Chapter Ten

Dallas

One Month Later

"Dr. Whitaker, what do you see?" Dr. Nichols asked as I studied the recent scan results. "Looks like a cardiac sarcoma stemming from the right aortic valve at least a half inch in diameter."

"Very good," he answered.

"I read they were a rarity. What course of treatment would you suggest?" I asked.

"I'll take this particular case, Dr. Whitaker. We can discuss all of the options and make them together once I get a current health assessment. I'm impressed. Most would have diagnosed differently. It is, in fact, a rarity."

"Thank you," I said half-heartedly. I had to remind myself that just because I'd elected to be a doctor of specialty—I was no specialist yet. He had every right to take this case into his skilled hands. It would all come with time and practice. On the other hand, I'd been able to diagnose and treat several cases with the help and governance of several others in the oncology wing. Dr. Nichols gave me a smile before retreating down the hall, and I froze when I saw Dean waiting for me. He was insanely beautiful as he spoke to Beatrice. I had begged her and the hospital to keep her on my service. She had reluctantly agreed after twenty years on her floor. I hadn't seen Dean since Rose's party over a month ago and assumed he was trying to give me some space. As I approached, I smiled at him, and he returned it.

"Dallas, do you have a minute?"

"Of course," I said, giving Beatrice a wink. I led Dean into my office, connecting my tablet to the charger, and then taking a seat behind my desk.

He shut the door behind him and stood there with his hands behind his back. He was not dressed for work and looked more than appetizing in freshly starched jeans and a button-down shirt that matched his eyes. His hair was freshly cut, and I noticed his skin had grown considerably darker.

"I called to apologize to you more than once," he said dryly, his voice filled with gravel.

"I've been busy helping Rose plan her wedding and trying to fit in here. I did get your messages." I shifted uncomfortably under his stare. He was less than pleased with my excuse.

"I've just come from my mom's."

"Oh, how is she? I wanted to call and ask you—" I cut myself off, knowing he'd caught on to the fact that I'd been purposefully avoiding him.

"Well, she's fantastic, actually, thanks to you," he said, cornering my desk and taking a seat on it in front of me. "Dallas, what you did for her…for me."

"It was nothing but a favor from my dad. I couldn't stand the thought of you missing out on your time with her to repair that house. You might have been punishing yourself, spending every spare minute repairing it, but you were missing out on precious time with her. I didn't do anything, really. My dad—"

"Was absolutely amazing. He not only repaired the house, he had the best landscape architect come in and get the garden back to what it was. Dallas …" He pulled me from my chair and wrapped his arms around me. "Thank you." I hugged him back tightly, pulling away before I was forced to inhale his scent.

"So, she's happy?" I asked, excited about the thought of her seeing her garden restored. I would make it a point to go and visit her in the next week. I smiled at Dean as he kept me in his embrace.

"I'm really glad," I said awkwardly.

"I can't let you pay for that," he said, letting me go.

"My dad made some calls and got all the materials donated. He was happy to do the work, and my mom was happy to have him out of the house. It was a win-win. Don't insult him by trying to pay him back. He wouldn't hear of it. You are like a son to him, Dean."

He shook his head. "I've already tried, and he said the same thing. I'm lucky to know your family, and you're right. I don't deserve their loyalty."

"I was angry. I didn't mean that."

"Let me take you out tonight," he asked, guarded. "At least let me have that."

I nodded. "I'm off in two hours."

"Great, I'll meet you in the lobby?"

"Sure."

I locked my office and, for the first time, allowed my mind to drift to Dean since he'd made my larger office seem like the size of a coat closet. He dominated any space he was in so easily. I met him in the lobby as promised, and after our greeting, we walked in silence to his car. I couldn't read his mood, which was odd, and looked at him curiously. He smiled over at me as he started his car.

"What's up with you?" I asked.

"I'm still thinking about my mom," he answered, giving me a soft look. "Dallas, she left the house for the first time in two years today to sit in her garden. She sat there all day talking to Rita. I couldn't…" He paused, full of emotion, and I reached over to grab his hand. "It would've taken me years to get that place back to what it was. At first, I was angry with you. And you're right. I was using it as a kind of penance for not being there for her when she needed me, but the truth was staring me in the face all day. You were right about so many things." He finished by taking my hand and kissing the back of it once, twice, then slowly putting it back in my lap.

My vagina scrambled to attention, but I stifled her excitement.

I felt the pull then, the need to lean over and press my lips to his. I cleared my throat as he broke eye contact and then put the car into gear.

"How's Josh?" he asked. "Before you take my head off, I mean that sincerely. When I said you were right about a lot of things, I meant you handing my ass to me at your parent's house, too. If he is the better man, and you're truly happy, that's all I want."

"Wow, seems like someone ate all his vegetables," I said, rolling down his window so I could breathe in something other than his sea and wood scent. He dressed up to take me out to dinner, looking gorgeous in a light sweater. Fall had made its presence known this last month, and I felt the cool air hit me.

"I'm just trying to be a respectable guy." He took his gaze from the road and eyed me briefly. "You look beautiful," he said as I crossed my legs in the seat. I had worn a turtleneck dress that hit mid-thigh and high boots. I saw a large amount of leg was exposed as I shifted in my seat, covering it up as he caught an eyeful .

"Thank you," I said, rolling the window down further. I suddenly felt like I was suffocating.

"I can turn on the A/C if you want." He chuckled, noticing me shift uneasily.

"Dean, where are we going?"

"We're here," he said, pulling into a parking garage and easing to a stop in one of the available spaces.

"Where is here?"

"Come on," he said, getting out of his side, then coming to meet me at mine. I took his hand and felt the ever-present jolt between us. He noticed it as well, but for the first time, when my eyes flew to his, he ignored the connection purposefully. I smiled at the thought. He was really trying.

We walked around a corner, and I saw the brightly lit trees of the restaurant first. It was a cool night, the feeling of fall in the air.

"God, I love the smell of fall," I noted as he walked through the front doors.

"Always seemed to be a good time for us, didn't it?" he added as he gestured to the hostess for a table for two. We were led to a small candlelit table.

"Pretty romantic, Dr. Martin," I said, raising my brows as he ordered a bottle of champagne.

"This is different. They serve the most impeccable food, and this is a celebration," he said in defense. "Look, elbows on the table," he said, wiggling his fingers in front of me so I could see them.

"I'm not afraid of what you'll do to me tonight."

"No? Not afraid I may corner you somewhere?" His lips turned up on one side with a sexy smirk as he sat back in his seat.

"I'm more afraid of what I'll do to you," I said, casually glancing away from my menu to gauge his reaction .

"Come again?" he said, leaning in.

I licked my lips as I took a sip of champagne, then asked the waitress for water as well—my mouth suddenly dry. "Let's just order," I said, changing the subject. He looked slightly confused as he appeared to concentrate on the menu.

We sat in silence until the waitress came back to take our order.

"You're so beautiful," he said, closing his menu. "What you did for my mom, beautiful. What you are doing for your patients is amazing."

"How would you know?"

"I got curious when you wouldn't return my calls," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Ah, Beatrice," I said, "she has a mouth on her."

"I like her very much," he said sincerely. "She's a straight shooter."

"That she is, and apparently, a spy for you." Shaking my head, I continued, "You are shameless."

"So, I talk to her once a day," he admitted without apology. "She said you have been tireless in your efforts."

"I just want to do more for them, Dean. I just want to change the standard practice of treatment and become a little more involved. Diet, counseling…Over all, I just want to provide better care. The first thing people do when they are diagnosed and hear the word cancer is brace themselves for death. I want to change that instinct from hopelessness to fight."

"You have my attention. Tell me more."

He must have sensed my excitement to share with him because a slow warm smile covered his face as I started to speak. We finished the bottle of champagne as I laid out my treatment plan, and he added his suggestions .

"You're glowing, you know, when you talk about this. I don't think I've ever seen you this excited."

"I just know it could work. I mean, it's nothing new. It's simple, really, but I think it could change things for the better."

"Well, then…get it done," he mused, crossing his arms in front of him.

"I'm on it. Piece of cake," I said, chuckling.

"I believe you can," he said sincerely.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I looked around us. The feel of the restaurant was amazing. I heard Etta James singing "I've Been Lovin' You Too Long" as I took in the Tiffany chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the high-backed, plush red chairs we sat in. The décor was tasteful, elegant, and romantic. Dean took a rose from a basket the hostess brought by and handed it to me. I inhaled the fragrant flower with my comment.

"I think I'm in love with this place."

"Wait until you taste the food," he said. "You'll love it even more."

"Take one of your dates here recently, hot shit?"

"I haven't been on a date in a very long time, Dallas," he said seriously. I nodded, dropping the subject.

Dean was on point. The food was amazing, and the sounds coming out of both of us as we tasted each other's dishes were moans of appreciation. We kept the conversation light and laughed hysterically as we took a trip or two down memory lane. I had to force myself to finish my food instead of eyeing my date. The longer I was with him, the more certain I became of my decision, and I told him as much as he walked me back to his car an hour later.

"Take me home?" I asked as he shook his head in reply. We drove in silence as the mood changed from lighthearted to heavy .

"What is it?" I asked as I studied his beautiful face in the cabin of his sleek car.

"I didn't think it was possible, but I think I like you more now than I did when we were younger. Even when you're bitching me out," he said softly. "I really like the woman you've become."

"And what's she like?"

"Are you fishing for compliments, Dallas?"

"Absolutely," I said with a chuckle. He parked the car outside my house, then turned to face me.

"Strong, beautiful, determined, ambitious, family-oriented, hard-headed, infuriating—"

"Some of those aren't compliments," I said in jest.

"I guess it depends on who you're asking."

"Good enough," I piped, exiting the car.

"I'll walk you," he said as I reached into my purse for my keys.

"Come in. I have something for you," I said as I turned my key in the lock. I felt the nerves course through me and was thankful for the champagne.

"Oh," he said, taking a step in.

"Yep," I said, throwing my purse on my couch.

"What?" he said, closing the door behind him, his head tilted to the side, a small smile on his lips.

He stood still, watching me and waiting for my response.

My answer was a heated look as I took my earrings out. I sat on the edge of my couch, unzipping my boots slowly as I kept my eyes trained on his. He took a step away from the door, still completely transfixed on me. I stopped his next step by crisscrossing my arms at the hem of my dress and pulling it over my head. His eyes caught fire as he took in my black lace bra and panty set.

"Dallas," he exhaled as my now unhooked bra fell to the floor. I stood up, completely bared to him in just the tiny triangle of lace covering my front.

I walked toward him, wrapping my arms around his neck, running my fingers through the back of his hair, and pressing my bare breasts against his chest.

"I remember you, Dean Martin, very, very well." I kissed him softly on his parted lips. "But tonight isn't about then."

"Dallas," he said hoarsely as he looked over my body. "I don't know if I can rip myself away from you despite your answer, but Josh—"

I shook my head as he read me, then I was in his arms in an instant. He walked to my bedroom, setting me down gently on the bed, his hands behind my head. Crystal blue eyes raked my body as he caressed my skin.

"Jesus, Dallas," he rasped out as my nipple peaked before his mouth claimed it. He sucked greedily as I arched my back off the bed, moaning his name. His eyes shot up to mine in recognition, filled with emotion as he backed away, kneeling on the bed as he unbuttoned his shirt. I sat up, helping him as he kept his eyes glued to mine. I slid his shirt off his shoulders as he gripped my chin with one hand, sliding his thumb across my lips. He had yet to kiss me. I kissed his passing thumb and caught it with my teeth, sucking on it slowly. I was rewarded with a deep growl. He pushed me on my back as he stood up, unbuttoning his pants and letting them fall slowly away from him. He hesitated a moment before his boxers followed, his eyes never leaving mine. He stood at the foot of the bed and leaned forward, hooking my panties with his pointer fingers and dragging them slowly down my body before adding them to the growing pile on the floor.

The bed dipped with his weight as he hovered above me. He said nothing as I opened myself to him, hooking his calves with my legs. He sank down, taking residence between my thighs, his beautiful and impressive length making me gasp as it nudged my entrance. I waited on Dean as he drank me in.

After several moments, Dean leaned down slowly and took my lips. The contact made me cry out as I felt the moisture and need build between my thighs. I opened for him as he plunged his tongue inside my mouth, kissing me thoroughly until my body was begging for him. When he'd had his fill, he pulled away from my lips, keeping my eyes on his while his fingers found my pussy. He exhaled harshly when he found me swollen and ready for him.

"I've dreamt about this for so long," he whispered as he took my lips again, then pulled back, his eyes darkening with desire as he thrust into me fully in one sweeping movement. We both cried out, the feeling of our connection overwhelming. As hard as I tried, I couldn't stop the tears that ran down my temple. My lips trembled as he thrust into me slowly and with so much friction, I sank my fingers into his skin.

"Don't cry, Dally," he pleaded, slowing his hips to stroke my face.

"It feels so good," I whispered as another set of well-earned tears escaped me. "Please, don't stop."

He placed his lips on mine as I trembled against him, my entire body waking up and welcoming him. He moaned out, his control slipping as he kissed my chin then buried his lips in my neck, licking and sucking.

"Dean," I croaked out, my legs shaking uncontrollably as my release approached.

"Let go," he said gently. "I want to watch you come." He thrust upward, hitting me so deeply that I burst around him in complete ecstasy. "Oh, God, Dean," I cried, my tears impossible to hold back as he picked my bottom half up and stroked me exquisitely slow until I had no choice but to let go again .

He sat up with us still connected and guided my arms around his neck. I moaned as I tightened my legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper. He picked me up by my hips and pulled me back down, slowly grinding every hard inch of himself inside me. "You're everything to me, Dallas," he declared before claiming my lips in a slow kiss as he pumped out his orgasm, filling me. "Everything."

We lay curled up, neither of us speaking. I could tell he wanted to say something, but I didn't utter a word to encourage him. He stroked my back with his skilled hands as I tilted my head up to study his face. I traced his jaw with my fingertips and trailed them down to his chest as I tucked in closer, breathing him in. It felt so natural to hold him this way, and I felt completely comfortable and sated in his arms.

"Dallas…anything I say won't be good enough. I got caught up in the life I was living. I never forgot."

"Don't," I protested, immediately pulling myself away and grabbing his shirt off the floor before slipping it on.

"Dallas…please talk to me," he pleaded as I walked into the bathroom and closed the door. I stood looking in the mirror and turned away quickly, wondering if I would ever keep a promise to myself. I'd made the decision to be intimate with him, and now I felt obligated to answer the underlying question of where it could lead. I wanted to believe that I could handle the physical touch I'd craved from him in the present without dragging in the hurtful past—but I knew better. I showered quickly, then opened the door, unsure where he would be. He was still naked and in bed. His eyes flew to me immediately .

"I figured it would be important to stay where I was," he grinned at me. I sucked in my lips, pressing them into a line to stifle my smile.

"You're smiling," he noted.

"No, I'm not."

"Well, if you can't get that stick out of your ass, please allow me to inspect." He flew from the bed and captured me as I yelped. He tossed my still-damp body over his shoulder and onto the soft mattress as I cursed his good name while he pinned me down. Burying his head between my thighs, I pulled his hair hard.

"Mmmhmm, mmmhmm," he said, pretending to inspect my derriere.

"How do you do that?" I asked as he looked up at me with a grin.

"Do what?"

"You know, stare at those all damn day." He nuzzled my skin and placed a small kiss on my thigh. "First of all, I don't stare. That's just rude. And second, I do more than pap smears. I deliver babies and help parents who can't have babies make them. I was specializing in IVF before I left New York."

"Sorry, didn't mean to bag on your specialty, vag man."

"Nice," he said, rolling his eyes and positioning himself on top of me. He kissed me deeply, then pulled away, searching my face.

"I'm going to help Paul and Hilary." I jerked my head back in question as he explained. "They are having a hard time conceiving. Paul came to me at the engagement party."

"I had no idea. Oh no! I joked about their failure to produce an heir. God, I feel terrible."

"Dally, this isn't something couples openly discuss at the dinner table. It's painful, but I'm sure they didn't take offense. They came to me for help, and it's a good first step. I had my first consultation with them last Monday. I'm pretty confident about it."

"That's wonderful. I'm…happy they came to you."

I lay beneath him as he scanned my face with a worried look.

"I'm fine," I said forcefully.

"No, you aren't. You don't trust me not to hurt you, and you're doing your damndest to make sure I don't. Dallas, I'm not leaving." He kissed me deeply as I sighed into him.

I nodded once. He shook his head with slight irritation, then took my lower lip between his teeth.

"I didn't break up with him for you," I said adamantly.

"Okay," he mumbled as he kissed my throat.

"We have to take things slow. I've got a lot going on," I warned, nudging his head with my shoulder so he looked at me.

"Too late for that. What else," he said, moving down my body with his kiss.

"I—oh God!" I gasped as his tongue flattened between my legs. He laid his hand on my stomach to hold me down while he devoured me with long slow licks. I writhed in gratitude as he slid his tongue down my aching slit, finding purchase in the sensitive tissues.

"Tastes like home," he said, sliding his fingers inside me as he sucked on my bundled nerves. I came in a brutal rush, praising him and God simultaneously loud enough to wake my entire condo complex.

He finished his praise by sucking my folds leisurely as the last of my shudders subsided.

"I'm going to take you hard. Hold on to me," he warned before moving up my body, rolling me onto my stomach, and gripping my shoulders. In one breath-stealing thrust, he was buried inside me to the root. He began to roll his hips, his movements sending me spiraling toward the edge. He took me deep as he whispered into my ear before sinking his teeth into my shoulder. I came again instantly, bucking underneath him. Turning me back over and pulling me to the edge of the bed, he molded my body to his touch, praising me as he gave himself to me. "I'm the last man that will ever have you," he promised with every thrust before giving in and burying his head in my chest.

Sleeping with Dean was inevitable. How amazing it was made me even more terrified, but at the same time, I was elated that he still wanted me that way and no other. He'd said all the things I wanted to hear. And though my head gave me warning with every word I recalled, my heart resumed its loyal place, filled with all things Dean Martin.

I could've stayed in bed and pressed repeat, but I wanted to think about him and crave him before we went any further. I thought I'd be elated with having him back in my life in a more intimate way. I was beyond that. I felt new.

I felt like I was breathing again.

I had to at least try to enjoy the moment, even if deep down, some part of me would always believe our happiness wouldn't last. I didn't want to be the pathetic case that had clung to him crying last night. I'd come a hell of a long way from that girl, and I owed it to myself to show him who I was now.

I was hesitant to think about a possible future with him. For the first time in a very long time, I just wanted to let myself feel the way I used to with him. Last night was a great start. He'd exhausted me until I fell into a deep sleep. I'd only woken up when he pulled me to him and murmured "Dallas," in his slumber.

I dressed quickly the next morning, leaving a sleeping Dean with a note. I had lab results waiting, and honestly thought there was nothing worse than being the person who was waiting on them. I wanted how I treated my new patients to go above and beyond what was expected instead of just a simple diagnosis and course of action. I wanted to be heavily involved in their treatment and aftercare. I wanted to take a step further away from the gray area.

My confidence and smile were short-lived when I received Mrs. Tanner's biopsy results. I consulted with two other oncologists before letting her know we had a long road ahead and the well-rehearsed speech of getting her affairs in order.

"Only a sadist would go into this field," I said to myself as I took a break on the smoking deck away from the cold temperatures of the hospital. I let the sun warm my face, rubbing my shoulders to get the chill out as Dean walked out to join me, not giving me a chance to greet him.

"What the hell were you thinking, leaving me alone like that?"

"Good morning to you, too," I said cheerfully.

"Way to go, Martin?"

"Okay, maybe the note was a bit tacky," I said. "At least I made you coffee."

"It's not funny," he said, standing in front of me, clear hurt running through his beautiful features, the memory of his lips on every surface of my body coming back in waves.

"Stop acting like a scorned Don Juan," I scolded. "I had to get to work," I said, hopping onto the railing to sit as he paced in front of me. "And I told you I wanted to take things slow," I reminded him.

"Stop acting like a catty female. This isn't cool. What happened last night was amazing. We reconnected."

"Look, spare me the lecture. I was happy about it until you came barreling out here with your feelings ," I said smugly. His head snapped up in anger, and he didn't hesitate before gripping my throat, pressing his lips to mine. I moaned into him and captured his tongue as he took my mouth completely, leaving me panting and breathless.

"Deny it all you want, Dallas." He backed away, glancing behind me before pushing me over the railing. I screamed out in a panic until I landed in the hedge directly behind me.

He leaned over as I thrashed all my limbs, his brows lifted in challenge. "Obviously, I need to do a better job of screwing some sense into you." He walked out of my line of sight, and I heard him exclaim, "Rose!"

"Dean," she piped happily as I struggled to hoist myself back up, my legs still hooked over the railing.

"Damn it, you idiots, help me up!" I screamed. I heard Dean chuckle as they continued to make small talk while I struggled like hell to lift myself up. What seemed like an eternity later, Rose popped her head over and laughed hysterically, trying to push her words out. "You rang?"

"Help me up, or so help me God, I'll wear a fluffy, fuchsia Cinderella dress and start the chicken dance at your wedding."

"I'll see you later, Dallas," Dean shouted as if I were far away. "I'll see you soon, Rose."

I started to scream. "You bas—"

"He's gone," she said as she pulled me to my feet.

"I hate that man, I swear," I said, my blood draining from my head back into my limbs.

"I can tell," she cooed. "Looks like you two are back to the norm."

"Seriously, what grown man pushes a woman into some bushes?" I huffed, wiping myself off .

"One that has to put up with your crazy ass," she answered quickly. "Kudos to Dean."

"It's not funny. How did you know I was here?"

"Beatrice," she said simply as if I should know better.

"Of course," I said, scanning my sister. "You doing okay?" She looked exhausted. It was apparent by the small circles under her eyes that she hadn't been sleeping.

"It's just a lot with the wedding. I'm so thankful for all you and Mom have done, but it's just a lot."

"Whatever you need," I offered as she walked with me back into the hospital.

"So, are you going to come clean?" she asked as I froze at the door. I looked at my sister as she slowly crossed her arms in front of her and pursed her lips.

"Rose, I don't know what to say. I couldn't think of a good time to tell you." Clearly, my sister knew about my plans in oncology. I hated the fact that she'd found out the way she did.

"I'm happy for you! I always knew Dean would be the one." Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "It's so easy to see you two are crazy for each other. Why would I mind?"

"Oh, Dean, yeah." I checked my phone to keep from meeting her watchful eye.

Rose took a step forward, scrutinizing me. "What aren't you telling me?"

"We need to talk and soon, but today is not the day." Opening the door, I ushered her through.

"Fine," she said, looking at her phone for the time. "I have fifteen minutes until lab. I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I'll be buried in my books for the next few weeks, so text me."

I nodded and gave her a half-hug.

"Dallas, I know how badly the breakup hurt you. I never told you this because you've always been so tight-lipped, but I want you to know I'm here for you…you know, if you want to talk."

I pushed out a breath in frustration. "I just broke up with Josh, and I'm trying to do better here. I hardly have time for anything else."

She simply nodded and started walking. "Bye," I said, drawing out the word in exaggeration. Though Rose and I had always been close, I'd never really told her the truth about the years I was away at college. I'd kept most of my time with Dean—and after—to myself, never revealing too much.

After work, I decided to get in some much-needed exercise. I saw Dean's Jag in the garage and looked at my cell for a message, cursing my weakness at wanting to hear from him already. I was rewarded.

DEAN: Tonight?

I waited until I was in my car to answer. My insatiable craving for him was awakened with his touch. As long as I didn't let my heart lead, I was safe. I knew it wouldn't take much to be in over my head. I was walking a tightrope with little to no net already.

DALLAS: Maybe.

I decided being indecisive was better. I told him that I wanted to take things slow. Becoming dependent on him was not an option. I wanted control over my emotions. I couldn't afford to let them run rampant. I would keep my promise to myself to do better with my health and make my career my priority. If Dean was sincere about having a place in my life, he would have to make do with my best-laid plans.

I took the treadmill at a leisurely pace, cursing my stupidity. My thighs were burning in seconds. I noticed the gym filling up and ignored my surroundings as much as possible. Running outside in Texas during early fall could be fatal on the days the bogus weather decided to bring summer temperatures. I hated jogging in place. It was probably the liberal part of me talking. My mom had embedded the thought that joining the masses in a room full of health nuts was a type of conformity. Or maybe it was the fact that I hated working out. Either way, I groaned as I picked up the pace and started the long trek into my first mile.

I felt his eyes on me first. I turned in his direction to see that he was openly staring at me. I felt my chest tighten as I stared back. Josh was on the treadmill diagonal to mine. We'd joined the gym together and had never run into each other once in the entire time we had the membership. I cursed the fate that had brought us back into the same room. The truth was, I'd missed him—the friend he was to me. He knew my habits, my moods, and he knew how to make the bitchy me smile. He'd been my best friend. I stopped my machine and walked off, but he stopped me before I reached the locker room.

"How are you?"

"I thought we weren't going to do this." My voice was shaking. I felt horrible guilt knowing I had just bedded Dean last night. The way he was staring at me now, it was as if he knew.

"I know what I said," he said tightly. "I just had to ask you."

"I'm fine. I'm working a lot."

I let my eyes wander over his tight-fitting T-shirt and loose shorts. His hair was pulled back in a low, short ponytail. I was filled with the recollection of our time together and felt a painful tug in my chest.

"Me too. I got offered the position of sous," he said, smiling. "Today, in fact. Do you want to go help me celebrate with a drink?"

"Josh, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you." Without thinking, I leaned into him and gripped him tightly to me .

"She has plans."

I jumped at Dean's voice and looked over to see him eyeing us with nothing but menace. The change in the air was instantaneous and permeated with animosity. He looked ready to kill in his gym clothes, a chrome water bottle in hand that he held with white-knuckled ferocity. It was no big mystery why he was here. The hospital was only a block away, but I was starting to think coincidence no longer had a welcome place in my life.

"Of course she has plans," Josh said sarcastically as he looked at me with disgust. "I figured as much."

"Josh, listen—"

"Fucking forget it. You can have the gym," he said bitterly.

"Thanks," Dean said as he glared at Josh's retreating head. Josh took a step back, meeting his glare. "You're nothing but curiosity for her. She'll get bored."

"You don't know shit," Dean said, snapping back, his teeth bared and his skin tinting as his anger built.

"I know I'd never heard a word about you in the time I spent with her. Not a word," Josh shot back confidently.

"Stop it," I said forcefully, taking a step between them before turning to Dean. "Stop it." He didn't look at me, keeping his eyes glued on Josh. I grabbed Josh by the arm, pulling on it hard as he remained locked in a standoff with Dean. "Come on, Josh, please," I pleaded as he took another step toward Dean. "I'll be there when you fuck up. I love her that much." Josh turned to me and looked down at my hand on his arm. I pulled at it again as he followed me out of the gym.

I saw his truck and walked over to it as he reluctantly followed.

"I would ask you why, but I'm afraid to," he said, looking down at his tires .

"I hate myself so much right now," I said quickly. "I can't tell you how sorry I am."

"Do you love him?" he asked earnestly, searching my face.

"I used to." He nodded and jumped into his truck. "I have to leave right now. I'll hurt him if I don't." I backed away from his truck as he took another look at me. "I meant what I said, and I might hate myself for it later, but Dallas, if he fucks up, I'll be there."

"I don't deserve that. Don't do that."

"I guess I can't help it." He started the truck, then pulled away, leaving my heart gushing with regret. I looked back at the gym and couldn't face going back in. I was more than furious. As if Dean sensed my hesitation, he stepped outside, walking toward me.

"Caveman!" I shouted as he approached me. "What the hell is wrong with you? It isn't enough that I'm with you right now, you had to rub it in his face? Make him feel like that?" Dean didn't slow his pace and crashed into me, lifting me with both hands under my ass, my legs instinctively wrapping around him. His mouth muffled my surprised scream as he took it with possessive fierceness. I fought him for only seconds before succumbing to the kiss. He pulled me tighter to him, walking toward his Jag. I heard it chirp before he sat me down in the passenger seat. I fumed as he got in and quickly started driving.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I said, staring at him while he drove. "Talk to me damn it!" He continued driving as I questioned him but didn't say a word. We pulled into a private drive, which I assumed was his, and he pressed the garage door opener. Glaring at him, he refused to look at me. I got out and followed him inside. I was just about to start laying into him again when he turned on me, his dark eyes filled with hunger. My words caught in my throat as he gripped my neck, turning me to face the door we'd just walked through. I shuddered when his breath hit my ear, my back to his chest, his erection brushing along the top of my ass.

"I need you to stop fighting me," he scolded in a heat-filled whisper, his tongue darting in and out of the shell of my ear. I was panting as he held me tightly to him by the throat, his other hand slipping into my shorts and underneath my panties. "I need you to stop making this so damn hard on us both because all I want …" he paused, slipping his fingers inside me as I sank against him, "is you." He pulled his fingers from inside me, sliding them up to massage me in slow circles. I gripped him behind me as I started to feel the pull.

"Dean," I pleaded, my heart pounding against my chest. As aggressive of a lover as he used to be, it was nothing like the man behind me now circling my soaked pussy with skilled fingers. I didn't have time to worry about the fact that I was still sweaty from my workout or what had happened after—because seconds later, I was spread out on his counter as he licked at my pussy wildly. I gasped his name twice before he let up and pulled me to sit in front of him. He pulled his shorts down, and I gripped him in my hand, the fire in my eyes matching his. He pulled me from the counter, grabbing my ass as he slid me onto his length. I moaned out, the delicious soreness from last night making an appearance before I began to move on top of him as he ground his hips into me. "So fucking good," he said as I gripped the counter behind me, grinding into him. "I know you feel it, feel us, " he grunted out as his icy eyes seared through me along with his thrusts.

He turned us around and laid me down on his rug as he burned his way through me, leaving nothing left. I milked his length as I came again, calling out to him repeatedly. He pulled away, slowing his pace and rolling his hips expertly so I could feel every stone inch of him.

"I've thought about nothing but this all day. The way you look when I'm buried inside you, the way you breathe my name, the way you tremble around me when you come. I won't let anything or anyone else get in the way of us—of this." He stilled as he spilled himself inside me. I stroked his back, catching my breath. He pulled away, his beautiful black locks falling across his forehead.

"I just need us to be …without all the bullshit for a while. I don't want anything taking away from this." He searched my face for my understanding. I nodded as he took my lips, then quickly pulled back. "Try with me, Dallas. Please just give me a chance." His heart was beating so fast I could feel his anxiety rolling off of him. Josh had intimidated him, though he would never admit it. Dean was proud in that way. I'd never seen him act so violently possessive toward me. I was as equally turned on as I was put off by it.

"You can't act like that," I warned.

"I know," he said, his renewed erection brushing against my leg. He trailed my face and neck with feverish kisses, leading back to my mouth, taking his time to gently coax it open. I sighed into him as he took my breath completely. When he pulled away, I saw his features soften. "I want all of you, Dallas. Every single piece. Even the ones I broke." He pulled me to his chest, cradling my legs as he lifted me off his carpet. He carried me upstairs and drew us a bath. I watched him as he made the bath comfortable, stepping in and motioning for me to join him. I sat cradled in his arms for several minutes.

"Dally, talk to me." Brushing the hair away from my neck, he planted a soft kiss on my shoulder .

"Remember when you told me you were going to be a doctor?"

"Yes," he said, cupping water over my back.

"Do you remember what you said?"

"No, not really. I just remember we were in your parents' backyard."

"You said you wanted to be useful to people in a way where you could sleep at night."

"I said that? Wow, pretty deep for eighteen."

"My mom pointed it out at dinner that night. She told my dad I was safe with you."

Dean held me tighter to him. "That's flattering."

"She'd overheard our conversation when I told you I planned on the same profession. I'd wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl. Did I ever tell you the story why?"

"I think I just assumed it was your crush on me." I could feel his grin behind me.

"No." I turned on him, kneeling in his large sunken tub between his legs. His hair was damp and curled slightly, framing his face. I had to take a few deep breaths in order to get my story out. The sight of him naked and wet in front of me was debilitating. He remained silent, urging me to go on.

"When Rose was six, we were climbing an old fence in the neighborhood. We knew better, but we were told these particular neighbors had a rabid dog that was about to be put down. I was curious and wanted to see what it looked like. Anyway, once we made it up to peer over, we saw the yard was empty. Rose's board came loose, and she fell awkwardly onto some loose boards that had already given out behind us, snapping her arm. Not only that, she impaled her forearm on an old rusty nail.

"She didn't cry. She didn't make a damn sound. She just looked at her arm as if it was alien to her. I rushed her home, and my parents flipped. Rose stayed calm the whole time. I sat with her while the doctor set and stitched her arm. She only winced once. The rest of the time, she simply looked at the doctor in awe, as if she knew she would be fine. I think she knew then that she wanted to be a doctor. I saw how Rose looked at her as she was stitched up, and I suddenly wanted to be her. I wanted to be Rose's hero. I guess a part of it was jealousy, and the other part was curiosity, but she fixed my sister so easily. I wanted the ability to do the same thing. Just to be able to make things right when it seemed impossible.

"That day, on the way home, my sister and I proclaimed to our parents that we would be doctors one day. My parents encouraged us and took us to every single human science fair in the state of Texas, fueling our growing interest at every turn. I never had another thought about what I would be after that day. It always seemed predestined—for both of us. It was a common bond we shared since we were young. It kept us close in years when we should have been at odds. We would spend night after night talking about the different ways we would help people. Of course, we didn't have a clue what the hell we were talking about. We were just two little girls rambling on about a future we were so certain of." I looked up at Dean, who was listening intently. "Saying and doing this is the thing I'm most proud of. And I almost didn't make it."

"What are you talking about?" Dean asked, his eyes roving my face for answers.

"I'll promise to try with you if you promise this won't get in the way of my career. I've finally found my home and don't want to screw it up."

"Work first. Is that what you are telling me?" He was amused, and I straightened my shoulders. It was hard to project just how serious I was while sitting naked before him, but he seemed to catch on quickly.

"Dean, I've worked really hard to be where I am."

"And you think I want to take that away?"

"I think you don't know how hard it was for me."

"And Josh did?" I heard the bite in his voice.

"No, we fought a lot about my career and the time I spent working and away from him. I could never talk about it with him because of his resentment, and that's one of the reasons we are no longer together. I love this thing…this thing I do, more than anything."

"Dallas," he said carefully, pulling me to him by my underarms and onto his lap. "You're not the only doctor in the tub."

"I realize that. I just want to put that out there."

"Okay, Dr. Whitaker, I won't whine about the long hours you spend at work."

"Thank you," I said quickly, pulling my legs from around him and pulling the plug to drain and let more hot water in. Once the tub was reheated, I took my place back against him as we settled back in.

"Dally," he asked quietly, "what are you not telling me?"

"I've told you everything important."

"I can't believe I didn't know that story through all the years I've known you." He moved my hair to the side and placed a gentle kiss on my neck.

"You missed a lot of years."

He pulled me tighter to him. "And I'll start making it up to you right now."