I pulled away just enough to see her face in the dim light from the other room, seeing her content expression and knowing we’d made the right choice. I couldn't resist any longer, letting myself come as I held her tight.
Spent and out of breath, I dropped my head to her shoulder for a moment before moving over so I didn't crush her. The fact that she immediately curled into my side made me smile.
“Still good?” I checked.
I felt her nod against me, and I smoothed my hands down her hair.
“Thank you.”
Well, that was an odd one. No one had ever thanked me for sex before. “For what?”
“Giving a damn.”
Scooting her over so I could see her face, I said, “That’s not even a conscious decision anymore. It’s second nature.”
Her smile was soft. “It feels good to know that.”
I ran my hand up and down her arm, realizing that it was right about then that I would normally be figuring out how to run. Even if I dated a woman for a few months, I didn't like to hang around through the afterglow and give her any ideas.
But I wasn't going anywhere.
“Noah?”
Lifting my head, I replied, “Yeah?”
“Why do you like me?”
“That’s an interesting question.” Sitting up, I raked my hand through my disheveled hair. “Let me run to the bathroom before I answer you.”
Since her apartment wasn't big enough for the bathroom to be hidden, I went in and cleaned up quickly so she wouldn't think I was stalling.
Gesturing behind me, I said, “You wanna?”
Blinking hard, she nodded and got off the bed. Catching her as she passed me, I cradled her face and kissed her gently before letting her go.
As fragile as she was, I could easily ruin this. Should I get partially dressed, or would that make it worse? Did she think I was only here for the party and then would drop her immediately? Wishing for a stiff drink, I pulled back her comforter and got under it, hoping I wouldn't fuck this up.
When she came back from the bathroom, she’d put on a robe. I couldn't read her eyes, not in the darkened room, but I held my arms out so she’d come sit with me.
But when she got on the bed, she sat next to me on top of the covers, twisting her fingers together and not looking at me.
“Do you remember me telling you that I think you’re intelligent and strong?”
She didn't reply.
Reaching out, I tilted her chin up so she’d have to look at me. “I admire your tenacity. The way you know your profession so well that you don’t put up with the ones who slack off. The fact that they treat you abhorrently, but you don't let that affect patient care, is amazing. You work just as hard for everyone you treat, and it shows.”
Tears hovered on her lashes but didn't fall. “So you think I’m a good doctor.”
“You don’t have to be stoic all the time, Sailor. Recently, you’ve let your guard down around me, and I know how special that is.”
“I don't mean to be so insecure, but it’s been pounded into me that I’m not worthy.”
“You’re more than worthy. You’re amazing.”
“Don’t feel like you have to flatter me because I let you—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I interrupted sharply. “I’m right here. I didn't run away like I always do. I stayed because you matter to me.”
