Dirty as Hell (Studs in Scrubs Book 2)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Looking through unshed tears, she needed to stay strong. “Old habits die hard.”

  “The dark circles under your eyes tell me you still spend more time helping your patients than you do yourself.”

  “It’s like looking in a mirror, isn’t it?” she whispered. She couldn’t deny his words. Drowning herself in patients, fixing broken relationships, she’d overlooked the point that she couldn’t even mend her own. His sigh made the hair on her neck raise. “We need to stay on track. What do you advise we do?”

  He sat back down again as if he couldn’t make his mind up to stand or sit, then nailed her with a heated glare. As much as she wanted to erase that cocky stare with a heated touch, she had to resist. Falling into the sex web again wouldn’t solve the issue at hand. Indulging in the desire that was boiling in her blood wouldn’t happen.

  He threw her a victory smile, excitement dazzling in his eyes that sent a wave of need blasting through her. He liked when she was vulnerable to him. “You’re asking me?”

  “Yes.” She moistened her lips, practically seeing the wheels turning through his eyes as he savored the morsel. “Don’t sit on it too long.”

  He ignored her words and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his gaze penetrating her. Would he send her away, tell her she was on her own? After losing their son, she’d been incapable of being the wife he needed. She’d erected a wall between her heart and her needs as a woman. He had every right to step away, and yet as much as she expected it, the idea hurt her. Being a single mom was possible. A lot of women accomplished it.

  “I think you have something already in mind, sweetheart. I’ve never known you to not have a plan,” he muttered.

  Sadly, this wasn’t how two people should be while discussing pregnancy. As much as she still loved him, she couldn’t get passed the hurt they’d suffered. She shouldn’t have driven that stormy night. She dropped down onto the chair. “How could you ever forgive me for that night…” The question found its way out.

  He did something she’d never expected. He got up and came around the table to sit next to her. She jerked when he laid his hand over her clasped hands in her lap. “We could blame each other. You could say that it was my fault because I should have been driving, but I worked late. I could blame you because you shouldn’t have been out in that weather, but when do we stop beating each other up for something that was out of our hands? If we could go back, we’d do things differently, but that’s not possible.”

  “I’ve told myself those same words over and over, but I can’t seem to push the guilt out of my body. The feeling has trapped me.” Jenn pressed her lips together to keep the tears from falling. After two years she’d hoped the grief would have subsided, but nothing had changed. If anything, the grief had burrowed deeper. “I didn’t plan this. Getting pregnant wasn’t part of my future.”

  “There’s no blame from me. We can face this together. Maybe it’s a second chance…”

  His sweet, kind words almost undid her. Tears stung the backs of her eyes. She didn’t want to falter in front of him.

  She’d convinced herself that she wasn’t good for him, that she was doing him a favor by leaving. Although, she’d never expected that sexually she’d come back to have him put out a fire that only he could. How could he understand that she’d been so heartbroken she’d been lost in a world that she couldn’t describe or explain?

  On top of the pain, she felt Bridge had betrayed her.

  “I’m not looking at this as being a cure all.”

  He jerked his hand away, the steel set of his jaw came back triple fold. “We’re not ever going to agree.” He stood.

  “Something we can agree upon.”

  “I have a proposition.”

  “What is it?”

  “Come and stay here until the baby is born.”

  She leaned against the back of the chair. “I thought you were selling the condo?”

  He shrugged. “I had every intention of getting rid of it, but it’s not set in stone. I can hold off if needed.”

  “Why? I don’t want you to think that all the issues will—”

  “You don’t have to finish that sentence. I want to be a part of this pregnancy. You’re what? Ten weeks?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. So that’s a commitment of around seven months, give or take. If after she or he is born, and you still want the divorce, I’ll grant you your wish with a lucrative settlement as long as you agree to give me shared parenting rights.”

  “And what if I disagree with those terms?”

  “I’ll see my attorney tomorrow and tell him to hold off on the divorce. Once the baby is born, I’ll sue you for full custody. The loose ties could take years in court. That’s not what you want. Definitely not what I want.”

  “So, what you’re actually saying is if I don’t agree, you’ll work through the court system to seek revenge? Are you even leaving me any choice?”

  He raised a brow. “You always have choices, my dear. I’m only making it clear that you can drive me out of your life, but you won’t keep me from my child. Keep in mind you’ve been at the wheel for a long time and now it’s time we switch positions.”

  “I’d never keep you away from this baby.” She instinctively laid her hand on her stomach, already feeling a rush of protective instincts.

  His gaze dropped to her hand. “Just as you told me on our wedding day that we were forever.” He smirked. “Promises can be broken. I don’t trust you.”

  Jenn sucked in a deep breath. “You’re not making this easy.”

  “And have you ever made things easy for me?”

  She realized he could play hardball when he wanted and he wouldn’t back down. The man she’d fallen in love with was still there, so why wasn’t it so easy for her to just say yes? “What exactly are you asking of me? Are we to live as husband and wife? Sharing a bed?”

  He shrugged. “I’m not asking for a fuck, sweetheart. We both know you’re more than willing to hand that out.”

  “Fuck you!” She stood, her tears blurred her vision, each step toward the door seemed like a heavy weight. She’d barely made it half way before he caught her by the elbow and gently whirled her around. His large hands were on her shoulders, gripping her tightly.

  “You can’t run from this, Jenn. You ran once but it won’t happen a second time,” he said in a low, powerful voice.

  Her jerk reaction was to tell him to contact his attorney and shove his proposition up his ass, but standing there next to him, she became weak. Why hadn’t she demanded that he sign the divorce papers before now? Then he wouldn’t have so much control because she knew the pregnancy would stall the divorce proceedings. The only choice she had was to accept his proposal.

  “Fine, you’ll have your way, but don’t expect me to drop into your bed.”

  A satisfied grin danced across his eyes as pleasure exploded in his expression. “Wonderful. I’ll give you a week to handle your affairs, and then you’ll move back in.”

  A shockwave drove through her at his sharp command. What had she agreed to? This would come with risks. How could she hold her heart safe when he would whittle her wall down?

  4

  Jenn wiped her palms down her paint-splattered Planet Hollywood T-shirt and cut-off shorts. She’d been living back at the condo for two days and hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Bridge. Sure, she guessed he was avoiding her and spending all his time at the hospital, but it didn’t bother her, not one bit. She’d be more than happy if he moved into his office and slept on the couch. After all, this was his crazy idea for her to move in during the pregnancy.

  Over the weekend, she’d started a project that she’d meant to do before she left. Painting her office—or rather, what was her office. Although she’d taken all the paperwork and files, Bridge had left everything untouched. Even the framed pictures on the desk and wall, including the ultrasound pictures of their son tucked away in the top drawer.

  She moved and caug
ht her reflection in the window. The dark night as a background, she could see herself clearly. Although she was still early in her pregnancy, she saw the subtle changes. Suddenly, her hair was thick and lustrous. Her breasts were larger and tender. And there was a new slight roundness to her stomach. Excitement built within her, but less pleasant when plagued with the fear of the past. She knew unexpected things could happen, but she didn’t want to be numb to all the wonderful things to come.

  Pushing the short ladder closer to the wall, she climbed the ladder and dipped the brush into the paint to begin working on the trim.

  “What the hell are you doing?”

  Not realizing she wasn’t alone, the gruff question caught her off guard, causing her to look over her shoulder and, in the process, losing her footing on the ladder. Flinging her arms in an attempt to balance herself, the brush dropped, she fell forward and one cheek and her hand hit the wall and she slid straight downward, which didn’t help matters. Her ankle twisted and a pain shot up her calf as she continued to grapple for footing. She braced herself for impact…

  Then strong arms held her.

  “Son of a fucking bitch!” Bridge said next to her ear.

  Swallowing hard, she tilted her chin to look up into green eyes and thin lips. “My equilibrium is off balance.” She tried to push past the heavy beating of her heart and the sick feeling in her stomach.

  “That ladder is a piece of shit,” he practically growled the words. “You could have gotten yourself killed by climbing on it.”

  A familiar ache throbbed between her legs. She had read that pregnancy could make a woman want sex more often. Oh, for heaven’s sake, how much could she possibly want him? Here in his strong arms, next to his broad chest, his warmth bleeding into her bone marrow, she couldn’t think let alone wrap her brain around his irritated expression.

  Pressing against his chest, she pummeled him in an attempt to get away from him before she forgot logic and jumped his bones.

  “Relax!” he said through clenched teeth.

  “Okay. You can let me down now.”

  “Fine. Have it your way.” He placed her on her feet and when she took a step back, her ankle twinged. “Ouch!”

  “Oh shit! You’ve hurt yourself.” He bent and had her back in his embrace before she could resist. He was right. She had hurt her ankle and, although she wanted to put on a confident façade, she wasn’t sure she could walk, so she submitted. She eased against him and wrapped one arm around his neck. His magnetic eyes widened slightly as if he’d expected an argument and didn’t receive one. A woman had to pick and choose her battles and she could think of far worse places to be besides in his arms.

  He licked the pad of his thumb and swiped it down her cheek. “You have paint everywhere.”

  Sweeping her gaze from his eyes to his full lips, and to his neck, she swore she could see his pulse under his olive skin. “I’ve been painting.” Of course, silly.

  One corner of his mouth lifted, kicking up the scorching heat in her body. “Yes, I see that. Doesn’t change the fact that you shouldn’t be doing this in your condition.”

  “My condition? You say it as if I’m on the last leg of my life.”

  He smirked. “Pregnant women shouldn’t climb ladders.”

  “In my defense, it’s only four feet high, not enough to break a bone let alone kill me.”

  “Why didn’t you wait?” he snapped.

  “For you to finally come home? I’ll be moving out before I can count on you.”

  He gritted his teeth. “We’ll hire painters.” He cursed under his breath, then carried her out of the room and into the guest bedroom where she had been sleeping. He started to lay her on the cozy, white comforter.

  “Wait! Stop!”

  “What?”

  “My clothes are covered in paint. At least let me take them off so I don’t ruin the blanket.”

  “As you wish.” He slipped her from his embrace, but held onto her elbows as if she might fall.

  She inched her gaze up his tight-fitting T-shirt, to his broad shoulders to the bit of the cross tattoo sticking out from beneath his right sleeve. She didn’t need x-ray vision to know how defined his pecs and six-pack abs were underneath the cotton. Lowering her attention to the worn jeans that fit snug to his slender hips, her mouth watered. Bringing her attention back to his eyes, she swallowed. “Well?” she placed her hands on her tilted hips.

  “Well?”

  “Are you expecting me to strip in front of you?”

  “Come on, babe, it’s not like I haven’t seen it all.” His gaze sparkled. She frowned and he shrugged. “Whatever.” He swiveled on his bare heels and crossed his arms over his chest. Meandering her gaze down his wide back, she lingered her admiration a little longer on his tight buns. Did the man ever age? Because she knew he wouldn’t stay turned forever, she hurried and dragged her shirt and shorts off.

  “Will you reach into the top drawer and grab me something to put on?” she asked, covering her breasts with her palms. It was probably a bit too late to play modest in their relationship, and she wasn’t even sure why she felt the need.

  He strolled to the dresser, pulled something out and held it over his shoulder. “Here.”

  It was a see-through cami. “Try again.”

  This time he handed her a worn sleep shirt and she put it on. “Okay. I’m decent.”

  He turned, a sexy grin on his lips. “Decent isn’t a word I’d use to describe you.”

  She realized he was only teasing her and refused to walk right into that trap.

  “Climb into bed. I have something for you.” Her cheeks flushed. “Mind out of the gutter, sweetheart. I have an ice pack in the freezer.” He wasn’t gone but a few seconds and she was lying on the bed when he came back with an ice pack, just as promised, wrapped in a soft towel. He also had a bottled water and a tablet which he set on the nightstand.

  “Now, let me take a look at that ankle.” He sat down next to her feet and ran his capable hands up her legs.

  “I didn’t injure my thighs,” she said with a smile.

  “It doesn’t hurt to be sure.” He rolled his hand along her ankle…his wide fingers circling her foot and pushing her heel. She flinched and he looked up. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just sore.” Her head was aching and her core throbbing. He tightened his hold slightly and a heat zinged up her leg, nestling between her thighs.

  “Nothing’s broken. You’re lucky. Let’s put the ice on and it should take down some of the swelling and tenderness.”

  “Whatever the doctor orders.” Relaxing against the headboard, she gave him a narrowed gaze.

  “In that case, this doctor orders for you to not put your safety at risk again.” Some of the harshness had left his tone.

  “Thank you for being concerned, but I wasn’t at risk. You caught me off guard and I slipped. How long were you standing there?”

  “Not long. If you decide our home needs any more repairs, let me help by calling in someone to do them. Okay?”

  She was stuck on his words “our home”, and it took her a good three seconds before she could answer him. “Fine. We can do that since you were never good with power tools.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Depends on which power tools we’re referring to I guess.”

  “I see you still like to tease. That’s a pain killer that’ll help with the soreness. You should take it and rest.”

  “Is it safe for the baby?”

  “Yes. Power tools are one thing, but babies, I know…at least while they’re still in the womb.”

  Without further argument, she swallowed the pill with a sip of water. She was glad he thought of the tablet because her ankle was smarting, even with the ice pack. “I might close my eyes for a bit. I didn’t sleep much last night.”

  “Take a nap,” he encouraged.

  5

  Lips wrapped around one torrid nipple and suckled as she cried out in need. Warm hands were gr
ipping her shoulders, then touching her torso, her hips and between her legs, sending wave after wave of pleasure progressing through her. She circled her fingers around a thick shaft and squeezed while caressing the taut skin…

  A deep groan made her sigh and she realized she was dreaming once again about her husband. Rolling over in the cool, luxurious sheets, her hand touched something rock solid and warm. Jenn popped her eyes open and found the target of her dreams stretched out beside her, his penetrating gaze on her, a grin extending his gorgeous mouth. The mound in her palm grew harder and she jerked her hand back, realizing she’d been holding his erection. His nostrils flared and his irises became diamonds.

  “What are you doing?” she asked in a sleep drenched tone. Searching her mind, she remembered falling asleep, but didn’t remember him being in bed with her.

  “I wanted to keep a close eye on that ankle in case you needed an x-ray.”

  “How long have I been asleep?”

  “For a few hours.” His sexy smile made her nipples throb.

  “Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “And ruin a good dream? Not happening.”

  How the hell did he know? Her cheeks heated and she looked away, but his fingers were on her chin, dragging her face back. He shifted and held himself above her, leaning on his elbow, looking down at her with a passionate stare that planted fireflies in her belly. His leg covered hers and the prickly hairs on his shin tickled her skin.

  “I enjoyed watching you sleep.”

  “That’s a little weird,” she mumbled.

  “I always watched you, loving how you whimpered and murmured and arched your back as if you were having the best, erotic dreams.”

  The weight of his cock pressed against her side and she stared into his eyes, hypnotized by their complexity. “Bridge…I…”

  “Tell me to go and I will,” he whispered.