by Chelle Bliss
I could feel his warm breath against my lips, and my heart pounded in my chest faster than the rhythm of the music. Looking into his eyes without blinking, I melted against him. “Who said I’m playing, Michael.”
I wanted him to kiss me.
He inched close, eyes locked with mine, as I placed my hand against his chest. The rapid tattoo of his heart thumped against my palm, matching the beat of mine.
Leaning forward, I closed my eyes and held my breath. Butterflies filled my stomach and my legs trembled. The warmth of his lips sent shivers down my body.
The noise around us disappeared as he kissed me. Nothing else seemed to exist except him and me.
As I tipped my head back, his grip on the back of my neck increased as he pulled me against his rock-hard chest. The feel of him against me was amazing as he kissed me perfectly. Not too much lip, a dash of tongue as he held me against him. I moaned into his mouth as he bit my bottom lip. I sighed against his mouth, melting into his touch—I wanted to be closer to him.
His tongue soothed the spot that he’d just sunk his teeth into, and my sex convulsed from the tenderness.
We became one, lost in each other.
Pulling away, he whispered, “Damn.” He rubbed his knuckles against my collarbone, before releasing his grip on my neck.
Instantly I missed the warmth of his palm. My body swayed, as I stood there in a daze, blinking as I tried to regain my ability to think. Dumbfounded and in a fog from his kiss, I stood there like an idiot, with a grin on my face.
7
Michael
“See me again.” I wasn’t asking.
It was a simple statement, and I thought I’d use the moment to my advantage.
“I know you’re busy, but I’ll make time for you,” I said as I gripped her hand, squeezing it.
Her eyes closed and opened slowly before she peered into my eyes. “My life is hectic, Michael. I don’t have a normal schedule.” She frowned and looked at our hands as I stroked her fingers.
“Fuck normal, Mia. Do you want to see me again or not?” I cocked my head and stared into her shimmering hazel eyes.
“I do.” Her face was soft as her frown melted away and her eyes flickered back to mine.
“Tomorrow,” I said. “I want to take you to dinner.”
“I’m off tomorrow; beyond that I can’t make any promises, Michael.”
“Give me your phone, doc.”
She fumbled as she dug inside her purse, pulling out her phone.
I grabbed it, not letting her back out now, and dialed my number. Smiling, I snapped a quick photo and attached it to my number in her contacts. “I have your number and you have mine. What time do you want me to pick you up?”
She waved her hands in the air and scrunched her lips. “I can drive,” she said, narrowing her eyes.
“I’m driving and paying. No arguments.” I wanted to surprise her and hopefully make that sassy-ass mouth speechless. “What time, Mia?” I asked.
“Is six okay? I have to work the next—”
I rested my finger against her lips. “Six is perfect. Text me your address and wear something sexy.”
“Yes, sir,” she said, giggling before saluting me.
I liked her smartass attitude. She’d sure as hell keep me on my toes.
I grabbed her hand and brought the soft skin to my lips. Inhaling the vanilla scent, I peeked up at her face as I kissed it. She watched me with parted lips and wide eyes. “Until tomorrow, Mia. I don’t want to keep you from your friends any longer.”
“Tomorrow,” she whispered.
I waited for her to disappear into the crowd before trying to find Anthony. He sat on a couch against the wall with a group of girls surrounding him. They were enthralled by the topic of conversation…him.
“Where ya playing next?” the blonde sitting to his right asked, as she stroked his leg.
“Yeah, we want to come see you in action.” The brunette bounced in her seat.
I rolled my eyes as my brother looked at me and grinned. “Ladies, this is my brother Mike. He’s a fighter.”
Fucker.
The last thing I needed or fucking wanted was the attention of these “ladies,” as Anthony so nicely put it.
“Oooh,” cooed the blonde as she slithered away from him and turned toward me.
“Ready to hit it?” I asked, ignoring them. I didn’t feel like making small talk.
“Sure, man.” He pushed himself up and kissed their hands. “Next Saturday at the Ritz. I’m going to see each and every one of you, right?”
They replied “yes” and nodded with conviction.
I grabbed his shirt, pulling him away from his fans. “You’re such a whore at times, Anth.”
“I know. Whatever fills the seats, Mike. What girl doesn’t like a rocker?” He shrugged and waved at them over his shoulder as we walked away. “Hey, can we stop by the Ritz? I want to ask the owner a quick question.”
“Not a problem.”
“Tell me about the girl you were talking to,” he said as he slapped my shoulder.
I looked at him and laughed. “She’s not who she seems to be.” Sometimes there are things you keep close to the vest—especially in my big-mouth family.
“I saw her knee that guy in the balls. She seems pretty hardcore.”
“She’s something else. Impressed the hell out of me, really.”
“Hmm,” he said as we made our way toward the Ritz.
“What the fuck does ‘hmm’ mean?”
“Nothing. I think you need a ball buster in your life,” he said through a laugh.
“Forget about it, brother.”
“Did you make a plan to see her again?” He eyed me with one eyebrow cocked and a silly-ass grin on his face.
“Yes,” I answered, as I stopped walking and looked at him.
“Maybe she’ll break you.”
“I don’t need that shit in my life,” I said, leaving him to catch up.
“You need to let loose a little, but in the right way. Maybe she’s just what the doctor ordered.”
“You have no idea, Anthony.” I laughed as I grabbed the door handle, opening it to the most ear-shattering guitar riff known to man, and followed Anthony inside.
I leaned against the wall, watching the band as they played for their screaming fans. The looks on their faces reminded me of watching Anthony when he was entertaining the crowds.
His adrenaline rush came from the people that watched him like a rock god, and mine came from beating the piss out of someone.
When I fought, the blood pumped through my body so rapidly that I could almost feel it moving. It’s hard to describe to another person. Every muscle in my body grows rigid and screams for release. My breathing increases to the point I feel like my lungs will burst if I suck in any more air. When I step into the ring, everything else fades away. I feel like a warrior, fighting for the thrill and challenge. There’s so much adrenaline in my system that I barely feel the blows of my opponent as they land against my body, sometimes crushing my bones.
“I’m ready,” Anthony said as he tapped me on the shoulder.
I’d been so lost in my thoughts I didn’t notice his approach.
“Yeah. This place gives me a headache.”
“Wait until we play here. We’re going to blow the roof off this motherfucker.”
His smile touched his eyes as he pumped his fists in the air. Anthony didn’t care about playing music to make a living; he simply did it for the thrill and the pussy.
He loved tattooing too much to ever give it up, but since we owned the shop, we made our own hours. We worked out a schedule so that at least two of us were there in the evenings.
“You’re driving,” I said as I threw the keys to him.
“Fuck yeah, I love driving this truck. Bitch purrs when I got her in my clutches.”
“Just get my ass home in one piece and stop talking nasty.”
Sometimes I wanted to punch him, but I love
d the big bastard too much to bloody his face.
“Just don’t wreck her,” I said as he pulled into traffic.
“I should’ve been an Indy driver. I feel the need, the need for speed,” he hollered as he gunned it.
“Shut the fuck up and drive,” I mumbled before closing my eyes, not really wanting to watch his idea of NASCAR.
8
Mia
Throwing down my bag, I reached over the counter and grabbed the phone. Cammie was busy helping a patient book their next appointment.
“Hello?” I said as I surveyed the crowded waiting room.
“I need an appointment as soon as possible,” the lady yelled in the phone, panic evident in her voice. “There’s something wrong with my baby.”
“Is the baby able to breath?”
“Yes,” she cried. “She has a fever and is coughing, help me.”
“How high is the fever?”
“103.1.”
“Bring her in right away. I’ll see you immediately. Hurry.”
“Thank you,” she said before the line went dead.
“Girl, you know were booked. Whatcha doin’?” Cammie, the slightly round and always bubbly receptionist, asked.
“It’s a mom, Cam. You know I can never say no when there’s a kid involved.”
“Oh Lord, child. Are you going to have time to see her with all this?” She waved her hand toward the waiting room and grimaced.
“Yes, Cammie, I’ll make the time. Let me know as soon as she gets here. I’m going to put everything away and I’ll come grab a chart.”
“It’s a full house today. I brewed a fresh pot of coffee—from the looks of you, you’ll need it.” Cammie felt like a fill-in for my mom when she wasn’t around.
“Glad to know I look like shit, Cam,” I said. “Thanks.”
“Not shit, just tired, Mia. I know you don’t sleep well; that’s why I always have a fresh pot on hand when you’re here. Now, get your butt to work, Mia.” She swatted my ass. “We have souls to heal.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I put away the free medication I was able to score courtesy of the pharmaceutical rep that visited the hospital this week, before grabbing a chart off the counter and diving right in.
“Mr. Needlemyer,” I said from the doorway.
He looked up at me and a smile broke out across his face. “Ah, Dr. G,” he said as he pushed himself off the chair, struggling with the simple task. “Looking beautiful as always.”
“How are you feeling, Mr. N?” I asked, as he approached.
“Like an old fart.” He snorted.
“I hope I look half as good as you when I’m your age.” I smiled at him, patting him on the shoulder.
“Eh, looks are deceiving. My insides are worn out, but if I were just a few years younger…” He gave me a wink.
I slapped his knee as he sat down on the exam table. “Mr. N., come on now.”
Since the first day I met him, he’d flirted with me… relentlessly.
“So tell me, how are you really feeling? Any problems like dizziness, fatigue, or any changes since last time I saw you?” I flipped through his chart, checking his vitals from his last visit.
“I feel about as good as I can for a man my age. Nothing new to report, doc. Right as rain.”
I listened to his heart, checked his lungs, and felt his lymph glands before I wrote a refill for his blood pressure and cholesterol pills.
He sat on the exam table and watched me as he fidgeted with his hands.
“Something you want to ask me, Mr. N?”
“Well, um, kind of. I’ve been seeing this special lady. I wanted to talk to you about that little blue pill. Can I take it?”
“Do you need it? That’s the more important question.” I inched closer to him so we could talk a bit quieter. “Do you have a problem getting and maintaining an erection?”
His face turned pink as he looked away, momentarily avoiding my gaze. “I don’t think so, but it’s been so long since I’ve been with a woman. My wife died over five years ago. I don’t know if the ol’ pipes still work,” he said, giving me a weak smile.
“Ever had any trouble in the past?”
“Never.” He shook his head, looking down.
“With your medical history, I wouldn’t feel comfortable prescribing it. If you have trouble with your lady, call me and I’ll help you out.”
“Doc, be still my beating heart.”
“You know what I mean, Mr. Needlemyer.” I blushed.
Did men ever lose their dirty minds?
“I do. If I have any problems with,” he said, coughing, “I’ll call you.”
“Here are your refills, and I’ll see you next month; just make an appointment with Cammie on your way out.”
“Wishful thinking at my age.”
“You’ll be fine,” I said as I laid my hand on his. A knock on the door made him jump. “Yes?” I called out.
“The mother is here with her child,” Cammie yelled through the door.
“Coming,” I said. “Mr. Needlemyer, I need to go, but remember to call me if you have any problems.” I closed the chart and stood.
“Go ahead, doc. I’ll be fine.”
“Thanks, Mr. N.” I waved to him as I shut the door and headed to the waiting room.
I knew there was joy in motherhood, but I’d always seen the other side, where children are sick or injured, and the panic in the mothers’ eyes. I wasn’t ready to become a mother, not yet. I had a career to focus on and a life to live before I invited a bundle of joy into my life.
After examining the baby and determining that she had a lung infection, I gave the mother antibiotics and directions to help her breathe easier. She left the clinic feeling relieved and looking calm.
The rest of the day was a blur—countless patients with various illnesses. At four o’clock the waiting room had finally emptied. I’d been so busy I didn’t spend much time thinking about Michael.
I had a couple hours to get ready for him to pick me up. It’d been a long time since I’d been on a real date.
I wondered sometimes why men didn’t ask me out, or never called me for a second date. I think I’m a good catch. I have my shit together…maybe a little too together and independent for some guys.
“Where you rushing off to, doc?” Cammie asked as I tried to sneak out the door.
“I just have some things to do,” I replied, stopping in the doorway.
I never was a good liar.
I could see the giant smile spread across her face. She slammed her hand on the desk and began to laugh. “You go, girl. I want all the details. Shoo now,” she said, waving her hands at me.
I blew her a kiss, stepped out into the warm sunshine, and felt a sense of renewed hope.
The clinic didn’t leave me zapped of energy and emotionally drained like the hospital.
***
I twirled the razor in my hand and debated with myself about shaving. If I shaved, I felt like I hoped the night would end with a roll in the hay. If I didn’t shave, it guaranteed that I wouldn’t commit a carnal sin.
Running my fingers over my shin, I could feel the prickle of hair. I sighed and caved, deciding to forgo the European look.
I carefully shaved, then rinsed out the heavy conditioner in my hair before climbing out of the shower. The mirror had fogged over, and I opened the door to let in some of the cool air. I had one hour to blow dry, do my makeup, and get dressed.
I towel dried my hair a little first before walking into my closet to pick out something sexy, as Michael had requested. I found the perfect little black dress that had a very low-cut back and stopped just below the knee. It showed just the right amount of cleavage, but it wasn’t trampy. It made people stop and stare.
I wanted his eyes on me tonight, and no one else.
I did my best to do a smoky eye, as they call it in all the fashion magazines. I dried my hair before finishing the rest of my makeup.
As the minutes t
icked away, my heart started to pound. I could feel my blood pressure rising. I felt flushed and clammy.
I blotted the thin layer of dampness from my skin just before six and then pulled the dress over my head carefully before strapping on my favorite black heels with the red bottoms.
The day I was able to afford to buy myself a pair was the day I knew I could take care of myself—I’d arrived and stood on my own two feet.
I looked in the mirror one last time and turned around, making sure my underwear didn’t show and that everything was in the right place.
“It’s just a date. I got this.” My pep talk helped a little, until the doorbell rang. I’d never really felt nervous on a date before, but there was something different about him.
“Coming,” I yelled, as I walked through the house, grabbing my purse and keys.
I opened it to the stunning man leaning against the doorframe, with the sexiest grin on his face.
He whistled, his eyes raking over my body before landing on my face. “Fucking beautiful. Turn around,” he said, twirling his finger in the air. “Absolutely stunning.” He held his hand out.
“Thank you. You’re looking pretty damn good yourself.”
He did, too. Wearing a sky-blue dress shirt, tucked into his black pants, the sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms. He looked like he just stepped out of GQ magazine.
His mouth enveloped mine as soon as I locked the door and faced him. Pulling my body against him, claiming my lips with as much fervor as he had the night before, he stole my breath. His hand on the small of my back felt like a hot iron against my skin, searing into me.
“Ready?” he asked, as he released me.
“Yes,” I said, a little too breathily.
He helped me into his pick-up truck before closing the door and jogging around to the driver side. The truck was modern and decked out. It wasn’t a redneck truck but a total boy toy, black and trimmed in chrome.
“Where are we headed?” I asked, pulling my dress down to my knees.
