Between the Pain

by Gia Riley

  Amie responds with a simple, “good luck with that dude. I saw him on his way in. Handsome devil.”

  Of course I laugh at that, the guy is all of a hundred pounds, soaking wet, and has a tattoo on his arm that reads dead sexy. He had the balls to wink at me while I was putting his admitting bracelet around his wrist right below said tattoo.

  “This one’s actually amusing. He’s already informed me we’re getting hitched as soon as he gets released. Nothing screams dead sexy more than an inmate declaring his love for you while he has his head in a bed pan.”

  “Who says chivalry is dead?” she asks as I head off on my mission.

  THE REST OF MY NIGHT’S uneventful, which in the Emergency Room is actually a blessing. Ryan and I weren’t able to coordinate our breaks for the same time so I just ended up grabbing a turkey wrap from the cafeteria and ate in the break room. I’ve caught myself thinking about him tonight more times than I’d like to admit.

  After handing my patients over to the third shift nurse, I clock out and head to the parking garage. Parking garages scare the shit out of me. I always feel like someone is lurking in a dark corner ready to snatch me and haul me away. I watch too much TV. Thankfully security has cameras inside. But before I even make it down the hospital stairs, I spot Ryan at the bottom, casually leaning against the railing.

  “Well this is a nice surprise,” I say with a goofy smile plastered across my face.

  “Did you really think I’d go home without seeing your beautiful face or kissing these lips,” he says as he taps the end of my nose with his finger.

  “I’m glad you didn’t.”

  “So am I. But we have a problem.” He hasn’t taken his eyes off my lips as he says this to me.

  “We do?” Immediately I think it must have something to do with work considering nothing was wrong before our shifts started.

  “We definitely do. I don’t just want to kiss your lips Hallie, and I definitely don’t want to do it outside the hospital. I want you all to myself, preferably naked. Stay with me tonight.”

  There’s obviously only one answer to this question. So, instead of wasting time, I just get on with it. No use denying myself the one thing I clearly want. Dropping my eyes down to his lips, I lean in and kiss him hard. I feel his arousal against my stomach and there is no doubt whatsoever. My message was received loud and clear. As we break apart and my eyes begin to flutter open, I see the intensity in his hooded expression. He wants this just as much as I do. Who cares if we just met, I’m doing what I want for a change.

  “Come on Hallie, let’s go find your car.”

  “All right, but where did you park? Will you wait for me by the exit so I don’t get lost? I don’t know the city very well, too many one way streets.”

  “I’ll ride with you. I walk to work. I’m only a few blocks away.”

  “That’s convenient but is it safe to be walking home so late at night. You work all kinds of shifts.”

  “More than you know and don’t worry, I’m careful. I even know some karate moves.”

  “What do you mean more than I know?”

  “Well, when you get off work and are too tired to drive home, I’m close. You can stay with me instead.”

  “Is that what you tell all the girls?”

  “Only the pretty ones.”

  “Very funny, but I’m serious.”

  “No Hallie, the offer only stands for my girlfriend.”

  “So we have official titles now?” I ask curiously.

  “We do. That okay with you?”

  “Absolutely. So what’s this girlfriend of yours like? Would she approve of what we’re doing right now?”

  “She’s adorable but what we’re about to do will blow this out of the water.”

  “Is that so, Mr. Andrews?”

  “That’s a promise, baby.”

  “Then we better hurry up.” I start running up the flights of stairs in the parking garage. Why on Earth did I have to park up so damn high? I feel Ryan at my heels chasing after me. My legs are burning so I stop on the landing of the fifth flight to catch my breath. Coming up behind me, he puts his chin on my shoulder and wraps his arms around my stomach holding me tightly against his chest.

  “Slow down, speedy. Save some energy. You’re gonna need it for what I have in mind,” he whispers as he places three soft kisses on my neck and begins to run his hands down my stomach as he dips the tips of his fingers under the drawstring of my pants. Rubbing back and forth over the soft skin above my panties, he inches his fingers even lower dipping under the fabric. Coming painfully close to my core, his other hand reaches up to my breast, pinching my nipple through the fabric of my bra. My head falls back against his shoulder as the sensation travels all the way down my body. Encouraging him, I let out a small moan as he continues to work his magic. I will never, ever complain about scrubs again in my life. Thank the lord for easy access. I close my eyes tightly, becoming drunk from the sensations overtaking me.

  “Does that feel good, babe?”

  I moan again, slightly louder than the last. Normally I would be embarrassed, but right now I could care less. I’m so turned on nothing else matters. At all.

  His hand moves to my other breast, showing my other nipple the same attention while his other hand slowly moves inside me. Swaying back and forth, his hands feel so incredible I can’t hold back much longer. He’s driving me absolutely crazy.

  “Ryan, ohmigod.”

  “You are so sexy right now. Show me how good I’m making you feel.”

  Hearing his words and feeling his warm breathe on my skin makes me even hotter. His fingers are working their magic as I tell him to go faster and harder. It isn’t long before I’m letting go, coming completely undone right in the corner of a stairwell in the parking garage; which I will care about if I ever come down from this mind-blowing high.

  “Holy shit, Ryan. That was wow.” I’ve never had an orgasm that intense, ever. Letting go of my body he turns me around and kisses me sweetly on the lips.

  “It was my pleasure. I’ll never look at this garage the same way again, that’s for sure. Come on, we better keep moving before we both end up naked right here on the stairs. I’m definitely not done with you yet,” he says with a lust filled expression.

  Finally locating my car, I decide to let Ryan drive since he knows where he’s going and I am way too frazzled right now to even attempt to find my way to his house. As we wait for the bar to go up releasing us from this concrete jungle, Ryan looks over at me adoringly.

  The garage attendant gives us a knowing nod and wave as we pull out.

  “Ryan! Shit! Shit! Shit! I forgot about the cameras! We are in so much trouble! This can’t be happening right now. I just had one of the hottest moments of my life, and we were in a public place, being watched! How could I be so stupid!”

  “Take a breath woman. It’s okay. I’m glad it was as good for you as it was for me though. I highly doubt we were the first ones to mess round in this parking garage, but if we were, then consider it christened. We did it a favor!”

  “You are so not helping right now.”

  “Okay then let’s try this scenario, would you have stopped me if someone wasn’t watching?”

  “No.”

  “Do we really know if there was a camera even on us?”

  “No. But there are cameras, and someone was watching!”

  “Well, then you can say you are experienced in exhibitionism.”

  “Are you serious! You aren’t the one that has to park in there again. You walk,” I say with one last huff having given up on this conversation. Realizing the craziness of this moment, I decide all I can do is laugh. Relationships are definitely the head trip I predicted.

  SHOCKINGLY ENOUGH, RYAN AND I didn’t end up having sex that night. Okay, we messed around some more and did other equally gratifying things, but that was as far as it went. Turns out he was serious when he said we had all the time in the world and could take things slowly. I�
�ve decided he really is trying to prove himself to me. He knows about the plethora of concerns I have running through my mind after being burned one time too many. So after we messed around some more, we ate popcorn, watched a movie and cuddled on the couch. I ended up falling asleep with my head in his lap as he played with my hair, both equally satisfied. At some point in time we ventured to his bedroom. Briefly, I freaked at the thought of him carrying me back there as I snored or heaven forbid, was drooling. That sure screams take me now.

  All of those crazy thoughts took a hike when I wake up to find myself wrapped up in his arms. I’ve never felt as safe and secure as I do in this moment. The more time I spend with this man, the luckier I feel. Never before have I met a guy who is more worried about me than himself. I snuggle closer to him.

  “Hallie, fuck,” Ryan groans.

  Either Ryan isn’t a morning person or he’s in pain. Shit, did I kick him in my sleep? I’m not used to sharing a bed with someone else. I have no idea if I’m restless at night or not. “You okay, Ry?” I ask as I flip over so I’m facing him. His eye lids are still closed but judging by the smirk on his face, he seems to be amused and very awake.

  “Yeah I’m good. Just thinking about my grandma.”

  Okay. Not exactly what I pictured him thinking about first thing in the morning but we can chat about her if he wants. “What about her? Is she okay?” His eyes are still closed and he’s now laughing. Morning Ryan is slightly strange.

  “I’m sure she’s up and baking a cake or some shit by now. In an apron and some froofy dress and pearls. She’s pretty old school.”

  “She sounds lovely. Maybe I can meet her sometime. Do you always wake up thinking about her?”

  “Nope. Only when you’re in my arms shimming your ass all over my junk and I’m trying to calm him down so I don’t make a mess.”

  His admission has me cracking up. “Him huh. Did you give him a name too? Please tell me you didn’t name your car and your manhood. I don’t know if I can handle all that.”

  “No, he doesn’t have a specific name, although, he’s very important to me.”

  “You do realize we’re having a conversation about your penis.”

  “Yes, I do. He likes you. A lot. That thing you do with your mouth is heaven.”

  “Ryan! Stop!” I smack him on his chest and shake my head in mock disgust. At least now I know my skills are up to par.

  “Sorry babe. So, do you have plans today or can I keep you in my bed a little longer?”

  “I work tonight but that’s all that I have on my agenda today. You?”

  “I was thinking about taking Lola for a hike down by the river. She likes the trails and chasing the squirrels. You’re welcome to join us.”

  “Sure. I have to run home and change; I’m not wearing my scrubs. Do you want to meet me there in an hour or so?”

  “I’ll come get you, but I’m not ready to let your sexy ass out of my bed yet. Come here.”

  Forty-five minutes later, I finally make my way out of his bed and back into my clothes. Not that I’m complaining. I’d happily stay tucked away in his bedroom for the rest of the day, but he wants to hike. I can’t say I’ve been fond of hiking in the past, but for him I can be one with nature.

  Pulling into my parking space outside of my house, I gather my things and make my way to the door. Much to my surprise, Alex is sitting on the front step of my townhome looking slightly miffed. Upon closer inspection, he appears to be texting frantically on his cell phone. This can’t be good. “What are you doing here so early?” He still hasn’t spotted me and his head shoots up in surprise. Clutching his heart, he looks like I genuinely caught him off guard even if he is the one sitting on my door step.

  “Hallie, do you know what this thing is?” He’s holding up his cell phone to which I roll my eyes and assure him I wasn’t born yesterday.

  “Alex, that would be a cell phone and I do know how to use one. Mine was off; I spent the night at Ryan’s after work last night. You can call off the search party. All is well.”

  “How well? Did you have sex? You had sex didn’t you? I figured that was what was going on after my calls kept going straight to voicemail. It wouldn’t kill you to let me know where you are so I don’t worry. I do worry, Hallie. You’re my best friend. I’m not used to you being locked away in Ryan’s love nest. Say you’re sorry and let’s discuss the sex.”

  “You’re something today. No time to get into specifics. He’ll be here in less than an hour to take me hiking with him and Lola. She’s such a pretty girl. I met her last night at his house. A shower is the only thing I can do right now. Either sit on the toilet and chat with me or I’ll fill you in later,” I tell him as I rush around my bedroom finding something suitable to wear in the woods. Assuming yoga pants and a razorback tank is acceptable; I rush to the shower to get this show on the road.

  “First of all, you are going hiking? With bugs and dirt? Secondly, who is Lola and why did you both stay at his house last night? Is this guy into some freaky shit? OMG! Your first threesome! You need to start talking. Right this minute.”

  “Really, Alex! Lola is his dog. We didn’t have sex and there most definitely were no threesomes. You are exhausting, but I appreciate your enthusiasm. Nice to know if I were to have one you would be on board with the idea.”

  “Hallie my dear, I love you to the moon and back but let’s take one thing at a time. My ticker can’t take too much at once. I will let you get ready for your man candy. Oh and I’m borrowing your crock pot. I’m making dinner for Tanner tonight.”

  “I have a crock pot?”

  “You do.”

  “Hmm. Good to know.”

  “Call me later, Betty Crocker. Love you.”

  “Okay, will do. I love you, too.” The whirlwind that is Alex never ceases to amaze me. It also doesn’t go unnoticed that he’s the only guy I have ever uttered those three words to. My feelings for Ryan are slightly foreign but I know in my heart my guard is completely down. There are no barriers preventing him from taking my heart. If he wants it, it’s his. Smiling to myself, this is one revelation I wasn’t sure would ever see the light of day. If I’ve learned anything in my short twenty-two years on this Earth, it’s that trust has to be earned. For me to trust Ryan is a true indication of how ready I am to fall in love. To be in love.

  WITH MY ATHLETIC GEAR IN PLACE, I grab my wallet and sunglasses along with a couple bottles of water for the road. I’ve seen Ryan naked, yet seeing him in his workout clothes even manages to turn me on. The way his black tee is snug across his chest and his athletic shorts showcase his ass has me thinking it might be smart to lag behind on this walk. Who needs the sights of nature when I can look at that all day! I’m definitely an ass girl. Not even trying to hide my blatant perusal of his sexy body, I just smile and press a soft kiss to his lips on my way to his car. Ryan climbs in and gets situated behind the wheel. Lola is attacking my face and giving me kisses. Her tail is going a hundred miles an hour banging off the window of the car. Apparently she missed me.

  “Easy girl, sit down,” he tells Lola.

  We’re driving down the road, heading towards the river. The only thing on my mind is the beautiful sunshine and how at ease I feel this afternoon. Considering I could barely form a sentence without turning red just a few days ago, I’ve come a long way.

  “I missed you, pretty girl.”

  “I was only gone an hour. You didn’t even have time to miss me.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. My bed was very lonely after you left it. I think you should stay again tonight. You know, long night at work and all. I wouldn’t want you driving too far.”

  “Very cute. You’re really gonna use this close proximity thing to your advantage aren’t you.”

  “If it gets you in my arms tonight, absolutely,” he says with certainty.

  “Ryan, I would love to stay with you. Just don’t let me wear out my welcome. I don’t want you getting sick of me. I like what we have
going.”

  “Impossible.”

  The rest of our drive flies by and before I know it we’re pulling into a gravel parking lot with a few picnic tables sitting around the sides. Lola is eager to run on the trail and practically yanks Ryan’s arm out of the socket trying to get free from her leash. He sets her free and she looks like a little kid on Christmas morning running freely.

  “Why did you name her Lola? It’s not a common dog name.”

  “The day I got her, I took her over to see my Grandma. She ran after a bird and came back with a couple feathers stuck in her fur. She’s a yellow lab so my Grandma started singing Barry Manilow’s Copacabana song about Lola with yellow feathers in her hair. The name just stuck.”

  “Now that song will be stuck in my head every time I see her.” I take Ryan’s hand and we begin our trek up the path. Thankfully, there’s a cool breeze blowing and the sun isn’t too hot yet. The trees provide shade and keep us comfortable as we stroll. It feels good with him at my side. I feel a sense of contentment and realize having him in my life couldn’t have come at a better time. He has helped my transition from school to the working force tremendously. My confidence is at an all-time high and my life has excitement again. He lets go of my hand for a minute as he stops to pick up a huge branch.

  “Every serious hiker needs a hiking stick.”

  “Are you telling me things are about to get real, Ryan?”

  “Nah, you can handle it. Just in case we need to fend off any bears. Now we’ll be safe.”

  “Please tell me you’re joking.” My panicked expression has fully ruined my blissful moment of peace.

  “You’re cute when you get all worked up. I’m just kidding, but don’t worry. I’ll protect you. You’re safe with me.” The sincerity in his statement isn’t lost on me. I know he means more than just right now, on this path. For that, I squeeze his hand a little tighter letting him know I’m on the same page.