by Remi Grey
So, you could imagine my surprise when he wanted to do a quick examination before dad, and I headed back towards my temporary place of residence. The way he touched me ever so slightly as he led me towards the exam room was electrifying. Like nothing, I've ever felt before.
I didn’t want him to see my scare as he listened to my heart, but he made me feel comfortable, and within a short time, I completely forgot about wanting to hide it at all.
Once he was done, he left me to my own thoughts, allowing me a bit of time alone to get dressed and take in everything that we discussed during the exam.
He was gentle and kind, talking with me every step of the way, keeping me in the loop on what to expect in the upcoming months after the surgery. Once I had informed the nurse that I was ready, Dr. Anderson, my father, and I met in a rather large office with walls covered in degrees and pictures of happy patients.
I was surrounded by Dr. Anderson’s achievements, and I could tell that this room was his pride and joy. He relaxed there. His shoulders loosened as he sat back in the leather chair that looked pretty old and very out of place compared to the rest of the office’s décor.
“Please, come in and have a seat wherever you feel most comfortable,” he said, pointing to the different seating options provided within the room. “Is this your office alone, Dr. Anderson,” my dad inquired, looking around awestruck taking it all in.
"Mostly, I operate out of this hospital about seventy percent of the time. The other parts of my time I spend doing research and private office visits at neighboring hospitals," he answered. "They like me a little here so they let me hang up all my stuff so that I can feel at home, I have a long history here."
“That’s very kind of them.”
“Yes, I think so as well. This hospital was my first choice to work with as soon as I became a doctor, I did my residency here as well.”
“That’s amazing,” I said, joining in finally. He smiled a soft smile towards me that got my heart rate back up again to the level it was earlier when I first saw him. The way he seems to soften towards me makes him so damn sexy, I love it when a man can relax and let a woman in without fear of losing his masculinity.
Chris, you’re reading too much into this, focus!
"It is, I'm fortunate," he smiled again this time a little deeper revealing a tiny dimple in his left cheek. I couldn’t help but blush a little at this discovery. “Will you excuse me for a moment, I won’t be long,” I stood moving as fast I could towards the door. “Is something wrong?” My dad calls after me concerned. “No, really, I’ll be right back I need to visit the ladies room you guys continue chatting I’ll be just a moment.”
“If you have trouble finding the ladies' room, one of the nurses outside can direct you,” Dr. Anderson called out as I went out the door. I gave him a little wave before I walked out of the door in search of the ladies' room.
How am I going to make it through the surgery when I can’t even be alone with him without feeling as if my heart is going to beat right up out of my chest? Once I’ve found the restroom, I go straight to the sink closest to me and splash my face with cold water, completely ruining my makeup.
Damn, I forgot about that, but at this point, it’s too late, I just need to calm myself down, I’ll worry about my face later. I’m a heart patient after all; I can’t always be flawless now, can I? I continue to salvage what's left of my makeup. I remind myself to thank the makeup gods, aka my assistant Susan for talking me into buying this ridiculously expensive waterproof mascara and liner. It’s the only thing that survived the aftermath of my arousal.
I know I was only in the restroom for a few moments, but it felt like an eternity, I needed to get back before my dad grills doctor handsome to death. “Just in time,” Dr. Anderson comments as I enter the room. “Are you ok, you obviously found the restroom just fine.”
“Obviously?” I looked at him perplexed. “You have a bit of paper towel stuck in your hair,” he chuckled as he smiled.
Please stop smiling at me. That’s what got me in this mess in the first place.
“Oh, I must have missed a piece of it when I was wiping off my face; don’t mind me,” I answered embarrassed, working hard to find the little culprit of my shame and dispose of it promptly.
“I was just telling your father before you came in that your exam looks within normal limits of your condition, and the prognosis of success. Post-op is very high,” he concluded, opening my file and tossing it lightly onto his desk.
“Such great news, sweetie.”
“Yes, it is dad,” I look towards doctor dreamboat, hoping to catch another glance of his deep brown eyes. Still, he's too busy searching through my file, no doubt making sure everything is in order.
That’s what all doctors do, apparently, at least they have in my experience. “I’m sure Dr. Anderson will take good care of me,” I comment, hoping to get a rise out of him in more ways than one.
“It looks like you’ve been doing a phenomenal job of that yourself, Ms. Heart,” he said, not breaking his eyes away from my file once. “All your levels are excellent. I’m sure due to your healthy diet and proper medication regiment.
“I try.”
"You've succeeded. I read in your file, and I have been told by everyone in the hospital that you’re a very well-known chef. Also, soon to be a TV star," He then looked up, making eye contact waiting for me to answer. “You’ve never heard of me at all?”
“Sorry, no offense to you, but I’ve been kind of under a rock for the last couple of years, and I don’t keep up much with today’s happenings unless it’s sports-related.”
“None took.”
“Great, well, I think we're all good here. Everything looks optimal for a wonderful outcome. I would like to go ahead and schedule the surgery as soon as possible."
“That would be fantastic doctor, what do you think sweetie?” Dad questions. “Let’s go for it, when would you like to schedule it, doctor?”
“Please, Dr. Anderson feels so formal, and we’re going to be spending quite a bit of time together over the next months, call me Davis,” he winks and smiles. “Ok, doctor,... I mean, Davis, when would you like to schedule the procedure?” The sound of his name rolling off my tongue feels so familiar, and I’m surprised how eager I was to call it.
“I could have you scheduled as soon as the end of next week, that will give you a little time to tie up any loose ends and to take in some sites before your bedridden for the next couple of months.”
My dad and I both looked at each other with what I’m sure from his view looked like two scared mice ready to run into our proverbial holes.
"I'm just kidding. You won't be confined to your bed for months, but you will have to take it easy for a while after the surgery just to make sure you’re healing properly and that you don’t get any infections. So, no visitors other than your dad, the at-home nurses, and me before and after surgery, you got it?” he scolded.
“Aye, aye captain.”
“Good,” I grinned, flashing half of a toothy smile. “Then I’ll get my team right on this, and I’ll see you for pre-op,” Davis said, extending his hand to clasp my dad’s and then mine.
“Please excuse me I have some rounds to finish up, the hospital will be in touch before your pre-op with instructions, which I’m sure by now you’re a pro at following.”
“Of course, I always follow the rules.”
Which I so wish wasn’t true sometimes, but when you live the type of life I live, you have to in order to stay alive and healthy.
I can’t wait to live a little.
“There’s nothing wrong with following the rules Ms. Heart. Sometimes it's okay to break them just a little," he winked before waving us off and sending us to the nurses’ desk to confirm some last-minute details.
Damn, this man is going to have my heart in the palm of his hands, literally. What am I going to do, finding the love of my life wasn’t on my to-do list?
Chapter 5
/> Davis
Just watching her come into the office a couple of weeks ago was almost enough to bring me to my knees. On top of that, I had to examine her knowing full well that she was nearly entirely naked under that little paper robe, which does nothing to hide anything from the imagination.
I’ve been thinking about how her skin felt, how she smelled like warm cinnamon, and how even though she is quite ill, she’s managed to maintain such a healthy glow. No doubt from her family background and her healthy diet choices.
Her lips were so plump, ripe, and ready to be kissed; it took everything in me not to be mesmerized by her as she spoke. Her eyes told me a story of sadness and fear that I’ve seen so many times in my patients, she’s afraid to hope, and I totally get it.
When you hope there’s a strong possibility of being hurt if surgery isn’t a success or worse. I hold each one of my patient’s hearts in my hand, and I have the power to change their lives forever for better or for worse.
I got to go home the night I met Ms. Heart for once since my patient load and research has picked up steam again and thought to myself how important this surgery is for her and me.
We were fated to meet; life has given us both a chance for a do-over, so to speak. I have another opportunity to face my biggest fear and to save the life of another when I failed before. For her, this surgery can change her life dramatically. It may even keep her from ever having to do another surgery ever again. She will eventually have an almost med-free life, and she can go and do whatever she pleases without constant monitoring.
I hold her freedom in the palm of my hands. A freedom that I hope, if I play my cards right, might be open to involving me one day. I woke up this morning knowing that I would see her today, and I became nervous, a feeling once again that I haven’t felt since Emma.
I knew I was going to be very busy over the next couple of days. I spent longer than usual babying Fiona before I had to drop her off at her favorite doggy day spa and kennel. While I was up getting myself ready, I get a text from Sam.
Sam: Hey, bro, what you up to? Want to watch the game over at my place this weekend?
Me: Sorry, I can’t. I have rounds, and I have that important package I told you about this weekend to take care of.
Sam: Oh, Ms. Heart is today. I know you’ll do great and everything will be fine.
Me: Thanks, Sam.
Sam: I mean every word; you’re an awesome surgeon and always remember that.
Me: I will, I’ve got to go get ready for pre-op and check in on my other post-op patients. Can you swing by and get Fiona? I don’t think I’ll make it in time.
Sam: I swear you love that dog more than me; she’s spoiled rotten. Give me five.
Precisely ten minutes later, Sam comes walking through the door. “What took you so long? I know you don’t have to work today,” I joked.
“Ha-ha, I know I don’t have to work today, but that doesn’t mean I’m your errand boy for the day, taking care of your pampered little princess,” he said, picking Fiona up to put her in her carrier.
“You know you love her, besides she the closest thing to a girlfriend you’ve got,” I laughed, hoping to get a rise out of Sam. I love messing with my brother. I have since we were kids.
“You seem to have a lot of jokes for someone who hasn’t had a date other than your dog in over six months. At least I have dated in the past month." I hate to admit it, but he was right, I hadn’t had a date in years and the dates I have had since Emma was so lackluster that they weren’t even worth mentioning or remembering.
“Whatever just take her and get out,” I said, kicking him out the door.
“Go knock it out of the park, bro, and remember, don’t be looking at her breast getting all mesmerized during surgery.” I had to admit that it was funny as hell. I laughed on and off the entire drive towards the hospital on that one.
Fortunately for Ms. Heart, I’m a gentleman, and I never mix business with pleasure unless I’m given permission first.
One quick set of rounds, check.
One post-op check-in and two appointments in the neighboring clinic later, it’s finally time for her to check-in. I have her staying for the night with a very early morning surgery so that I can spend more time monitoring her. I want to be extra careful this time to make sure all her levels are good. Even, that her blood pressure and her oxygen levels are entirely stable before I go in.
I would have opted for an evening surgery, but I’m always more alert during the early morning hours. I do have one more person to visit before I say hello to Ms. Heart, Dr. Garner.
~~~
“What brings you by Davis, our appointment isn’t until next week?” Dr. Garner says, surprised.
“Are you not happy to see me?” I tease.
“Okay, someone is in a good mood today, you must have gotten some good sleep for once, any more episodes since we last spoke?”
“Not at all, I’ve been great since I let out everything that I was feeling and trust me I never want to feel what I felt that night ever again,” I turned to her, closing the door behind me. “The operation is early tomorrow morning, and I just wanted to stop by and thank you for all you have done to help me get past myself.”
“So, I’ve been told, I know everything will go well Davis, I have complete faith in you, but you are the one who needs to have faith in yourself.”
“I do, and I always have. I just lost my way for a while, but now I’ve learned to let go of those past emotions. I’m back again.”
“Good to hear, and it doesn’t hurt that the first time you’re doing the same surgery again, it’s being performed on someone as beautiful as Ms. Christine Heart.”
“Enough, Dr. Matchmaker,” I smirk, trying to hold in my undeniable attraction to her. "As I said before, Davis, I may be older, but I’m not blind, and all I know is ever since she sashayed her way into this hospital, you’ve got an extra bit of bounce in your step.”
“Why I have no idea what you’re referring to, I’ve just been getting some good rest now that I don’t wake up every morning screaming in terror,” I wasn’t lying, entirely.
I was getting good rest now, but it was also because of my newest patient.
“I have no doubt about the good rest, but I definitely know that it’s more too it than that, my friend,” she giggled.
“Well look at the time, I’d better go finish my last bit of paperwork and go say hello to my newest patient and her eager father.”
“Get to it and Davis, I love you.”
“I love you too, Dr. G. Emma would be proud of us, sticking together like this," I said, shooting Dr. Garner a look of appreciation before I close the door behind me.
I received the confirmation of Christine’s admittance from the nurses' desk. I continued on with my other obligations making sure to free up as much time as I can to chat with her and her dad.
This is very unlike me to want to spend time with a woman. Absolutely no one has held my interest like this since Emma passed. She was the light in my sea of darkness.
Emma and I met at such a busy and rough time in my life, but she made her way into my heart and became the air that I breathed. I spent so much time away from her studying and finishing my residency. I honestly don’t even know how she fell in love with me, it was like she was dating herself ninety-five percent of the time.
I was never there for her, and I still regret that time lost every day since I lost her.
Even her parents were surprised when I proposed, and she said yes, I’d briefly met her family at a gathering they had months before we got engaged.
I knew they had their reservation about us. Still, I loved her what could I say, I knew I wanted her in my life forever. I also knew that eventually; I would be able to make more time for her once I completed my studies and settled down a bit.
But that time never happened at least in time for us to get married and for her to live to see it come to fruition. I didn’t know what to do with myself when
she passed. I panicked and became a recluse.
My brother eventually moved here to be closer to me. Things started to get better through therapy and the companionship of my brother and Emma's family that ironically, I’m quite close to now.
Since Mom died a couple of years ago and we never knew our dad, we’re all we’ve got. So, me having feelings for a woman I barely even know is so foreign to me, but I can’t help it. I felt the pull the first time I laid eyes on her. I head towards the bathroom to freshen up, making sure I look my best before I go to her room.
I knock on the door then enter utterly shocked at what I witness inside. There she is bent over on her hands and knees on the floor in nothing but her hospital gown. It is wide open. All I see is her completely naked from behind except her panties.
Red panties, fuck, that’s my favorite.
Her body, the way the rather large gown is hanging open, I can see every silhouette of her curves. I catch myself putting into memory every inch of her from her feet all the way up her supple things and perfectly round ass.
“Oh, my God, what are you doing here? Don’t you knock?” she yelled, getting up off the ground, wrapping her gown around her in a futile attempt to cover herself up.
"I apologize for catching you in such an awkward position. I mean, at such an awkward time," I blush uncontrollably, trying to look completely impartial to the whole matter, making sure to cover up the front of my pants with my clipboard. “What exactly were you doing down there, did you lose something?”
I wanted to change the subject and fast so that she wouldn’t think I was some kind of pervert.
“It’s okay, I probably should have locked the door.”
I’m so glad you didn’t.
“Not a problem, I should have knocked loader.”
“No really, it’s all my fault, I dropped my cell, and I needed to send an important text to one of my assistants before I signed off for the day. I promised dad that I would focus on me while I’m here recovering.”