To his relief, the campus had signs pointing to the performing arts center. When he reached the building, Drew found a parking spot and pulled in, then jumped out of the car. Inhaling deeply, he raked his hand through his hair and straightened his tie.
They had the whole night in front of them. He’d made arrangements for another doctor to take any emergency calls for the weekend. He’d brought along clothes and condoms for two days and nights. And he could barely keep himself from thinking about what lay ahead—after the recital.
Drew pulled open the front door and walked inside the lobby of the center. It was festooned with Christmas decorations, and swags of greenery and twinkle lights were draped across the wide glass windows. Another sign pointed to the recital hall, and when he got there, a student was standing at the door, handing out programs. “I’m looking for Alison,” Drew said.
“Professor Cole?” she asked.
“Yes, Professor Cole,” Drew replied. “Do you know where I could find her?”
“She’s probably backstage. Through those doors and down the hallway. There are people who can help you.”
“Thanks.” Drew followed the directions and found himself backstage in a flurry of activity. When he finally saw Alison, she was standing in the midst of a group of students singing harmony to her main tune.
Their gazes met and her eyes registered pleasure. He felt a small measure of relief. The attraction was still there and it was as powerful as ever. When the song was over, she crossed the room and stood in front of him. “You came,” she said, throwing her arms around him and giving him a fierce hug.
“I told you I would.” He closed his eyes and reveled in the contact. All week he’d thought about touching her, and now that she was in his arms again, he didn’t want to let go. Drew held out the flowers. “These are for you.”
She looked so beautiful, her hair curled and her eyes smudged with a smoky makeup. She wore a deep blue gown with sparkly things around the low-cut neckline. Drew was almost afraid to touch her, but he rested his hand on her waist and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
Alison grabbed his hand. “Come with me.”
She led him into a small dressing room near the stage, then closed the door behind them. The instant the door shut, she threw her arms around his neck again and kissed him, her lips soft on his. With a moan, Drew dropped the flowers and slipped his arms around her, returning the kiss with the same passion.
It was wonderful to be able to touch her body at will. Though her scent was different, an exotic perfume instead of soap and shampoo, there were so many things familiar to him—the silken feel of her hair, the soft swell of her breasts. When they finally paused for a breath, Drew looked down into her eyes. “I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder.”
“I was worried,” she said. “I thought things had changed.”
“How?”
“I don’t know. When we spoke on the phone, everything was so…polite. It was like talking to a stranger. But now that you’re here, we’re not strangers anymore.” Alison stood on her toes and kissed him again. “How long can you stay?”
“All weekend,” he said. “I have someone to cover my patients. After the recital, I’m going to take you out to dinner and we’ll—”
“My parents are here,” Alison said. “They were planning to take me out. But you can come with us—if you want.”
“I’d like that,” Drew said. “I’d like to meet the people who raised such an amazing woman.” He felt a sense of urgency. If he and Alison didn’t get to know each other a little better, then the relationship was doomed to fail. And what better way to know her than to meet her parents?
He picked up the bouquet of flowers. “Maybe I should save these and give them to your mom,” he said.
Alison laughed as she grabbed the flowers from his hand. “No! They’re mine.”
Drew yanked her to him and playfully tried to retrieve the bouquet. “But I want her to like me and—” The phone in Drew’s pocket buzzed. “Meeting your parents is imp—” It buzzed again. With a quiet curse, he pulled it out and looked at the caller ID. It was the clinic.
“Sorry,” he said. “This will just take a second.”
“It’s all right,” Alison said. “You have to answer it.”
Drew pushed the green button. “Hi, Sally. What’s up?”
“I’m sorry to call, but I knew you’d want me to,” she said in a breathless voice. “It’s Ettie Lee. You’d better come quick. It’s serious.”