“I’m hoping we’ll get to a point where we see a decline. Public awareness is now putting a lot of pressure on doctors to not over-prescribe, which I completely agree with.” He shook his head and added, “I have no idea what information Kate felt like she needed to get to you. But you’ll be able to see her tomorrow.”
Turning to walk away, she looked over her shoulder and asked, “Do you know if Kate will be here in the morning? Her message was a little garbled, but she said something about a switch. It just dawned on me maybe she was talking about switching her schedule.”
Brow lowered, he frowned. “I’m afraid I don’t keep up with their schedules. Marsha, our office manager, handles that. But, as far as I know, Kate will be here tomorrow.”
She stepped out of his office after saying goodbye and saw Robert going out the front door alone. I guess Beth must have already snuck out. Glad that she was not having to sneak, she walked toward the back. Suddenly remembering that she wanted to ask Dr. Tiller about Levi, she turned and started to head to his office again. A giggle from just inside his doorway caused her feet to stutter to a halt once again.
“Beth, keep your voice down. One of the shelter employees was just over here.”
The sound of loud kissing was heard, and Tara backed around the corner, eyes wide.
“Wait, Doug. Let me get the buttons undone.”
Beth and Dr. Tiller? Oh, my God! She just screwed Robert, and now she’s going after Dr. Tiller? Tiptoeing backward, she retreated to the door leading to the shelter. Hurrying through, she locked it behind her, glad to be back on the shelter side. Leaning against the door, she allowed her breath to rush out of her lungs. Not usually one to give in to gossip, she grinned. Looks like Kate and I’ll have a few stories to share tomorrow.
Carter was drowning. After a day spent hustling with an investigation that was finally turning into some leads, he was now letting all that go and was drowning in Tara’s arms. Neither needed an excuse for pushing the cares of their workday away, but making out was a good way to accomplish that task.
When he arrived at her house just in time for dinner, he felt guilty that she had not allowed him to pick up a pizza on the way. But then, he had to admit the juicy pork chops, scalloped potatoes, and buttered peas hit the spot.
Colleen had been full of tales of her afternoon spent with a friend, but fatigue settled in early and she went to bed with no complaints. Tara had insisted he take his beer into the den and relax while she got Colleen settled. Called upstairs for a good night hug, he sat on the floor next to Colleen’s bed and read a story.
After weeks of waiting for the tight-noose feeling to hit when he was around Colleen, he was finally letting go of the fear. With her little girl arms around his neck, the cares of the day eased away. After Tara closed Colleen’s door, he linked fingers with her and led her downstairs.
They had barely sat on the sofa when both twisted and looked at each other. Right now, the last thing he wanted to do was talk about the investigation. Tara held his gaze for a few seconds, then launched at him, taking him to his back, her lips landing on his. Thank fuck!
With his arms banded around her, he shifted so that he was partially on top, careful to keep them from rolling onto the floor. For several minutes, he reveled in the kiss. The softness of her lips. The silkiness of her cheek as his fingers drifted over her skin. The thick, sleek tresses of hair that fell back on the cushion. The scent of her floral shampoo and the taste of the wine on her tongue.
His cock was soon demanding attention, but he didn’t want to rush one moment with her. While she had acted normal during dinner, he felt a heaviness about her. When he asked, she had simply smiled, gently touched his cheek, and murmured about the rough day. Now, he wanted to take away those worries, and from the moans coming from her lips and her fingertips gripping his shoulders, he hoped he was accomplishing his mission.
Her hands slid down his back, one hand cupping his ass and squeezing. Now it was his turn to groan as he lifted his head slightly and peered down. “Tara, babe, you can just relax. This doesn’t have to go anywhere except right where we are. Let me take care of you.”
Her other hand slid around to cup his jaw, her thumb sweeping over his slight stubble. “But what if I wanted it to go somewhere?”
“Are you sure? ‘Cause as much as I’d like to sink into your sweet, soft body, I’m good with just making out on the couch. Being with you is all I need to do.”
She pressed her hips against his erection and bit her bottom lip as she squeezed her eyes tight for a few seconds. Her breasts pressed against his chest as she sucked in a deep breath. His cock was straining against his zipper, but he remained still.
She opened her eyes slowly, and whispered, “Carter, honey, I want you. Yes, you can get me off right here on the sofa, and if that’s all we can do, I’ll take it. But I want more. I want more from you, and I want to give you more.” She held his gaze and swept her thumb over his lips. “And I want it upstairs.”
His breath halted in his lungs, his gaze searching hers. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile. “I know we’re not ready to take our relationship full force in front of Colleen, right now. And I
