He held up a hand. “I stepped on a tender spot. Sorry.” He went back to looking at his papers.
Taking a deep breath, she focused on her meal again. She watched the candle flicker and listened to the tinkle of water in the fountain then glanced at Chance. He was a handsome man. One of those who drew a woman’s attention naturally. There was an aura about him that just made her want to know him better. But what she didn’t need was someone caging her after she’d finally found her freedom.
Done with her meal, she asked, “Of all the places in the world, why did you decide to start a clinic in Honduras?”
Chance looked up. “I came here to do summer work with one of my professors while in med school.”
“That was it. You decided to start the Traveling Clinic?”
“Yeah, something like that. I saw the hardship and wanted to work here.”
Something about his tone made her think there was more to it than that. “So you decided to make it your life’s work.”
“It sort of evolved into it.” He took a bite of the fruit they’d been served for dessert.
“How’s that?”
Chance put his fork down. “You’re full of questions.”
“No more than you were.”
“Okay, so I had high hopes that I could make life better for the Hondurans. Make a real difference. But that, like everything else, costs money. Each year that has been harder to come by.”
“So when you made fun of me for trying to save the world you weren’t any different your first time in Honduras.”
A sheepish look came over his face. “Yeah, I know that stars-in-the-eyes look. I’ve had it and seen it hundreds of times. I’ve also seen people go home defeated by the amount of need here.”
“Is that why you’re so tough on me, because you don’t want me to be discouraged?”
He crossed his arms on the table. “I just want you to understand what you’re getting into. This isn’t a fairy-tale world.”
“What makes you think I need that?”
“Look at you. Your polished nails. You don’t belong here. This isn’t a place for you.”
She leaned toward him. “Who gave you such a narrow view of women and their abilities?”
“That would be my ex-wife, who came down here and stayed a few months before she left me for my colleague.”
By the tone of his voice he was still terribly bitter. She couldn’t keep the amazement in her voice from showing. “You were married?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. Even I can make a mistake.”
“Mistake? That’s a sad view of marriage.”
“But honest. Enough on that subject.” Chance returned to the papers at his fingertips.
He had been hurt, deeply. Did he judge all women by his ex-wife’s behavior? Even her? Maybe that’s why he treated her so unfairly. A few minutes later, she pushed back from the table. “Thank you for the stimulating company but I think I’ll call it an evening.”
To her disbelief Chance gathered his work, stood and stuffed the forms in his back pocket. “I’ll walk back with you.”
She didn’t question his motives; instead, she said thank you to the waiter and headed for the door. Chance caught up with her and they walked out of the main building.
She needed to apologize for spying on him but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. They continued walking.
At her hut Ellen said, “Uh, about the other night, the window and all. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I was flattered.”
She shifted from one foot to the other, not meeting his eyes. “Still, I shouldn’t have been invading your privacy. It won’t happen again.”
“That’s a shame. I found it flattering.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Where she had been embarrassed now she was indigent. He was enjoying her discomfort.
“What man doesn’t appreciate a lovely woman admiring him?”
“My, you have an ego.”
He grinned. “I’m just teasing you.”
“Since when do you tease?”
“Maybe I’m finding a new side to my life.”
“Could another one be you getting over your issues with me?”
Suddenly the current of awareness between them went up three notches. The air almost sparked. He stepped into her personal space. “Sweetheart—” the word was more growl than endearment “—I don’t think so. I have too many where you are concerned. The main one is wanting you.”
Her heart quickened. She’d not anticipated that declaration. In fact, by the way he’d treated her she hadn’t been sure he even liked her. Chance stepped closer. She refused to back away. His head lowered and an arm went around her waist. He drew her against him. His mouth found hers and she forgot to think. She hung on for dear life. It wasn’t a simple meeting of lips. Too many emotions roiled in her and flowed between them. The kiss was a mixture of shock, amazement, taking, giving, and abrupt release.
Without a word Chance left her staring after him as he stalked off past his hut and up the path.
On weak legs Ellen slowly climbed the steps to her porch. What had brought that on?
For days he’d treated her as if she was an interloper in his world. Out of nowhere he’d kissed her like there was no tomorrow.
Then he’d abruptly let her go. Why? What had suddenly turned him against her? There had been something real between them and just as quickly he’d broken the connection as if it was something he wanted no part of. Her arms went around her waist and she squeezed. Being pushed away hurt.
She knew what she had been thinking. No one had kissed her like that in her life. The electric ripple had rolled through her, making her ultra-aware of her body and his. She’d come close to marrying other men who had never had that effect on her. What if she had never known those brief moments of passion with Chance?
How far would she have allowed Chance to go? By her reaction to his kiss, too far. She bit her lower lip. Even now her lips still tingled.
But could she afford to act on her feelings again? Coming to Honduras had been her way of finding her place in the world. A space she chose and to make hers. Not one that her father oversaw or controlled. Did she want to get involved in something that might hurt her chances of staying here?
It really wasn’t an issue. Chance had walked way.
