Chapter 11 Ember #2
He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest as he nipped at my earlobe. "Guilty as charged. But can you blame me? You've been driving me crazy with that sweater hugging you just right, and the way you look at me—like I'm the only man in the world."
His words warmed me from the inside out, and I arched my back to press against him, feeling the hardness of his body through the thin fabric that still separated us.
We hadn't fully undressed yet, but that only heightened the anticipation.
I tugged at the hem of his undershirt, eager to feel more of him.
"Well, tonight you are. Now help me get this off you before I rip it."
Nate obliged with a grin, sitting back to peel off the shirt in one fluid motion, revealing the toned muscles I knew and remembered well.
I ran my hands over his chest, savoring the firmness, the way his skin prickled under my touch.
He leaned down again, capturing my lips in a deep kiss that left me breathless, his tongue teasing mine with a rhythm that promised more.
As our kiss deepened, his hands roamed lower, slipping under my bra to cup my breast, his thumb brushing over the sensitive peak until I gasped into his mouth.
"Nate," I whispered, my voice laced with need. "That feels incredible. Don't stop."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied, his breath hot against my neck as he unclasped my bra with one hand.
He pulled it away, exposing me to the cool air of the room, but his mouth was there immediately, lavishing attention on one nipple while his hand teased the other.
The dual sensation had me writhing beneath him, my hips bucking up to seek friction against the growing hardness I could feel through his pants.
I reached down to fumble with his belt, my fingers clumsy in my haste. "These need to go. I want all of you."
He lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine with a playful spark. "Bossy tonight, aren't we? I like it. But only if you promise to let me take my time with you first."
"Deal," I agreed, though patience was the last thing on my mind.
Together, we worked off his pants and boxers, and I couldn't help but admire him, the way his body responded to me so readily.
He was impressive, and the sight made desire pool between my legs.
I stroked him gently, watching his expression shift to one of pure pleasure, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment.
"Ember," he groaned, his voice strained. "You're going to be the death of me if you keep that up."
I laughed softly, releasing him to shimmy out of my panties, kicking them aside.
Now fully bare to each other, the intimacy of the moment hit me—the vulnerability of being seen like this, not just physically but emotionally.
But with Nate, it felt right, safe.
He lowered himself over me again, our skin sliding together in a delicious friction that made me moan.
He positioned himself at my entrance, pausing to look into my eyes and with a slow thrust, he entered me, filling me completely and drawing a shared gasp from both of us.
He stilled for a moment, allowing me to adjust, his forehead resting against mine. "You feel amazing," he whispered, his breath mingling with mine. "Like you were made for me."
I smiled, rocking my hips to encourage him. "Then move, Doctor. Show me what you've got."
He laughed, the sound turning into a groan as he began to thrust, setting a rhythm that was steady at first, building with each movement.
I met him thrust for thrust, my nails digging into his back as waves of pleasure built inside me.
His hands gripped my hips, guiding me, while his mouth found mine again in a kiss that was scorching.
We moved together like that, our bodies syncing in a dance that felt both urgent and tender.
Sweat slicked our skin, and the room filled with the sounds of our breathing, our moans, and the occasional whispered endearment.
"God, Ember, you're incredible," he said at one point, his pace quickening as he sensed me nearing the edge.
"Don't stop," I pleaded, my fingers tangling in his hair. "I'm so close."
He shifted slightly, changing the angle to hit just the right spot, and that was all it took.
Pleasure crashed over me like a wave, my body clenching around him as I cried out his name.
He followed soon after, his thrusts becoming erratic until he buried himself deep, groaning my name as he found his release.
We lay there afterward, tangled in the sheets, our breathing slowly returning to normal.
Nate pulled me into his arms, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "That was… wow. You're full of surprises."
I nestled against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "So are you. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
But I felt off, like something wasn't right.
I wasn't sure if it was dinner or just a belly ache, but my stomach hurt.
It was small, barely noticeable, but it made me uncomfortable enough that I felt the need to get up.
"I need to use the bathroom," I said, trying to keep my voice casual.
I hated to leave him here, but in his arms immediately after sex was the worst place to start having an anxiety attack.
"Okay." Nate's hand stilled on my back. "Everything all right?"
"Fine. Be right back."
I slipped out of bed and grabbed my phone from where I'd dropped it on the dresser, then padded to the bathroom and closed the door.
I sat on the edge of the tub and opened my fertility tracking app with shaking hands.
The screen confirmed what I already knew.
My period was nine days late.
The app helpfully suggested taking a pregnancy test, its cheerful icon mocking me with false enthusiasm.
I pressed both hands over my mouth and tried not to panic.
I was so dumb for just going with the flow and not protecting myself, but when you're in the heat of the moment, protection is the last thing you want.
Another cramp rolled through my lower belly, and I clutched my phone tighter.
Maybe it was just stress.
Maybe my cycle was off because of the emotional upheaval of the past month and this crampy sensation was my period finally starting.
But nine days was nine days, and my cycle had always been regular.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror above the sink.
My face was flushed from sex and exertion, my hair tangled, my eyes wide with fear.
I looked exactly how I felt.
Terrified.
I couldn't tell Nate or I'd freak out for sure.
Besides, there was no point in worrying him over what might be nothing more than a late period.
So I took a deep breath, forced myself to look calm, and opened the bathroom door.
Nate was sitting up in bed, the sheet pulled to his waist, scrolling through his phone.
He looked up when I entered and smiled. "Everything okay?"
"Perfect." I climbed back into bed and curled against his side. "Just needed a minute."
He set his phone aside and wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close. "You're sure?"
"Completely sure." The lie tasted toxic, but I forced it out anyway. "Everything's fine."
He kissed the top of my head, and I closed my eyes, trying to match my breathing to his. But my mind was racing, cycling through worst-case scenarios.
If I was pregnant, everything would change.
The scandal would explode beyond anything we'd dealt with so far.
The committee still wouldn't have grounds to force Nate out, but the hospital might terminate my employment.
My carefully rebuilt life would shatter again, and this time, I wouldn't be able to run far enough to escape it.
I pressed closer to Nate and tried to silence the voice in my head screaming that I'd made a terrible mistake.