by Renea Porter
I needed to get moving, so I walked across the hall to the bathroom. My eyes were looking down when I bumped into a hard surface. Looking up, I found it was August’s hard and bare chest. Sweet Jesus, I muttered to myself. Swallowing hard, we played a dancing game. The towel hung low on his hips, and I had an up close and personal view of every rigid muscle.
Finally, he came around me and exited the bathroom. Shutting the door, my back pressed into it and I closed my eyes. The guy just had back surgery and all I could think about was the pulsating need in between my legs. Guess they made vibrators for a reason.
Surely, he was still in pain; he wasn’t expressing it if that was the case. But I definitely saw the heat in his eyes when we bumped into each other. That look was unmistakable. Heat burned between us, even if it was for a millisecond. It was there like a moth drawn to a flame. Undeniable chemistry brewed, and I still held onto the one secret that could rip him from my life permanently. It would be my fault, and I’d deserve it.
***
The next two days went on much like the previous day. It was blustery cold and we still managed to take a walk with heavier coats on.
Sunday, we stayed in our pajamas and watched a movie marathon of Harry Potter and some bad reality T.V. Around nine, I excused myself to bed since I had to work and August had physical therapy.
We said goodnight, going to our respective rooms. Undressing, I slipped into bed naked, like I always do, and the pulsating need came over me again. I had to take care of myself, even though I’d rather had him inside me. My hands roamed my body while the cool sheets caressed it. Touching my nipples, they were hard already. One hand reached down between my legs. I was already wet. Thinking about August doing this to me, made it much hotter. My fingers circled around my wet center. It was all I could do not to moan as my body took over. My thighs clenched as I surrendered to the desire. My body convulsed as the need was satisfied.
I couldn’t have any more bump ins with him, or this would happen again. Worst case scenario: I’ll keep my eyes on the ground and do my best not to look at him with just a towel on. My breathing slowed as I came down from the high of my heart beating out of my chest.
I still had a little over a week and a half to get through. Yes; having him there was a terrible idea. I realized that now. What the hell was I thinking?
***
“Has he made a move on you yet?” Gwen asked as we walked into work the next morning.
“No. Even if he wanted to he just had back surgery. He’s probably in pain,” I told her.
“Come on, how much pain can he be in? Especially with the pain meds he’s taking. Well, have you told him about Lee yet?”
I swallowed a lump and shook my head.
We stepped into the elevator, pressing different floor buttons.
“His birthday is Saturday. I was thinking about throwing him a party. You down?”
She laughed. “I’m totally down.”
I broke out into a smile. “Great. I’ll get planning. See you later.”
I stepped off when the elevator dinged, alerting me of my stop.
Going over my schedule for the next few weeks, I made sure that surgeries weren’t scheduled on the days that August had therapy. Instead, I’d made rounds and helped assist the other doctors when needed. It was important for me to be there when August needed me.
When lunch time came, I headed home to get August. I could have let him drive my car, but with the meds he had to take, I didn’t want to risk it. It was better if I drove. When I got home, he was already ready.
“How’s work?” he asked.
“It’s okay. How’s hanging at the apartment by yourself?”
He laughed. “It’s fine. But you have an interesting array of books.”
My face heated, and I playfully punched his arm while he buckled the seatbelt in the car. “Stop snooping,” I told him.
Cocking his head to the side, he broke out in a wide grin. “Hey. I’m just trying to spend my time wisely.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it.
“Well, as long as you are relaxing, whatever works. Did you eat?”
Pulling out of the parking spot, I started driving to therapy.
“Yeah. I had a bagel. You make them better, though.”
“Okay. Just make sure you take your meds and eat. Doctor’s order.” I grinned.
Five minutes later, I pulled into the physical therapy office. Inside, I introduced myself to the therapist. She then took August back while I waited in the waiting room. I pulled out my Kindle and started reading while I waited.
Thirty minutes later, August appeared and we left so I could drop him back off at home.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“Sore. I’m definitely going to need to soak in the bath tub.”
We made it back home. “You okay going in? Oh, and be careful getting in the tub without me there. I don’t want anything to happen when I’m not there.”
August rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom.”
“I’m serious. You could make it worse. And then you’re fucked.”
His eyes crinkled before he got out of the car. “I can’t believe you’re a doctor. You made it, Murphy. You made your dreams a reality. I’m sorry I fucked things up with us. I was an idiot. Don’t beat yourself up over the past. It’s done, and all we can do is move forward. Remain in the present, because you can’t change the past.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
At the admission, he exited the car, and I watched until he was no longer in sight. Tears threatened to come, but I refused to let them. I had to get back to work, and I couldn’t show up with red brimmed eyes.
Finally, I pulled away and thought about his birthday coming up. I wanted to plan something nice, and hoped his mom would be able to make it.
During my down time, I started planning his surprise party. I set the plan in motion with a few phone calls. The memories we shared kept playing in my head. I don’t know why. I was feeling nostalgic.
A surgery appeared on my schedule for tomorrow. I’d have to be up bright and early. For now, surgeries were reserved for Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice. Tucker understood, as I told him it was a family thing. He didn’t bat an eye at my request.
The rest of the day passed quickly, and when I got home, the smell of food wafted through the hall. Walking inside, I found August in the kitchen with my girlie apron on.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
His head whipped up, spatula in his hand. “Well, hello to you, too. I thought since you worked all day and you’re taking care of me, I could cook you a meal.”
Setting my bag down, I shed my coat and went to change, throwing on a pair of leggings and an oversized shirt. Then I met him back in the kitchen. “What can I do to help?”
“Just have a seat. Let me do for you for once. How was your day?”
I set the table. “It was fine. Not much to do after I dropped you off here. But I do have a surgery in the a.m.” There was already a glass of wine on the table, and I took a sip. “This is so nice. You didn’t have to do all this. Did you get to soak your back?”
August was plating the food. “I did. It was soothing.”
With the plates in his hand, he served the food. It looked amazing pork chops, green beans, and a hash brown casserole. I was in heaven. The apartment smelled wonderful.
“Hopefully, you like it,” he said.
“Well, if it tastes as good as it looks…” I said, taking my knife and cutting into the hearty meat.
“So good. You’re hired,” I joked.
“Hey. I saw all those T.V dinners in your freezer and figured you didn’t cook much.”
“I don’t. Not when it’s just me. Sometimes, Gwen and I take turns cooking.”
After we finished eating, August refilled my glass with more wine. “Go relax. I’ll clear the dishes,” I ordered. “Dinner was so good. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Chapter T
hirty Five
It was finally Saturday. I survived the first week with August. And neither one of us made any type of move. I definitely wasn’t. Not when my heart was shielded by four walls. They wouldn’t be coming down so easily. It would take more than a week to gain my trust. So I wasn’t falling into bed with him anytime soon.
August had been done really well with therapy and I was glad he agreed to do it. Of course, his back would never be the way it was, but it was an improvement.
Once again I was on call and hoped I wouldn’t get called in on his birthday.
“Alright, August. Time for us to get a move on it. I have plans,” I told him, pulling him from the couch. “Oh, and happy birthday.” I kissed his cheek.
“You remembered?”
“Of course I remember. Now go get dressed,” I ordered with a laugh. “We’re going out for lunch, and meeting Gwen there, too.”
I was already dressed in a baby pink sweater dress with brown leggings and boots. My hair was stick straight, hanging down my back. I rarely dressed up, but this was a special occasion.
When August came back out to the living room, my jaw dropped. He was wearing a deep burgundy dress shirt, leaving the first buttons undone, with a pair of black jeans. “You look really good.”
Then his head whipped back. “You look fantastic. But I always thought you were gorgeous.”
My cheeks heated. “Thanks. Shall we go?”
“After you,” he offered as he motioned with his hand.
In the car, I drove us downtown, right into the heart of the city. Damn. August smelled good. I could totally get high off that aroma woodsy and vanilla. I inhaled the scent. Parking at the valet, I handed the gentleman my keys. We spotted Gwen standing inside the entryway of the restaurant. Her platinum blonde hair and red lips were hard to miss.
“Happy birthday, August.” She leaned in, hugging August and kissing him on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
Walking inside, I gave my name to the hostess. We were immediately seated at a table with black menu books.
I looked to August, and then Gwen. “I want you guys to order whatever you want. It’s my treat.”
“You don’t have to twist my arm,” Gwen said.
“Mine, either,” August chimed in.
I was surprised neither gave me a fight. The waiter came over, taking our drink order while we continued looking at the menu.
The waiter returned with two glasses of water, and a wine for Gwen, then took our food order.
Gwen held up her glass. “To the birthday boy. And if you hurt my girl, I’m coming for you.”
“Gwen!”
We clinked our glasses, and I really needed a stiffer drink than water.
“What? Does he know what you went through during that time?”
I gave her the death stare. “He knows some, not all. But that’s a discussion for another day,” I said through gritted teeth.
Clearing my throat, I placed my cloth napkin over my lap. Our food arrived and we fell into a normal conversation; mostly August filling Gwen in on what he’d been up to the last five years. Even though she was a pain in my ass, it felt nice having her here enjoying the day with us, whether she agreed or not on how our love story should have played out. I still loved her for that.
After dinner, I paid the bill with my credit card, and Gwen insisted on leaving the tip. Walking out of the restaurant, I thanked the hostess before leaving. Valet brought my car around, and Gwen agreed on following to the next location August’s surprise party. Because neither one of our apartments was big enough, I rented out a place until two a.m. Everything was planned. The invites went out to some of the guys he worked with, and some of my colleagues. The colleagues I invited were considered a friend. Even Gwen’s nemesis, Jeremiah.
August caught my eyes from the passenger seat. “Where are we going? Your place is the opposite direction.”
I only offered him a wide grin and no other response. Hopefully, throwing this party would go over well. I was even expecting his mom to make an appearance, which made me exceptionally happy.
Arriving to the hotel, August looked at me with suspicious eyes; he was even more puzzled why we were walking inside. I walked straight to the banquet room I had rented out. Pushing the door open, August had his eyes on me when everyone yelled. “Happy birthday!”
“What’s this?” he asked with a huge grin.
“It’s your surprise birthday party. I hope that’s okay.”
“Hell yeah.” He reached his arms out and pulled me into his. The cologne wafted through my senses. “Thank you.”
He pulled away, and I watched as he greeted the guests. I was mesmerized by him. He went straight to his mom and hugged her.
Gwen appeared at my side. “You love him, don’t you?”
“Is it that obvious?”
She linked her arm with mine and beamed as we found a table. “No. I just know my best friend. You’ve never gotten over him. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I know. But I’m a big girl. He won’t do anything unless I allow it,” I assured her.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she told me.
“I’ll see you in a bit,” I told Gwen.
My eyes drifted to August, and he motioned for me with his arm. I grabbed two cups of punch and made my way to him.
I handed him a cup when I met him.
“These are my friends; Xavier, Jacob, and Declan.”
I offered my hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Murphy. And I’m glad you made the drive out.”
“Dang, August, you left the part of her being hot out,” Xavier said.
I blushed. “Well, it was nice meeting you boys. I must borrow the birthday boy for a few.” I pulled on his arms. We were both all smiles. “I’d like to introduce you to some of the people I work with and consider my friends.”
We worked the room, greeting everyone. I introduced him to everyone I knew, and he seemed genuinely happy to meet them. This was his element, where he shined; with others that loved him and meeting new people.
When we were by ourselves, he smiled brightly at me. “Thanks for this. It means a lot that you went out of your way and organized this. I don’t know how you did it, though.”
“Well, I had a little help.” I nodded toward his mom.
“I needed this,” he said.
“It was nothing. Really.”
“Now, Gwen is very protective of you.”
“She is. Her heart is in the right place. She means well,” I told him.
“I can’t really blame her. It’s good to have someone watching out for you. And for the record, I never plan on hurting you. Friends don’t hurt each other. Maybe we can build something from a friendship.”
I nodded in agreement, because words caught in my throat.
“And we are going to talk about what Gwen said at lunch,” he added.
My heart lurched. I could lose him. Forever. But the truth would have to come out eventually.
“But right now, let’s have some fun,” he suggested.
“I have to check on a few things. How about we meet up in an hour? Go enjoy your party.”
“Deal.”
I wanted him to enjoy his friends and his mom. I hung back, stopping to grab some finger foods, because my stomach was killing me for some reason. I found a table in the back. Five minutes later, Gwen found me. She looked pissed.
“You invited, Jeremiah!” she scolded.
“Oh, come on, Gwen. Give the guy a chance,” I begged.
She took the chair next to me. “I don’t need a man I can walk all over. I need someone who can handle me and put me in my place. You know, a man’s man.” She sighed.
“You’ll never know unless you give him a shot. If you don’t, someone else might.”
She huffed. “If we are going to keep talking about this, I need a drink.” She pulled a flask from her clutch and took a swig of the liquid. I held my hand out, and she passed it to me.
Taking a sip, I passed it back to her.
“Should I introduce you to a few of August’s friends?”
“No. I’m thinking.”
I giggled and watched while everyone mingled. Then August caught my gaze from across the room. We locked in a glance, and I offered a smile before looking away.
I was starting to feel under the weather and excused myself from the table. “I’m going to step out for some air,” I told Gwen.
Chapter Thirty Six
Outside the cool air slammed against me. A soft breeze blew and I knew winter was fast approaching.
Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I spun around to see August with a look of concern on his face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay. Just feeling a little under the weather. I’ll be fine. Go on inside.” A wave of nausea came over me and I threw up right there on the sidewalk.
“I think we should get you home,” August suggested. “Hand me your keys and let’s get you in the car.”
Slowly, I got into the passenger seat while August held the door. I felt absolutely horrible.
“Just go tell Gwen that we’re leaving, and to keep the party going. I’ll wait.”
I watched as August jogged inside. I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. I could barely speak without feeling like I would puke again. I etched the window down halfway so I could feel the coolness, and waited for August to return.
When he came out, Gwen appeared right behind him. He got in the driver’s seat while Gwen leaned into my window after I lowered it all the way.
“You look like shit. Are you going to be okay? Do you need me to get you anything?”
“No. Just keep the party going. Go have fun.”
August and Gwen shared a nod. “I’ll look after her.”
Gwen pulled away from the window, and August drove away. Every few seconds, he looked over to make sure I was okay. We arrived home; August quickly parked the car and came over to my side, before I managed to get out. My body was weak. This made no sense. I rarely got sick, even as a child. When I did, it took a lot out of me.