TITLE: Ribbon of Glass

AUTHOR: Pebbles

NOTE: The song in this chapter is "Holding Back The Years." by Simply Red from their ‘Picture Book’ album.

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"Everything I possess
Given with tenderness
Wrapped in a ribbon of glass" - Annie Lennox (Cold)

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Part 9

December 20^{th 7.30pm}

Sophie stifled a giggle as Simon’s hand slipped up inside her cashmere sweater. He lifted his mouth from her neck, where he had been nuzzling at the soft flesh above her collarbone.

"You’re not supposed to laugh." He tried to sound offended but his voice was hoarse with desire.

"Your hands are cold!" Sophie stage-whispered, hoping that no one was going to suddenly barge into that particular storeroom. In the last week, since Simon had first sneaked a kiss from her, this was the most privacy they had managed to find. Their conflicting schedules so far conspiring against further intimacy.

Simon silenced her with another long languorous kiss which made her head spin and she pressed against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His body felt hard against hers, his hands roaming freely under her clothing. Abruptly he broke off, panting.

"This is no good!" He shook his head. "I’ve got to see you tonight. I’m going to try and get off by midnight. You’ll still be at the party then?"

"U-huh, I should think so." Sophie straightened her leather skirt, which had somehow ridden up exposing the tops of her thighs. She grinned at her would-be lover. "You could take me home afterwards - I was going to take a cab." Simon leant in close again giving her breasts a last lingering caress through the soft material of her sweater.

"Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse." His words were almost lost as his lips met hers again only the urgent beeping of his pager finally putting a stop to their lovemaking.

"Damn!" Simon started to straighten his own clothing, tucking in the shirttail that Sophie had managed to pull free. Sophie reached up and wiped the lipstick from his face. His smile faded. "Look - I’m not happy that you’re going to this bash with Kovitch…" But Sophie interrupted him.

"I’m not going with him as such. He’s not even going to show up until later. We’re just sharing a table with John and Abby - its no big deal." She resisted correcting Simon’s mispronunciation of Kovac, as this would only wind him up more. Instead she gave Simon one last peck on his cheek and walked out of the room.

"See you later then." He called after her, admiring the view of her leather skirt stretched tight across her rear.

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8.15pm

John Carter checked his watch again and then took another sip from his beer.

"I’m sure she’ll be here soon." Abby noticed his growing agitation.

"You sure you gave her proper directions?" John leant forward, peering in the direction of the door again. He couldn’t be sure he’d not missed her entrance as the tiny cellar bar was already filled to capacity with staff from County’s ER and their husbands, girlfriends, partners, whatever.

"Look - there she is!" Abby pointed towards the bar where Sophie stood looking a little lost. She’d already slipped off her black leather jacket and was holding it folded in her arms -not sure what to do with it.

"Sophie!" John stood up and tried to catch her attention. It was way too noisy so he had to go over and fetch her. As they returned to the table John was still complimenting her on her appearance - the shortness of her skirt having taken him somewhat aback.

"Hi Abby!" Sophie sat down, a noticeable flush in her cheeks. Realising Abby was staring she grinned. "It’s pretty cold out there!"

"Yeah." Abby agreed, guessing that it probably wasn’t the cold wind that was responsible for her friend’s rosy glow.

"I like your earrings - very festive!" Sophie gestured to the tiny crystal Christmas trees that sparkled in the light.

"They’re an early present from John." Abby shook her head sending them swinging crazily.

"God I can’t believe its only 5 days away!" Sophie looked up as John returned with their drinks.

"I see you’ve signed up for a double on Christmas day?" John’s concern showed in his face. "Isn’t there any family you can spend the holiday with?" Sophie looked down at the table swirling the wine around in her glass.

"No - Dad was it I’m afraid. I think there are some relatives of Mum’s still alive but they’re in Ireland." She shrugged. "It’s not a problem."

"What about Tweedale?" Abby couldn’t believe she was saying this but then her friend was obviously smitten - there was no point denying it.

"He’s visiting family out of town." Sophie hadn’t really expected to be invited along - she’d only known him a short time. But she couldn’t help thinking he was kind of secretive about them.

"Hey - you could always come round to our place. I know the Carters at Christmas can be a bit much to take - but you know Gamma and…" Sophie reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

"Thanks John - but really - I’d rather work."

"You’re sure?" Two pairs of concerned eyes were staring at her now.

"Yes! Now cut it out you two - you’re going to make me feel sorry for myself!" She sniffed as quietly as she could, hoping that they couldn’t see the tears filling up her eyes. She took a big gulp of her wine and, as she replaced the glass on the table, there was a familiar voice behind her.

"Good evening!" It was Dr Kovac. But Sophie was caught off guard because he didn’t look anything like how he normally looked at the hospital. She hadn’t expected him to be wearing a white coat of course! But instead of his usual dark grey shirt and dull matching tie he wore a startling burnt orange turtleneck over black chinos and his face was freshly shaven.

"Wow Dr Kovac! You look really - hot!" Abby spoke her mind and Sophie blushed having been thinking the same thing. He smiled - seemingly not embarrassed.

"Thank you. May I say you ladies are looking quite - ravishing!" He bowed, still smiling. "Can I get anyone a drink from the bar?"

"No - this is my round. What would you like Dr Kovac?" John stood up quickly.

"Please - for this evening - will you all just call me Luka?" He turned back to John. "I’ll have the same as you - thank you John." Then he sat down opposite Sophie.

Sophie was speechless. He looked like a different man. It wasn’t just the clothing. It was his smile. It lit up his face, knocking years off his appearance. She realised she was staring and he was still smiling at her.

"So - have you all written your letters to Santa Claus?" Luka was enjoying himself. He’d noticed the appreciative look in both the girl’s faces when he’d arrived. He was a man after all - it did him good to be reminded that he wasn’t completely over the hill. Abby answered first.

"I think I’ve already got everything I want." She looked up at John who was just setting Luka’s beer down on the table. Their eyes met and for a moment they were oblivious to Luka and Sophie’s presence.

"Let’s take this onto the dance floor." John murmured pulling her to her feet and soon they were smooching together amongst the other couples.

"They make a great couple." Luka commented and Sophie nodded her agreement.

"Yeah - they’re really well suited. I used to know John when he was younger…" And before she knew it Sophie found herself telling Luka all about their childhood exploits. The ponies, the competitions, John’s successes and her broken collar bones! How he’d taught her to sail a dingy and the time she’d deliberately cast herself adrift hoping to catch his attention. She’d had to wait until dusk before anyone at the yacht club had even noticed that she was missing!

"I’m sure they would all be racing to rescue you now." Luka’s deep accented voice brought her back to the present day and she smiled into his eyes. Again she was stuck by the combination of their startling colour and the expression leant to them by his strongly drawn Slavic brows. He started to tell her about his own childhood, which also revolved around the water - in his case the azure blue Adriatic. Sophie could just imagine him helming a small craft - most probably bare-foot and even stripped to the waist.

"Sophie?" She realised she’d been day dreaming.

"Sorry? I - I was miles away!" If he only knew what she’d been thinking! She played with the last drop of wine in her glass nervously - rolling it around before draining it.

"I asked if you would like to dance?" He was leaning on the table now, his face only inches from hers. Sophie froze for a moment.

"Sure - why not." She hoped he didn’t notice the tremor in her voice. The last time they had been this close was in the supply closet after the little boy with meningitis had died. He took her hand gently and led her onto the floor. His hand was warm; it’s long fingers almost swallowing hers completely.

Having got her onto the floor, Luka was suddenly at a loss. What an earth was he doing? Dancing involved physical contact and he wasn’t sure he could do this without giving himself away. For a moment they stood facing each other awkwardly. Luka laughed nervously, biting on his lower lip.

"I haven’t done this in a long time!" He still held her hand so he lifted it a little, pulling her closer and then slipped his other hand around her waist. It was a pleasant surprise to find his fingers brushing against soft bare skin! She wasn’t wearing anything under that pretty pink sweater. He moved it slightly not sure if lower was any better and eventually settled on a neutral spot in the middle of her back.

Sophie was acutely aware of his body even though he kept her at a respectful distance. He was so tall! The top of her head barely reached the underside of his chin. She rested her free hand on his shoulder but soon found it slipping down his arm. The material of his sweater was soft and under it she could feel the hardness of his body - there was not an ounce of spare flesh on his frame. She closed her eyes and tried to just concentrate on the music.

Listen to the fear that’s gone."

Luka looked down into her face and was enchanted by what he saw. Her eyes were shut, the long black lashes sweeping her cheeks. Her lips were just slightly parted and he drew in his breath. Thankfully she could not read his mind. The floor was becoming ever more crowded and Luka was forced to draw Sophie a little closer to avoid contact with other couples. Soon he was aware of the contour of her thigh and hip pressed up against his.

There’s nothing here that’s wrong."

Sophie felt his body mould against hers and it felt so right, so safe. Without thinking she rested her head on his chest, soothed by the sound of his heart beating strongly. His masculine scent, the strength of his body, his warm breath on her neck and the soulful music - all filled up her senses until she was just floating in space. Time and place were nothing.

I’ll keep holding on."

"Sophie!" The voice was wrong - bringing Sophie out of her reverie with a start. Luka’s arms suddenly released her and she staggered slightly until she regained her balance. Simon Tweedale stood beside them and he was not smiling. Luka took a step back; his expression closed off and Sophie felt very small and confused. She’d been doing nothing wrong and yet she felt so guilty.

"Simon?" He said nothing but abruptly swept her into his arms, pulling her against him and at the same time spinning her around so that her back was turned to Luka. She didn’t see her erstwhile partner disappear into the crowd - the pain briefly flashing in his eyes. Luka couldn’t believe he had been so stupid. Coming here had been a mistake - only exposing himself to more hurt. And yet all the time he was hurting he knew he was at least still alive. Until Sophie had come into his life he had felt nothing - nothing but cold and fear. Making his way to the bar he ordered another beer and then hauled himself onto a stool to watch the dance floor.

Sophie’s mind was a jumble of chaotic thoughts but Simon made sure they were driven away before she could make sense of them. He swayed her rhythmically to the music - his hands roaming inside her sweater massaging her back and even creeping around to caress her breasts with his fingertips. His mouth claimed hers passionately, his tongue driving its way into every recess of her mouth and throat. As he crushed her hard against his body she could feel the extent of his arousal and her senses swam with her own excitement.

Luka could not drag his eyes away from them. With growing dismay he saw Tweedale slip his hands up inside Sophie’s clothing and then he was blatantly pawing at her breasts. Now his hands were sliding down over her buttocks, cupping them and almost lifting her off the floor. There was no doubt that Sophie was enjoying his attentions, her own hands wrapped around Tweedale’s neck, giving the surgeon full and willing access to her body. It was too much. Luka felt the bitter taste of bile rising in his throat and turned away.

"Fuck!" Tweedale was furious. He’d told those idiots not to page him except in the direst emergency. "Fuck!" He swore again as he read the message on his pager. He couldn’t ignore this. It wasn’t fucking fair. He’d been in a state of almost permanent arousal since he’s first clapped eyes on Sophie. He knew he’d explode if he couldn’t have her soon.

"I’m sorry." He was gratified to see the disappointment in her face. "Looks like the fucking bowel’s perforated. I’m going to have to go back in." He sighed loudly. It was going to be a long night in the OR. "Will you get home alright?" He hoped she was not going to stay any longer at the party with that Kovitch guy sniffing around her.

"Don’t worry - I was going to call a cab." She ruffled his hair and pulled his face down for a last kiss. "Go on - you’d better hurry. I’ll be fine."

Sophie made her way back to the table to find Luka sitting there alone nursing an empty glass. He didn’t look up as she approached and she hesitated, feeling a heavy lump pressing on her diaphragm. All the past awkwardness had returned tenfold. If her jacket had not been lying on the seat next to him she would have fled rather than face him again. Holding her breath she sat down opposite him and he raised his eyes. What she saw there tore at her heart.

Luka looked away. Her lipstick was smeared across her face and it was killing him.

"Have John and Abby gone?" He merely nodded to Sophie’s question, still fixing his gaze upon his empty glass.

"I - er - I think I’ll call a cab then." She reached over to recover her jacket.

"No." He looked up at last but only as high as the little hollow between her collarbones. "I’ll take you home." He stated baldly. There followed an awful stilted exchange in which she demurred and he insisted until they eventually found themselves sitting side by side in his rather tatty looking Saab. During the past twenty minutes Luka had not once looked her in the face and Sophie had felt on the verge of tears - unable to speak in case her voice broke.

Luka turned the key in the ignition and the engine coughed. "Dovraga!" Sophie flinched at the unexpected anger in his voice. Glancing across she could just make out his profile in the street lighting. His mouth was working furiously as if he was struggling to hold back further curses. His brows were knitted together in a frown and his unruly black hair had fallen forward giving him a boyish appearance. A giggle suddenly welled up in Sophie’s throat from God knows where - probably due to all the tension in the atmosphere.

"What!" Luka glared at her but at that moment the car at last decided to fire up. Sophie dropped her gaze to her lap, where it remained for the whole of the journey except when she had to give Luka directions. It was a huge relief when they eventually swept into the driveway.

"Thank you for the lift, Dr Kovac." Sophie managed to mumble, exiting the car as fast as possible. He merely nodded and she walked quickly into the house with as much dignity as she could muster. As she shut the door behind her she saw that he was still sitting in the car watching her. Letting out a long sigh she leant back against the door. Suddenly tears were pouring down her cheeks and she let her weary body slide down until she was crouched on the floor sobbing. She tried to silence them, sucking her fingers into her mouth but they just kept on coming until exhausted she crawled up the stairs and fell onto the bed.

End of part 9

Pebbles@ukgateway.net