by R. S James
Someone grabs my arm, I look up, seeing that it's the hot doctor. “Come on, let’s go. We have fifteen minutes.”
I pull back, looking into his eyes, “Where are we going, and why do we only need fifteen minutes?”
He bends down, whispering in my ear, “Baby, when I get to be with you, we will need way more than fifteen hours, let alone fifteen minutes. I’m taking you for a quick break, before you collapse on me.” My insides instantly heat, and my mind goes straight to both of us laying naked, as I trace my tongue along his tattoos.
We walk to the cafeteria together, and I grab a bottle of water and a pack of crackers out of my pocket. I sit down at a table, as he sits across from me with his own water and sandwich. The conversation flows easily between us, and the more we talk the more I realize how sweet he is. When he is done eating, he looks up at me. “So, can I have your number?” He states in in serious tone.
“Umm, why would you want it?”
“Because I’m interested, and we’ve been on our first date already, so I think I should get your number now.”
“I think you need to have your head examined.” I say, shaking my head, laughing at him.
“Claire, I’m going to be very blunt, but honest with you, right now. I really like you, and I’ve been trying to ask you out for weeks now. I want to get to know you. The real you on a personal level. I want to know what makes you happy, or what pissed you off so much that you packed up and moved across country. I want to watch you as you sleep, and also be there when you first wake up. I also want to see the look of pure bliss on your face, as I make you come over and over. So again, can I please have your number, so I can call you, since you’re on vacation? I want nothing more than to set up a date with you please.” I can feel the blush running up my neck.
“My phone has sat on the table this whole time. All you had to do was grab it, and then put your number there. It takes two seconds to call or send a text message to yourself. I’ll be back. I need to use the restroom.” I leave my phone on the table, allowing him to put his number in.
When I come back, he looks pissed. Great, what did I do now?
“Who are these people with you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Who are in the people in this picture with you?” I look down at my phone screen, as a smile spreads across my lips.
“Oh, those are my children. This is my son, Carson, and my daughter, Carly. I’m not married, and I have been divorced for a little a while now. I found out on our anniversary that he had been fucking my twin sister. They actually have a baby together now, and her name is Caitlynn. Recently, they decided they didn’t want to be parents anymore, so my mom is bringing my niece here for me to help raise. Is there anything else you’d like to know about me, Maddox?” I feel so embarrassed that I just blurted out my personal problems. Maybe I did it because I feel like he’ll lose interest. Or maybe, he might want to get to know me more. Hell, I don’t know what I’m thinking right now.
His eyes go soft. “I’d say I’m sorry that your ex is a douche, but I’m not, because now, I have the chance to be with you. I’m sorry about your situation, and I’m not sure if I could help raise a child, knowing how she came to be. You're stronger than a lot of people would be.”
“Thanks, I guess. Anyway, this conversation has been interesting, but I need to go.” I start to walk away, but he falls into step beside me.
“So, how about I take you out Friday night?”
“Listen Maddox, my friends are here for two weeks, and my mom will be here tomorrow. Then, I’m going to help my mother raise a small child. I really don’t know if I’m going to have time to date. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not giving up, and I think Friday will be perfect. You’ll have people here that can watch Caitlynn. Come on, what do you say?”
“I’ll see what I can do. That’s the best I got for you.”
He gives me a cocky smirk, “At least, it wasn’t a no. I will win you over, sweetheart. Mark my words.”
I finish my shift at the same time as Maddox, and he clocks out, waiting for me. After grabbing our stuff, he walks me to my car. “Don’t forget to text me. Enjoy your vacation.”
Damn. Why does this man put butterflies in my stomach?
Claire
I sit in my car, watching him walk away. Man, those scrub pants do wonders for his ass. Mom calls, bringing me out of my dream. She tells me that Caitlynn isn’t any better. I decide I’m going to meet her halfway, so she doesn’t have to drive the whole way alone. I tell her to meet me tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at the Illinois-Iowa state line.
With a sigh, I head home, so I can eat, shower, and go to bed, so I can get up and meet Mom. Not exactly how I planned my vacation, but it is what it is. I call Carly, asking her to go with me, and she agrees.
When I get home, I notice someone has already ordered pizza, and it must have just been delivered, because it’s still hot. I grab a slice, on my way to the shower, and then it’s bed for me. As soon as I hit the bed, I hear my phone ping.
Maddox: What are you doing?
Me: Just showered. You?
Maddox: Yes, please.