by Marie Force
“How so?”
“There’s a really nice bed in the other room.”
The suggestion made her heart beat faster as the idea of being in an actual bed with him sent all her hormones into a frenzy. “That sounds good.”
They disentangled from each other and stood up.
Daisy waited for David to turn on a light before she followed him to the bedroom, where he produced a T-shirt for her to sleep in. “Thanks.”
“Go ahead and use the bathroom first.”
“You don’t have an extra toothbrush by any chance, do you?”
“I think I do.” He went into the bathroom to rummage around in a cabinet.
Daisy took advantage of the opportunity to take a closer look at his bedroom, which was sparsely furnished with a dresser and a king-size bed covered by a navy-blue comforter.
“Here you go,” he said when he returned, holding a toothbrush that was still in the package.
“Thanks. I’ll be quick.”
Daisy went into the bathroom, removed her dress and hung it on a hook behind the door. She debated whether or not to leave her bra on, but decided she’d be more comfortable sleeping without it. She tucked it behind the dress on the hook, donned the T-shirt and quickly brushed her teeth.
“All yours,” she said when she stepped out of the bathroom to find that he’d turned down the bed.
He held up the covers for her. “Hop in so you don’t get cold.”
“Which side do you prefer?”
“Doesn’t matter.”
As he went into the bathroom and closed the door, Daisy felt giddy about her sleepover with the sexy doctor. There was something so special about sharing the bed that smelled like him, of sleeping next to him, of seeing his most private living space.
He came out of the bathroom wearing a T-shirt and boxer shorts and slid into bed next to her, leaving the bedside light on. “Comfortable?” he asked.
“I could be more comfortable.” Daisy surprised herself with the brazen reply.
“How so?”
“If you were a little closer.”
He scooted over an inch. “Better?”
“Not yet.”
Another inch. “How about this?”
“Getting warmer, but not quite there yet.”
He moved so he was right next to her and put his arm around her. “How’s this?”
“Perfect,” she said with a sigh of pleasure.
“It could be better.”
“How so?” she asked, borrowing his line.
“If you turned toward me.”
Daisy did as he asked. “Like this?”
“Just like that,” he whispered as he kissed her.
He tasted of toothpaste and sexy man and David. His arms encircled her as he worked his leg between hers.
The rough texture of his hairy leg between her thighs was an instant turn-on as his tongue thoroughly explored her mouth. His hand dipped beneath her T-shirt, caressing her back in slow movements that made her nipples tighten in the hope that he might move to the front. But he kept his hand stubbornly anchored to her back.
Daisy decided to do some exploring of her own, slipping her fingers under his shirt to feel the rippling muscles of his belly and drawing a gasp from him when she slid her fingertips down to the waistband of his shorts. She tugged on the T-shirt. “Take this off.”
He released her long enough to do as she asked, and then he was kissing her again, even more intently than before.
She ran her hands over his chest, discovering each contour and making him tremble in the process. Encouraged by his response, she scraped her thumbnail over his nipple, which caused him to startle and then curse under his breath.
Laughing, she said, “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I am sorry.”
“I still say you’re not.”
“Okay, I’m not. In fact, I might even do it again.”
“Please do.”
“Only if you return the favor.”
“Daisy,” he said, groaning. “I’m trying so hard to go slow, but you’re making me nuts.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not usually so forward. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”
“Don’t do that. Don’t apologize for asking for what you want. I don’t ever want you to feel like you can’t say what you’re thinking to me.”
“You’re bringing out a whole new side of me.”
“What side is that?”
“The hot and bothered side.”
“I love that side of you,” he said, laughing as he kissed her.
“So what’s the verdict on my shirt?”
“You sure you’re okay?”
“I could be better if this pesky shirt wasn’t in my way.”
“In that case…” He helped her to remove it and then wrapped his arms around her, breathing deeply as her breasts pressed against his chest. “God, that feels good. You feel so good.”
“So do you.”
“I haven’t felt this good in a really long time,” he whispered.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt this good.”
“Daisy…” He devoured her with his lips and tongue as he cupped her breast.
She cried out from the shock of his thumb and forefinger closing around her overly sensitive nipple.
“Does it hurt?” he asked, sounding alarmed.
“No, not at all. It feels incredible.”
“You feel incredible. I want to touch you and kiss you everywhere.”
Daisy let out a nervous laugh. “Don’t let me stop you.”
He kissed her and caressed her and made her crazy with his fingers on her nipples, but that was all he did.
Daisy tried to reach between them to stroke the erection that pulsated against her leg, but he stopped her.
Groaning, she hovered somewhere between frustration and arousal, wanting more but knowing he was determined to take his time. While she respected his scruples, she hoped he would lighten up before she lost her mind from wanting him.
“All in good time, honey,” he whispered as he linked their fingers.
“How much time?”
“Why? Are you going somewhere?”
“I’m going slowly crazy.”
“I’m right there with you.”
“Then why—”
He kissed the words off her lips. “Trust me?”
“Yes, of course I do.”
“I’m honored that you trust me. That means more to me than you could ever know. I really like you, Daisy, and I like what we’ve got going. I don’t want to mess it up by moving too fast when you’re still recovering. I promise that when we make love, it’ll be well worth the wait.”
“I just feel so…”
“What? Tell me how you feel.”
“Frustrated.”
His gentle laughter drew a reluctant smile from her.
“It’s not funny.”
“I know it isn’t. I feel the same way.”
“Could we maybe, you know, do what we did before?”
He dragged his hand over her thigh to press against her center. “Do you mean this?”
“Yes,” she said, breathlessly. “That.”
His fingers moved over her underwear, using the fabric to abrade her most sensitive area. He had her on the verge of explosive release with just a few passes. “Feel good?”
“It could feel better.”
He pressed a bit harder. “How’s this?”
“Still not as good as it could be.”
“You’re a rather demanding woman, Daisy Babson.”
“You told me I should ask for what I want.”
“And what is it that you want?”
“Your fingers.” She felt dizzy and light-headed, which was when she realized she was barely breathing. “Under my panties.”
He did as she requested, running his fingers lightly over the outer lips of her sex. “Like this?”
“David!”
His
lips were curved into a smile when he kissed her. “Patience, my sweet.”
“I’m fresh out of patience at the moment.”
“The lady is sounding more and more aggravated by the second. I’d better tend to her before she exacts her revenge.”
“You’re a wise man, Dr. Lawrence.”
He gave her exactly what she wanted, his fingers focusing on the areas that throbbed for him, sliding into her in a motion that mimicked intercourse, driving her to a powerful full-body orgasm that left her sweating and panting and throbbing under the fingers he continued to press against her.
“How was that?” he asked after a long period of contented silence.
“Pretty damned good.”
“I’m relieved you didn’t say it could’ve been better.”
Laughing, she said, “It’s never been better. Do I get a turn now?”
“You need sleep more than I need favors.”
“Please?”
“Hmm, I’ve got a hot sexy woman in my bed, begging me to let her have her wicked way with me. What am I to do?”
“You really think I’m hot and sexy?”
“This isn’t proof enough?” he asked, placing her hand over his erection. “You’re very hot and very sexy, and I feel very lucky that you’re in my bed.”
“I feel lucky, too.” She pushed at his shoulders until he was lying flat on his back and went up on her knees to lean over him, peppering his chest and belly with soft, openmouthed kisses that had his muscles quivering in no time. Tugging on the waistband to his boxers, she said, “Take them off.”
“Daisy…”
“You’re doing what you’re told, remember?” Despite the brazen words, her hands trembled with nerves. Although she knew this was David and he’d never harm her in any way, the memories of another man and the constant fear of angering him were never far from her mind.
He removed the shorts and let his hands fall to the mattress, curling them into fists that Daisy fixated on. Tuning in to what had caught her attention, he flattened his hands on his belly. “I’d never, ever, ever hit you, Daisy. Ever.”
“I know.”
“Do you? Do you really? Do you know there is nothing you could do or say that would ever make me want to hurt you that way?”
“Yes,” she whispered, humbled by his intuition and tenderness. “I’m sorry. I know you never would. It’s just…”
“Touch me. Kiss me. Do anything you want to. I’m all yours, and you’re totally safe with me.”
His gentle words brought tears to her eyes, but this wasn’t the time for them. Not when he was laid out before her in all his sexy perfection. His erection stretched almost to his belly button. Before her eyes, he got harder and longer. Daisy licked her lips in anticipation and a tiny bit of fear when she thought of taking him into her body. The growing tingle of desire between her legs belied her fears as she took him in hand and ran her tongue over the very tip, which was damp with moisture.
“Daisy,” he muttered between clenched teeth as his fingers clutched her hair.
“Mmm.” Her lips vibrated against his shaft as he got even harder. Encouraged by his response, she ran her tongue down the full length of him and then back up to concentrate on the sensitive head.
“Yes, Daisy… God.”
She added a tiny bit of suction that had his hips rising from the bed as she stroked him with her hand and tongue.
“Wait. Daisy, stop.” He tugged gently on her hair, and he popped free from her mouth an instant before he came with a growl and a curse uttered under his breath. He drew in ragged breaths as his hands fell to the mattress in a helpless gesture that made her smile. “You wiped me out, baby.”
He used his T-shirt to wipe his belly and tossed it aside, turning to embrace her. “You’re so sexy and sweet. It’s an awfully potent combination.”
“So are you.” She punctuated her words with a hand to his face and a soft kiss. “You make me feel hopeful again.”
“That’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received.”
“That can’t possibly be true. You save people’s lives!”
“Maybe so, but you, Daisy… I think you might just have the power to save my life.”
She drew in a sharp, deep breath, astounded and touched by the revealing statement.
His arms encircled her, his lips brushed over her hair, and her breasts pressed against his chest. Safe and content in his arms, Daisy drifted off to sleep with a smile on her lips.
After a long day of appointments in the clinic, David was updating patient charts late the next afternoon when Blaine Taylor appeared at his door.
“Hey, Blaine. What’s up?”
“Am I getting you at a bad time?”
“Not at all. Come on in.”
“Thanks.” Blaine took a seat in one of David’s visitor chairs. “The receptionist said you weren’t with patients so it was okay to come back.”
“What’s going on?”
“I heard from the assistant attorney general who’s prosecuting Daisy’s case.”
David’s stomach clenched at the reminder of the assault and attempted sexual assault case pending against Daisy’s ex-boyfriend. “What about it?”
“He had a couple of questions about your statement, and he was unable to reach you, so he asked me to come over to talk to you.”
“I haven’t gotten to my voice mail yet. What questions does he have?”
“The rape kit came back inconclusive. Nothing to tie Truck to the attempted sexual assault.”
The sexual assault count was the more serious charge and had kept Truck in jail without bond while he awaited trial. Without it, he might be released on personal recognizance, a thought David could barely stand to entertain. “Other than the fact that you caught him assaulting her and the trauma to her genital region was indicative of repeated attempts at penetration. Only because he was high as a kite did he fail to actually rape her. We all know that.”
“Apparently, Truck’s defense attorney, our own local hero Jim Sturgil, is claiming that those bruises could’ve been caused by any number of unrelated injuries. He’s submitted a number of possible scenarios to the court that include…” Blaine pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “Bicycling injuries, consensual sex, surfing accident, work-related accident, etc. He’s creating reasonable doubt and questioning whether that charge will hold up in court. If you can think of anything at all that you might’ve overlooked, this would be the time to let me know.”
David fought back a growing sense of panic. “He’s out of his mind if he thinks any of those things caused her injuries. Truck Henry’s penis and his rage caused them.”
“You and I both know that, but without any forensic evidence that an attempted rape occurred, it’s her word against his in court.”
David desperately wished he’d found more forensic evidence to keep Truck locked up where he belonged. “So those charges are going to be dropped?”
“They could be. Nothing has happened yet, but Jim is fighting hard to get them thrown out.”
“I’ve always despised that son of a bitch, but now I freaking hate him. How can he do that to Daisy?”
“You know Jim. It’s all about the almighty buck with him—that and showing everyone how powerful he is.” This was said with a heavy dose of bitterness. “He’s actually threatening to sue Tiffany for full custody of Ashleigh if I move in with them.”
“Come on… For real?”
“Yep. He dumped her after she worked two jobs to put him through law school, and now he’s not going to stand idly by and watch her be happy with someone else.”
“Damn, man, that sucks. Is there anything you can do?”
“I can marry her, which I’d love to do, but she said she isn’t ready for that after getting divorced so recently. Now he’s forcing us to consider that step before she’s ready. It’s a mess, and the worst part is how he’s using poor Ashleigh as a pawn in all of this. Hell, I spend more time with her than he does. He�
��s got no right to use an innocent kid that way.”
“I’m sorry you’re dealing with all that. If you want to talk about it, you’re welcome to air it out with me. I’m no fan of his either. Never have been, but especially now that he’s helping Truck to hurt Daisy all over again.”
“I heard you two have been hanging out.”
“Yeah. She’s… She’s amazingly strong and resilient after everything she’s been through. I don’t know what she’ll do if they let Truck out of jail, though.” He didn't even want to think about that possibility.
“If they let him out, it’ll be with a big fat restraining order that keeps him far, far away from Daisy.”
“A piece of paper won’t keep her safe if he’s high.”
“Maybe not, but we will. We’ll keep her safe.”
“Yes, we will.” He thought of how sweet she’d been in bed the night before and felt a rather inappropriate surge of lust that had him clearing his throat and his mind of salacious thoughts. “She’s strong, but she’s also fragile in some ways. Last night, we were, kissing and stuff…”
“And stuff?” Blaine asked with a knowing smirk.
“My hands, they rolled into fists, and she noticed. It wasn’t because of anger.”
“Of course it wasn’t.”
“But still… She zeroed in on those fists until I realized what I was doing. I hate that it even crossed her mind that I might hurt her the way he did.”
“She knows you’d never do what he did, David. The reflex is instinct by now. It’ll take some time, but she’ll get past it. Until then, you have to move slowly so you don’t spook her.”
“I’m trying, but she’s not making it easy.”
Blaine tipped his head back and laughed. “Ready to move on, is she?”
“You could say that.”
“You’re doing the right thing taking it slow. She’s been through a nightmare that would’ve left a lesser person curled up in the fetal position rather than starting over with someone new.”
“The timing stinks. I know that, but it just sort of… happened.”
“The best things in life often happen when you least expect it. At least that’s been my experience.”
“You mean Tiffany.”
He nodded. “And Ashleigh. I love them both and would do anything for them, including wage war with her ex-husband to get him to leave us alone.”
