Chapter Three
Ava
The door closes behind him, and I stare unseeingly. “Oh my God…” My gaze moves from the door to the counter where his small rectangular card awaits me. It figures the only time in my life I have a one-night stand, he turns out to be my gynecologist. Wait, no. He’s not my gyno. Dr. Froberg is, but with my rush to get this appointment, they let me know the soonest available time was with Dr. Zmudosky—the same man I had amazing, mind blowing sex with.
I made it a habit not to have sex with men earlier than about two months. I need enough time to gauge if I can trust them. Falling into bed with Jason was easy. He was a generous lover and incredibly sweet.
Now here I am, asking for all the STI testing available because naturally I woke up the next morning regretting my reckless behavior. I saw the condom and heard the wrapping, but I was a bundle of nerves and lust after going home with him that I didn’t watch to see if he really put it on or not.
Trust. It doesn’t happen in one night. And yet even as I sit here berating myself, the little voice in my head is smiling and telling me Icantrust Jason.
Shit! If my tests come back clean, should I worry about if he fudged them or—Oh my God! It’s official. I’m batshit crazy.
Looking down, I see I’m still shaking at this turn of events. He’d seen the panic in my eyes immediately and walked me through breathing. Then again, he’s a doctor. I now remember him mentioning it, but how the hell was I supposed to know he stares at hoohahs for a living?
A knock on the door makes me jump, and I pray it’s him.Wait, I do?“Come in,” I manage to call out through the massive lump sitting on my vocal chords.
Dr. Froberg comes in and studies me. For a split second, I note a flash of amusement cross her face, but it goes away quickly, leaving me to wonder if it even happened. “Hello, Ava. How are you doing today?” she asks and shuts the door behind her. Dr. Froberg pauses at the card on the counter but doesn’t remark on it, and I realize she’s waiting for me to speak.
“G-good.”
“Are you okay?” she asks, and her brows knit together with concern.
I look past her at the door. “Umm…”
“Anything you tell me stays between us. How about we discuss what brings you in today? You’re not due for your pap for another six months and your last one was normal.”
Lowering my eyes, I clear my throat. “I’d like some tests.”
“Okay.” She nods. “I can take some swabs and run some bloodwork. Is there something in particular you’re worried about?”
I bite my lip and shake my head. “No. I just need to know I’m healthy.”
“All right, why don’t you go ahead and undress from the waist down and use the drape behind you to cover up.”
She smiles, and it’s sweet with no judgement.Thisis why I followed her when she moved offices. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Dr. Froberg pauses and tips her head, studying me closely. “For what?”
“For not asking…”
“Ava, we’re here to treat you. Whatever may have occurred between you and Jason outside of these walls is not any of my business.”
I nod, and she slips out of the exam room. After undressing quickly, I return to the table and wait.
Memories of our night together flood my thoughts. Jason’s touch, his kisses, the loving words… It was a wonderful night. When I woke up disoriented by unfamiliar walls, I panicked. I removed his arm from my abdomen and slipped free. I dressed in record time, gathered my things, and fled to take a taxi back to my car.
Sure, I could blame it on alcohol, but I wasn’t drunk.
Taking a deep breath, I think about the surprise on his face. Replaying our awkward reunion, I focus on one thing.“Just so you know, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. I’d love to take you on a proper date.”
At least he didn’t run out of the exam room the moment he saw me. I smile. Jason is better looking than I remember. Not even the white doctors coat detracts from his appeal.
A knock at the door sends my thoughts askew. “Come in!” I call, and Dr. Froberg comes in, followed by a nurse.
“Ready to get started?” Dr. Froberg asks, and I nod.
I mean, how ready can you ever be for the damn speculum.
