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usually , he would be tearing around the living room , playing with his toys . but just one look at a minion sent him practically catatonic . that had been megan 's plan when she got him dressed earlier . he 'd seen the movie almost by mistake , considering he was a little young for the pg cartoon , but with older cousins , along with her brothers , mason was often exposed to things that were older . she liked to think being surrounded by adults and older kids was one reason why he was a such a good talker for his age . `` are n't you being a good boy ? '' she said . mason barely acknowledged her . instead , his baby blues remained focused on the television . since the movie was almost over , megan knew she better slip into the bedroom and finish getting ready . each time she looked into mason 's face , she was grateful that he looked nothing like his father . his platinum blond hair and blue eyes were completely hers . it was only his build that he was taking after his father . where megan was a diminutive 5'3 '' , davis was 6'1 '' and two hundred pounds . mason was already registering off the charts in height and weight according to his pediatrician . |
davis had seen mason only twice in his lifetime-the day he had been born and the day he came home from the hospital . after that , he had n't been interested in any of the pictures and emails megan sent . with his professional football career on the rise , davis had n't wanted to be shackled with the responsibilities of a baby . instead , he wanted to spend his time off the field partying until all hours of the night . he only paid child support when megan threatened to have his wages garnished . she dreaded the day when mason was old enough to ask about his father . she never wanted anything in the world to hurt him , and she knew that being rejected by his father would . with a sigh , she stepped into the dress and slid it over her hips . wrestling around to get the zipper all the way up caused her to huff and puff . standing back from the mirror , she turned to and fro to take in her appearance . she 'd always loved how the dress made her feel sexy , but at the same time was very respectable . while it boasted a sweetheart neckline , the hemline fell just below her knees . she put on her pearls-a high school graduation gift from her uncle aidan , or `` ankle '' , as she often called him . |
aidan was her mother 's baby brother and only son of the family . when she was born , he was only eight and a half . as the first grandchild , megan spent a lot of time with her grandparents , and that in turn , meant she spent a lot of time with aidan . he had devoted hours to holding her and spoiling her rotten . when it came time for her to talk , she just could n't seem to get `` uncle aidan '' out . instead , she called him `` ankle . '' it was a nickname that had stuck with him even now that he was thirty-four and married . while it had been no question that she wanted him as godfather for mason , she had been extremely honored when he and his wife , emma , had asked her to be their son , noah 's , godmother . she loved her newest cousin very much and planned to be the best godmother she could for him . as she stepped out of the bedroom , she found that mason had yet to move . `` okay buddy , time to go . '' when he started to whine , she shook her head . `` we have such a fun day ahead of us . |
it 's noah 's baptism , and then there 's a party at uncle aidan and aunt emma 's house . '' `` beau ? '' he asked . she laughed . `` yes , you 'll get to see and play with beau , too . '' as she went to the couch and picked him up , she could n't help finding it amusing that out of everyone he was going to see today , he was most excited about being with aidan and emma 's black lab , beau . one day when they had their own place again , she would get him a dog . he loved them too much to be denied . `` oomph , '' she muttered , as they started up the basement stairs . `` heawy ? '' `` yes , you 're getting to be such a big , heavy boy . '' when they made it to the kitchen , megan paused to catch her breath . she only had a second before her mother breezed in with sean , and her youngest brother , gavin . `` ready ? '' she asked . megan nodded . feeling like she was once again a teenager , she filed behind her parents as they headed into the garage . `` i want to drive , '' gavin said . with a smirk , sean replied , `` like i 'm gon na let you drive my car . '' |
he then slid into the driver 's seat as gavin reluctantly walked around to the passenger 's side . `` we 'll see you there in just a few , '' her mother called . sean acknowledged her with a two finger salute before cranking up and pulling down the driveway . megan worked to get mason into the car seat in her parents ' land rover . once he was safely strapped and buckled in , she hopped in beside him . her parents rattled along to each other as they made their way through the tree-lined suburbs where megan had grown up . while some might look on her as having a mark against her character being an unwed mother , she had lived a relatively non-rebellious life . even though she 'd been a cheerleader and ran with the popular crowd in school , she rarely partied to excess . instead , she had focused on getting good grades . at that time , she had her heart set on going to medical school and becoming a doctor . from the time she was a little girl , she had wanted nothing more than to help people . she was always mending birds with broken wings or trying to resuscitate squirrels who had been hit by cars . she ditched playing princess for playing `` hospital . '' |
her desire to become a doctor was why she needed the best scores and best activities and why she generally shunned any temptations to lead her off the right path . she had even managed to bypass the usual freshman craziness when she went off to the university of georgia . it was n't until she fell in love for the first time in her life that she threw everything away . sadly , she could n't say that her first love was davis , mason 's father . instead , it was another football player , this time a running back at uga , who captured and later broke her heart a year later . carsyn ran with the fast crowd , and when she was with him , she partied and drank too much . he was controlling and possessive , and he wanted all of her time . when she was with him , she had little time for studying . with her grades already in the toilet , she was unprepared for the emotional breakdown she experienced when carsyn broke up with her . devastated , she stopped going to class and ended up flunking the semester . by the time she got back on track with her grades , she had abandoned any hope of medical school . instead , she decided that she would become a nurse , which would fulfill her need to care for sick people . of course , her relationship with davis ended up derailing shortly before graduation when she got pregnant unexpectedly . |
she had to take several semesters off after mason was born . she was a few years off from when she had originally planned on graduating , but she was excited after everything had that had happened , she was finally finishing . her mother 's voice brought megan out of her thoughts . `` here we are , '' she said pleasantly . leaning forward in her seat , megan eyed the clock on the dashboard . she was n't surprised to see they had arrived half an hour before the baptism started . one thing her mother prided herself on was being on time and lending a hand . as they started into the church , her mother reached for mason . `` we 'll take him so you can go see if emma needs any help . '' megan bent over to kiss mason 's cheek . `` see you in a little while , sweetie . '' he grinned and then happily dodged her mother 's arms for her father 's instead , which made megan smile . he was such a man 's man already . he loved sitting between her brothers on the couch and watching tv . while it was good that he had so many male role models , she only hoped he had n't inherited too much of his father 's personality . |
after megan watched them disappear in the crowd of family and friends waiting in the church alcove , she bypassed everyone by turning right and heading down the hallway . at the last door on the right , she knocked . `` it 's me , megan . '' emma 's best friend , casey , answered the door . `` well , if it is n't the fairy godmother , '' she mused with a grin . after megan stepped inside , casey threw her arms around her . megan had only met her a few times , but it was hard not liking emma 's vivacious and outgoing friend . casey 's long brown hair was pulled back in a lose knot , and she wore a demure black slip dress and heels . `` so how 's it going ? '' megan asked , gazing from noah 's diapered but na**d form to emma . she was feeding him a bottle while her upper body was draped in a towel . peeking out from the covering , she saw emma was wearing her signature color , green . as noah sucked on his bottle , he twirled a strand of emma 's auburn hair between his fingers . both father and son were fans of emma wearing her hair down . emma grinned . `` good , i guess . |
i mean , i do n't have a lot of experience with baptisms . '' megan laughed and motioned to the towel and noah . `` it looks like you 're taking all the proper precautions-nothing like spit-up on your dress or his . '' with a nod , emma replied , `` tell me about it . especially since his gown is so old . '' megan eyed the lacy baptismal gown hanging on the closet door . she recognized it from pictures of ankle 's baptism . he had worn it , and now it was being passed down to his son . casey snorted . `` i 'm sure aidan would n't appreciate you alluding to the fact his gown is an antique , thus in turn saying he 's old . '' emma laughed . `` no , i 'm sure he would n't . of course , he 'd probably argue that while the gown might not have held up , he still looks fabulous and much younger than his age . '' megan smiled . `` that sounds just like him . '' she bent over emma to rub one of noah 's hands . he grabbed her thumb in his fist and held on for dear life . `` aw , you love your godmother , do n't you noah ? '' emma asked . |
noah momentarily stopped sucking on the bottle to flash a quick smile , which warmed megan 's heart . `` he 's such a sweet boy , '' she mused . `` and a charmer , just like his old man , '' casey mused . `` that too , '' megan agreed . thinking about her position , she cocked her head at casey . `` are you sure you 're fine with me being the godmother ? '' casey waved her hand dismissively . `` honey , the last thing i need is the responsibility . i plan on spoiling noah rotten and corrupting him as only a good auntie can do ! '' emma rolled her eyes . `` i 'm very satisfied with both my choices , megan . you do n't have to worry . '' `` so who is the godfather again ? i know he 's not part of the family . '' casey gasped as her hand flew to her chest dramatically . `` you mean , you 've never met dr. mcdreamy bollywood ? '' megan shrugged . `` no , i have n't . i mean , i 've heard about him and how he flew aidan home in time for noah 's birth . '' she noticed the pleading look that emma exchanged with casey . `` why ? |
what should i know about him ? '' casey tapped her chin with her index finger . `` hmm , what should you know about the good godfather ? '' she winked at megan . `` first off , he is seriously delectable . i mean , the man is like sex on a stick . tall , jet-black hair , dark eyes , and he 's built like a brick shithouse . '' megan suddenly felt her interest piquing . she had n't imagined that the godfather would be good-looking . it had been such a long time since she had dated anyone . scratch that-it had been a long time since she 'd had sex with anyone . she 'd spent the last two years completely dateless since she and davis broke up . she could practically join one of the local parishes as a nun with how long she had abstained . `` really ? '' `` mmm , hmm . he reminds me of that bollywood actor john abraham , '' casey said . emma snorted . `` since when do you watch bollywood movies ? '' `` since one of nate 's friends asked us to an indian film festival . '' casey grinned at megan . |
`` besides the fact that he 's a serious looker , he 's also kind , compassionate , and caring-an overall wonderful man . '' `` really now ? '' megan questioned . `` and he 's loaded because he 's a doctor . '' this man was sounding better and better by the minute . `` is he single ? '' emma made a strangled noise before casey replied , `` oh , yeah , he 's single . he 's a widower actually . '' megan pursed her lips at the prospect . widowers usually fell into two categories-those who were still devastated by their wives ' deaths or those who were ready to have fun and live a little . she certainly hoped this pesh guy fell into the second category . more than anything , she wanted to have a little fun herself . `` do you really think you might be interested in dating pesh ? '' emma asked , as she moved noah to her shoulder to burp him . with a shrug , megan replied , `` dating him or just having some fun with him . sounds like he could use some . '' emma grimaced as she wiped noah 's face off . `` this is exactly why i told aidan not to try and fix you two up . '' `` what do you mean ? '' |
`` pesh needs a relationship , not a hook-up after all he 's been through . besides his wife 's death , he has n't had it easy on the dating front . '' `` what happened ? '' when casey snorted , emma shot her a death glare . `` nothing . it 's just he does n't need to get involved with someone who is n't interested in a long-term relationship . '' `` em , you might as well tell her , '' casey urged . megan glanced between the two of them . `` tell me what ? '' `` fine , '' emma huffed resignedly . she handed noah to casey . `` make yourself useful by changing his diaper . '' as casey got busy cleaning up noah , emma turned to megan . `` when aidan and i broke up- '' `` what you meant to say is , after you left aidan when he did n't show up for noah 's gender ultrasound because he was cheating on you ? '' casey interrupted , waving around the wet wipe in her hand . emma closed her eyes for a moment before shaking her head . `` yes , that 's right . thank you so very much for bringing up that aspect of our break-up on today of all days . '' |
casey gripped noah 's ankles and hoisted up his little butt to slide on the new diaper . `` you 're welcome . '' `` anyway , as you were saying , '' megan pressed . `` right . so it was when aidan and i were broken up that i met pesh . i was with your papa fitzgerald the day of his heart attack at the vfw , and pesh was the doctor who treated him . '' `` so ... you both struck up a friendship then ? '' megan asked . emma grimaced . `` not exactly . you see , patrick wanted to force aidan to really fight for me , and he felt the best way to do it would be for him to have some competition . '' megan felt her eyes widening in surprise . `` papa wanted pesh to date you ? '' `` yeah . '' `` did you ? '' emma was momentarily distracted by casey blowing raspberries on noah 's stomach . a smile spread across her face as noah kicked his legs and giggled at casey . `` want me to get him in his dress ? '' casey asked , as she glanced up . `` if you do n't mind . '' bringing her hand to her hip , megan huffed out an exasperated breath . |
`` um , could you please focus for just a minute considering the bomb you just dropped on me ? '' `` i 'm sorry . i did n't want to tell you at all . i mean , whatever was between us is all in the past . neither one of us really cared for each other like we thought we did . '' `` did you ... '' megan said . at emma 's confused expression , she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively . emma 's face flushed . `` no , of course not ! '' casey eyed emma as she took the baptism gown off the hanger . `` you did make out with him though . '' `` one time . and he certainly did n't get to second base , '' emma argued . with a wicked grin , casey added , `` pity . wish you could inform us on what he has going on below the waist . '' `` you 're impossible . '' she snatched the gown away from casey and then started wrestling noah into the yards of fabric . `` it was n't like we were in a relationship . we did n't really even go out together . he came to the house once to bring me dinner and check on me when i was on bed rest , and then he took me to the opera . that was it . '' |
`` was there no chemistry between you two ? '' without responding , emma pulled noah up into a sitting position and started fastening the row of buttons down the back of the gown . `` em ? '' megan pressed . she gave a heavy sigh before picking noah up . she stared into his face before she responded . `` we had great chemistry together . he was an amazing kisser who got all my senses up and running in all the right ways . besides the physical part , he is smart , kind , and intelligent-any woman 's dream . '' she shook her head . `` but it did n't matter because he was n't aidan . i could never , ever love another man like i do him . '' giving noah a kiss on the cheek , she added , `` neither one of us were really in a good place-i was trying to make sure that aidan really was the one , and after being pressured by family and friends , he was trying to date for the first time after his wife 's death . '' megan crossed her arms over her chest . `` i get that he does n't need to be hurt , but who is to say that having a fling is going to hurt him ? |
maybe it could give him the confidence he needs to go out and find the real woman of his dreams ? '' `` how could a man that looks like that have any self-confidence issues ? '' `` you never know . if he was married a long time before his wife died , he might find it hard to get back into the dating world . especially if the last woman he cared about loved someone else . '' emma shook her head . `` trust me , he is n't the fling kind of guy . he wants a wife and children . '' although megan had a son , she was n't quite ready for marriage . maybe in a few years but right now she just wanted to date and have fun . she 'd willingly sacrificed so much to ensure that mason could have all of her attention since he was short a father . after all , he was the greatest hurdle in her having a committed relationship . she did n't want to open her son up to any hurt that might come from him getting attached to a man she dated only to have them disappear when they broke up . `` ankle really wants to fix us up ? '' emma nodded . `` regardless of what happened with pesh when we were broken up , aidan does respect and admire him . he wants pesh to be happy . '' she gave megan a pointed look . |
`` most of all , he wants that for you , too . '' megan wrinkled her nose . `` but i 'm really not ready for all of that yet . '' `` then think long and hard before you agree to do anything about pesh . he is unknowingly very persuasive , and in the moment , you might forget your resolve only to have it come back later to hurt you ... or him . '' megan held up her hands in defeat . `` okay , okay , i promise . '' emma smiled . `` nothing would make me happier than if you were to fall in love with pesh . '' with a laugh , megan said , `` did you just hear anything that i said ? i 'm anti-love . '' `` so was aidan . '' just as megan opened her mouth to protest , aidan waltzed into the room . `` everything okay ? '' `` fine . just finished feeding and dressing him , '' emma replied `` good . the natives are getting restless to see the little man of the hour before the baptism . '' he strode over to them and took his son into his arms . `` you ready to go work the crowd , noah ? '' noah 's response was to grunt and reach for aidan 's tie . |
with a laugh , aidan announced , `` i 'll take that as a yes . '' he then leaned in to kiss emma 's cheek . `` ready mrs . fitzgerald ? '' she smiled before linking her arm through his . `` yes , mr. fitzgerald , i am . '' megan and casey followed them out the door and down the hallway . they entered a noisy room crammed with family and friends . she left aidan and emma 's side to seek out her parents to check on mason . she found her parents , but their arms were empty . in a panic , she demanded , `` where 's mason ? '' her father smiled and pointed over to where a pile of her younger cousins were . mason was on the lap of her aunt becky 's oldest son , john . mason was mesmerized with what whatever john was doing on his phone . megan smiled as she walked up to them . without taking his eyes off the screen , john replied , `` we 're fine . '' `` are you sure he 's not bothering you ? '' what she was n't asking was if john was actually keeping an eye on mason between playing on his phone . john glanced up . `` considering i have two younger brothers , i think i can handle him . |
besides , he 's really into this game . '' `` okay then , '' megan replied . she spoke to john 's brothers , percy and georgie , before making her way around the room . all her relatives were interested to hear how her schooling was going and how mason was . she had just turned away from talking to her great aunt and uncle when someone pressed up against her back . `` do n't look now , but there 's dr. mcdreamy bollywood now , '' casey whispered into her ear . without hesitation , her eyes scanned the crowd . and then she saw him . ankle was taking him around and making introductions . pesh was impossibly tall and wearing a tailor-made black suit . even beneath the lines of the clothing , she could make out his large biceps and thick thighs . he obviously spent his downtime between hospital shifts working out . his wavy , jet-black hair was cut short , and his dark eyes took in all that ankle was saying . and while she may have been in a church about to stand up as a godmother , she could n't help the ni**les tightening and panties moistening reaction of seeing him . |
he was all the way across the room , but he had the same effect as if he were standing by her side , rubbing against her . `` see what i mean ? '' casey questioned . megan licked her lips . `` oh my , '' she finally managed . `` sure you do n't want to give him a chance ? '' fighting the urge to fan herself , megan quickly replied , `` i 'd like to give him many , many chances . '' chances at ripping off my clothes , chances at kissing and licking me all over my body , chances at allowing his hands , fingers , and the promising bulge in his pants to stroke me until i orgasm ... yep , many , many chances . as if she could read megan 's mind , casey laughed . `` oh girl , this has trouble written all over it . '' chapter three pesh paced nervously around the back of the cathedral . the fact he was in a catholic church was n't the only reason he felt out of his element . as he eyed the massive statue of jesus , he fidgeted absently with his tie . although emma had sworn aidan was fine with the idea of him as godfather , he was still a little apprehensive about seeing aidan again . |
the last time they 'd been together , pesh was the hero flying aidan from north carolina to atlanta just in time for noah 's unexpected birth . but that was six months ago . the euphoria of the moment now had time to fade , and to aidan , pesh could still be the man who almost stole emma away . a side door opened , and aidan stepped out . he immediately met pesh 's anxious gaze . when his lips curved into a wide smile , pesh exhaled the nervous breath he 'd been holding . `` well , there you are , '' aidan said , as he strode up . he bypassed throwing out his hand , and instead , he pulled pesh to him for a bear hug . `` emma was worried about you . '' `` she was ? '' `` yeah , she asked me to come out and see if i could find you . '' i was n't sure where to go , and no one was out here . '' `` do n't worry about it . '' aidan pulled away . `` so how the hell are you ? '' pesh could n't help laughing at aidan 's choice of words , especially in a church . `` i 'm good , thank you . '' he cocked his head at aidan . `` and what about you ? is fatherhood agreeing with you ? '' |
a beaming smile lit aidan 's face . `` i 'm absolutely fantastic . i never could have imagined that being a father would be this ... amazing . '' pesh nodded . `` i want you to know what an honor it is for me to be noah 's godfather . '' `` we 're glad to have you . '' aidan patted pesh 's back . `` and i do mean that . '' `` i hope you do . i have had my concerns ... '' aidan shook his head . `` well , do n't . i 'll admit i was n't too thrilled with the prospect at first , but em was able to make me see the light . you were there for us when we really needed you . i mean , besides my wedding day , i would 've missed the most important days of my life-my son 's birth . i can never thank you enough . so when it comes down to it , i do n't think i could ask for a better godfather for my son . '' aidan 's words touched pesh . `` thank you . that means a lot . you have my word that i will always do what is right by noah . '' |
after giving him a hearty thump on the shoulder , aidan said , `` come on back with me . i want to introduce you to everyone . '' `` do they ... '' pesh was n't sure how to ask if aidan 's family knew the story of how he and emma truly knew each other . aidan chuckled . `` let 's just say that pop 's the only one who knows the truth . the others just think you met us when pop had his heart attack . '' pesh could n't help the relieved breath that whooshed out of him . it would have been a nightmare to have most of aidan 's family hating him for trying to steal emma away . `` i see . '' he followed aidan back into a large room filled with chattering people . as he craned his neck , he saw emma in the corner with noah in her arms . she looked radiant as ever in an emerald suit . noah , however , did n't seem too thrilled to be outfitted in the lacy gown that flowed over emma 's arms and stopped mid-thigh . his tiny brows wrinkled as he waved his fists back and forth as if any moment he might let loose with a scream . taking him by the elbow , aidan guided him over to a group of men and women . |
aidan introduced him to his four sisters and their husbands . pesh smiled , nodded , and shook their hands before being bombarded by a hoard of aidan 's nieces and nephews . `` now i want you to meet my niece , megan . she 's the godmother . '' `` it would be my pleasure . '' aidan surprised pesh by leaning in and whispering in his ear . `` i 'm pretty sure over half of the people here are gunning for you two to get together . you know , a real romantic story to tell future kids about how you two met being the godmother and godfather of this sweet and adorable kid . '' pesh gulped . why was everyone he knew hell-bent on setting him up ? had emma harbored some secret , ulterior motive in asking him to be noah 's godfather ? `` i 'm flattered , but i do n't know if that 's such a good idea . '' pulling back , aidan surmised him before winking . `` normally i would agree because she is , after all , my niece-my favorite one if i 'm being honest . but as much as it pisses me off to admit it , you two would make a great couple . '' `` we would ? '' |
`` hell yeah . '' aidan swept his hand over his chin . `` megan needs someone strong and stable like you are , and then you need someone who is so full of life like she is . i can guaran-damn-tee you that you 've never been out with a woman like her before . emma is like , one tenths the sassiness that megan is . '' pesh could n't help giving aidan a skeptical look . `` just keep an open mind , okay ? '' with a reluctant nod , pesh replied , `` i will . '' `` megan , '' aidan called . when the tiny blonde turned around , pesh fought to catch his breath . everything about her from her sparkling blue eyes to her long blonde hair was just like jade 's . how was it possible for someone to remind him so much of what he had lost ? aidan grinned as he glanced between the two of them . `` i wanted to introduce you to pesh nadeen , the godfather . '' thrusting out her hand , megan smiled warmly at him . `` it 's very nice to finally meet you . '' he stared at it a moment before his good manners overrode his shock . |
he took her hand in his and shook it . `` it 's very nice meeting you , too . '' `` i 'll leave you two to get to know each other , '' aidan said . before pesh could protest , aidan turned and disappeared into the crowd . he turned to megan and tried clearing his throat of what felt like a wad of sawdust . he knew he should try to make polite conversation , but he was still so shell-shocked by the way megan looked . finally , she took pity on him . `` so , emma tells me you 're a doctor . '' pesh smiled politely . `` yes , i am . '' `` what type of medicine ? '' `` emergency services . '' megan 's face lit up . `` oh , how interesting . i 'm about to finish nursing school , and i 've asked for clinical placement in the er . '' pesh widened his eyes in surprise . aidan had failed to mention that they had the medical profession in common . `` i 'm hoping to get placed at grady , even though my parents would die a thousand deaths . '' he cocked his brows at her . `` i assume they 're afraid for your safety ? '' `` yes . |
they ca n't help worrying about the neighborhood . they sometimes forget i 'm an adult , rather than a child . '' `` what is it about grady that attracts you ? '' `` besides the fact that it 's nationally recognized for its er ? '' he smiled . `` yes , besides the accolades . '' megan tilted her head in thought . `` i guess it 's the fact i really want to feel like i 'm making a difference and saving lives . i feel like at grady i would be seeing some of the worst cases imaginable , and in turn some people who really do n't have a lot of hope . '' he was taken aback by her words and the passion with which she delivered them . while she possessed a beautiful exterior , she certainly seemed to have a greater depth of character than he had originally expected . he did n't often meet someone like her . most of the women at the hospital who threw themselves at him possessed only surface beauty . he did n't have to be with them very long to perceive their true shallowness and self-centeredness . to them , he was a prize to be won . he could n't ever imagine megan feeling that way . |
she was n't the type of woman to care about a trophy man on her arm-she wanted to make her own way in the world . `` it is so good to hear someone speak with such passion about nursing . '' he nodded . `` we desperately need more people like you . i know i would love to work alongside someone who had your passion . '' she smiled at his compliments . he could n't help noticing what a nice smile she had . the way it framed her heart shaped face made her appear much less like jade than he had originally thought . maybe we 'll end up together . '' she licked her lips before adding , `` you know , at the same hospital . '' `` i would like that . but i 'm afraid that wellstar pales in comparison to grady . '' `` surely the suburbs offer some interesting cases ? '' `` they do . i 've been there since my residency , so i ca n't imagine working anywhere else . after all , i would n't be standing here today with you if it were n't for wellstar and your grandfather . '' `` that 's true . '' tilting her head , she gave him a very alluring smile . `` and what a pity that would be if our paths had n't crossed . '' he sucked in a breath at the directness of her statement . could she really be interested in him ? |
sure , it was common knowledge that aidan and others wanted them to get together , but he had imagined that she had not known their intentions . and while originally he had been turned off by aidan 's suggestion of fixing them up , he could n't help but be intrigued now . there was something so refreshingly different about megan , despite her physical similarities to jade . `` mommy ! '' a small voice cried . pesh glanced over megan 's shoulder where a fair-haired toddler came bounding over . he wrapped his arms around megan 's thigh . she gave him an apologetic look before bending over . `` what 's the matter , sweetie ? '' he grinned up at her . `` miss you . '' with a smile , she bent over and picked him up . when he sat on her hip , she turned her attention back to pesh . `` this is my son , mason . '' pesh could n't help noticing how megan searched his face to see if there was any judgment or even disgust at her having a son . he felt neither of those emotions . he had to admit he was a little surprised . aidan had failed to mention that fact as well . not to mention , she seemed young to be a mother , considering she was just finishing her clinicals . `` it 's nice to meet you , mason . '' |
`` can you tell pesh hi ? '' megan urged . `` hi , esh , '' mason said , with a grin . pesh could n't help laughing , and he was thankful that megan giggled as well . `` how old are you ? '' mason held up two fingers to which megan shook her head . `` he 's seventeen months . '' pesh smiled . `` you must be very proud of him . '' `` i am . '' she snuggled mason against her chest . `` he 's the sweetest and best boy i could ever hope for . '' `` you 're very blessed . '' `` thank you . '' they were interrupted by aidan 's sister , angie , who pesh had met earlier . `` looks like it 's time to start . come on mason . mommy has to go be noah 's godmother now . '' mason reluctantly went to his grandmother . `` be good for grammy , '' megan instructed . after angie walked off with mason , the other family members began filing out of the room . pesh turned to megan and gave her a sheepish smile . |
`` i must admit that even though i attended a class with emma , i 'm a little unsure of what i 'm supposed to do . '' `` it 's okay . just follow my lead , and you 'll be fine . '' once it was only the two of them and aidan and emma in the room , aidan motioned for them . a priest in decorated golden robes appeared at the door with a gleaming crucifix in his hands . pesh tried not to feel intimidated as the odd man out in the situation . music struck up on the organ , and the priest motioned for them to follow . before they went out the door , emma glanced down at noah . `` please , please , do not scream in there and act like a demon baby . be the angel i know you can be . '' he acknowledged her request by sticking his tongue out and flailing his fists . aidan chuckled at emma 's plea . `` relax , babe . if he feels you getting all tense , he 's going to get fussy . '' emma sighed . `` he 's already fussy . he was fine until i put him in the gown . '' `` i guess he feels that wearing a dress is insulting to his manhood , '' aidan reasoned with a smile . |
when emma shot aidan a death glare , megan and pesh could n't help laughing at the two of them . aidan winked at emma before starting out the door . at megan 's side , pesh walked up the aisle . when they reached the baptismal font , the music ended , and the priest began speaking . he informed the crowd of what was about to take place and the significance of all the religious rites noah was about to receive . aidan and emma made the sign of the cross on noah 's forehead before megan leaned in to do the same . when megan elbowed him , pesh reached over to clumsily follow their lead . after he finished , he glanced at megan . she smiled and mouthed , `` good job . '' he returned her smile . he followed through the rest of the proceedings as aidan and emma pledged to raise noah in the faith . then it came time for him and megan to agree to stand by noah as godparents . the priest took a fussing noah from emma 's arms . when the first trickles of water hit the base of noah 's head , he cooed and kicked his arms and legs . emma appeared relieved at how noah was n't behaving like a possessed baby as she had feared . |
`` thank god he loves his baths , '' aidan muttered beside pesh . once the baptism part was finished , the priest made a final talk , and then it was over . just as pesh sighed with relief and was looking forward to making a quick exit , aidan grabbed his arm . `` do n't go anywhere . we have to do pictures . '' inwardly , he groaned . he wanted , no he needed , a moment alone to process his thoughts . everything had been so overwhelming-being outside his usual world , meeting all of aidan 's family , and then having the prospect of megan thrown in as well . awkwardly , he stood around as a photographer came forward and proceeded to take several pictures of aidan , emma , and noah . then it was just aidan and noah or emma and noah . `` okay , i need the godparents now . '' pesh smoothed down his tie and allowed the photographer to pose him in the group shot . after they finished with the four of them , noah was handed to megan for pictures with just the godparents . as the photographer pushed megan closer against pesh 's chest , he glanced down at her . her reassuring smile caused his heartbeat to accelerate . |
for the first time , he noticed the sweet aroma of her hair as the long , blonde strands brushed against him . he could also make out the alluring scent of her perfume . he liked the feel of her against him a little too much . it made him want to draw her into his embrace ... maybe do other things that he should n't be thinking when he was in a church . glancing over her shoulder at him , she joked , `` jeez , you 're like a giant standing next to me . '' `` am i ? '' he had n't noticed the differences in their heights-he 'd been focusing on her too much . `` just a little bit . of course , it does n't take much for someone to make me look short . '' `` you look perfect to me , '' he said sincerely . craning her neck back to look at him , she gave him a teasing grin . `` do i ? are you flirting with me , dr . nadeen ? '' he stared down at his feet , trying to avoid the heat of her stare . he tried to hide the red flush he felt entering his cheeks . `` okay , now just with the godmother , '' the photographer ordered . reluctantly , pesh stepped away from megan . |
as the flashes went off , snapping hers and noah 's picture , he kept his gaze on her . as she focused on the camera , megan 's blue eyes sparkled as she stretched her face into a wide grin . noah 's tiny fingers wrapped around some of the strands of her hair , causing megan to yelp in pain . `` easy now . i got ta keep that , '' she said to noah . `` okay , that should get it , '' the photographer said . `` here godfather , it 's your turn , '' megan said , as she handed noah to him . by now , noah was tired of being held and tired of being ensconced in yards of lace . he peered up at pesh before howling . `` i 'm sorry , little guy , '' he cooed , trying to bounce noah in his arms . as noah continued to cry , pesh looked apologetically at the photographer . just before he was ready to give up , megan came up and started clapping her hands and making noises at noah . the baby instantly stopped crying . `` that 's right , noah . give me a smile , '' megan urged , as she backed up to stand by the photographer . |
she continued making the noises , and she even resorted to flashing one of the strands of her hair at him . finally , noah 's quivering lips broke into a grin . `` there we go , '' the photographer said . pesh quickly plastered a smile on his face . after several flashes went off , the photographer put down his camera . `` got it . '' both noah and pesh sighed in relief . gazing down at him , pesh asked , `` bet you 're ready to get home and get out of that dress , huh ? '' `` it 's a gown , not a dress , '' megan countered with a smile . he laughed . `` regardless of what it 's called , i do n't think he likes it very much . '' megan brought some of the lace between her fingers . `` probably a little itchy for him . '' `` did your son wear this gown ? '' `` no , this is aidan 's gown . mason wore my mother 's , which my brothers and i also wore . '' `` in your culture do they do anything special like this for a baby ? '' `` we have the namakaran , or naming ceremony . it 's sometimes held in a temple . |
and like this , it 's all about offering blessings to the child-family and friends coming together in support of the new baby . '' `` i like it . '' they were momentarily interrupted by aidan and emma walking up . noah immediately reached out for emma . `` such a mama 's boy , '' aidan muttered , which earned him a glare from emma . he merely winked at her in response before starting down the aisle . pesh saw megan 's mother beckoning her with a wave . `` guess you need to go , '' he said . `` but i 'll see you at aidan and emma 's , right ? '' he swallowed hard . `` um , yes , i 'll be there . '' `` good , '' she replied , with an alluring smile . she gave him a small wave before walking off to join her parents . shaking his head , he mumbled , `` this is trouble . '' chapter four when megan arrived with her parents at aidan and emma 's , she was surprised to see a catering truck outside in the driveway . her surprise continued once she got inside the house . gazing out into the backyard , she saw where tables were set up alongside the pool . the tables were adorned with blue and white tablecloths and glittering blue and white centerpieces . |
a low whistle behind her got megan 's attention . turning around , she saw casey shaking her head . `` wow , this is one epic baptism party , '' she remarked . `` it 's impressive . that 's for sure , '' megan agreed . as emma breezed into the kitchen with noah in a more comfortable outfit , casey cocked her head . `` so , i was just wondering where the ice sculptures were ? '' pink tinged emma 's cheeks . `` i kinda got carried away . with me not working anymore , the old marketing and pr side of me let loose . and with my connections , i was able to get everything ridiculously discounted . '' `` everything looks wonderful . you waited so long to have a baby that it makes sense you might go a little overboard . '' emma wrinkled her nose . `` i never wanted to be one of those moms who threw the over-the-top parties . '' while casey started to open her mouth , megan smacked her playfully . `` it 's just catered in food , right ? '' `` they did the tables , too . '' `` then i think you 're safe from being a momzilla party monster ... for now . '' casey laughed . |
`` i 'll anxiously be awaiting noah 's first birthday party . '' with a scowl , emma mumbled , `` whatever . '' realizing she did n't see mason , megan quickly excused herself and went outside . she did n't like the idea of him being close to the pool . even with everyone around , it was still too dangerous for her liking . just as her chest started to tighten , she saw him on her papa 's lap . the two of them sat at one of the tables underneath the shade of a massive umbrella . several of her other younger cousins sat around them , playing on their psps and other hand-held devices . `` we 're fine , honey , '' papa replied . `` let me know if he gets to be too much . '' cocking his head , papa demanded , `` are you trying to say i 'm old or something ? '' `` no , not at all . he 's a handful even for me . '' he waved her away with a hand gnarled with age and time . `` go on and enjoy yourself . i 'll keep an eye on mason . '' she smiled and leaned down to kiss his weathered cheek . `` thanks , papa . '' |
`` you know , while you 're enjoying yourself , you might go spend a little time with the godfather . '' megan 's eyes widened . was he trying to set her up with pesh like he had with emma ? he gave her a knowing look . `` be good for both of you . '' `` um , okay . whatever , papa , '' she murmured , before she turned away . although she hated to admit it , she had been looking forward to talking to pesh again . she had tried to kid herself that she had n't secretly been searching the crowd for him when she was taking in all of emma 's decorations . when she did finally catch sight of him , her traitorous heart skipped a beat . she did n't mind if her body gave a reaction , but it pissed her off that her heart was affected by him as well . he 'd ditched his suit jacket along with his tie . with the first button of his shirt undone , she could see a tuft of dark chest hair . she bit her lip at the sight . she was a sucker for chest hair . her eyes dipped down to take in how the sleeves of his white shirt had been rolled up to his elbows , giving just a glimpse of his defined biceps . casey had been absolutely right-he was built like a brick shithouse . |
megan wanted nothing more than to get better acquainted with his body , especially with fewer clothes on him . at the sound of emma 's voice behind her , she jumped . `` ready to eat ? '' `` um , sure . '' emma gave her a puzzled look before nodding in pesh 's direction . `` why do n't you ask pesh to join you at aidan 's and my table ? he does n't know a lot of people , and i would hate to have him end up with the kids . '' megan quirked her brows in surprise . `` are you sure ? '' `` why would n't i be ? '' with a shrug , megan replied , `` i do n't know . maybe because you did n't like the idea of me getting to know him . '' `` i never said i did n't want you two to get to know each other-i said i did n't want you using him for a fling . '' megan could n't help rolling her eyes . `` the day is n't over yet . i could still turn on my powers of seduction and lure pesh into a night of seedy passion . '' emma stared at her in shock before busting out laughing . `` seedy passion ? |
those words and pesh will never , ever go together in the same sentence . '' `` are you saying that you and aidan have never had seedy passion ? '' `` aidan and pesh are not in the same league of men . i love aidan , but he 's not necessarily a gentleman . pesh is . '' `` yeah , but you 're a lady , '' megan protested . `` maybe in the street , but she 's one hell of a freak in the bedroom , '' aidan said behind them . emma squealed before whirling around to smack him . `` people could hear you , '' she admonished . as aidan chuckled , megan shook her head . `` forget other people . me having to hear it was painful enough . '' crossing his arms over his chest , aidan said , `` i came over here to ask if we were going to eat or not ? people are getting restless . i had no idea i was going to interrupt such an interesting conversation . of course , i do n't think i want to know why the two of you are discussing emma 's and my sex life right now . '' emma waved her hand dismissively . `` we were n't . and yes , we 're ready to eat . let 's round everyone up . '' |
as emma walked off to call people to sit down , aidan grinned at megan before saying , `` total freak . '' megan closed her eyes as if in pain . `` spare me . please . '' `` just saying . because you never know if your gentleman might be a super freak too . '' and with a wink , he walked off to join emma , leaving megan to wonder why everyone seemed so concerned with hers and pesh 's love lives . as the sunlight started fading , most of the party guests began to trickle out the door . by the time it was dark , it was only a few of aidan and emma 's close friends left . megan had let her parents take a sleepy mason home , vowing she wanted to stay to help emma clean up . the truth was she wanted to spend as much time as she could with pesh . thankfully , she found herself sitting next to him at one of the poolside tables . somehow they managed to end up by themselves after some of the other guests had left . leaning forward in her chair , she asked , `` did you always want to be a doctor ? '' `` for my fifth birthday , my father bypassed the usual play doctor 's kits by giving me a real medical bag with tools from the hospital . |
i examined everyone who would stand still long enough , including the two dogs . '' megan laughed . `` i bet you were a cute little doctor . '' `` my mother has some embarrassing pictures , '' he replied , with a smile . `` so your father was also a doctor ? '' `` yes , he had a general medicine practice for forty years . he just recently retired . '' `` did he pressure you to follow in his footsteps ? '' he grinned . `` i 'm starting to feel like i 'm being interrogated . '' `` i 'm sorry if you feel that way . i 'm just trying to get to know you . '' `` you 're certainly a very attractive interrogator , '' he said . `` i think you 're avoiding the question by flattering me . '' `` there 's flattery and then there 's the truth . '' cocking her brows , she replied , `` and then there 's not answering my question . '' he held up his hands in defeat . `` fine , fine . no , i did n't feel pressure to become a doctor . my father would have never wanted me to pursue a profession where i did n't feel useful . '' `` so you 've always had a need to help people ? '' `` pretty much . |
as the oldest , i always looked out for my two younger brothers and sister . my mother has always called me an old soul . '' `` i can see that about you . '' leaning forward , he rested his elbows on the table . `` now it is my turn to be the interrogator . '' `` okay , i do n't mind . '' `` what about you ? did you always see nursing in your future ? '' `` yes and no . originally , i wanted to be a doctor . '' his brows shot up in surprise . when she nodded , he asked , `` what happened ? '' there was no way she was going to tell him the truth about her past and why she had been forced to abandon medical school . instead , she shrugged . `` life happened , i guess . i decided on the next best thing , which was nursing . '' pesh stared thoughtfully at her . `` was it your son ? '' `` excuse me ? '' `` was it your son who changed your plans about medical school ? '' `` no , it was before i had mason . '' `` does he ... are you ... ? '' pesh shook his head . `` forgive me . i was being too forward . '' `` no , go ahead . i told you i was n't afraid to answer your questions . '' he grimaced . |
`` but it 's rude to pry , and it 's not my business . '' `` just ask your question , '' she replied . after a resigned sigh , he finally asked , `` were you married ? '' `` no , i 'm not divorced . and no , mason 's father does n't have anything to do with him . '' anger flashed in pesh 's dark eyes . `` even though i know nothing of him , i know that he is not a man . a man does not abandon his children and his responsibilities . '' `` you would be right . he 's just a boy playing at being a man , '' she replied , glancing down at the table . when pesh took her hand in his , she jerked her head up in surprise . in a soft voice that vibrated with empathy , he asked , `` he hurt you very much , did n't he ? '' as she shifted in her chair , she tried downplaying the moment by wagging her free finger at pesh . `` now you 're really turning the heated questions on me , are n't you ? '' he quickly released her hand . `` i apologize . '' she sighed . `` no , it 's okay . '' she raked her fingers through her hair as she tried processing if she was really going to be honest with pesh . |
gazing into his eyes , she did n't detect any judgment or prying-there was only compassion . `` yes , he hurt me . he continues to hurt me each time i look at mason and realize what he 's being denied . '' she jerked her chin over to where aidan cradled a sleeping noah in his arms . as the others talked and laughed around him , aidan stared down at his son with such love in his eyes and adoration on his face that it cut a jagged hole in megan 's chest . her chin trembled as she replied , `` i want that for my son . '' pesh 's dark eyes pooled with empathy as he once again took her hand in his . `` it is n't the same pain , but i do know how you feel . i experience it every time i see a husband and wife sharing a loving moment . it drives home what i do not have ... what i have lost . '' megan wiped her eyes with the back of her hand . `` emma told me about your wife . i 'm very sorry . '' `` thank you , '' he murmured . nibbling her bottom lip , megan then hesitantly asked , `` what was she like ? '' by his raised eyebrows , pesh seemed surprised by her question . |
megan hoped she had n't stepped over a boundary in asking . he leaned back in his chair and drew in an agonized breath . `` she was my world-the sun , the moon , and the stars . '' he met her intense gaze , checking to see if she really wanted him to continue . after she gave a brief nod , he began to talk . he told her how they had met and all the little attributes that jade possessed that made her special . as megan listened to him speak with such reverence and love about his late wife , she could n't help feeling just a little bit jealous . she 'd never had a man possess such intense feelings for her . she could n't imagine ever being loved so completely by a man that not even death could lessen his feelings . `` what you had with jade , what you still feel for her , it 's really beautiful , '' she murmured when he finished . pesh jerked a hand through his thick hair . `` it 's interesting to hear you say that . i think most women are turned off by what they perceive is a man who ca n't let go of his dead wife . '' megan shook her head . `` i do n't think so . |
who would n't be turned on by a man who feels so deeply that he did n't stop loving his wife just because she died ? '' pesh 's eyes widened at her statement , and he sucked in a harsh breath . `` most women do n't want to share your heart , '' he challenged softly . `` then they 're obviously insecure . all of us have the ability to love people in infinite capacities . i love my son with all my heart and soul , but there will still be room for a man ... someday . '' he stared at her for a moment , unblinking and unmoving . `` i have to say that i find your reasoning absolutely fascinating . '' `` you do ? '' `` yes . '' the intensity of his gaze caused her to laugh nervously . `` i do n't think a man has ever called me fascinating . '' `` that 's a pity . '' before she could try changing the subject , aidan came by their table with noah in his arms . `` after i put him down , i 'm going to make some drinks . emma wants one of her margaritas . you game ? '' he asked megan . she nodded . a drink would certainly help cool her off after the conversation she 'd been having with pesh . `` sure . i do n't think i 've had one in forever . '' `` neither has she . |
i may be peeling her off the ceiling tonight , '' he teased . `` you have seriously got to stop with the innuendo . you are my uncle , and it is mortifying and disgusting to have to think of you in that capacity . '' `` i am so terribly sorry for scaring your sensitive mind . '' grinning , aidan turned to pesh . `` beer okay with you , or would you like something fruity , too ? '' `` i 'm fine with a beer , '' pesh replied . aidan bobbed his head . `` be right back . '' after aidan headed in the house , pesh caught her staring at him . `` what ? '' `` just surprised you wanted a beer , that 's all . '' `` and why is that ? '' she shrugged . `` you just seemed a little too refined for beer . '' he tilted his head at her . `` what other preconceived notions do you have about me ? '' `` none really , '' she lied . in her mind , she could n't help thinking how she wanted to make him be dirty just for her . she wondered what other surprises he might have up his sleeve . `` for some reason , i do n't believe that . '' he crossed his arms over his broad chest . `` let me guess . |
you think that i 'm a 'refined ' man who drinks wine , would never think of cussing or have inappropriate thoughts , organizes his underwear drawer , and who considers doing the crossword puzzle a fun friday night ? '' megan could n't help snorting at his summation . it was a good distraction not to focus on how he had mentioned inappropriate thoughts and his underwear drawer . at the moment , she was having inappropriate thoughts about his underwear ... or hopefully lack thereof . of course , she could n't help judging him as not being the commando type . `` no , that 's not what i think of you . '' `` i would hope not . i know that since i 'm a little older than you- '' `` just a little ? '' the corners of his lips turned up . `` obviously you think i 'm an old man . '' `` no , i do n't , '' she blurted . `` how old do you think i am ? just shy of adult diapers and a walker ? '' she scowled at him . `` i was not insinuating that at all . i think you 're probably close to ankle 's age . '' pesh 's brows furrowed in confusion . `` ankle ? '' she laughed before explaining where the nickname came from . `` i see . so just how old is ankle again ? '' `` thirty-four . '' `` hmm , '' pesh murmured . |
`` are you younger than that ? '' `` older actually . i 'm thirty-seven . '' damn , he was a lot older than her . twelve years to be exact . `` did i shock you ? '' he asked , with a teasing lilt in his voice . `` i 'd hardly call thirty-seven old . '' `` it 's considerably older than you are , right ? '' `` i suppose , '' she lied . he grinned at her as he leaned on the table with his elbows . `` and just how old are you ? '' `` twenty-five-i 'll be twenty-six in a few months . '' `` twenty-five going on twenty-six . '' `` i must be positively ancient to you . '' he held out his hand and examined it . `` i might have a liver spot or two . '' she smacked his hand playfully . `` shut up . thirty-seven is not old . '' `` see any grey hairs ? '' he asked , bending over to where his delicious head of hair was in front of her face . her fingers itched to run through the dark strands . |
her mind ran straight to an illicit image of her fingers tugging on his hair as he went down on her , jerking too hard when he sucked and licked her until she came , and then stroking the damp hair back from his forehead as he rose up to cover her body with his . she cleared her throat that had run dry . `` no , of course not . '' he jerked his head up to wink at her . `` then there 's hope for me yet . '' `` i would think so . '' aidan appeared then , carrying all the drinks on a tray . `` i expect a tip when you guys finish , '' he teased . `` i 'll remember that , '' megan replied . after jerking his chin toward the table next to him , aidan said , `` why do n't you guys come over here with us ? '' she fought the urge to slap him . she was enjoying having pesh to herself . `` um , sure . okay , '' she said , reluctantly rising out of her chair . when they changed tables , she was glad to see pesh take the empty chair beside her , rather than across from her . once she got settled in , she was n't lamenting her seat change too much . between casey , and emma 's other best friend , connor , the table was kept in raucous laughter . it was good being with a group of friends . after she had gotten pregnant , she did n't have much in common with her sorority sisters anymore . |
then when she became a mom , she rarely saw anyone from her old group . her life moved in an entirely different orbit than theirs now . the conversation and laughter flowed as easily as the drinks . megan found herself halfway through her second margarita when she started feeling funny . a flush filled her cheeks at the same time she felt clammy . as aidan came back with another beer , she asked , `` did you put something different in this one ? '' `` yeah , we ran out of the tequila i got for the party , so i gave my favorite niece a good dose of sierra silver . '' megan demanded . aidan 's brows furrowed behind his tipped back beer bottle . once he swallowed , he asked , `` does it taste bad ? '' megan pinched her eyes shut . the room was beginning to spin around her a little . as she brought her hand to her forehead , she heard a smack across the room and aidan cry , `` ow , dammit , em ! '' `` that tequila is a hundred and fifty proof alcohol , aidan , '' emma chastised . `` sorry . i did n't realize it . i just thought it was the better stuff because it was white tequila . that 's your drink of choice , not mine . '' |
oh god , she was in so much trouble . she 'd barely consumed any alcohol since she got pregnant and had mason . now she 'd had one regular dosed margarita and almost a full one of straight alcohol . a gentle hand landed on her thigh . `` are you all right ? '' pesh asked . she opened her eyes to see two blurry images of him staring at her with concern . `` not exactly . '' `` would you like me to take you home ? '' `` yes , please . while i can still walk . '' as she rose out of her chair , she swayed a little in her heels . after taking two steps , aidan 's apologetic face appeared before her . `` i 'm sorry , meggie . '' `` it 's not your fault . and i 'll be fine . '' she wagged a finger at him . `` but when i get shit for coming home drunk , i 'm so telling mom it was your fault . '' `` i 'll gladly take the blame and fear angie 's wrath . '' he leaned in to hug her . `` thanks for today-you know , for being noah 's godmother . '' `` you 're welcome . thanks for me asking you . '' `` i mean , thanks for asking me . '' |
god , this was bad . after exchanging hugs with emma and reassuring her at least twenty times that she would be fine and that she did need to go home , pesh led megan out the front door . he slid a strong arm around her waist to steady her as they went down the porch steps . as she staggered to the car , she moaned . `` i ca n't go home yet . not like this . '' she stared up into his face . `` i ca n't let mason see me like this . '' he pushed a strand of hair out of her face . `` do n't worry . i 'll take you to my house then . '' `` just so i can sober up ? '' she questioned , although she really did n't mean it . she wanted to go to his house for a lot more , especially after being so close to his fabulously built body . `` yes , of course . i 'll make you some strong , black coffee . '' `` thank you , '' she murmured , trying to still the spinning of her head . always the gentleman , pesh opened the door for her , and she collapsed onto the seat . once he made sure she was comfortable , he closed the door and went around the front of the car . |
megan gazed around at the plush interior of the jaguar with its leather seats and sleek console . after pesh slid into his seat , he put the key in the ignition and cranked up . as they started backing out of the driveway , she glanced over at him . `` do you have to come to the rescue women of drunken . '' `` i mean , drunken women a lot ? '' wait , was she slurring ? he cut his eyes over at her and smiled . he seemed to be trying really hard not to laugh at her . but i 'm always happy to help a damsel in distress . '' megan giggled . oh god , now she was giggling ? she never giggled . she eyed pesh suspiciously . `` got a hero complex , huh ? wan na be every woman 's knight in shining armor ? '' `` not every woman 's , '' he murmured . `` mmm , pesh , you wan na be my knight in shining armor ? '' as soon as the words left her lips , she fought the urge to slap her hand over her mouth . alcohol always had this effect on her-it left her completely without a sensor . pesh 's jaw clenched , and he did n't reply . pitching her upper body over the armrest , she got as close to him as she could . |
`` you did n't answer my question . '' taking his eyes momentarily off the road , he pinned her with an intense gaze . `` i 'd be anything and everything you wanted me to be , if you would give me the chance . '' momentarily dumbfounded , she could only stare at him . `` oh wow , '' she replied , as she collapsed back onto the seat . the motion caused her to feel dizzy . mumbling almost incoherently , she said , `` mmm , hot as f**k and anything i want . lucky me . '' `` i have a feeling you would n't have asked the original question if you were n't intoxicated . '' with a snort , she replied , `` drunk or sober that woulda been a helluva line to hear from a man . '' `` i 'm glad you think so . '' after spending a few moments in tense silence , megan leaned forward to flick on the radio . `` do you mind ? '' `` go ahead . '' humming along with one of the songs , she laid her head back on the seat . `` i wo n't hurt your ears by singing . '' `` do you not sing ? '' `` oh , i sing , but i do n't do it well . |
emma 's the one with the voice . '' `` so i 've heard . '' turning to look at him , megan asked , `` did she ever sing for you ? '' `` sadly , no . '' megan harrumphed as she crossed her arms over her chest . `` she made out with you , but she would n't sing for you ? that 's just rude . '' pesh made a strangled noise . `` emma told you ... about us ? '' `` mmm , hmm . '' she grinned at him . `` i hear you 're a great kisser . '' cutting his eyes over to her , he gave her a pained look . `` it really was n't like that for us . i mean , we were n't in love with each other . '' `` yeah , that 's what she said . course , she did admit that you got her all hot and bothered . '' `` s-she did ? '' he stammered , embarrassment coloring his cheeks . `` hey , the ability to get a woman hot is nothing to be ashamed of . hell , i got turned on when i first saw you today . like my panties got wet . '' |
`` megan , do n't , '' pesh warned , gripping the steering wheel to where his knuckles turned white . turning in her seat , she eyed him before licking her lips . `` you do n't want me to say how you got me hot in a church ? how you still get me hot acting all bashful about the sex talk ? '' `` please . just do n't . '' `` fine , '' she muttered , before flouncing back in her seat . she did n't speak to him for a long time . instead , she closed her eyes and laid back with her head cushioned on the head rest . when the car started to slow , she snapped her eyes open . she did n't know if she fell asleep or passed out . sitting up , she peered out the window at the posh houses of the subdivision they were in . as they pulled into the driveway , megan could n't help staring up at the house . `` holy shit , this place is beautiful . '' pesh chuckled . `` i know you think it 's just the alcohol talking , but i 'm serious . you have great taste . '' `` i hope you 'll like the inside just as much . '' `` i 'm sure i will . '' after he came around to open the door , she hopped out of the car a little too fast . |
her wobbly legs wavered , and she ended up crashing into pesh 's chest . staring up at him , she gave an apologetic smile . `` sorry about that . '' `` it 's fine . need some help ? '' with the alcohol fueling her libido , she replied , `` if it means having your hands on me , then sure . '' pesh grimaced , but his arm still came around her waist to steady her . she loped along beside him . after he unlocked the door and punched in the alarm code , she followed him inside . her blurry vision took in the expansive kitchen with his gleaming stainless steel appliances . she followed him as he made his way into the living room . motioning toward the couch , he said , `` why do n't you have a seat while i fix you some coffee ? '' while it was a nice idea to sober herself up , she did n't want any coffee . she just wanted pesh . grabbing the lapels of his suit coat , she pulled herself flush against him . `` when did you put this back on ? '' she wondered aloud . she felt so tiny against his massive chest . it was a good feeling though-one of safety and protection . it also lit her even more on fire with lust . cocking her head , she glanced up at him to survey his expression . |
even in the semi-darkness , she could see his dark eyes burning with desire . she ran her hands up his chest to his neck . she tugged him down to where his face was inches from hers . fortified with liquid courage , she brought her lips to his . she could n't help the little moan that came from deep in her throat . pesh 's mouth was warm , soft , and inviting . the brief connection made her want him all the more-for him to devour her . tentatively , she slid her tongue across his bottom lip , beckoning him to open for her . almost instantaneously , the warmth of his tongue met hers . they slid against each other , tasting , searching , and seeking . he gripped her face in his hands , holding her captive as his tongue plunged in and out of her mouth . emma had been right-the man could kiss like there was no tomorrow . he knew when to be gentle with his mouth and then when to switch to more demanding , almost conquering kisses . if he could practically make her soak her panties with just a kiss , what the hell could he do with his dick ? as she started to feel lightheaded and weak on her legs , they stumbled over to the couch before pesh collapsed back , taking her with him . |
straddling his lap , she gazed at him momentarily before his mouth attacked hers again . as his tongue once again invaded her mouth , she began to raise her h*ps and grind against him . groaning , he broke the kiss by throwing his head back . he gulped in long breaths of air like he was a dying man deprived of his last breath . she felt the same way . she kissed a trail over his chin and down his neck . `` pesh , i want you , '' she murmured into his skin . his chest heaved up and down with her declaration as if he was finding it hard to breathe . she broke away to stare into his eyes . `` please . '' chapter five pesh could n't believe the delicious nightmare he found himself trapped in . a beautiful , sexy blonde writhed against him . the hem of megan 's dress had ridden up to her hips , and a tiny scrap of lace underwear was the only thing covering her core as she rubbed herself against his crotch . her heat and her arousal scorched through the fabric of his pants to singe the skin of his growing erection . he wanted nothing more than to flip her on her back , tear away the underwear , and plunge himself deep inside her . it had been so , so long since he had been within the tight walls of a woman . |
while his conscious railed against him for even entertaining the thought , his body was onboard . `` please , '' megan whimpered , as she continued to rise and fall over his erection . `` we ca n't ... we should n't . '' she ran her hands up his chest before wrapping them around his neck . `` but i could make you feel good . '' `` i 'm sure you could . '' `` and i know you could make me feel good , too . i 'm already drenched just kissing you . '' her fingers raked through his hair , tugging desperately on the strands . `` i need this , and you need this . '' his body was completely onboard with how much he needed her . if she pressed any closer to him , she was going to set him off and make him do something he had n't since he was a teenager , which was come in his pants . but his once hazy mind was starting to refocus and overpower the desire pumping through his body . he could not and would not take her when she was drunk . it was completely against his character . he 'd never taken advantage of a woman , and he never would . he gazed into her hooded eyes . `` but it would be so very wrong . '' her lip trembled . `` do n't you want me ? '' |
`` yes , without a doubt . '' `` then why wo n't you have sex with me ? '' `` because you 're inebriated . '' she rolled her eyes in a huff . `` you 're sooo proper , are n't you ? a proper gentleman . '' he cupped her face in his hands . `` if not taking advantage of you in your state of intoxication makes me a gentleman , then i suppose i am . what kind of man would i be to take you now only to have you wake up with regret and remorse ? '' `` the kind of man who wants to get laid ! '' her hand dipped between them to grasp his erection , causing him to hiss . `` i feel you against me-i know you want this as much as i do . '' although the devil on his shoulder raged at him , he quickly removed megan 's hand . `` believe me when i say i wo n't have sex with you like this . i would never disrespect you so much as to not make love to you like you deserve . '' she blinked a few times as if she was having a hard time processing his words . `` regardless of what you have going on in that head of yours , you are better than this . |
you deserve a man who will take his time with you and show you what pleasure through making love really is . '' `` i 've never had that , '' she whispered regretfully . he gave her a sad smile . `` i did n't think you had . '' he brushed the hair out of her face and cupped her cheek . `` if i take you , i 'll be making love to you . i 'll have you begging and pleading , but you 'll be coming so many times you 'll lose count . you 'll understand the difference between a quick tumble and the all-consuming power of a physical connection fueled by an emotional one . '' she rapidly blinked her blue eyes in disbelief while her cheeks flushed . `` oh god , did you actually just say that ? '' `` i did . '' he gave her a teasing smile . `` and you 'll be calling out my name more than his . '' `` i ... '' she began before she quickly clamped her lips shut . her eyes widened before she scrambled off of his lap . before he could question her on what she was doing , she threw up all over the front of her dress . when she wavered on her feet like she was going to collapse , pesh tumbled off the couch , reaching out for her . grabbing both of her shoulders , he steadied her . |
she glanced down at her dress before gazing back at him . pesh 's heart ached at the sight of tears pooling in her eyes . her chin trembled before big , fat tears slid down her cheeks . `` oh god , '' she whispered . `` please do n't cry . '' `` t-this is s-so embarrassing , '' she hiccupped . you do n't have to be embarrassed . '' moaning , she covered her face with her hands . `` first , i made a fool out of myself coming on to you and now i 've puked in front of you like some sorority girl who ca n't handle her liquor . '' `` stop beating yourself up . come , let 's get you cleaned up . '' he slid an arm around her waist to steady her on their way down the hall to the bedroom . she continued to weep softly as they made their way into the bathroom . using his free hand , he flicked on the light . `` can you stand in the shower ? '' with a weak nod , she replied , `` i think so . '' `` if not , there 's a ledge you can sit on . let me turn on the water for you , and i 'll get you a towel . '' |
he propped her up against the counter before striding over to the shower . once he felt the water was a good enough temperature , he then went over to the closet . he pulled out a towel before returning to megan who had her head in her hands . with his free hand , he took one of her hands and pulled it away from her face . `` please stop beating yourself up . i hate to see you so upset . '' `` i ca n't help it . i 'm such a fool . '' `` no , if you 're a fool , then so am i . we both wanted each other . '' `` but i got drunk ... i never get drunk anymore . '' `` it was an accident . things like that happen . '' he cupped her chin and forced her to look at him . `` you are none of the negative things your mind is calling you right now . '' her broken expression , coupled with her need for his reassurance , nearly crushed him . he had to fight from taking her in his arms . he knew if he did that , he would end up doing something he should n't with her . finally , he nodded . `` but you do smell , so go on and get in the shower . '' the corners of her lips curved up in a half smile . |
`` do you have something i can change into ? and maybe a toothbrush ? '' `` one second . '' leaving her in the bathroom , he went back into the bedroom to his closet . he took out a pair of scrubs he knew would be too big and too long for her and then coupled it with an emory university t-shirt . when he got back to the bathroom , megan was struggling with the zipper at the back of her dress . with a defeated expression , she dropped her hands . `` could you please help me ? '' `` of course . '' he sat the clothes down on the counter . he then reached up to tug down the zipper . the back of the dress gaped open , exposing her cream colored skin and navy blue lace bra and panties . he closed his eyes to try and block out the glaring images rocketing through his mind . his lips on her skin , his tongue licking up her spine , his hands curving around her ribcage to cup her br**sts . he forced himself to step back . clearing his throat , he replied , `` done . '' glancing at him over her shoulder , megan gave him a weak smile . he took out a spare toothbrush from underneath the counter and placed it next to the clothes he 'd brought her . |
`` let me know if you need anything else . '' `` okay . '' whirling around , he strode out of the bathroom . not wanting to go too far in case megan needed him , he began pacing around the bedroom . he momentarily faltered when he heard the shower turn off . he waited for her to appear , but she did n't . just as he was about to knock on the door , the whirring hum of the hairdryer started . he continued his pacing as she dried her hair . next , he heard the sink water turn on as she brushed her teeth . when it was quiet once again in the bathroom , his feet froze as he stared anxiously at the bathroom door . when it opened , pesh 's breath caught . appearing fresh-faced and clean , megan looked so beautiful as she tentatively stepped into the bedroom . she jumped at his voice . `` um , it 's fine . thank you again for the clothes and for letting me shower . '' `` you 're more than welcome . and there 's no need to thank me . '' chewing on her lip , she glanced from the bed to him . `` i texted my mother to tell her i was staying the night at emma 's . '' |
before he could say anything , she quickly added , `` thank you for putting my purse in the bathroom . that was very thoughtful of you . '' `` you 're welcome , '' he replied . then he thought of her text . `` so you 're staying at aidan and emma 's ? '' after all , the last thing he needed was to have her here-a reminder of what he could n't have . it would be enough to drive any man crazy . `` do you mind if i stayed here instead ? '' when he started to open his mouth , she shook her head . `` i promise no funny business . i just do n't want to go home yet . if you do n't want to me to stay , you can take me to emma 's . '' `` of course you can stay . '' `` i can sleep on the couch or in the guest room . '' he shook his head . `` you 'll sleep right here . '' he walked over to his massive king-sized bed . he turned down the covers before glancing back at her . `` come on . getting some rest will make you feel better . '' she eyed him hesitantly . `` i really ca n't take your bed . that would be imposing . '' `` i do n't mind . i promise . '' `` only if you 're sure ? '' |
`` i 'm sure . '' tentatively , she started walking over to him , her eyes never leaving his . she eased down onto the mattress before sliding beneath the sheets . when she appeared comfortable , he covered her up . as he started to go , she reached out to grab his arm . `` no , please do n't go . do n't leave me alone . '' `` you want me to stay with you ? '' `` yes , please . '' `` in this bed ... with you ? '' when she nodded , he exhaled a ragged breath . `` megan , i do n't think that 's a good idea . '' `` do n't overthink it ; just stay with me . '' although his brain was raging war at him to make the sane and responsible decision , he replied , `` give me a few minutes . '' `` okay , '' she replied softly . turning , he strode into the bathroom . he did n't bother glancing in the mirror because he was pretty sure he would n't like what he saw . instead , he stripped off his suit and tie . although he probably should have thrown on more clothes , he left his boxers on and grabbed a white shirt off the hamper . |
after pulling it over his head , he went back out into the bedroom . megan lay on her side in the bed , her face turned toward the bathroom . her eyes were closed , but they popped open the moment he entered the bedroom . without a word to her , he walked around the other side of the bed and climbed inside . lying on his back , he propped one arm over his head . his other hand rested on his chest . he twisted his fingers into the fabric of his shirt over his heart . somehow he wanted to still the erratic beating . just when he thought he might be comfortable , megan turned over to face him . `` you 're so far away , '' she whispered . `` i thought it was for the best . '' the corners of her mouth momentarily turned down in a pout . then she inched closer to him . he sucked in a breath and tried not to hiss when he felt her head nuzzle against his chest . before he could stop her , she had thrown an arm around him . thankfully , she did n't try anything else . and within a few minutes , her labored breathing signaled she had fallen asleep . pesh stared up at the ceiling and willed himself to be able to go to sleep as easily . |
surprisingly , as megan 's soft snores echoed against his side , his eyes grew heavy . for the first time in two years , he fell asleep with someone in his arms . chapter six sunlight streamed across megan 's face , causing her to squint her eyes tighter closed against the bright invasion . she was warm and comfortable , and she did n't want to wake up . but the tranquility of her morning was shattered when a soft snore came from behind her . it was far too deep to be one of mason 's . panic prickled its way up her skin . where am i ? her eyes frantically scanned the room . overcome by both masculine decor and smells , she realized she was in a man 's bedroom , or more importantly a man 's bed . she had n't woken up this dazed and confused since she got hammered for the first time . she could n't even remember what day it was . this was bad . very , very bad . she had to get out of there and get home to mason . what kind of mother was she to wake up in a strange man 's bed ? as she tried to roll over , she found herself entrapped by a strong arm wrapped around her waist . her gaze flicked down to the tan , muscled arm . who the hell did that belong to ? |
a whimper escaped her lips . oh god , had she actually slept with a man she had no memory of ? never in her life had she made such a mistake as that . nausea overcame her , and she knew she needed to get out of bed and into the bathroom . she shoved herself so hard away from the person that she ended up elbowing him in the ribs . he groaned . `` oh , i 'm sorry . i did n't mean to hurt you , '' she quickly apologized . `` it 's okay , megan , '' he murmured drowsily . that voice . it took only a second for her to register who she was in bed with . and with that realization , everything from the night before came crashing down on her . she had accidentally gotten drunk off her ass , pesh had taken her to his house to sober up , and then ... oh god , she had come on to him like a brazen floozy . she buried her head in her hands and moaned . `` hey , how do you feel this morning ? '' `` like i 've been run over by a truck . '' `` want me to fix you a good hangover cure ? '' she peeked at him through her fingers . |
`` you actually know a hangover cure ? '' `` you think someone like me has never been drunk ? '' when she bobbed her head , he laughed . `` i 'm sorry to disappoint you , but there have been many , many times i 've woken up just as you are now . '' `` that 's hard to imagine . '' she gazed down at the scrubs and t-shirt she was in . although she doubted it , she could n't help but ask . `` did we ... '' `` no , we did n't . '' she arched her brows in surprise . `` if we did n't sleep together , then why did you ... i mean , why are you in bed with me ? '' `` because you begged me to stay . '' she gasped in horror . was n't it enough that she had thrown herself so wantonly at him , but now she 'd begged him to stay with her ? `` i did ? '' `` you said you did n't want to be alone . '' vaguely she remembered pleading with him to lie close to her . what a nightmare . `` i 'm so sorry . '' `` do n't apologize . '' when she started to protest , he held up a hand . |
`` i have to admit it was nice being in bed with someone again-feeling their warmth , the softness of their body as they lay beside you . '' `` i 've missed that more than i knew . '' overcome with the emotions threatening to overtake her , megan did n't know what to say . all she knew is she needed to get out of there . `` i need to get home ... or to emma 's . i ca n't let my parents think i stayed out all night with a man i just met . '' `` i understand . i would n't dream of compromising your reputation . '' she stared at him for a moment . sometimes the way he spoke made it seem like he was from a different world or time period . `` i , uh , i need to use the bathroom . '' tumbling out of the covers , she then streaked across the room . once she closed the door behind her , she exhaled the breath she 'd been holding . she made it to the toilet just in time to throw up again . she wondered after doing the same thing the night before how there was anything left in her stomach to empty . once she finished , she leaned over the sink , pooling water in her hand before bringing it to her mouth . after gargling to rid herself of the nasty taste , she eventually dug under the counter for some mouthwash , and then brushed her teeth . |
without a hairbrush or comb , she did her best to tame her out-of-control hair . once she surmised that she looked presentable enough to face the firing squad , aka aidan and emma , she left the bathroom . pesh had thrown on some clothes and stood in the middle of the room . he raised his brows expectantly at her . `` i 'm ready to go now . '' when she started for the bedroom door , she abruptly stopped . `` wait , my dress ? '' `` i 'll send it out to be dry cleaned . '' `` oh , '' she murmured . in silence , they made their way through the house . megan tried not to be so obvious as she took in the high ceilings of the living room , the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked a large , spacious yard . pesh had an amazing house-one that was far too big for just him . it certainly was made for a family-the one he sadly did n't have . as he started to open the door leading out to the garage for her , pesh stopped and turned around . staring intently at her , he said , `` i 'd like to see you again . '' megan could n't help the shocked gasp that escaped her lips . |
she 'd made a repeated fool out of herself the night before , and he still wanted to see her ? `` you ca n't be serious . '' she gave a slight jerk of her head . `` i do n't think that is a good idea . '' `` but why ? '' he countered sincerely . with a contemptuous snort , she replied , `` is n't it obvious ? '' `` if you 're alluding to the fact you accidentally got drunk last night and then became ill , that has little relevance to me . accidents happen , and i 'm man enough to realize that . '' he closed the gap between them . `` i liked being with you yesterday . '' remembering what emma had said , megan could n't help asking , `` you want to date me , do n't you ? '' `` yes of course . what else would i want to do ? '' when she replied , `` have sex , '' a flush entered his cheeks . `` that is not what i meant . '' `` and that 's a pity . '' his brows furrowed . `` whatever do you mean ? '' `` you and i ... we want different things . you want to date and get married again , right ? '' `` yes , that is something i desire very much . '' |
`` but i do n't want to be in a serious relationship right now with you or anyone for that matter . i 'm certainly not ready to get married anytime soon . i just wanted to have some fun with someone . '' pesh frowned . `` i do n't think i understand . '' `` what i want from you is the same thing i wanted last night . just sex , '' she answered honestly . `` you do n't want to date me ... you only want to have sex with me ? '' if the situation had n't been so dire , megan might 've laughed at the horrified expression on pesh 's face . he appeared absolutely floored that she could ever think of only using him as a sex toy . finally , when she gathered herself together , she shook her head . `` i 'm sorry , but that 's the way i feel . '' she braced herself for some sort of wrath out of him or even a lecture . what he did was even more surprising . `` and i 'm sorry you feel that way because i would have really enjoyed getting to know you better . '' without another word , he opened the door . always the gentleman , he waited for her to go through first . tucking her head to her chest , she bypassed him to walk to the car . |
once again , he appeared to open the car door for her . `` thank you , '' she murmured . he nodded before walking around the front of the car . without another word to her , pesh cranked up , and then began backing down the driveway . the ride to aidan and emma 's was only twenty minutes , but it seemed to take an eternity . the painful silence hung heavy around her . pesh did n't look at her . instead , he kept his gaze firmly on the road ahead of them . when he pulled into aidan and emma 's driveway , megan felt her stomach clench . she wished there was some way to make things right between them . but she had a feeling she had gone too far and said too much . as he put the car in park , he turned to look at her . `` thank you for the ride , '' she said . it was my pleasure . '' `` most of all , i want to thank you for taking care of me last night . you truly went above and beyond . i can never thank you enough . '' `` you do n't have to thank me . i 'm glad i was able to help you . '' nibbling on her bottom lip , she finally allowed herself to say what she was holding back on . |
`` i wish things could be different , '' she said softly . when she dared herself to look at him , she found him staring intently at her . `` i 'm sorry , too . take care of yourself . okay ? '' she bobbed her head . `` the same to you . '' with trembling hands , she fumbled for the door handle . when she was finally able to open the door , she stumbled out onto the pavement . as she made her way up the driveway , she could feel pesh 's eyes on her . the car remained parked as she climbed the porch steps and rang the doorbell . she hoped that noah was already up , and she was n't waking the household . aidan threw open the door . `` megan ? what the hell ? '' his question and concern caused her to burst into tears . `` why are you crying ? '' aidan demanded . `` it 's a long story . '' he glanced from her out the door to pesh 's car . his expression darkened . `` did pesh hurt you ? '' `` no ! of course not . '' `` if he 's made you cry , i do n't care whether he 's noah 's godfather or not . i 'll punch his lights out ! '' she grabbed his arm . |
`` stop it , ankle ! it 's not him , it 's me . it 's all my fault . he stared at her in surprise . `` give me some coffee and a chance to calm down , and then i 'll tell you everything . '' although his expression was skeptical , aidan nodded , and then started to close the door . megan stole one last glance of pesh as his car started reversing down the driveway . she hoped for her sake and his it was the last time she would have to see him . chapter seven megan nervously tapped her thumbs on the steering wheel of her car . her clinical placement had come through , and she was now on her way to make her introductions to her preceptor , the nurse who would supervise her . although she had initially been disappointed in not receiving grady , she was still excited to be doing the last part of the journey to becoming a nurse . she was also grateful she had n't received the night shift that some of her fellow nursing students had . she would have rarely been able to see mason if she had to sleep during the day and work at night . she pulled into the parking lot of the wellstar er and eased into the first space she found . |
after turning off the car , she grabbed her folder of paperwork along with her purse and headed inside . she stopped at the front desk . `` i 'm not a patient . i 'm a clinical student here to see kristi parkman . '' `` go on through , '' the receptionist said , before she buzzed open the authorized personnel only door . breezing inside the heart of the er , megan could n't help feeling excited . she could n't wait until she got her feet wet by working with patients . glancing around , she was n't exactly sure how she was going to find the preceptor . she stopped at an area teaming with nurses . `` can i help you ? '' one of them asked . `` yes , i 'm here to see kristi parkman . '' a tall blonde woman in her fifties came over to her with a beaming smile . `` you must be ms . mckenzie ? '' `` it 's so nice to meet you . '' `` it 's nice meeting you , too . '' `` we 're so very glad to have you . i 've taken a look at your transcript , and it 's quite impressive . '' `` thank you , '' megan replied . `` why do n't i show you around today ? |
that way you 'll be ready to go with the flow tomorrow . '' `` sounds good . '' with a smile , kristi led her around the maze of rooms . she pointed out where the medicine room was , the trauma area , and where she would find the break room . each time they passed a nurse or a doctor , kristi was quick to introduce megan . `` everyone seems very friendly , '' megan mused . `` it really is a great place to work . now , i 'm not going to lie that some of the residents can be real ass**les . but we 're so lucky to have a supervisor who is such a sweetheart . '' `` that 's wonderful . '' `` yes , everyone loves dr . nadeen . '' megan 's heartbeat slowed to a standstill . nadeen . no , it could n't be . surely there were more doctors with that last name . searching her mind , she tried desperately to remember where he said he worked . `` oh good , he 's just down the hall . let me introduce you two . '' `` no , that 's really is n't necessary , '' megan protested feebly . ignoring her , kristi called , `` dr. nadeen , come meet our newest nursing candidate . '' |
the moment he turned around , megan felt like she was going to throw up . after spending two months trying hard to forget about her infamous night with pesh nadeen , there he was right in front of her . she could n't help having the classic line from casablanca flash in her head , `` out of all the gin joints in all the world , she had to walk into mine . '' she certainly felt that way about all the hospitals she could have possibly been assigned to , she had to be assigned to his . the shock and surprise registered on his face as well . he was quick to mask it by smiling warmly at her . `` hello again , megan . '' kristi 's brows shot up at the familiarity of pesh 's greeting . `` you know each other ? '' `` um , well , '' megan began . how was she going to explain ? the last thing she needed was to get off on the wrong foot with her coworkers . `` she and i share a godson . '' `` oh how wonderful . '' kristi patted megan 's back . `` what luck for you then ending up here out of all the hospitals ? '' `` yes , what luck , '' megan murmured . kristi smiled . |
`` well , i 'll let you two catch up for a minute or two . '' `` no , that 's okay . you do n't have to do that , '' megan protested . waving her hand dismissively , kristi said , `` it gives me a chance to go grab a snack and something to drink . be back in a few , and we 'll finish the tour . '' megan fought the urge to run after kristi as she walked off . instead , she turned back to pesh who was staring expectantly at her . `` you do n't exactly look happy to see me , '' pesh said . she shook her head wildly . `` how could i be ? the man , who i completely made an ass out of myself in front of , is at the hospital where i 'm doing my clinicals . that does n't exactly make my day . '' `` for the last time , you have nothing to be embarrassed about . '' `` sorry , but that does not make me feel any better , '' she grumbled . `` what can i do to put you at ease about working with me ? '' rubbing her now aching head , she replied , `` i do n't know . if i thought it would n't make me look bad , i 'd request a transfer . '' |
`` i offend you that much ? '' as she gazed up at him , his expression was wounded . `` no , no , you do n't offend me . it 's just that ... '' she chewed mercilessly on her bottom lip before she continued . after taking a ragged breath , she replied , `` it 's just that for the past two years , i had pretty good control of my life . the night i was with you , i let all that control crumble . by getting drunk , i became someone else-someone i used to be . the girl , or woman , who would do anything to get a man 's attention . i do n't like that person very much , and i do n't ever want to go back there . seeing you just makes me remember all of that . '' megan could n't help being surprised by how honest she 'd been able to be with him . pesh remained silent for a moment . his dark eyes bore into hers . `` i am sorry that you reflect so negatively on the night we were together . for me , it was not marred by drinking or you getting sick . i enjoyed spending time with you and getting to know you . '' `` i enjoyed waking up with you . |
i would give anything for you to be able to look at me without having to feel bad about yourself . '' `` you really enjoyed being with me that night ? '' `` when i told you i wanted to see you again , i was serious . '' `` that 's very sweet of you , but i have n't changed my mind about dating . '' `` you have n't ? '' with a shake of her head , she replied , `` i have too much going on in my life right now to get involved with someone . it would n't be fair to them ... to you . especially since we still want very different things from each other . '' `` i see , '' he replied . megan noticed the sadness that darkened his expression . `` i 'm sorry , '' she murmured . `` you have nothing to regret . any grief i 'm experiencing is once again my fault . '' he gave her a rueful smile . `` i seem to keep falling for women who are n't meant for me . '' she sucked in a harsh breath at his words . `` falling ? you are ... you were falling for me ? '' pesh opened his mouth to reply , but at the sound of kristi coming back from the break room , he shut it . |
closing the gap between them , he whispered , `` do n't worry about working with me , megan . we 'll always be friends , and i will respect your wishes and your distance . '' for some reason , his words had the opposite effect they should have , and regret ricocheted through her . finally , she managed to say , `` thank you . i appreciate that . '' with a smile , he then turned and walked away . she heaved a painful breath as kristi walked up to her . `` such a sweetheart , is n't he ? '' `` yes , he is , '' megan murmured . `` not bad on the eyes either . '' a nervous giggle escaped megan 's lips . `` no , he 's not . '' `` i swear that half of the women here in the er act like they 're in heat whenever he comes around . '' kristi fanned herself . `` i mean , that body , those eyes , and those dimples . lord , if i was n't a happily married woman , what i would n't want to do to that man ! '' megan knew exactly what kristi meant . unfortunately , she was never going to get the chance to experience it for herself . |
somehow she 'd managed to find the only man left in the world who would n't partake in just a sexual relationship . no , pesh had to want more than she was willing to give . `` did you hear what i said ? '' kristi asked . megan snapped her gaze from pesh 's retreating form back to face kristi . `` i 'm sorry what ? '' kristi laughed . `` oh no , i 'm about to lose another one to dr. nadeen 's charms , huh ? '' shaking her head wildly , megan replied , `` no , no , we 're just friends-i do n't feel anything like that for him . '' kristi winked . `` yeah , just keep telling yourself that , honey . '' chapter eight as pesh exited one of the exam rooms , he saw megan sitting on a stool at the counter , working on a chart . when the door shut behind him , she jerked her head up and caught him staring . he cleared his throat and walked over to her . `` hello , '' he said , pleasantly . `` hi . '' `` so , are you settling in ? '' `` everyone has been so nice and helpful . '' `` good . i 'm glad to hear that . we usually have very good success rates with our clinical candidates . '' |
megan smiled before her head dipped back down to work on the chart . nervously , he scratched the back of his neck . things were rolling along with them now that he knew he should n't try to rock the boat . after all , he had promised her he would keep his distance . but he could n't help himself . in the two months since their first encounter , he had n't stopped thinking about her . now that she had shown back up in his life so out of the blue , he could n't help feeling that it was fated . ask her to dinner , his mind shouted . he bit down on his lip to keep the question he was burning to ask from escaping his mouth . finally , it rushed forth before he could stop himself . `` why do n't you let me buy you dinner after work ? '' megan 's scribbling pen stilled on the chart . she glanced up and cocked her head at him . `` dinner implies a date , and i thought we were clear on that . '' he gave her a nervous smile . `` well , i was only offering some less palatable cafeteria food . i hardly think that constitutes a date . '' `` in my realm of dating consciousness , any time you sit down at a table while eating and drinking together , it is a date . '' |
crossing his arms over his chest , he countered , `` if that were true , it would mean you were dating your father and brother every time you sat down together . i know your family is close , but i do n't believe they 're that close . '' megan 's brows rose . `` oh , is the good doctor cracking jokes now ? '' `` perhaps . '' the corners of megan 's lips turned up . `` then what exactly would you consider a date ? '' pesh leaned back against the wall , surmising her teasing smile . `` a mutually agreed upon event . '' `` you 're so proper , '' megan teased . he rolled his eyes at her , something he rarely did until he began spending more and more time in her presence . `` and you 're avoiding the initial question . '' megan put down the pen and chart and crossed her arms over her chest . `` so , if you could take me on a date , where would we go ? '' pesh rubbed his jaw in thought . `` well , if would have to be something you would want to do , but i would begin with dinner . '' when she started to protest , he held up his hand . `` somewhere that was romantic with candlelight and soft music-perhaps a place where we could dance in between courses . '' staring at him in surprise , megan replied , `` you 're serious ? '' |
she slowly shook her head back and forth . `` okay , go on . '' `` once we finished wine and dessert , i would then want to take you somewhere you 've never been- '' `` like your bedroom ? '' megan interjected with a smirk . `` i do believe you 've already been there before . '' the teasing faded from megan 's expression , and a flush entered her cheeks . `` may i continue ? '' `` yeah , '' she murmured . `` i would want to be with you to experience something you never have before-an art gallery , an opera , a musical . anything that would bring wonderment and excitement to your face . '' he gave her a small smile . `` and it would mean all the more that i was getting to share it with you . '' he watched with almost mild amusement as she processed his words . most likely she had never had a man speak to her the way he was , and it was certainly affecting her . feeling like it was time to go in for the kill , he asked once again , `` so , will you have dinner with me ? '' pesh leaned forward expectantly as megan opened her mouth . they were interrupted by the sound of emma 's voice . `` oh thank god . |
i 'm so glad you two are on . '' her anxious tone was the only thing that could have torn pesh 's attention away from megan . he glanced from emma to aidan , who was grimacing and rubbing his head . emma replied , `` he fell and hit his head , '' at the same time aidan grunted , `` nothing . '' megan stepped forward and went over to aidan . she gasped as she surveyed him . `` ankle , your pupils are huge ! '' pesh took his penlight out of his coat pocket and went to aidan . as he flashed the light into aidan 's eyes , he grimaced . `` yeah , they are . what exactly happened ? '' he made sure to direct his question to emma since she appeared to be the only one being honest . `` we were at my ob 's for our first ultrasound . '' pesh 's eyes widened . `` ultrasound ... you 're pregnant ? '' `` again ? '' megan questioned by his side . the concern for aidan on emma 's face washed away and was replaced with a beaming smile . `` yes , i 'm eight weeks . '' `` why did n't you say something at dinner sunday ? '' |
`` well , i only found out two weeks ago , and we wanted to wait to tell everyone until we had the first ultrasound . '' megan 's blonde brows creased . `` so what does the ultrasound have to do with ankle hitting his head ? '' emma pursed her lips and cut her gaze over to aidan . `` would you like to tell them ? '' when he shook his head and then winced , emma sighed . `` when they hooked me up to the fetal monitor , they thought they heard two heartbeats . at the word 'twins ' , aidan passed out and hit his head on the counter and the floor . '' while pesh quickly turned a laugh into a cough , megan was n't so tactful . she burst out laughing . `` you seriously passed out during the ultrasound ? '' aidan scowled at her . `` in my defense , it was n't quite the ultrasound yet . '' at megan 's continued laughter , he shrugged . `` it was pretty mind-blowing news . '' `` oh ankle , honestly . '' aidan turned to pesh . `` so am i going to stand around all day getting shit , or are you going to examine me ? '' `` of course . your pupils are definitely a matter of concern . '' |
glancing at emma , aidan said , `` just wait for me here . '' pesh motioned for aidan to go into the first examining room . as soon as the door closed behind him , aidan lunged for him , grabbing the lapels of his white coat . `` i need a vasectomy . today . '' pesh fought the urge to laugh at the absurdity of the situation as well as aidan 's desperation . `` okay , let 's get you to sit down . you 've obviously been through a lot of trauma in the last hour . '' aidan plopped onto the examining table . he buried his head in his hands and groaned . `` what a f**king nightmare of a day . '' `` does your head hurt ? '' `` a little . '' `` any nausea ? '' `` maybe . '' pesh furrowed his brows . `` what do you mean , maybe ? '' aidan raised his head . `` if you 're asking if i 'm nauseated now , the answer would be no . i 'm not . but on the other hand , if you 're asking if i get nauseous thinking about the fact that emma could have been pregnant with twins , and i would have had three kids under two and in diapers ... '' aidan shuddered . |
`` then yeah , i get really f**king nauseous , and the room starts to spin a little . '' easing down on his stool , he rolled over to aidan . `` take a deep breath for me , okay ? '' aidan 's chest expanded as he inhaled and exhaled . `` again , '' pesh instructed . after a few cleansing breaths , pesh cocked his head at aidan . `` better ? '' `` yeah , a little , '' aidan croaked . he jerked his hand through his hair . `` are you going to get me a referral for a vasectomy ? '' pesh held up his hand . `` i 'm confused . if you know that emma is n't having twins , why do you want to have a vasectomy ? '' `` because twins run on both sides of our families . pop was a twin , and emma 's uncles are twins . it 's like we have a genetic bull's-eye hovering over us . we can barely be in the same room without conceiving , so it 's just inevitable that she 'll get pregnant again , and then i 'll have four kids ... maybe even five . '' aidan swallowed hard as some of the color drained from his face . `` i ca n't be a baby making machine . '' |
`` actually , most recent studies still conclude that identical twins can happen to anyone , whereas , fraternal twins are the result of the mother producing two eggs in a single cycle . this tendency to create multiple eggs is passed from mother to child . given that emma does n't have a non-identical twin , you are fairly safe . '' aidan tilted his head , his expression one of confusion . `` so you 're saying i do n't have to worry about that ? '' `` without knowing emma 's full genetic history , i could n't say , but it sounds like a no-at least for fraternal twins . '' after processing pesh 's words , aidan shook his head . `` like it really matters about the twins . we 're still way too fertile together . i need to stop this before it gets out of hand . '' `` and what does emma think about all of this ? '' a red flush entered aidan 's cheeks . `` um , well , i have n't actually mentioned it to her . '' `` you do n't think your wife needs to know about such a life-altering decision ? '' `` well , of course i 'd tell her before i went in for the surgery . '' as pesh crossed his arms over his chest , he could n't help wondering just how hard aidan had been hit in the head . |
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