Page 21 of Bones

“Nate…”

I roll onto my back, taking her with me, grip her hips, and lift her. I don’t want to talk anymore. Which is funny, considering the reason I brought her here in the first place. I wanted her to dive into my head and help me work through all my crazy thoughts.

Instead, now all I can think about is her.

What is it about her?

I don’t do this.

I don’t get attached.

I love women too much to get hooked on one pussy.

Maybe I can get her out of my system, the way she’s clearly doing with me. And then after this, we can both walk away.

I can do that, right?

I can disconnect the cameras, stop following her cute ass around, and let her live her life just as she was doing.

But the truth is, she’s just as lonely as I am.

She works, volunteers, and goes home.

No close family.

No man.

Rarely catches up with any friends.

Is she happy with her life? Or is she just distracting herself too?

“Get naked. I miss your taste. I’m afraid I’m getting addicted to it, baby.”

She does as she’s told, while I’m left scrambling to keep it all together.

MEREDITH

It might not have been my brightest idea, getting drunk again with this hot, crazy kidnapper, but we’re playing strip poker, and I can’t remember the last time I had such a good night. There’s music playing, drinks flowing, and I feel so relaxed.

“You’re a card shark!” Nate laughs, slamming his cards down on the table. He’s wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer shorts, looking like he walked straight out of an underwear advertisement.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I grin, taking a sip of my wine. I’ve only lost my socks and pants, but I’m still wearing a T-shirt, so it covers everything. I had to take my bra off, but still, I’m fully covered. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the view, watching his ripped abs flex and tense every time he moves. His blond hair is down, his arms now crossed back behind his head.

He’s fucking sexy.

He knows it, too, if the smirk that plays on his lips every time he catches me looking at him is anything to go by.

“You sick of losing yet?” I tease, dealing the last hand. I’m not sure what I’m doing because my focus is on him and not the cards.

“I don’t mind losing to you, Doc,” he says, studying me with those intelligent blue eyes of his. “You know, your receptionist asked for my number that day I came in.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m not surprised. Beatrice is only there because her father owns the practice. Most days, she calls in sick, and when she does show up, she’s flirting with all the hot men.”

“I knew you thought I was hot.”

“What gave it away?” I laugh, my gaze roaming down his abs. “The fact that you kidnapped me, and I chose to stay here? Or the fact that I can’t look away from that body of yours?”

“I don’t know. I just wanted to hear you say it,” he rasps, putting his beer on the counter and leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. “You look so beautiful when you laugh. I never want to stop hearing that sound.”