The Brass Ring (14 page)

Jamie couldn’t respond despite the reaction her body was having to CC’s voice. She could feel her nipples harden as her stomach clenched. Her mind and her body became engaged in a heated debate. She craved this woman’s touch. She needed to feel their bodies melting together more than she needed air to fill her lungs.
‘You know that you still love her. How can this be wrong?’
her heart screamed out from deep inside of her soul.

She watched as CC leaned closer to her. "Why are we fighting this?" CC asked as her voice dropped even lower in tone. Instinctively Jamie’s thighs parted in anticipation. She felt helpless to stop CC from approaching her. Helpless to stop her as she lowered the sheet that was covering her body. Once again she was revealing herself to her ex-lover. "You are so beautiful," CC murmured sincerely as she sat down beside Jamie. They sat there simply staring deeply into one another’s eyes, still not touching as a wave of electricity flowed between their bodies that remained only a few inches away from one another.

A flicker of hesitation clouded Jamie’s cherubic features. "Don’t," CC said so softly that Jamie had to lean in to hear her. CC cupped her cheek gently. Jamie leaned into her tender caress. "Would it be so wrong to be together one more time?" CC continued to speak softly as Jamie laced her fingers through CC’s long silky hair. "No thoughts of the past or the future."

Jamie placed two fingers against CC’s quivering lips, knowing the brunette was searching for some justification for them to spend the night together. Her action silenced the nervous woman seated next to her. "I don’t want to tell you what I was dreaming about," Jamie stated in a low confident tone. CC’s brilliant blue gaze lowered slightly. Jamie’s fingers lingered on CC’s lips. She could feel the exasperated breath caressing them.

Lowering her fingers from CC’s lips, she placed them tenderly under her firm chin. She lifted CC’s face so that she could see her eyes shining back at her. "I don’t want to tell you," Jamie repeated softly. "I want to show you," Jamie offered before placing an urgent kiss on CC’s full lips.

CC responded eagerly as the kiss deepened. There was nothing to stop them - no ringing bells and no unwanted intrusions. It was just the two of them. Jamie brushed aside the nagging doubts and fears. She began to suckle on CC’s bottom lip. She could feel the taller woman leaning into her body. The feel of CC’s clothing brushing against her exposed skin was driving Jamie insane.

She parted CC’s lips with her tongue and entered the sweet inviting warmth of her mouth. As she enjoyed the gentle exploration, she lowered her own body onto the bed as she pulled CC down on top of her. Their tongues engaged in a duel for control as the kiss deepened. CC parted Jamie’s firm thighs with her leg.

Jamie could feel her excitement pooling between her legs. Her body arched against CC’s denim clad thigh. Her body tingled as CC’s body moved against her in perfect rhythm. "I want you," Jamie gasped as she broke away from the kiss. Her fingers dug tightly into CC’s shoulders. "I need you, Caitlin," Jamie continued in a ragged tone as she felt CC’s lips on her sensitive neck.

CC broke away from Jamie’s neck as her body arched. Jamie looked up at her lover who was supporting herself above her. Jamie shifted her legs so she could wrap them around CC’s well-toned body. "God," CC panted as she continued to thrust against Jamie’s body. "You’re still so beautiful." Jamie could only whimper in response as she thrust her wetness against CC’s faded blue jeans. The friction against her throbbing clit was making her entire body pulsate with desire.

Jamie pulled CC down to her, needing to feel their bodies connecting. She gasped once again as the material of CC’s shirt brushed against her sensitive nipples. CC began to nibble on her earlobe as Jamie clawed at the material of CC’s shirt. Jamie’s entire body trembled as CC dipped her tongue in her ear.

She pushed CC away slightly so she could capture her lips in a fiery kiss. Their hips continued to dance together in a sensual rhythm. She felt CC pulling her closer as large hands roamed down her naked back. Jamie’s senses were nearing the edge. She fought against the urge to just allow the orgasm to overwhelm her. There was something more she needed. She needed to feel her lover filling her completely.

Reaching over, she captured one of CC’s hands and pushed it down with a gentle insistence between their bodies. She could feel her lover shifting. CC pulled away from the passionate kiss as Jamie continued to guide her hand down to her damp curls.

Their eyes locked as CC freed her hand and ran her fingers slowly along Jamie’s wetness. The blonde fought to control her breathing as long knowing fingers continued to explore her. A single digit pressed against her opening, teasing as it entered her slightly before pulling away. Jamie moaned in frustration as CC began to slowly stroke her clit. "You’re driving me crazy," Jamie whimpered.

"Good," CC teased as she wiggled her eyebrows.

CC continued to tease her in a slow delightful manner. "Is this what you were dreaming about?" CC inquired in a deep rich tone as she pressed two fingers against her entrance.

"Yes," Jamie gasped, praying that her lover would continue. Jamie opened herself up further, offering all of herself to the dark woman.

Jamie’s body rose off the bed as CC entered her slowly. She felt CC’s fingers reaching her very core. CC wiggled her fingers inside of her before retreating slightly. Jamie found herself lost in a sea of crystal blue as CC plunged in and out her. She clutched the bedding as her hips glided in unison with CC’s knowing touch. She saw something in CC’s eyes that captured her as she felt the pad of CC’s thumb tease her clit.

CC’s rhythm grew more insistent as Jamie’s body trembled. Jamie’s mind filled with thoughts of touching every inch of CC’s body. She needed to make this woman feel as wonderful and as loved as she did at that moment.

Jamie could feel herself nearing the edge as CC’s rhythm reached a wild pace. Jamie’s head fell back as the explosion rumbled through her body. Her eyes snapped shut as CC continued to pleasure her. She could feel warm kisses covering her skin as they worked their way down her body. She was still trying to recover from her climax as she felt her lover’s breath on her thighs. Her body continued to spasm uncontrollably as CC began to suckle her.

Jamie’s head was spinning as CC’s fingers and her mouth pleasured her completely. "Dear God!" Jamie screamed out as CC feasted upon her, drinking in all that she had to offer. The strange ringing in her ears mixed with a faint crimson flash in her mind as CC continued. Dimly aware that she had blacked out for a moment, Jamie felt her body explode once again.

Her senses went into overload as she pushed away from CC. "Need to breathe," she panted as CC finally lifted her head. CC’s crystal blue eyes danced merrily as she looked up at Jamie. She moaned slightly as she felt CC’s touch departing from her body. She pulled the taller woman up to her and captured her in a sweet kiss. Her mind reeled as she tasted herself on her lover’s lips.

"Did you get your blood test back?" Jamie asked softly as she began to pull CC’s shirt out of her jeans. CC nodded with a reassuring smile. "Good," Jamie purred before pulling CC’s shirt up and off her body. She ran her fingers slowly across CC’s shoulders, enjoying the feeling of warmth emanating from her lover’s skin.

The sound of the telephone ringing disrupted their actions. They both turned and glared at the offending instrument. Jamie turned her attention back to CC, choosing to ignore the ringing phone. "The machine can pick it up," she said softly as she cupped CC’s face. A distant chirping was added to the disturbing sound. Both women grimaced as Jamie’s answering machine clicked on. "This isn’t happening," CC moaned as she stood. "That’s my cell phone. I left it downstairs."

"Don’t," Jamie reached out to halt CC’s movement. "It’s our day off," she reasoned as she heard an unfamiliar voice on her answering machine. "Dr. Jameson, this is . . ." the frantic voice began as Jamie’s pager began to vibrate on the nightstand next to the telephone. "It’s the hospital," Jamie said with regret as her shoulders slumped.

"It can’t be good if we’re both being called," CC muttered bitterly as she headed out of the bedroom.

Jamie snatched up the telephone receiver quickly. "This is Dr. Jameson," she growled into the receiver. She listened as the woman explained the situation. CC had reentered the bedroom. She tossed her cell phone onto the bed, grabbed her T-shirt and put it on. Jamie ended the telephone call and climbed off the bed. She fumbled slightly as she wrapped herself up in a blanket. "There’s a fire downtown," she explained to CC.

"I know," CC said sadly.

"Why did they call you?" Jamie inquired fearfully.

"There’ve been some casualties," CC said carefully. "It looks suspicious. There isn’t much I can do until the fire department finishes and the investigation team goes through everything. But I need to start talking to some of the survivors."

Jamie shifted uncomfortably for a moment. Suddenly it was that awkward moment when they would be forced to deal with what just happened. Jamie didn’t regret a single moment of their day together. The only regret she had was that their blissful day had been interrupted. "I need to get to the hospital," Jamie explained quickly.

CC simply nodded in response, a grim expression clearly written across her face. "I really want to finish this," Jamie said boldly. "Today was great. Every moment of today was simply wonderful. I would really like to see more of you."

"Yeah?" CC asked with a brilliant smile.

"Yeah," Jamie confirmed with a smile of her own.

"Okay." CC smirked confidently. "We both need to get going. We can talk later."

CC leaned in and kissed Jamie gently before she departed from the bedroom. Jamie ran her fingers across her lips and smiled at the tingling sensation she still felt. Jamie felt ten feet tall at that moment. She shook her head before heading towards the shower. She needed to focus on what was happening at the hospital. She decided that was a good thing. The emergency wouldn’t allow her the time to second-guess what was happening between her and CC.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

J
AMIE RUBBED HER throbbing temple as she hid in the break room. The ER was a mess that night. When she entered it looked as if all hell had broken loose. Burn treatment wasn’t her specialty and thankfully the more severe cases had been directed to Mass General since they were affiliated with the Shriners Hospital. Still some victims slipped through. The last patient’s injuries had been devastating. Jamie knew that there was nothing she or anyone else could do for the man. She did the best she could. Leaning over the unrecognizable man, she could smell his burnt flesh. "I’m going to make you more comfortable," she told him in a soothing tone. She needed help and she knew it. Jamie was a talented doctor but she was in over her head with this patient. "I’m going to get some help," she told him as she reached out to touch him. She pulled her hand away, knowing the slightest touch would only serve to inflict more pain. That’s when she heard it. "Don’t," he managed to choke out.

Jamie’s green eyes blinked in disbelief as she fought back the tears. It wasn’t often when she was faced with the knowledge that it would be more humane to simply allow a patient to go. Jamie struggled with her emotions, knowing that he was in unbearable pain and his chances of survival were very slim. His body had been burned so badly that Jamie was surprised that he was still alive. Simon, the intern assigned to her, just looked at her, thinking that she had the answers. Stella, the nurse assisting them, gave her a sad knowing glance.

Jamie paused before giving Simon instructions. "Where are you going?" Simon asked in a panicked tone.

"Simon, there’s something you need to learn. Never be afraid of asking for help," Jamie said firmly. "I’m not qualified to treat this man. He shouldn’t have been sent here."

Jamie sought out help, finally snagging Dr. Lustrum. The elderly surgeon agreed that there was nothing that could be done. Jamie did everything by procedure from that point on. Thankfully the patient passed away quickly. They did what they could to save his life even though they knew it was impossible.

Jamie sat in the break room nursing a cup of coffee when Simon entered in a somber mood. He sat down at the table across from her. "You knew, didn’t you?" Simon asked her in an absent tone.

"Yes," she replied in a weary voice. "Simon, there was nothing that could be done. We’re not God."

"He wanted to die, didn’t he?" Simon continued.

Jamie bit her bottom lip, knowing it was the first time the young man had seen death close up. "Yes," Jamie confirmed. "We still need to do everything we can."

"I was relieved when he died," Simon choked out. "I shouldn’t have been."

"Simon," Jamie began carefully as she reached out and squeezed his hand, "Mr. Barstow was in a lot of pain. There was nothing left to his body. Every breath he took was an agonizing hell for him. Don’t be ashamed for feeling better that he finally found peace." As Jamie spoke the words, she wished that she could convince herself not to feel the same sense of guilt.

"Things are quieting down," Simon said softly as he began to caress her hand. "They should be letting us go soon. Did you want to get a drink or something?"

Jamie smiled slightly as she slowly pulled her hand away.
‘Oh, this boy needs to pay more attention to the gossip around this place,’
she thought with a slight degree of amusement. "No thanks. I have someone waiting for me," she explained, hoping that he would get the message. It wasn’t the first time the young man had shown an interest in her. Jamie had been trying to convey to him that she wasn’t interested for some time now.

Thankfully Stella entered the break room. "Mrs. Barstow is here," the older nurse informed her in a dejected tone.

"Thanks," Jamie said in a heavy tone as she stood.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Simon volunteered.