Her laugh tickled his ears and drew him to her like magic. Stepping closer, she ran her hands up his shoulders and leaned in to press her lips to his. Short but incredibly sweet.
“I haven’t been home since Monday. Plus, I’m running out of your clothes to wear. I should be able to catch the train and be home by six.”
He pushed his lip out in a super pout, causing her to laugh again. “Okay, but I’ll drive you. Nobody gets to see you in my clothes except me. You’re too sexy and will drive men wild.”
“You are ridiculous. No one thinks a woman in flannel and sweats is sexy.”
“Believe me, sweetheart,” he said, kissing her on the nose. “You, in my clothes, is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”
She rolled her eyes, blushing at the same time. “Fine. Let me put my own clothes on from work.”
“Don’t forgetto take the new ones you bought.”
“That was so sweet of you.” She stood on her toes and gave him a peck. “Thank you.”
It only took her a few minutes to get ready and pack up her stuff. He used the time to clean up and put on shoes. When they got in his car, she was atypically quiet. After the amazing few days they’d had, he didn’t want it to end in silence.
Once he backed out of his garage and got on the road, he took her hand and held it. Occasionally, he squeezed, so she’d know he was thinking of her. What was going on in her head? He should have asked what she was feeling after their nights together, but he hadn’t wanted to open that can of worms. Guys and emotions weren’t simpatico, and he wasn’t exactly ready to drop to one knee and propose.
When they pulled up, Carli looked around. “I don’t see Mercedes’ car. She must have gone out.” She hadn’t bothered to sign. Because it was dark in the car?
He pushed the interior light on and faced her. “Do you want me to come in with you and stay until she gets back?” He was hoping for an affirmative answer.
“I’ll be fine. Thank you, though.”
As she opened the door, he touched her arm. “I’ll at least escort you up to the door.”
Her head tilted when she grinned. “You are such a gentleman. Someone taught you good manners.”
Yeah, his mom, but he didn’t want to be thinking of her after all he’d done with Carli. They both got out, and once she retrieved her key and unlocked the door, he pulled her close for a kiss. They’d done this so often lately, and it hadn’t gotten old yet. He didn’t think it ever would. Every time he held her, she melted in his arms, her lips delicious and addicting.
“If you need anything, text me, okay?”
“I will, but I’ll be fine. Thank you again for everything. Letting me stay with you and buying me new clothes and especially letting me have your flannel shirt.”
“You’re very welcome. I’ll talk to you soon.”
It was difficult getting back in the car and driving home, especially since there were so many reminders of her all over his apartment. Except…he couldn’t find the flannel shirt she’d been using. Not in the laundry, the bathroom, the guest bedroom, or in the living room. Had the little minx taken it? Her words… Thanks for letting mehaveyour flannel shirt.
He’d have to make her pay for it some way. She was so much fun to tease. Too bad she’d felt she had to leave today, but they had plenty of time in the future. Especially now he knew he could have a relationship and balance it with his job.
Carli picked up the vibrating phone from her desk and swiped across the screen. Blake. They were supposed to go out to dinner after work tonight.
—I’m so sorry. I have to cancel.—
Again? They’d missed lunch every day so far this week and now he was skipping out on dinner, too.
—Work stuff. Please forgive me.—
How could she be mad at him for being a dedicated doctor?
—Of course. But you’ll owe me big time.—
The only response she got was a thumbs up. Seriously? Okay, maybe he was busy or there was an emergency. Still, it hurt that he hadn’t taken the time to tell her in person or tease her about her response.
As she entered patient information into the billing program, she thought about last week during the blizzard. Being with Blake had been wonderful, and they’d felt so comfortable together. Or at least she had. She’d assumed he’d liked it, as well, seeing as he hadn’t wanted her to leave Saturday.
Was it only about sex, though? She’d had one guy date her until she slept with him and then he dumped her. She’d found out later he’d only wanted to see what it was like with someone who couldn’t hear. Then, he hadn’t liked that she hadn’t responded to what he’d said. Idiot.
