His passion is overwhelming and heartwarming. I can’t help the tear that spills from my eye. He’s there with the pad of his thumb wiping it away.
“I know it’s crazy for me to think we can forget about all those yesterdays, but I believe that running into you is a sign from somewhere. Cate, I need you not to give up on this. Cancer will always be a part of my life. I want you to give me a second chance to see if you can or even want to be a part of my life, too.”
I say nothing as he’s forced to give me directions back to his place. I hear him speak as I drift on a void of grief. Cancer will be a part of his life. As much as I have unresolved feelings for him, I’m not sure I can live that life.
He steers me into the garage under his building and somber vibes fill the empty spaces between us. After I park, he steps out of the car, giving me the full view. I saw him when I picked him up, but I’d been focused on the traffic around me and not on the gorgeous man in blue scrubs. I’m struck by the impossible man and his impossible life. I’m torn between the two knowing I have to take one with the other. Already caught up in seeing him again after all this time, I stand there and stare like an idiot.
“Are you checking me out?” he jokes.
Deflecting, I say, “You remind me of a smurf.”
He chuckles and leads me toward a door where he pushes the up button for the elevators. “I’m not sure how to take that unless I’m Handsome Smurf or Sexy Smurf. I do know in all that blue, there is only one girl. Smurfette.”
Teasingly, I say, “Exactly. What girl wouldn’t want a harem of guys whose only choice is her?”
His brow lifts in a sexy arch. “Harem?”
Feeling sheepish, I give a helpless little shrug. The door opens, and we enter. I’m suddenly feeling self-conscious. After he presses his floor number, he turns to where I’ve flattened myself on the back wall. A faint smile appears on his face.
He stalks forward and says, “I’ve always wondered something.”
My body is on high alert for an invasion I’m not completely sure I’m ready for. “What’s that?”
Breathy—that’s how I sound. No way he hasn’t picked up on that I’m practically panting with need. He cages me in but doesn’t touch me. My arms are limp at my sides, unable to fight the desire that’s overtaking me. The reflection in the mirrored walls shows his incredible ass in those scrubs. I didn’t think the shapeless clothing could be so damn sexy.
He licks his lips. “Forgive me in advance.”
Before I can respond his lips meet mine. His tongue breaches the seam between my lips, penetrating my mouth and my soul. The bag I hold drops to the floor as I begin to lose all muscle control.
He tastes of spearmint. And I know he’s been chewing gum again. Why? Because I know things about him others might not. This isn’t the first time we’ve been overcome with lust.
I’m about to raise my arms. But before I can make that decision, he steps back. His eyes are storming and churn with need.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. It’s just…”
He trails off while bending to pick up my bag for me. When he glances up, his head is eye level with Louise and I feel myself clench in desire. Jenna is right. I so need to get laid.
The elevator chimes and he stands up. He holds out the bag and all I can manage to do, besides take it from him, is smile. I have to let him know some way that everything’s okay. If I try to speak, it will sound ridiculous because my brain has been reduced to the age of a toddler at the moment. I’m not even sure I can verbalize three letter words.
When we enter his apartment, all I can think about is how well he worked my body the last time we were together. Cate, get your shit together, I chide myself.
“You’ve been working all day. Why don’t you go take a load off? I brought dessert.” I hold up the bag with an I’m desperately trying to keep it together smile. “I need to prep it so it can be ready right after dinner. I can also play Sous Chef if you want. I may not be a master chef, but I’m good and slicing and dicing.”
His eyes are still sultry. I would pay a million dollars to hear his thoughts. “I could use a shower. The hot water will loosen my shoulder muscles.”
He stretches his neck this way and that and I find myself behind him. I press my fingers in where I know he aches. He’s standing so I can’t exactly get it right since he’s so much taller than me.
“That’s nice.”
“Uh huh. Why don’t you sit down and I’ll try to loosen you up before your shower. It will be more effective that way.”
He turns around and captures my hand. “I think it would be more effective if you join me in the shower.”
I raise my other hand and use a finger to give him the naughty boy wave. “Not so fast. You haven’t made me dinner yet. I’m not that cheap of a date.” I wink at him.
He laughs. “Mom always told me it never hurts to ask.”
“True, but no dice.”