean to wake you,” the nurse said softly.
“You didn’t,” he lied and heard a soft laugh as he opened his eyes and met the soft brown ones of the woman sitting beside the bed.
“How are you feeling?”
“Sore, but a good kind of sore. The kind that comes from spending time with family and sharing some special moments with them.”
“Buck and Ezra told me about the party. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there...”
“It’s okay. You can’t give up everything just to be with me, although...” his eyes twinkled mischievously.
“I don’t think you’re in any shape for an although, Chris,” Anne laughed as he frowned.
“Damn, how about a kiss then?”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea either. Remember the last time we were alone and ah...kissed.”
His face lit up as he reached for her hand.
“The monitor is gone,” he said, smiling as he pulled her down into a tight embrace. They held each other, not saying a word, feeling the beat of each other’s hearts in their chests and gazing deeply into each other’s eyes.
Anne leaned closer until their lips met once more and again the sparks seemed to fly as the heat radiated from their bodies. Finally the need to breathe made it necessary to draw apart and Chris smiled at the woman seated on the bed beside him.
“Happy Birthday, Chris,” she whispered in his ear. “ I wish I could’ve got you something, but I didn’t know until this morning.
“Well, there is something...”
“Anything....just name it,” the auburn haired beauty told him.
“An instant replay of what we just shared,” the blond said and smiled as she drew close to him again.
“Damn!” he said as she drew away.
“Damn is right,” Anne said, blushing as she used his own word. She reached for the glass on the table and passed it to Chris.
“Thanks,” the injured man said as he sat up further in the bed.
“So, I hear you’re getting out of here.”
“Yeah, Dr. Barrett finally agreed I can do physio at home as easily as I can in here.”
“When?”
“Day after tomorrow. Barrett and Hastings talked with Stacey Midland in Billings and she’s arranging everything from her end. With any luck I’ll be home before the weekend.”
Anne smiled, but there was a sadness in her eyes as she looked at him.
“I’m glad, Chris, you’ve been here long enough. Between your original injuries and everything Patrice Milliard put you through it’s been a long road.”
“Yes, it has, but things are working out. The board exonerated you and your job is safe.”
“Yes, it is, but I’m not staying on...”
“You’re sure about this...about us?” Larabee asked.
“As sure as I’ve ever been about anything. I want so much to give us a try and the agency I’ve applied to has an opening in Billings...”
“Saint Vincents,” Larabee asked.
“Yes, but I’ll make sure I’m never assigned to take care of you if you’re admitted there and from what your friends say it’s your part time residence.”
“Oh, Hell, remind me I need to have a talk with my friends about discussing my private life,” but there was no anger in his voice.
“They’re just concerned about you, Chris!”
“Yeah, they always are,” Larabee said and then looked into her eyes once more. “So when do you expect to come to Billings?”
“I have to finish up two weeks here and finish up a couple of other things. I should be in Billings in a month.”
“That long?”
Anne laughed as she saw the frown deepen on his face.
“Chris, I need time to pack and arrange to have my things shipped to Billings and find an apartment there.”
“The building JD and Buck live in might have one available.” Larabee explained. “Want me to have them check into it for you?”
“That’d be great, Chris,” Anne said. “Now it’s getting late and you need your rest...”
“Not without a goodnight kiss!” Larabee told her.
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving without a goodnight kiss,” she said and gave him a peck on the cheek. “See you tomorrow!” she smiled and turned away, but a strong hand grabbed her wrist.
“That’s not exactly the kind of kiss I was looking for. I’m kind’ve cold and need something to warm me up...”
“I’ll get you another blanket,” she said mischievously.
“Ah, Hell!” the blond swore disappointedly. “Don’t need a blanket.”
Anne smiled as she bent down and kissed him the way she really wanted too, long and deep. She finally drew away and smiled at the man on the bed.
“Was that better?” she asked.
“Hell, yeah!” he said with a grin.
A soft laugh left her and she shook her head at his reaction. She remembered the few times she’d kissed Richard Fischer, there’d never been fireworks like the ones she felt when she kissed this man. Richard was not a cold fish, but his lovemaking left a lot to be desired and she wondered what it would be like to make love with this man. She sighed as she stood up, thankful that they were going to take the time to work on a relationship, to explore hidden feelings, and hopefully share a life together.
“Get some sleep, Chris,” she said as she walked towards the door.
“Anne?” He waited until she turned towards him. “I won’t hurt you!”
“I know!” she told him. “I’ll see you tomorrow, sleep well.”
“Okay,” he said as she opened the door and left. He closed his eyes and thought about Sarah and Adam, knowing Anne Sheridan would never replace his wife. Anne was a different woman and he knew if there was a life for him with her it would be totally different from the one he shared with Sarah. He sighed contentedly as he realized he could begin to love again, and not have it hurt. Sleep soon overcame him and his dreams were filled with hope for a new future, one he could look forward to again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Billings, Montana,-2002
Three days later Chris Larabee boarded The Firm’s private jet bound for Billings, Montana, knowing Anne would not be far behind him. His friends were with him, Buck pushing the wheelchair while the others walked beside him. The flight home was long and tiring on the injured man and by the time they reached the airport he was ready to rest. It was decided that they’d spend the night at Nathan Jackson’s home, making it easier for the blond to keep his appointment with Stacey Midland the next day.
Chris sighed heavily as he eased himself into the bed and pulled the blankets up over his aching body. The trip had taken a toll on him and his hip throbbed. He looked up as Jackson came into the room holding a glass of water and two pills. Chris smiled weakly and accepted the pills without the usual complaints and the medic knew the man was in more pain than he’d let on during the flight.
Jackson waited until his friend took the pills and drank the water, before turning off the light and closing the drapes.
“Thanks, Nathan,” Larabee mumbled as the medic stood at the door.
“You’re welcome, Chris. I’ll be in the other room if you need anything. Just call, okay?”
“I will. The others gone home yet?”
“Yeah, all except Vin. He’s gonna spend the night as well.”
“Is he okay?”
“Yeah, he’s fine. Hungry as usual and he’ll be seeing Dr. Midland tomorrow as well.”
“Oh, Hell,” Larabee said, but smiled as he closed his eyes. “Night, Nathan.”
“Goodnight, Chris, and welcome home!”
“Thanks, Nathan, it’s good to be home.” Larabee heard the door closing and let his eyes close. He was soon fast asleep, once more smiling as a soft Texan drawl told him to check the handle.
“I will,” he mumbled in the darkened room.
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