Page 84 of Love Medley
“You know, saying stuff like that makes me want to take you right back to the bedroom,” I say, blushing at my forwardness. It’s surreal that I’m so comfortable saying what I actually want, but it’s just so easy to be myself around him. I wonder if this confident Lucy has always been inside of me, just waiting to get out.
Jake grins wickedly at me. “Pretty much just seeing you and hearing your voice makes me want you again. So let’s just put that on the table for now and get back to it later tonight.”
His words thrill me to my core. I’ve never wanted sex more than once a day, but I have a feeling I could go multiple times with Jake and still not have enough.
Who knew that feeling safe could be such a turn-on?
“I agree. Plus, I’m stuffed,” I sigh, leaning back into my chair. “Oh, I wanted to tell you that I emailed Dr. Simons to see if there were any projects on physical abuse screening already ongoing in the ER. So I’m just waiting for a response now.”
“Oh, awesome. Keep me posted on that.”
“What if Dr. Simons thinks it’s a dumb idea?” She’s such a role model for me, so I’m extra nervous about her response.
“I think it’s a great idea.” Jake’s voice only exudes pride and confidence.
I hesitate. “If there isn’t a study already, do you think it would be weird to ask her about initiating one?”
I said that out loud? Six months ago, this sort of project would never have crossed my radar. And even if it had, I’d never have the guts to seek it out.
Jake’s eyes glow. “Not at all. Honestly, I have a feeling there isn’t one. Otherwise, wouldn’t Dr. Simons have told you about it when you saw Tanya the other day?”
He has a point.
“Wow.” I’m silent. Do I even dare to take on such a huge undertaking? Am I even up to the task? Suddenly, I feel almost paralyzed with fear.
“It’s daunting to even think about starting a project from scratch,” I admit, my insides clenching.
“If anyone is up to the challenge, it’s you,” Jake says, his eyes clear and serious. “You don’t seem to realize how incredible you are, Lucy.”
Immediately, the knot inside me loosens.
How does hedothat?
I swear he’s a Lucy whisperer.
Being with Jake is so different than being with Weston. Weston tore me down; Jake only boosts me up.
“Thank you,” I say, moved.
We are silent for a beat, staring into each other's eyes.
Then Jake clears his throat, breaking the moment. “I guess we can see that awful movie you suggested.”
I poke him in the ribs. “Hey, you said you liked sci-fi, and I like romance. This is the compromise—this movie has both.”
“Barely,” Jake chuckles. “But I’d watch infomercials with you if that was the only thing you liked.”
My heart pulses with some emotion I’m too nervous to name.
“Don’t say that, because I might take you up on it. Let’s put this stuff in your fridge. I’ll definitely want dessert later,” I say, pushing down my confusion.
“Idefinitelywant dessert later,” Jake murmurs as he gets up and nuzzles my neck. Shivers creep down my spine.
“Remember? Full? Wait to recharge?” I ask, but honestly, I don’t need much encouragement—sex was a tangible way to connect to him, and it’s an addictive feeling.
Jake groans. “I know I need some time to recover, but damn, woman, you make me forget every rational thought I have.”
And there goes my heart again.
