When I approach her, she jokingly says, “It’s about time you show up. Del was wondering if you were going to ditch her tonight. You know she would’ve been livid if you didn’t show. We know you can be shady sometimes.”
I frown, “I know.”
Smirking. “You better buy you and her a shot.”
“Can we do a shot first? Then I will get her and me one.”
“Let’s do it.”
The bartender waited on us. We took our first shots together, grabbed our second round and headed over to our group of friends in the back room.
Once we arrive to the party, Del notices us from a distance. She hollers, “What’s up, hookers?”
And Del is drunk, already!!
I grin, “Hey, Del. You ready for another one?” Raising our shots up in the air.
“Hell fuckin yeah.”
I shake my head at her. “Already, uh?”
“Well, you should’ve gotten here sooner, slacker.”
“Touché, my friend.”
Del grabs one of the shots and holds it up high. “Let’s do this.” We take our shots together. Del slams hers down on the table. “I got a surprise for you.”
Confused. “What do you mean you have a surprise for me?”
“You’ll see.”
Distracted, Del looks around. “Where is Greg?”
Confused again. “Greg? As in Greg, Leo’s friend? I thought you two were done.”
“Not really. I will explain another day.” She continues to scope the crowd. Then a smile appears on her face. She smirks, “And your surprise is here.”
“Del, what did you do?” I turn my body in Greg’s direction. And there he was, my wonderful surprise. Leo!
“Del!”
With her hands up by her chest, trying to play it off like she did nothing. “What?”
“Why?”
She smiles, “Just because.”
“I hate you.”
“You love me.”
“Ugh!”
“Now, go have some fun. I know I will later.” She smirks as she walks to Greg.
Damn her. I can’t believe she invited Leo to her party. I mean, seriously, what does she think is going to happen? I mean, the run-in at work was weird enough, let’s just invite him to the party. She is going to make it very hard to avoid him tonight or any other day after. Damn her, again. Why is Del so dead set on having me hook up with some random guy I don’t know? I was happy with leaving it as a one-night stand. But shit, he keeps showing up in my life. It is like he is stalking me, but he really isn’t. This is just too weird. I need another drink. Fuck it, another shot. Yeah, it would be three in a row but, at this point, I don’t really care. Leo is here.
I walk back to the bar, hoping he didn’t notice me. Who am I kidding? Del is going to point me out to him. I know her. I just can’t believe my friend. This girl, she is so damn lucky it is her birthday. I could kill her. Yay to me, I get to try and avoid Leo all night long. It is inevitable, we are going to run-into each other. Maybe, I should just put my big girl pants on and deal with it.
Then it hit me. I should approach him instead of him approaching me. Granted, that is so not me, but this could be my best defense against him. Who am I kidding? I don’t have the balls to do that. Wait a minute, maybe I do. I did go home with him and it was all me who initiated it when that is totally out of character for me. Crap, I’m a hot mess.
Still in deep thought, I hear a familiar voice behind me. “Hey Max, can I get a beer for me and whatever she is drinking.”
Max looks at me. “What do you want?”
“I, uh, Michelob Ultra.”
Turning my body to see who it was, hoping it wasn’t who I thought it was. And it was, Leo. Great!!!!
Once again, I’m annoyed and trying my hardest not to stumble over my words. “Hi. You don’t have to buy me a drink.”
“Well, why not? That is the least I could do since I left you wet at work the other day.”
Hold up! Why does he always leave me speechless?
I just stare at him, him looking at me with those gorgeous emerald green eyes.
“It is kind of cute watching your mind think.”
“What?”
“I can tell when you’re thinking. You scrunch up your nose and your eyes squint. Stumping you is fun.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”
“Paige, I’m going to get straight to the point with you because well, I don’t have the time otherwise.”
“Okay.”
Max hands us our drinks.
Leo continues, “This is how it is going to be. Tonight, you are coming home with me again.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“What makes you think I’m coming home with you?”
He grabs me, pulling me close to him. My heart pounding through my chest, wondering what the hell he is going to do. He leans down to me, brushing his lips on my neck. The bumps on my skin rises in awareness. I moan in excitement. He whispers, “Your body is tensing up, which tells me you want me.”
Annoyed, I nudge away from him.
Leo grin, “This time, you’re playing hard to get?”
“Leo, the first time was just for fun and that is all it was. The whole coincidental thing with my sister is just weird. But showing up in my unit and talking like you did was very inappropriate.”
“You’re flustered.”
“Will you stop it? Can we just leave it as a one-night thing? It was fun.”
“No. You left me before we could have morning sex together.” He pauses. “And what kind of shit is that, leaving me in the morning? I wanted to see you again.”
He is trying to have the upper hand here.
“Leo, please, can we just leave it as an amazing night we had together? That was my only intention with you, just one night of sex. Can you just leave it alone? And please don’t bother me at work. My work is very important to me and I don’t need any distractions.”
“Wow. Then fine. If that is what you want.”
“That is exactly what I want. So, please let me be.”
He nods his head at me. “Okay, then. I will see you around sometime. Enjoy your beer.” And he walks away.
I really hope he stays away. He is a big time distraction to my goals in life. At this moment, I can’t be strapped down to anybody. For the last six months, I have been happy not in a relationship. Leo provided me with a pleasure only a man can provide; well, maybe battery operated boyfriend can provide too. I’m good for a while. I just want to focus on my career and not the worries of a man. I’m completely fine with being single for a while.
The last six years of my life was committed to pleasing my ex-fiancé. It was so darn hard to balance my work life and my home life - probably explains why it didn’t work out. He wanted more of a boyfriend pleaser than a go-getter who lived for her work. I have no clue why I am so determined to strive to be the best that I can be. I love the challenge of my job. Jake never understood why I was so dedicated to my career. He worked a typical eight to five day. Where mine is from seven in the morning until the work is done. It could be eight hours one day, and ten hours the next. It is what it is and I love it. Again, he never understood the demands. Maybe, one day I will meet someone worth my time who understands how much my work means to me. I really hope I meet someone like myself. However, I’m not ready to meet them anytime soon.
***
Later in the evening, I am sitting with Karrie and Britnee watching Del make a spectacle of herself. She was hanging on Greg most of the night. She must really like him. I’m not sure what I think of him. If they go somewhere in their relationship, that could mean more run-ins with Leo. Really not a fan of these awkward moments.
My night has been going great after my run-in with Leo. Every once in a while my attention would turn to him. He is sitting with some men whom I am assuming are his friends. He is smiling and laughing a lot. He is handsome. His dark brown hair slicked to
one side, his emerald eyes glistening from a distance, his tight t-shirt showing off his slender, firm physique. He has a runner’s body - long and lean. It has been a while since I have been affected by a man like this. I know I said I wasn’t ready to do this whole relationship thing and I mean that. However, his touch provides a zing throughout the rest of my body that causes my insides to turn in excitement. I probably should get going before I have any more to drink that would suggest me going against my better judgment.
I pick up my purse and say goodbye to Karrie and Britnee. Like identical twins, they say goodbye at the same time. It made me laugh. I go in Del’s direction, not looking forward to walking by Leo, who happens to be sitting at the same table as Del.
When I come by her, she looks up at me confused. She asks, “Are you seriously leaving?”
“Yeah, I’m tired. You know I have had a long week.”
She drunk pouts. “Really? You suck.”
“I’m sorry but I’m heading out.”
Rolling her eyes. “Fine. Bye.” I smile at my friend and walk toward the exit of the bar.
Walking to my car, I begin to search for my keys. Why must us women have huge purses knowing our keys will fall to the bottom and we won’t be able to find them? Silly, I tell you. When I reach my car, I finally find my keys, unlocking the door and then opening it. Before I could slide into my Accord, my car door slams shut. I turn to see who pushed my door shut. My nerves are balled up into knots. Before realizing who it was, my body is gently pushed up against my car and strong lips touch mine. The knots in my stomach start to unravel. The kiss is familiar, all force and fun. I push away.
I look at Leo. Breathing heavy, I ask, “What the hell?”
Leo smirks, “You left without saying goodbye.”
Annoyed as hell. “Are you kidding me?”
“Nope!”
“Then why?”
“Maybe you should think before denying someone after you let them have their way with you once before.”
“Really, Leo?”
“You can’t be that clueless. This whole thing leaving me in the morning, denying me at the bar, trying your hardest to ignore me at work, just makes me want you so much more. I don’t take no or denial well.”
“And how is that my problem?”
“It’s not. But you must see my side of things, when I touch you like this?” He touches my waist, pulling me close to him again. “I can feel your body tense up. Your body is screaming for me, yet you are being a pain and denying me.”
“Maybe it is tensing up because I’m afraid of what you are going to do.”
He smiles “So, you’re thinking about what I am going to do to you?”
“Are you for real? Leo, I don’t have time for this.”
“You were all about it that night we spent together.”
“Yeah, just that one night. That is all.”
“Paige, why are you resisting me? I know you want me. I saw it tonight. I caught you glancing at me. And the fact that every time I touch you, your body radiates heat.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Leo, listen to me when I tell you this. We spent an amazing night together. It was fun but it was one night, just one night. That is all. I know your alpha male instincts are kicking in because I’m a challenge to you. I’m telling you no but you keep wanting me. I’m sorry you don’t like the word no but I don’t care. I need to go, okay? I’m tired.”
Without saying a word, he grabs me again, bringing me closer. He presses his lips on mine one more time. I am really trying to resist him but he is pulling me in deep. Who am I kidding, yeah I want him. But I must stay firm with this one. I told him no and I can’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he makes me weak for him.
This time, he pulls away from me. He whispers into my ear, “Your front is quite amusing. I will respect your wishes tonight, but this will not be the last of us.” He looks me straight in the eyes, making it extremely hard to resist those green, daring eyes. “I will see you next week sometime.” He winks and walks away.
Disheveled at the very least, trying my hardest not to show that I am completely turned on by this man, who I need to stay away from. All I see right now is, t-r-o-u-b-l-e.
Oh fuck me!
Chapter 6
Monday morning has been disastrous. Nothing beats walking into the office to five new consults that came in overnight. Two are gun-shot wounds from a gang related incident, one pancreatitis with many other health complications, and two patients on the vent requiring tube feedings. My inner nerd started to geek out with all the challenges I am facing first thing this morning. Time to prepare for a busy day. First things first, I must get a tall Styrofoam cup of black, hospital coffee. Looks like I am starting the week off with a ten-hour day. Bring it on.
After never ending rounds, I start to chart on one of my patients when there is a huge commotion coming near the entrance to the trauma unit. The nurses start running to one of the hospital rooms. The intercom projected “Code Blue 3501,” through the speaker.
Crap. One of my patients is coding.
My heart starts to race. The sweet old lady in bed one is coding. I look down at my paper of calculation scribbles. I pray to myself that she will be okay. Our fantastic team of doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapist will bring her back to life. This is the one thing about being a dietitian I don’t like, not being trained to help. I want to help but I would be in the way.
I continue to look toward her room. There is a huge gathering of nursing staff and family whom are standing outside the room. Soon, the Chaplin is there. Still praying hard, I hope she pulls through.
Still watching the commotion, people start to exit her room. Del is working today. She walks out of the patient’s room with a somber look on her face. When I see her expression, I know, my patient didn’t make it. My heart broke for the family. Being an ICU Dietitian, you tend to get used to death. It still sucks but it is something you have to get used to. It isn’t that we are heartless but death happens more frequent in the ICU especially Trauma ICU than other units. We are all affected by the death of a patient, but we have to move on quickly because we have others to take care of. But once a patient passes, the unit is quieter, not a lot of laughing or talking with each other, just complete silence.
I went back to charting. While I review my note before hitting submit, I sense someone is behind me. The mini hairs on my arms start to prick up in excitement. What the heck? I turn my head over my shoulder, it was Leo. He didn’t look like the man I met that first night - all smiles and full of life. I ask, “Are you okay?”
He asks, “Can we talk?”
The desperation on his face told me this talk was going to be different. He looks disconcerted. “Okay. Let me finish my note and we can step out of the unit for a few minutes.”
“Okay, hurry up, though.”
“Leo, seriously?”
“It is Dr. Davis.”
Confused as hell. When did he want me to start referring to him as Dr. Davis? Like never. What is going on with him? Something is not right. “Dr. Davis now?”
“Just finish up with your note.”
“Fine.” Leo was being a total dick right now. I wonder what the hell he wants to talk about. I finish up my note and close my work binder. I look at him. “Okay, I’m ready to go.”
“Follow me.”
I follow him out of the secured unit and down the hallway to the hospital’s outdoor pavilion. Leo sits down at one of the patio tables. He moves his fingers through his wavy, brown hair, showing more frustrations. I ask, “So, Dr. Davis, what is wrong?”
He looks up at me. “We lost that patient.”
Confused. “What do you mean, we lost that patient?”
“I came up to the unit to talk with you and that lady coded as I was walking by. I was the first to respond. I wasn’t prepared to apply chest compressions. My mind was on talking to you.”
“Okay. I’m sorry she died on you.”
“Maybe, if
I wasn’t focused on teasing you, I would’ve saved her.”
“Dr. Davis, you, out of all people, should not be thinking that way. You responded quickly and you know that. You're an ED doctor, you are taught to think quickly. You might have been thinking about me but you reacted efficiently. It was just her time. You did everything you were supposed to do.”
“Then why do I feel like I didn’t do everything in my power to revive her.”
I sat next to him. “But you did. Stop it, okay. You can’t beat yourself up over this.”
His eyes look at me. “You drive me crazy, you know that?”
“I don’t understand why. We just had one night together.”
“I want a repeat.”
“Just like that. You change from being depressed about losing a patient to wanting to have your way with me again. You are a strange one, Dr. Davis.”
His frown immediately turns upside down. “I want you to call me Dr. Davis the next time I am riding you from behind.”
“Seriously? Leo, I mean Dr. Davis, this is borderline harassment.”
“It isn’t harassment when the receiving party is starting to get flustered. I will probably get out of here around 10 p.m., meet me at my place.”
“Dr. Davis, stop it. I’m not meeting you at your place tonight.”
“Paige, I’m putting my number in your lab jacket pocket. You can choose to call me or text me when you are ready for round two. I think we both are in need of a round two, especially after today.”
“Dr. Davis, please stop.”
“I won’t until I get what I want. See you around, Paige. Thanks for the talk.”
Once again, he walks away from me. Why does he do that? And then the whole Dr. Davis thing? Why all of sudden he wants to be formal? Then, the whole real conversation about losing our patient, what the heck? And why does this man electrify every nerve in my body?
I push my hand into my lab jacket pocket and grab the paper slip with his number on it. The note said, “Call me at 402-568-1025. Dr. Davis.”
Are you kidding me? I shove the paper back into my pocket and head back to the unit.
Flatline (Med Rom Series) Page 4