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“You looked particularly beautiful in the shower this morning, Ms. Sloan,” Alexis said in a low, seductive voice. “I could get used to this.” She kissed CeCe on the lips and sat down.

CeCe giggled “Careful, Doc. Your heartstrings are showing.”

Alexis knew what CeCe was doing to her heart, but she wasn’t ready to make any declarations. The fact that she asked CeCe to spend the night was quite a step for Alexis, but this morning they’d awakened in one another's arms and Alexis was shocked. She couldn’t believe how natural and easy it felt. For a moment she'd imagined this scenario on a weekend morning where they lazed in each other’s arms, slowly made love until they were both spent, and leisurely planned the day.

Alexis took a bite of her oatmeal and raised a brow. “This is delicious. Thank you for making breakfast.”

CeCe smiled. “My mom makes it with brown sugar, so that’s how I make it. Speaking of my mom, she wants to meet you.”

Alexis's spoon clamored against her bowl.

“Are you okay?”

“Uh, your mom wants to meet me? Now I know why you’re nervous to meet my doctor friends.”

CeCe chuckled. “My sisters told her I was with you at Lovers Landing last weekend.”

“Oh fuck! She knows we spent the weekend together!” Alexis could feel her heart speed up.

“Honey.” CeCe reached for Alexis's hand. “My mom also knows we are both adults and can spend the weekend or nights with whomever we please.”

“But I pleased her daughter, not whomever.” Alexis winced.

“That you did,” she said in a low, throaty voice. “My mom is a sweetheart. She’ll love you.”

“You think so?”

“A better question is: why do you care what my mother thinks?” CeCe said, eyeing Alexis.

20

Alexis took another bite of oatmeal and a sip of coffee. “You know how you have your rules about not dating clients?”

“Uh huh.” CeCe nodded.

“I have a rule or two also. One of those rules is that I don’t have women spend the night with me.”

“Is that right?” CeCe replied, batting her eyelashes.

“It is. You may have noticed I broke that rule with Christine Sloan’s daughter when you spent last night with me.”

“I’ve always been a rule breaker,” CeCe stated.

Alexis laughed. “Should I be surprised?”

“Does that mean you’ve done away with that rule?” CeCe asked, amused.

“Not at all. That rule is still in effect, but you’re not just any woman, Cecilia,” Alexis said, her face softening.

CeCe smiled. “I intend to be the only woman who spends the night with you.”

Alexis liked the sound of that. “And that is why it’s so important to me that your mom likes me. I want you to spend more nights with me and maybe I’ll get to spend a night or two with you.”

“You want to spend the night in my little house?” CeCe’s forehead creased.

“Why does that surprise you?”

CeCe shrugged. “I don’t know. My house isn’t like this,” she said, gesturing with her hand.