been so long for me that I can barely remember the good stuff.”
He groans loudly. “Stop.”
“Don’t want to.”
“Carmen.”
When I close my eyes, all I can see is the image of him sitting up in bed, the covers pooled at his waist, sexy man chest on full display. I was better off before I knew his chest looked that good.
I fall asleep with a smile on my face. When I wake hours later, the first thing I notice is that the connection is still live. I watch him sleep for a long time, wishing he were here next to me.
I should probably be concerned that I’ve lost all perspective when it comes to Jason. I couldn’t care less about all the reasons why it might be a bad idea to get involved with him from personal or professional standpoints.
I don’t care about anything other than being with him, and that’s so far out of character for me as to be laughable. I always care. I always do the right thing and stay in my lane. I never do anything that would be considered risky, especially since I lost Tony.
Two days after meeting Jason, I feel like a new version of myself, and I like this new version a whole lot. If I’ve learned anything from what I’ve been through, it’s that life isn’t a dress rehearsal. It can be taken from us at any time, and we need to fully embrace every minute we have. I haven’t done that the way I should’ve since my world was turned upside down.
I’ll be damned if I’m going to miss out on this chance to fully live.
Dr. Jason Northrup had better look out. He has no idea that New Carmen will be greeting him in a few short hours, and New Carmen wants him.
Badly.
CHAPTER 14
CARMEN
I dress with him in mind, choosing a sexy wrap dress that reveals more of my cleavage than I normally show. It’s perfectly appropriate for what we have planned today, and if it makes me feel sexy, even better. I leave my hair curly and spend extra time on my makeup. In the shower, I shaved everything, just in case.
I laugh to myself at how ridiculous my thoughts have gotten.
Only a few days ago, the idea of shaving everything “just in case” would’ve led me to ask, In case of what?
I’m acutely aware of my own heartbeat as well as the sensitive surface of my skin. My nipples are tight, and between my legs . . .
“Ugh,” I tell my reflection in the mirror. “This is going to be a long freaking day.”
I receive a text from Maria. Hope your guy is ready for this. There’s a line out the door.
He’s ready and willing. See you soon.
I gather my things and am out the door with time to spare so I won’t be late to meet him. Traffic is, as always, a beast. It probably seems worse to me today because it’s standing between me and seeing him, and I’m dying to see him.
“This is bad.” Maybe if I say it out loud, I can get a handle on this situation before it spins any further out of control. If I had to pinpoint the exact moment I lost control, it would be last night on Miami Beach when I made out with the man my boss assigned me to work with.
My boss. Shit! I forgot to report to Mr. Augustino last night. I summon Siri and tell her to call the hospital. When I reach the switchboard, I ask for the president’s office.
“Office of the president, Mona speaking.”
“Mona, hi, it’s Carmen.”
“Hello there! How’re you doing?”
“Doing well.”
“I love Dr. Northrup’s Instagram account. Have you seen how many followers he already has? The photos of him playing dominoes were so perfect. He’s—”
“Mona!”
“Oh, so sorry. What can I do for you, hon?”
“Could I please speak to Mr. Augustino?”
“Of course. Just a moment.”
While I wait on hold and listen to the light rock music playing in the background, I dart through the traffic that stands between me and the source of my obsession. And yes, that’s what he’s become. What other word should I use to describe the man who occupies ninety-eight percent of my thoughts forty-eight hours after I first saw him?
I’ve about given up on Mona and Mr. Augustino when he comes on the line. “Carmen, good to hear from you. I expected an email from you this morning.”
“I know, that’s why I’m calling. I got caught up in making plans