All I could think about was Daniel. His gentle gaze, the tender way he cared for Lucy, how he had treated me all evening—as if I was special. I wasn’t used to feeling that way, but I liked it immensely.
One other thing I couldn’t stop thinking about was his mouth.
His talented, wicked, wicked mouth.
Soft, full, pouty lips that teased and smiled. Laughed and puckered. Muttered curses, then crooned the sweetest of endearments into my ear.
And when they touched mine . . .
My cheeks flushed as I sat at my desk, thinking of the goodbye kiss he laid on me before he disappeared around the corner into his clinic. He left me a panting mess, leaning against my car, weak-kneed. I watched him walk away, Lucy beside him, recovering well and able to walk the short distance with him. He paused only once to throw another air kiss my way, which I pretended to catch, giggling the whole time. We were sickening sweet with the constant affection, but neither of us could help it.
I was amazed at the way he made me feel about myself. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful. To him, I wasn’t unusual, or distracting. Daniel’s serious words, his intense gaze, and the way his powerful body reacted to me. He wanted me—just the way I was. It was a heady feeling.
I wasn’t sure what would happen tonight when there was no Lucy to distract us. It was probably a good thing we were going out to dinner.
“Avery?”
I looked up at Denise, grinning at me from the doorway.
“Hey.”
“Delivery for you up front.”
“Oh, okay. It’s probably the Simpson file. They said they would send it over this morning.”
She shook her head, her grin getting wider. “I don’t think so.”
Mystified, I walked into reception and gasped in delight. A lovely bouquet of flowers sat waiting for me. There was no doubt about who sent them—all my favorites were there. It had been one of Daniel’s “getting to know you” questions.
Roses, lilies, carnations, freesia, and alstroemeria spilled out of a huge vase, their fragrance filling the room. Pink, yellow, purple, white and red blooms filled the container; an explosion of color for my eyes.
I carried the heavy vase into my small office, smiling at the fact they took up a large part of the tiny space. I pulled the card out of the envelope, my eyes misting as I read the words.
One kiss changed my life.
Dibs on the rest of yours.
~ Daniel
Once again, he left me breathless. He was a remarkable man.
I dialed his number, biting my lip in nervousness, especially when he answered in total professional mode.
“Dr. Spencer.”
“Hi, Daniel.”
His voice warmed instantly. “Sprite.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt. I only wanted to thank you for the flowers. They’re so beautiful.”
“Can’t possibly be as beautiful as you.”
“I . . .”
He snickered. “I love making you speechless. Although, I prefer using my mouth to do that rather than words.” His voice lowered, rasping and gritty. “I do love feeling your sweet mouth under mine.”
“Daniel.” I whispered his name as desire shot through me.