Twenty-Four Hours by Allie Standifer Page B

overnight. I’ve made suitable arrangements for my care after I leave the hospital.” Courtney spoke in what she hoped was the doctor’s general direction. With the eye patches on she couldn’t be sure where anyone stood.
    “Courtney, I understand you’re an independent woman, but I’d never forgive myself if I sent you home and something happened,” Dr. May practically cooed from her right.
    “Nothing will happen to me,” she protested again, her anger growing with each denial.
    “Of course nothing’s going to happen to you, sweetheart,” a very familiar voice said an instant before she felt the heat of his presence at her side.
    “Mason? What are you—”
    That’s as far as she got before hot, masculine lips covered hers. A sleek tongue pushed between her lips as Mason took what he wanted. There was no thought to deny him, because he never stopped to ask her permission. Gone was the teasing flirt she’d known for the past few years. He conquered instead of asked.
    At first shock immobilized her. She was stunned that Mason would take such liberties, especially in front of other people. What the hell could he be thinking? Then Courtney felt the world sway around her, but it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered in that moment, except Mason, his lips on hers, his hungry need inflaming her as his mouth slanted across hers and his tongue tempted and teased hers into a desperate erotic duel.
    She’d been kissed plenty of times in the past, and nothing and no one could compare to the way Mason took her over, body and mind. Like being shocked awake after a lifetime of sleepwalking.
    Courtney moaned, arms rising of their own accord to pull him closer as her body arched into him, needing more. She couldn’t get enough of him. The need he created rocked her to her very core.
    Slowly he pulled back, easing her down from the unexpected plateau of desire until his lips barely brushed hers.
    “Like I said, Doc, I can take care of all Courtney’s needs.”
    Privately Courtney couldn’t help but feel a secret thrill at his actions. This time Mason had finally gone past teasing into the real deal. Granted, it could never happen again, but thrums of pleasure ran through her at the thought of his potent kiss.
    May stuttered for a few minutes while Mason effortlessly took over. He requested the necessary paperwork, signing forms to release Courtney into his care. She wanted to protest, but she wanted out of the hospital more.
    The nurse helped her into a loose, flowing gown in the bathroom. The dress fit her needs perfectly as Mason must have known they would when he brought it in. When they came out Mason had everything done.
    “Ready to hit the road, honey?”
    Honey? Sweetheart? What the hell? Add in that brain-melting kiss and Courtney didn’t know what the hell had come over her assistant. While she appreciated him going above and beyond his duties, she didn’t want this temporary playacting to interfere with their regular roles. She should have said something earlier, but her brain still felt fuzzy from their kiss.
    Then again why not indulge in a few fantasies while she had the opportunity? It’s not like Mason would ever follow through with his sexual innuendos. Of course, that kiss…
    Holding out one hand, Courtney searched for a hard masculine chest. When she found it, she slid her hand up the solid wall of muscles and behind his neck. With a gentle tug she pulled his head down to her and whispered softly against his warm lips. “I’m ready, lover- boy .”
    Several throats cleared around the room before she felt a strong muscled arm wrap tightly around her waist.
    “Then let’s get out of here. I’ve got plans for you, sexy lady.”
    Ignoring the pounding of her heart and the louder pounding of her needy pussy, Courtney shot a smile in what she hoped was the right direction. “Thanks for everything, Dr. May. I’ll see you in two weeks.”
    * * * * *
     
    Thirty minutes later, comfortably settled in the