JR by HP Read Free Book Online

had arranged to work fulltime at the clinic until graduation. She had been thrilled but now apprehension infringed on her glee. How could she maintain professionalism when the rules of the study required her total abandon? What if she disappointed Kurt? What if she exceeded his expectations?
    Could they continue to work together or would there be no going back? She hoped the unbiased empathy he demonstrated on a daily basis would extend to her as well.
    Head swimming with questions, she trudged toward the shower, both dreading and eager for the day ahead.
    She flicked on the water and gathered her clothes while the temperature in her apartment’s antiquated water heater crept toward lukewarm. After selecting a suit from her closet, she rifled through her underwear drawer.
    Should she opt for a modest, matching cotton set because he would see it? Immediately, she discarded the idea. She was no cowering wallflower in need of his help. When she volunteered for the study, she saw it as a way to experiment a little herself. She needed experience. Who better to give it to her than the sexy man who made her feel safe, who was an excellent teacher and who attracted her as no other man ever had before?
    She refused to betray his request for open and honest communication by changing her normal behaviors or hiding the heightened reactions he’d inspired. With a grin, she grabbed her most provocative lingerie, a see-through lace teddy, and her highest pair of heels. She’d noticed how often he appreciated her shoes, and the steamy look in his eyes when she’d revealed her sexy undergarments during his exam the day before.
    Dr. Foster had taken her by surprise yesterday. Today, she would fight fire with fire.

    ***
Rebecca had known yesterday’s encounter would alter her relationship with Kurt but when she entered the office and stared at the dents in the carpet marking the space her desk used to occupy, she panicked. Her palms grew sweaty and she struggled to control her labored breathing.
    She loved her job at the university clinic. Despite her earlier bravado, the reminder of how her participation in the Dream Machine study could jeopardize her career terrified her. Her only solace lie in her conviction she’d never excel in her field until she understood passion firsthand. Plus, her sister’s education was worth risking her career, her pride, everything she’d ever worked for. Elsa relied on her alone.
    Even if she didn’t get a job in Dr. Foster’s office, her academic record ensured a prestigious position elsewhere. With the added benefit of the sexual experience this project would give her, she would be a stellar candidate. Reaffirming her earlier commitment to stay strong, she drew a deep breath and willed herself to ignore her doubts. Many obstacles had littered her path to success. She’d smash this one like all the others.
    Fortunately, she didn’t have much time to brood about the situation. Kurt appeared in the doorway to his office, leaning one hip on the jamb in the relaxed pose she’d come to know so well. He looked amazing in his crisp black slacks and silk shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The loosened collar gaped, allowing her a glimpse of the dark hair sprinkled on his chest.
    Closing her eyes to block out the vision, she tried to resist the immediate reaction of her body. Sensing Kurt’s gaze roaming over every inch of her, she stilled her wringing hands. She willed herself to square her shoulders and meet his stare. Drawing a deep, calming breath, she opened her eyes. When she did, she watched a slow, sweet smile of approval spread across his face.
    Without a word, he held out his hand. She obeyed his silent command. Crossing to him, she closed the gap by sliding her palm across his. The arc of the electric attraction between them caused her to gasp. He entwined their fingers before leading her down the corridor behind his office. As they made their way deeper into the facility, she