“Hey, Tammy. The kids are definitely sick. I’m pretty sure it’s the flu, but let me check them out.”
After he had given each kid a thorough exam, he didn’t have anything for her. It was the flu. It could last as little as a day or up to two weeks. “Sorry, honey. It’s the flu. All of them need to go home and get into bed. Try to keep liquids in them, and don’t be surprised if none of them eat.”
“Shit, I can’t miss work, and who wants to watch five sick kids… no one.” Tears filled her eyes and before he could pull her into his arms to hug her, there was a small knock at the door.
He opened it to see Peyton nibbling her lip. “I couldn’t help but overhear.” She licked her lips. “I could watch them. If you give me the day off, that is.”
His eyes widened. Why would she offer to watch five kids she didn’t even know? She must have really wanted away from him. He didn’t like it at all, but Tammy heard her offer and stepped in front of him.
Chapter 7
“You’d really watch my kids so I can go to work?”
I nodded. It was better than being cooped up with Kendrick. I could already feel myself suffocating with need. The need to touch him, feel his taut skin beneath my fingers.
“I’ve got nieces and nephews. I’ve also got one hell of an immune system. You look like you could use a miracle today.”
Tammy burst into tears and nodded. “I do so badly. Since their dad left it’s been hard.”
I stepped into the room and pulled her into a hug. It felt good to be able to do something nice. “You’ll have to ask my boss if I can have the day off though,” I whispered and didn’t miss the glare.
“No, it will be a paid day. You’re still working, just not in the office. Let’s call it a house call.”
I could tell it was hard for him to spit the words out. I held back my triumphant smile and looked at the five sicklings. “Looks like I’m going home with you guys.”
None of them looked thrilled, but they weren’t doing well so I wouldn’t hold it against them.
“Tell Nurse Peyton ‘thank you,’ boys,” Tammy said sternly.
“Thank you, Nurse Peyton,” they all said in unison. Their voices were low and raspy. It was heart-breaking.
“Well, let me get my things, and I’ll follow you then.”
“Thank you so much. I can’t even begin to really show you—”
“We’re good. I’m glad I can help. Let’s get you home so you’re not late for work.”
I carried my purse out of my office and smiled when Kendrick glared. He softened some but the heat was there. “Don’t think being a good person stops me from talking to you. I will be seeing you later—one way or another. Don’t try to hide from me.”
I shivered from his tone and ignored the way my panties dampened by his command. I’d offered for two reasons. One, Tammy sounded desperate, and two, I needed to get away from the sexy man sending the sexiest smoldering look my way.
I gulped and nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Dr. Adams.” Keep it professional. Yep, that was the best way to piss him off.
He leaned in. “You’ll see me sooner than tomorrow.”
“No, you won’t. I am your employee until five. After that, what I do is my business.”
“I’ll just go to your house.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
“That wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“What we did in my office wasn’t appropriate, but that didn’t stop us, now did it?” he said through clenched teeth.
I blushed and looked away. He was right. “Fine, I’ll come by here after Tammy gets home from work.”
“Too late. I’ll be at your house when I’m done here. We need to clear the air.”
I glared. “Fine, but don’t expect to come inside. We’ll talk outside.” I left out the ‘where it’s safe’ part of my thought.
“Don’t think that will stop me from throwing you to the ground and having my way with you, Peyton.”
I shook my head and went to walk away when he grabbed my arm. “I really just want to talk, okay?”
“Fine. See you later.”
I walked away. He was cocky. I couldn’t stand it. He knew exactly how to piss me off, which also aroused me. It was unreal. All night, I’d thought about what had happened and each time I thought of his hands on me, I felt the urge to do it all over again. I felt out of control. My emotions were out of whack. If I didn’t know better, I felt like a hormonal teenager, which was fucking stupid. He drove me crazy.