Page 68 of Lethal Seduction

“I think we will both be seeing the same therapist. Maybe we can go together?” I joke and then sigh. "Better than desk duty."

"Couples therapy,” Joe says. “As for desk duty, that’ll depend on if they think you're crazy or not."

"You'd better put a good word in for me then," I say. "Please tell Madalyn I said thank you for the ziti and wine. I'm looking forward to seeing you both tomorrow."

"Sounds good," he says. "Get some sleep." Joe hangs up the call.

Sitting on the sofa in the living room, I turn on the television and begin scrolling through the seemingly endless channels. The only problem is, nothing catches my attention. My mind keeps drifting to the attack and Patrick. How close I came to losing him before we even had the chance to get started.

My cellphone rings.

It's Patrick.

"Patrick?" I say. "Are you okay? Are you still at the hospital?"

"I'm home. Got home this morning. I've been sleeping all day but feeling great."

"Oh, that's so good to hear."

"I've been thinking about you." There is a long pause, but I know he wants to say more. "After you came to see me at the hospital, I haven't been able to get you out of my head."

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

"Same here." Taking a chance, I add, "I'm so glad you called me. Not to sound pushy, but I have a few days off work and would love to see you… if you're okay with that."

"It's like you read my mind." There is a short pause before he continues. "My place? Tonight?"

Now we're talking. My heart skips to life, and my brain races with the possibilities. It's a nighttime meet-up at his house. Is tonight the night? To be safe, I'll have to prepare as if it will be.

"I'd love to," I say. "What time works for you?"

"Eight?"

That gives me enough time to clean up and get ready for whatever is about to happen. "I'll see you then."

Disconnecting the call, I hurry into the bathroom and start the shower. Stripping off my clothes, I look at myself in the mirror. I've seen better days, that's for sure, but considering I've been in the hospital after being assaulted, I don't look too shabby.

Sure, there are a few bruises on my face, chest, and back, but overall, I'm pretty sure I will clean up nicely. I hop into the shower and begin scrubbing the hospital smell off me, along with the excess glue and tape from all the machines I was hooked up to when I first got there. The hot water flowing over my body feels so good.

I close my eyes and think about tonight and the possibility Patrick and I will go all the way. My legs shake a little, and my knees feel weak. I rub soap over my chest and stomach and down onto my fully erect cock. Oh, damn, that feels good. I stroke the shaft a few times and moan, forcing myself to stop before I take it too far.

Turning off the water, I towel dry and get dressed. My watch indicates I have thirty minutes to get there, which is just enough time to drive the speed limit. Hurrying out to my car, I hop in and start the engine.

Taking a second to double-check my appearance in the mirror, I smile. I put the car into gear and peel away from the curb. I can't wait to see him. My belly flutters with nerves to even think about him, let alone see… or touch.

29

PATRICK

Ianswer the door with a smile and hug. It’s great to see Michael now that we can finally be together without danger getting in the way. I breathe in his scent as he steps through the door, and nearly wet my pants. My knees tremble, making me feel a bit unsteady.

I try to laugh it off, but I know myself too well. Tonight is the night, and I couldn’t be more excited and ready for it. I’ve invited him over to see how it goes, to ensure we still have chemistry, but I never anticipated struggling to keep myself from saying I love you.

“It’s so great to see you, Michael.”

He smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “The best part is we are both healthy and out of the hospital. Now we can continue with our lives and put Jake Bloom behind us.”

“Definitely,” I say. “Do you want anything to drink? Wine? Beer? Vodka straight up?”

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