Chapter 11

Outside the thunder wound down, but Micki's heart still pounded a mile a minute as her orgasm subsided. She wasn't a woman prone to insecurities, and yet, she wondered how she fared compared to the other women Patrick had been with. Surely, they were more sophisticated, posh, but that didn't mean they were any better in bed, did it? She shook her head, chastising herself for going there. The sex was good for her, but if it wasn't for him, that would be alright too. It wasn't like they were building a forever sort of relationship. In fact, considering she liked him and wanted to jump him again, it would probably be best if he wasn't impressed by her. She'd get too used to this if he returned the sentiment.

She laughed at herself for crazy thoughts.

"Something funny?"

"Crazy thoughts. Sometimes I amuse myself."

He arched a brow. "I'm worried I didn't do my job well enough if you're entertaining other thoughts."

She did a Kegel squeeze loving how he grunted. "You did your job just fine." She squeezed again. "More than fine."

"Good to know. So, what were your crazy thoughts"

She shrugged. "It's silly."

"Now I really want to know."

"You'll think I'm insecure."

He shook his head. "I doubt it." Then his eyes narrowed. "You're not worried I didn't enjoy this, are you?"

"Well…I mean…of course…the first time—" Ugh, that made it sound like there would be more times. "Actually, I was curious about your other conquests…how I stack up."

He laughed. Not a chuckle or titter or a ha ha, but a burst of laughter. Micki at first was stunned by it mostly because she'd never seen him so free and unguarded. It was an authentic response. But then she realized he was laughing at her. Her cheeks heated in embarrassment.

She wanted to slug him. Instead, she moved to get off of him.

In an instant, he rolled them both until she was under him. He held her down. "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, well, fun's over now?—"

"That's a disappointment." He watched her for a moment. "I wasn't laughing at you, Michaela."

"That's not what it seemed like." God, she hoped she wasn't pouting.

"I was laughing because I was thinking something similar."

"You wanted to know how you stack up?"

"Well, no because no man likes to acknowledge a woman they've been with has been with other men. But I worried I wouldn't satisfy you."

She smiled, a warmth growing in her chest. "Is that true for all men?"

"Well, I haven't seen research on it, but I think so. And as far as how you stack up…well, it's weird to make it competition. I can tell you that you?—"

"Rocked your world?"

"That and more." His head dipped, licking her nipple, making her arch into him. "I'm hoping we'll have another opportunity."

"Sex does relieve stress and boost mood."

He laughed.

"Truly. I read about it. As a shrink you should know that."

"Sex as therapy?"

She shrugged. "How do you feel?"

"I feel good. Relaxed. Happy." And he did. It was the most relaxed she'd ever seen him.

"See. I'm right."

"Maybe we should be sure."

"Do you have another condom?"

His amused expression fell. "Damn."

"No worries. I've got this." She pushed him back again, removing the condom, tying it off and disposing of it. "Now. Let's see about helping you relax." Her kisses drifted over his chest, down his abdomen and lower…lower until she proved her point.