Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
The sincerity in his voice calms me down just enough so that I can take a deep breath.
“Thank you,” I say. “I appreciate that, but I’m okay. I want you to check me out—it out. My IUD.”
Kill me.
His mouth curves into a smile, and good lord, the man has dimples for days. Wedging my heels into the stirrups, I scramble to get into position on the exam table so that I can hopefully bolt out of here as soon as humanly possible.
“Are your legs comfortable?” The doctor’s gloved hand touches my ankle, and by some dark anatomical magic, I feel the echo of his touch between my thighs. “I can adjust the stirrups if necessary.”
“They’re fine.”
The paper blanket crinkles as he raises it, exposing my lower body. His gloved hand touches my inner thigh.
“I’m going to insert the speculum now,” he says. “You’ll feel some pressure and possibly a little pinch as it opens.”
I bite my lip and order my lungs to keep breathing as he rubs clear lubricant onto the speculum.
“So, tell me about yourself, Natasha. Are you a student?”
“Yeah,” I say, grateful for the routine small talk. “I’m going to be a junior at UT, Knoxville this fall.”
“What are you studying?”
“Pre-Law.”
I gasp as cold metal warms against my skin.
“Deep breaths, Natasha,” he says. “I can feel how tense you are.”
“Right.” I wince. Can he feel how turned on I am? No, I can’t think about that. I will literally die of embarrassment.
“What are your plans for the summer?”
“Um, you know, just normal summer stuff. Swimming and kayaking… My best friend and I are hoping to stay at his family’s lake house, invite some friends. Throw some parties.”
“Sounds fun. Spread your legs a little wider for me, Natasha.” He lays a hand on my knee to help adjust my position. “Right there, that’s perfect. You’re doing great.”
“Thanks,” I say. Warmth blooms in my belly. I bite my lip as his approval washes over me, enjoying the deep, rumbling sound of his praise far more than I have any right to.
“What made you decide to get an IUD?” he asks after I’ve gone quiet.
I consider lying, but I have no reason to. He’s an OB/GYN. He knows why most women choose to get on birth control.
“I like that I don’t have to worry about it for seven years. And I’m a big fan of the ninety-nine percent effectiveness rate. I’m actually planning on having sex soon. Possibly this weekend.” I tell myself to stop there, but it’s too late. Now that the floodgates are open, there’s nothing to stem my rambling. “I just feel so behind all of my friends, you know? I mean, I’m almost twenty-one and I’m still a virgin.”
Doctor Sexy leans to his left to make eye contact with me.
Seriously, who gave him permission to be so freaking attractive?
“There’s nothing wrong with waiting to become sexually active,” he says softly. “Just because you have an IUD doesn’t mean that you have to have sex if you don’t feel ready. No one should pressure you into making that decision, not even yourself.”
“But that’s the thing,” I say. “I feel like I’ve been ready. Now I just want to get my first time out of the way so that I can move on and not feel so…left out.”
“It’s not supposed to be a race.” He pauses, squints. “You wouldn’t happen to be planning to have sex for the first time at one of those parties you mentioned earlier, would you?”
My pulse jumps. “Maybe… Why?”
“As your doctor, I would caution you against having sex somewhere you aren’t a hundred percent comfortable. Parties are a great way to meet people, but there’s a very good chance you’ll be interrupted. Add alcohol to the mix and you’re looking at a situation that can quickly spiral out of control.”
To be honest, I hadn’t really considered those points. I’m not technically old enough to drink, but I’ve been known to enjoy a beer or two on occasion. Nothing crazy or excessive. I’ll admit, the part about being interrupted makes sense, but I’ve seen people sneak off to hook up at almost every party I’ve been to.
“Just something to think about,” he says when I don’t respond.
He turns his attention back to the expedition taking place between my legs.
“The strings look good,” he says. “Your IUD appears to be in position. Unless you’re experiencing pain or excessive bleeding, I’d say you’re good to go. Just remember that an IUD doesn’t protect you from STIs, so you’ll still want to use condoms.”
“Will do.”
He covers my legs with the thin patient blanket and pulls off his gloves. “You can sit up now. You did very well, Natasha.”
“Thank you,” I tell him sincerely. It’s not often that I meet a man—especially a male doctor—who makes me feel validated instead of undermined or judged. The fact that he hasn’t asked about my diet or mentioned my weight even once is downright refreshing. “And thanks for the advice, by the way. I really appreciate it.”