Page 1 of Doctor’s Orders

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Lacy

Prologue

“I want you to do something for yourself tonight,” my psychiatrist says, setting down his notepad and lacing his fingers together across his lap. “What do you like to do for fun, Lacy?”

The concept offunhas had a different meaning since my son was born. Taking him to the park to feed the ducks, watching him nap on the couch while I tidy up the house, helping him learn his ABCs by playing iSpy…

“I’m not sure how to answer that,” I say honestly. “I’m not the woman I used to be.”

Having a lot offunis what got me pregnant in the first place. I don’t regret any of it because my son is my greatest treasure, but I don’t exactly go out for drinks and dates anymore.

“You are, though,” Dr. Wes tells me. “You’re still Lacy. That hasn’t changed.”

“Everything changes when you become a parent.”

He leans back in his chair, giving me a reminder of how attractive he is. Not that I need it - the man is on my mind daily.

Not to mention the fact that I think I see him all across town, but I chalk that up to sleep deprivation and fantasy overload. There’s no way he’sactuallywatching me grocery shop every week.

My heart rate accelerates at the idea. I can’t say that I hate the idea of having Doctor Hottie following me around. It would be nice to have a man in the picture, especially when it looks as good as Dr. Wes. Dark hair perfectly styled on top and shaved at the sides, black dress slacks and a white button down with a delicious sliver of chest visible - including the top edge of a mysterious tattoo I haven’t had the courage to ask about.

His eyes are only on me, and I can feel the flush creeping up my neck. I’ve had a crush on him since our first session together a year ago, and with time it’s only gotten worse. I see him everywhere now - at the pharmacy when I pick up my prescription, on the other side of the park when Beck and I feed the ducks, and sometimes if I look fast enough, I think I see his reflection in my bathroom mirror when I step out of the shower. I feel like I’m going crazy from wanting him.

Is it only my imagination, or is he actually stalking me?

Catching glimpses of him makes me feel more alive than a lot of things these days - and the hard truth is a bitter pill to swallow. I love my son more than anything, but being a single parent can make be tough on your mental health. That’s why I started seeing Dr. Wes - I wanted to remember who I am outside of Mom. That I have an identity that can do more than pour cereal in the morning and read bedtime stories at night.

I’m not just Mom. I’m a twenty-two year old woman, too.

Simply being around Dr. Wes is enough to remind me of that. I get my monthly dose of him and then I’m ready to dive back into mom life.

“I’m giving you a homework assignment tonight.”

I frown a little. Please tell me he isn’t going to ask me to write down things I’d like to do outside the home for fun, then make me choose one at random.

As if I can come up with an entire list of things that don’t involve my son.

He draws a breath and smiles at my apparent skepticism. “Find a babysitter, just for one night. Then, take a night for yourself. Or even an afternoon. Take a bubble bath, go for a walk, go dancing. Just do something that…sparks joy.” He splays his fingers in the air, imitating a firework exploding.

I don’t know where to begin withsparking joy, but I nod anyway. “Sure. Sounds simple enough.”

It doesn’t, but I’ll think of something or at least pretend I did by our next session.

“I want a full report when I see you next month.”

Of course he does.

And because he likes to make sure I take our sessions seriously, he ends our session with his usual catch phrase. “Consider this your…doctor’s orders.” His smile turns wicked until I blink, and it’s back to normal.

I seriously think he gets a kick out of saying that.

I nod despite having no intention of playing along. “Okay, Doc. I’ll try it.”

“Good.” The word is rough in his throat and makes my heart flutter in my chest. I can’t remember the last time a man paid me attention like he does - or even cared for my well-being. I know it’s his job, but still. It makes a difference to know someone cares about me.

Suddenly the homework doesn’t seem too bad. Maybe I’ll try it after all.

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