All Chapters of The Doctor's Temptation: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

The Doctor's Temptation EmmaWrite I used to love the way Ethan kissed me after a long day. He'd walk through the door, drop his keys on the counter, and I'd meet him halfway, barefoot, still in the little cotton shorts and tank top I wore around the apartment. He used to cup my face with both hands, kissing me softly at first, then deeper, until my knees went weak and I had to hold onto his shoulders to stay upright. There was something about those moments – the way his thumbs would brush across my cheekbones, the way he'd smile against my lips before pulling me closer – that made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. Like I was enough. Tonight was supposed to be like that. He came in smelling like summer air and the faint trace of beer from the gym. I smiled, rose up on my toes, and pressed my lips to his. His hair was still damp from the shower, and when I ran my fingers through it, he made that low sound in his throat that used to make my stomach flip. For one heartbe

One week later, I sat in Vincent's office for my second appointment, feeling more nervous than the first time.The week had been brutal. I'd practiced the techniques he'd shown me. Breathing exercises. Mindfulness. But every time I tried to touch myself, I hit the same wall.Now I was back, feeling like a failure."How was your week?" Vincent asked, settling into his chair across from me.I wanted to lie. But something about him made lying impossible."Terrible," I whispered. "I tried everything you said. But I just freeze. Like my body won't let me feel good."He leaned forward."Mia, when did you first start feeling this way? Not when your boyfriend noticed. When you first felt it yourself."I thought about it."Maybe a year ago? I started comparing myself to articles about what women should be doing, feeling, wanting. And I realized I wasn't any of those things.""So you began performing instead of feeling.""I guess so.""And the more you tried to perform, the less your body respo

I woke to soft morning light and a knock on my door."Yes?"The door opened slightly and Maya, the somatic therapist, peeked in."Good morning. Just wanted to let you know breakfast is ready whenever you are. Dr. Kane asked me to show you to the meditation room at eight."I glanced at the clock. Seven fifteen."Thank you. I'll be there."I showered quickly, pulled on yoga pants and a comfortable top, and headed to the dining room. A beautiful spread waited but I was alone. Vincent didn't appear.At seven fifty-five, Maya found me and led me to the meditation room. Vincent sat on a cushion, eyes closed, breathing slowly. He wore simple gray sweats and a white t-shirt. Without his professional clothes, he looked younger. More vulnerable.Maya gestured for me to sit across from him, then quietly left.For several minutes, nothing happened. Vincent just breathed. So I breathed too.Finally, his eyes opened."Good morning.""Morning.""How did you sleep?""Better than I have in weeks."He