Page 27 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

He held her a little tighter and she raised her eyebrows.“What are you thinking, Dr.Harvey?”

He chuckled.“You said earlier that if this went well, and we both enjoyed it, then we might get to do it again…” He let his words trail off, not wanting to add what else she’d said—before she left.“This is me putting in an official request for more.”

She nodded happily.“I’d like that, Trip.”

He caught his fingers in her hair and brought her head down to him.This kiss was lazier, more comfortable than the ones they’d shared earlier.It was no less passionate, but there was a level of intimacy, connection, He didn’t know what the right word was, but there was something more between them now.

He tightened his arm around her, wanting to hold on and not let her go.His heart sank when he remembered that the only reason she’d come into his bed was because she intended to leave town soon.

Chapter Six

When Trip woke up on Sunday morning, he immediately knew why his arm was numb; it was still wrapped around Shelley.She was lying on her side with her chin on his chest, still fast asleep.Not even the discomfort in his arm made him want to move.

He wanted to enjoy this moment.Happiness bubbled in his chest.He hadn't thought this day would ever come—the day when he got to wake up with her in his arms.Now he was here, and it was even better than he could have hoped.He pursed his lips.If he were honest, it was even better than he'd fantasized.

He hadn't lied when he told her he'd thought about having her in his bed.He just hadn't told her how often he'd thought about it.Last night, he'd felt like a fool when he realized he didn't even have any condoms.They weren’t something he normally needed.But she'd been so cool about it.He shouldn't be surprised—she was cool about pretty much everything.

He lay his head back against the pillows and stared up at the ceiling.A knot formed in his stomach when he remembered that, as wonderful as last night had been, whatever they shared wasn't going to last for long.He resolved then and there not to worry about it.He knew damn well that if he did, it would only cast a shadow over whatever time they had together.He hadn't expected to want a woman in his life again.Having Shelley in it for just a few weeks was an unexpected bonus.

He had to look at it that way.For one thing, it was true.And for another, wishing for more wouldn’t get him anywhere.He smiled when she tapped her fingers in the middle of his chest.

"You're awake."

He ran his hand over her hair."I am.How'd you sleep?"

She grinned."Even better than I did on Friday night.These mattresses are wonderful."She tightened her arm around his waist."But a mattress like this, and getting to share with you?I don't think there's anything more in life I could ask for."

He chuckled."Sweet talker."

She shook her head rapidly."I'm not blowing smoke, Trip.It's true."

He smiled through pursed lips.He was tempted to point out to her that if it were true, then she could have everything she wanted in life, and there’d be no need for her to move on.But he knew she was only joking, and he didn't need to make things serious.Even if she were on the same page as him, it'd be too soon to start talking like that anyway.

Instead, he kissed her forehead and said, "I feel the same way.The mattress makes this the most comfortable bed in the world—but getting to share the bed with you makes me the happiest guy in the world."

She rolled her eyes at him."Now who’s sweet talking?"

He chuckled.He’d known she wouldn’t take him seriously, and that was fine.In fact, it might be a good thing.He’d be able to go ahead and tell her exactly what he was thinking without worrying whether it would be too much for her.She’d just dismiss his words assweet talk.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips."What do you think?Are you too comfortable to get up?Would you like a coffee?I can go down and make some and bring it up for you."

Her eyes grew wide."You'd do that?Seriously?Are you trying to tell me that I get this mattress, you,andcoffee?"

"I'm not just trying to tell you, honey.That’s exactly what I’m saying."

She nodded vigorously."If you want to bring us some coffee, then this might have to go down as the best morning ever.As long as you promise to get back in here with me."

"I promise."

Trip got out of bed and walked into his closet to find some pajamas to go downstairs in.When he came out, Shelley grinned at him.

"What?"he asked with a puzzled smile.

She sat up, holding the sheet to her chest."I'm not laughing at you.I'm just smiling.Seeing you in pajamas made me realize that I forgot to put some on before we went to sleep."

"You don't need them here," he reassured her.

"If I'm being realistic, I probably don’t need them anywhere, do I?It's not so much about needing them—not about the possibility of some emergency meaning I’d have to jump out of bed in the middle of the night.It’s more about mefeelinglike I need them."