Page 42 of Doctor Neighbor

I grip myself, my fingers wrapping around my shaft, and I stroke slowly and deliberately. With each pull, I imagine it's Cole's hand on me, her fingers exploring, her touch igniting a fire that only she can extinguish.

I picture her tits, the way they'd fill my hands, her nipples hardening under my touch. I imagine her ass, the roundness of it, as she arches her back, inviting me to take her, to claim her as mine.

That makes me jerk off harder, the water splashing against my skin, the sound of it mixing with my ragged breaths. I can almost hear her moans and feel the warmth of her breath against my neck as I thrust into her, our bodies moving together in a dance as old as time.

I'm caught in a battle between the desire to keep these feelings at bay and the physical need that's screaming for satisfaction. I want to take things slow, to not rush into something that could be as explosive as it is destructive. But my body craves her and aches for her in a way that's both exhilarating and terrifying.

I think about how she looked at me last night, the unspoken promise of passion and connection. It's a connection I've never felt with anyone, and it scares me. I've made bad decisions in the past, choosing women who were all wrong for me, but with Cole, it feels different. It feels right.

My balls tighten, the pressure building as I stroke faster, my mind filled with images of Cole. I come with a shuddering groan, my orgasm ripping through me as I picture her face, her name a silent prayer on my lips.

I lean against the tiled wall, spent but still aching for her. The water starts to run cold, snapping me back to reality. I know I need to control my feelings and not let them run away with me. But the physical need is powerful, and I'm not sure I can resist it much longer.

I take a deep breath as I step out of the shower, wrapping a towel around my waist. I need to get a grip. I can't let my attraction to Cole cloud my judgment, not when there's so much at stake. But as I dress and prepare to face the day, I can't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, I've found something worth risking it all for.

I leave the gym, my muscles pleasantly sore from the workout and the shower release. The morning sun's already beating down, promising another scorcher of a day in the cement jungle of downtown Birmingham. As I unlock my car, my phone buzzes in my pocket. It's Cole.

My heart skips a beat when I see her name on the screen. I swipe to read the message.

Houdini much? Sneaking out without a peep. What time did you leave? Everything okay?

I stare at the text, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. A mix of emotions swirls in my gut. Part of me wants to fire back a flirty response, maybe suggest meeting up later. But another part—the rational, cautious part—holds me back.

Am I falling for her? The thought sends a jolt of panic through me. I'm still trying to extricate myself from the mess with Lara. The last thing I need is to jump headfirst into another relationship. And with everything else going on—the hospital, the investigation into that accident at the theme park, the negotiations with Lara—is this the best time?

I slide into the driver's seat, Cole's message still unanswered. As I navigate the morning traffic towards UAB, my mind races. What am I doing? Am I repeating old patterns, letting myself get swept up without thinking things through?

The hospital looms ahead, its familiar facade a welcome distraction. I pull into my usual spot, Cole's text burning a hole in my pocket. But instead of replying, I take a deep breath and slip my phone away.

I can't deal with this right now. I need to focus on my patients and the surgeries ahead. I'll figure out how to respond to Cole later.

Maybe after I've had time to clear my head and think about what I want, I’ll respond. And what I can bring, realistically, if we’re going to explore something more. I don’t want to make an impulsive decision without thinking it all through. If anything, my past has taught me something in that department.

Sighing, I grab my bag and head towards the hospital entrance. The weight of Cole's unanswered message sits heavy in my pocket, but I push it aside.

Right now, I've got lives to save. Everything else can wait.

2:21 pm

I leave the OR, peeling off my surgical cap and mask. It's been a long day but a productive one. Not to brag, but I am impressed with my ability to put all of this shit going on in my life currently out of my head when I am operating.

As I head toward the staff lounge, my mind drifts to the email from Jake that I've been avoiding since yesterday. Guilt gnaws at me. I know I need to deal with this Lara situation, but part of me just wants to bury my head in the sand.

I know that isn't going to get me anywhere with finally eradicating her from my life and my head. So, with a sigh, I pull out my phone—no point in putting it off any longer. I scroll through my contacts and hit Jake's number.

"Law offices of Jake Purcell, how may I direct your call?" a crisp voice answers.

"This is Buster Hankel for Jake," I reply, trying to keep the dread out of my voice.

"One moment, please. I'll connect you."

As I wait on hold, my stomach churns. What if Lara's countered with something even more outrageous? What if she's threatening to drag this out in court? I lean against the wall, suddenly exhausted, before I even find out what it is.

The bland hold music cuts off abruptly. "Dr. Hankel?" Jake's voice comes through. "Thanks for getting back to me. I was starting to wonder if you'd fallen off the face of the earth."

I wince at his light-hearted jab. "Sorry about that, Jake. It's been a crazy couple of days. What's the news?"

When he's done, I hang up the phone and slump against the wall, my head spinning. Lara's response echoes in my mind, each word feeling like a punch to the dick. She's rejected my counteroffer outright. No broker opinion, no backing out the cost of the lot. Nothing.

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