Cade steals one more dominant, lingering kiss before nodding toward the chairs. “Sit down.”
I nod, feeling a little more confident meeting his gaze now. We settle back into our seats.
Cade laughs under his breath and mutters, “I feel like I’ve won a virgin.”
My head snaps toward him. “What?”
He shrugs, smug as hell. “I mean… I’m the only person who’s really satisfied you, right?”
I groan and cover my face. “Shut up.”
Cade’s still chuckling when Dr. Hart walks back in.
“How are we doing?” Dr. Hart asks kindly.
Cade holds his hand out, palm up. I take a deep breath and slide my fingers through his. He gives my hand a gentle squeeze and answers, “Good.”
Dr. Hart smiles, genuinely pleased. “And you, Rowan?”
I nod. “Yeah…better. Thank you.”
Dr. Hart sits down. “Rowan, I think we should change your appointments to fortnightly and have you bring Cade along, if you’re both comfortable with that.”
I nod, glancing at Cade, who’s smiling like an idiot. “Of course,” he says easily.
Dr. Hart continues, “Now, it’s not for everyone, but I know a very good sex coach who would be willing to help if you’re interested?”
Both Cade and I stare at him.
I laugh nervously. “No… I… I don’t think…”
“Absolutely not,” Cade cuts in, shaking his head. “We don’t…Christ, that’s a thing?”
Dr. Hart chuckles, clearly amused by our reactions, and nods.
Cade shakes his head again. “No thank you, respectfully. I’d like to explore this just with Rowan.”
I let out an embarrassed laugh, heat crawling up my neck.
Dr. Hart nods understandingly. “Very well. Now, where were we…”
…
Half an hour later, we’re standing up to say goodbye to Dr. Hart. Cade’s hand automatically finds the small of my back as we rise, warm and steady through my shirt. I draw in a deep breath and tell myself it’s fine. I need to get used to this. I do like it… the possessiveness, the casual claim… it’s just still so intense that my skin prickles with awareness every time he touches me.
Cade shakes Dr. Hart’s hand firmly. “Thank you for fitting us in today.”
I manage my usual polite farewell, voice steadier than I feel. “Thank you, Dr. Hart.”
As we step out of the office, Elena glances up from her desk and offers a warm smile. “Have a nice day, gentlemen. And congratulations.”
She says it so casually, like we’re any normal couple leaving a regular appointment, then immediately turns back to her work. I blink, caught off guard by how easily she accepted it.
Cade laughs softly and reaches for my hand, threading our fingers together. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Yeah… right,” I murmur, letting him lead me for a moment.
But the second we step outside into the fresh air, I gently pull my hand free. Cade frowns and opens his mouth, but I speak before he can. “I’d like our parents to know before the rest of the world does.”
