The Brass Ring by Mavis Applewater Page B

Doody was an interesting answer," Jamie said flatly. "Quite a nasty bruise you’re sporting back here."
    "What about those?" the nurse inquired.
    CC bit back a laugh, knowing that the nurse had spotted the fading hickeys that Jamie had left there. "Those seem to be old," Jamie squeaked out.
    "Oh, those?" CC began, knowing that Jamie was blushing behind her. She jumped slightly as a cold metal stethoscope was placed on her back. "Good Lord! Don’t you warm those things?"
    "Take a deep breath," Jamie instructed her in a flat tone.
    The exam continued as Jamie poked and prodded every inch of her body and then shipped her off for x-rays.
    Later CC was sitting on the exam table swinging her legs, bored out her mind. Her head had stopped hurting and she just wanted to go home. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Jamie reappeared. "So did you find anything interesting?" CC questioned her.
    "No," Jamie responded as she sipped her coffee. "Just as I suspected, your head is completely empty."
    "Cute," CC scoffed as she looked around to ensure that they were alone.
    "You can get dressed now," Jamie offered with a smile.
    "Thank you." CC sighed with relief.
    "As I was saying, you’re fine but just a little beat up." Jamie continued. "What happened?"
    "Difference of opinion," CC lied as she began to get dressed. "Uh, Jamie . . . there’s something I would like to talk to you about," she began hesitantly. CC knew she had to ask and it had been bothering her since they’d woke up together that morning. "That night." She paused for a moment as her mind searched for the correct words. "We weren’t careful," she finally spat out, unable to look at Jamie.
    "I understand," Jamie said gently, CC could feel the small blonde approaching her. "CC, look at me," Jamie requested softly. CC swallowed hard before turning to face her. Jamie gave her a reassuring smile. "I had the same concerns myself. It wasn’t a very smart thing to do. In fact, I had myself tested a couple of days later. I’m fine. If you want I can set up a blood test for you."
    "Thanks." CC sighed with relief as she finished putting on her clothes. "I would like a test. I’ll see my own doctor though. Thanks for not being offended."
    "Why would I be offended?" Jamie responded. "We had unsafe sex, not knowing one another’s sexual history. So how are you getting home? Even though you checked out, I would feel better if you didn’t drive."
    "I’ll have Max take me home. It’ll be his penance." She chuckled as Jamie gave her a curious look.
    Later that night, CC indulged in her favorite activity. She sat on the sofa cradling her niece in her arms. "So Emma, what am I going to do?" she asked the cooing infant. "Don’t tell anyone, but I think I’m falling for her all over again."
    A soft knock on the front door interrupted her thoughts. "Now what?" She sighed as she stood, carrying Emma to the door. The scowl she was sporting quickly vanished when she opened the door and found Jamie standing on the other side.

  

    CHAPTER FIFTEEN
      
    J AMIE STARED UP at CC who was cradling Emma in her arms. A rush of emotions assaulted the blonde as she drank in the sight. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful,’ she thought blissfully as her heart began to pound in her chest. Her emotions had been on overload ever since CC had unceremoniously reentered her life. She blinked in confusion as she suddenly became aware that CC was talking to her.
    "Sorry," she apologized as she shook her head in an effort to clear her thoughts. "It’s been a long day," she added, hoping that the tall policewoman would accept the feeble excuse. "I just stopped by to see how you’re doing."
    "Come in," CC offered in a friendly manner as she stepped aside.
    Jamie accepted the offer and stepped into the condo. She tried to calm her racing heart as CC closed the door behind her. Jamie’s mouth went suddenly dry as CC moved towards her. "Have a seat," CC said as she sat down