“Sure,” I hear myself saying, “that would be helpful actually.”
He pulls a large cushion off the other sofa and places it on the floor at my feet. “Sit there, and I will sit behind you.”
“Bossy,” I say coyly while I set my coffee down and follow instructions. I feel him pause before he sits behind me, his legs on either side of me.Don’t forget to breathe.
He places his hands on my shoulders, and I ask, because I just have to, “Shall I take my sweatshirt off? I have my tank top on.”
It is his turn to hold his breath before he recovers.
“Sure,” he says.
So much is not being said.
I pull off my sweatshirt and lean back.
His hands are on my shoulders as he begins trying to work out the knots. I think, suddenly, of so many smart-ass things to say, but I keep my mouth shut and close my eyes, intending to enjoy this while it lasts.
As he is working on my neck, I make a noise that sounds very much like I’m enjoying this in a way he may not have intended. Josh pauses and starts to laugh quietly. I started to laugh, too, and he stopped, placing a hand on each shoulder.
“Maybe that’s enough for now.” He kisses the top of my head for the third time today. Not that I’m counting.
“Sure,” I say again, still laughing under my breath.
Without thinking much about it, I turn around to find myself kneeling between his legs. Josh holds very still, much like a deer in headlights does. I lean forward, without breaking eye contact, and kiss him, square on the mouth. It’s chaste and quick but also loaded with… everything. I pull back so my lips are a breath away from his.
I whisper onto his mouth, “Goodnight my friend.”
Before either of us can say another word, I get up and go to my room.
The Clinic
Josh, Estes Park, February 2025
I did not sleep for shit. My significant arousal from that kiss and my lack of willingness to do anything about it led to a night of staring at the ceiling. I felt guilty even considering taking matters into my own hands. We are going to work in the clinic this morning and I rise early to make breakfast. Stacking pancakes and veggie bacon on a platter, I sense Lily entering the room before she says anything. She looks like she did not sleep any better than I did. She appears rumpled and adorable.
“Good morning. I made us some breakfast and coffee is over there.” I point with my head.
“Thanks, Josh.”
“Do you want to borrow some scrubs or anything?”
“Yeah, that’d be great, thanks.”
God, she is sexy as hell without even trying. I start reciting the cranial nerves and their functions in my my mind to keep from writing checks I can’t cash. She shuffles over to the coffee pot. I grab a plate of food and take it back to my room to eat in peace.
Once I scarfed down my food, I shower and throw some scrubs on, pulling out my smallest pair for her. Going to the guest room door, I knock and get no answer.She’s probably in the shower. I consider leaving the scrubs on the floor outside her room.If she’s still in the shower, I can put the scrubs right inside her door and stop creeping outside her room like an asshole.I try knocking one last time. Suddenly, she opens the door. My hand freezes before I knock her in the sternum. She is standing there, hair in a shower cap, and clothed only in a towel.
“Here.” I shove the clothes into her chest and turn around to make a hasty retreat away from the sound of her laughter.She is going to kill me.
“I’m taking Ginger with us but am going to walk her a bit first. I’ll be back for you in a few,” I say without turning around.
“Sure thing Josh. I will go ahead and get dressed,” I can hear the continued amusement in her voice.
Escaping out into the cold without zipping up my coat, I’m hoping to freeze out my libido. When I return, she has dressed and somehow looks even more appetizing in my scrubs. She is lacing up her boots when I open the door.
“I packed us some snacks and sandwiches,” she says.
“Great. Ready?”
