Page 31 of Dr. Bad Boy

So I can’t tell him again that he’s the only one I’ve been with, the only one I’vethoughtof in months. I can’t give him that power when he’s already got me twisted up in knots.

Maybe it’s my lack of an answer, or maybe he just wants to try another approach, but his face softens and he tilts his head to the side. “I’m not asking for sex.”

Well, damn. “Then what do you want?” Because sex…I’d give him that in a heartbeat if there was a way. But him wanting something else…that was dangerous in a whole new way. Something faint started to flutter in my chest.

“Tonight?” He gives me a tight smile. Softness isn’t a mask Max can wear for very long. “I need a date—a platonic date, if you insist. My best friend is worried that I’m wasting away, and I’ve got a command performance for drinks. It was strongly suggested I bring a date.”

Again, the thought of Max dating turns my stomach. “Your personal life is none of my business,” I say weakly, but I’m tumbling hard and fast.

His eyes darken. “Of course it is. We can argue about that in greater detail tonight. Gavin and Ellie will enjoy weighing in, I’m sure.”

Gavin and Ellie. His concerned friends are the prime minister and his fiancée. I can’t play games in front of them—and I shouldn’t play games at all, not with my client. My face blanches, I can feel it, and my hands slick with sweat. “Max…”

“Well, at least that gets you to call me by my name,” he says smoothly. The confidence is back, and I fear it’s going to stay this time. “Come on. They’re the best chaperones you could have. I’ll be on my best behaviour, or Gavin will have my head.”

“He’s not the king.”

He shrugs that protest off. “I already told them you were coming.”

“No!”

“I’ll make it up to you by carrying your vegetable basket.”

“That’s hardly the same thing.”

But he’s taken it from me, his arm brushing against mine, and the fact we’re both wearing jackets is the only reason my skin doesn’t feel scalded from the contact.

It’s clear Max intends to spend the day with me. Shopping at the market. Probably follow me back to my place to help me put away my groceries.

Fucking me on the kitchen counter because I’m weaker than water.

This can’t happen.

So why is my pulse racing?

And when did my panties get wet?

10

Gavin

When I toldGavin I wouldn’t be at hockey, he issued the drinks invitation.

I may have lied a bit to Violet about the demand for a date. But as she picks out fruit, I text Gavin and the response is as I expected.

Hawkeye: I’m bringing someone tonight.

BJ: The woman you wooed with chocolates?

Hawkeye: That didn’t go over that well.

BJ: Someone else, then?

Hawkeye: No. Same woman. Still…wooing.

BJ: How uncomfortable does that make you?

Hawkeye: Stop laughing at me. And be good tonight.

---