Chapter Nine
MaCee
It’s been over a week since we caught Melody meeting Dr. Spar in a parking lot, and I’m working a shift in Labor and Delivery at the hospital. Things are going surprisingly good since our little spying venture, and we found out who the true culprit is. Jordan and Rachel made it their personal missions to spread the news that I have a boyfriend and am much shorter than the blonde messing around with the two-timing surgeon. We decided not to sink to Melody’s level and mention names, but both of my friends claim to have seen some tall blonde getting into his car while they were with me. This seems to have put a stop to the rumors of the good doctor and my affair. People have started to be nice to me. And whether it’s a bit of guilt fueling their friendliness or not, I’ll take it. I find I truly don’t like being a pariah.
I started my shift early this morning, and it’s been a very calm day as far as work goes. We’ve only had to do a few outpatient tests. I’m on my lunch break and surprisingly get to take it in the cafeteria when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I smile as I see it’s my bestie, Cameryn. She’s still living in New Orleans and works in the trauma OR as a circulating RN at Tulane Hospital. Wonder if she has some hot gossip to share, like she’s engaged or something equally as interesting.
“What’s up buttercup?” I stand and dispose of my tray to walk outside where I can talk in private.
“Hey, babe. Damn, I miss you, which is why I’m calling.” Her voice sounds slightly off, and alarms are going off in my head. I always know when something is wrong by hearing her voice. She could never get away with anything if I talked to her on the phone, and right now, something is wrong. “I’ve decided to come home, and I’m wondering if there are any job openings at the hospital.” Whoa, wait a sec, Cam has been dating an orthopedic surgeon hot and heavy. What the hell is going on?
“Cam, what’s going on? I thought you were happy. What about you and Jay?” I hear her sigh on the other end and know something bad has gone down. “Am I going to have to come kick his ass? What has he done to you?”
“No, dear, no ass-kicking required, let’s just say for now it’s not going to work out. I’ll tell all when we see each other. So, do you know if I might be able to go to work or not?” I can hear the pain in her voice, and even though she’s denying it, I know Jay needs his big ass kicked. They were so happy, what could have possibly happened?
“I would imagine there’s something you could do. Rachel Carlysle is the charge nurse in the OR, how about I ask her if they have any openings? I just saw her in the cafeteria. When are you planning on needing a job?” I turn to go back inside to look for Rachel.
“Rachel Carlysle? Wasn’t she a couple of years ahead of us in school? I always liked her. I put my notice in today and I have to give two weeks, so two weeks.” Man, she’s serious. I see Rachel across the cafeteria sitting with a couple other OR nurses, so I make my way over to her.
“I see Rachel, so let me go talk to her and I’ll see what I can find out. My break is almost over so I’ll probably just give your number to Rachel. Is that all right? I’ll call you when I get off.”
“That would be great. Hey, MaCee, I appreciate this so much. I’ll be so happy to be back in your sphere and home sounds so wonderful right now.” If I’m not mistaken I believe I hear tears in her voice. Damn, what’s going on? I wish I was there with my friend. If I didn’t have to finish my shift I would jump in my car and head to her side this very minute.
“Cam, you know I love you right? I would do anything for you. Do you need me to come now? I could try and find someone to cover the rest of my shift.” I can hear her sniffling and hate I’m not with her.
“No, I’m fine. It’s just hearing your voice makes me miss you more, but hopefully, it won’t be for much longer. I know you would be here if I asked. I’m going to go to my apartment, take a bubble bath and just chill out with a bottle of wine.” She’s sounding somewhat stronger, so I feel better about not being there.
“You know I’m here for you, anything you need. Speaking of, do you need help moving home?” My mind is spinning, and I already have plans of talking Tyler and Justin into making a day trip to the Big Easy.
“I’ll let you know. I would imagine my dad will offer once he finds out I’m finally coming home. They’ve been after me to move back for years.”
“Okay, let me know, I’ll call you in a few.” I hang up and make my way over to Rachel. The other nurses look up and smile at me. That’s a definite improvement because they usually act like they’ve smelled something bad and walk away as soon as possible whenever I’m in the near vicinity.
“Hey, guys, sorry to interrupt but Rach can I talk to you for a sec.” She excuses herself, and we walk back outside.
“What’s up?” I really like Rachel, she’s good people, and I know if she can help Cam she will.
“Do you have any openings in the OR?” She turns surprised eyes to me.
“No, not for me, Cam is moving back home, and I told her I would ask if you had an opening. She works in Tulane’s trauma OR as a circulator.” She laughs and then smiles.
“Yeah, we actually just had a girl quit last week, and I’m taking applications but haven’t gotten any with experience.”
“How about I give you her number, you can call her and tell her what you need and y’all can work out the details.” She agrees, so I give Rachel the information and then head back to work. Thank goodness this seems to be working out. I text Cam that Rachel said she would be calling her as I walk back onto the unit.
I’m so excited my friend is moving home, and the first person I want to call is Tyler. I don’t even question that he’s the one I want to share my news with. We’ve been dating a month and haven’t slept together, which is a miracle because I could climb him like an oak tree, but I know this is something special and that’s why we’re moving so slow.
I don’t have time for a call, so I text Tyler and tell him about Cam and then get back to work. Things really picked up since I left, and I hit the floor running so I don’t have time to check my phone until I’m walking out the door—and boy, has it blown up with messages. I have three from Cam and four from Tyler and one from Rachel. Damn, wonder what’s up, hopefully, it’s all good news.
I open Cam’s message to find she emailed her resume to Rachel and had a phone interview with her and the director that afternoon. Looks like she’s getting the job. Man, Rachel works fast.
Rachel sent a text to tell me Cam had the job, and Tyler was happy my friend was moving home, then he asked if I had plans for tomorrow. Seems he has someone he wants me to meet. Hmmmm, wonder what that’s all about. I decide to call him and find out. He answers after the third ring.
“Hey, baby, you just getting off? It’s a little late, rough day?” Tyler sounds slightly off or distracted. I can hear someone talking in the background and then I hear a woman’s voice and wonder who that could be.
“Yeah, it was a busy afternoon. So whatcha doing?” I hear a door close and know he’s gone back to his bedroom, so he doesn’t want whoever is at his house to hear our conversation.
“Nothing just chillin at home. Did you get my message about tomorrow? Can you come to lunch? I’ll pick you up and we can go to the Bent Oak. I have someone I want you to meet.” Okay, he’s at home, obviously someone is there with him and he’s acting as if he’s alone or I’m reading him wrong. Maybe our relationship isn’t as serious as I thought. I mean we haven’t made any promises to each other, but I’m assuming stuff and really need to calm down. I may be just upset about not being able to see Cam and am taking it out on him.
“Why don’t I come over tonight? We could chill together.” Balls in his court now, let’s see how he plays it.
“Now isn’t a good time. I have some work I need to get caught up on, but I really need you to come to lunch tomorrow.” Okay, now I�
�m getting pissed. Work, with some random chick laughing in the background. What the hell? I can handle a lot, but not lying.
“I tell you what, you get back to your “work” and I’ll just move on with my life.” I hang up and jump in my car to head home. I can’t believe Tyler would lie to me. I thought he was a good one. Well shit, now I’ve started crying. I’ve only been seeing him a month so why am I so upset? My phone rings and it’s him, I hit ignore. I’m not going to listen to anymore of his lies. Damn him, damn, damn, damn!
I pull into my driveway to see Tyler’s truck parked there with him standing at the tailgate waiting on me. I sit in my car and stare out for a minute before getting out and walking to him. My arms are crossed, and I’m stiff with anger. I don’t know what to say. I’m surprised to see him, I figured he would be too busy with whoever was at his house to worry about me.
He walks up to me and puts his hands on each side of my face to force me to meet his eyes. I look up and see only concern and something that looks a lot like fear. I feel my eyes tearing up, and he wipes my cheeks with his thumbs.
“Oh hell no. You’re not to cry.” He then pulls me to his chest. “Okay, I take it you heard Maggie in the background when you called and then I acted weird. I should have just told you.” This makes me cry harder into his chest completely wetting the front of it. His arms tighten around me as he holds me even closer, almost as if he’s afraid to let me go.
“It’s okay, you don’t want to be exclusive. I just thought you did, but that’s not your fault. It’s mine.” I hiccup, and he steps back to crouch down so he can look into my eyes.
“Oh, we are definitely exclusive or we damn well better be. I don’t want anyone but you. I’m not seeing anyone else and I really do have work. Cash sent me a weird deadline, but I don’t care, we need to get this straight now. Maggie is my sister-in-law; my family is here for the weekend and I wanted to surprise you tomorrow at lunch.” I look up at him and then narrow my eyes. I push against his chest and growl at him, I mean I literally growl I’m so angry.
“Seriously Ty! Your sister-in-law? And you were going to surprise me by meeting your family? What the hell! What if I dressed like a slut tomorrow, thinking we were finally taking the big step? Hell, I might not have worn panties and would’ve met your family bare-assed! Do you hear me BARE-ASS?!” I push against his chest again, I’ve gone from devastated to straight up pissed off in two seconds.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I was so upset and thought you were screwing around.” I poke him in the chest to emphasize my point and turn to walk into the house only to have him swing me back and kiss me. I try to resist, I really do, but he turns me on with a touch and his kiss melts me. Before I know it my hands are in his hair, and I’m kissing him back. I pour all the hurt and frustration I felt for the last thirty minutes into that kiss. When we pull apart we’re both breathing hard.
“I admit I didn’t handle this evening very well but understand this—I will never cheat on you. I don’t cheat, if we’re together, then we’re together. Secondly, I knew you would dress nice, we’re going to the Bent Oak for God’s sake. The bare-ass thing would have been fine by me, and if you still wish to do that I’m all for it.” I give him a glare which he ignores. “I only wanted to give you a little payback for the way you introduced me to your mother. By the way, my mom is here too and will be at lunch tomorrow.” He grins at me, and I can’t help but grin back. I did kinda spring Mama on him. Sometimes I find it’s the best way for new folks to meet her.
“So, you’re my boyfriendddddd?” I ask with a laugh, and he throws me over his shoulder and swats my ass.
“Yes, I am and no more of this insecure bullshit.” He sets me on the hood of his truck and kisses me again. “Are we okay?” I nod and push his hair back from his forehead. “What’s this about your friend, Cam moving home? This is sudden. Is she all right?”
“Yeah, she called today and broke the news. She didn’t sound good though and I know something bad happened between her and Jay. She didn’t want to talk about it on the phone, and had I not been working I believe I would’ve hauled ass to New Orleans to check on her. She sent me a text later saying she has a job at the hospital, and I plan on calling her shortly.” He leans forward to give me another kiss.
“I hope she’s better when you talk to her. Are we good?” I sense his insecurity and know he needs to hear me say it out loud.
“We’re good. You want to come in? It looks like my mother may be out for the evening.”
“Babe, I would love to, but I really do have a work thing. I was working on it when you called. If it’s okay, I’ll pick you up at eleven tomorrow.” He helps me down, and I kiss him goodbye. I start to go inside feeling much better than when I drove up. I turn to catch him watching my ass and grin back at him.
“You look sexy in those scrubs. Get inside before I tell Cash to hell with it and then have to explain why my dick is the reason we lost a big account.” I unlock the door and wave goodbye as I step inside with a dreamy look on my face. We’re exclusive. Something in me changes, I feel more confident and my possessive side comes to the fore. He’s mine now. I’m also through going slow. Tyler Dixon is about to have his world rocked, and I’m going to be the one to rock it.
Chapter Ten
Tyler
Once MaCee has the door closed and I know she’s safely inside, I back out of her drive. I need to get home and finish my work, but Cash can kiss my ass. I need a moment, and I don’t want to face my family right now. They probably think I’ve lost my mind, the way I stormed out of the house without an explanation, and I’m not in the mood to try and explain what just happened between MaCee and myself to them. That can wait until morning.
I knew when she hung up on me tonight I’d screwed up big time. Then, she ignored my attempts to call her back, so I knew I had to see her in person. I hurt her, and it about drove me crazy thinking she was upset. Damn, I have it bad. I rushed over to her house and prayed she came straight home. I don’t know what I would have done if she had detoured and went to a friend’s house. I would have probably done something stupid like drive around town until I found her.
I drive to the river and park for a while as I get my head back on straight. She was very upset at the thought of me screwing around, and in a way, it shows how much she cares. But it also upsets me that she didn’t realize how deep I’m in for. I’m glad we finally admitted we’re exclusive. I haven’t wanted to rush her, but it’s been worrying me that we haven’t defined our relationship. I guess neither one of us wanted to take that first step. I calm down at the thought and decide I better get home and finish my work or Cash really will have my ass and will never let me live it down. Considering I’m the one who first approached this group for their business, I need to get my shit together.
My brother Colin is waiting on the porch for me as I drive up. I’ve replaced all the rotten boards on the porch and reinforced the swings so it’s safe sitting on them now, although I only focused on the porch after Justin busted his ass sitting in the swing. As funny as it was to see the look on his face when the swing fell, I knew I had to take care of any dangers my house presented before someone got hurt. I haven’t made as much progress as I would like, but I keep reminding myself Rome wasn’t built in a day. So far all I’ve managed to remodel completely and to my satisfaction is my office, the porch, and the guest bathroom, which I had to have ready for my family’s visit.
I walk up and my brother is grinning from ear to ear. Damn. I guess I’m not going to avoid some of that conversation after all. “What caused you to tear out of here like a cat with his ass on fire? Wouldn’t happen to be a woman, now would it?” I smile and shake my head. I love my brother, but sometimes he can be a pain.
“Yeah, it was MaCee. I did something stupid and had to fix it before things got out of hand.” He chuckles as he rises and joins me to walk into the kitchen.
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“Never seen you act this way over a woman, must be serious.” Colin is not a man of many words. He’s a lot like my grandfather, and that’s why he’s living with him on the ranch and doing a wonderful job running it. I didn’t have any desire to go into the family business, and that suited them fine. Colin never knew his dad, and I was lucky enough to have mine. He left me an inheritance and was around as much as possible.
“It’s serious, I believe she’s the one and I don’t want to do anything to scare her off. Which brings us to tomorrow’s introductions. I hope she can handle Mother.” I cast a worried look in his direction, and he mirrors my look. Colin is my older brother by five years, and if you didn’t know you wouldn’t be able to tell we were related by our looks. The only similarities we share are our height and eyes other than that we’re complete opposites. We both take after our fathers or I assume we do, I’ve never seen Colin’s dad, but he doesn’t look like anyone else in our family.
We’re both over six feet tall and have blue eyes. But where my hair is dark, Colin’s is blond; and I’m slightly bulkier whereas he’s lean. I have a dimple in my left cheek and he doesn’t, and my smile is wider than his. But in spite of our differences, we’re still brothers through and through. I’ve always known my big brother had my back.
We walk into the house, and it’s quiet. I’m assuming my mom and sister-in-law have gone to bed. Colin must want to talk and decided to stay up, which is strange because like I said before he’s not much on conversation. I inwardly sigh because I really do need to finish the project I’m working on. I guess I’ll be up late.
I lead him into the kitchen and grab us a couple of beers. We sit at the bar in silence for a few minutes sipping our beer, and I can’t stand it any longer. “What’s on your mind, Colin? I know you and I also know there’s something eating at you.” He looks over and then quickly looks away. “Hey man, what’s going on?”
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