Page 40 of Single Daddy Doctor Dreamy

As we step inside, the crowd erupts into cheers. Joel looks genuinely humbled, his hand tightening on mine as he takes it all in. The mayor gives a speech. It’s a little long-winded but heartfelt about Joel’s contributions to the hospital and the community. The applause that follows is deafening, and I can see the emotion in Joel’s eyes as he thanks everyone for their support.

“And a special thank you to Lucy,” he adds, his voice steady but warm. “She’s been my rock through all of this, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

I feel my cheeks flush as all eyes turn to me, but Joel’s gaze is steady and grounding. He means every word, and it makes my heart ache in the best possible way.

As the night unfolds, I find myself falling even more in love with this town and these people. Aiden, finally shedding his overprotective big brother act, claps Joel on the back and actually thanks him for being good to me. It’s a small gesture, but it feels good. Later, I spot Aiden talking animatedly to a stunning woman with dark curls and a laugh that could light up a room.

“Looks like someone’s having a good time,” Joel murmurs in my ear, following my gaze.

“About time,” I reply, grinning.

The evening is winding down when Joel pulls me aside. His green eyes are sparkling with mischief, and he’s got that little smirk I’ve come to know all too well.

“What are you up to?” I ask, laughing as he leads me toward the door.

“You’ll see,” he says cryptically.

The boys are already bundled into Aiden’s car for a sleepover with his friend’s kids, so it’s just Joel and me as he drives through the quiet streets of Everwood. We pull up to the nicest hotel in town, a boutique place with ivy-covered brick and soft, glowing lights.

“Joel…” I trail off, glancing at him as he parks.

“Just say thank you,” he says, his smirk widening. “I thought we could use a night to ourselves.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, leaning over to kiss him.

Inside, the room is perfect. There’s a king-sized bed with crisp white linens, a bottle of champagne chilling on the table, and a view of the lake lit up like something out of a postcard. Joel locks the door behind us, his expression shifting from playful to something darker, more intense.

“Come here,” he says, his voice low and rough.

I take a step toward him, my heart pounding as he closes the distance between us. His hands cup my face, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks as he kisses me. It’s slow and deliberate, like he’s savoring every second. When he pulls back, his eyes are dark with need.

“I’ve been thinking about this all day,” he admits, his hands sliding down to my waist. “About you. About us.”

“Yes,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the rush of my pulse.

His lips find mine again, more demanding this time, and I lose myself in the feel of him. His hands are everywhere, exploring, teasing, claiming. When he lifts me off the ground, Iwrap my legs around his waist, trusting him completely as he carries me to the bed.

The world outside fades away, leaving just the two of us and the electricity crackling between us.

Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, hungry and full of promise. I melt into Joel’s embrace, savoring the feel of his strong arms around me. His hands roam over my body, igniting a fire within me. I can feel his desire, hard and insistent, pressing against me through our clothes.

Breaking away for breath, I giggled. "I think we should make ourselves more comfortable."

Joel's eyes darken with a possessive hunger that sends a thrill through me. "Oh, I plan to make you very comfortable, Lucy."

My breath quickens as Joel's lips trailed down my neck.

"You have no idea how much I've been thinking about this," he murmurs against my skin, his breath warm and intoxicating.

"Show me," I whisper. My voice is hoarse with need.

Joel's hands move to the zipper of my dress, slowly pulling it down, revealing my lacy black lingerie beneath. He pauses, his eyes drinking me in.

"I keep thinking about how, even when you are in jeans and a t-shirt, you still wear your sexy black panties," he says, his voice thick with admiration.

I arch my back slightly, reveling in his appreciation. "I like that you fantasize about me.

With gentle hands, he removes my dress, baring me to his gaze. His eyes travel over my body, taking in every inch of me, making me feel like the most desirable woman in the world.

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