Page 11 of Decker

Mark was shaking his head. “No.”

“No?” Savannah wasn’t sure if it was fatigue still catching up with her or if this conversation really made no sense.

“No, I’m interested, just not in a relationship. You want love and forever and I can’t give you that, but I can give you fun and enough orgasms to make it worth your time.”

Savannah felt her mouth drop open and then close as his words rebounded in her brain. Orgasms from Mark Decker sounded phenomenal. She clenched her legs together under the table as desire pooled in her belly and her clit throbbed. “Orgasms?”

Mark leaned in closer, and she could feel his minty breath on her neck. His deep voice as he spoke the next words reminding her of the kiss they’d shared, the one she’d tried and failed to forget. “So many orgasms you won’t be able to get out of bed.”

Savannah couldn’t deny she liked the sound of that but her previous encounters with this man had made her wary. “Why the change of heart?”

Mark shrugged his powerful shoulders. “I want you and you want me.”

“But no feelings?” Savannah needed to be sure she had this right before she made a decision.

“No. Absolutely no feelings and no sleepovers or promises. This is just sexy and fun, nothing more. Outside of the bedroom, we’re strictly friends only.”

“Are we friends, Mark?”

He took another sip of his drink as if stalling. “I know we got off to a rough start, and I take full responsibility for that. I was fighting my attraction to you, but now I have it all figured out.”

Savannah was glad someone did because she wasn’t entirely sure she did. She wanted Mark, of that there was zero doubt, but could she keep her heart safe from him? Casual sex wasn’t her thing but if her track record was any indication neither were relationships. Her job took up so much of her energy and maybe not having to make promises of more would be good. She could have great sex and maybe a friend and no commitment. “So, friends with benefits essentially?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“And if one of us meets someone or decides they want out we just shake hands and walk away without this affecting our friendship or hurting anyone?”

“Perfect.”

“Okay, then I’m in.”

Savannah stuck out her hand and Mark took it, his much larger palm enclosing hers, in a firm shake that had her wondering about what other talents his hands might have and how the slight calluses would feel on her soft skin.

Mark smiled and then brought her hand to his lips, making her shiver with need. She may have bitten off more than she could chew with this, but it was time to take a few risks. She did it every day with her job but until now had played it safe in her private life and what had that gotten her except an ex-husband with a big ego.

He released her hand slowly, his eyes intense and focused on her. “So, tell me more about your job. How did you decide to become a neurosurgeon?”

Savannah relaxed a little and answered his question. Mark, she found out, was easy to talk to, clever, funny, and attentive. He really listened with no pretence and not as if he was waiting for the attention to turn back to him.

“Have you ever been to Devon?” Savannah found herself asking after she explained how her parents had retired there.

“No, been to Cornwall on a job but I haven’t actually been on a vacation since I started at Eidolon.”

“No way. I know Jack is focused but surely he gives you time off?”

Mark chuckled and the sound moved through her like liquid honey. “Of course he does, but I hate taking time off. Vacations are for families and couples.”

He sounded sombre for a split second before he seemed to snap out of it and pasted the fake smile back on his face. Although fake was wrong, it seemed genuine but as if only half his heart was involved, and the other half was locked away. It made her curious as to what pain was in his past but knew asking would be met by a stony-faced wall of silence.

“Well, if you ever get the chance or have the inclination, you should go. It’s the most beautiful part of the world, full of quaint seaside villages and the beaches are as good as any you’d find in the Mediterranean.”

“Maybe I will one day.”

Savannah was about to respond when her phone, which was on the table, rang and she saw the hospital’s name flash up. “Sorry. I have to get this.”

“It’s fine.”

“Hello, Dr Sankey speaking.”