Well, this day is not going as planned. My ten o’clock appointment went a little haywire and the Rottweiler decided to bite me before I could even examine him. I’m used to these hazards on the job, and it’s why I am up to date on all my shots. Nips and scratches are normal, but that little beast decided to bite a bit too deep. Now I am sitting behind an exam curtain in the emergency room.
The nurse puts some gauze on my hand between my thumb and finger as I wait. My eyes peer up when I hear the swooshing of the curtain, and lo and behold, Lucas Kade is standing there with his usual swagger and cunning grin.
“Crazy day at the office?” he asks as he steps into the space.
I smile at him. “Yep. Quiet day at the office? Why are you here?” This isn’t his department, and I am a little surprised to see him here.
Lucas grabs a rolling chair and comes to sit on it near the bed. “Well, I was returning from lunch with one of the ER docs, and I heard someone mention your name as a patient. Naturally, my interest was piqued. But I must say that I am a little hurt that you didn’t come to me.” He places his hand on his chest for added theatrics.
My eyes roll and my face stays in an entertained look. “Something tells me an exam from you might be risky.”
“Only if I have to give you a thorough full-body exam,” he retorts with his eyes flashing.
I have to giggle softly at that.
We both look at the other doctor joining our space. Dr. Chris Miller: he’s our age, blond hair, easy on the eyes, and I have seen him at Matchbox a few times, even spoke to him a few times. I have an inkling that the nurses gush over him.
“Something tells me you two know each other.” Chris smiles as he puts a pen in his pocket.
“That we do,” I say simply.
“Shall I kick him out or can he stay?” Chris asks.
Lucas looks at me with a charming grin, and I have perhaps had better judgment. “He can stay.”
“Right. So, let’s get some stitches on this hand. This isn’t your first rodeo, is it?” The doctor begins to put gloves on.
“Not in the slightest, and I think there’s a chance I will be back again in a month or two,” I admit.
“But next time she may just go to an old family friend for her medical needs.” Lucas looks at me not blinking, and I love his look of trouble.
It sends flutters down my spine.
Chris gently laughs as he takes my hand and cleans it again with an alcohol wipe. “Stealing our patients now, Dr. Kade?”
“Only the good ones,” he confirms.
“Lucas’s parents and mine are good friends. Ow!” I squeal as I feel a sting on my hand.
The doctor just pricked me with a small needle. “Sorry, thought element of surprise was the way to go. Hang on a sec, I will try and make this as fast as possible.”
“It’s okay. Normally I’m used to it,” I answer, but in truth the level of testosterone around me is making me extra sensitive.
“Didn’t I see you at Matchbox the other night? This reggae band was playing, and you were there with a friend,” Chris remarks as he breaks open a plastic package.
“Oh, yeah. I was there. I always go with Jess; I think you know her. You’re normally there on Wednesdays too, right?” I comment.
Lucas looks between us and his face doesn’t seem thrilled.
“True. Jess helped me find my house. And if you ever need a substitute to accompany you on Wednesdays then just let me know and I’m happy to fill in,” Chris offers casually, and immediately I look at Lucas who has a vein emerging on his neck, accompanied by a tightened look on his face.
“Uh. That is nice of you to offer…” This is awkward for me. I just went out to dinner with Lucas and now another guy is asking me out in front of him.
“Something tells me there is a list of substitutes, Doctor,” Lucas states with his gaze fixated on me, almost warning me. His jealousy is absolutely a turn-on.
My eyes widen at Lucas, and I notice Chris looks over his shoulder at Lucas. He is trying to figure out our dynamics.
“Anyhow. Are we almost done?” I wonder out loud as I’m feeling a bit warm.
“Unless you want to collect a sticker or lollipop, then you are free to go,” Chris says as he stands up and begins to take off his gloves.
“Thanks.” I hop off the exam table.
After Chris goes, I turn to Lucas who holds out an arm to show me the way out. We head to the elevator, and he presses the button while we wait.
“Remind me to kick you out next time I find myself in the emergency room,” I remark and look at him with arms crossed.
“Why? I was overseeing his work, so he didn’t mess up your delicate hand. You received the best service possible at our fine hospital.” He smirks but avoids my gaze.
Rolling my eyes. “Right,” I drag it out as I adjust my bag on my shoulder and look at the elevator panel over the door to figure out how much longer we need to wait.
“But it was a good thing I was there. You have some sharks wanting a bite of you, and I may have needed to throw you a life vest.” His gaze turns to me, and I nervously tuck some hair behind my ears.
“I guess so…” This is when I could tease him and point out that we are not dating. But I’m too old for games. “But there’s only one shark I think I want to bite me.”
Lucas’s face forms a happy grin. He knows he has me where he probably wants me. “Good answer. Any day now,” he reminds me.
I nod slowly as we step into the elevator.
As soon as we are standing behind the closing doors, my air supply feels strained from his close proximity and my nerves, and his smell intensifies my senses. This would be a perfect opportunity to let our mouths slam into one another. And those jeans on him are screaming to rub against me so I could feel what’s underneath.
But it’s not our time.
He will thank me one day for having full closure before he pounces on something different. I’ve been in his shoes; the waiting for the end you know is coming is excruciating. All the more reason to have a clean break and start fresh.
Still. Our bodies stand near although there is plenty of space in the elevator. Our arms gently gaze and our eyes dance with each other. The magnetic pull between us struggles to stay at a distance, and there is a thumping of blood to my heart.
“My office is on the second floor FYI. You should stop by next time you need to be saved,” he reminds me as he leans against the wall sideways and looks down at me with that sexy look that must be making his patient list grow.
“Duly noted. Would I get a full examination?” I give him a smirk with eyebrow arched.
“God I hope so,” he mutters as the elevator doors ping open to his floor.
I have to laugh at his remark. “It was good to run into you unexpectedly again.”
He holds the door open to prevent it from closing. “Really. Next time just call me, and I’ll help. You should rest your hand this afternoon and tonight.”
“Yes, sir, Doctor,” I call out as Lucas walks away and the doors close.
Later in the day, I’m at home and sitting on my sofa with Romeo resting his head on my lap. I cancelled the rest of my appointments for the day, which means I will have a hell of a week next week. Everyone in this town has a pet. It’s a must, along with a decent wine supply.
My phone pings with a message and I look to see that it’s Lucas, which makes me smile.
Lucas: You’re home, right?
Me: Yes, why?
Lucas: Oh good, you will have something at your door in five minutes.
Me: Is it you?
Lucas: I know you wish it, but I am trying to behave, so sadly no.
Me: A male stripper? I’ve always wanted one of those.
He sends back an unamused emoji.
Lucas: We may need to talk about that at another time. But you need to rest your hand, so no cooking.
Sure enough, five minutes later my doorbell rings and the delivery man has a bag of Italian food for me. Pasta, eggplant parmesan, salad, garlic bread, and even tiramisu. This is the sweetest gesture anyone has ever done for me. Needless to say, my ex was not a romantic. The thought behind this shows the type of character Lucas is. He is one of the good ones. After setting the bag on the counter, I quickly grab my phone again with a beaming smile.
Me: Wow, you give Prince Charming a run for his money. Thank you!
Lucas: Oh yeah? I even threw in an extra eggplant parm for your beast.
Me: You mean Romeo?
Lucas: Yeah. Something tells me that I need to gain some points with him.
Me: haha Maybe.
Lucas: Night, Abby.
Me: Night, Lucas… and if I need medical assistance then next time I’ll phone you. I promise.
Lucas: Oh, good, my plan to gain a new patient worked.
He sends me a winking emoji.
I sigh a blissful sigh as I sink into my chair at the kitchen island and look at Romeo who watches me with interest.
Am I losing my patience to wait?