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Austen made his way from store to store.

Rain followed at a distance. He liked watching Austen walk, even though he looked upset today.

That was Rain’s fault. Rain was a psychopath first and everything else second.

He didn’t know how to pursue someone when he didn’t plan to kill them.

Rain had likely blown his chance. He understood he looked as crazy as he was.

His current actions didn’t help, but he couldn’t stop.

As Austen headed to his SUV with shopping bags in hand, Rain kept time with his steps.

It was almost a dance of sorts. Without thinking, Rain twirled and created his own routine with only Austen’s pace.

He spun again and came face to face with an amused-looking Austen.

It seemed his inability to be normal busted his stalking.

“So you really were just using that injury to see me.”

It wasn’t a question, but Rain went onto the toes of that foot and twirled. He stopped chest to chest with Austen. “I actually fractured it at the beginning of the show’s run. It can wait until the show ends.”

Austen shook his head. “Did you and Kylo sign some sort of pact to be the world’s worst patients? Just stubborn.”

Rain shrugged. “I don’t know about Kylo, but I’m good. This is nothing. You ran away last night before I got the chance to explain.”

Austen’s chest expanded as if he took a deep breath for patience. “Okay.”

Rain wouldn’t miss his chance twice. He struck without warning.

Rain used his quick agility against Austen, climbing Austen’s body and claiming his mouth.

Rain didn’t hold back. He had only intended to steal a small kiss and then beg forgiveness.

Except Austen turned so fucking passionate that Rain couldn’t pull away.

Austen’s bags dropped to the ground. He gripped Rain’s nape and controlled him.

Austen kissed Rain like the most desperate of whores.

Adrenaline and lust made it hard for Rain to breathe.

By the time he pulled away, they simply stared at each other and struggled to catch their breath.

Rain held two handfuls of Austen’s shirt and he couldn’t let go.

Austen’s gaze dropped to Rain's mouth again and Rain feared for the last dregs of his sanity.

“I accept your explanation.”

A bark of laughter burst from Rain. Damn. He really liked Austen. He still felt moved to be honest. “I’m a little psycho.”

“That’s okay.” Austen recaptured his mouth, taking back their hot kiss and burning Rain to the ground. Finally, Austen pulled away, but he didn’t release Rain. “Come home with me.”

“Okay.”

“I want to X-ray that foot.”

Rain chuckled. Of course he did. Austen was the good guy. Rain wasn’t. He would go home with Austen. That got them one step closer to bed. “Still okay.”

A smile exploded across Austen’s face. “Do you want to ride with me or follow?”

“I’ll follow.” He didn’t want Austen to change his mind at some point and toss him out without a ride. That kiss might have addled his brain for now, but that fog wouldn’t last forever.

“That’s probably for the best. I never know when I’ll get called in.”

Disappointment washed over Rain. He knew there was a high chance that could happen. Still, he tried not to show it. “It’s your job.”

A sweet smile touched Austen’s lips. “If I can avoid it, I won’t go. I have nurses I can send.” Before he had time to respond, Austen stole another quick kiss. “I’ll see you there.”

Rain nodded and took a step back. “Okay.” He forced himself to walk away and get in his car.

As he buckled in, he noticed Austen still standing in the same spot, watching.

Finally, he shook his head and walked off.

A laugh burst from Rain. He knew he had Austen fucked up.

To be fair, he was pretty messed up over this too.

It wasn’t good for him to want anyone. He could put Austen in danger.

For once, Rain couldn’t stop himself from reaching out for someone.

He desperately wanted this, and he hadn’t lied.

Rain was psycho. He would do what he wanted with zero good sense no matter what, so it was best to start this way.

God help him when his family caught wind of this.

They would put Austen through the wringer.

What was he doing? Without Rain there to scatter his thoughts, Austen questioned his sanity.

The guy had broken into his house just to see him.

Butterflies stirred in Austen’s gut at the thought.

That was kind of hot. Now that he had gotten past the shock of realizing it was Rain that night, and not a patient out to silence him, Austen was a little moved.

After all, technically, he had been kind of, sort of stalking Rain too.

This was the first time anyone had done anything crazy for him.

It was kind of flattering. Who was he kidding?

Austen was blown away. He was likely at least fifteen years older than Rain, and Rain was desirable in every way.

He wanted this way more than he wanted to admit. Austen was almost scared of himself.

The drive home took too long, even though it was the usual fifteen minutes.

He kept checking his rearview mirror, ensuring Rain hadn’t disappeared.

When they both climbed from their vehicles again, Austen couldn’t stop the huge grin that stretched his lips.

Rain was so fucking beautiful. His every move was so light and bouncy, as if he danced inside his head.

“Let’s get that X-ray.”

Rain rolled his eyes, but he grabbed Austen’s bags for him, took his arm, and held on. “Let’s go. You won’t be able to focus on anything else until you’ve had your way.”

Damn. He really wanted to have his way with Rain. Austen was better than this. Rain deserved to be pampered and respected. Austen wanted to give him all the attention. Inside, he led Rain to his home office and dragged out the portable X-ray machine. Rain quietly cooperated with every instruction.

He found the lead drape. “Any chance you might be pregnant?” He was so dumb and cheesy. Austen heard himself.

Rain didn’t call him on it. He leaned into it. “Are you volunteering to be the daddy?” There was so much sexy teasing in Rain’s voice that they froze and held each other’s stare.

“Absolutely.” Even Austen heard how serious he sounded. He sure as hell wouldn’t say no.

“Then we should definitely move this along.”

With a nod, Austen dragged a lead barrier into place and took the pictures he needed. He tried hard to stay in doctor mode as he studied the images. Austen didn’t like what he saw. He couldn’t believe Rain was walking around without even a limp, never mind dancing a full performance every night.

“You have a very serious look about you.”

Austen kept his gaze locked on the images. “I think it’s very likely you need surgery.” He focused on Rain. “If you don’t take care of this, it’ll be career-ending.” Austen hated delivering that news, but Rain was destroying his bone structure.

“If I stop to have surgery before the end of the run, I’ll be ending my career. I’m already older than any other dancer on that stage. The moment I step aside, I’m done.”

It was the first time he had seen Rain completely serious and without a hint of wickedness. He was captivated.

“This is my dream. I know it isn’t forever, but it’s not over yet. I’m not ready for it to be over yet.”

Austen had never seen such powerful passion in anyone's eyes. Rain would get back on that stage even if every bone in his body was broken. Austen puffed out his cheeks and blew out a slow breath. He calculated how long there was left in the run and weighed that number against the risks. The doctor in him couldn’t let this go completely.

“The second that final show ends, let me do the surgery. Not only am I the best, but I can also take care of you while you heal. I can make sure you’re back dancing in perfect condition for your next role.”

To his surprise, Rain didn’t hesitate. “Deal.”

Rain glanced around, as if suddenly uncomfortable. “So what do we do now?”

“I want to know you.”

Rain’s eyes danced with laughter as he focused on Austen again. “You really don’t.”

Austen kept his expression as serious as he was.

“No. I really do.” He rolled his chair to where Rain sat with his legs dangling over the edge of his patient table.

Austen moved until he sat between Rain’s feet.

He ran his hands up Rain’s thighs. Since Rain already knew Austen had been coming to every show and they had equally made fools of themselves, he chose honesty.

“I don’t know what happened the night we met.

It was a few short minutes out of time, but it was enough.

You say you’re psycho. Maybe I’m crazy too because I haven’t thought about anyone else since that night.

” There was something needy in Rain’s eyes that kept Austen’s lips moving.

“I don’t know why I can’t stay away from you, but I want to find out.

” His biggest insecurity washed over him and fell from his lips.

“No one chooses me. I’m overworked and exhausted.

I never get to pursue anyone with the focus they deserve.

More likely than not, you’ll be done with me pretty damn fast. But I want to try.

I need to know why I can’t stop thinking about you. ”

Rain slipped from the table and straddled Austen’s lap.

Austen held him close, keeping him from landing on the floor. Rain weighed nothing. Austen kind of enjoyed manhandling him.

Light green eyes focused on him with a burning intensity.

“Once you know me, you’ll hate me. I like this version you have in your head and I’m terrible enough to use it to my advantage.

” He skimmed his lips across Austen’s for a moment before diving deeper.

Just as Austen knew it would, their kiss turned hot in a flash.

Austen kneaded Rain’s ass and rocked Rain’s lower body against him.

He kept trying to stop, but each time, he would immediately start again.

His neglected body was engulfed in white-hot desire.

Austen snapped. He stood with Rain’s ass still filling his hands.

Rain wrapped his legs around Austen as Austen headed for his bedroom.

He knew he should slow down, but he also knew he likely wouldn’t get this chance again.

Rain didn’t sound like he wanted Austen in his life for real.

Austen couldn’t let him get away without tasting him.

The second he had Rain on his back, he kissed a path down Rain’s body.

He wanted this so goddamn badly. Weeks of watching Rain and dreaming were crushing his chest now.

Austen had never been so close to touching a real-life fantasy.

He popped the button on Rain’s jeans. His emergency phone rang.

Austen froze. He squeezed his eyes shut and fought the swelling in his throat. Why wasn’t he allowed this one thing?

Rain cupped his jaw and forced Austen to meet his stare.

He knew there was no hiding the devastation in his eyes.

Rain’s gaze moved over his face. “Go. I’m not going anywhere.

In fact, I’ll stick a pillow under my foot and watch TV while you’re gone.

I’ll be the good little patient.” A wicked smile touched his lips.

“Then I’ll be very bad when you get back. ”

Austen was beyond enraptured with Rain. “I really want this thing with you, and I don’t mean sex.”

Rain’s thumb brushed Austen’s bottom lip. “I’m not going anywhere,” he repeated quietly.

Something new stirred inside Austen. He would hurry home, and he would give this his all. Rain planned to meet him more than halfway. It felt like a miracle.