Worth the Wait by Rhonda Laurel Read Free Book Online

foyer area. “Nice place.”
    “Thanks. Avery’s in the living room.”
    “Do I need to borrow your bullet proof vest?”
    “I hope not.” She smiled and continued into the living room.
    As soon as he locked eyes with Avery, his heart skipped a beat and his body tensed. She was standing near the coffee table with her arms folded across her chest. She looked sexy in a pair of jean shorts and turquoise blouse. That was one of his problems these days. Since that steamy kiss they’d shared, he had trouble keeping himself composed around her. He thought about puppies. Rainbows. Imagesof his mom and her friends doing yoga on their deck wearing those unitards from the eighties usually did the trick. Anything that would cool his overactive libido. Because now all he wanted to do was finish what they’d started that night in the guesthouse before he’d come to his senses.
    “Hey, Princess.” He smiled.
    “Stop calling me that,” she huffed. “How did you know I was here?”
    “I have my ways.”
    Avery and Parker looked at each other. “Kendrick.”
    He winced. “He was just doing me a favor. Don’t rat him out to Sam.”
    “What are you doing here?”
    “You left before I could explain what you saw.”
    “I told you I didn’t want an explanation.”
    Parker cleared her throat. “I’ll give you two some privacy. Wyatt, the fridge is fully stocked if youwant anything. I’ll be upstairs if you need a referee.” She waved at Avery as she left, ignoring Avery’s hand signals telling her to stay put.
    He launched into his speech as soon as Parker left. “I didn’t sleep with Kelly.”
    “I don’t believe you.”
    “Have I ever lied to you? I don’t intend to do so now. Kelly’s been flirting with me for three years, and I’ve been turning her downfor three years.” He looked her in the eyes. “I don’t want her.”
    She sighed. “Am I supposed to be happy about that?”
    “Honestly. I don’t know.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets, sank down on the arm of the white leather couch, and tilted his head back and closed his eyes.
    “What’s going on with you lately?” she asked, her voice almost gentle.
    That was a really good question.But he didn’t want to talk about it right now. “I’ve got some stuff to figure out about my future. I’m afraid I won’t live up to everyone’s expectations.”
    She looked relieved—and he was relieved to see anything but anger on her face. “Oh. I know how you feel.”
    “No, I don’t think you do.” He shook his head. “You accelerated your course load and now you’re graduating with me and goingto med school. Do you know how embarrassed I am about that?”
    She frowned. “Why would you be embarrassed?”
    “Because you’ve been working hard for three years and I’ve been messing around.”
    She closed the distance between them. “You’ve been doing great. Maybe you have a balanced college life. Maybe I’m the one who’s wound too tight.”
    “You’re fine.” He looked into her eyesand pulled her closer. “As a matter of fact, you’re more than fine. You’re going to do great things in your life. I’m counting on you to be a kick ass doctor.”
    She laughed. “No pressure.”
    “I’m serious. Whenever I do get a respectable job, I’m going to refuse the health benefits because I will insist that you be my doctor.”
    “I don’t know. Being your physician would require youtaking your clothes off in front of me so I can give you a thorough exam.”
    He stood, taking her face in his hands. “I’m counting on it.”
    “Wyatt?”
    He leaned in and kissed her. Now that he had the delicious taste of her lips etched into his memory, he had to have more. His body thrummed as Avery leaned into him and put her arms around his waist. He knew she wanted to talk aboutthat night at the guesthouse, but he wasn’t ready. Sure, they could’ve had sex. But it wouldn’t be just sex with Avery. It would mean something much more, and he was