Page 93 of Finding Jack
“I can’t either. Is it…um, are you okay with this?”
“So okay with it. I mean not okay with it. Happy? I’m happy about it.”
It sounded almost like a question, and I wondered if I had made a huge mistake in surprising him this way. “Sorry, I should have called.”
“Wait, why are you apologizing?”
“You don’t seem certain you’re happy to see me? Like it was kind of a question?” I hated the insecure way my voice rose at the end of each sentence, but I couldn’t seem to stop it from happening.
His eyes widened. “I messed this up. I was trying to think of a way to tell you how happy I am that you’re here without completely freaking you out. Um, but the answer is super happy.”
“Oh. Good.” Relief spread through my chest in a gentle billow, like the soft puff of a newly washed sheet tossed to settle on a bed.
Er. Maybe I needed to focus on different analogies.
“Could I get a do-over?” he asked.
“Sure?” I had no idea what it would entail, but he rose and opened the door, waving me through it.
When I stood on the other side of the open door, he stood in the office and gave me a sudden look of delight. “Emily? Is that you? Are you really here?”
“Yes, Jack. It’s me. I’m really here.”
“Come right on in,” he said, stepping aside so I could pass him. But this time when I walked into the room, he shut the door behind us and gave me a slow smile.
“Hi, Emily Riker. I’m going to kiss you now. What do you think about that?”
I reached out to catch the edge of his lab coat and tugged lightly. “That’s what I’m here for.”
He backed me against the door and framed my face with his hands. They were warm and steady as he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine, and I slid my hands up to his shoulders to pull him closer. “Hi, Jack Hazlett.”
He kissed me again, a real one this time, and I melted into him as he tangled his fingers through my hair. My lips opened beneath his, an invitation to explore, and he took it, turning the kiss deep and long. I clasped my hands behind his neck for support and disappeared into the wave of heat breaking over me. I didn’t even want to come up for air. For long minutes we didn’t, until he finally broke away to trail kisses along my jaw.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered. I tilted my head to give him better access to my throat, and I managed a soft, “Me too. But wait.”
I pushed against his chest, the lightest pressure, but he immediately gave me space. “I just wanted to inspect this for myself.” I reached out to touch the hair gathered at the nape of his neck.
He wound a strand of mine around his finger. “I like yours. It’s lighter than it looks onscreen.”
“I likethisenough,” I said, touching his lips, “to overlook any opinions I have about your crowning girly.” And I kissed him before his grin could even spread all the way.
He kissed me breathless, and just as I felt the kiss turning hungry, he pulled away to rest his forehead against mine. “I’m so glad you’re here. But I still have to take care of Mrs. Castille.”
I blinked at him and then his words registered, and I slipped out of his arms with a gasp. “Oh my gosh, I forgot about her.”
“I don’t want you to go.” He groaned and reached for me, but I stepped out of range.
“No, you’re right. Poor thing, sitting there in the waiting room. What time are you done today? Maybe I can meet you after work?”
“It’ll take me a few minutes to treat her then I’m free for lunch. I’ll call in an order to a place called Annie’s and we can eat here.”
“Tell me where to pick it up. It’ll keep me busy while you take care of your patient.” I pointed to the door before he could sweet talk me. “Now you should probably see to Mrs. Castille.”
He reached for the handle. “Okay, but you promise you’re coming back here?”
I darted over and laid another kiss on him. “Only because you asked nicely.” Then I slipped under his arm and headed out to the reception area.
Mrs. Castille glanced up at me. “Now you’ve got a rash all over,” she said, pointing to her mouth. “I hope Dr. Hazlett fixed you up with something good.”
