The Fallout (The Therapist #3) - W.S. Greer Page 0,57
wait.
Drink and meal orders are taken without much talking between us, but once the food is delivered and both of us have alcoholic drinks in front of us, I refuse to wait any longer. I need answers now.
“Dr. Monroe,” I begin, but she immediately cuts me off.
“Evelyn,” she corrects, just before sipping her peach margarita. “You don't need to call me Dr. Monroe anymore. You're no longer my patient, so Evelyn will do just fine.”
Now it’s my turn to take a sip, and I feel glad I chose Hennessy tonight. “So I’m no longer your patient. I was curious about that. I think we need to go over everything that happened yesterday. I've been confused, and to be honest, a little worried about your reaction.”
“Worried? Why?” she asks, and I frown because the answer should be obvious.
“I don't usually get yelled at and kicked out after I go down on someone.”
Dr. Monroe … Evelyn flashes a smile accented with a blush. She tries to hide it, but I recognize the redness in her cheeks as she keeps her eyes on her drink like there's something floating in it.
“Yeah,” Evelyn says after clearing her throat. “I didn't mean for it to come out so harshly. Sorry if I made you worry. It’s just that I really care about my career. I love my patients and my colleagues, and I don't want to risk any of that because I’m sleeping with a patient. I'm aware you know a thing or two about that, so it’s weird and ironic I ended up doing the same thing as you. I’m a little embarrassed by it, actually.”
“I understand how you feel.” I tell her, doing my best to ease her tension. Now that we’re into the conversation, Evelyn seems more relaxed, and I’m glad to see her defensiveness wasn't permanent. “After I stepped over the line with Ava, I was bothered by it, but it was one of those things where I knew I shouldn't be doing it, and that led to a strong desire to do it. It was taboo, which made the entire thing exciting.”
“Yeah, I get that.” Evelyn picks up her drink and pulls a few sips of it through the green straw before sitting back in her seat and looking at me, her face completely serious. “Okay, Dr. Colson—”
“Malcolm,” I say, cutting her off with a smile. “You're no longer my therapist, so Malcolm will do just fine.”
“Touché,” she says with an adorable giggle. “Malcolm, I’m thirty-four years old. I got divorced before the age of thirty because my husband couldn't handle what I do for a living, plus he was an asshole who couldn't keep his dick in his pants. I've been through a lot, and haven't even thought of dating anybody in a long time because I’m dedicated to my work. However, you have a way of making me both nervous and intrigued. I’ve been trying to shake it since our first session, because when you talk about Ava and all the things you used to do with her, it gives me a bit of anxiety. I mean, you're a Dom for goodness sake, and I’m one of those people who doesn't know anything about that kind of stuff, so I’m nervous about it. I’m apprehensive, but never have I ever been more fascinated and intrigued in my life. You're gorgeous, but I feel like you come with a lot of baggage.”
“I suppose I do,” I agree. “I went to you so I could get over my feelings about Ava, and I ended up wanting you. This wasn't my intent, but your confidence and intelligence are unbelievably attractive. Even looking at you now, I want to touch you. I think we’ve both been through a lot, and it’s probably what makes us good at our jobs while being bad with relationships. I didn't mean to put your career in jeopardy yesterday, but I'd be lying if I told you I regret it. I definitely don't, and I really want a chance to get to know you better, especially since you've fired me from being your patient.”
Both of us laugh together before Evelyn speaks again. “I'd like to get to know you better, too. But like I said, you make me nervous. You're like that Fifty Shades of Grey character brought to life, and that’s intimidating. All that talk about whipping and spanking and vibrators while being bound. That’s a lot.”
“It is. You're right, but if you want to get