Anthony, a fellow surgeon, just laughed. “She’s got a guy to go to, doc. Give her a break.”
My cheeks flushed. My jaw dropped.
Dr. Blackwell did a mock salute. “Got it. I’ll just go be a workaholic by myself.”
Grinning, I hurried to change.
Cole had just seen me in my scrubs and wearing Eau de Disinfectant, and I was determined to replace that with Seductress Laney.
I changed quickly, showering in the special unit, rubbing gel all over my body twice to make sure I smelled like strawberries.
Hurrying out, I dried quickly, putting on my clothes: a summery dress and white sandals. Checking my phone, I gasped when I realized how late it was.
Cole: It’s twenty past two.
Laney: I’m coming.
Cole: Yes, you will. All afternoon. Now, hurry up.
Holy shit, my cheeks were on fire. This man. Just to tease him, I typed back quickly.
Laney: I’m stopping by the cafeteria first. I need to eat.
Cole: I’ve got you covered. Already bought two croissants: one with chocolate, one with strawberry jam.
Oh!
I pressed a palm to my chest, just smiling from ear to ear. Yup, my heart was fluttering. I decided I just wouldn’t care that it was a medical impossibility. His care for me just overwhelmed me every time.
He was still under the oak tree, smiling brilliantly as I approached. The snack was on a paper plate on the bench.
“That suit,” I said on a sigh. “Those croissants.”
Cole laughed, but his eyes were snapping fire. “I like your priorities.”
Grinning, I took the paper plate from him, sitting on the bench.
“Well, I’m going to need lots of energy to put all my... priorities in action.”
He smiled but said nothing. Ah, but he didn’t even need words. His body language was enough to make me squirm. His shoulders were slightly hunched, his gaze hot and determined. How could he be so potent?
I toed off my shoes, leaning against the backrest. Next thing I knew, Cole lifted my feet, pressing his fingers in my soles.
Oh, heavens. Was there anything more perfect than this? Eating croissants while this fabulous man gave me a foot massage?
Half an hour later, I had my answer. There definitely was something better: being alone with Cole in his loft.
I made a big show of doing away with his jacket, pulling it past his shoulders slowly and then down his arms even more slowly. Then I draped it around one of the chairs around his dining room table before returning to him.
His eyes were fiery and determined, and that combination just made me hot all over.
He kissed each of my hands before looking up, tilting closer.
“I love you.” He spoke against my lips before drawing his mouth down my neck and my chest. “I promise to take care of you.” He descended even lower, to my navel, looking up. “To worship you. All my life.”
My skin broke out in goose bumps. My breath hitched. I placed both my hands on his cheeks before lowering myself to his level, kneeling. I moved my hands down his strong shoulders, resting them on his exquisite arms.
“I love you, Cole. And I always will. That’s my promise. My vow.” My voice wobbled a little. Leaning in, he brushed his lips against mine before veering down to the side of my neck. This man! I loved him so much. My skin turned sensitive where his mouth and hands touched it, and before long, I was a bundle of need. I made no secret of it, pushing my hips into his and opening the top button of his shirt. He grinned against my mouth, bringing his hands to the buttons. I swatted them away.