Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(51)

He set a plate in front of me, and then he joined me at the kitchen table. “Per your suggestion, I’ve tried being more warm and fuzzy with my patients lately.” He took a bite of food, looking very pleased with himself.

“Is that right?”

He nodded. “Yes. I’ve even decided to let Girdy start serving refreshments to the people in the waiting room again.”

I widened my eyes. “That’s great.”

“Well, Belinda Bratt told me some people think I’m an ogre.” He sniffed. “I can’t have that.”

“I didn’t think you cared what people thought of you.” I pinned him with my curious stare.

He shifted in his seat. “I care what some people think.” He cut his chicken with his knife and flicked his gaze to mine.

“Is that right?”

He shrugged and took a bite of his food.

When he licked his lips, a sizzle of lust went through me. It had been hard not making any moves on him since he’d come to stay with me. My house only had one bathroom, and anytime I heard the shower start up, the mental images of him wet and naked almost drove me nuts. I really wanted another go at him, but I wasn’t sure he was still interested in me that way. Maybe our single hookup had been all he’d wanted of me. He was difficult to read, and I didn’t have the nerve to push for anything without some concrete signs he was into me.

We ate in companionable silence, and then, because he’d cooked, I did the dishes. He went upstairs and when I heard the shower, as usual all sorts of dirty thoughts filled my mind. I gave an embarrassed laugh as my cock warmed as if on schedule.

Once the kitchen was spotless, I took care of Grumpy and then went up to take a shower myself. It had been a long day at work, and if we were going to sit in a car half the night together, I figured I should clean up first. The bathroom was still steamy from his shower. I wiped the mirror with a hand towel and pulled my shirt off, hanging it on the back of the door. Then I stripped off the rest of my clothes and moved toward the shower.

When the door opened, I froze. Maxwell walked in with a towel around his hips, and he stopped when he saw me.

“Oh, shit. Sorry.” He looked embarrassed. “I didn’t realize you were in here already.”

I laughed awkwardly and stepped quickly into the shower. It wasn’t exactly a great way to hide myself, seeing as it was clear glass, but I didn’t know what else to do. I turned my back on him and grimaced over my shoulder. “Sorry. I forgot to lock the door.”

“Yes. I see that.” His gaze roamed my body, and it didn’t go unnoticed his towel had a suspicious bulge in the groin area. “I forgot my watch on the sink.”

I turned on the water, if only so I had something to do besides blush and act like a virginal handmaiden. “Hey, it’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before.” My voice wobbled.

“True.” His voice was husky.

I grabbed the shampoo and poured out way too much. I grimaced and tried to scrape some back into the opening. I was self-conscious because he didn’t seem to be making any move to leave. I sneaked a glance toward him and found him still watching me with a funny expression. When he moved closer, my heart began to beat faster. “What are you doing?” I asked breathlessly. I was embarrassingly aware I had an erection.

When he dropped his towel, I realized he was as turned on as I was. His cock was thick and extended as he opened the glass door. He looked serious, as if he wasn’t a hundred percent sure he was comfortable with his own behavior. I backed against the shower wall, hissing at the cold chill of the tile on my spine.

“Didn’t you just have a shower?” I asked breathlessly.

“Yes.” He closed the door behind him and stayed where he was.

I gave a nervous laugh. “What’s up, Maxwell?”

“I’ve been thinking about that night in the pool a lot lately.”

“Yeah?” My pulse raced as I held his heated gaze.

He took a step toward me. “Have you?”

I swallowed hard. “Of course.”

Looking up under his brow, he said softly, “I wasn’t sure. You haven’t made any move toward me since I’ve been here.”

“I didn’t want to assume anything.”

Tension seemed to leave his shoulders. “Okay. I guess I felt the same way.” He took another step toward me, ending up only inches away.

“I couldn’t be positive you were still interested in me,” I said quietly.

“I am.”

“Okay.”

“In fact, I’ve considered sneaking into your bed, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be receptive to me.” His tone was hushed.

“I’d be plenty receptive.”

He smiled as if pleased. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“Are you?” I reached out and touched his cheek.

“Definitely.” He sighed.

I gave a little laugh. “So what do we do now?”

His nostrils flared. “I couldn’t help but notice you have lube and condoms in your medicine cabinet.”

My stomach tumbled with excitement. “You saw that?”

“I wasn’t snooping. I was looking for Tums.”

“Oh. Well… I like to be prepared.” I laughed nervously.