Page 41 of The Girlfriend Game
“Your job must be stressful handling people like…me,” I say flatly.
She shrugs. “There are moments that bring on self-doubt. I wonder whether I’m enough. If I’m doing enough to help treat my clients.”
Standing, I grab onto the back of the seat to keep myself from falling over, the boat shifting side to side with the movement and the waves. Taking a tentative step toward her, I plant my feet and gently place my hands on her shoulders.
The tension ripples through her, taut and stiff. Gently and tenderly, I begin to knead her shoulders, my thumbs massaging circles into the warm skin of her neck.
“You are a great therapist. Smart, thoughtful, and helpful.”
She tips her head up with a tight smile. I bend my head, my lips brushing her ear. She shivers noticeably.
“Is this okay?” I whisper, getting a lungful of her scent. Like a sea breeze and coconut.
“Mmm…yeah. That feels great.”
I continue massaging the tight muscles, the noise of the waves breaking against the boat loud and rhythmic, and take in the scenery around me.
“Where are you taking us, captain? You’re not going to pull a Dexter on me out here, are you?” I tease, referring to the crime show about a serial killer.
The blunt tip of my thumb caresses the knotted muscle of her neck, trailing it over the silky flesh. My fingers splay out on the front side of her throat and caress lightly over her collarbone. I like the way her breaths become uneven.
Wry humor glints in her green eyes when she tips back her head. “Nah, you’re far too big. I’d never be able to throw your body overboard.”
My lips quirk and a burst of laughter rushes from my lungs. God, it feels good to laugh. To breathe. To be in her company.
Narrowing my eyes, I pop the tip of her nose playfully with my finger. “The good doctor has a dark sense of humor. I like it. That just gave your cred a big boost.”
She shifts to the side and swats me with a hand, a small laugh escaping. “I can be funny. You just haven’t seen that side of me yet.”
Yet another thing I’m looking forward to. “I guess I’ll have to find out for myself.”
