Page 75 of Moonshot

I almost laugh before I consider she could be right. “Shit. Did I hurt you?”

Finally turning her head in my direction, wrinkles from the couch embedded into her sweet pale face, she answers, “In only the best possible way. I’ve just never had sex for this many hours in a row. Can we take a nap?”

Chuckling, I say, “Yes, scoot over.”

“No. You over there.” With her eyes remaining closed, I follow her outstretched finger toward the bed.

“What? You won’t let me nap with you?”

“You’re the reason I need a nap. Have we gotten more than four hours sleep since we got here?”

“I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

Ava finally opens one eye, mocking me with her sarcastic expression.

“I promise. I’m sorry. Are you sore?”

“Only a little. I’m just exhausted. I went from not doing much of anything since being in the hospital to feeling like I just qualified for an Olympic medal in cabin sex.”

“Well, you deserve the gold for front yard sex.” I laugh. “Come here.” Sliding my arms underneath her, I carry her over and lie her in the bed. Sliding behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist. Nuzzling her neck with my nose, I already know I’m going to get stiff. “So, if I get hard, just ignore me. I won’t pounce on you again. But I can’t help it. You make me crazy, Els. Now get some rest.” I kiss the nape of her neck, feeling like the luckiest bastard on earth. “Because there’s no way we’re going back home without having you one more time. And the backyard seems a little lonely.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Ava

“Ava, honey. It’s so good to see you,” Joanie greets as soon as I walk through the door. “It hasn’t been the same here without you.”

“Oh, thank you. I’ve missed you guys terribly. Especially knowing I wasn’t coming back to Stark.”

“Yes, I have to say it’s been pleasant here for a number of reasons. Thanks to his absence.”

“A number, huh?” Noticing a glint in Joanie’s eye, I realize her expression has altered a bit and follow her gaze over my shoulder.

“Dr. Barnes. You haven’t met Ava yet. She’s the physician assistant we’ve gone on about.”

Holy crap. This man is sinfully good-looking. If I wasn’t so in love with Michael, I might actually have a hard time focusing on my work. Let’s just hope he’s as pleasant to work with as he is to look at.

“Nice to meet you, Ava. I’ve heard great things. I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Jeez, those green eyes are mesmerizing. And he’s nice, too.

“Yes. Much better. Thank you. Have you been here long?”

“No, today’s my first official day. I’m only seeing patients in the office until my credentialling goes through at the hospital. I’ll have to postpone any surgeries or arrange to have them done at Mary Immaculate if it doesn’t come through soon.”

“Oh, you must work with Dr. Lee,” I blurt. I watch as his almost overly joyful expression changes to a scowl.

“Yes. He’s a colleague there.”Hmm. Feels like these two handsome orthopedists don’t get along.Maybe they aren’t used to sharing the spotlight. “Well, I better get back to it. Maybe we can meet over coffee later and talk about the best way to approach our schedule in the future.”

I give him a blank stare. “I don’t understand.”

“Well, I think we should look at how the OR schedules tend to run, the call schedule… figure out how to divide and conquer.”

Is he for real? He wants my opinion.“I’d love that, Dr. Barnes.”

“Nick. Please call me Nick.”

“Nick.” I feel my cheeks blush at the familiarity. I would’ve never been asked this of my prior condescending supervising physician. I’m in awe at my luck in receiving such a kind man to work with. That this is Dr. Stark’s replacement. And the fact he looks like he belongs on the cover of GQ isn’t bad either. But I’m so in love with Mick, nothing could tempt me away.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

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