Page 2 of Doctor One Night

I love when I meet someone as genuinely interested in this stuff as I am.

“Check out the reduction in inflammation around the damaged tissue. Normally, we’d see a lot more scar tissue forming by now, but with this treatment, the cellular response is completely different. It’s almost as if the heart is healing faster, with less permanent damage.”

He peers through the lens, and I watch as his expression shifts from curiosity to something deeper. He’s more focused, almost reverent. There’s a long moment of silence, and I can tell he’s processing what he’s seeing.

“This is impressive,” he murmurs, still staring at the slide. “If this holds up in further trials, it could change the way we handle post-op care for heart patients. Faster recovery times, fewer complications.”

“Exactly,” I say, my excitement bubbling over. “We’re seeing a significant reduction in the markers associated with chronic inflammation. If this pans out, it could mean less long-term damage and better overall outcomes for patients.”

He pulls back from the microscope, turning those intense blue eyes on me. “I’m impressed.”

His words send a thrill through me, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. It’s not just the validation from someone like him, someone who’s a leader in his field, it’s the fact that he genuinely seems to understand how important this could be.

“Thanks,” I say, flustered and breathless under the weight of his attention. “I mean, there’s still a lot of work to do, but it’s exciting, right?”

“Very,” he agrees, his voice soft but firm. “You know, I might have to stop by more often, now that I know such amazing research is going down here.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re always welcome, Dr. Parrish. Just don’t blame me if you end up spending all your late nights in the lab.”

“I could think of worse places to be,” he replies. The teasing note in his voice sends another little thrill through me.

But before the moment goes on too long, he straightens up, all business again. “Seriously, though, I want to stay updated on this. Let me know when you have more data.”

“Will do,” I promise, watching as he steps back, preparing to leave. He turns to go, pausing for a final last glance over his shoulder. I clear my throat. My awkwardness about how to handle the moment seems like it’s flashing like a neon sign, and I want to do anything to divert it.

I'm still reeling from the intensity of our conversation when Hunter turns around, his blue eyes locking onto mine with an unreadable expression. Before I can try to decipher it, he's moving toward me, closing the distance between us with determined strides. My breath hitches as he stops just inches away, his gaze dropping to my lips.

There's no time for second-guessing, no chance to brace myself before his hand cups the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my thick hair. He leans in, and my heart thunders in my chest as his lips meet mine in an all-consuming kiss that's dizzying in its urgency. It's a jolt of pure electricity, igniting a fire within me I never knew was there smoldering.

I return his kiss with equal fervor. My hands find their way to his broad shoulders, clinging to him as the world around us falls away. The spark between us is a living thing, devouring us both with its hunger, and I surrender to it, to him.

Why the hell not?

Hunter's strong hands are on my waist, pulling me closer until there's no space left between us. I can feel the hard planes of his sculpted body as he effortlessly lifts me and places me on the edge of a nearby table. The slide of my bottom against the cool surface through my pants is a stark contrast to the heat radiating from him.

With a swift motion, he clears the table beside me, papers and lab equipment clattering to the floor. I gasp as he kisses me again, deeper this time, more demanding. His tongue sweeps against mine, and I'm lost in the taste of him.

My fingers fumble with the drawstring of his scrub pants, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He helps me, shedding the thin barrier along with his shirt, revealing the masterpiece of tattoos that adorn his chest and shoulders. I trace the lines of ink with my fingertips, marveling at the artistry, the beauty of the man before me.

Hunter's hands slide under my lab coat, sliding along the waistband of my pants and undoing the button. His touch sets my skin on fire. I’ve never felt so in tune with every sensation.

He breaks our kiss just long enough to remove my coat and pull the shirt over my head. Raking over me with a hunger that makes me yearn to be desired by him, he dives back into my mouth with his.

Leaning in, his lips graze my ear. His voice is a low growl that sends shivers down my spine. “Frankie, you're incredible,” he murmurs, his breath hot against my skin. “I've wanted you since the moment I walked in here tonight.”

I respond with a moan as his mouth finds the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder, his teeth nipping at the delicate flesh. My hands explore the contours of his back, the muscles flexing beneath my touch as he grinds against me, the bulge of his arousal unmistakable.

In one swift movement, he unhooks my bra, freeing my breasts, his hands cupping them with a reverence that makes my head spin. His thumbs graze over my nipples, eliciting a gasp from me as they harden under his touch. He captures one in his mouth, his tongue circling the peak, and I arch into him, my body aching for more.

The sound of our ragged breathing fills the room, punctuated by the soft, wet noises of our kisses and the occasional moan. His hand slips between my legs, rubbing against the lace fabric of my panties, and I moan his name, my hips bucking against his palm, wanting more friction, more force.

“I want to devour you,” he whispers, his voice hoarse with need. “All of you.”

I nod, unable to speak, as he tugs at the waistband of my thong, pulling them down. His fingers trace the length of my inner thigh, teasing, until they find my center, hot and slick with desire.

He groans at the contact, his fingers sliding easily inside me, and I cry out, my body clenching around him. “God, you're so wet,” he says, his voice filled with lust.

My response is incoherent. I'm lost in the sensation of his fingers moving inside me, his thumb circling my clit with just the right amount of pressure. With every stroke, the coil of tension within me tightens, and I’m teetering on the edge.