Page 18 of Everything I Need

“We’re here, are you hungry?” Preston asks, removing his hand to park the truck.

“Starved.” I’m not sure if I’m talking about my stomach or my need to feel his body on mine.

“Are we okay now?” Preston looks like he is desperate for me to say yes. The more I think about it the more I realize that we can’t fight this anymore. Obviously, I can’t ignore my feelings and I’m not sure I want to. Dad would have called me out on my bullshit a long time ago. He would have told me to not let love pass me by. Not that I think I’m in love with him, again, not yet anyway.

“Yeah, we’re okay, Preston.” He let out a breath I don’t think he knew he was holding and a soft smile spreads, melting my heart just a little bit more.

Preston comes around to open my door for me and help me out of the truck. He reaches into the truck, and then I’m in his arms and pulled tight, he puts my feet on the ground but doesn’t let go. His kiss feels about as starved as mine, but he pulls away much too soon.

“I’m sorry. You said earlier to kiss you, so I figured you were okay with it. Plus, it had to be done. I couldn’t make it through dinner without feeling your lips on mine again. But I promise to not surprise you with any more kisses until you’re ready for us.” He lets go of my waist, as if he’s nervous that he’s messed up.

I don’t say anything, just pull him back in for more, to prove to him that it’s something I want as well. And that is how our night starts, maybe even how our relationship restarts.

The one I definitely am not supposed to be in. So much for that mantra. Twenty-two year old me would be screaming right now for another chance with Preston. I waited years for him to tell me I was wrong. Years for him to tell me he still loves me. But can it be this easy?

Chapter Eleven

Preston

Thatdrivewastorture.I don’t know what possessed me to touch her or leave my hand on her thigh for as long as I did. I just know that I have to be closer to her.

I was nervous how this night was going to go when I showed up at Mrs. Harper’s house to pick Scarlett up. But the moment she opened the door, I was taken aback by her beauty. She had on a sundress that showed off her cleavage and toned legs perfectly. The need to be near her, to touch her, was overwhelming.

My body made the choice to get closer to her by buckling her in the truck. I was captivated by her blue eyes and the scent of lavender. I was finding it hard to take things slow and remember that we had a conversation to have.

After she decided to let me in, it was like everything I’ve ever wanted was right there within reach. I was walking into the restaurant hand in hand with Scarlett. It felt surreal to finally have this moment that last month I could have only dreamed of.

I give my name to the hostess. “I’m sorry Dr. West, your table won’t be ready for a little while, feel free to grab a drink in the bar.”

“Thank you.” I look over and ask, “Scarlett, want to grab a drink?”

“Absolutely.” I reach out to take her hand in mine again, leading her to the bar.

I knew as soon as we entered the bar that this was a terrible idea. We should have waited out front.

“Preston! Hey man!” I wince as I look to Scarlett. I know that voice all too well.

“Caleb. How are you? How’s the hospital?” Scarlett takes a seat at the bar while I stand behind her, trying to protect her from this slimy excuse of a man.

“Oh, it’s great, I can’t believe you left everything behind for that stupid, small town practice. You can’t be nearly as successful.” His face gave away all his thoughts on that, he thinks I am beneath him now that I’m not at theprestigioushospital.

I wasn’t surprised at his statement, but I still need a moment to respond before I say something I might regret.

Caleb has always been a jerk, and so far up my father’s ass I don’t think he ever even sees daylight. He wants Dr. Ethan West’s praise, but what he doesn’t realize is he will never get it. Dr. Ethan West doesn’t know how to give it, and he never will.

“Dr. West is plenty successful in that stupid, small town. He cares about the people and not just the paycheck.” Scarlett pushes forward, head held high, almost challenging Caleb.

“Well Pres, it seems like you got yourself a feisty one, beautiful too.” He says looking her up and down. “Hey sweetheart, when you get tired of the boring small town doctor, and want a real doctor, you give me a call. Pres here has my number.” That asshole has the nerve to wink at her.

God, I hate him more than I ever have at this moment. The jealousy was taking over. My fists balled up at my side, ready to throw a punch at this asshole. He’s so attuned to Scarlett’s every move he doesn’t even notice me.

“I’m sorry butPreshere is a real man, a man that a woman would be proud to be with. Something that I feel like I wouldn’t be able to say about you, so I think I’ll pass.” At that she grabs my neck again and kisses me like she’d been starved of my lips. I kiss her back, taking her over until I hear a moan come out of her mouth that would make me want to abandon dinner.

I reluctantly pull away, remembering that we are in public. Scarlett always did surprise me in situations with assholes, I was always so surprised that she never told Elizabeth to fuck off.

“Caleb, it’s been good to see you as always. Glad you found your way out of my father’s ass long enough to enjoy a meal.” I pull Scarlett’s hand and lead her back to the hostess station without giving him the chance to respond. I wrap my arms around her waist and lower my head to hers, whispering in her ear, “Thank you for that. I seriously owe you one.”

Scarlett grabs my cheeks and looks like she is about to place her lips on mine, “That guy is a dime a dozen in Boston. I’ve learned how to handle them in my business and personal life.” I’m immediately pissed that she ever even had tolearn to handlethose guys, but also pissed off that she dated a guy like Caleb in the first place.

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