PRINCE CHARMING M.D. (22 page)

Her thighs trembled. She didn't want to wait.

"I have a couple of videos for you to choose from." He pointed at two small plastic cases resting on the kitchen counter. "I hope at least one of them will appeal to you. But before dinner and our movie, I'd like you to look over my house plans with me. Some of the rooms aren't exactly what I want, but I can't figure out what's not working. I thought you might be able to help me."

It was not the date she'd imagined, but as he described the evening, she couldn't think of anything she would rather do more. Far better to be here with Trevor where they could enjoy each other's company, than to spend the night in a loud restaurant or club, where they couldn't really talk.

"Sounds like fun," she told him.

"Are you sure? We can go out if you'd prefer."

His hazel green eyes darkened slightly, as if he weren't completely sure of her reply. She knew he would do whatever she requested. There was something charming about his uncertainty. Trevor might be a skilled surgeon who radiated confidence the way the sun radiated light, but sometimes, with her, he was just a guy trying to do the right thing. The flashes of vulnerability left her weak with wanting. How was she supposed to resist him?

"I love what you've planned for the evening and I can't wait to have you cook for me."

"You're going to love it," he promised.

And she knew that he was right.

He pushed the video into the VCR and returned to the sofa. Dana had discarded her shoes earlier and sat on the couch with her feet curled under her. They each had a glass of red wine, the last from the bottle they'd shared at dinner.

Trevor took his time about setting the controls because he wasn't all that anxious to return to her side.
Not that he wasn't having a good time
; he was. But Dana was making it damn hard to stick to his promise that nothing would happen between them tonight. He was determined to make her want him, but more than that, he wanted her to realize who he was. She had to get past the facade and the rumors. Making love would only complicate the situation.

Still, it was one thing to think rationally while alone and quite another to act that way when faced with a beautiful woman who was obviously expecting more.

Dana hadn't said anything, but he'd read her body language. She'd stood close while he was cooking the steaks, had touched him when they'd looked over the plans for the house. Even now, she sat in the center of the sofa, giving him nowhere to escape when he sat down. She was going to be right there, all soft and sweet smelling,
tempting
him to the point where he didn't know how he was supposed to resist her.

He sat next to her, and decided that not being intimate didn't mean they had to act like strangers. He put his arm around her and she snuggled up.

"This is nice," she told him.

"I agree." He pushed the Play button on the VCR and the tape started. "I'm glad you picked this movie. I saw it when it was first in the theaters, but I haven't had a chance to rent it since."

Dana glanced at him. He felt her sharp gaze, but didn't dare return it. He wasn't sure what she would read in his face. Her remark about things being nice hadn't been about the movie at all, but it was safer to comment on that than to agree she felt entirely right in his arms.

Her head rested on his shoulder; her right breast nestled against his chest. Their thighs brushed and he knew it wouldn't take much to convince her to let him make love to her right there on the couch.

"I wouldn't have minded the other movie," he said as several previews played. He'd chosen a recently released romantic comedy along with a film about the ill-fated Apollo mission to the moon. She'd picked out the latter.

"I like this one. I saw it in the theater, too, so it's been a while for me."

The movie began and Dana relaxed against him. He felt her breath against his neck and the warmth of her body. He'd been aroused for hours and he had to shift somewhat to ease some of the pressure. Yeah, not making love with her had been a great theory, but in reality it was frustrating as hell.

He told himself it was for a good cause, that they would both be better off in the long run. After all, he wanted more from Dana than just a few weeks of play. Sound advice that made him groan silently every time she snuggled closer.

Despite the distraction, he managed to get through the movie, even losing himself in the story a few times. They fit well together, he thought. His wanting had subsided to a manageable ache. Still, when the credits started and Dana turned to him, her eyes wide with expectation, he wasn't sure he would have the power to resist.

"That was great," he said, freeing his arm and getting to his feet. "Did you like it as much the second time?"

"Yes." She rose quickly.

He stretched. "It's been a long week. All those surgeries. You must have been playing catch-up, too."

"I was, but I'm not that tired."

The overhead light illuminated her short blond hair. He found himself wanting to bury his hands in the silky strands as he pulled her close for his kiss. He wanted her; he needed her. And he would do the right thing and let her go … at least for tonight.

He glanced at his watch. It was just after
midnight
. "I don't want to tire you out on our first date. If I do, you won't want to see me again."

"I'm really fine," she said, sounding confused, but collecting her shoes and slipping them on.

He ushered her out of his place and walked her back to her town house. They stood in front of the door. He could see the questions in Dana's eyes. In a way, he understood. She didn't know what was going on, and if he explained it, he would lose his advantage.

How could he tell her that she mattered to him and therefore he wanted to go slowly? That this wasn't just about sex, at least it wasn't for him. He wanted a chance to make her care about him. He was willing to put off pleasure in the hope of getting a more long-term gain.

Still, when she looked up at him, he couldn't resist taking her in his arms. He held her gently, enjoying the feel of her pressed against him. He tried to keep her from pressing too close so she wouldn't be able to tell he was aroused, but it was no use. Dana wrapped her arms around his back and leaned in so they touched from shoulders to thighs. No way could she miss his excitement.

"I had a great time," he murmured into her ear, then touched his lips to the tempting spot just below her lobe.

"Me, too." Her voice caught. "Dinner was terrific."

"I've been on my own long enough that I've learned how to be domestic." He smoothed her hair off her face and brushed her lips with his. "Thanks for going over the house plans with me. You made some great suggestions."

"My pleasure. The place will be beautiful."

Her mouth parted. It was an invitation … one he didn't dare accept. He kissed her cheek, stepped back and said, "Good night, Dana. I'll call you tomorrow."

He started down the narrow path that would lead him to his place. When he reached the turn, he couldn't help looking back. Dana stared after him, her fingers resting against her mouth, her eyes wide with confusion. Apparently she'd been expecting a lot more and was stunned he hadn't delivered. Good, he thought with satisfaction that wasn't quite enough to distract him from his own aching desire. Now she would have something to think about.

Chapter Twelve

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"
Y
ou're deep in thought about something. Should I come back later?"

Dana glanced up and saw Katie standing in the doorway to her office. "No, please. I could really use an interruption. What are you doing up here?"

Katie plopped down in the seat in front of
Dana's desk and tucked her light-brown hair behind her ears. "I've been playing hooky for a couple of hours. Wedding plans." She smiled sheepishly. "There's a lot more to do than I thought. My mom is helping, but it seems one detail after the other keeps cropping up."

"You don't have to sound apologetic," Dana told her. "I still think it's great."

"Even though Mike's a doctor?"

"Katie, look at
yourself
. You're so happy you glow. Why would anyone want to discourage you from being with the man who makes you feel that way? You two are perfect together. Quit looking for trouble and enjoy this time."

"You're right. I guess I'm a little nervous. I mean, getting married is a big step." She laughed. "It's not that I'm afraid of spending the rest of my life with Mike. I know we'll be happy. It's really about the wedding. I guess I've been reading too many of those bridal magazines. I'm starting to dream about china patterns."

"I've seen the one you picked out. It's beautiful."

"I refuse to talk about place settings, silverware or stemware." Katie dismissed the subjects with a wave of her hand. "Okay, so now you know what's bothering
me.
Tell me what's going on with you? Any more dates?"

"Yeah, Trevor and I have been seeing each other pretty regularly."

Katie shifted in her seat, as if getting comfortable so she could settle in. "Tell me everything."

Dana didn't know whether to laugh or scream. "Nothing's changed."

Katie stared at her blankly. "What do you mean, nothing's changed? It's been three weeks. Last I heard
,
you were seeing him nearly every night. He cooks. You cook. You go for walks, watch videos, that kind of stuff. You can't mean to tell me you guys haven't…" Her voice trailed off. "You know."

"Believe me, I know." She heard the edge in her voice and knew it came from frustration. "I'm serious, Katie. The man is driving me crazy. He's sweet, he's attentive, we have a great time together, but—" She shook her head.

"Nothing?"

"Nada. He gives me these short little kisses good-night." She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her temples. "I swear, I could be a nun for all he notices me. Oh, there's plenty of hand-holding and hugs. He's not completely inattentive."

"I don't think many nuns hold hands," Katie teased.

"Oh, thank you very much. That makes me feel better."

"Dana, come on. You've got to lighten up. The fact that Trevor is choosing to act like a gentleman is a good thing."

"How do you figure?"

"It means he cares."

Dana looked at her. "Oh, really. So men only sleep with women they don't care about?"

"No. I didn't mean it that way. But I was talking about this with Mike."

Dana groaned. How humiliating. "Tell me you're kidding."

"I'm not. Anyway, I told him you'd been seeing Trevor for a while now and he, you know, wasn't getting physical."

Dana's cheeks flamed. She had to swallow before she could speak. "Tell me you didn't really confess all to him."

"Of course I did. Mike wasn't shocked."

"Maybe not, but I am." She knew her friend was only trying to help, but still, this was going too far.

"Do you want to hear what he had to say or not? I thought it was very interesting."

Dana consoled herself with the thought that it couldn't get worse. "Go ahead. Enlighten me."

"You're not taking this seriously, but you're my friend and I care about you, so I'm going to tell you anyway." She glanced at the door as if to make sure they were alone. "Mike said that guys act differently when they really care about a woman. They don't want to mess things up, so they'll take it more slowly. You know, act like a gentleman, make her feel special, that sort of thing."

"Uh-huh. So far you're not making me feel a whole lot better. After all, Trevor and I already did the wild thing."

Katie raised her eyebrows. "The wild thing? I'll have to remember to use that on Mike tonight. Anyway, he thinks that's what's going on with Trevor. That he really cares about you, so he's giving the relationship time to develop."

"That or he just doesn't want me."

"Oh, please. If he didn't want you, he wouldn't have made love with you."

"Maybe he decided he didn't want me after we'd done it and he knew what he was getting."

Katie glared at her. "I should slap you. Dana, you're a wonderful woman. Of course he wants you. If he didn't, why would he bother dating you?" She raised her hand. "Don't even consider answering that one. You know I'm right."