Page 10 of Both Sides Now

“Something wrong, Mrs. Webster?”

“I sound like a horrible person, knocking down the idea of adoption. I think adoption is a beautiful thing, but I need this child.”

“I understand.” And I do, to a degree. I’ve never felt the pull toward parenthood, but I understand the inclination. Women are nurturers, and this woman appears to be an ideal candidate for motherhood. An odd deduction on my part, considering I know nothing about her, save for a few details in her file. For all I know, she’s a prostitute, turning tricks for dope. Although, judging by her posture and unblemished skin, I highly doubt it.

I rub my brow, wishing I had taken some aspirin before our appointment. This headache is taking on a life of its own.

“You should try trigger point massage. It’s helpful for headaches.” I shoot her a curious glance. “Did I mention having a headache?”

“You don’t have to. You’re squinting, rubbing your brow. Trust me, it works. At least, it always has for me.”

“Are you a doctor?”

“Heavens, no. I dabble in yoga, massage, acupuncture. That sort of thing.” She stands, closing the distance between us. “May I?”

Before I can reply, she reaches up, placing her hands on either side of my brow.

“There are pressure points that help relieve the pain. At least until you can find some aspirin.” Her fingers work gentlecircles over my temple, and although the tension in that head has been released, there’s tension growing in the other one.

I clasp her hands, halting her movement. Do I want her to stop? No way in hell. But she’s a married woman desperate to have a child. Me getting a hard-on does not figure into that equation.

She draws her hands back, biting her bottom lip. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have touched you like that, but I thought I could help.”

I blink, noting that the pain has indeed lessened. Interesting. “You did. I must remember that trick.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t touch you again. Promise.” Her pale skin reddens, and she stares at the carpet. “That sounded even worse.”

Actually, it sounds even better, but I’m not letting her know that fact.

“I’m leaving.Are you headed home soon, or do you have plans for the evening?” Alice drops some files on my desk, her lips pursed.

“I’m not seeing Megan, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“Keegan, what do you see in her?”

“There’s plenty toseein her, Alice. You’ve got eyes.”

Alice barks out a disapproving laugh. “Don’t be a heathen. You need a nice woman. An intelligent woman. Someone you’ll actually want to spend time with.”

I raise my hand, slowing her roll. “That’s the whole point with Megan. She doesn’t require the work of a regular relationship.”

“She doesn’t have enough brain cells to spell the word relationship.”

“She graduated college,” I remind her, although I can barely contain my amusement.

“With a degree in interpretive dance. There are monkeys with higher IQs.”

Settling back against the chair, I meet my manager’s gaze. “I know you’re not Megan’s biggest fan, but you’re especially harsh today. Why is that?”

“Might have some to do with the fact that she called a total of twenty times. Twenty, Keegan. The last five, she demanded that I burst into your patient appointment so you could provide your opinion on her choice of footwear. She has no concept of reality, and never will, so long as you don’t force her to behave like an adult.”

I cringe at the knowledge that my fuck buddy has driven my office manager to distraction. “I’ll speak with Megan and tell her she can’t continue in this vein. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry for you. A good woman—arealwoman—would do wonders for you. Forget the floozies. They’re not worth the energy.”

I donotlike the track this conversation is taking.

“You know I’m not relationship material. This is not news. I have zero desire to bind myself to one person for the rest of my life. Trust me, it’s better off for everyone if I continue hanging out with women like Megan.”

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