Page 36 of Mother Pucker

Plus, what if he gets his hopes up about something working out long-term between Rowan and me? He’d be devastated when it ends, and I just can’t see his heart break like that again–especially not after the way it broke when Ajay died.

A small voice inside my head asks if I’m just talking about my son’s heart, but I refuse to answer it.

“For as long as this lasts,” I finally say.

Rowan's shoulders slump, the heat cooling inside his eyes, making me feel like I’ve already started us off on the wrong foot. But my son’s heart isn’t something I’ll compromise.

“The next thing is about my job.”

“Yeah, I already know,” he chimes in. “I’m your patient, you’re my PT, and that shit could put your career in jeopardy.”

I nod. “It’s the only career I have, and I support both Kai and myself with it, so I couldn’t handle anyone tarnishing my reputation.”

“I wouldn’t fucking let them,” he says vehemently.

I smile, appreciating his protectiveness, but I also need to make sure he really understands. “The media is always afteryou, constantly looking for stories. And this would be something that could ruin me, Rowan. Under no circumstances can we be pictured together in any way besides as two professionals.”

“Yeah, I hear you,” he says, lifting his hand to gently stroke my cheek. “I’m on the same page. I would never want anything to hurt you.”

My heart skips a beat. When the hell did this man become so swoony? I place my forehead on his and we just breathe each other’s air for a moment. “I got cleared to go to California with you this weekend, by the way.”

Rowan’s face brightens briefly, but quickly clouds with worry about my answer. “Does that mean you’ve decided to join?”

I nod, watching a relieved smile work over his lips.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with you, Doc.” The mischief dancing with his brows betrays him. “In a completelyprofessionalway, of course.”

“It has to be professional when we’re in public.”

“It will be.” He gives me a resolute look. “But I make no promises for when we’re in private.”

“I would expect nothing less,” I respond, and my heart does a happy somersault at the prospect of Rowan Parker doingunprofessionalthings to me.

The man is turning me into putty, making me mold and bend to his desires. I’ve always had a healthy sexual appetite, but around him, my libido seems to have a mind of its own, asking me–begging me–to jump him. And, though it frightens me, I can’t help but want to explore more with him.

“Any other stipulations?” he mumbles, his hands skating down my back.

I nod, grinning mischievously. If there’s one thing I already love about this man, it’s his need to rise to a challenge, and I have a feeling he won’t disappoint. “Well, I don’t know if you can manage this one . . .”

He squints at me, already irritated that I’d question his competence. “Try me.”

“I’m gonna need better orgasms than my fancy new gold-plated vibrator can give me.”

twelve

rowan

Before she can evenprocess it, I’ve got her pinned to the couch under me. Her legs are still wrapped around my torso.

My large hands span her sides before my thumbs reach up to circle her nipples, covered by her clothes. Shay’s hips jump under me as she tucks her bottom lip into her mouth, a soft moan escaping from it.

There’s no end to the satisfaction I feel knowing how responsive she is with just that slight touch. “I’m not one to back down from a challenge, Doc.”

Her chest rises and falls, a challenge building inside her irises. “You sure about that, Mr. Parker? Jensen is pretty hard to beat.”

I freeze, my jaw clenching before I realize who–orwhat–she’s talking about. I give her an incredulous look, making her giggle. “Younamedit?”

She nods, her hip thrusting up slightly against me. She’s stunning in every way–large espresso-colored eyes, full lips, a square face with that adorable little mole on the top of her cheek, and perfectly styled, short hair.

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