Risk Factors

By Calisa Rhose

Love, like life, is not without risk.

Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle's practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she's chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps. Now Connor, a patient's owner, is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn't think she's dating material because he has a daughter. . .who he believes no woman is good enough for.

Being a perfect dad is EMT paramedic Connor's life focus. He can't seem to stay away from sexy Doctor Viv, but attraction is as far as he'll ever let it go. His mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in the foster system, and then his wife abandoned both him and their daughter. He absolutely will not risk bringing another woman into his little girl's life and having her feel the hurt of being left. . .again.

Forfeiting is easier than attempting and failing. So why does Viv feel compelled to prove she's a sure bet for Connor and his daughter? Can Connor trust Viv–and himself–enough to play the possibilities?

WARNING: Happy-ever-after mixed with four-legged friends.

56,873 Words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyrical Press
• Release date: Mar 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781616504496

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http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/

To my sweet Mitch. Everybody needs a hero and I’m so happy you’re mine. It’s not every husband who will help brainstorm with their struggling writer wife several times, while driving three hours to and from out-of-town jobs. I love you for volunteering to be my captured audience and believing in me.

Thank you, Melinda B. Pierce, for helping this book come to be with your ridiculous challenge.

To my darling editor, Piper Denna, who knows a good thing!

Acknowledgements

I want to thank a certain woman for her help in my research of Connor McKay’s job in Risk Factors. She spent twenty years as a Medi-Flight nurse, and is now so much more involved in the air rescue business from a ground position. Rescuers do their jobs to help, not gain recognition. I need to acknowledge this person and the time she gave me on phone, email and even reading a crucial scene (that I ended up cutting). She helped me get some of the medical aspects true in general. If anything is not to form in any of this book with the medical/veterinary side that is my sole responsibility as the author and I sincerely apologize for any mistakes.

If you find yourself wanting to give money away but don’t know how- donate to any air rescue service as many are operated solely on donations and use every dollar they get to help others.

I have to give special acknowledgement to all First Responders and air-medical units for your daily bravery to help others. Without you we would all be worse off in any emergency, and many times you are not shown the appreciation you deserve until it happens to us. Thank you and God Bless you all. And to those special veterinarians who go above and beyond the call of duty, thank you.

Chapter 1

Glad you’re here, Con. The crew’s extracting the driver from the truck. I have a family trapped in the car, and a shitload of cows blocking our efforts at every turn. Fire and Rescue Chief Dillan Reed yelled for someone to get those rubber-neckers moving and snatched up the radio as it growled on his hip. He issued directions into the device, and whirled back to Connor. It’ll be a while before the driver’s free. They’re getting the jaws to cut him out. Gotta empty the car before we can move the semi. Hell, I hoped for a smooth R and R when I took the call.

Connor McKay shifted the weight of his emergency pack to the other shoulder. He trailed after Dillan, toward the grinding noise of rescue equipment, allowing time to take in the full scene. The stench of fuel and cow manure from the overturned truck and trailer assailed his senses. Cattle lowed and milled on one side of the roadway.

He followed Chief Reed around the twisted semi and stock trailer blocking most of the two-lane road. Another helicopter hovered above the multi-injury accident, preparing to land. His flight nurse had latched onto the first patient, and pumped the resuscitator with a steady hand. Every emergency worker preferred a smooth rescue and removal, but that was rarely the case. What can I do?

There’s three occupants still in the car ground units and Flight Five are waiting to transport. We need them out before the truck rolls. Those damn straps securing the cab of the truck slipped once already, so we’re trying to get a crane in for backup. The first responders have everything under control at the moment. Jump in where you’ll be most helpful.

Dillan snapped curt orders into his walkie-talkie as Connor left to weave around firemen in various stages of procedures. Focused on his destination, he wound his way toward the car in which paramedics operated. An unexpected bump halted his steps, followed by a grunt that drew his attention to where he’d been walking. A woman sat flat on her fanny, legs stretched out on either side of a Husky-looking dog.

An apology tickled his tongue before it promptly took a hike when she rose to full height and stared at him with the prettiest eyes he’d ever seen.

Hey! Didn’t you see me–the dog… As her gaze latched onto his, her voice stuttered to silence.

Are you all right? I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.

She barely reached his shoulders, but she came across as larger than life when her crystal-blue gaze scanned him as thoroughly as a security wand at the airport. Easy to look at summed up her symmetrical features and smooth complexion. Hair the same yellow-gold shade as Janna’s Barbie dolls’ ruffled in the wind, allowing the sunlight to catch in the deeper copper strands throughout.

Small, pink latex-covered hands clutched a syringe tightly. Who was she? He didn't recognize her from any other scene. Someone he'd likely never see again, therefore, probably forget by the time the day was over.

A flowery scent carried on the breeze amid rank fumes, and Connor glanced around. No flowers in sight other than dandelions. The sweet smell had to be hers. Damn. Sorry. His stomach muscles tightened of their own accord, punctuated with a quiver in reaction to her womanly fragrance. Suddenly he had a strange sensation of developing an elephant's memory.

* * * *

Vivian Dane stared at the man in front of her. All negative thoughts fled as she sized him up. Holy Mama, where have you been all my life? A paramedic’s uniform sheltered his body attractively and displayed the last thing she imagined a paramedic to resemble. The man before her was tall, handsome, and ripped, with a startled golden gaze.

The syringes in her hands preoccupied her, as she squeezed her eyes closed and hoped he’d vanish. She worried her lower lip as she peeked. No such luck. The Herculean man still stood surveying her.

It’s okay. I’m in a bad place here. She went to her pink medical bag to store the used syringes. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d leave. She could get back to business if he did. It wasn’t her choice to be stuck at the accident rather than at dinner with Patsy. But when she’d happened on the scene, she couldn’t leave with animals in serious need of attention.

Heavy, cushioned steps echoed hers. She had a job to finish and she was sure he did, too.

Is your dog hurt? Are you?

She surveyed the accident scene. Twenty-some-odd cows milled in various states of distress, survivors of the accident. Bright pink smears of non-toxic, environmentally safe ink on their necks marked the ones she’d treated with a mild sedative. Sometimes the job took all the smiles from her day. As if to agree, her stomach growled, matching her mood.

It’s not my dog. Then it hit her. He thought she’d been involved in the accident. Oh, no, I’m fine. Or I was until you walked on me and proceeded to steal my breath with your godlike presence!

She’d seen this man at a distance as he emerged from the helicopter, but hadn’t imagined him so handsome up close. Not that she’d had time to look around much, with the cattle and the dog from the car. She’d lost sight of him when he went with a nurse to meet Chief Reed.

There was a spicy man. Her coincidental arrival on the accident scene under an hour ago had been less than well-received. His You have no business gawking around like you’re on a Sunday stroll, comment had made her laugh. Born dedication to help animals held her, and she’d made him an informed man by revealing her occupation. The chief had been thrilled to have her on site once he knew her trade.

But now, here this guy came, tripping over her, staring at her, generally making her nerves a jumbled mess in mere seconds. I’m helping out.

Are you a nurse?

Did he assume so because she was a woman, but not a victim? Figured. It wasn’t the first time. A thought teased her lips to claim she was a cattle wrangler, but decided against it at the last second. Viv met his gaze, surprised at the lack of expectation in the gold depth. Genuine curiosity greeted her. I’m a doctor.

Doctor’s always good to have on hand. He focused on something behind her, waved and side-stepped. I need to get busy. Sorry again for walking on you.

No problem. I’m fine. If I can help…

All cattle were sedated and ready for transport when the truck arrived. It would be nice to go home and wash, since she’d missed dinner. The chaos made Viv doubt her ability to eat if a salad landed in front of her at that moment. He left as she turned to look for someone to take the dog. The commander was several yards away, near the crushed vehicle the canine had crawled from. Thankfully the dog was unharmed, though badly shaken. She headed in the commander’s direction.

She had almost reached the car when her paramedic–when had she labeled him as hers?–walked by with a determined countenance, and then spun and aimed those sexy eyes at her and pointed. Did you mean what you said?

What?

He grasped one of her hands and gave it a meaningful stare as tingles scurried up her arm at his warm touch. You’re here to help out. Come with me. My nurse is tied up and I need small hands.

But, I’m not– Before she could argue her offered help had been meant for the animals, he hurried back to the car. Another medic began pouring alcohol solution and scrubbing her hands clean. Rubber gloves were held open for her to preserve sterility, and she was pushed over to a mangled vehicle. The instant the occupants moaned loudly enough to get above the machine noise nearby, her professionalism kicked in. She may not be familiar with human medicine, but she understood pain and suffering.

I’m here. She stood at his shoulder beside the small SUV and waited for him to tell her what he needed. Not sure he’d heard her, she leaned close and peered inside the broken window, making sure to keep her hands free of the filth covering the car. How many are trapped? Viv lowered her voice to a whisper.

His gaze flashed hotly and held briefly before he returned to the task. Two adults and one more, of three, kids.

Any infant yet? Did anybody get that dog out? Chief Reed leaned to look inside, pressing her snugly against the paramedic. She wondered at the paramedic’s name.

Tell Dillan no sign of a baby, and Joel took the dog.

The warmth of his breath fluffed Viv’s hair lightly and she jerked away, relaying the message as an excuse. She would take time to fill the chief in on her treatment of the animal later. News of a possible missing child disturbed her though, and she leaned to the medic again. What baby?

There’s an empty seat in here, but no sign of an infant. I’m guessing it’s with a sitter. At least I hope so.

As he worked his voice remained soft, constantly soothing. His honeyed tones revealed how much he cared for the people in the car. Saving lives wasn’t just a job to this man. Viv doubted his awareness of the other emergency workers as he spoke to the victim.

Tiny shivers massaged over her scalp at the gravel in his tone and the intimacy of their position. She leaned from his proximity as much for air, as to hide her shame. They were trying to save lives, and she had some misplaced attraction for a strange man who probably didn’t remember, or care, if she was next to him. Well, except that he needed small hands.

Would he appreciate her hands on him, doing who-knew-what to him? Best to stay in the fresh air and not suck up his woodsy scent. Her head swam from his body pressed close to hers. The dizziness crowding in had nothing to do with her predicament, but everything to do with the man at her side. The man, so close and so virile, caused her tummy to twirl and dance like there was no tomorrow! Who was she kidding? Viv recognized the lie. No matter how the paramedic made her feel, the accident, the moaning people in the crushed car, the dread, overwrote any nice sensations. The excuse worked for her though, shutting the other vague face inside the vehicle from her mind.

Get a grip, Dane. The dog provided an excuse to escape as she said, I should go check the dog again.

Put your fingers on this vein while I hold the other one.

Other one? She was trapped with her hand suddenly dragged into the car. The paramedic put it where he wanted, but she couldn’t see what she was expected to do. Another medic was leaning through where the windshield used to be and Viv focused on her actions as she worked on the man in the passenger seat. Three other people were squeezed in at various spots to reach the child still in the back seat. Nothing helped clear her head, it seemed.

Heat surrounded her fingers, along with slimy fluid. Blood. Human blood. Oh, God, oh-God-oh-God. She should tell him she didn’t do well with bleeding people, but her hand remained buried inside of someone’s…something. She couldn’t speak around the bile rising in her throat.

Deep down, Viv acknowledged the premature attraction to the paramedic as a defense mechanism. Ever since the wreck that had killed her best friend during high school, Viv couldn’t tolerate human blood. And now the memory she’d buried seemed hell-bent on squeezing through.

Her reaction was purely psychological, but knowing didn’t chase the sudden dizziness or nausea away.

With eyes shut, she pretended to treat a dog, a cat, any type of animal she typically tended. With determination, she forced her training to take over and block the horror. I feel the bleeding source.

Good. Hang on and we’ll lift her out.

With careful juggling of positions, the car door was pried open. Viv held tight to the severed artery in a woman’s arm. I’m slipping. I can’t grip tight enough.

You’re doing great. Just don’t let go.

The minutes seemed like hours before one of the ambulance attendants took over, and she stumbled back in relief and tore off the gloves. Bent at the waist, she sucked blessed air in gulps until her head cleared.

Truck driver’s ready to fly!

Viv didn’t know who yelled the announcement, or to whom. All she cared about at the moment was getting away before she made an idiot of herself by fainting. She was about to escape while she could stand straight, when a weak cry off to her right caused her heart to stutter. She poised, listening.

A soft mewing led her closer to the hulking truck mass; the smell of sweet diesel assailed her sensitive nostrils. She squatted and duck-walked closer to the steel body.

Viv glanced around, but saw no available body to call for help. She crept closer to the wails, weak and pathetic compared to the ruckus of rescue machinery. The cries seemed to be coming from behind the truck cab’s huge rear tires just feet from the car. There was nothing to do but crawl under the rig. Night was falling and emergency lights flashed eerily around her in the dusk. The groaning shift of steel stalled her heart, but not her determination. She squatted and reached out to the warm pavement and stretched to try to see deeper into the growing shadows, her previous discomfort forgotten.

Hey. Someone grabbed her ankle and pulled as Viv struggled to get free. Strong hands held fast until she was sitting in clear view. A fireman stared down at her with a look that said he suspected she’d lost her mind. Go in and you might not come out. This mess might roll any minute.

She didn’t know the fireman, but took a chance she wasn’t crazy. I heard a something. Another dog perhaps.

Nah, weren’t but the one.

Well, what about a baby? There’s an empty car seat in the car. Are either of the parents conscious enough to speak? You have to check. Viv challenged the fireman with desperation. The last she’d heard, neither parent was conscious and the two young children were too upset or incoherent. Please, let it be a dog.

Nothing’s under the truck. Its weight is constantly shifting and squealing. That’s all. I can’t go in without instruction.

Then get permission. One of us is going to check. You? Me? Your choice.

Damn it, lady– He swore a few more colorful words, then yanked his radio up to grumble into the mic. After a terse