I tried to read his eyes. What was he asking me? I wasn’t a psychiatrist. I was an emergency room doctor, but part of the soldiers’ program was lending an ear or a hand. We had volunteered to help them in whatever capacity they needed. Talking to Brett had to fall under my volunteer responsibilities.
“I could.”
My heart beat a little faster. I wanted to help him. I wanted to be here for him. Maybe he was fine. Maybe he didn’t need me. But I didn’t want to leave. I needed to know this man better.
“I’ll let you know, doc.” He rose from the couch and walked to the door. “It’s something I’m going to have to think about. I’m not much of a talker. I’m sure you understand.”
“If not me, then know there are people here for you, Brett.” I walked onto the porch. “There are a lot of people who want to support our veterans. I could connect you to someone else. Someone you feel more comfortable with.”
His hand landed on the wood post over my head. His body towered over mine and for a second I thought he was going to kiss me. But that would be crazy. That would be absurd. This man who looked like a Greek god, was not going to kiss me out of the blue.
I stared at his lips. They were beautiful. Probably the most kissable lips I had ever seen. Full and broad. Firm and perfectly shaped for kissing.
“Thank you. What did you say your name was?”
“Dr. Forrest.”
“I got that. What about a first name?”
“Oh right. It’s Gretchen.” My back was pressed against the post now and if he leaned any closer his solid chest would be touching mine. I would be able to feel that intense heartbeat.
“Gretchen.” He smiled, rolling my name over his tongue.
“Mmmhmm.” I nodded.
I knew I was lingering. I was standing on his porch, unable to take the first step toward my car. I forgot I was here as a volunteer, and he was supposed to be my veteran. Instead, I wanted to drink in every ounce of him.
I was feeling sensations I hadn’t felt in a long time. Somehow he was awakening the sleepiest parts of my body, especially my lonely lady zone.
Damn it. I was an educated, independent, self-made woman. I worked twelve-hour shifts, solved medical crises, commanded an entire hospital nursing staff. But standing there looking in his eyes, all I could think about was how much I wanted to be kissed. How much I wanted to be touched and held. I was spinning with the nearness of him.
Five
Brett
I stared into her green eyes as my chest heaved with deep breaths. I didn’t know it could feel like this. Even standing next to this woman made my heart ache. The thought of touching her was enough to make my skin burn. She was so close. Close enough to kiss.
I bent toward her, ready to taste her lips when I heard an engine rattling along the driveway. I looked up to see my cousin’s truck racing over the gravel.
“Damn it,” I muttered.
Gretchen slipped out from under my arm. Her face was flushed. The moment was gone.
“I should go,” she whispered, tucking her hair behind her ear.
I hadn’t seen him in years, but he hadn’t changed one bit. “Cuz, you’re home.” Cane jumped from the truck and hurried toward the porch in heavy strides.
Gretchen walked down the stairs. I wanted to pull her back on the porch, and wrap her in my arms. Steal the kiss I was thirsting for. Cane was already halfway up the steps and threw a burley arm around me.
“Good to see you.” Cane hadn’t even stopped to avoid bumping into Gretchen. It was as if he hadn’t seen her.
“Hold on, man. I need to finish something.” I jogged down the stairs, catching Gretchen at her car. “Doc, wait just a second.”
The blush on her cheeks was cute, and I couldn’t help but think it was from the kiss that almost happened.
“Yes?” She turned before ducking in the car.
“I don’t know if this is part of the program, but I was thinking about going out for dinner. Maybe trying the local cuisine. It would probably be good to have someone to talk to. Would you want to join me?”