Free The Outlaws: Jess by Connie Mason Page B

If something serious is wrong with him, I want
to be able to help him."
    "There's nothing you can do," Jess said, his
expression softening. "Don't worry, he's not in any immediate
danger."
    Meg's features hardened. "Tell me, Jess, I
can take it."
    Jess shook his head. "Have you never heard of
patient confidentiality? Zach asked me to keep my diagnosis
private. Were you his wife or daughter, it would be a different
matter. But as his lover, you have no rights."
    Meg's rage and frustration was palpable. Jess
felt it tightening around him.
    "Is that your last word, Dr. Gentry? You're
basing your decision on supposition. That's like playing God. I
deserve to know what's wrong with Zach."
    Jess knew he should walk away before his
temper got the best of him. Unfortunately he waited a moment too
long. "Supposition is it? Your lover just asked me to marry you. He
says he can not longer take care of you like he should. Now who's
playing God?"
    Two bright spots flamed on Meg's cheeks. Jess
could tell he'd shocked her. He should have kept his mouth shut,
but he was still incensed over Zach's outrageous suggestion. When
he decided to marry it wouldn't be because a dying man wanted to
make sure his mistress was in good hands after his demise. Not only
was it embarrassing, but downright insulting to both him and
Meg.
    "I can't believe Zach would do such a thing,"
Meg choked out. "He knows better than anyone that I don't want a
husband. I'm perfectly happy seeing to Zach's needs."
    "Zach shouldn't be...exerting himself. He
can't be a real...lover to you anymore," Jess said, choosing his
words carefully. "You're a young woman. Can you settle for
that?"
    Meg's chin rose pugnaciously. "You don't know
a damn thing, Jess Gentry. If you don't know by now that Zach and I
are... Oh, what's the use. I don't care what you think."
    Jess grasped Meg's wrist and pulled her
against him. "You're a challenge, Meg Lincoln, and I like
challenges. There's an innocence about you that I can't quite
figure out. On the other hand, you can be a tempting seductress.
I've tasted your mouth, felt it cling to mine, begging for my
kisses. Like now. Those pouty lips are irresistible. Did you know
your eyes glow when you're angry? You're an enigma, Meg Lincoln. It
would take a lifetime to learn all your secrets."
    "Let me go."
    "Was it your idea to marry me, Meg?"
    "You're dreaming."
    Maybe you put the idea in Zach's head."
    "You're mad. So is Zach for suggesting such
an outrageous thing. I wouldn't have you if you were the last man
on earth."
    "Don't worry, I'd refuse."
    "Fine."
    Still he held her. She felt so damn good he
couldn't let her go. He wanted to kiss her. No, he had to kiss her.
Needed to kiss her. He did, full upon the mouth, his lips slanting
over hers until her mouth opened beneath his. His tongue slipped
inside. He moaned softly into her mouth. She tasted sweeter than he
remembered.
    He kissed her until her lips softened beneath his,
until her body melted against him, until he felt her tremble. His
hands roamed down her back, to her curvy hips, pulling them against
his hardening loins, making her aware of his arousal. He had no
idea why, but he wanted her to feel him, to know how a potent man
would react to a desirable young woman. Meg could deny it till
doomsday, but she wasn't as opposed to him as she'd like him to
believe.
    A chuckle rumbled in his chest when he heard
her moan his name. Meg said she wouldn't have him if he were the
last man on earth. He had just made a liar of her. He was
experienced enough to know when a woman wanted a man.
     
     

Chapter Five
     
    The kiss took on a life of its own. Jess
couldn't seem to stop kissing Meg. She tasted delicious, her lips
lush and full beneath his. He slanted his mouth over hers,
gathering her completely into his arms, aware of how very fragile
she was beneath her veneer of prickly independence. He felt his
loins harden and brought her closer against him. Had he dared he
would have cleared the table of