Lullaby 296
Long, slender fingers scrolled slowly down the tablet screen.
“I think that’s normal. Back when my wife and I first started dating, I could barely last through kissing before I was done. Now that we’re married, I can go at least half an hour each time.”
“Normal? Seriously? The first time I hooked up with a random girl at a bar, I went for over twenty minutes, no problem.”
“Idiot upstairs, you really think a one–night stand and being with someone you love are the same? The more you care about a girl, the easier it is to get overstimulated. Especially for those late–bloomers who didn’t lose their virginity till, like, forty.”
“That’s hilarious. Stop making excuses for your premature finish, seriously. What excuse are you going to use if you’re still like that the second time around?”
“If you’re not confident, just take it slow. Wait till you’re ready before going all in.”
Rowan’s brow twitched. He’d just had a full check–up this year–every health marker was perfect. Still, he turned back to the search bar and typed out another question.
-If you finish too soon, how can you improve?
When Rex arrived at Rivercross Residence, he only found lan, Evan, and a few others hanging out on the first floor.
He paused. “Rowan’s in the study?”
“Gym. Working out.” Evan answered first, pointing upstairs with a shrug. “Don’t know what’s up with him, but he’s been at it for two hours straight without a break.”
Usually, the boss worked out for an hour a day–never this long, never this intense.
Rex raised an eyebrow. “What, is he going for the bodybuilder look now?”
Elissa stepped out of the car at the clinic and reminded Tanya Foster to be careful before hurrying
inside.
The office door was open. She assumed it was just the cleaning crew tidying up.
But as she walked in, a boy with a head of shaggy hair pounced on her. His voice was mid–change, deep and rough. “Elissa! Did you miss me?”
Elissa couldn’t help but laugh. She hugged him lightly, ruffling his messy hair. “When did you get
back?”
“Just two days ago. He was at my house last night, wouldn’t leave me alone till I promised to bring him to see you today.” Cliff walked in, grinning, and shot his nephew a sideways look. “If you’re this free, why not get that mop of hair cut? Your mom won’t stop nagging me about it.”
10:30
Ever since the kid went abroad with his dad a few years ago, his hair had only gotten longer.
Bentley pouted, tugging on Elissa’s sleeve for help. “Elissa, don’t let him boss me around. He’s just like my mom–kept lecturing me all night.”
Cliff corrected him, “It’s ‘Aunt,’ not ‘Elissa.‘ Where’s your manners?”
Bentley grinned. “Then I’ll just call her ‘Sis.‘ Mom said all the single women can be called ‘Sis‘ by default.”
“Alright,” Cliff checked the time and smiled. “Your ‘sister‘ has work now. Go hang out in my office and let her do her job.”
Bentley was good–natured and cheerful. He let go of Elissa’s shoulder. “Sis, I’ll wait outside. When you’re done, let’s grab lunch together, okay?”
“Sounds good.” Elissa smiled and agreed.
The morning was a steady stream of patients.
Remembering her promise to have lunch with Bentley, Elissa didn’t book too many extra
appointments, focusing on those who had come from out of town. The locals, she scheduled for the next few days instead.
When her shift ended, both Cliff and Bentley were waiting outside her office.
Since Bentley hadn’t been back in a while, they decided to have lunch at Virtue Hall, a place known for its classic comfort food.
As the three of them approached the restaurant, they nearly collided with another group just arriving.
At the head of the group was Rowan, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, quietly conversing with a middle–aged man beside him. He radiated authority.
Lorraine followed behind, clutching a folder.
On Rowan’s other side was a young woman in her early twenties, beaming as she stayed close to his
side.
Elissa looked away, ready to enter the restaurant with Cliff and Bentley, when a calm, deep voice called out behind her.
“Little Nine, come here for a moment.”