“I did. I also informed her not to let anyone else in without my consent.”
She was surprisingly fine with that.
“Are you certain you are okay?” His hard expression softened.
She nodded. “Honestly. No trauma here. I’m fine.”
“Hell, you are a tough gal.”
She grinned at the compliment, then winced a little.
He stared at her for a moment shaking his head.
“What?”
“No trauma, huh?”
She shook her head.
“Not even a little?” Finally the semblance of a smile showed on his handsome face.
“Nope.” Okay, so her cheek hurt a bit, but he was referring to psychological aspect, not physical. She was honestly over the incident. Yes, Richard was a jerk, but when he came down off whatever he was on, she was certain he’d feel a bit remorseful. However, it didn’t matter to her. She stopped caring about him years ago. It was the nurse in her that cared about him as a human being that advocated for him. Out of respect for her, Lance complied. Hopefully Richard will get through this.
Lance reached over between her knees and gripped the edge of the stool she was perched on. Then he pulled it toward him until her knees were on either side of one of his. Then further until his knee was between her thighs. Her eyes went from the intimate position to his own. She tilted her head in question.
“I know I promised you I’d let you take the lead, but I think hell would freeze over first.”
“I’m working up the courage,” she practically stammered out. Yes, it was true. She was sober now, and he seemed so untouchable again.
“Well, you suck at that and I’m getting impatient.”
She let a small nervous laugh escape. “Did you undress me?”
“Hmm. You don’t’ remember?”
“I remember bits.” He had a gleam of mischief in his eyes. It made her stomach flip-flop. Now she wasn’t sure if he did or not.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“I would.” God , if it was him, what did he think? Would her body be categorized under a long list, and years of experience? Oh, why did she have to be so insecure around him?
His eyes went down the front of her before he met her gaze again. He saw her growing discomfort. “I’m going to put you out of your misery before you faint. No. It wasn’t me. It was Mavis. I just carried you in.”
She breathed a sigh of relief.
“Although it was tempting as hell.”
Her eyes widened.
He took the bag of ice out of her hand and set it on the counter beside him without taking his eyes off of her. “Now back to your so called courage. I think you need some proper encouragement.”
She tilted her head again in confusion.
He gave her a sloppy smile, reached up and loosened his tie.
“What are you doing?” Her eyes went wide.
“Shh.” He finished untying it, slid it off his neck slowly and tossed it carelessly on the floor. His eyes never left hers.
