Doc (A Steele Riders MC Novel Book 4)

by C. M. Steele

  Chapter Nineteen

  Doc

  For the past two days we spent a wonderful time together, and now I'm due back at the hospital today. I hate leaving her here by herself, but she's going to relax inside and hang around with the girls at the house. I have three prospects and Blade going back and forth to check on them. She won't allow anyone in unless it's one of the girls or Boomer and myself.

  As soon as I enter the hospital, I'm greeted with huge welcomes. When I enter the locker room, Dr. Nichols from Radiology says, "Did you hear that Alma Gonzalez was in an accident? She's requested a transfer as well."

  "Really? What kind of accident?" I ask, changing my shoes into my hospital ones. I need to dig without looking too interested.

  "She fell down the stairs and fucked up her face and ribs. I think it's bullshit. I saw her when I sent her for x-rays. She's got a boyfriend who probably kicked her ass for fucking around on him."

  "I have no idea. Excuse me. I have to get started. I've been gone too damn long. They’re going to start hunting me down.” I chuckle.

  "That's for sure. Everyone has missed your help. They're bringing in more residents to assist. You assess them before they ever need to come to me. Unfortunately, it's left me busy because they send them down to me even when it's unnecessary. It's a damn headache.”

  “Sorry. They’ll get better with time. Soon, someone will be just as amazing as me.” I teasingly puff up my chest with a snooty grin.

  When he closes his locker, he notices my hand. "So let me guess—you were out because you were getting married?"

  "Yep. I got married a week ago." I can proudly admit it. Having Sophia to hold makes everything better.

  "Why the secrecy, though? None of us knew you were engaged."

  "It's not a secret. It was a last-minute decision. The actual wedding itself was a sudden move. I planned to marry my wife the second I met her.”

  He smiles and nods. "Oh, that's a wonderful sentiment. I need a wife to settle down with, but you know it's not easy for us doctors. We work too damn much. How did you meet her?"

  "A wedding for a close friend of mine. She came as a welcome surprise. Now I'm glad I have a private practice and can limit my hours here to give her the time she needs."

  "Well, if you find a beautiful, smart, sexy woman for me, let me know."

  "You're better off doing that on your own. I only have eyes for my wife. See you later." I close my locker and walk out of the room. I have to get started with my patients. The ER is already crowded, and we're overrun with gunshot victims long before ten at night. It's a big reason I do my once-a-month rotation on a Friday and Saturday because that's when the place is the wildest. I patch up so many wounds, only losing one of the twelve victims from the city’s gang violence. The guy was only seventeen years old, but from the tattoos on him, he’d made all the wrong decisions.

  It's five in the morning when I call home, and I hate to wake Sophia up but it's the first break I've gotten since I arrived, and I miss the fuck out of her. My darling wife picks up on the third ring. "I'm sorry to wake you up."

  "No, no. It's okay. I'm glad you called. How are things?" I can hear her fumbling around sleepily.

  "Insane to say the least. The weekends are so damn violent that we have way too many gunshot victims and car accidents from all the drinking and driving. Enough about my night. How are you? Was it fun with the girls?"

  "It was nice." A droll sigh escapes her lips.

  "That doesn't sound good."

  "It was great, but it's not the same thing as spending time with you. Boomer picked them up and took them all home except Sammie. She stayed with me. Apparently, she feels like I need the support."

  "She is pretty damn amazing." My two favorite women have bonded better than I could ever have hoped for. I love it, and it makes my day a little easier knowing she has someone there to keep her company.

  "She is. I'm sorry that she moved out just because we got married. I feel so guilty about it. It’s like I’ve kicked her out of her home—especially right before Christmas.”

  "I know, but it's only down to the carriage house and she’s going to join us for the holiday anyway."

  "We’re supposed to do some Christmas shopping today.”

  “Who’s going with you?”

  “Boomer, Sammie, and Jackson.”

  “Not Crystal?”

  “No, Boomer wants to buy her tons of presents without her seeing, so I promised to help him out.”

  “Nice. I’m going to try and do my shopping at lunch today. I already picked out most of your presents before I went to Tennessee.”

  “You did? Sneaky man.”

  “I love you. I would have shipped them to you if I had to, but I’m glad I finally surrendered to my selfish need for you.”

  “Coffee,” I hear in the background.

  “Sammie must have heard me rustling around. I really hope she finds someone that makes her happy like you make me."

  "I won't approve of anything less." Any bastard coming for my sister better be well aware that I may seem civilized, but I’m one bad act away from ripping a fucker’s head off.

  "So when are you coming home?" she asks the fateful question.

  "I should be back by tomorrow afternoon.” Her parents are coming the next day for the holiday. They want to spend it with their girls, and the guys will be joining us as well. Boomer invited them all to stay at his house, which is a lot larger than mine. I’m going to be adding on a whole three-bedroom addition in the coming months. I want a seven-bedroom home for all of the kids I’m going to put in her.

  A barely audible sigh escapes her lips. “How do you do it? Staying up at all hours, only to be awake for another damn day.”

  “A lot of cat naps. Usually we have rooms to sleep in. It’s not a lot, but most of us pull double shifts.”

  “No wonder that chick wanted you. You probably wake up stiff as a board several times a day.”

  Damn, I didn’t mean to upset her. I can see the scowl forming on her face without being there. “Not quite, but I make sure he’s tucked under to avoid any embarrassing hard-ons,” I tease playfully. “Besides, the women and men don’t share sleeping rooms.”

  “Good. Get some sleep. I want to make sure you come home to me.”

  “I’ll make sure even if I have to take a damn Uber.” It’s been killing me to be away from her. I considered asking her to come and stay at the hotel across the street so that we can spend time together, but that’s very selfish of me.

  “I love you,” she says.

  “Thank fuck for that. I love you, Mrs. Simmons.”

  “Call me anytime.” We hang up, and I can tell she’s barely holding it together. It’s been the longest we’ve been apart since we married, and it’s unbearable. Luckily I won’t have to be back here for another month.

  ***

  The second I walk through the door, the smell of something delicious circulates in the air. I’m later than I should be, and I hope she’s not too upset. We had a five-car pileup on the highway. I texted her, but that’s all I had time for. My afternoon was so busy that I did call that Uber.

  “Mrs. Simmons, where are you?” I call out, dropping my keys in the bowl next to the front door. I see a bowl next to it full of scented pinecones.

  “Joe,” she screeches, running to me from the direction of the kitchen. I open my arms and scoop her up. Our mouths collide, gnashing, kissing wildly as I carry her through the front hall and into the living room.

  “I’m so glad you’re home. How are the people? The news hasn’t given any updates,” she sputters out, clinging to me.

  “Luckily everyone is going to live. A lot of broken bones, but the injuries were all minor. With that type of wreckage, we were grateful it wasn’t worse.”

  “Thank heavens for that.”

  “Enough about work. How are you?” I brush her hair out of her perfect face. I love looking at her and I missed seeing her for two days.

 
“Good. I went grocery shopping today. Before you start, I took several of your dudes with me. Blade walked alongside me while the rest carried the groceries.” She untangles herself and picks up her tablet off the sofa so I don’t sit on it.

  “Great. I never want you to go alone,” I remind her as I drop down on the most comfortable sofa I’ve ever had. I trust Blade to protect her while keeping his damn hands to himself, which is more than I can say for some of the prospects, but if any one of them looks her way, I’ll have them tossed on their asses as soon as fucking possible.

  “I understand, but I needed stuff to make dinner and both of my sisters were busy.”

  I drag her down onto my lap and steal another taste of her lips. "What are you cooking?" I ask, my stomach picking this time to rumble with enthusiasm.

  "Corned beef and cabbage,” she says, smiling up at me.

  "Smells great." I bend down and close the distance, kissing her until we’re breathless and then pulling away. Fucking exhaustion hits me, yawning long and deep, even though my dick throbs in my slacks for her. "Sorry, baby, but I need to shower. I'll be out in ten minutes." I help her up off the sofa and kiss her forehead.

  She smiles, but I see the concern in her eyes. "Take your time. I'll be setting the table.”

  I get some pajamas from my drawer then jump into the shower. The heat from the spray is so relaxing that I start to doze off. “Shit,” I mutter, stumbling slightly against the wall. I turn it a little cooler and wash as fast as possible. I’d hate to miss the meal that she prepared especially for me.

  Fifteen minutes pass before I step out of the bedroom in a pair of sleep pants and a white tee, but my wife stares at me as if I've got nothing on. "You look so sexy." She bites her bottom lip as she leans a hand on the dining room chair.

  "You're the one who's fucking hot as hell. The way you are staring at me makes me think you'd come over here and let me have my way with you until we're both coming, but I don't want to ruin your hard work. Let's eat, and then we're going to make love all night."

  "I like that idea. I hope you like it. It's one of my dad's favorites, so over the years it's one of the recipes I've managed to remember."

  "I do. I love it." I walk up to her and pull her chair out, letting her sit down before pushing it in.

  Once I take my seat, I ask, "So what did you do to keep busy the past two days, besides going to the store?”

  "I've been hanging around with Sammie. We managed to set up some of the Christmas decorations before she left for work. I read the rest of the time."

  I cut the corned beef but it’s like butter, slicing easily. The first bite hits my tongue and I moan. "Sounds pretty nice. A little boring, but it's still nice. This is delicious," I say, pointing with my knife at my plate.

  "I love reading, so it's been great."

  "Really? I'm just worried that you'll be too bored and decide I'm not worth waiting around for."

  She laughs, setting down her fork, and then wipes her mouth with a napkin. "Fool. I waited around for you when I believed you played me and left me alone for months."

  "You've got me there."

  “Maybe you can help me decorate the tree tomorrow.”

  “That I will do. Have you picked a tree?”

  “Yes, I bought this massive, fake, six-foot Douglas Fir that will take up most of the living room.”

  “Where is it?”

  “It’s behind the sofa. We have to build it. I had to get it after the one I saw at Target was so gorgeous.”

  “You can have whatever you want. I just didn’t notice it.”

  “Well, you are bone-tired.”

  We eat in companionable silence and as I take my last bite of the corned beef, I sigh. It's incredible, and she needs to know that. As soon as I finish chewing, I express my gratitude for a delicious meal. “This dinner was fabulous. Thank you for making me dinner.”

  "I'm glad you enjoyed it. There's more if you're hungry."

  "I think I'll take some to work for tomorrow.

  "That's high praise indeed. Thank you, Joe."

  We eat in silence for the most part, but when we do talk it's as if we're one and the same. She loves the same things that I do, including football. “The Cowboys play Christmas Eve.”

  “And we will be watching,” she tells me.

  She sets the napkin down onto the table next to her plate and reaches over to grab my hand. I love her with everything in me, but I'm starting to feel the beginning tendrils of sleep invading my eyes.

  "Come. You're exhausted. Let's get you into bed."

  "I'm only going in there if you come too." I want to hold my wife close.

  "I have to finish cleaning up."

  "The dishes can wait. I want you to sit with me and relax. Soon our lives are going to be hectic. I want to take advantage of every moment alone I have with you.”

  “Let me straighten up.” I help her empty our plates and clean the counter before walking to our bedroom.

  She changes out of her clothes, slipping on one of my tees, and climbs into bed with me. "I'm sorry. I'm feeling really fucking tired all of the sudden."

  "You should be. It's not like you slept well in the past two days.”

  “You’re right,” I mutter, feeling full and sleepy.

  “I missed you. Hold me and fall asleep.”

  She lays her head on my chest and I wrap my arms around her and whisper, “Sounds perfect. I love you, my Sophia.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Sophia

  “Hop on. It’s a perfect night to ride out. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.” I shake my head because I’m nervous as hell. I’ve never liked the idea of motorcycles because of their precarious handling. My bicycle skills are not that good as it is, and I’m the engine in that case.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Come on, Sophia. I won’t let you fall.” I close my eyes and take his outstretched hand. “If you get scared, we’ll have someone drive us home.”

  “Okay. You promise?”

  “Of course.” He hands me a helmet and helps me adjust the strap when I get it on. I climb behind him and wrap my arms around his waist. “Hold on tight, my love.”

  I do as he says and he takes off slowly—as gently as manageable. I cling to him tightly, then as we drive through the open road, the tension leaves, and I relax enough to enjoy the cool night air. The bar is having a small Christmas gathering and the Riders will be there. My family comes on the twenty-fourth. I can’t believe it’s been just a little over a week since Joe and I got together and married.

  We enter the bar parking lot and it’s already very crowded. I see two men in Rider cuts outside. They smile and welcome Joe. “Hey, Doc, how’s it going?”

  “Good, Cowboy, Cyber. You all remember my wife, Sophia?”

  “We actually never met,” Cowboy says.

  “Well, if you want to live, you’ll tuck your hand back.”

  I roll my eyes and wave at them as Joe leads me inside. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

  The bar is crowded, but there’s still a walkway, which is nice. We move through the bar, and my sister comes up to me with a smile. “I’m so glad you made it.”

  “Okay, since you have your sister here, give me a moment with Boomer here and I’ll be right back,” Joe says. I nod and he kisses my lips.

  “So everyone thinks you’re a bad bitch for kicking that nurse’s ass.”

  “Everyone knows?”

  “Of course. Do you think they would let someone mess with a Rider and his family without them all being aware of the danger? At least Doc knows you can handle yourself.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not looking forward to beating another woman’s ass anytime soon.”

  “Hopefully you won’t. I talked to Mom and Dad, but they don’t know about your boxing match. When they all come down with your belongings tomorrow, you better hide the little boo-boo on your head.”

  “You know I will. That’s why my hair’s like this
.”

  “Where’s the bathroom?”

  “Right over there. Do you want me to go with you?”

  “No. I’m fine.” I go to the bathroom and take a look at myself. One downside to riding on a motorcycle is the mess it does to your hair. My neat ponytail looks like shit. I’m starting to fix it up when another woman comes in. She smiles at me in her leather miniskirt.

  “Hi, Sophia,” she says. I’m surprised she knows my name, and it shows. “Sorry. You don’t know me, but I’m Demi. I work at the tattoo parlor with Mick and Ash, who’s my younger brother. Everyone’s talking about how you beat that bitch’s ass. I’m all for it. Doc’s a great guy, and I’m sorry someone tried to play that fake bullshit. You should have Doc take you to shoot or something. It’s good to learn even if you never need it.”

  “That’s something I will bring up with him. Thanks,” I say, pulling my ponytail out to adjust the wild strands.

  “Well, have fun. I’ve got to piss before my big brother comes pounding on the door worrying about me.”

  “Big brother?”

  “Rico. He’s one of the Riders as well. A real pain in the ass, too.”

  “Good luck,” I scoff, finishing my quick fix, and then leave the bathroom with a smile. These men can be something else. And I, personally, know about overprotective brothers.

  When I get back out there, my sister isn’t standing where she was, so I go toward the bar, hoping to spot her. As I’m there, I face the crowd and take in the room. It’s mostly men with a dozen or so women scattered about.

  I don't know how to act around the club members. It's weird that everyone knows about the fight that went down with the nurse. She took Boomer's words to heart, and she's long gone. He's sent some people to keep tabs on her until he's sure she's learned her lesson.

  "I feel like I don't fit in," I mumble to myself.

  Blade hears me and steps closer. "Why would that be? Is it because you're not used to the patches and the leather and bikes?" He can tell that I’m not the social butterfly after being on babysitting duty half the week.

  "No... it’s not that." It’s partially that. I never cared for the biker scene until I met Joe. I can handle him in his leather vest looking sexy, and me sitting on the back of his ride with the wind blowing in my hair is great, but I’m a little intimidated by the others, especially after last year.