Page 32 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

“Fine, there is someone. But that’s all you’re getting out of me.”

Janine’s grin widens. “That’s more than enough. It’s good to see you happy, Dr. Taylor. You deserve it.”

Her words catch me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say. Janine’s seen me through a lot—through Aurora’s birth, through my divorce, through the years of raising my daughter on my own while juggling my career. It’s strange to think she’s right. I am happy.

“Thanks, Janine. It’s… It’s been good.” I think about Madison naked, and there’s another word I want to use. But I don’t say it.

“Good? You’re practically glowing. Is she someone special?”

I hesitate, not sure how to answer that. Madison is…special, yes. But what we have is still so new. I don’t want to jinx it by putting a label on it just yet.

“She’s different, but I don’t want to rush things. Anyway, I’d rather not discuss my love life…or whatever I could call it with you if you don’t mind. I do need to discuss this patient’s antibiotic schedule.”

Janine pays attention as I give her adjustments to make to the schedule of medicine distribution. But before I can wiggle away, Janine starts in with asking even more questions.

“How’s Aurora doing? I haven’t seen her in a while. Is she still living on Oak Island?”

The mention of my daughter brings a familiar warmth to my chest. “She’s good. Still living on Oak Island. She’s busy making her own way into the world now, but she still comes to visit me sometimes.”

“That’s good. She was always the sweetest little kid. I remember when she came in with a broken arm.”

“Oh yes, gymnastics beat her butt that year. Well, I’m going in to check on patient Cox. I’ll give you an update on him when I come back.”

I effectively end the conversation as we head in separate directions.

My shift keeps me busy in the typical extreme workload that this time of year brings. But I’m constantly thinking about Madison. Should I send her a casual text first or go right to what I want? Should I tell her earlier in the day or later?

I don’t know how to handle this situation, but I know what I want.

By the time my shift ends, I’m exhausted, but there’s a part of me that’s still buzzing with energy. I want to see Madison again, but I know I need to be careful.

As I grab my coat and head out of the hospital, I make a decision. I’ll give her some space. I’ll let her take the leadmostly and never ask for more than she’s willing to give. Even though she wants a relationship of just sex, I’m not sure that I’m 100% ready to settle for that. Maybe, just maybe, I want more.

With that thought in mind, I step out into the chilly evening air, a smile tugging at my lips. As I walk to my car, I pull out my phone and send a quick text to Madison.

Hey. Just finished my shift. Thinking about you.

I hit send before I can second-guess myself, and a moment later, my phone buzzes with her reply.

What are you thinking?

A warmth spreads through me. She’s leaving this open for me to respond however I want. Wary of the fact that she’s interested in a physical relationship only, I tailor my response as such.

I was thinking about last night.

When you were in my bed.

I send the messages back-to-back.

Madison responds quickly.I’ve been thinking about that too. But then one of the dogs started barking, and I got distracted.

I smile at the thought of her daydreaming about us.I’m just leaving the hospital now. I’ll come to help you with the dogs in a little bit.

I love the idea of bundling up and taking the dogs for another walk with Madison. They might be strong and give my biceps a good workout, but I don’t mind. I just want to spend more time with Madison.

Even though she said we would just have sex, I want something more. I want a lot more.

16

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