Page 29 of A Very Grumpy Doctor

I wince as he grips my hips and lifts me off his cock.

Hugh looks devastated.“Shit, baby.Come on.”

He says, “Come on,” but I’m still in his arms.He carries me into his bathroom and sets me down on the edge of the bathtub.I watch as he leans over, turning on the hot water.He tests it after a minute, then grabs his body wash, adding a few pumps to the steaming water.

“This will help,” he says, lifting me into the tub.

I sink into the water, letting the heat ease the ache from my muscles.Hugh leans over, kissing me softly as the water fills the tub.

“All right, you enjoy your bath while I get started on those pancakes.”

I sigh happily as I sink into the warm bubbles and let my eyes close halfway.“I could get used to this.”

Hugh grins as he turns off the water.“I hope you do.”

I watch as he leaves the bathroom, wondering exactly when I fell in love with him.

10

Hugh

I can’t stop touchingAlexi during the drive back to her place.I hate that we’re about to say goodbye, even if it’s only for a few hours.I wish we could have stayed in bed all day—no, all week—but we both have work and responsibilities.

“I’ll talk to you later, okay?And I’ll come by after work.Just let me know what you want, and I can pick up some food,” I say as I park in her driveway.

“Okay, I’ll text you.”

She leans over the center console, kissing me quickly—too quickly for my liking.Before I can grab her and give her a proper kiss goodbye, she’s out of the car and hurrying up to her front door.I watch until she lets herself inside, then reverse and drive the short distance to work.

I can’t stop thinking about her and how close we’ve grown in the last few days.She’s finally let down her walls, and I couldn’t be happier.

I’m in love with Alexi, and I need to tell her.I hate holding this back from her.I know it’s fast, but it’s real.I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, never thought I ever would.Not until I met my baby.

My morning is busy with back-to-back patients.I take a quick lunch break and try to call her, but she doesn’t answer.

Probably just busy with work.She’ll call me back or text me in a bit.

Finishing my protein bar, I get back to work.

I check my phone between patients, but Alexi never calls me back or texts me.By the time the clinic closes, I’m starting to panic.I call her again as I update patient charts, but all I get is her voicemail.

“Fuck,” I curse, giving up on work.

I need to see my girl.Something is wrong; I can feel it.We were so happy this morning.What could have changed in the few hours we were apart?

I speed through yellow lights and around corners all the way to Alexi’s house.The lights are on inside, and I relax slightly, knowing she’s home.I leap out of my car and jump onto her front porch.

I knock, then try the handle, bolting inside when I find her door unlocked.

“Alexi?Baby?”

She lifts her head from the couch cushion.Panic slams into me when I see her tear-streaked face.

“What’s happened?”I ask, already reaching to gather her into my arms.

My hands smooth up and down her back, and I rock her in my lap as she cries.I feel so inadequate at comforting her, and I hate it.

“What happened?”I ask again.