Page 49 of Preying Game

‘You’re smart. You will.”

“But do you think I can fit in—and Jonah and I could make a relationship work?”

“I hope so. Because I know he cares about you. When he lost the communication with you, he got frantic.”

“Me too.” She swallowed hard. “Now that the emergency is over, I hope we’re not too different to understand each other.”

“We know you’re going to have to get your bearings. And you’re welcome to stay in our guest suite for a while.”

She shook her head. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m going home with Jonah.”

“Okay.”

“You don’t approve?” she asked quickly.

“It’s your decision—and his.”

“He agreed.”

The doctor nodded and cleared her throat. “It’s a good idea for you to use birth control if you make love with him.”

Shocked by the bluntness, Alice felt herself flush. “I don’t know much about it.”

“Right, in your era a girl your age probably wouldn’t.”

“So you’re saying he’ll find me . . . naive?”

“No, I think he’ll like it that he’s the man who made you want to take the next step.”

She nodded, wondering if it really was true.

“There are birth control methods for women, but they all require a prescription. Ask him to use a condom,” Rachel said.

She flushed again. “Uh . .”

“They had them back then, right?”

“Yes, but I never needed to use one.”

“It’s part of being responsible.” The doctor turned away, opened a drawer and handed Alice a couple of packets. “Here. You can put them in your pocket. Her voice turned brisk. “And let’s ditch those oversize guy clothes for something that fits. We keep a lot of things on hand here in case a client needs something.”

Alice was glad about the change of subject. It felt strange discussing something as private as sex with a woman she’d just met. But the woman was a doctor, Alice reminded herself. She could even ask her more questions, if she weren’t too embarrassed to do it.

Rachel led her down the hall to a room with closets on three sides and drawers on the other. Together they found a pair of stylish jeans, a pretty mint green knit top and running shoes. Rachel also got out a suitcase and put in extra underwear, some tee shirts, and a couple more outfits.

“And what about some makeup?” Rachel asked.

They moved to another section of the room where Alice found products she recognized. She put on lipstick, a little blusher, and some subtle eye shadow.

“Nice,” Rachel approved as she added Alice’s choices to the suitcase.

“Thanks. But you know, I’m overwhelmed by all this.”

“Frank Decorah is very generous with clients.”

“Am I a client?”

“Yes.”

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