Leverage (Part Three)(2)

And that was bad.

So when he nearly drowned at the sight of her bikini body, he knew that was even worse. And what did he do? Not the smart thing — which would be to paddle his ass the opposite direction. No, he had to do the stupid thing — and start stroking straight for her.

Julianna broke the surface, gasping a little, and he smiled in greeting. She pushed her hair back and away from her face, smiling as they treaded water together, but it wasn’t hard to see her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy. His smile faded and couldn’t help the concern in his voice as he asked, “Are you okay?”

“You know the worst thing you can ask a woman is if she’s okay,” Julianna answered with a small sad smile. “Because if we say, we’re fine-“

“Then you’re absolutely lying,” Miles cut in with a knowing grin. “You forget, I speak womanese. It’s a perquisite in med school.”

A bigger smile warmed her mouth and he wished he could spend the rest of his days making her laugh. He’d also like to pound into the ground whoever was making her cry. “Why are you so awesome?” she asked. “I mean, please tell me something unflattering about you so I don’t romanticize you too much.”

“Hmm…well, I have been known to steal the covers at night,” he shared with open chagrin. “A past girlfriend said one time I spun around so many times, I’d wrapped myself in the blankets like a burrito and she froze her ass off.”

“That’s a terrible habit,” Julianna agreed with mock seriousness. “I mean, I can’t imagine a bigger offense.”

“Well, it is my private shame.” He enjoyed watching as the frown lines eased in her forehead as she relaxed but he knew he’d have to broach who was making her cry. “Speaking as a friend…stress isn’t good for the baby.”

“Why do you think I’m stressed?”

“I’m going to take a wild guess that this is an ‘ex’ problem?” At her faint nod, he said, “And I’m guessing you didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Not much.”

“You need your rest. The first trimester is very delicate,” he advised her, knowing he was coming off as simply her doctor but he couldn’t help himself. “I know it’s not my place but…want to talk about it?”

“Not really.” She dunked under water and resurfaced, swimming closer to the shore where she could touch. Once her feet could reach the soft shifting sand, she slowly made her way to the beach where she grabbed her towel and wrapped herself in it. Miles followed, grabbing his own towel and wrapping it around his torso. She sighed and said, “I’m sorry. I’m terrible company, aren’t I? Weepy, hormonal, and wishy-washy. You want to know why I was crying? Because I’d hoped that Boston had changed and that things were going to be different. But nothing was different. He’s still the same old Boston and I’m still his property.”

Miles frowned. “Property? You’re no one’s property.”

She bit her lip as if she realized she’d shared too much and he tried to reassure her that he would be there for her. “Listen, I don’t know this guy but he’s an idiot if he doesn’t do whatever he can to hold onto a girl like you. Of course, I have a unique perspective but if this guy makes you cry more than he makes you smile — ditch him. He’s not worth it. And you’re worth more.” Her gaze snagged with his and he fought the urge to pull her close. He had to remember that she wasn’t ready for that kind of entanglement yet. And besides, he didn’t want Julianna for a one-night stand, he wanted her for keeps so he wasn’t going to jeopardize anything by moving too fast. Instead, he forced a light smile and said, “Besides, you’re in paradise. Don’t you know the rules?” At the small shake of her head, he replied with total authority, “Well, let me educate you. There’s no crying allowed in paradise. All that’s permitted are good times. For most people that includes a drink in their hand, suntan lotion or sunscreen, and plenty of vacation time to use up. You feeling me?”

“I think so,” Julianna said. “Can the drink be nonalcoholic?”

“Absolutely. And as your doctor, I will insist,” he whispered conspiratorially. “So, with that out of the way, please do yourself a favor and stay away from the jerk that makes you cry. Okay?”#p#分页标题#e#

Her eyes watered but she nodded. “I think I can do that.”

“Promise?”