And he couldn’t deny that was what he wanted. Deep down, he had hoped he could eventually share it with her.
“Don’t answer that,” she finally said. “I think I know.”
“Do you?”
She nodded slowly. “What I saw on that stage tonight …” She paused, her face taking on an intense expression, one that made his heart instantly beat faster. “It was …”
He watched her struggle to find the right words, hoping to hell they wouldn’t be the wrong ones.
“It scared me.”
Shit. Wrong words.
He managed to keep his face neutral, hiding his deep disappointment. “What scared you?” he asked, even though he really didn’t want to know. “The cutting? The fact that they were doing it onstage? The vibrating chairs?”
He had initially rejected those when he’d seen them on the plans, thinking they were in poor taste, but the other guys convinced him they’d be a unique feature that would generate word of mouth. They weren’t wrong. And people seemed to love them.
“Maybe all of that, maybe none of that,” she said.
Well, that didn’t say anything.
“I need some time to process it all.”
He only hoped she wouldn’t handle it the same way as before, shutting everyone out while she processed alone.
“Does that mean we’re still good?” he asked hopefully.
“That means—” she pinched his nipple hard, making him jump “—that I expect you to come visit me in Florida.”
He released a long, quiet sigh. “Beautiful girl,” he said, “I’ll be there as often as I can.”
“Good. Because I’ve become addicted …” she reached to grasp him then “… to this.”
Addicted to his dick. Not him.
Pushing away his disappointment, Nick closed his eyes as she stroked faster. Whatever part of him she was addicted to, he’d give it to her without hesitation.
As long as he could have a part of her.
•
Jannie
“And when did this start?”
iPad in hand, Jannie regarded her last patient of the day, who thankfully was her best friend. Today had been particularly taxing, in part because of the migraine she hadn’t been able to get rid of, despite taking three Advil with a cup of coffee.
Damn birth control pills.
Her mood had been affected too, to the point that she sensed a few dismayed glances from her staff. One of them even jokingly asked if she needed a chill pill. The worst part was that these side effects weren’t even worth it because she hadn’t seen Nick in five whole weeks. FaceTime was nice, but it couldn’t compare to being wrapped in his strong arms. And kissed. And—
“Hello?” Sarah waved, then snapped her fingers. “Are you in Sin City again?”
Jannie gave her a sheepish smile. “I think I never left.”
“He hasn’t called you?”
“Oh, he has. He calls, he texts, he sends me flowers.” Jannie reached to caress a pale pink beauty from Nick’s latest delivered arrangement. He had sent a different bouquet every week, from some grower inHenderson named Dave, who grew the most unique and fragrant roses.
