Page 57 of Doctor Neighbor

As our breathing slowly returns to normal, Buster pulls away slightly, his hazel eyes searching mine. There's a tenderness in his gaze that I haven't seen before, a vulnerability that tugs at something deep within me.

He presses a gentle kiss to my lips, a stark contrast to the wild, passionate fervor of our lovemaking just moments ago. It's a promise, a silent vow that things between us have changed, an acknowledgment that this was more than just sex.

Buster lifts me off the counter with great care and sets me on my feet. He helps me straighten my dress and smooth my hair, our hands brushing against each other in an intimate dance.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened between us when Buster takes my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, and I know that something fundamental has shifted in our relationship no matter what happens next.

And as we stand there, hand in hand, I have to wonder, Where do we go from here?

NINETEEN

Buster

I pull back slightly from our passionate embrace, my heart racing. Cole's eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of desire and tenderness.

The world is spinning around me. I’m trying to be measured, to step back and make thoughtful decisions. But, for someone who is an expert at keeping emotion out of work and performing without a second guess, this shit is hard.

How does someone back off when a hot woman is all up on his jock? All I can think about is her, and all I want to do is feel her on me, smell her next to me, taste her inside of me.

"Will you come back to my place?" she asks softly. "I'd love to stay here, but I can't be that far from Maddie."

I nod, understanding completely. "Of course," I reply, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd love to."

We make our way across the hall, Cole's hand in mine. The warmth of her touch sends tingles up my arm. As we enter her apartment, the familiar scent of her home envelops me—a mix of lavender and something uniquely Cole.

She leads me to the couch, and we sit close together, our thighs touching. I drape my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. She nestles into my side, her head resting on my chest.

"This is nice," I murmur, planting a soft kiss on the top of her head.

Cole hums in agreement, her fingers tracing patterns on my knee. We sit in comfortable silence for a few moments, enjoying each other's presence.

I can't help but marvel at how natural this feels, how right. It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of connection with someone. With Cole, everything seems to fall into place.

She shifts slightly, looking up at me with those mesmerizing baby-blue eyes. "Thank you for coming over," she says. "I know it's not as exciting as your place, with Maddie here and all."

I shake my head, cupping her face gently. "Are you kidding? This is perfect. I love spending time with you and Maddie."

A smile lights up her face, and I can't resist leaning in for another kiss. It's softer this time, slower, but no less intense. When we break apart, we're both a little breathless.

I follow Cole as she leads me to her bedroom, her hand warm in mine. My heart races with anticipation. As we cross the threshold, she turns to face me, her blue eyes sparkling in the dim light.

We embrace, and I'm overwhelmed by her scent, an intoxicating mix of vanilla and something uniquely Cole. Her body fits perfectly against mine like we're two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together.

"I was hoping for dessert," Cole whispers, her breath hot against my ear. "It is, after all, the most important part of the meal."

A shiver runs down my spine at her words. I pull back slightly, cupping her face in my hands. "I wouldn't dream of depriving you," I murmur, my voice husky with desire.

Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, and suddenly, everything else fades away. There's only Cole, her soft lips moving against mine, her hands tangling in my hair. I run my hands down her sides, savoring the feel of her curves beneath my palms.

Cole breaks the kiss, gasping for air. Her cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen, and I've never seen anything more beautiful. She takes a step back, her eyes never leaving mine as she reaches for the hem of her shirt.

I am mesmerized as she slowly pulls it over her head, revealing smooth, tan skin. My breath catches in my throat. "God, you're gorgeous," I breathe.

She smiles, a mix of shyness and confidence that's utterly captivating. "Your turn," she says, her fingers playing with the buttons of my shirt.

I don't need to be told twice. I quickly unbutton my shirt, shrugging it off my shoulders. Cole's hands are immediately on my chest, her touch leaving fire trails on my skin.

Then I lift Cole into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her to the bed. Her fingers trace the contours of my face, her touch gentle and exploring. I lay her down on the soft sheets, her hair fanning around her like a halo.

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