PATIENT CARE (Medical Romance) (Doctor Series)

PATIENT CARE (Medical Romance) (Doctor Series) by Bobby Hutchinson Page A

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Authors: Bobby Hutchinson
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his face.
    Well-defined cheekbones, bold nose, firm chin. He was going to need a shave soon; dark stubble dotted his cheeks, making him look dangerous and appealing.
    Melissa knew how that stubble felt; the skin on her face and other parts of her body tingled a little from it. She was going to have a rash on her belly, she thought with smug pleasure.
    He’d awakened her twice in the night, with kisses and caresses and soft words. They’d made love, they’d talked about the social, they’d laughed.
    Melissa thought of Rudy and Thelma, wondered if that was how every night was for them, a dark, delicious time filled with mutual sharing and passion and laughter, and then blissful sleep wrapped in each other’s arms. Was this envy she was feeling, envy for a married couple? It surprised and disturbed her, and she forced the feeling away.
    She’d get up in a minute, shower, make coffee. What did he like for breakfast? Apart from the sweets at Rudy’s trailer, the only meal they’d eaten together was the one last night at the social. He was vegetarian. What did vegetarians eat for breakfast? She had no eggs, and she was pretty certain there was no bread, either.
    They could go out. Or maybe, she thought with a sinking feeling, he’d wake up and she’d see reserve in his eyes, hear reluctance in his voice. The closeness of the night would be gone, and he’d want only to hurry away. It had happened to her once, in a long-ago relationship, that morning after desperate need for escape, the sense of being trapped, the realization that what had happened was a huge mistake. She had a vivid recollection of having to sit through breakfast, when all she’d wanted was to leave.
    Well, she had too much pride to let that happen again. She slid out of bed, careful not to wake him, and ducked into the shower.
    When she was done, a glance into the bedroom told her he was still asleep. Silent as a cat burglar, she donned shorts and a cropped top, pulled her hair back into a clip and found her trainers in the hall cupboard. She hadn’t had them on for weeks. Running was going to kill her, but it was an easier death than rejection. She was bending over, lacing them up, when his arms closed around her from behind and one hand patted her bottom in an affectionate greeting.
    “Are you running away from me?” His voice was husky from sleep. He turned her toward him and hugged her tight against his nakedness.
    “No. Of course not.” She felt herself blush at the lie. “I just thought maybe you’d like to be by yourself for a while.” She looked into his eyes and waited to see if he’d tell the truth.
    “I absolutely wouldn’t.” He frowned down at her. “Why would I want to be alone when I could be with you?” The denial was immediate and sincere.
    Her heart soared and her grin matched his.
    “I do understand if you need to work out, though. I’ll survive while you’re gone, but only if you show me how your coffee machine works.”
    “I don’t have to run right now. I don’t even want to.” She kicked off her shoes. “I’ll make us coffee.”
    “Great.” His relief was obvious. “I’ll take a fast shower.”
    “There’re disposable razors in the drawer.”
    There was, as well, a package of waffles in the freezer. She stuck them in the oven to thaw, and found a jar of homemade raspberry jam her mother had given her and a tin of peaches.
    Inspired, Melissa unearthed a yellow tablecloth and two napkins. She set the table, then dialed St. Joe’s and learned that her mother had slept peacefully and was now enjoying her breakfast.
    The sun shone outside the kitchen window, the smell of fresh coffee filled the air, the shower stopped running, and the sound of James whistling off-key brought a smile.
    Being able to relax was so rare. She poured herself coffee and sipped it, leaning against the kitchen counter. Memories of the night floated through her head. Could it be that good again between them, or was it just

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