Operation Seduction Read online

  “That’s unfair and totally untrue.”

  “Really?” Glaring at him from the cabin doorway, Reg growled, “You’ve picked up with two women in the last two towns. Both nurses with to-die-for figures. Their friends, a little weightier, only merited a glance. Don’t tell me you’ve changed, Dickie.”

  Flouncing out of the room - or as much as she could flounce - Reg strode back to her cabin and slammed the door behind her. The useless lock clicked feebly and the door, as usual, swung open. Ignoring it, she plopped down onto the chair at the little desk and scowled at her hands.

  Finally she’d had her say. Finally, she’d said to him everything her gawky teen self had never been able to say. Until now, she hadn’t realized just how much his cavalier attitude and careless words had stayed with her over all these years.

  Her life was fine. She had friends, she didn’t worry about her weight, she had nice clothes, was confident and outgoing. But several minutes alone with Digby, an overheard sentence or two, and she felt as though she were fourteen again.

  Fat, awkward, every boy’s friend, but no one’s girlfriend. A few dates, but nothing earthshaking.

  “Shit.” Resting her face in her hands, she sucked in a deep, steadying breath. “I am not a weakling! I am me. I am who I am. I’m a good person - okay, I am a bitch at times, but I’ve never kicked a man when he’s down. All right, there was that one time, but he was an arsehole and was it my fault he tripped on the crack of the footpath while trying to grope me? Regan, stop being a child and be a woman.” She rubbed her forehead with her fingertips. “Be a woman. Be a grown-up.” She breathed deeply in the quiet.

  “Oh goody,” a deep vice said from the doorway behind her. “Being a grown-up opens so many new doors.”

  Good God Almighty. Dickie.

  ****

  Having no idea that his careless words as a teenager had obviously struck deep at Regan, Digby had been trying to come up with a way to convince her that he had changed.

  Hell, he’d never noticed a woman’s figure unless it came into conflict with her health. Well, that wasn’t totally true, because he did admire a good figure, but he was no longer the over-sexed, hormone-ridden, male slut that Regan had labelled him.

  Now, he was more taken with the woman herself, not her figure. Though a nice figure was - No! No, stay on track. He pinched the bridge of his nose, took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. Being on track meant having a plan.

  The first step in that plan was apologizing.

  Leaving the dining cabin, he marched around the curving corridor until he came to Regan's cabin. The door was open, and he was about to knock when he caught sight of her sitting at the table, her face in her hands. His blood went cold. Was she crying?

  Then he heard the words that made him come up with a whole new plan.

  “Be a woman. Be a grown-up.” Regan breathed deeply.

  Oh yes, that opened up a whole new plan. Regan was a woman hurt by comments about her weight, and now…now he had a chance to prove that he had changed.

  Starting with her.

  “Oh goody,” he said, pushing the door right open. “Being a grown-up opens so many new doors.”

  She froze, then turned to face him slowly. A blush tinted her rounded cheeks, giving her a sweet appearance, which was totally belied by the flashing of her big, brown eyes. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve come to make amends.” Walking right on in, he glanced around her cabin. It was tidy, clean…and hello! “My my, Regan, a pin-up of a naked, muscled man?” He looked directly at her, not bothering to hide his amusement. “No pin-ups of a weightier bloke?”

  “Get out.” She stood up.

  Taking several steps closer to her, Digby noted that no alarm showed in those pretty eyes, and her full lips were pursed with annoyance. “A bit hypocritical, don’t you think?”

  “I’m not asking for your opinion. Now shift your clacker from my cabin.”

  “Ah. No can do.”

  “I swear I’ll kick you in it!”

  “Really?” Eyes gleaming at the sudden enjoyment he was getting from baiting her, he took that final step that brought them almost breast to chest. Her scent wafted up to him, a faint flowery perfume.

  Eyes flashing fire, she poked him in the chest. “Back off, Dickie. I’m warning you.”

  Oh yeah, I’m going to enjoy this. “How about I give you a little warning, Regan?” Catching an errant lock of her hair, he twirled it around his finger, marvelling at the silky soft texture of it. “I was going to apologize for my insensitivity-”

  “You were an utter mongrel.” She looked from his finger entangled in her lock of hair to his face. “Let go.”

  “Charming. Anyway, you won’t accept an apology, that’s clear, so I’ve decided to prove to you that I do find you attractive.”

  That luscious mouth fell open then snapped shut with the finality of a trap. “Bugger off!”

  “Not really my scene, Regan.” Leaning down so that his breath brushed her cheek, he smiled. “I’m going to demonstrate that I’m not the shallow man you’ve judged me to be.”

  “And just how are you going to do that?” Her tone could have frozen hell’s flames.

  Anticipation curled through him. Angry, she was a real livewire. How interesting and titillating. “I’m going to seduce you.”

  Her mouth dropped open once more, her eyes widened, and he waited for her stammered reply.

  She laughed in his face instead.

  Okay, not quite the response he’d expected, but at least she hadn’t slapped him. That might still be coming, though, especially after he pulled his next stunt.

  Closing the small distance between them, Digby cut off her laugh by the simple process of pressing his mouth to hers. Her lips were soft, full, and being already open allowed him access to the warm moistness of her mouth.

  Her flavour exploded through him like hot honey, and he deepened the kiss, slipping his arms around her back to gather her closer.

  God, she was so soft. Even as he registered the sweetness of her essence, he felt the fullness of her breasts against his chest, the roundness of her hips cushioning him, the utter femininity of the plump curves in his arms. With every breath he drew in her flowery scent, and unbidden, he felt something slam deep down in his gut.

  Heat speared through him when she moved against him, and he dragged his hands from around her back to her hips, his palms following the gentle contours of her flesh beneath the uniform.

  Her waist was smaller, giving her that voluptuous hourglass figure. Sliding his hands up her ribcage, he didn’t feel the skin stretched over bone that framed the women he’d gone out with before, thin women, lean women, women obsessed with staying in the vogue of being thin.

  Everything about Regan was soft, full, and her breasts were no different. Palming them, he felt nothing but hot flesh beneath thin fabric. She needed no extra padding, no miracle bra to add curves. Her breasts were round, heavy, and totally natural, the nipples hardening and pushing into his palms.

  Christ, what have I been missing all these years? In that one moment, he registered Regan as a complete woman - soft, curvaceous, welcoming, utterly feminine.

  The slap on his cheek was, however, anything but soft. Flabbergasted, he jerked back, releasing her. “What the hell -”

  Those fantasy breasts were heaving as Reg glared up at him. “What are you playing at?”

  “I’m not playing.” He rubbed his stinging cheek. “Geez, you pack a wallop.”

  “I don’t like being played with!”

  His gaze ran hotly over her. “I’d like to play with you.”

  “My feelings, you wally!” Stepping back, Reg’s ample bottom came up against the desk. “Don’t play with me, don’t make fun of me. I’m not your diversion to laugh about later with your friends.”

  Hearing the hurt deep within her voice, Digby took a deep breath. “Regan, I promise you, I’m not playing with you, nor am I going to hurt y
ou. What’s wrong with me proving you’re wrong?”

  “After you’ve proven your point, you’ll walk away as if nothing happened.”

  “Says who?”

  “Says me.”

  Digby smiled slightly. “You intrigue me, Regan. I’m going to get to know you a little more.”

  “Bugger off.”

  “Are you afraid I’ll prove you wrong?”

  “I think you’re the one who should be afraid.”

  The deep, hot thrill of the chase unexpectedly coiled inside Digby, and he smiled. Wolfishly. “Then let’s see who proves who wrong. We’re alone aboard this ship for the next week, Regan. Challenge up.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Licking her lips, her gaze darted over him.

  “Not up to the challenge?”

  Watching the expressions on her face was fascinating. Bewilderment, uncertainty, a flash of anger, and then the resolution. “You can try, Dickie, but you won’t win me over.”

  He didn’t bother to hide the gleam of satisfaction in his eyes…or the flash of heat. And boy, did that throw Regan off, for now she looked flustered. “Oh, I will. And you’ll be the prize.”

  She threw her shoulders back. “We’ll see how long you last in the next town, boyo. I guarantee you’ll crumble in no time.”

  Anticipation unfurling, his gaze slid down her body once again. “Care to place a bet on that?”

  “No need. I know men like you.”

  The words bit a little, but he was made of sterner stuff. Leaning down, he locked their gazes together. “You don’t know me as well as you think, Regan, but I guarantee by the end of this trip, we’ll know each other real well.” Giving her cheek a flick with his finger, he straightened and strode for the door. Leaving her in a state of uncertainty was a fine way to get the juices stirring. Even better, leave her with something to really stew over.

  “No holds barred, Regan. This is war, and the winner takes all.”

  Chapter Two

  Reg couldn’t believe Digby was actually serious about trying to seduce her. You couldn’t seduce someone who didn’t turn you on. The bloke was full of crap.

  But his kiss had been one drugging experience that had her walking around with unaccustomed warmth in her loins. Thankfully, she didn’t have to face him until they landed in the little township on the edge of the desert.

  The patients were already waiting for them in the UAM building, and one at a time they came into the medical clinic on the ship. The routine was comfortable. Reg took down their details, wrote notes on them, and sent them to Digby who did the assessment and sent them back for her to deal with, be it dressings or simply to give them the medications he’d prescribed. Some of the patients waited in a side room to be attended to personally by him in minor theatre once the patient list was finished.

  Standing opposite him across the high table/bed that the patients laid on, Regan looked at him fully for the first time since their encounter in her cabin earlier.

  He was efficient, businesslike, his eyes impersonal as he dealt with the more tricky dressings and minor theatre. Relaxing, she forced her mind off the feeling of disappointment and onto the patient.

  So what if he’s forgotten already? You know what he’s like. Sheesh! And he’s working. Not that that’d make a difference.

  Reg had just ushered the last patient out of the ship when she came face-to-face with the very person who would break Digby’s little challenge.

  Sharon Vencyer, tall, slim, with long blonde hair and huge grey eyes, a smile like a hot angel, and a shark-like attitude when it came to the handsome UAM doctor.

  “I need a complete woman’s check,” she stated.

  “You’re not on our bookings,” Reg replied calmly.

  Sharon tossed her blonde mane. “I need the works. Breast examination, pap smear, the whole gyno works.” Her face brightened as Digby started down the ramp. “Doctor!”

  Digby smiled. “Hello.”

  “I was just telling your nurse that I need a complete woman’s check-up.” Those blue eyes ran hotly over his frame. “Top and bottom, if you know what I mean.”

  It was perfectly clear what she meant. Slut. Regan looked at Digby. “Shall I get you the duck bill, Doctor?”

  Amusement in his bright blue eyes, he glanced at her. “That won’t be necessary, Nurse. I’m sure you can handle it.”

  “Oh, I do believe Sharon would prefer you to handle…it. Doctor.” Take that.

  Coming to a halt beside Reg, he smiled at Sharon. “My nurse handles the woman’s check-up, Ms…?”

  “Sharon,” the blonde replied. “You did my breast exam last time, remember?” Leaning forward to give him a flash of those breasts in the low-cut blouse, she added huskily, “You did it so…expertly.”

  Digby looked at Reg with a questioning look in his eyes, and with a small shock she realized that he really didn’t remember the leggy blonde. “Sharon thought she had a lump.”

  A fleeting shadow crossed his face, and his voice, though pleasant, was now a little curt. “Ah, yes, now I remember. Well, my nurse will take care of you, Ms…Sharon. She does those things.” He strode past them both, leaving Sharon staring in surprise and Reg with raised brows. “I’ll be back soon, Regan. Be ready to leave.”

  Sharon looked after Digby with the look of a hungry hound. “You are so lucky to be working with him.”

  “He’s a good doctor.” Regan started up the ramp. “If you’ll follow me -”

  “Forget it. If that hunk isn’t going to feel me up, then I certainly don’t want you doing it!” With that brazen remark, Sharon strode away.

  Aw, how sweet. Grinning with more satisfaction than she should have felt, Regan went into the ship and started the sterilization process of all used equipment. By the time Digby returned, she had the clinic and minor theatre clean, and the corridor leading into the ship washed of all dusty footprints.

  Digby didn’t come near her, and she shrugged mentally. What did she expect? He’d been into town, he’d been busy, and the challenge was off. No need to be disappointed. It was better this way.

  The drongo.

  Going to her cabin, she shrugged out of her uniform, tossing the khaki top and pants into the laundry chute, where it would wash automatically, dry and be ready for her to iron within the hour.

  The shower was nice. Not that she was dirty, but it freshened her up nicely, allowing the fragrance of the soap to wash away the antiseptic smell for a short time.

  Once finished, she dressed in a loose dress and headed for the dinning cabin for the evening meal.

  On auto pilot, the ship would land itself in the UAM bay in the next township and clinic would start again in the morning. Now it was time to relax, have a meal, and read for awhile.

  Relaxation, however, went straight out the window when she entered the dimly lit dining cabin. About to switch the light on, her gaze was arrested by the table.

  In the middle of it stood several tall candles in a safety crystal glass holder. A red rose in a small vase stood next to it, and two fluted glasses holding amber liquid were opposite each other on the table.

  Damn, had Dickie brought Sharon here after all? That was forbidden; no one but patients needing transporting and the medical staff were allowed aboard ship. Having that trollop on board was a slap in the face to not only protocol, but herself as well. She’d have his balls for this!

  “Dickie!” she yelled angrily.

  “Ah, your voice is like music to my ears,” a deep voice drawled behind her. “Move over, love, there’s a good little shiela.”

  A lean hip bumped her aside and she could only stare as Digby walked past her holding two plates of steaming food. He set them on the table, then with a flourish drew her chair out and looked expectantly at her.

  Okay, obviously this wasn’t for Ms. Hot-to-Trot. This was part of the seduction.

  Ignoring the feeling of relief that swept through her, Reg raised one brow coolly. “That can’t possibly be for me.”
>
  “Oh, it is.”

  “But it’s not rabbit food.” Walking across to the table, she studied the food. Man, it looked bonzer! “You left the fat on the meat, and those potatoes look roasted, not dry baked. And goodness me, is that chocolate cake as well?”

  “Your gratitude is heart-warming.” Before she could even guess his intent, two big hands grabbed her waist and swung her over the chair.

  And let go.

  She fell onto the seat with an undignified plop.

  Reg was still trying to regain her composure when Digby walked around to the other side of the table and sat down. With flair, he snapped the napkin open and spread it across his lap.

  “Eat up, love,” he said cheerfully.

  Pursing her lips, she picked up the fork and eyed him cautiously.

  “So, I think work went rather well today,” he continued conversationally.

  “Yeah…”

  The candlelight reflected in his eyes when he looked up at her suddenly. “You know, I never noticed before how you suit your uniform, Regan.”

  “Oh?” The roast meat was perfect, well done with a crispy outing of fat. Yum.

  “You look so officious, so professional.” Strong white teeth bit into a carrot.

  “I’m supposed to.” Where was he going with this?

  “Who’d guess that underneath that uniform was a hot little body?”

  Regan stared at him for several seconds.

  His eyes gleamed back at her.

  “You really are a male slut,” she stated.

  “No, I’m a man appreciating a luscious body.”

  “You’re a man who’ll be wearing his food in a minute.” Leaning her elbow on the table, she angled her fork at him. “If you call this seduction, mate, you’ve already lost.”

  “Good food, candles, champagne, it doesn’t do anything for you?” He cocked his head to one side.

  “Good food is necessary to live, candles are okay when there’s no electricity, and champagne is lolly water.”

  He studied her for several minutes, chewing thoughtfully on his meat. “So tell me, love, what would get your juices flowing for me?”