"Something like that."
Her fingers come near my jaw.
"This needs ice, and you're holding your ribs wrong. Did someone check for breaks?"
"Not yet."
"Sit." She points to the exam table against the wall.
I obey, watching as she transforms into Dr. Chandler, competent and in complete control. She pulls gloves from a box and gathers ice packs, moving in a way that I find insanely attractive.
But watching Ivy work has always done things to me.
"This is going to hurt,' she warns, pressing gently along my ribs.
I hiss through my teeth. "It's fine."
"It's not fine. You might have a fracture." Her brows furrow in concentration. "What happened?"
"Marcus."
Her hands still. "Marcus?"
"He found out I stepped into your house last night and objected enthusiastically."
Her jaw drops in horror, her hands holding her cheeks. She leans away.
"I shouldn't have invited you in."
I catch her wrist, pulling her back within reach.
"This isn't your fault. Marcus is scared. I get it."
"You get it? He assaulted you."
"He threw a couple of punches because he thinks I'm going to hurt you." My thumb traces circles on her pulse point, feeling her heartbeat spike. "And he's not wrong to worry. My track record isn't great."
"Then why are you here?" Her voice comes out breathless, uncertain. "Why risk making it worse?"
"Because I have feelings for you."
I tug her closer until she's standing between my knees. Her chest rises and falls rapidly. Her scent mixed with the fragrance of her floral perfume and shampoo makes me inhale deeply. My thumb keeps rubbing her wrist, moving upward to her palm.
"And I think you feel the same."
"Declan..."
"Tell me I'm wrong." My other hand settles on her hip. "Tell me you don't think about that kiss or you don't want this. And not just some bullshit about your body reacting to mine."
She opens her mouth, then closes it. Her cheeks flush that beautiful pink I enjoy seeing.
"I can't," she whispers.
"Can't what?"
"Can't tell you you're wrong." Her hands tentatively rest on my shoulders. "But I also can't... there's King, my research, Marcus, and..."
"I know." I pull her closer until her legs press against the exam table and she's forced to grip my shoulders for balance. "But that one-month offer still stands. No expectations. Just you and me figuring this out."
