New Year’s Eve was here. This year was done, and hopefully, the next one will be better. At the least, I’d find a job where I didn’t have to wait for my boss to stab me in the back or hunt for reasons to make my life hell.
It was all I could do since coming back to work on Monday after Joni screwed me with the Christmas Eve schedule, not to punch her in the face. Any time she saw me, she’d get this self-satisfied smirk. I knew she hoped I’d say something so she could write me up. I refused to do it. I had to endure until I found a new job. As soon as I secured one, I wouldn’t have to watch my mouth. And I’d ask for an exit interview with Director Higgins before I left. He needed to know the real Joni.
By now, all of my coworkers knew what had happened, but I didn’t tell them. It was my coworkers who worked that day. I’d been on the receiving end of numerous people telling me how messed up it was and that it wasn’t fair. Several told me to go to Higgins. I tried to brush it off and pretend it didn’t bother me, but it was hard.
A combination of Joni’s looks and my anger at her made me do what I did later. Earlier, while still at work, Scott came up to me. He was frowning.
“Meadow, can I talk to you for a minute in my office?”
His request surprised me. Immediately, I wondered if it had something to do with a patient. It wasn’t uncommon for some patients to have nurses and therapists caring for them at the same time.
“Of course,” I said.
When I was seated in his office, he got straight to it.
“I heard your PTO day was rescinded last week, and you were forced to work it. I also heard there were plenty of other PTs to cover those visits, but Joni made you come in and loaded you down, while the others barely did any. Is that true?”
I didn’t feel right having this conversation with him. He was her peer. “Scott, I can’t have this conversation with you. As for Joni, what she did and why, you should ask her.”
He sighed. “I did, and she denied she did anything. Joni claimed that you asked to work and that a ton of the patients asked for you specifically that day. I know that’s a lie. What does she have against you? I see how she treats you. It’s not right. If you don’t go to Higgins about her, I will.”
“Don’t! Please, that is the last thing I need. It’ll only make her worse. I thought you called me in here to talk about a case. If not, I’ve got to leave.”
I went to stand, but he shook his head. “No, sit. If you won’t go to Higgins, you have to tell me what is going on,” he demanded.
I decided to stop protecting him and told him, “Do you remember when you asked me earlier in the year to go out with you?”
“Of course.”
“Well, it seems that you talked about it to a few people. They turned around and talked among themselves and were overheard, or they told others about it. Joni found out.”
“So what? There’s nothing in the policies that says I can’t date you. As long as I’m not your direct supervisor, which I’m not.”
“True, but it is a problem for Joni because she likes you. Haven’t you noticed she finds any excuse to talk to you or be in the same room? She smiles and flirts with you. She doesn’t do that with others, I can assure you. She’s angry that you asked me out and not her.”
He stared at me in astonishment for several seconds, then he responded, “You’ve got to be kidding me! She’s got a vendetta against you because of me. What’s wrong with that woman? I thought only kids and teenagers did this kind of crap,” he muttered.
He got to his feet and began to pace the room. I didn’t know what else to say, so I kept my mouth shut. He was quiet for a long time before he whirled to face me.
“I want to say something. Please listen. I like you, Meadow. I did when I asked, and I still do. However, I know you only see me as a friend. I hate it, but those are the breaks. It’s why I didn’t ask you out again. I respect the boundary you put up. However, I need to ask you something on a different subject. I want you to answer this truthfully.” He paused, then asked, “Are you looking for another job?”
How did he know that? I hadn’t told anyone. The only thing I did was update my resume and send it to a few places, like a cold call, whether they were looking or not. Aspen and Sage had done those for me while I was at work.
“Your silence says you are.”
“Yes, I’m looking for a new job. You have to see why it’s impossible for me to work here with that woman. No matter what, she’ll continue to have it out for me. I can’t afford to lose my job, Scott. Even if we’re only friends, it’ll still eat at her. I bet she already knows I’m in here alone with you. It’s becoming a hostile work environment. I don’t need that. How did you know? I haven’t mentioned it to anyone.”
“A friend runs one of the places you sent your resume. When he saw where you work, he called me and asked about you. I didn’t lie. I told him he’d be stupid if he didn’t snatch you up. You’re a first-rate PT. Honestly, I can see you being a manager. I detest the idea of you leaving because of her. Please promise me before you decide that you’ll come to me. Don’t say yes to another job. There’s no way Joni can last much longer. That’s all I can say.”
“Scott, I’d stay, but I can’t. Not if she’s here. I’m sorry. I just sent out my resume. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell her or the other managers that I’m looking.”
“It pisses me off that we’re going to lose you over her, but I won’t tell the managers and especially not her. I feel like we’re friends no matter what, so if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”
“Thank you, and I will. Okay, unless we have patients to discuss, I should get out of here. My break is almost over.” This time, I did stand.
Scott walked me to the door. Before he opened it, he told me one more thing. “If she asks, tell her we were talking about Mr. Adams and Mrs. Chancey’s cases. If she asks about what, tell her to ask me.”
“I can do that, but be prepared for her to come find you and ask,” I warned him.
“Oh, I’m prepared. Don’t worry. See you later, Meadow.”
Without another word, he opened the door, and I walked out. I was relieved to get back to the treatment area without running into her. For the remainder of the day, I tried to stay in the background in case she was looking for me. She never sought me out.
On the drive home, I knew I’d made the right decision. No one should have to do what I did today, and I promised myself I wouldn’t skulk again. I wasn’t afraid of her, and I wasn’t going to let her think I was.
???
Since I had New Year’s Day off, I had a three-day weekend with the girls. We knew holiday sales were still happening, so we decided to go window shopping. Even if we didn’t buy anything, we’d have fun. It was unseasonably warm for the first of January. We left Blizzard and Icicle at home, which they gave us sad eyes about, but they’d be worn out. We left after giving them ear scratches and ensuring they had enough water until we returned. I was right. We did have fun. Most things we didn’t need, but it was thrilling to look at them and wonder what we’d do with them if we had them.
We stopped and splurged on dinner out. I left it up to my sisters to decide where. They surprised me with their choice. I didn’t go into details about my cases, but they knew I was treating an Archangel’s Warrior. They had to since he was the reason I came home late three times a week. Because I was, they seemed curious about anything or anyone attached to the club. They didn’t know what his issue was or anything else. They begged me to have dinner at the club’s restaurant slash bar, The Dark Angel.
None of us had ever been there. I rarely went out, and I wasn’t much of a drinker. They weren’t old enough to drink. I was hesitant to go, but they pleaded until I gave in. The truth was, I was kinda curious about what it was like. I knew people said the food was delicious, and the bar had great bands on the weekend.
The parking lot was packed when we arrived, which was late evening. We hadn’t started our day until the afternoon. I wondered if we should go somewhere else because the wait would probably be forever by the looks of it. When I suggested it, they both begged me not to. Resigning myself to being hungrier than we already were, I gave in.
Walking inside, I saw I wasn’t wrong. It was bustling, and people were everywhere. Many were eating and talking, while others were at the far bar. I saw they had an area for a band with a small dance floor. A hostess came up to us. She had a big smile on her face.
“Good evening, ladies. How many? Just the three of you?” she asked.
“Yes. How long is the wait?” I asked.
She looked at her seating chart. “Hmm, about twenty minutes. Is that alright?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Name?”
“Meadow.”
“Here, take this. It’ll buzz when your table is ready. You’re welcome to sit at the bar if you can find a seat,” she offered. I saw her name tag read Taylor .
“Thank you, Taylor. Would you mind if we took menus? We’ve never been here before,” I explained.
“Yes, of course you may. I didn’t think I’d seen you before. I’ve been here a long time. If you have any questions, just ask me. I think I’ve had almost everything they make. It’s all terrific. And I don’t say that just because I work here,” she said with a wink and smile.
“That’s good to know. Thank you,” I told her after chuckling.
There were no seats, so we found a spot against the wall near the hostess stand and leaned there to check over the menu. I had to say, they had a wide selection, and several things tempted me. The girls were chattering about what they wanted. We’d been waiting maybe five minutes when the door opened, and I sensed several more people poured in. I didn’t glance up to see how many. I jumped when my name was called out.
Looking up and over, I saw a smiling Loki. I couldn’t help but shift my eyes to see if Iceman was with him. He wasn’t. Disappointment hit me, but I stamped it down. I returned his smile as he came over to me.
“Hello, Loki.”
“Hey, it’s good to see you. Have you been waiting long?” he asked. My sisters were quietly listening and checking him out.
“Less than ten minutes. We thought we’d check it out. This is a popular place. Probably not the best time to try it for the first time,” I said ruefully.
“It’s usually pretty crowded, especially at lunch and dinner and on Friday and Saturday. These have to be your sisters you mentioned.”
“It is. This is Aspen and Sage. Girls, this is Loki. He’s one of the Warriors, in case you didn’t notice.” I gestured to his cut. He held out his hand to shake each of theirs. I could tell from the way they stared that they found him attractive. He was, but still too old for them. I’d have to warn them.
“It’s nice to meet you. Hang on a second.” He turned and hollered over to Taylor, “Hey, Taylor, these three will be joining us.”
“Alright, Loki,” she replied.
We were the focus of not only the other Warriors and the women with them but also other customers close by. I saw a few muttering. They’d been here waiting when we came.
“Loki, there’s no need to do that. We can wait,” I assured him.
“I can’t do that. If you don’t join us, I’ll worry about you over here starving. Besides, you haven’t officially gotten to meet everyone in the club. No one minds, I assure you. Come on. We’ll do some introductions and order drinks while we wait for the others to join us.”
Something told me he wouldn’t take no for an answer, so I gave in. I saw my sisters were excited at the idea. My heart skipped when he said others. Would Iceman be one of them? Or did he have other plans tonight?
“Thank you. We’d love to join you if you’re sure,” I replied.
Loki nodded. He took the alert device Talor gave me and handed it to her. As he led us to catch up with the rest of his party, I couldn’t help but think of what Iceman might be doing if he didn’t come here tonight. The likeliest possibility made me feel let down, which was stupid. Why should I care?
We were led to two huge tables that were empty toward the back. They must’ve called ahead and made a reservation. There were three couples, and the rest were single men. Loki pulled out my chair while two other guys did the same for the girls. It was nice to see men with manners. It reminded me of how Iceman was always opening doors for me. Stop thinking about him. You’re obsessed , I chide myself.
Once we were seated, Loki started the introductions. “You all should recognize Meadow, Iceman’s PT. These are her sisters, Sage and Aspen. I thought it was silly for them to wait when we have room.”
“Of course it is. It’s so nice to meet you, Meadow. You’re always so busy when you come to see Iceman we haven’t gotten to meet you officially,” a brunette with dark brown shoulder-length hair said pleasantly.
“That’s Madisen with her old man, Rebel. To the left of Reb is Slash and his old lady, Aria. Then you have Maverick and Rylan.” I nodded and said hello to all of them, and my sisters did, too.
“Sorry, I don’t know which one you are. You look so much alike. Next to you is Stalker, and next to your other sister is Predator,” Loki said as he grinned.
The twins laughed and held up their hands as they said their names. Everyone greeted us, and the talking hummed along. When they found out we’d never been here, they insisted we had to have more appetizers. In no time, drink orders were taken. I guess being the owners had its perks. Not only did they get fast service, but I found that the tables were usually reserved for any of the club members to use. It seemed the couples were having date night, and their kids were being watched at the compound by others. They were here to eat and then listen to the band. Aria explained that they all took turns so all the couples could get a night out. I thought that it was great that they did that.
Our waitress soon returned with our drink orders and was passing them out when the empty chair next to me scooted back. Twisting my head, I saw a smiling Iceman taking it. Beyond him was Renegade. He winked at me as he took the empty seat on the other side of Iceman. The relief I felt that Iceman was here made me smile bigger.
“I didn’t know you were coming,” I said.
“I would’ve been here sooner, but Ren was having trouble with something and needed my help. I swear, he can’t tie his boots without me.” Iceman smirked and winked as he said it loud enough for his friend to hear.
“Don’t believe a thing that comes out of his mouth, Meadow. It’s the other way around,” Renegade stated.
I shook my head at their teasing. Before I could present my sisters to them, Loki did the honors.
“Before you two get carried away, you need to meet Meadow’s sisters. The ones she told us about. This is Sage, and that’s Aspen. Ladies, I hesitate to say it, but this is Renegade. Stay away from him. He’s a bad influence. Next to your sister is Iceman. He’s the one she tortures several times a week. He’s better than Ren, but not much.”
This set off laughter in between the new additions saying hello. It was loud and fun. They shared so many tales about each other that it was hard to know who said what or if they were true. Time flew by as we ate and talked. They were right. Everything was super good. I ate way too much, but it was worth it. The place had begun to quiet down. It was after nine. Aria said that the band would be there soon to play.
They invited us to stay and enjoy the music with them. I didn’t want to intrude, but the women begged us to stay and help them keep the men out of trouble. Since I knew by their faces that the twins wanted to stay, and I did, too, I agreed.
The longer I sat next to Iceman, the more aware I became of him. I was fighting not to let him know. Maybe I should’ve insisted we leave. My inhibitions were lowered, not due to being drunk, either. I’d had one alcoholic drink despite knowing if I drank more, one of the girls would drive me home. His leg would brush against mine. He kept his arm lying behind the back of my chair. I swore his thumb brushed up and down my back more than a few times. I had to fight not to shiver. The smell of whatever cologne he was wearing attracted me. Eventually, I knew I had to take a break.
Signaling to the girls, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. They came with me. Once we were inside, we took the empty stalls. That’s when they descended on me. Damn, I should’ve known they would.
“Oh my God, Meadow, you didn’t tell us how sexy those bikers are. I can’t believe you’ve been hiding them from us,” Sage pouted. I could picture her expression based on her voice.
“Those bikers are too old for you, so forget getting any ideas,” I warned them.
“You act like we’re still thirteen. We’re nineteen and adults. And what’s up with you and Iceman?” Aspen asked.
“Yeah,” Sage tacked on.
“What do you mean what’s going on? You know what it is. He’s one of my patients.”
This conversation was happening with all three of us still in the stalls. I jumped when Sage’s head popped over the top of the wall between us. She narrowed her gaze on me.
“Meadow Lefevre, don’t you lie to us. We saw how he’s never moved away from you and has his hand behind you. He’s totally into you. And if you think we don’t know you’re interested in him, you’re crazy. What’s not to like?”
“Y-you don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m his PT. I can’t carry on with a patient. And even if I did see him that way, he doesn’t see me like that,” I sputtered.
I zipped up my pants and hit flush. Unlocking the door, it swung open, and I came face-to-face with Aria, Madisen, and Rylan. My face flushed, and I hoped the floor would open up and swallow me whole. How much had they heard? All of them were smiling. The other stall doors opened, and the girls gasped when they saw our audience. They gave me a look that begged me not to kill them.
“You might be his therapist, but we can promise you, Iceman is into you. I’ve never seen him that attentive to a woman,” Madisen said. I groaned in mortification.
“Mad is right. He’s not taken his eyes off you, and I thought he would punch Stalker when he asked if you’d give him one of your massages like you give Iceman,” Aria added.
“God, please, let me just die right here and now,” I mumbled.
They laughed. “Girl, don’t be embarrassed. We came in here to tell you that Ice likes you and that he’s a nice guy,” Rylan said.
“Whether he likes me or not, it doesn’t matter,” I told them. I went to the sink to wash my hands. My sisters were already washing theirs.
“Why not?” Aria asked.
“First, because he’s my patient. It’s unethical to have any kind of connection with a patient outside of professional or basic friendship.”
“If that’s the case, then as soon as he’s done with PT, you two can see each other,” Madisen said as if she thought it would be a given.
“That’s not happening either. Listen, I appreciate that you think he likes me, but we can’t, even if he does, and I doubt that. I’m not looking for a friend-with-benefits relationship. My life is busy and complicated enough without that. Can we please drop this? And I’m begging you. Don’t say anything to Iceman about this.”
All of them, including my sisters, were watching me. The silence stretched until I was about to scream when they agreed. The five of them nodded, but I heard a few disappointed sighs.
“Agreed, but we’re sure you’re wrong and that he’s not out to have a hookup. The truth is, he could get that from any number of women—the same as our men did before us. Women throw themselves at bikers. However, I can tell you that once one of those bikers finds the woman he wants, he doesn’t cheat,” Madisen said.
“We’ll keep our mouths shut, but you have to come back out and dance with us. No running off home in embarrassment. We all need to get our groove on. And regardless if you’re his therapist, you can be our friend,” Rylan added.
Knowing it would look suspicious if I didn’t, I agreed. But first, I had to compose myself. “Okay, but can I have a couple of minutes alone? I swear I’m not running. Aspen and Sage can go with you.”
They agreed and walked out without another word. I had to pat my face with a cold, wet paper towel to calm my flushed appearance. Once it was, I took a deep, fortifying breath and walked out. I had no idea how no one came in that entire time. As I left the restroom, I bumped into someone. I glanced over to say I was sorry and saw Scott Harrison smiling.
“Meadow, wow, I didn’t expect to see you here. Do you come here often?” he asked.
“Scott, I wasn’t expecting to see you, either. And to answer you, no, I don’t. This is the first time my sisters and I have been here. Are you alone or with someone?”
“I’m out with a couple of friends. They’re at the bar. Where are your sisters? Can I buy you ladies a drink?”
We were walking back out to the main area as we chatted. I smiled. “I appreciate the offer, but they’re too young to drink, and I’m driving, but I thank you.”
“Well, at least join us. I’ll buy you a round of Shirley Temples,” he grinned.
I chuckled. “I can’t. I’m here—”
Iceman’s gruff voice cut me off. I didn’t need to see his face to know he was unhappy. “Meadow, is this guy bothering you? Why don’t you let me take care of this? You can join the old ladies and your sisters. I’ll be there momentarily.”
When I looked around, I found Iceman’s eyes narrowed on Scott. There was no pleasantness there. The threat was in his tone, too. Not wanting a fight to happen for no reason, I placed my hand on Iceman’s chest without thinking. As soon as I did, he reached up and clasped it so I couldn’t remove it.
“Iceman, there’s no need to take care of anything. He’s not bothering me. I know him. But it’s sweet of you to worry.”
I was shocked when Iceman tugged me closer and put his opposite arm around my back. “Then introduce us,” he said.
“I’m Scott. Meadow and I work together. She has nothing to ever worry about with me. I’m glad she has friends looking out for her. I’d hate for anything to happen to her. May I ask how you two know each other?” Scott was eyeing Iceman’s cut.
My mouth was dry. The tension between them was high, but there was no reason for it to be. “Scott, this is Iceman. He’s one of my patients. My sisters and I are with him and his group.”
“A patient? I didn’t realize you were working with him. Is that why you wouldn’t come join me at the bar?”
I cringed inside. That sounded almost suggestive even though it wasn’t. I felt Iceman stiffen. I knew he took it that way. Crap.
“Hey, you two, what’s the holdup? The women want to dance, Meadow, and your beer is getting warm, brother,” Loki said as he joined us. He understood the situation instantly based on how he was talking.
“We’ll be there,” Iceman muttered.
“Hi, I’m Loki. Can I help you? The Dark Angel is a Warriors’ place,” he said pleasantly to Scott as he held out his hand.
Scott shook his hand as he answered him. “No, I’m fine. I ran into my friend Meadow and asked if she and her sisters would join me and my friends at the bar. I didn’t realize she was with anyone until Iceman showed up. I didn’t know she was treating a Warrior. We work together.”
Iceman was still tense. I caught myself rubbing my hand across his chest like you would to soothe someone. I stopped, which made him tighten his hand on mine and rub it once himself. I took his hint and restarted. Anything to keep this from becoming a fight, although why it would, I didn’t know.
“Really. Are you a therapist like her?” Loki asked.
“I’m not. I oversee the nurses. I’m a nurse practitioner,” Scott explained.
I wondered briefly if the guys would put him down for it. Many people still saw nursing as a woman’s job, and men who were nurses were thought to be less manly, even gay. Neither of those things was true. I knew some excellent male nurses, and many of them were heterosexual. I didn’t care what their sexuality was as long as they did their job well.
“That’s cool. I’ve got a lot of respect for anyone in the medical field. Let me buy you a drink. Guys, I’ll meet you back at the table. You don’t want to keep the ladies waiting when they have the urge to dance,” Loki added with a pleasant smile.
I was thankful for his intervention, even if it puzzled me why it was needed. I smiled at Scott. “I’ll see you Monday in the office. I hope you have fun with your friends. Be safe.” I dropped my hand to reach over and squeeze Scott’s arm. He patted it with his hand. I heard what sounded like a low growl from Iceman. I dropped my hand.
“It was good to see you, Meadow. We’ll talk at work. You and your sisters have fun and be safe getting home. If you need help, you have my number.” He was staring intently at me. I didn’t know what he was implying, but Loki swept him away to the bar before I could ask.
Iceman didn’t move. “We should go rejoin the others. They have to be wondering about us,” I said.
“Who is that guy?”
I slightly turned so I could see his face more. His eyes were boring into mine. “You know who he is. He works with me. His name is Scott.”
“I got that. What I want to know is if he is more than that. Are you two involved? Or were you?”
A trickle of anger wiggled its way into me. “I don’t see how my relationship with Scott is any of your business, Iceman. I’m your therapist. I hoped that after tonight, we would be friends. But your attitude about Scott is uncalled for. You acted like a, I don’t know what, but it was wrong.”
The next thing I knew, I was being tugged down the hall past the restrooms. I protested and tried to get free of his arm, but he held on to me.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I hissed.
“Taking you where we can talk in private without the whole damn bar listening. They don’t need to know our business,” he replied.
At the end of the hall was a door marked Private Office . He stuck his hand in his jeans pocket and came out with a set of keys. He sorted through them with his thumb until he found the one he was looking for. Within seconds, the door was unlocked, and I was inside with it closed and locked behind us.
Maybe I should be nervous being alone in a locked room with him, but I wasn’t. My gut told me that Iceman wouldn’t hurt me. He guided me to a small loveseat that sat off to the side of the desk. He gently pushed on my shoulder so I would sit. When I did, he joined me. He angled himself so he could see me, so I did the same. He wore a severe expression tinged with anger. When he didn’t say something, I did.
“Alright, you brought me in here for privacy, so talk. What didn’t you want the bar to hear? And you still haven’t explained why you treated Scott the way you did. He’s a great guy and didn’t deserve it.”
“Don’t,” he said.
“Don’t what?” I asked, mystified.
“Don’t talk to me about how great another man is. It doesn’t matter if he is, not when he’s hanging around you.”
“What the hell does that mean? He was talking to me. For God's sake, I ran into him when I came out of the restroom. We said hello and were talking about who we were here with when you came up to us.”
“The guy may say he’s a friend and all that, but his goddamn face gives it away. He wants you. There probably were no friends at the bar. Or if there were, if you joined them, he’d soon find a way to get rid of them and your sisters.”
“Oh God, what has gotten into you, Iceman? Even if what you say is true, it’s not your concern. I can take care of myself and my sisters. I’ve been doing it for years. As for Scott, he wouldn’t do that.”
“So you’re denying he wants to be more than friends,” he stated.
I opened my mouth but hesitated because it would be a lie. I should’ve known Iceman would pounce on my hesitation.
“Ah ha, he does want you, and you know he does. What the fuck is up with that? Has he asked you out? Did you go?” he growled.
I should’ve told him to go to hell and march out, but as bad as it sounded, his growly voice and almost possessive attitude turned me on. I found I liked it. What was wrong with me? I didn’t let men boss me around.
“Answer me!” he barked.
“Fine, yes, he asked me out, but I said no. We’ve dealt with it, and we’re friends. He hasn’t asked since. He knows where we stand whether it’s what he wants or not.” I stupidly added the last part without thinking.
Iceman’s hands came out to grasp my upper arms. He didn’t grip tightly but leaned closer to stare into my eyes. “If he wanted to date you, then he still wants it. And no matter if you friend zone him or not, he’ll take any opportunity he gets to try and change your mind and get you into his bed, Meadow. You can’t be that na?ve.”
“How do you know what he’ll do?”
“Because it’s precisely what I’d do. Tell me, did you say no because you don’t see him that way or because you’re already involved with someone?”
I didn’t answer fast enough, so he gave me a tiny squeeze on my arms. It almost felt like he reflexively did it. I was stuck on his remark that it was what he would do. My heart was racing at the thought.
“Meadow, are you with someone?” he muttered.
“No, I’m not with anyone. I told Scott no because I’m not attracted to him like that. I don’t understand why you care so much about Scott and my relationship status.”
“You want to know why? You can’t guess?” he asked.
I shook my head no. What I was thinking was impossible, so I didn’t dare express it. I didn’t want to be humiliated.
“It’s because I’m interested in you, Meadow, not as my PT, but as a woman. I’ve been trying to think of a way to ask about your relationship status. Renegade and Loki told me just to ask. I didn’t like seeing another man chatting you up with obvious desire. I wanted to rip his head off and ensure he never approached you again. Finding out he has asked you out and that you work with him is killing me. That means he has a chance to see you almost daily and to press his suit. He can work to change your mind. That gives him an advantage.”
To say Iceman’s confession blew me away would be putting it mildly. I was speechless. In my addled state, I must’ve leaned closer to him. Suddenly, he was kissing me, and it was a kiss like no other I’d had. It was passionate and fiery. He started soft but quickly built it to where he was nipping my lips with his teeth and using his tongue to do delicious things inside and outside my mouth. I couldn’t hold back a moan of pleasure. That seemed to encourage him to deepen the kiss.
I had no idea how long it lasted until he lifted his head. Reality came flooding back. I pressed on his chest, careful not to touch his healed wound. As much as he tempted me, I wasn’t up for playing with him or anyone else.
“Iceman, stop. Let me talk,”
He slowly eased away.
“Then talk.”