Chapter 4

Kent even told me that next time I hire a male lactation consultant, I should have someone with me, just to be safe. I nodded but didn't take it too seriously. Howard had been very professional. His hands never wandered, and his technique was impressive. After his massage, the engorgement eased significantly. But soon, my milk flow became blocked again. Kent was away on a business trip, and I had intended to wait for him before booking Howard again. However, the discomfort was unbearable. I called Alexis, hoping she could come keep me company. She immediately agreed, but when the day came, she was nowhere to be seen. Over the phone, she teased me, "Oh, just enjoy yourself! Don't worry. Dr. Tate's technique is incredible. You're going to feel amazing…" Her words got more ridiculous by the second, and I quickly hung up. Howard had been patiently waiting beside me the whole time. Sensing my embarrassment, he smiled knowingly. "Don't worry, ma'am. A professional treats everyone the same, regardless of gender." Remembering how effective his technique had been last time, I felt reassured. Besides, with the baby monitor in the living room, there was no way he'd do anything inappropriate. I nodded awkwardly. "Thank you, Dr. Tate." He set everything up on the couch as usual. Even with prior experience, I still felt a little shy. I put on the blindfold. With my vision blocked, every sensation sharpened, focused entirely on his massage. The massage quickly made me drowsy, just like last time. Suddenly, a cool sensation spread across my chest. Startled, I reached to remove the blindfold to see what was happening. Howard reassured me, "Don't worry, ma'am. This is a special massage oil I prepared. It helps clear blockages." Hearing that, I relaxed and silently laughed at how jumpy I had become. The oil started cool but warmed as he worked. With his steady, precise technique, the sensations were far more intense than before. He began with gentle, external strokes. Then he gradually pressed deeper as the oil made everything smooth and effortless. My limbs went limp, and my mind became foggy. At times, I could feel the strong sweep of his arms across my chest. Heat pooled under me, and I instinctively pressed my legs together. My chest felt hot and full, and my whole body burned with sensation. "What is this oil made of? Why is it so hot—Ah!" I barely had time to speak before Howard increased the pressure, and a gasp slipped out. His warm breath brushed my ear. "Ma'am, this is my mentor's special formula. The heat helps get your circulation flowing." I was startled by how close he was. My ears were sensitive, and his warm breath made me relax. Gradually, the sensations intensified. My whole body grew restless. Kent hadn't touched me since I'd given birth, and the sudden return of these feelings was almost too much to handle. I shifted and squirmed instinctively, biting my lip to contain heat coursing through me. At this point, I didn't even care that Howard was still there. The feeling was overwhelming, like thousands of tiny sparks running across my skin. "Ma'am, do you want me to… help?"