Oh. That was easier. Though not by much. She sighed. Most hospitals were forcing their doctors to work overtime every day, not encouraging them to take time off. Understaffed and overworked was the reality of most hospitals, including Alaska General Hospital. “The board of directors is coming down hard on policies these days. They saw the hours I was working and thought I was getting a little burned-out.”

“Were you?”

She hadn’t thought so, until she’d started to relax that week and the stress began to melt away. “I don’t know. Maybe. I certainly didn’t agree a week ago, but this break has definitely made me realize that I’d been going too fast for too long.” She paused. “I’m definitely feeling more focused, more relaxed...ready to go back.”

She felt him stiffen slightly and realized what going back meant. She sat a little higher and turned to face him. “I’m not necessarily ready to leave you...” She avoided his gaze, staring at his smooth chest and upper abs that were partially hidden by the bedsheet. Definitely not ready to leave this body and the things he could do to hers.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I’d like to spend as much time with you as possible this week.”

She did, too, but, “What about Cass?” Her friend was due back that evening and she wanted to spend time with her, as well. How would Cassie feel about her and Reed? Could they all hang out together? Would that be awkward?

In truth, she never wanted to leave this bed for the rest of her vacation.

“I think she’ll be okay...” he said, but even he seemed to think things might be awkward. Especially seeing as how they could hardly be around one another without kissing or touching or ripping each other’s clothes off. How would Cassie feel if she wanted to spend the nights in Reed’s bed instead of crashing on her couch?

She bit her lip.

“Look, don’t worry...we’ll figure something out.”

Would they figure something out for after this week was over as well? Or was this just a nice perk to her vacation—an unexpected, wonderful enhancement to her break from reality.

“Hey, I said, don’t worry...” Reed said, squeezing her hand. “Cassie will be fine. She’ll be happy to see that you’re enjoying your vacation.” He leaned closer and kissed her.

His lips brushed hers gently, barely grazing, teasing, erasing her worry and doubt. All she felt was peace and comfort and an insatiable desire for this hot, sexy hero who knew all the right places to touch, to kiss, to tease... Maybe she wasn’t as ready to go back as she thought. Given the choice in that moment, it would be a torturous decision to make.