Page 37 of Doctor Second Chance

"I'm sorry, Elle. Truly. I know it doesn't change anything, but I needed you to know that."

I take a deep breath, letting his words sink in. The weight of years seems to hang between us, heavy with regret and what-ifs. My heart flutters traitorously in my chest, forcing me to stay composed. After a moment that feels like an eternity, I find my voice.

He brought this up, and he didn’t have to address it. I haven’t pushed it, and he still got in my pants. I have to give him credit.

"Thank you," I say finally, my tone softer than intended. "I appreciate that." The words feel inadequate, barely scratching the surface of the emotions churning inside me.

Part of me wants to say more, to unleash the flood of hurt and anger I've kept bottled up for so long. But another part, the part that's grown cautious and guarded over the years, holds me back. I meet Shep's gaze, searching for something I'm not sure I want to find.

We sit silently for a moment, the weight of the past settling around us like a heavy blanket. It's not comfortable, but it's not as painful as I'd feared.

The air between us feels charged with unspoken words and lingering regrets. I find myself studying Shep's face, noticing the subtle changes time has etched into his features. The faint lines around his eyes speak of long nights in the ER, while the set of his jaw betrays a tension that wasn't there in our college days.

I take a deep breath, my heart racing, as I will myself to be comfortable with fewer words. I can accept his apology and not feel the need to say anything at all.

The crickets chirp softly in the background, and their rhythmic song is a soothing counterpoint to the tension between us. Before I overthink it, I lean in and press my lips to Shep’s.

Sometimes, kissing is easier than talking.

The world seems to stop for a moment. His lips are warm and familiar yet thrillingly new. I feel a surge of electricity course through my body, igniting every nerve ending. My free hand finds its way to the nape of his neck, fingers tangling in his hair.

Shep responds immediately, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer. The kiss deepens, and I feel the last of my carefully constructed walls crumbling. Years of protecting myself, of keeping my heart guarded, melt away in the heat of this moment.

As we break apart, breathless, I look into Shep's eyes. They're filled with a mixture of surprise, desire, and something more profound that makes my heart skip a beat. I realize with a start that I'm falling for him all over again. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

"Elle," Shep whispers, his voice husky with emotion.

I silence him with another kiss, not ready for words to break this spell. For now, I want to exist in this moment, where the past doesn't matter and the future is unwritten. I'm falling, and for once, I'm not afraid of where I might land.

I'm lost in the sensation of Shep's lips on mine, the world around us fading into nothingness. It's just him and me, the past and the present colliding in a moment that feels inevitable and new. The warmth of his body next to mine is a balm to the ache I've carried for years.

With a newfound boldness, I stand and straddle his lap, lowering my body to press against his. The feel of his arousal against me sends a thrill of desire coursing through my veins, stoking the fire that's been smoldering since our first kiss.

My heart races, my breath comes in short, sharp gasps, and I can feel the heat pooling in my core.

Our kisses grow more fervent, more demanding. His hands roam my body, igniting a trail of fire wherever they touch.

I arch into his touch, craving more, needing to feel his skin against mine. I unbutton his shirt with deft fingers, my good hand working with a desperation that surprises me. I need to see him, to touch him, to run my fingers over those firm ripples on his abs.

Shep helps me, his urgency matching mine.

He pulls off my pants, then my panties, not waiting for my one hand to do the slow job. Our clothes are hastily discarded, a tangled fabric on the stone floor. The cool night air kisses our bare skin. But it does nothing to dampen the heat that blazes between us.

He pulls me back onto his lap, using his knees to spread my thighs apart, guiding my center to his. I slowly lower onto him, his tip at my entrance. He throws his head back, aching for more, but I want to tease him a little longer.

Finally, I take all of him inside of me. His giant cock fills me, making me whole.

His hands cup my breasts, his thumbs teasing my nipples into tight peaks. A needy whimper escapes my lips, and I grind against him, seeking friction, seeking release. Shep's response is a low growl of approval, his hands moving to grip my hips, guiding me in a rhythm that quickly drives us both to the brink.

I feel the tension coiling within me, tightening with each thrust. Shep's breath is hot against my neck, his own need evident in the urgency of his movements and the hoarseness of his voice as he whispers my name in my ear.

With a final surge, he flips me onto my back, driving us home. We tumble over the edge together. Wave after wave of pleasure washes over us, leaving us both panting and spent. He collapses against me, his head resting against my shoulder as we both struggle to catch our breath.

For a long moment, we stay like that, neither of us willing to break the spell that holds us captive. The night is still around us, the gentle lapping of the pool and the distant chorus of crickets the only sounds that pierce the silence.

Eventually, Shep shifts above me, gently kissing my temple. “I want to hold you again tonight,” he murmurs, his voice a soft rumble in his chest. Would that be okay?”

I nod, feeling a sense of rightness settling over me. Tonight, I want to bask in the warmth of Shep's arms to savor the connection we've rekindled. I want to believe that this time, things could be different.

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