See part 1 ("Another Woman") for disclaimer.
The Friendship Cycle Eight: Nurse Parker
By Ginger
"Goddamn it Jarod, where are you!" Parker growled.
Clutching her cell phone in her right hand, she paced back and forth on a dismal patch of greenery that someone with delusions of grandeur had labeled "Sunrise Park." She stopped and lifted her hand to stare at the phone, as if concentrating really hard would make it ring, then glanced anxiously across the busy street at the imposing gray building that comprised Sunrise Medical Center.
"Where are you?" she repeated softly, her voice quivering slightly.
Seventeen minutes later the phone rang.
"What!" she barked into it.
"What's going on?" he asked gravely.
"Oh... God..."
Fallen leaves crunched beneath her weight as she sank onto the grass and closed her eyes, letting emotions she'd kept at bay for hours finally wash over her.
"Parker?"
His voice was tender and laced with concern and it was all she could do to keep from bursting into tears. She wrapped her free arm around her waist to brace herself against a sudden, chilly gust of wind, which served to remind her that, despite the bright sunshine and unseasonably mild weather, it was indeed autumn.
"You're beginning to frighten me. Please tell me what's..."
"Sydney," she interrupted. "He had a... something happened this morning."
"I'm listening."
She sensed the terror underlying the eerie calm of Jarod's tone and quickly added,
"He's okay, I mean, they say he'll be okay." She took a deep breath and continued, "I'd better start from the beginning."
"Please do."
"When I got in to work this morning, I found him slumped over his desk. God, consider *where* we work and you can imagine the thoughts that crossed my mind. I helped him sit back in his chair and asked him what happened. He couldn't answer me, Jarod. He appeared lucid when I looked into his eyes but he couldn't communicate; his speech was garbled."
"Go on," Jarod advised, his voice tight with tension.
"I... I knew it was serious and I knew I had to act fast, before anyone else saw the condition he was in. I had to get him out of the building. I couldn't let him end up in the infirmary. I just don't trust..."
"I know," he interjected tenderly.
"He was dead weight so there was no way I could move him by myself. I was frantic until a certain angel of mercy appeared in a ventilation duct."
"Angelo."
"I don't know what I'd have done if he hadn't... Anyway, he rounded up Broots and Sam to help me get Syd out of the building without attracting attention."
"How on earth?"
"Let's just say that Broots created a *diversion,* allowing Sam and I to more or less carry him out."
"Our Mr. Broots... So... it was a stroke, right?"
"Well, that's the good news. It wasn't officially a stroke. The doctors tell me it was something called a TIA."
"Transient ischemic attack. It is a temporary neurological episode that leaves no permanent damage."
"Which explains why he was already feeling better by the time we reached the hospital. He was able to speak and move of his own accord, albeit a little shaky."
"Make no mistake, Parker, this is serious. A TIA is often a prelude to stroke."
"No kidding, which is why I practically pulled my gun in order to keep him in the emergency room, the stubborn Flemish pain-in-the-ass. Damn good thing too because it turns out that his carotid artery is severely blocked - something like seventy percent. They're doing an endo... endo..."
"Endarterectomy. He's in surgery now?"
"The doctor said that since he's otherwise strong and his vitals are good, it's better not to waste any time. The most important thing is to prevent any future neurological events that could have more serious and permanent consequences. He went into surgery about 40 minutes ago."
"He's in surgery now," Jarod repeated softly, sounding vulnerable, childlike.
Parker squeezed her eyes shut, cursing the fact that she couldn't hold him; that they couldn't hold and comfort each other. Under the present circumstances, that was most definitely not an option.
As if reading her mind, he began, "Maybe I... I wish..."
"Don't even think about it, Jarod. It is simply out of the question. I succeeded in getting him out of there but as soon as they find out about this, if they haven't already, they'll be watching the place like hawks. You know they'd be only too willing to use something like this to set a trap for you. If you were placed in any kind of jeopardy because of this, it would kill Sydney. You have know that."
"I know," he replied raggedly. "But I hate this. I hate being so far away. I hate that you have to deal with this alone."
"It's okay," she said soothingly. "I'm not alone."
"Then I hate that *I* can't be the one there to help you take care of him."
"I know you do." Because she hated it too. Abruptly changing the subject, Parker remarked,
"His mind was on you, of course, all day. He kept telling me not to worry you and that I should forbid you to come anywhere near here. He seems to be under the impression that I have some sort of influence over you."
With a heavy sigh Jarod responded, "I think he understood that before either of us did. He will be alright, Parker."
She nodded. "I know he will. And I'd better be getting back. Remember, Jarod, stay the hell away from here. Check your email frequently. If I need you, I'll let you know. And when I'm not at the hospital, I'll keep my cell phone on."
"Thank you, Parker."
"For what?"
"For being so capable, for taking care of Sydney, for being my friend again, for the way it's been between us the last few months. For everything, I guess."
"You really are an idiot," she observed affectionately as she hauled herself off the ground.
"I miss you," was his only response before severing the connection.
Pressing the phone lovingly to her cheek, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Miss you too" then shut it off, flipped it closed, and slipped it into her pocket. Parker dusted off the back of her jacket and slacks then, setting her jaw, strolled briskly toward the hospital.
* * * *
"For crying out loud, Syd, it's freezing out here," Parker observed as she joined him on the porch. She pulled her jacket closed and wrapped her arms tightly around her waist as she stood beside him.
Briefly turning his attention from the moon and starlit sky, he offered, "I appreciate your coming up here but there really is no need to babysit me." Refocusing on the peaceful nighttime scene, he continued with a serene smile, "I am truly feeling fine."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it just a few short weeks ago that I found you slumped over your desk? Oh, and there's the minor detail of your being sliced open to have a major artery vacuumed out. Since you were determined to spend the weekend in the middle of freakin' nowhere, I guess you're stuck with me."
Sighing he replied, "It is a tradition, Miss Parker: I have always spent Veteran's Day Weekend at White Cloud. It's..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah... It's the last weekend before you close up the cabin for the season, and your favorite time to be up here. You've only told me twenty times."
"Perhaps that's because you've been lecturing me about it since I first mentioned it."
"And perhaps that's because you are a stubborn pain-in-the-ass."
Sydney chuckled and turned to her once again, asking, "I wonder if we've brought enough food?"
Shrugging, Parker replied, "Seems like enough to me. We're only here until Monday."
Raising an eyebrow he remarked, "Enough for two maybe."
She cocked her head and inquired innocently, "Do you usually get company this time of year?"
"No."
"Then I guess we don't have anything to worry about, do we?" With that she turned and strolled back inside.
* * * *
Despite the fact that the approaching visitor made virtually no noise, Sydney detected his presence and smiled.
"Good morning, Jarod," he offered warmly as his protege stepped beside him on the lakeshore.
"You're up and out early, Sydney," Jarod remarked, seemingly unfazed by his mentor's lack of surprise to see him.
"This is my favorite time of day to be out here. And it affords me a few quiet moments outside of the ever watchful gaze of Miss Parker."
"Keeping you on a pretty short leash, is she?" the younger man inquired in an amused tone.
"In truth, she has been taking very good care of me. I wish she wouldn't fuss and worry so much but there is simply no reasoning with her. She is a remarkable woman, but then, something tells me I am, as they say, 'preaching to the choir' on that subject."
There was a moment or two of silence and then, "You don't mind, do you? I wanted to see you... and, well, Parker... and this seemed like a perfect opportunity... and safe... well, relatively, anyway."
"Of course not, Jarod. You are always welcome here."
Another long pause followed, ending when Jarod cleared his throat and inquired, "How are you, Sydney?"
"I am feeling quite well and following doctors' orders under the strict enforcement of Miss Parker." He chuckled and, nodding in the direction of the cabin, added, "Who I believe is still asleep inside. Speaking of which, I assume you haven't been to bed yet?"
Shaking his head, Jarod replied, "Let's just say that I took the *long* way up here."
"Well then, you should go inside to warm up and get some rest."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. I could use a little quiet time. Otherwise, I'll never get into my reading."
"Ah, yes, Veteran's Day Weekend... So, what's the selection this year?"
Sydney dipped into the deep pocket of his parka to produce a weighty volume that he handed to his protege.
"Gibbon," Jarod observed with a smile as he brushed his hand across the smooth leather cover.
"I haven't read 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' since university. I was infatuated with a lovely field hockey player from our sister school that term, so I must confess that I don't remember very much. In fact, all I really recall is attending field hockey matches." He chuckled then continued, "And Jacob teasing me mercilessly about it. Such a long time ago... I think it's time to revisit a classic."
Raising an eyebrow and smiling warmly, Jarod handed back the volume and said, "Well, I'll leave you to it then."
The teacher watched in contentment as his former pupil trotted up the hill toward the cabin, the spring in his step no doubt due to what, or rather who, awaited him there. Jarod stopped only briefly to pick up his bag, which he'd left on the porch before coming down to the lake, then quickly disappeared inside.
Sydney mused about how much things had changed recently. If he had to trace it back to a specific event, it was when Parker had let Jarod go to find the brother they shared. He had disarmed her then immediately handed her weapon back. She hadn't stopped him. Sydney recalled thinking it significant at the time and feeling cautiously optimistic. It had been a real breakthrough for the two of them. And, yet, never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined them - together - under his roof a mere eighteen months later. A breakthrough, indeed.
Smiling to himself, the good doctor strolled over to his favorite rock and took a seat on it. Cracking open the stiff leather binding, he happily embarked on his journey back to the Roman Empire.
* * * *
Hearing the door creak open, Parker smiled but did not open her eyes. Nor did she turn over to face or speak to her guest. She listened contentedly to the soft thud of shoes hitting the floor, the clank of a belt buckle, the signature sound of a zipper, and the rustling of fabric. She scooted over in bed to make room for another occupant and reached behind her to pull open the covers in invitation. He accepted immediately, climbing in beside her and reaching for her.
"Jesus, Jarod, you're chilled to the bone," she murmured sleepily as she turned over to fold herself into his willing embrace.
She placed a tender kiss to his stubbly chin then snuggled in to press her face against his neck and inhale. She purred with satisfaction. He smelled delicious and felt even better.
Grinning he replied, "It is November, after all, and I hiked all night through the woods to get up here. I ran into Sydney down by the lake. He's looking well."
"What the hell is he doing out there at this hour? I swear, that man is *determined* to drop dead on my watch."
"Nonsense. He's just fine and tells me that you're taking very good care of him."
"Yeah, I'm *sure* that's what he told you."
"Indeed it was," he chirped, his tone changing as he added, "In fact... I was rather hoping that *Nurse Parker* could help me with a little problem I've been experiencing lately."
Smirking she inquired, "Really, and what is the nature of this problem?"
"Whenever I'm around a certain woman, I experience this painful..." He guided her hand down his body to cup his burgeoning erection through the thin cotton fabric of his boxer shorts and added, "Swelling."
"Ah, I can see that," she commented amusedly, continuing, "Hey, didn't you say that you hiked all night? You should be exhausted." Even as she spoke her hand moved rhythmically, deftly stroking him to full arousal.
"Exhausted... mmm... yes... dead... ah... no..."
Jarod soon had enough of her teasing and turned over to pin Parker beneath him, nudging her legs apart to settle between them. She opened her eyes fully for the first time and frowned.
"And what, may I ask, is *that*?" she demanded, nodding at the small tuft of hair beneath his lower lip.
"I grew it for a pretend and sort of liked it so I decided to keep it for a while. What do you think?"
"It is the facial hair equivalent of cholera, Jarod. There isn't a woman on the planet who would like it. Hmmm, on second thought, maybe you should keep it."
"My... my..." he murmured between nibbles on her earlobe. "We are growing mighty possessive, aren't we?"
"Let's just say," she whispered breathlessly, "There are certain benefits to your being a one woman man."
"Like?" He lifted his head to grin mischievously at her.
"Like this," she answered, raising herself slightly off the bed then guiding his hand to her lower back, just above the waistband of her panties.
"A band aid. Did you hurt yourself?"
"No, genius, it's a contraceptive patch. Only good boys get to ride bare back."
Parker couldn't help but giggle. Jarod looked like a kid on Christmas morning.
She glanced warily at the door then raised an eyebrow and asked, "What about Syd?"
Snaking his hands up under her white cotton tank top, Jarod winked and replied,
"Fortunately, Rome wasn't un-built in a day."
* * * *
Parker moved quietly around the room, careful not to disturb Jarod as she gathered her things together before heading to the shower. After gleefully making love to her for the better part of an hour, he had finally surrendered to fatigue. She had dozed off again too, lulled into sleep by the sound of his soft, rhythmic breathing.
She took a moment to gaze upon his blissfully sleeping form and sighed. He lay flat on his back with his long limbs sprawled in every direction - so beautiful in sleep that it made her ache. The way she wanted him bordered on the pathological; the feelings of possessiveness he evoked were raw and powerful. *Mine,* a voice in her head spoke.
*Mine and nobody else's.*
Did she really believe that? She figured she must on a gut level because it had been a spur of the moment decision to surprise him with the contraceptive patch. It had simply popped into her head one day and she'd immediately called her doctor to request the first available cancellation slot so as to deprive herself of any opportunity to rethink the idea. The symbolism of the gesture was heavy; she had always been conscientious about safe sex. The only circumstances under which she'd let a man near her without latex was within the confines of a committed, long-term relationship. Suffice it to say, it hadn't happened often in her long and storied sexual career.
Not that she regretted the decision one bit. Feeling Jarod's bare skin inside of her was in some ways like making love with him for the first time all over again. She grinned like Cheshire Cat, recalling the way he moaned her name and gasped, telling her over and over again how wonderful she felt. He was always so *appreciative,* as though it were some major sacrifice on her part to grant him the privilege of giving her multiple orgasms, or as if it were a monumental chore to kiss, lick, nip and stroke that fine body of his.
"Idiot," she whispered affectionately then padded silently over to the bed.
Parker gently tucked the covers around him and was about to turn away when, without opening his eyes, he grabbed her wrist and asked groggily,
"And where do you think you're going?"
"To take a shower. I am not presently fit for public consumption."
Tugging on her arm, he purred, "But you are fit for *my* consumption."
"Not on your life, horny toad," she replied, pulling her hand away. "It's already after ten and it would be rude to stay in bed all day and leave our host on his own."
"I don't think he'd mind," he offered, blinking his eyes open.
"Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't. I can't shake the suspicion that he's somehow managed to smuggle up a trunkload of his favorite artery-clogging European cheeses."
Jarod chuckled as he foisted himself into a seated position then commented, "Poor Sydney."
"Poor Sydney, my ass! Serves him right for growing on me and making me give a damn what happens to him. Serves you both right, actually. Mark my words, you'll rue the day," she tacked on over her shoulder as she exited the room.
"Already do, Miss Parker," Jarod muttered through a smile then quickly scampered out of bed and hopped into his boxer shorts to follow her.
* * * *
"So," Parker began, her arms crossed sternly at her chest. "What you are telling me is that you *refuse* to shave it off?"
Jarod nodded and grinned. She looked adorably incensed standing there in a towel, her wet hair clinging to those exquisite white shoulders of hers. In truth, he'd shave every single hair off his body if she asked him to, but it was simply too much fun to tease her.
"Well then," she announced, stalking past him and taking a swipe at his towel-clad behind as she went. "I guess I'll just have to do it for you."
Wrenching open the medicine cabinet, she pulled out a shaving mug, brush and straight razor. Sydney was a traditionalist when it came to this particular male ritual.
"Drag your ass over here, Jarod!" she barked as she ran water over the brush and razor.
"Uh, Miss Parker, do you think any man in his right mind would let you near his throat with a straight razor?"
Turning to face him, she set aside the shaving items and foisted herself into a seated position on the counter next to the sink. Parting her thighs, she patted the spot on the counter between them then, smiling wickedly, picked up the brush and mug.
"Yes," she replied seductively as she slowly stirred the soap into a frothy foam. "Indeed I do."
Knowing he was powerless to resist, Jarod shrugged and stepped forward. *What the heck,* he thought. There wasn't much blood flowing above the neck anyway.
Parker wound her legs around his waist and hooked her ankles to hold him in place then brushed the shaving foam onto his face, chin, and throat. When she deemed him sufficiently lathered up, she set the cup and brush aside and picked up the razor.
"Now," she instructed, her eyes gleaming. "Be a good boy and keep still."
She pressed the sharp blade to his skin and commenced giving him the closest shave of his life. She was remarkably skilled with a straight razor, a fact that Jarod decided it best not to dwell on. Instead he occupied himself by stroking the soft skin of her thighs, working his way up from her knees. There was something incredibly erotic about Parker brandishing a lethal weapon, which wasn't exactly news to him. Four years of her shouting, waving her gun, and chasing in perilous miniskirts and death-defying high heels had spawned many a late-night fantasy.
*If she only knew...*
"Uh, Jarod, not a good time to distract me," Parker advised as she eliminated the offending patch of hair, being especially cautious while working in the vicinity of his lips.
"There," she cooed then set aside the razor and leaned over to run a cloth under hot water before tenderly patting the freshly shaved area with it.
"All done," she added, tossing the cloth into the sink.
"Not hardly!" he growled, snaking one arm around her to pull her forward. With his other hand he removed her towel then his.
* * * *
"Good morning, Miss Parker," Sydney offered from his perch on a stool at the kitchen counter. There was a cup of tea in front of him and his book was setting open on one knee.
"I am surprised to see you down here so early."
Averting her eyes, Parker made a beeline for the coffee maker muttering, "Early? It's twenty to twelve, Syd."
"Is it really? The morning just flew by. Is Jarod still asleep? He must be exhausted after his long journey."
"Not hardly," she whispered then cleared her throat and replied somewhat awkwardly, "He's... um, getting dressed. He should be down any minute."
Parker was thankful she had her back to him as she busied herself making coffee. Her cheeks were positively burning. For obvious reasons, she and Jarod did not venture out in public together, nor had they shared the company of another living soul since their relationship had become intimate. The fact that Sydney was the first person to see them *together* was both a blessing and a curse: a blessing because he could be trusted unconditionally and meant the world to them both; a curse because, well, he was *Sydney!* At least she was not alone in her mortification; Jarod would probably feel even more uncomfortable until they all adjusted to the new reality.
"Good morning again, Sydney!"
*Or not.*
"I can't believe it," the older man observed with a chuckle. "You look quite rested."
"Several hours in the care of *Nurse Parker* will do that for a man," Jarod chirped.
*Definitely not.*
Since it was glaringly apparent that she was the only one present requiring a period of adjustment, Parker set aside the powerful urge to choke the life out of Jarod and poured herself a cup of coffee. She turned to find her lover leaning casually against the counter next to his mentor and looking as though he hadn't a care in the world. Thoughts of grisly homicide returned but she ignored them and announced,
"Since I doubt anyone is quite ready for lunch..."
"I haven't even had breakfast yet," Jarod interjected cheerfully.
"Yes... well, I think I'll leave you two to get caught up while I catch up on a little personal paperwork I've brought with me. If I don't take the time to sit down and pay bills, they'll send the sheriff after me."
"The laws of this state strictly prohibit the use of criminal law enforcement personnel in the collection of... oh."
Sydney's eyes danced with amusement, Parker's flashed with anger, and Jarod's blinked with bewilderment.
"I leave you in Sydney's capable hands," she stated through a tight smile then moved toward the door.
"But..."
Stopping in the doorway, she turned and said, "I see Syd almost daily and I see you... enough. When was the last time the two of you had the opportunity to just sit and talk?" Shaking her head, she raised her hand and added with a sigh, "Please don't answer that."
Then she was gone.
Sydney began to laugh softly. His protege frowned and remarked, "Well, I've obviously done something to amuse you and annoy her. Would you mind enlightening me as to what that was?"
* * * *
Jarod entered the cabin to find Parker reclining on the couch reading a magazine. She was covered with a blanket and the fire he'd built earlier was still burning. It was a very appealing scene - warm and domestic.
Peeking over her magazine, she inquired, "Did you two have a nice walk?"
"Very nice."
"Where's Sydney?"
"Visiting neighbors; a couple who've been coming up here about as long as he has. He saw smoke rising from their chimney and wanted to pay a call."
"Oh... I hope he's..."
"He'll be fine, Parker, and I couldn't exactly accompany him, could I?"
"I guess I really need to lay off."
"You worry about him because you care, but Sydney has endured a lot over the years. He's strong."
"He scared the living shit out of me that morning, Jarod."
"I know. Believe me, I know."
"I'll tell you one thing," she stated, tossing the magazine aside. "It was a hell of a lot easier when I was indifferent toward him and hostile toward you."
"No it wasn't," he contended with a smile as he approached the sofa. "You gave yourself an ulcer, remember?"
"The way *I* remember it, *you* gave me an ulcer."
"I'm not even going to dignify that with a response," he shot back as he lifted her outstretched legs and took a seat on the couch beneath them. Squeezing one of her knees, he asked,
"And how are *you* doing?"
"Fine."
"I don't know, you still seemed a little tense at lunch."
"And I can't imagine why."
"And I can't imagine what the problem is. Sydney is very happy for us, and it isn't as though this came as any sort of shock to him. Not really."
"It's not that... it's... You may not realize this, but people don't generally announce to authority figures that they've just spent the morning going at it like crazed monkeys."
"Miss Parker," Jarod began with a gleam in his eye. "I'll have you know that I spent many hours observing monkeys copulating, and not once in all that time did I witness..."
The magazine she picked up and tossed hit him squarely in the face.
"Now you've done it!" he warned then lunged.
It was a tangle of arms and legs, and no small amount of giggling, as they playfully wrestled on the sofa. When he had her pinned beneath him, he took a break from nibbling on her neck to inquire,
"You consider Sydney to be a figure of authority?"
"Not *authority* in the sense that we were raised to comprehend it... more of an *earned* authority. He's always been there offering guidance, counsel, and the occasional swift kick in the butt... well the psychological equivalent, anyway."
"Kind of like a father," Jarod offered thoughtfully.
"Kind of," Parker concurred with a nod and a smile.
"I think I'm beginning to understand. One does not generally share one's sexual exploits with a parent."
"Not generally," she repeated, rolling her eyes.
"Then I guess you'll be wearing turtlenecks for the remainder of the weekend. Good thing it's chilly."
"Bastard! How the hell old are you anyway!" she protested, but he saw laughter in her eyes as she wriggled beneath him in a futile attempt to extricate herself.
He snickered then dipped his head to engage her in a slow, deep kiss. She surrendered completely and they entertained themselves as such for several happy minutes. They were so engrossed that they didn't hear the front door open, the sound of a throat clearing loudly finally breaking their reverie. Jarod raised himself off her slightly and turned his head to glance over one shoulder as Parker lifted her head to peek over the other.
"Syd's back!"
Exclaiming the obvious, Parker gave Jarod a forceful shove that sent him tumbling to the floor on his back. Bolting into a standing position, she quickly stepped over him and straightened her rumpled clothing.
"I am sorry to interrupt, Miss Parker," a clearly amused Sydney offered. "But it is getting rather chilly out there and I didn't bring the key to the back entrance."
"Oh, you weren't interrupting, I mean, of course you had to come in." She shot Jarod - now sitting up, rubbing his back, and wearing a wry expression - a poisonous look and continued, "Have a seat by the fire and I'll get you something warm to drink. You must be tired."
"I am fine but I am not so sure about Jarod." He nodded in the direction of his fallen comrade.
"Oh, he'll live," she remarked, slapping the man in question on the back of the head as she moved toward the kitchen. "Take your coat off, Sydney!" she called over her shoulder before disappearing.
Once they were alone the mentor smiled sympathetically and offered his protege a hand to help him up. It was accepted with a diffident smile and a warm,
"Thank you, Sydney."
Parker soon returned with a cup of tea in one hand and a wooden box clasped under her other arm.
"What's that?" Jarod asked.
"It's a chess board I found in the study."
"We're playing chess?"
She handed the tea to Sydney, who had just finished shedding his jacket, then foisted the box at Jarod and replied, "*You're* playing chess. *I'm* reading a year's worth of back issues of my favorite magazines. I think we've *all* gotten enough exercise for one day."
Parker retook her position on the couch while Sydney and Jarod dutifully seated themselves on opposite sides of a small table in front of the fire and proceeded to set up the chessboard. They were soon heavily engrossed in the game, but she didn't make much headway with her magazines. Instead, she passed much of the time with her eyes closed, listening contentedly to their soft, genial conversation.
# # # #
Tbc... How and where will Jarod and Parker celebrate their *First Anniversary?*
The Friendship Cycle Eight: Nurse Parker
By Ginger
"Goddamn it Jarod, where are you!" Parker growled.
Clutching her cell phone in her right hand, she paced back and forth on a dismal patch of greenery that someone with delusions of grandeur had labeled "Sunrise Park." She stopped and lifted her hand to stare at the phone, as if concentrating really hard would make it ring, then glanced anxiously across the busy street at the imposing gray building that comprised Sunrise Medical Center.
"Where are you?" she repeated softly, her voice quivering slightly.
Seventeen minutes later the phone rang.
"What!" she barked into it.
"What's going on?" he asked gravely.
"Oh... God..."
Fallen leaves crunched beneath her weight as she sank onto the grass and closed her eyes, letting emotions she'd kept at bay for hours finally wash over her.
"Parker?"
His voice was tender and laced with concern and it was all she could do to keep from bursting into tears. She wrapped her free arm around her waist to brace herself against a sudden, chilly gust of wind, which served to remind her that, despite the bright sunshine and unseasonably mild weather, it was indeed autumn.
"You're beginning to frighten me. Please tell me what's..."
"Sydney," she interrupted. "He had a... something happened this morning."
"I'm listening."
She sensed the terror underlying the eerie calm of Jarod's tone and quickly added,
"He's okay, I mean, they say he'll be okay." She took a deep breath and continued, "I'd better start from the beginning."
"Please do."
"When I got in to work this morning, I found him slumped over his desk. God, consider *where* we work and you can imagine the thoughts that crossed my mind. I helped him sit back in his chair and asked him what happened. He couldn't answer me, Jarod. He appeared lucid when I looked into his eyes but he couldn't communicate; his speech was garbled."
"Go on," Jarod advised, his voice tight with tension.
"I... I knew it was serious and I knew I had to act fast, before anyone else saw the condition he was in. I had to get him out of the building. I couldn't let him end up in the infirmary. I just don't trust..."
"I know," he interjected tenderly.
"He was dead weight so there was no way I could move him by myself. I was frantic until a certain angel of mercy appeared in a ventilation duct."
"Angelo."
"I don't know what I'd have done if he hadn't... Anyway, he rounded up Broots and Sam to help me get Syd out of the building without attracting attention."
"How on earth?"
"Let's just say that Broots created a *diversion,* allowing Sam and I to more or less carry him out."
"Our Mr. Broots... So... it was a stroke, right?"
"Well, that's the good news. It wasn't officially a stroke. The doctors tell me it was something called a TIA."
"Transient ischemic attack. It is a temporary neurological episode that leaves no permanent damage."
"Which explains why he was already feeling better by the time we reached the hospital. He was able to speak and move of his own accord, albeit a little shaky."
"Make no mistake, Parker, this is serious. A TIA is often a prelude to stroke."
"No kidding, which is why I practically pulled my gun in order to keep him in the emergency room, the stubborn Flemish pain-in-the-ass. Damn good thing too because it turns out that his carotid artery is severely blocked - something like seventy percent. They're doing an endo... endo..."
"Endarterectomy. He's in surgery now?"
"The doctor said that since he's otherwise strong and his vitals are good, it's better not to waste any time. The most important thing is to prevent any future neurological events that could have more serious and permanent consequences. He went into surgery about 40 minutes ago."
"He's in surgery now," Jarod repeated softly, sounding vulnerable, childlike.
Parker squeezed her eyes shut, cursing the fact that she couldn't hold him; that they couldn't hold and comfort each other. Under the present circumstances, that was most definitely not an option.
As if reading her mind, he began, "Maybe I... I wish..."
"Don't even think about it, Jarod. It is simply out of the question. I succeeded in getting him out of there but as soon as they find out about this, if they haven't already, they'll be watching the place like hawks. You know they'd be only too willing to use something like this to set a trap for you. If you were placed in any kind of jeopardy because of this, it would kill Sydney. You have know that."
"I know," he replied raggedly. "But I hate this. I hate being so far away. I hate that you have to deal with this alone."
"It's okay," she said soothingly. "I'm not alone."
"Then I hate that *I* can't be the one there to help you take care of him."
"I know you do." Because she hated it too. Abruptly changing the subject, Parker remarked,
"His mind was on you, of course, all day. He kept telling me not to worry you and that I should forbid you to come anywhere near here. He seems to be under the impression that I have some sort of influence over you."
With a heavy sigh Jarod responded, "I think he understood that before either of us did. He will be alright, Parker."
She nodded. "I know he will. And I'd better be getting back. Remember, Jarod, stay the hell away from here. Check your email frequently. If I need you, I'll let you know. And when I'm not at the hospital, I'll keep my cell phone on."
"Thank you, Parker."
"For what?"
"For being so capable, for taking care of Sydney, for being my friend again, for the way it's been between us the last few months. For everything, I guess."
"You really are an idiot," she observed affectionately as she hauled herself off the ground.
"I miss you," was his only response before severing the connection.
Pressing the phone lovingly to her cheek, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Miss you too" then shut it off, flipped it closed, and slipped it into her pocket. Parker dusted off the back of her jacket and slacks then, setting her jaw, strolled briskly toward the hospital.
* * * *
"For crying out loud, Syd, it's freezing out here," Parker observed as she joined him on the porch. She pulled her jacket closed and wrapped her arms tightly around her waist as she stood beside him.
Briefly turning his attention from the moon and starlit sky, he offered, "I appreciate your coming up here but there really is no need to babysit me." Refocusing on the peaceful nighttime scene, he continued with a serene smile, "I am truly feeling fine."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it just a few short weeks ago that I found you slumped over your desk? Oh, and there's the minor detail of your being sliced open to have a major artery vacuumed out. Since you were determined to spend the weekend in the middle of freakin' nowhere, I guess you're stuck with me."
Sighing he replied, "It is a tradition, Miss Parker: I have always spent Veteran's Day Weekend at White Cloud. It's..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah... It's the last weekend before you close up the cabin for the season, and your favorite time to be up here. You've only told me twenty times."
"Perhaps that's because you've been lecturing me about it since I first mentioned it."
"And perhaps that's because you are a stubborn pain-in-the-ass."
Sydney chuckled and turned to her once again, asking, "I wonder if we've brought enough food?"
Shrugging, Parker replied, "Seems like enough to me. We're only here until Monday."
Raising an eyebrow he remarked, "Enough for two maybe."
She cocked her head and inquired innocently, "Do you usually get company this time of year?"
"No."
"Then I guess we don't have anything to worry about, do we?" With that she turned and strolled back inside.
* * * *
Despite the fact that the approaching visitor made virtually no noise, Sydney detected his presence and smiled.
"Good morning, Jarod," he offered warmly as his protege stepped beside him on the lakeshore.
"You're up and out early, Sydney," Jarod remarked, seemingly unfazed by his mentor's lack of surprise to see him.
"This is my favorite time of day to be out here. And it affords me a few quiet moments outside of the ever watchful gaze of Miss Parker."
"Keeping you on a pretty short leash, is she?" the younger man inquired in an amused tone.
"In truth, she has been taking very good care of me. I wish she wouldn't fuss and worry so much but there is simply no reasoning with her. She is a remarkable woman, but then, something tells me I am, as they say, 'preaching to the choir' on that subject."
There was a moment or two of silence and then, "You don't mind, do you? I wanted to see you... and, well, Parker... and this seemed like a perfect opportunity... and safe... well, relatively, anyway."
"Of course not, Jarod. You are always welcome here."
Another long pause followed, ending when Jarod cleared his throat and inquired, "How are you, Sydney?"
"I am feeling quite well and following doctors' orders under the strict enforcement of Miss Parker." He chuckled and, nodding in the direction of the cabin, added, "Who I believe is still asleep inside. Speaking of which, I assume you haven't been to bed yet?"
Shaking his head, Jarod replied, "Let's just say that I took the *long* way up here."
"Well then, you should go inside to warm up and get some rest."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. I could use a little quiet time. Otherwise, I'll never get into my reading."
"Ah, yes, Veteran's Day Weekend... So, what's the selection this year?"
Sydney dipped into the deep pocket of his parka to produce a weighty volume that he handed to his protege.
"Gibbon," Jarod observed with a smile as he brushed his hand across the smooth leather cover.
"I haven't read 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' since university. I was infatuated with a lovely field hockey player from our sister school that term, so I must confess that I don't remember very much. In fact, all I really recall is attending field hockey matches." He chuckled then continued, "And Jacob teasing me mercilessly about it. Such a long time ago... I think it's time to revisit a classic."
Raising an eyebrow and smiling warmly, Jarod handed back the volume and said, "Well, I'll leave you to it then."
The teacher watched in contentment as his former pupil trotted up the hill toward the cabin, the spring in his step no doubt due to what, or rather who, awaited him there. Jarod stopped only briefly to pick up his bag, which he'd left on the porch before coming down to the lake, then quickly disappeared inside.
Sydney mused about how much things had changed recently. If he had to trace it back to a specific event, it was when Parker had let Jarod go to find the brother they shared. He had disarmed her then immediately handed her weapon back. She hadn't stopped him. Sydney recalled thinking it significant at the time and feeling cautiously optimistic. It had been a real breakthrough for the two of them. And, yet, never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined them - together - under his roof a mere eighteen months later. A breakthrough, indeed.
Smiling to himself, the good doctor strolled over to his favorite rock and took a seat on it. Cracking open the stiff leather binding, he happily embarked on his journey back to the Roman Empire.
* * * *
Hearing the door creak open, Parker smiled but did not open her eyes. Nor did she turn over to face or speak to her guest. She listened contentedly to the soft thud of shoes hitting the floor, the clank of a belt buckle, the signature sound of a zipper, and the rustling of fabric. She scooted over in bed to make room for another occupant and reached behind her to pull open the covers in invitation. He accepted immediately, climbing in beside her and reaching for her.
"Jesus, Jarod, you're chilled to the bone," she murmured sleepily as she turned over to fold herself into his willing embrace.
She placed a tender kiss to his stubbly chin then snuggled in to press her face against his neck and inhale. She purred with satisfaction. He smelled delicious and felt even better.
Grinning he replied, "It is November, after all, and I hiked all night through the woods to get up here. I ran into Sydney down by the lake. He's looking well."
"What the hell is he doing out there at this hour? I swear, that man is *determined* to drop dead on my watch."
"Nonsense. He's just fine and tells me that you're taking very good care of him."
"Yeah, I'm *sure* that's what he told you."
"Indeed it was," he chirped, his tone changing as he added, "In fact... I was rather hoping that *Nurse Parker* could help me with a little problem I've been experiencing lately."
Smirking she inquired, "Really, and what is the nature of this problem?"
"Whenever I'm around a certain woman, I experience this painful..." He guided her hand down his body to cup his burgeoning erection through the thin cotton fabric of his boxer shorts and added, "Swelling."
"Ah, I can see that," she commented amusedly, continuing, "Hey, didn't you say that you hiked all night? You should be exhausted." Even as she spoke her hand moved rhythmically, deftly stroking him to full arousal.
"Exhausted... mmm... yes... dead... ah... no..."
Jarod soon had enough of her teasing and turned over to pin Parker beneath him, nudging her legs apart to settle between them. She opened her eyes fully for the first time and frowned.
"And what, may I ask, is *that*?" she demanded, nodding at the small tuft of hair beneath his lower lip.
"I grew it for a pretend and sort of liked it so I decided to keep it for a while. What do you think?"
"It is the facial hair equivalent of cholera, Jarod. There isn't a woman on the planet who would like it. Hmmm, on second thought, maybe you should keep it."
"My... my..." he murmured between nibbles on her earlobe. "We are growing mighty possessive, aren't we?"
"Let's just say," she whispered breathlessly, "There are certain benefits to your being a one woman man."
"Like?" He lifted his head to grin mischievously at her.
"Like this," she answered, raising herself slightly off the bed then guiding his hand to her lower back, just above the waistband of her panties.
"A band aid. Did you hurt yourself?"
"No, genius, it's a contraceptive patch. Only good boys get to ride bare back."
Parker couldn't help but giggle. Jarod looked like a kid on Christmas morning.
She glanced warily at the door then raised an eyebrow and asked, "What about Syd?"
Snaking his hands up under her white cotton tank top, Jarod winked and replied,
"Fortunately, Rome wasn't un-built in a day."
* * * *
Parker moved quietly around the room, careful not to disturb Jarod as she gathered her things together before heading to the shower. After gleefully making love to her for the better part of an hour, he had finally surrendered to fatigue. She had dozed off again too, lulled into sleep by the sound of his soft, rhythmic breathing.
She took a moment to gaze upon his blissfully sleeping form and sighed. He lay flat on his back with his long limbs sprawled in every direction - so beautiful in sleep that it made her ache. The way she wanted him bordered on the pathological; the feelings of possessiveness he evoked were raw and powerful. *Mine,* a voice in her head spoke.
*Mine and nobody else's.*
Did she really believe that? She figured she must on a gut level because it had been a spur of the moment decision to surprise him with the contraceptive patch. It had simply popped into her head one day and she'd immediately called her doctor to request the first available cancellation slot so as to deprive herself of any opportunity to rethink the idea. The symbolism of the gesture was heavy; she had always been conscientious about safe sex. The only circumstances under which she'd let a man near her without latex was within the confines of a committed, long-term relationship. Suffice it to say, it hadn't happened often in her long and storied sexual career.
Not that she regretted the decision one bit. Feeling Jarod's bare skin inside of her was in some ways like making love with him for the first time all over again. She grinned like Cheshire Cat, recalling the way he moaned her name and gasped, telling her over and over again how wonderful she felt. He was always so *appreciative,* as though it were some major sacrifice on her part to grant him the privilege of giving her multiple orgasms, or as if it were a monumental chore to kiss, lick, nip and stroke that fine body of his.
"Idiot," she whispered affectionately then padded silently over to the bed.
Parker gently tucked the covers around him and was about to turn away when, without opening his eyes, he grabbed her wrist and asked groggily,
"And where do you think you're going?"
"To take a shower. I am not presently fit for public consumption."
Tugging on her arm, he purred, "But you are fit for *my* consumption."
"Not on your life, horny toad," she replied, pulling her hand away. "It's already after ten and it would be rude to stay in bed all day and leave our host on his own."
"I don't think he'd mind," he offered, blinking his eyes open.
"Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't. I can't shake the suspicion that he's somehow managed to smuggle up a trunkload of his favorite artery-clogging European cheeses."
Jarod chuckled as he foisted himself into a seated position then commented, "Poor Sydney."
"Poor Sydney, my ass! Serves him right for growing on me and making me give a damn what happens to him. Serves you both right, actually. Mark my words, you'll rue the day," she tacked on over her shoulder as she exited the room.
"Already do, Miss Parker," Jarod muttered through a smile then quickly scampered out of bed and hopped into his boxer shorts to follow her.
* * * *
"So," Parker began, her arms crossed sternly at her chest. "What you are telling me is that you *refuse* to shave it off?"
Jarod nodded and grinned. She looked adorably incensed standing there in a towel, her wet hair clinging to those exquisite white shoulders of hers. In truth, he'd shave every single hair off his body if she asked him to, but it was simply too much fun to tease her.
"Well then," she announced, stalking past him and taking a swipe at his towel-clad behind as she went. "I guess I'll just have to do it for you."
Wrenching open the medicine cabinet, she pulled out a shaving mug, brush and straight razor. Sydney was a traditionalist when it came to this particular male ritual.
"Drag your ass over here, Jarod!" she barked as she ran water over the brush and razor.
"Uh, Miss Parker, do you think any man in his right mind would let you near his throat with a straight razor?"
Turning to face him, she set aside the shaving items and foisted herself into a seated position on the counter next to the sink. Parting her thighs, she patted the spot on the counter between them then, smiling wickedly, picked up the brush and mug.
"Yes," she replied seductively as she slowly stirred the soap into a frothy foam. "Indeed I do."
Knowing he was powerless to resist, Jarod shrugged and stepped forward. *What the heck,* he thought. There wasn't much blood flowing above the neck anyway.
Parker wound her legs around his waist and hooked her ankles to hold him in place then brushed the shaving foam onto his face, chin, and throat. When she deemed him sufficiently lathered up, she set the cup and brush aside and picked up the razor.
"Now," she instructed, her eyes gleaming. "Be a good boy and keep still."
She pressed the sharp blade to his skin and commenced giving him the closest shave of his life. She was remarkably skilled with a straight razor, a fact that Jarod decided it best not to dwell on. Instead he occupied himself by stroking the soft skin of her thighs, working his way up from her knees. There was something incredibly erotic about Parker brandishing a lethal weapon, which wasn't exactly news to him. Four years of her shouting, waving her gun, and chasing in perilous miniskirts and death-defying high heels had spawned many a late-night fantasy.
*If she only knew...*
"Uh, Jarod, not a good time to distract me," Parker advised as she eliminated the offending patch of hair, being especially cautious while working in the vicinity of his lips.
"There," she cooed then set aside the razor and leaned over to run a cloth under hot water before tenderly patting the freshly shaved area with it.
"All done," she added, tossing the cloth into the sink.
"Not hardly!" he growled, snaking one arm around her to pull her forward. With his other hand he removed her towel then his.
* * * *
"Good morning, Miss Parker," Sydney offered from his perch on a stool at the kitchen counter. There was a cup of tea in front of him and his book was setting open on one knee.
"I am surprised to see you down here so early."
Averting her eyes, Parker made a beeline for the coffee maker muttering, "Early? It's twenty to twelve, Syd."
"Is it really? The morning just flew by. Is Jarod still asleep? He must be exhausted after his long journey."
"Not hardly," she whispered then cleared her throat and replied somewhat awkwardly, "He's... um, getting dressed. He should be down any minute."
Parker was thankful she had her back to him as she busied herself making coffee. Her cheeks were positively burning. For obvious reasons, she and Jarod did not venture out in public together, nor had they shared the company of another living soul since their relationship had become intimate. The fact that Sydney was the first person to see them *together* was both a blessing and a curse: a blessing because he could be trusted unconditionally and meant the world to them both; a curse because, well, he was *Sydney!* At least she was not alone in her mortification; Jarod would probably feel even more uncomfortable until they all adjusted to the new reality.
"Good morning again, Sydney!"
*Or not.*
"I can't believe it," the older man observed with a chuckle. "You look quite rested."
"Several hours in the care of *Nurse Parker* will do that for a man," Jarod chirped.
*Definitely not.*
Since it was glaringly apparent that she was the only one present requiring a period of adjustment, Parker set aside the powerful urge to choke the life out of Jarod and poured herself a cup of coffee. She turned to find her lover leaning casually against the counter next to his mentor and looking as though he hadn't a care in the world. Thoughts of grisly homicide returned but she ignored them and announced,
"Since I doubt anyone is quite ready for lunch..."
"I haven't even had breakfast yet," Jarod interjected cheerfully.
"Yes... well, I think I'll leave you two to get caught up while I catch up on a little personal paperwork I've brought with me. If I don't take the time to sit down and pay bills, they'll send the sheriff after me."
"The laws of this state strictly prohibit the use of criminal law enforcement personnel in the collection of... oh."
Sydney's eyes danced with amusement, Parker's flashed with anger, and Jarod's blinked with bewilderment.
"I leave you in Sydney's capable hands," she stated through a tight smile then moved toward the door.
"But..."
Stopping in the doorway, she turned and said, "I see Syd almost daily and I see you... enough. When was the last time the two of you had the opportunity to just sit and talk?" Shaking her head, she raised her hand and added with a sigh, "Please don't answer that."
Then she was gone.
Sydney began to laugh softly. His protege frowned and remarked, "Well, I've obviously done something to amuse you and annoy her. Would you mind enlightening me as to what that was?"
* * * *
Jarod entered the cabin to find Parker reclining on the couch reading a magazine. She was covered with a blanket and the fire he'd built earlier was still burning. It was a very appealing scene - warm and domestic.
Peeking over her magazine, she inquired, "Did you two have a nice walk?"
"Very nice."
"Where's Sydney?"
"Visiting neighbors; a couple who've been coming up here about as long as he has. He saw smoke rising from their chimney and wanted to pay a call."
"Oh... I hope he's..."
"He'll be fine, Parker, and I couldn't exactly accompany him, could I?"
"I guess I really need to lay off."
"You worry about him because you care, but Sydney has endured a lot over the years. He's strong."
"He scared the living shit out of me that morning, Jarod."
"I know. Believe me, I know."
"I'll tell you one thing," she stated, tossing the magazine aside. "It was a hell of a lot easier when I was indifferent toward him and hostile toward you."
"No it wasn't," he contended with a smile as he approached the sofa. "You gave yourself an ulcer, remember?"
"The way *I* remember it, *you* gave me an ulcer."
"I'm not even going to dignify that with a response," he shot back as he lifted her outstretched legs and took a seat on the couch beneath them. Squeezing one of her knees, he asked,
"And how are *you* doing?"
"Fine."
"I don't know, you still seemed a little tense at lunch."
"And I can't imagine why."
"And I can't imagine what the problem is. Sydney is very happy for us, and it isn't as though this came as any sort of shock to him. Not really."
"It's not that... it's... You may not realize this, but people don't generally announce to authority figures that they've just spent the morning going at it like crazed monkeys."
"Miss Parker," Jarod began with a gleam in his eye. "I'll have you know that I spent many hours observing monkeys copulating, and not once in all that time did I witness..."
The magazine she picked up and tossed hit him squarely in the face.
"Now you've done it!" he warned then lunged.
It was a tangle of arms and legs, and no small amount of giggling, as they playfully wrestled on the sofa. When he had her pinned beneath him, he took a break from nibbling on her neck to inquire,
"You consider Sydney to be a figure of authority?"
"Not *authority* in the sense that we were raised to comprehend it... more of an *earned* authority. He's always been there offering guidance, counsel, and the occasional swift kick in the butt... well the psychological equivalent, anyway."
"Kind of like a father," Jarod offered thoughtfully.
"Kind of," Parker concurred with a nod and a smile.
"I think I'm beginning to understand. One does not generally share one's sexual exploits with a parent."
"Not generally," she repeated, rolling her eyes.
"Then I guess you'll be wearing turtlenecks for the remainder of the weekend. Good thing it's chilly."
"Bastard! How the hell old are you anyway!" she protested, but he saw laughter in her eyes as she wriggled beneath him in a futile attempt to extricate herself.
He snickered then dipped his head to engage her in a slow, deep kiss. She surrendered completely and they entertained themselves as such for several happy minutes. They were so engrossed that they didn't hear the front door open, the sound of a throat clearing loudly finally breaking their reverie. Jarod raised himself off her slightly and turned his head to glance over one shoulder as Parker lifted her head to peek over the other.
"Syd's back!"
Exclaiming the obvious, Parker gave Jarod a forceful shove that sent him tumbling to the floor on his back. Bolting into a standing position, she quickly stepped over him and straightened her rumpled clothing.
"I am sorry to interrupt, Miss Parker," a clearly amused Sydney offered. "But it is getting rather chilly out there and I didn't bring the key to the back entrance."
"Oh, you weren't interrupting, I mean, of course you had to come in." She shot Jarod - now sitting up, rubbing his back, and wearing a wry expression - a poisonous look and continued, "Have a seat by the fire and I'll get you something warm to drink. You must be tired."
"I am fine but I am not so sure about Jarod." He nodded in the direction of his fallen comrade.
"Oh, he'll live," she remarked, slapping the man in question on the back of the head as she moved toward the kitchen. "Take your coat off, Sydney!" she called over her shoulder before disappearing.
Once they were alone the mentor smiled sympathetically and offered his protege a hand to help him up. It was accepted with a diffident smile and a warm,
"Thank you, Sydney."
Parker soon returned with a cup of tea in one hand and a wooden box clasped under her other arm.
"What's that?" Jarod asked.
"It's a chess board I found in the study."
"We're playing chess?"
She handed the tea to Sydney, who had just finished shedding his jacket, then foisted the box at Jarod and replied, "*You're* playing chess. *I'm* reading a year's worth of back issues of my favorite magazines. I think we've *all* gotten enough exercise for one day."
Parker retook her position on the couch while Sydney and Jarod dutifully seated themselves on opposite sides of a small table in front of the fire and proceeded to set up the chessboard. They were soon heavily engrossed in the game, but she didn't make much headway with her magazines. Instead, she passed much of the time with her eyes closed, listening contentedly to their soft, genial conversation.
# # # #
Tbc... How and where will Jarod and Parker celebrate their *First Anniversary?*