His gaze never leaving Jennifer, Garrett slipped on his stethoscope and listened to Bridget's heart and lungs. Although she still had a few crackles, her lungs were much improved.
Thank goodness. Garrett was unbelievably distracted by his patient's sexy daughter.
In her black pants and silk button down blouse, she looked amazing. Simply, irrevocably amazing.
She had been the most amazing experience of his life.
"What's the verdict?" Bridget asked.
Garrett cleared his throat and explained what he'd heard through the stethoscope before returning his attention to the woman quietly watching him.
He pulled out his wallet, withdrew a business card and scribbled a message on the back. "Here. Just in case your mother is right and you need me."
Taking the card, Jennifer's eyes widened at what he'd written. Swallowing, she nodded. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Should I need you."
Knowing her mother was watching, Garrett didn't push for a response to his written request.
But that didn't keep him from pacing like a damned fool an hour later. Asking Jennifer to meet him at his office was pushy. Pushy as hell. Something he'd never been.
He never mixed business with pleasure.
"Garrett?"
His heart tip-toed a funny beat in his chest. She'd come.
He turned, soaked in her lovely appearance. Uncertainty shone in her eyes.
"Are we going to lunch?" she asked, her tongue darting out to moisten her pretty pink lips.
Lunch? There was only one thing he was hungry for. Starved for. Her.
***
A week later, Garrett smiled at the woman curled in his arms.
Each day that passed, her mother grew healthier, stronger. He'd transferred Bridget back to the rehabilitation center. In a week or two she'd return home. Soon thereafter Jennifer would leave.
He didn't want her to go.
Ever.
But there were so many things they didn't know about each other. Like the fact that he'd been married and had twin sons. Why hadn't he told her about the most important part of his life?
Because he'd never believed Jennifer and he had a future. That no matter how good they were together, they were destined to be lovers, but nothing more.
Quelling his frustration, he kissed the top of her head. She was the sexiest woman he'd ever met. Sensual, giving, but she was a dedicated physician. He heard it in her voice when she talked about Madison. He understood that dedication. Admired it even.
But what about the boys? They needed a mother. Their well-being was his number one priority, even if he'd left them in his mother's care too often as of late so he could spend time with Jennifer.
He should have told her about them. That very first night they'd gone to dinner. He should have told her.
He hugged her to him, breathed in her warm vanilla scent. How had she so quickly come to mean so much to him? Was it even possible that she wanted a family? That she'd find room in her heart for him and two lost little boys?
"How do you feel about kids?"
She tensed.
"Kids?" Panic turned her brown eyes a fearful shade of black. "Don't you think that question is too personal when I'm leaving in a few weeks?"
They were in bed, naked, and he'd tasted every inch of her delectable body, knew every curve, every indention by heart. Asking her how she felt about kids was too personal?
"Haven't you figured out the truth?" He just had. He wanted to see what the future would hold if they were given a real shot.
"I don't want you to leave." He laced their fingers, pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her. "Stay with me."
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