“Gavin, of course. I know your life is different than mine. I know how seriously you take Ben’s feelings, and you and I are going to be separate from him and I until you’re ready to merge the three of us together.”
“And untilyou’reready.”
She smiled. “I appreciate that.” She let out a short giggle. “I’m not going to lie, this might be the most mature conversation I’ve ever had.”
“I’m right there with you.” She was way too far away. “I’d reach for your hand if the sleeves of my suit wouldn’t get coated in every type of dessert.”
She laughed.
“Come here, Emily.”
As she got up from her chair, I turned in mine, separating my legs so she could stand between them, my hands going to her waist as soon as she was within reach. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything like this. Since I’ve ever wanted something like this. It’s just been Ben and me since he was born. No one else. But this sexy nurse with the most beautiful blue eyes has fucking owned my thoughts, and I can’t seem to let her go.” I tightened my grip, moving my face closer to hers. “I’m rusty, Emily. You’re going to have to bear with me.”
“Rusty is hot. It means I can oil you up any way I want you.” Her head fell back, and when she looked at me again, she had the biggest grin I’d ever seen on her. “What am I going to tell my coworkers when they ask why I’m smiling this hard?”
“That you just ate the best doughnut of your life.”
“Which is somewhat true.” She linked her hands behind my head.
“Do you want to still keep this from Maya and Jordan?”
She nodded and her shoulders lifted. “I like this bubble. I like that it’s just us. I like that we’re learning and seeing and exploring and figuring out without any questions or pressure.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to step outside that bubble yet. At least not until things either really work ... or don’t.”
“I have no problem with that.”
She inhaled again and nodded. “Good.”
My hands moved up her sides, across her shoulders, and stopped on her cheeks. “I need to kiss you. Right now.”
“Inside this coffee shop? That’s packed full of people?”
There was a smile etched across every part of my face. “Fuck yes.”
Chapter Seventeen
Emily
Me:I’m currently surrounded by a team of extremely happy nurses who are on quite the sugar high. If they could, they’d say thank you. However, I’m Miss Popular instead, lol.
Me:Also, not kissing you in the hallway before you left the rehab center = excruciating.
Gavin:I could tell. You were biting your lip when you waved goodbye.
Me:That’s how you know I want to kiss you?
Gavin:That’s one way, yes. Your eyes also tell me by the way they look at me and your body by the way you can’t sit still.
Me:You’re more observant than I mentally give you credit for.
Gavin:I’m learning you ... and believe me, I wanted to take care of you before I left.
Me:As in, drag me into the supply closet?
Gavin:And get on my fucking knees.
Me:Gavin, you’re torturing me.
Gavin:You have a fan.
