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I’ve dedicated my life to my work, and that has made me a damn good doctor. I genuinely care for my patients, but I’ve been growing tired of it all, these past few years. I’m exhausted at pretending, acting as if I’m happy with my life.
I need more. I’ve always needed more, always striving for more, yet never finding contentment. Maybe it’s time I go after what I want.
So that’s how I end up standing here on Sarah’s front porch, holding Chinese takeout and a cheap bottle of wine. The lights are on, and there’s rustling coming from inside while soft music plays in the background.
Sarah opens the door just as I’m about to knock, looking sexier as ever in a pale yellow sundress. Her golden blonde locks are tied in a messy ponytail. She’s a goddess. Her face is void of makeup, tiny freckles dusting over her bare shoulders, making me want to take a bite out of her. So damn beautiful.
I hold up the bag of takeout and a bottle of Riesling as a peace offering. She grins, snagging them from my hand before moving aside to let me in.
Her house is tiny and charming, decorated with a cheerful, Southern flair that matches her sparkling personality. I walk into the open-spaced living room, immediately swept into warm feeling. The walls are painted a light cream color, and there’s an oversized, pale blue couch in front of the picture window.
It’s cheery, bright, and inviting. It feels like a home full of love, but what catches my eye is the wall full of pictures—all of an adorable, vibrant, happy young girl. Ashley at different ages: some at the park or the beach. She’s smiling in every one of them, a smile identical to her beautiful mother’s. God, she’s a carbon copy.
Suddenly, I feel bitter, thinking of all the years I missed watching her grow up. I feel like Sarah is reading my mind as sadness begins to cloud her features.
“She’s a lovely girl,” she mutters, staring down at the floor shyly.
“I don’t doubt it. You raised her.” I’m quick to respond, and she blushes at the compliment.
“I told her about you. She wants to meet you.” My mouth curves into a smile at the thought of meeting my daughter.
“I can’t wait.”
Sarah’s quiet at first, almost nervous, as she sets out some plates for the food. I pour us a glass of wine, hoping it’ll relax her.
“Tell me all about her.” I say, when we sit down to eat at the small farmhouse kitchen table. Sarah’s entire face lights up, and once she starts talking about Ashley, she can’t stop.
“She sounds perfect, just like her mom.”
Her cheeks redden, her mouth curving into a shy smile. “She is perfect, but she’s a teenager—a teenager going on thirty.”
My grin quickly falls as I ponder the fact that I know nothing about children or teenagers. “What kinds of things does she like?”
“She loves spending time with her friends. She likes books, music, and school. She just…loves life. Oh, and all of a sudden she and her friends have become a bit boy crazy.”
I scowl, suddenly irritated at the thought of some little, hormonal teenage prick touching my daughter. Not if I have anything to say about it.“I’m not sure I approve of that.”
She giggles, shaking her head at me. “I’m not sure either one of us has a choice in the matter. Discovering boys was bound to happen sooner or later.” Her smile fades. “There’s a dance next month at school, and she wants to go so badly. We’ll have to see what happens.” I notice the tears threatening in her eyes. “Luke, I can’t lose her, she’s everything.” I rise from my seat and wrap my arms around her where she sits. All I can think is,Please God let me be a match.
We munch on orange chicken and pot stickers, and before I know it, we’ve drunk the entire bottle of wine. I get the sense Sarah hasn't had a relaxing evening like this in a long time. I wish it could be like this every night.I have a million questions about Ashley’s illness and treatment, and I make a note to call my friend back in Los Angeles in the morning. He specializes in pediatric oncology, and I need to ensure Ashley is getting the best care possible.
Sarah begins clearing the plates, and I follow her every move in a trance. She is the only woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s always been her.
I place the empty wine glasses on the counter, next to the sink where she stands. Settling beside her, our shoulders brush as we stare out the window into the darkness.
God, I want her.
My pulse quickens, as I reach my hand out to brush back a loose piece of hair from her eye, just needing to touch her. My heart is pounding out of my chest. She keeps her head down, avoiding eye contact with me, but I’m desperate to see her face.
Her breathing becomes labored; she’s flustered. I know she feels the spark, the energy that exudes between us, however you want to explain it. It’s still there. It’s always been there.
She twists her body toward me, gazing up with heated eyes, and I can’t seem to move a muscle. She inhales a deep breath, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, tempting me even more. I can't fight it anymore when her cheeks pink and her lips part. I lower my head and cover her mouth with mine, stealing her breath away. She lets out a tiny gasp—her body still tense. She relaxes into me while I trail lazy kisses down her neck.
“You’re even more beautiful than I remember.”
Her hands fist my shirt, and she slips her greedy little tongue into my mouth, lighting my nerve endings on fire. I tighten my grip on her waist, and my pulse kicks into overdrive when I inhale her sugary sweet vanilla scent.
She deepens the kiss as though she can’t get enough, firing shivers down my spine. When she moans into my mouth, it travels straight to my dick. She reaches up and wraps her hands around my neck, pulling me in tight against her breasts, and I can feel her chest rising and falling heavily.
