Free Hope's Toy Chest by Marissa Dobson Page B

she had earlier, mixed with vanilla lip-gloss. He used his tongue to gently ease her mouth open. She leaned closer, her hand traveling up his chest as he kissed her one final time before pulling back.
    “That was nice.” Her breath was warm and full of desire.
    “Nice? Hmm, I had hoped for better than nice.”
    “I meant…well, it was unexpected. You’re out of my league.” She started to pull away, but he held her tight.
    “What is that supposed to mean?”
    “It means just what I said. Look at us, you’re the Chief of the Pediatric Oncology ward and I’m just a charity president, with no real career or life outside of it.”
    “You’re so much more than that.” He slipped a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Since you showed up in my life again , I can’t get you out of my thoughts. You’re all I think about lately. I’ll admit I had planned to put distance between us, but not for the reasons you think.”
    “Then why?”
    “You deserve so much better than what I can give you. Someone who will be home in the evenings, not off trying to save everyone that comes through the hospital doors.” He locked his arms around her waist. “Chelsea, I work long hours, and even when I’m home I’m often working or thinking about work. What kind of life is that for you?”
    “Many doctors find a way to balance a personal life and their careers. If anyone should understand what you do , I can. Those children and parents need you. You’re an amazing doctor and I would never ask you to put your career on the back burner.” She cupped the side of his face. “It seems as though we were both fighting this for our own reasons, and they aren’t very different.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You’ve been haunting my fantasies and dreams since I showed up at your house and you knocked me on my ass. I was fighting it because I didn’t want to come between you and the children you fight to save. I would never want to be the reason you missed something.” She teased her finger along his jawline. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way. Why don’t you kiss me again?”

Chapter Fifteen

     
    With dinner finished and the test results still fresh in Le’s mind, he sank down on the sofa next to Chelsea. Slipping his arm around her shoulders, he let his head fall back. The miracle the Cooks wanted had arrived, leaving him anxious to get back to Cedar Grove to deliver the news personally.
    “You seem happier than I’ve ever seen you.” She tipped her head until it was resting on his chest.
    “For the first time in a very long time, I believe in miracles again.”
    “Sorry you’re not there to…”
    He lifted her chin with his forefinger. “Don’t be sorry. I’m right where I want to be.”
    Without a second of hesitation, he l eaned forward and their lips met with intense desire. Her mouth slid open, letting his tongue explore her. He slipped his hand along her body to her waist before pulling her into his lap. Sliding on top of him, she placed her knees on either side of him, all without breaking the kiss, her arms locked around his neck, drawing them closer.
    Passion pulsated in his groin. He wanted nothing more than to take her to bed and have her scream his name. He broke the kiss, enjoying her warm breath over his face.
    “Are you sure? You know what I can offer you…”
    “Shhh.” She placed her finger over his lips. “I’m sure. Are you?”
    For a brief second , Liz’s warning ran through his mind.
    Don’t lead her on…she deserves better than that.
    He might not be the man he thought she deserved, but he’d do his best to make sure she never regretted this decision. “I’ve wanted you since you walked back into my life. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be with someone as much as I want you.” Adrenaline flooded his veins.
    “Then let’s not waste this night.” She unlaced her hands from around his neck and pulled off her sweater, revealing a black bra with pink trim.
    Without