Chapter Three

It took Ella a few moments to respond to the doctor’s question.

Finally, she said, “I guess I could use a little break. Like a getaway.”

“Is traveling something you enjoy?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. It can sure soothe the soul. I’m heading out of town myself here in a few days.

“Whatever you do, just make sure it’s something you would truly enjoy and not something that would add more stress. If you can’t travel right now, then think of something smaller. A hobby you’ve neglected. A visit with an old friend. Something like that. I recommend you take a whole weekend and just focus on you .” He offered a soft smile, and the warmth in his eyes was evident. “Ella, your kids are going to be fine. They’re probably having the time of their lives, getting used to college and all that. You don’t have to focus all your energy on them now. It’s okay to prioritize your own needs for a while. In fact, that’s the doctor’s orders.”

He winked.

Ella felt silly, but despite that, she giggled.

“You really think this is all because of stress?” she asked, referring to the symptoms that had brought her there.

Dr. Kirk nodded. “Like I said, labs will tell us more. But if they come back normal, then yes. I absolutely think stress is the root cause. Is your work situation such that you could take some time off? At least the weekend?”

“Yeah. I’m kind of between jobs right now,” she said. “Not in a bad way. I have more work coming. Two new clients, actually. But I’m not scheduled to begin with either one for a couple of weeks.”

“A couple of weeks is great,” Dr. Kirk said.

“Really?” Ella said with a slight laugh. “I was disappointed. I figured the work would keep me occupied and my mind wouldn’t have time to think about…”

“Everything that’s stressing you out,” he finished for her, when it became evident that she wasn’t going to.

“Yeah.”

“Well, overextending yourself isn’t an ideal fix. Think of it like excessive alcohol use. It might dull the stress for a while, but once the effects wear off, it leaves you feeling worse than before.”

“I guess that makes sense,” she said. “I never thought about it like that.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “We need to treat the symptoms. But we can’t ignore the root cause.”

“So, a vacation is really what you recommend?”

“Sure. And remember, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or do something extravagant. Unless that’s what you want to do. I’m talking about stepping away. Focusing on Ella. Not work. Not your kids. Not everyone and everything else. But you.” He smiled. “You’re worth it. Don’t forget that.”

Ella nearly melted right there.

At the moment, he was acting just like the Daddy he was in all her dreams.

Oh gosh, if this man only knew the fantasies I have about him! He’d freak out and think I’m some kind of perverted freak.

“Thank you,” she said. She didn’t know if that was the right response, but she had no clue as to what else to say.

“You just take care of yourself,” he said. He opened his mouth to speak again but stopped himself.

Ella thought of pressing it, but it was clear he’d changed his mind. And she didn’t have the courage to pursue it. Still, he wanted to say more. And she was dying to know what it was.

“I’ll have the nurse come in and she’ll walk you down to the lab. They’ll draw some blood, and we’ll get you on your way. Should have the results back tomorrow or the day after, at the latest.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Ella said.

He nodded. “Just take care of yourself.”

She smiled. She would indulge in a little self-care later. And it would involve her magic wand vibrator and thoughts of the sexy man who stood before her right now. He didn’t need to know that, though. So, she just gave him a little wave.

But she was eager to get back home. After the Daddy energy he’d radiated, her panties were absolutely soaked.