Free Then Came Indecision (Southern Love #2) by E. L. Todd Page B

are, bad things will happen. Just accept that and do your best.”
    “I—I just can’t have another patient die.”
    “Then chose the wrong profession,” he said simply.
    She stared at the glass in her hands.
    “You’ll realize it eventually, baby. I can only convince you so many times.”
    “I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” she whispered.
    He sighed then moved to the seat beside her. It was a tight fit but he squeezed into the space. He grabbed her legs and put them on top of his.
    “I’m so dirty,” she said.
    “I like dirty,” he said with a wink.
    She drank from her glass.
    His hand moved to the back of her neck and his fingers moved through her hair. She was too tired to object. It felt good after the long day she had.
    “I hate to ask this but I must.”
    She flinched at his serious tone.
    “Will I be running into this guy while I’m here?”
    “Blaise?”
    “Whatever the hell his name is.”
    “I—I don’t know.” Alexandra thought it was a real possibility when Blaise came back to Georgia. She wouldn’t be able to hide them from each other. “You might.”
    “And I’ll kill him if I do.”
    “Paul,” she said firmly. “Touch him and I’ll never forgive you.”
    His hand stilled. “Why are you defending him?”
    “I just don’t want there to be more drama in my life. If you see him, don’t speak to him or touch him. I’ll ask him to do the same to you.”
    “Don’t speak to him?” he asked incredulously. “I find that impossible.”
    “Just don’t hurt him.”
    He stared at her.
    “Promise me.”
    “I’ll hurt him if he hurts you.”
    She sighed. “He isn’t like Gabe so you don’t have to worry about that.”
    “Don’t bring him up again,” he snapped.
    Alexandra felt the tension of his muscles. “I’m sorry.”
    He leaned in and pressed his face against her cheek, closing his eyes. “I love you so much it hurts.”
    The breeze moved through her hair and made her skin prickle. His warm breath fell on her skin, heating her. The sound of his breathing reminded her of the nights they slept together. His hand was still on her neck, holding her in place. When the moment became too intimate for her, she pulled away.
    “I should get to bed.” She put her glass down.
    “Okay,” he whispered. “I’m tired too.”
    She grabbed the bottle and the glasses and took them inside. Paul came behind her and locked the door and checked the windows.
    “Goodnight,” she said as she walked down the hallway. When she got into her room, she realized Paul was behind her. “What are you doing?”
    “Going to bed.” He pulled his shirt off, revealing the muscled chest and torso she admired.
    “No. Last night was a one time thing.”
    “I haven’t slept that good in a really long time.” He stepped toward her. “ I like feeling you in my arms. I did it for two years then it suddenly stopped. I miss it.”
    “No, Paul.”
    He pressed his face close to hers. “What’s the harm? I promise I won’t do anything.”
    She shook her head. “It’s just…not a good idea.”
    He stared at her then grabbed her waist. “Why?”
    “It’s just not.”
    “Because you don’t trust yourself around me.”
    “You’re my ex-boyfriend. It’s completely inappropriate.”
    “It wasn’t inappropriate last night?”
    “That was a special circumstance.”
    “Every night is a special circumstance,” he said.
    “Paul, I said no.”
    He sighed. “If we love each other, there’s no reason why we can’t sleep together.”
    She stepped away. “Stop pressuring me.”
    He stilled. “I didn’t mean to pressure you.”
    Alexandra crossed her arms over her chest.
    Paul grabbed his shirt and put it back on. “I’m sorry. It just seemed like you had a hard night. I thought sleeping together would be good for you.”
    She looked at the floor.
    Paul wrapped his arms around her and held her. “Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight.”
    “I’ll be on the couch if you change your mind.”