Pleasures of the Night(32)

Struck by sudden déjà vu at her own words, Lyssa stared, arrested, as Aidan’s smile widened, making him even more gorgeous. Why do I feel as if I know him so well? As if we’ve had this conversation before?

It was surreal to be hovering over a stranger who’d just kissed her senseless. But no matter what she told herself, she couldn’t convince herself that she had done something wrong.

“You’re very sexy when you’re grumpy,” he said.

“Yeah? Well, you’re very sexy when you’re grinning like an idiot. And I’m not grumpy. Now, where did you come from?”

“Your dreams.”

“Okay. Now I know I’m asleep. Real-life hot guys don’t say corny shit like that.” It hadn’t really sounded corny, though. It had sounded sweet, kind of breathless, as if he was really happy to see her.

He caught her hand and tugged her into his lap. She considered a token protest, then thought, Screw it. He was hot and nice, and she was insane.

“Did we date in kindergarten or something?” she asked, studying his features with a frown.

“Or something,” he replied evasively. “As a doctor, you’re trained to look for specific signs and then, based on those, you narrow it down to a diagnosis.”

Lyssa arched a brow at her dream guy. “Something like that.”

“But sometimes you just have to go with your gut, right? Like now. You don’t remember me, but you’re pretty sure about me anyway.”

“No. The only thing I’m sure about is that I’m certifiable.”

Aidan closed his eyes and shook his head. Released from the snare of that intense gaze, Lyssa was able to look at the rest of his features more closely. His cheeks were flushed, his lips red. She touched his forehead with her inner wrist and detected fever.



“You’re burning up.”

“It’s not contagious,” he assured her, his eyes opening and his arms tightening when she tried to stand. “I’m just adjusting, I think.”

“To what? Let me up.” Wiggling, she broke free. “You should be in bed. We can reminisce about where we know each other from some other time.”

“I could really use a bed. I haven’t slept in two days.”

Lyssa stared at Aidan’s upturned face with wide eyes. “Long flight, huh? Do you need help finding a hotel?”

“The only thing I need is to be with you.” He sank into the sofa back and groaned. “I ache all over.”

“Shit.” What the hell was she supposed to do with him? “This is where I call the police, right?”

Hello? 911? The hottest man I’ve ever seen (also the best kisser and best-smelling guy ever) just accosted me and is now passed out on my—

She watched with mouth agape as JB crawled into Aidan’s lap and settled comfortably, nuzzling his gray and black head into her dream guy’s abdomen. Aidan lifted his hand and rubbed her cat behind the ears, even though he was obviously sick as a dog. The tender gesture made her feel all mushy inside.

“Please don’t,” he breathed, his head falling back. “You know me. You…me…you and I…” He yawned, and looked adorable. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to fall asleep like this. I’ve never felt this crappy in my life. And your couch is comfortable.”

“Yeah, well…Don’t mention it,” she said lamely. “But you should take something for that fever.” Before she knew what she was doing, Lyssa walked into the kitchen and fetched a bottle of Tylenol. Her hands shook as she opened it.

Aidan.

She had known his name. Surely that meant she knew him. Why the hell couldn’t she remember?

The ringing of the phone caused her to jump and drop the bottle on the floor. Lucky for her, the childproof cap hung in there. She leaned over the sink and grabbed the receiver, glancing aside to see her guest fast asleep on her couch. The sight of him, so large and formidable, now sprawled and relaxed, made her sigh. Even wearing ill-fitting clothes, Aidan Cross made her mouth water.

“Dr. Bates,” she said in muted tones as she set the phone to her ear.

“Hey, Doc.” Stacey’s cheerful voice was like a lifeline thrown to a drowning woman. “I’m just reminding you that we’re opening late tomorrow, because of Justin’s birthday thing at school.”

“Gotcha. Thanks. I forgot. Again.” Lyssa rounded the breakfast bar and slid onto her customary stool so she could drink in Aidan’s dark good looks while he slept. “Stace?”

“Yeah?”

“Something weird is going on over here.”

“Hot monkey sex?”