Playing Doctor (5 page)

The next week was
pure agony. While Lauren was mortified to even admit it to herself, she was fuming with jealousy toward the younger woman. At night alone in her bed, she was a welter of aches and emotions. Finally Lauren just gave up on trying to put Court out of her mind and allowed herself to fantasize about making love to him. The Doc and she were intimate friends, even though that didn't help lower her craving for real sex—more specifically, sex with Court—which in turn was making her testy with everyone.

Then toward the end of the week, Lauren got unexpected relief from the daily play-by-play of the great Court-Jessica romance.

“I just don't get it,” Jessica whined behind the closed door of Lauren's office. “Court kissed me a few times, but he won't take it any further. I've tried everything…every trick I can think of to get him to make a move, short of making an outright booty call to him.”

The surprising news caused a small curl of pleasure to unfurl inside Lauren. The two of them weren't lovers!

As much as she liked and respected Jessica, Lauren realized that any advice she might offer would be disingenuous at best. “Ah, you might want to discuss this with your girlfriends,” she muttered.

“I wonder if he's gay,” Jessica said, brightening a little. “Do you think that could be it?”

“I, ah, really wouldn't know. Again, I'm sure girls your own age could give you better advice than I can.” To make her point stick, she walked over and opened the door to her office.

Jessica nodded, saying, “Maybe you're right. Anyway, remember how Jim asked me out? I think I'll say yes to him now.”

“Good, good.” Lauren nodded, practically shutting the door in the young woman's face. Leaning her back against the door, Lauren took several deep breaths, telling herself once again…
it
doesn't matter.

However, with the renewed uncertainty about Court's relationship status, the electricity she always felt near him seemed to increase exponentially. Court seemed entwined in it too. At times, Lauren caught him staring at her with a smoky look that made her breath catch. She just knew it wasn't her imagination, but she didn't act on it, applying an iron will to her libido.

Then late one afternoon she found herself alone with him, shutting down the clinic for the night. For days, Lauren had been careful to avoid being alone with Court, given where her mind invariably went whenever she was in his presence. But today she had come out of her office after dealing with several annoying insurance issues to find the lights off and everyone gone—except for him!

“Oh!” Court said. “I thought you'd gone already.”

He was in the hallway carrying several stacked boxes of supplies.

“Ah, no, ah…I'm just leaving.” Seeing that he was headed toward the supply closet, Lauren offered, “Here, let me get the door for you.”

After opening it and realizing how dark the closet was with the office lights turned off, she stepped inside to flip the switch. Turning back, she found her exit blocked because Court had followed her into the small supply room.

“Oh,” she breathed, feeling the atmosphere turn suddenly intimate.

“Oh,” she said again, feeling hot, her pulse racing. She wanted to exit, but to do that, she had to squeeze past Court. The thought of touching him, anywhere—even her breasts brushing his arm as she sidled by—made her dizzy. Court stared at her penetratingly, seeming to study her reactions. He looked just as hot and bothered, she realized with a jolt.

Breaking the silence, he asked, “Would you help me with these boxes?” His voice sounded hoarse.

“Oh, of course. Let me unload you,” Lauren responded, looking for anything to get out of the confining space with him.

Being very careful not to touch his hands, she hurriedly took one box off at a time and put them on the shelves. When she was finished, she reached over and flipped off the light switch. She instantly regretted doing that. The darkness now surrounding them made the room suddenly even more intimate, raising awareness of how close they stood to each other and intensifying the sense that they could feel each other's heated longing.

Then, instead of backing out of the closet, Court stepped closer and reached out his hand to her. At that moment, looking up at him, Lauren didn't feel like his boss, didn't feel their age difference. He was tall, broadly blocking the exit and exuding an adult masculinity that stopped her breath. Court touched her shoulder gently. It tingled, igniting a burning ache that trailed all the way to her core.

He moved even closer, his hand now gripping her shoulder firmly, as if to keep her from fleeing. Looking down at her in the dim light, he stared at her mouth and then leaned down. Unable to help herself, Lauren felt her eyes drift shut and tilted her mouth toward him—waiting for the inevitable, wanting it desperately. And she waited.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at him questioningly. Court seemed frozen in place, his face a cascade of emotions. She couldn't read them all, but he seemed to be at war with himself. Holding her breath, Lauren wondered which side would win.

And then he broke the spell.

Court dropped his hand and stepped back in one fluid motion, mumbling a whispered “sorry” as he looked away in obvious discomfort. Even though he had not actually been holding her upright, the loss of his touch was so sudden and overwhelming that she had to put a hand out to the wall to steady herself. Panting slightly, Lauren felt bereft…but also somewhat relieved. There was danger in kissing Court.

He turned away and she heard him choke out huskily, “Thanks for your help. See you in the morning,” as he hurried out the front door.

It had seemed like a dream. As she slowly gathered her things to leave, Lauren wondered if she had imagined that Court had wanted to kiss her. He'd certainly had the opportunity and had not taken it.

Yes, Lauren decided glumly as she drove home, it must have been her overactive imagination. Of course a hot, young guy like that wouldn't be interested in an old woman like her. It was for the best really, she thought, the old refrain—too young, her employee—running through her head like a mantra.

The next day they both kept their distance from each other. When they did find themselves together, they were frigidly, professionally polite, fighting the fiery magnetism between them.

The first annual employee picnic was just a few days away, and Lauren threw herself into the preparations, publicly using this excuse to spend many hours away from the clinic. The other ladies had offered to help, but she declined. Lauren wanted the picnic to be a true thank-you to her staff for all their help over the last draining year, but also, subconsciously, she wanted to be consumed body and mind with absolutely no time for other thoughts…or feelings. And, it had almost worked. But as she shopped for picnic supplies in Marion, Lauren couldn't get her mind off Court and their almost kiss—and whether it had all been in her mind.

Finally, the day arrived
for the picnic at the Old Iron Furnace swimming hole, and the weather looked like it would be perfect. Lauren, however, felt anything but perfect.

While last-minute details had kept her days occupied, if Lauren woke up at night, she would lie in her bed and ache for Court, yearning for something she couldn't have. The night before had been the worst. Lauren hadn't fallen back asleep until just before dawn, and she awoke with the stirrings of arousal still within her. She felt frustrated and grumpy as she looked at her clothes and tried to decide what to wear.

Later as Lauren waited for the guests to arrive, she had to admit that her mood had colored her wardrobe choice. The bathing suit she wore underneath her tight little sundress was way too skimpy, a barely there number she had picked up in Aruba a few years ago—not really appropriate for more conservative Illinois. “Oh well,” she said to Rufus, “I'll probably be too busy to swim anyway.”

As the guests arrived, Lauren's spirits picked up. This was going to be fun, she thought as Rufus eagerly ran to greet each party. First came the Walsh family—Kelly with her husband and their two children, along with a pair of grandparents who were visiting. Next came Brenda and her husband, followed quickly by Jessica and…
Well, that's interesting
. Jessica had brought someone else instead of Court.

Lauren hurried over to join Rufus, who was enthusiastically sniffing Jessica's date. Giving Jessica a quick hug, Lauren was vaguely aware that a part of her was way too pleased that Court wasn't with Jessica. As Jessica introduced Jim, Lauren realized that this was the old boyfriend home from college for the summer. By the way they were looking at each other, Lauren guessed they were very close, perhaps even in love. Now her little company picnic was almost complete, but
where
was
Court?
Ignoring her conscience, she was exceedingly—inappropriately—excited to see him now that he was again available.

Suddenly Lauren realized that perhaps Court had needed a ride out to the park, since he didn't have a car. Scanning the dirt road that led to the small swimming hole and picnic area, she saw with relief that another car was approaching. Lauren started walking over to the parking area but stopped abruptly. Were there two people in the car?

As she watched, Court got out of the passenger side and a young woman emerged from the driver's side. Lauren felt her blossoming excitement about the picnic evaporate, her good mood deflating in an instant. Plastering a smile on her face, she went to greet the last guests to her party.

“Hi, welcome,” she managed through a tight smile.

“Hey, hi,” Court responded warmly.

He seemed too relaxed, too happy, Lauren thought with dismay.

“Let me introduce Tawny Johnson. She's a childhood friend of mine who's visiting this weekend,” Court said as the pretty blond stepped forward to shake Lauren's hand.

“My real name is Tanya, but somehow I ended up with this nickname,” Tawny added in an ultra-feminine purr.

“Hope you don't mind me bringing her along,” Court added hastily.

“Of course not. The more the merrier,” Lauren heard herself saying before turning quickly away to hide her disappointment. Over her shoulder, she added, “We're just starting to eat. Come this way.” She gestured to the tables but didn't look at the couple again.

Lauren listened as he introduced his “friend” to the group. She noticed he didn't say “girlfriend,” but why else would this woman be visiting for the weekend?

Lauren's annoyance peaked when Tawny shed her clothes to reveal a tight, youthful, bikini-clad body and trilled at Court, “Last one in is a…”

“Tawny! Really!” Lauren muttered to herself. “Are you kidding me?”

Well, she fit the bill, that was for sure—deeply tanned and svelte, with sparkly blue eyes and long, light-blond locks that floated around her. Tawny looked like she belonged on the next cover of
Sports
Illustrated
's swimsuit issue or, Lauren thought spitefully, starring in a porn flick.

Kelly's whispered observation only made it worse. “They look made for each other.”

And she was right. Their sun-kissed skin, blond hair, and movie-star looks complemented each other—two angels sent down to mix with the rest of them, all mere mortals. As Court shed his T-shirt, Lauren stopped walking and stared openmouthed. He was a hunk! She had never seen him wearing so little. His smooth, chiseled six-pack abs and strong, young biceps were made to be caressed.

Realizing that Kelly was waiting and watching her speculatively, Lauren responded with feigned nonchalance. “I guess so.”

“He didn't introduce her as his girlfriend, you know,” Kelly added with an encouraging smile. “I think he would have, if she were.”

“Whatever,” said Lauren, walking away toward the water.

A small private smile lit her face.
I
may
not
be
twenty-two, but I know my body still looks good. Maybe it's not a bad thing I have on such a teensy-weensy suit.

Stopping on the big rock that people used to jump directly into the deeper water, she slipped off her sandals and waited…and waited…until Court turned and looked in her direction. Pretending not to see him, Lauren casually reached down and slowly pulled the tight sundress up over her thighs, then up revealing her breasts, and finally over her head to toss it on the ground. Glancing at him, she got trapped looking into his hot stare. She wasn't a skinny woman, more voluptuous with sexy curves, and the tiny fabric triangles of her string bikini didn't quite cover the lush mounds of her breasts. Still watching Court as he paddled in place close to the rock, she walked to the edge with a sprightly step, ensuring that the barely covered mounds bounced sexily.

Lauren felt a burning thrill all the way to her core as she watched Court's mouth drop open and heard his inhaled gasp. He had stopped dead in the water, forgetting to paddle. His eyes were still locked on her, but now they were focused about a foot lower on her body. Lauren giggled as she watched Court sink under the water, mouth still open.

Sputtering, he popped his head back above the water, and his eyes immediately sought her out.

Lauren couldn't help saucily inquiring, “Water cold, Court?”

But he wasn't listening. She watched as his eyes traveled further down her body. Court was staring at the little triangle of cloth that covered her mons. She knew the bikini was actually quite sturdy, but its tiny, thin ribbons made it look like it could fall off at any moment. Lauren had originally bought it to impress Ted and was now glad she hadn't tossed it when he left.

Today
isn't going to be so bad after all!

Lauren called out to Court, “I think I'll eat now after all, and let the water warm up first.”

Turning back toward the picnic tables, she stooped down to pick up her dress, purposely offering him an excellent view of her firm, round backside as she bent over. Spying a beach ball nearby, Lauren scooped that up as well. Turning back, she threw it playfully at Court and watched him leap into the air toward it.

Catching the ball in his hands, Court held it up triumphantly. He would have tossed it back, but she had turned away. He couldn't help grinning broadly as he watched her sexy ass wiggling away. He felt an intense urge to follow right behind and grab her, thinking how much fun it would be to pull her warm, almost-naked body against his cold, wet one for a few long seconds before tossing her headfirst into the pond. But for the moment, he was stuck exactly where he was, hoping the chilling water would cool him down. If he got out now, his raging hard-on would be obvious to everyone.

Court knew she had done it on purpose, but why was a mystery that he pondered while standing in the shallows. Glancing back at his longtime friend Tawny, who was happily paddling around on her back enjoying the cool water and warm sun, he realized that Lauren might think there was something between them. She didn't know that they really were just lifelong friends, more like sister and brother than anything else. But why would Lauren care anyway, unless she wanted him?

Well, he would find out one way or another, Court decided. If Lauren wanted to play games today, so would he…with a vengeance. And while it might not be fair, Court decided not to give up his advantage. He would not outright lie and say he was dating Tawny, but if Lauren drew the wrong conclusion, so be it. Court remembered how jealous he had felt when he met Ted. He'd still be in the dark if he hadn't overheard a chance bit of town gossip that made it clear the older man was just her ex-husband. Court hoped that the jealousy factor would prove useful in this sneaky game of enticement they were mutually, if unofficially, playing.

With that last thought and his penis finally back under his control, Court swam over to Tawny, planning a scene that would be sure to get Lauren's attention.

“Is that her? She's very pretty—the kind of lush handful that I know you like,” Tawny said with a laugh.

“Yep,” he said with a grin and a laugh loud enough to carry across the water. Glancing over, he saw that Lauren was watching them surreptitiously. Swimming closer to Tawny, he made sure they looked close enough to be touching.

Whispering into her ear and trying to make it look like a lover's tryst, he said, “I'm going to try to make her jealous. One way or another, I want to know if Lauren is interested in me or not. Do you mind playing the foil?”

His friend winked and giggled loudly. Then whispered, “Glad to oblige, but don't forget she is your boss and a friend of your mother's friend. You could say she's a MILF without kids. Do you really want to go there with an older woman?”

“She's not that old actually,” Court said, defending Lauren. “And, yeah, I want to go there, you bet!”

Pausing, he noted, “She's usually very professional and probably way out of my league.” Smiling impishly at his friend, he added, “But after that performance she just gave me, let's give one back, okay?” And he splashed his friend full on in the face, laughing loudly for Lauren's benefit.

Spluttering loudly to draw attention, Tawny playfully splashed back, and together they tussled in the water until Court successfully pushed her under and swam away.

“I'll get you back, just wait,” she called after him as Court glanced over to confirm again that they still had an audience. He felt deep satisfaction in seeing Lauren standing stock-still by the food table and gaping at them. When she saw that Court knew she was watching, Lauren turned quickly away. Court held his breath and watched her pretend to straighten up the food spread. She had not put her dress back on, and her full, sexy ass teased him as she moved about.

Without conscious thought, Court swam closer to her until he was near the big, flat rock. Pretending an interest in sunning himself, Court pulled himself onto the rock and tilted his face toward the sun—but his eyes stayed trained on the woman who haunted his nights. How he wanted to grab her and untie those thin ribbons to watch the fabric triangles fall from her body! That tiny excuse for a bathing suit should be illegal for what it was doing to him. He wanted to get her alone. He wanted to make her writhe with a hunger that matched the ache building inside him.

Court noticed that Tawny had swum closer and was smirking at him. His friend knew exactly what he was thinking, what he was feeling, he realized, and that irritated him further. Without being conceited, Court knew that he was good looking. Girls, and later women, had always made it clear that he was attractive. Sex had always come easily to him—regularly and often. With almost no effort on his part, women would willingly spread their legs for him, and he hadn't ever given it much thought.

This summer, for the first time ever, he had been completely cut off. Court could probably handle that, but every day he saw Lauren at the clinic. His initial impression—that she was the perfect kissable, fuckable, girl next door—remained painfully accurate, and she remained tauntingly out of reach. Feeling sexually frustrated was new, unwelcome, and driving him crazy!

“Go away,” he muttered at Tawny. She laughed and swam off.

Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, Court eased himself off the rock and back into the water, waiting for the second time that day for the cold to help bring his raging erection under control. Annoyed with himself and with Lauren too, Court began to swim laps in the watering hole, trying to exhaust himself out of his desire.

With the exception of Court and Lauren, everyone else was having a wonderful time at the company picnic. It was turning into a beautiful afternoon, and the carefree picnickers were having fun. The grandparents sat happily watching the kids as they jumped from the rock into the pond. Jessica and Jim were off in the deep end in their own world, and eventually even the older Theresa and her hubby joined the swimmers in the cool water.

Lauren's earlier satisfaction at getting a reaction out of Court had quickly dwindled as she surreptitiously watched the playful interaction between the golden pair.
Are they lovers?
she wondered. Looking around, she was thankful to see that the rest of her guests were busy swimming or eating. No one else seemed to have paid any attention to the love scene in the pond—or to the lovesick woman wistfully watching.

Glancing back at him, she saw that Court was now swimming toward the picnic tables. As he stood up in the chest-deep water, his eyes sought hers. They challenged her to watch as he slowly emerged, dripping, from the pond. There was no way she could have looked away. Without realizing it, Lauren's tongue slipped out of her mouth to lick her lips as she watched the water sluicing off him. He paused to shake his sexy, wet locks and then continued walking purposely toward her, not stopping until he was directly in front of her, almost touching her.