“I’m not. For some strange reason, I’m filled with energy this morning.”
“Must be the moons.”
“Or the hammies.”
We laugh a little and it occurs to me that I never did laugh with Trey. Not once. He didn’t seem to get my jokes, but Ben does. When we get to the Jeep, he opens the door and takes my hand to help me. I stare up at him for a moment, memorizing his perfect, chiselled face, suddenly terrified that I’ll never see him again. In the last three hours, I’ve shared more with him about myself than I ever did with Trey in weeks of dating. It wasn’t just because I was rambling, but because he kept asking question after question, never seeming to tire of finding out about me.
He glances down at my lips for a second, then seems to think better of it. “I should get you back to your resort. Your friend will be worried by now.”
“Doubt it. She’ll be passed out ‘til noon, I’m sure.”
“Sounds like a great friend.”
“She
is, but she’s not the type to mother anyone. With Gina, it’s every woman for herself.” My words trail off as I take in the expression in his eyes. There’s an intensity there that draws me in and scares me at the same time. “Well, I suppose I should let you get some sleep. You probably have to work later.”
He shakes his head. “I have a few days off, actually.”
“Oh, that's nice. What do you plan to do?”
“Not sure yet. Haven’t really thought about it.” He swallows hard, then leans down a bit. “Would you…like to do something, maybe?”
“I would.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“I was hoping you’d ask.” He lowers his face to mine, and I know he’s about to kiss me. My heart pounds in anticipation. I close my eyes and our lips meet and I find myself being kissed like I never have before. There’s a passion that flows through us that could provide power to the entire island. His tongue finds mine, and I moan with pleasure. Lust and longing flow through me as he leans me against the Jeep and lets his hands run down my curves. He grips my hips and moves in closer, pinning me to the vehicle, his body pressed up against mine. I feel his stone-hard erection against my stomach and feel myself becoming wet and ready. I don’t care if we’re in a parking lot in the early morning sun. I don’t care if anyone is watching. I want this man. Now.
Just then, a voice comes from across the parking lot. “Dr. Stone? Is that you?”
We turn to see a short man staring at us. He glances at my crutches then back to Ben, then shakes his head.
Ben pulls away from me a bit and says, "Oh, hi Dr. Harper. I didn't see you there."
"I suppose you wouldn't have." He looks at me and says, "Aren't you the sprained ankle from last night?"
I nod, feeling like a kid who just got caught smoking in the boy's room.
Dr. Harper narrows his eyes at Ben. “I’ll see you in my office first thing on your next shift.”
He turns and gets in his sedan, then shakes his head at us as he pulls out of the stall.
“Shit,” Ben says, raking one hand through his hair.
“Your boss?”
He nods. “I’m likely in a whole lot of trouble. This is definitely not allowed.”
I bite my lip, feeling worried about Ben and worried that this will mean I can’t see him again. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t…”
“I crossed the line. Not you.” He helps me into my seat and a minute later, we’re on the road again.
It’s quiet between us as we leave the city, and if I had to guess, his mind is on his job. I wish I knew what to say. I wish I could make it better, but I can’t, so I just sit and stare out the window. We turn up the long driveway to the resort and my heart sinks even further, knowing this is done before it could properly get started.
Pulling up in front of the lobby, he says, “Fuck it.”
“Excuse me?”