The Doctor's Damsel In Distress. Janice Lynn

now he could feel her gaze gliding over him, conveying invitation, conveying that she’d like him to let back her seat and crawl on top of her for a hot and heavy make-out session.

      He tightened his grip on the steering-wheel, started counting again.

      “I should go,” she said hesitantly, placing her hand on the passenger door handle, but she didn’t get out of the car. Just sat in the seat of his sports utility vehicle. Waiting.

      “You should.” But he didn’t want her to get out of his truck. Not really. No more than she really wanted to get out. They sat in silence, staring at each other, the tension mounting, thumping through his head. Kiss her. Kiss her. Kiss Madison. Kiss her now. Kiss her until she’s clinging breathlessly to you.

      No, not kiss her. He was going to make her want him long term.

      Which required patience.

      Which required willpower.

      Which required sainthood.

      Knowing he was no saint and in serious danger if he didn’t put some distance between them, Levi sucked in a deep breath and jumped out of the Ford. He rounded the front of the truck to open Madison’s door.

      “Out you go.”

      Looking a little stunned and very disappointed, she climbed out of the SUV with her hand tucked into his for assistance.

      Knowing his limitations, he practically pushed her to the driver’s side of her car, waited for her to unlock and open the door.

      “Thanks again.” She smiled at him, a mixture of confusion and invitation shining in her eyes. “I had a lovely time.”

      Yes, so had he, which was why he ignored the enticement of her lips and high-tailed it into his SUV.

      Despite the fact he was heading home to a cold shower, he had to admit he had enjoyed the evening with Madison. He looked forward to savoring her like a fine wine meant to be sipped slowly, enjoying each drop to its fullest.

      See, nothing like his old man. Nothing. Jonathan Fielding would never have walked away from Madison. Never.

      But Levi didn’t plan to walk away for ever. No, he’d bide his time, ensconce himself in every aspect of her life so she couldn’t imagine him not being there.

      He’d have his steady, stable relationship, prove he wasn’t a damned thing like his father, and he’d have Madison, too.

      She might think she just wanted hot sex with him, but before he was through she’d need him over and over, always needing just one more time.

      Always needing him just once more.

      Madison crawled in between her sheets, taking little pleasure in the smooth Egyptian cotton caressing her bare skin.

      Had her breath been bad?

      Had she had pizza sauce on her face?

      Had she had a big “L” tattooed on her forehead?

      Nope, none of those things, but Levi had rejected her. And he wasn’t the kind of man who rejected a willing woman he was attracted to. So what did that mean? That he’d just been being friendly, had realized she’d taken things all wrong, and he’d scampered backwards as quickly as he possibly could?

      Maybe. Maybe not.

      She just didn’t know.

      What she did know was that Levi’s rejection left her feeling way too much like Simon had on numerous occasions. Left her feeling raw and achy on the inside. Left her resolved to make sure that barrier always stayed up around her heart.

      Especially where Dr. Levi Fielding was concerned.