Page 105 of Just Exes

I sound like my mother.

Is this what it feels like, worrying about someone you love so much that you lose sleep?

He clears his throat, but his voice is still hoarse when he answers, “The lake. I had to apologize.” His body shakes when I reach out to touch him and caress his shoulder. “Sorry I’ve been MIA. I needed time.”

“No, I understand,” I say.

His skin is warm as I slide my hand from his shoulder to his cheek, wiping away his tears.

I shiver when his hand swoops underneath my T-shirt, and he brushes a thumb against my nipple.

“I love it when you wear my tees,” he whispers.

“You’ve mentioned that once or twice.”

I move away to pull it off, but he stops me.

“Leave it. I want to make love to you while you wear nothing but it.”

I moan when he rolls on top of me. He pulls my panties and shorts down and slowly slides his cock between my legs.

His lips go to my ear. “I love you.”

* * *

“I’m sorry.I tried, but no one could take your shift without hitting too much overtime, and you know how the hospital looks at that,” Natasha tells me over the phone. “All I could manage was one more day.”

“I understand,” I say around a sigh. “I appreciate your trying.”

I never call in sick.Never.Not only am I addicted to my job, but they also need me. Even though it’s a small hospital, it stays busy. Normally, I don’t have a problem with that, but Gage needs my support. This sucks.

I didn’t question him about his meeting with Missy. He has no idea I know what she made him promise. There’s no doubt in my mind that Gage loves me and wouldn’t walk away from our love. I trust him.

Now, after the hell of a day he’s had, I have to break this news to him. I stroll into the bathroom after hanging up and wrap my arms around his waist from behind while he dries off from his shower.

“Bad news,” I say, pressing my lips against the damp skin of his back.

“Words I’d be happy to never hear again,” he comments, reaching back to give my arm a gentle squeeze.

“No one can cover me at work,” I say around a swallow.

His shoulders stiffen. “When do you leave?”

“By tomorrow.”

My arms collapse when he turns around to face me, and I lose my breath when he tips my chin up with one finger.

“Mind if I stay a few days?”

“Stay as long as you need.”

He cups my chin and brings my lips to his. “I’d better make this day count then.”

I smile at his plan but hold my hand out to stop him. “You don’t need to worry about entertaining me. You’ve had a rough few days.”

“Spending time with you will help keep my mind off everything.”

“Tell me your plan.”

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