Page 48 of Protective Love

"Wow, okay, so you're just going to ignore the rest of what I said then are you?"

I smirk and shrug.

"All I needed to hear was you admitting to it," I tell her.

She looks at the small space between us and sighs.

"I should probably go and clean myself up."

"Why?"

"Because I look a mess."

"No you don't," I tell her, sitting up so that we're face to face. "You still look breathtaking to me."

Our eyes clash, and I'm positive we both lean closer towards each other.

"You really mean that, don't you?" she asks, surprised.

"Of course I do," I tell her, my eyes tracing every inch of her face. "You're beautiful, Rory. I've never in my life—"

My words are abruptly cut off when she leans forward and presses her lips against mine.

It takes a second for my brain to register what is happening, but as soon as it does, I reach my hands up, cupping her face and drawing her closer to me as I kiss her back.

The kiss is tender, and the softness of her lips against mine has me groaning against her mouth.

Instantly, she pulls away from me and gasps, slapping a hand over her mouth as she peers at me with wide eyes.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Rory

My heart beats wildly in my chest as I stare at Jaylen, frozen beside him as my mind replays everything that just happened.

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry!" I mutter, climbing off the bed and stepping back so that there's a good amount of space between us.

He frowns at me and pushes himself into a seated position as he watches me with curiosity.

"What exactly are you apologising for? Because I thoroughly enjoyed everything that just happened and I'm pretty sure I was about to enjoy whatever was going to come after it."

I shake my head, dazed and confused.

My fingers trace along my lips as I remember the feel of his against mine and I screw my eyes shut, and shake my head.

"No. It shouldn't have happened. You're my patient, Jaylen. I shouldn't have been lying in your bed with you in the first place, and I certainly shouldn't have kissed you. It's not right."

"Well it felt right to me," he retorts. "And who cares if I'm your patient?"

"I care. I could be fired if anyone found out about this, and I need this job!"

"Darling, nobody would dare to try and fire you. Your job is secure, no matter what you do. I'll make sure of it."

I scoff and shake my head again as I grab my Kindle from the chair and walk towards the door, stopping when I reach for the handle to turn and face him.

"Thank you, for helping me after I freaked out, but I'm sorry. Everything after that shouldn't have happened," I tell him, turning away quickly and leaving the room so that I don't have to see the wounded look on his face.

A stab of pain shoots through my chest as I walk away, but I don't turn back around, even though that's all I want to do.