Saturday Night Blues

by Vanessa Devereaux

  Maybe next year you’ll have a card from a new love interest.

  Heading toward the bathroom, he took another swig of beer. His shoulders were tense and his back muscles tight. He wanted to crawl into bed, but first he needed a shower to unwind. He reached behind the curtain, turned on the taps, and waited for the water to heat up. Then he turned the switch over to the shower setting. Putting down the bottle on the countertop, he pulled off his pants and threw them into the laundry basket. Next, he dragged his green scrubs over his head, smelling not anything antiseptic as was usually the case, but perfume. He held it to his nose. It was Natasha’s. He’d smelled it when he’d examined her foot. It must have transferred to his clothes when her ankle had brushed against him.

  About to toss it into the laundry bin, he waited and took in its scent one more time. He might as well make the most of it because he’d probably never smell it again. And the chances of him seeing her again…odds against it were astronomical.

  He placed the top on the bin and got into the shower, letting the water run over his chest. Grabbing the soap he turned it around in his palm, working up a lather that he spread over his belly. David put his face up to the showerhead, enjoying the water cascading over his skin.

  In his mind’s eye he could see Natasha again. A patient had never stayed in his head like this before. Not even the one or two he’d gotten to know and then lost to something like a stroke or cancer.

  He took a deep breath, feeling himself getting hard. He glanced down knowing it was Natasha who was stirring up his libido. How crazy was that? Was that unethical of him because she’d been a patient?

  His hand slid down his belly, finding his cock. He stroked it but then stopped in disgust.

  Within minutes her face was in his mind again, and his hand was touching his dick. With heart beating double time, he rubbed his shaft back and forth, knowing jerking off was the only way he’d get any relief.

  He came quickly, groaning as he did so. He leaned his forehead against the tiles, loving their sudden coldness. He’d found physical relief, but his mind still raced with the dilemma he faced. On the one hand he wanted to get to know Natasha, take her out to dinner or the movies, something where they could get to know one another and take it from there. Would he get in any trouble for that? Surely not. While he wasn’t aware of any colleagues who’d dated patients, he didn’t think it was against the rules of being a doctor. He wanted to see her again and the only chance he had of doing that was by breaking the rules.

  He’d look through her personal file, find Natasha’s phone number, and hope that she felt the same way about him

  ****

  Natasha was usually in class by now. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a sick day. She hoped they’d found a suitable sub for her class, and that the kids liked her or him.

  She’d told the principal that she’d take the rest of the week off. Now she had three days ahead of her, plus the weekend for some R and R. It was only 9 a.m. and she was already bored. Dusting and vacuuming her townhouse was out of the question because of her foot. So was reorganizing her sheets and towels in the closet by the bathroom. Well, she could sit down to do it, but then she’d have to stand to place them all back on the shelves.

  Finally giving in, she flicked on the TV. Talk show, talk show, game show. She flicked it off, reaching for her book. She’d just about settled down with it when her phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “Natasha?”

  It was a man’s voice, but it didn’t sound like the principal or one of the other teachers.

  “It’s David. Dr. Walker.”

  She swallowed. She had butterflies in the pit of her stomach just hearing his voice. Was this a professional call? Had they found something terrible on her X-Ray after she’d left the ER? Did she have bone cancer or something? She realized it was stupid and morbid of her, but what else was she supposed to think when a doctor called your home?

  “I was the doctor who examined you in the ER last night.”

  “Yes, I remember.” She picked at the cushion, feeling like a school girl being taken by surprise when the class hunk finally called.

  I remember those gorgeous eyes, the cute butt. Stop it.

  “I was just wondering how your foot’s feeling this morning?”

  Natasha’s heart sank a little. So this was just a professional call after all.

  “It’s fine. I took the painkillers and got a good night’s sleep. I think some of the swelling has even gone down.”

  “That’s great. I…” Suddenly he fell silent.

  Natasha tried to think of something to say because things were getting more awkward the longer the lack of conversation continued. She pulled on a lose thread on the cushion, unraveling it before she’d realized it.

  Think of something to say and quickly.

  “It’s kind of you to call. I mean it’s a great bedside manner,” said Natasha.

  “You’re welcome. Look, that’s not the real reason I called. I’m stuttering here and that’s because I’m nervous.”

  .

  He’s nervous? Is he trying to ask me out?

  “I called to ask if you’d like to go out to dinner? I know your foot’s not in the best shape for going out on the town, but it’s my day and night off and I’d like to spend it with you”

  He was asking her out. Her instincts had been right.

  “I’d love to, but walking’s a little tough right now. Would you like to come here for dinner?”

  “I don’t want you to go to any trouble of cooking me something.”

  “No trouble. I could order some food to be delivered.”

  “Let me bring dinner to you. Anything you like?”

  “I’ll leave it up to you so you can surprise me.”

  “Okay. How about 6 p.m?”

  “Do you need my address or directions?”

  “Nope, I think I know where you’re house is at because I have a couple of friends who live in that part of town.”

  Really? So, you’ve been doing your homework.

  “Then I’ll see you tonight.”

  “See you then.”

  Natasha put the phone down. She had a date and it was with a doctor. Last night she had been down about being all on her own on the most romantic night of the year, but now things were starting to look up for her. She wouldn’t breathe a word about this to Olivia though. Knowing her sister like she did, she’d read too much into it.

  ****

  David sifted through the stack of menus he had stored in his kitchen drawer. As both a bachelor and a man who worked long hours and had little time for anything, even making himself a meal, he often relied on take-outs to see him through the week.

  Chinese, Indian, Pizza, Greek, or the new Italian restaurant that had opened last month?

  He picked up his cell phone and dialed Garfinos.

  “Hi, can I order some of your gnocchi with meat sauce, two side salads, and some cannoli for dessert? I’ll be by to pick up everything about 5.30.p.m.”

  David put the phone down after placing the order, then thought a moment. Would it seem too presumptuous of him if he took her some flowers too? Nope, it was always a nice gesture. Plus, she was recovering from an injury.

  He walked over to his closet and slid back the door. He thought it was only women who made such a big deal about what to wear on a date, but right now he couldn’t figure out if jeans and a sweater were too casual or not. He’d never been this nervous about a first date before. Even his hand was shaking as he reached for his shoes.

  David took a deep breath. Just keep calm and enjoy the evening.

  ****

  Natasha usually was a pacer. Or should she say a pacer up and downer. First dates made her uneasy and no matter how many times she went on them, it never got any easier. She lifted herself up and hobbled over to the window. It was almost 5.50 p.m.

  After getting off the phone with David, she’d struggled into the bathroom, wrapped he
r bad foot in a plastic bag and secured it with Duct tape, ,then proceeded to wash her hair and put on her red and black wrap around dress. Shoes were out of the question so she’d opted for bare feet.

  Now she had nothing to do but wait.

  Swinging around to glance out of the window one more time, she saw that a car was now parked on her driveway. She jumped when she heard the doorbell ring.

  Glancing one last time at herself in the mirror, she limped her way to the front door. She smoothed the front of her dress with her hands and then opened the door.

  She swallowed, hoping that would help keep her heartbeat in check. But it was tough because he looked even more gorgeous than he had in the ER the night before. She’d thought the scrubs he’d worn made him look sexy, but tonight he wore tight blue jeans and a light blue sweater, complete with a dark blue jacket with its collar slightly upturned around his ears. He held two bags and a bunch of pink roses Natasha realized she was staring and that her mouth was slightly ajar.

  “Hi, come in. It looks and feels like it’s getting cold out there,” she said, stepping aside so he could enter the hallway.

  “Yeah, the winds picking up so I wouldn’t be too surprised if we get some rain or even wet snow by morning. Before I forget, these are for you.”

  She took the flowers from him and put her nose close to the pink roses.

  “Can I help you with those two bags?” she asked.

  “Nope, I’m fine. Just show me where the kitchen is and I can get the food ready for us.”

  “At least let me take your jacket.” She’d been so nervous that she’d forgotten to take it when he’d first arrived.

  As she hobbled toward the back of the townhouse, David grabbed her arm. She got a whiff of his cologne again and felt the warmth of his body, despite him just coming in from outside, invade her skin.

  “Let me help you there. Have you thought of getting a pair of crutches for a few days?”

  “Nope, that would make me feel like a total idiot.”

  David laughed as they entered the kitchen.

  “I thought we could eat in the living room. There’s a gas fire in there and it’s warmer.”

  “Sounds good to me. How about I warm everything up in your microwave?”

  “Okay, I’ll just put your jacket on the chair over there and then get some serving dishes. I’ve already set the dinning table.”

  “You should have waited for me to do that.”

  “I got bored. I’m not used to having so much time on my hand.”

  “Yeah, I guess I wouldn’t know what to do with myself either. I’d probably fall asleep in front of the TV.”

  He placed a paper dish in the microwave, pressed the buttons, and soon the smell of garlic and oregano invaded her kitchen.

  “Those salads look great,” said Natasha noticing him peeling back the lids on two bowls.

  “Wait till you taste them, you’ll be hooked.”

  “I guess I should get a vase for these beautiful flowers. Although vases are sort of a touchy subject for me today.”

  David smiled as she pulled out a ceramic one from the cabinet by the fridge.

  The microwave dinged and David pulled out the plate, then dished out what looked like something she’d order for herself in a restaurant onto a platter.

  “Madam, if you’d like to show me where we’re eating, I will bring everything in for you.”

  “It’s through here,” she said pointing.

  “Very good. Go sit down and I’ll be right there. Oh, I knew wine wouldn’t mix with the painkillers so I got us some Italian sodas while I was at the restaurant.”

  Natasha walked into the living room, turned up the heat on the gas fire and slid onto a chair. David came in carrying the salads and placed one down beside her plate. He then went back and got the drinks, followed by the platter.

  “This all looks delicious. Thank you for bringing it over.”

  “You’re welcome.” He sat down, threw a napkin over his lap, and pushed up his sleeves. “It’s great to eat with someone else. I have take out most nights when I get home and it always seems weird eating by myself.”

  “I know how you feel.”

  “This is the best gnocchi you’ll ever taste.” He put two spoonfuls onto her plate. The smell of garlic and herbs drifted up to her nose and made her want to dive into the food.

  She took her first mouthful and everything seemed to melt in her mouth. The salad looked tempting too so she took a bite.

  “Wow, where did you say this restaurant is located? Because I’ve got to check it out.”

  “Great isn’t it? It’s a few blocks from my house. I stumbled upon it a few months ago during the holidays when I needed something to take to the staff Christmas party.”

  “Well, you’re right about the gnocchi.”

  “Told you.” He poured her some orange soda. “Once your foot’s healed, how about you have a meal there with me? There’s even dancing on Saturday night.”

  So he’s already thinking of seeing me again.

  She opened her mouth to respond, but he raised his hand. “Sorry if I’m sounding pushy. I’m not usually.”

  “Not pushy at all. It’s probably the soda making you relaxed.”

  He smiled and winked at her.

  Natasha thought about taking another helping of the gnocchi but then sat back, almost feeling too full to move.

  “Hope you’ve left enough room for dessert.”

  “I might have to wait a bit. How about some later and I can make us coffee too? Please let me do something tonight.”

  “Okay, if you insist.”

  “Why don’t we go and sit on the couch and you can tell me all about your life as a doctor.”

  He pulled the chair out for her and helped her up, taking her arm as they walked over to the other side of the room.

  “Speaking of which. How about I check out your ankle? There’s no charge.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  He helped her sit down, pulled down a cushion from the couch and placed her foot upon it, then knelt in front of her.

  As her feet had been bare all day, she’d quickly painted her toenails. Something she didn’t usually do until summer. But now that at least one foot would be bare, she thought she might as well do something to cheer herself up. She’d opted for light red to match her dress.

  “The swelling looks like it’s gone down a lot. Does it feel more comfortable in general?”

  “A lot, but I think it’s the painkillers helping. Which reminds me, I need to take some more.”

  He placed her foot back down. “I can get them.”

  “You really do have a great bedside manner. They’re in the kitchen by the fridge.”

  He came back within a few minutes with the bottle of pain meds and another glass of soda. Natasha downed two pills and then settled back on the couch where David now sat beside her. She rested her head back on the couch and cradled the glass of soda in both her hands.

  “Oh, this feels so good to spend a night relaxing. Last night in the ER was crazy,” David said. “I don’t know if it was because of Valentine’s Day or what.”

  Natasha scooted around to face him, dangling her ankle on the side of the couch so she didn’t put any pressure on the side of her foot.

  “Did you always want to be a doctor?”

  He flicked a stray strand of hair from her cheek before he answered.

  “Yes, my dad was a general practitioner.”

  “He must be proud to think you followed in his footsteps.”

  “Unfortunately he died a year before I entered medical school.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Did you always want to teach school?”

  “No, that came after me wanting to be an international show jumper.”

  David now turned to face her so they were sitting with their knees touching.

  “You like horses?”

  Natasha took a sip of soda. “That’s the
weird part, I’ve never even ridden a horse, so hence the change of career choices.”

  “But you like what you do?”

  “I love it. And I get three months vacation a year so it’s pretty good.”

  “Three months? I think I’d like just three days.”

  “You did seem really busy last night.”

  “Lucky thing I was on duty when you came in.” He touched the side of her face and they looked into one another’s eyes. “You know, I’ve never been with a woman who makes me feel so at ease as you do. In just the couple of hours I’ve been here, I feel like we’ve known one another for years.”

  I feel the same way.

  Before she could tell him that, he leaned over and his breath brushed her lips seconds before his mouth connected with hers.

  Wow, he was a good kisser too. She opened her mouth to let his tongue wander over her lower lip. His arms went around her neck, and she moved forward to put hers around his waist. Natasha could actually feel his heartbeat against her chest. Her own was pounding too, which made her ears ring. He gently pulled her forward until she was lying on top of him.

  “Your foot okay?” he whispered.

  “It’s fine, it’s hanging over the edge of the couch.”

  They kissed again, this time tongues dueling before they slipped inside each other’s mouths. He ran his hands through her hair while she tickled the nape of his neck. He was hard and the tip of his cock pressed into her stomach. Just the feel of it made her pussy tingle. They stopped kissing and he stroked the hair away from her eyes where it had fallen when he’d pulled her onto his body.

  “You have pretty eyes,” he said.

  “You have great ones too.”

  They rubbed noses.

  “I hope you don’t think I’m the type of guy who regularly invites himself to a patient’s house and then seduces her. I’ve never done this before, both the visiting and seducing.”

  She smiled. He’d said that in such a cute way. She could tell there was genuine concern in his voice about what she might think of him. She admired that in a man.