Holding on to Us

by A. E. Neal

  "It's on the opposite side of the waiting room, there are signs clearly posted," she snapped and waved her hand over my shoulder before she disappeared into another room across the hallway.

  "Bitch," I whispered and quickly made my way back to the waiting room.

  Zac was slumped over in the small chair I'd left him in with his mouth slightly open. He looked so peaceful, that I decided not to wake him. The old woman had gone too, so it was just Zac and I in the deserted waiting room on the sixth floor.

  I wouldn't dare ask one of the nurses for a blanket or something to drink, for fear I'd get my head ripped off. So instead, I pulled off my cardigan and wrapped it around my chest and snuggled against Zac. Instinctively, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him.

  Not long after closing my eyes, I heard a commotion down the hallway near Brody's room. I shot up out of my chair and accidentally hit Zac in the jaw with my elbow. He jolted awake and lunged out to defend himself until he realized it was me.

  "Sorry," I said quickly, "Not sure what's going on, but it's coming from down there." I pointed down the hallway.

  He took my hand and led me quietly around the corner and down the hallway. We stopped and hid behind a pillar. Two security guards were arguing outside Brody's room. A young male doctor was assuring them Ally was family, from what I could gather and he shooed them away. The two guards nodded at the doctor and turned toward us. I panicked as they got closer. I eyed an opened door across the hallway and as if Zac already knew what I was thinking, he took my hand and we made a dash for it. I closed the door behind me and put my ear against it as I listened for the footsteps to disappear.

  The room was dark and I didn't want to risk getting caught, so I fished my phone from my pocket and swiped the screen. It's dim light lit up our faces and I held it out to see where we'd ended up. A supply room, thank goodness.

  I leaned back against the door and let out an audible sigh.

  "That was close," I breathed.

  In an instant, Zac's lips were pressed against mine and my eyelids fluttered. My phone slid out of my hand and dropped to the floor as he pushed my back against the door. His kiss was rough and I parted my lips just enough to taste him. His tongue darted out, softly tracing mine. The need for him to be inside me pooled in my belly. I wound my hand in his hair and pulled him into me. I let out a low moan when I felt his hardness against me. He pushed himself back for a moment to catch his breath, then returned for another deep kiss. He lifted me, gripping my ass with both hands and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist, never breaking our kiss.

  I threw my head back as he pushed me against the door again. The stubble on his chin tickled my neck as he nibbled along my jawline. Our breathing was heavy and with each hot breath on my neck, my body ached for more.

  He let out a low growl as his hands made quick work of my bra and my shirt. He tossed them both to the floor. "I want you," he whispered into my neck, before gently taking my ear lobe between his teeth.

  "Ahh," I moaned. I couldn't get enough of him. His scent alone was driving me over the edge. The heady combination of desire and his familiar body wash were almost too much to handle.

  He reached between my thighs and traced his fingers over my throbbing sex.

  "Oh, Zac," I moaned as he pressed his palm to the part of my body that ached for his touch.

  He took both breasts into his hands and massaged each one gently, pinching the tiny barbell, causing each nipple to pucker and tingle. The sensation was none like I'd ever felt. Each flick of his tongue over the metal, sent a hot current through my veins and down to my fingertips. The exposure to the cool supply room air on my sensitive nipples was enough to send me spiraling into orgasm heaven.

  I worked quickly, unbuttoning his jeans and pulling his t-shirt over his head. Although it was dark, I could still see the faint outline of his muscled chest in front of me. I kicked off my stilettos and pulled off my leggings.

  "Can you leave those on?" he asked, almost whimpering. "They're fucking hot."

  "My shoes?"

  His chest rose as he took a deep breath, nodded and moved toward me again. I slipped my feet back into the studded stilettos and braced myself as he dropped to his knees. In one quick motion, he lifted me up and I rested my legs over his shoulders. He backed me into the door and gently nipped at my inner thigh, tracing his tongue along the muscle until he reached my drenched, aching sex. He reached around the thin fabric of my thong and pulled it aside while dipping two fingers inside me.

  My body shuddered and I closed my eyes as the erotic sensation built with each gentle thrust. I felt his warm breath against my sex as he swirled the tip of his tongue over my clit.

  "Oh. God!" I cried.

  Again, his fingers dipped deeper as he stroked my sweet spot. I rocked my hips against him. He withdrew his fingers and replaced them with his tongue. As it's warmth filled me, I grew wetter and found myself clinging on to my last shred of sanity as I climaxed. My eyelids fluttered and my entire body trembled around him.

  I tried to regain my breath, but the once cool storage room was now hot and sticky. Zac lowered me carefully back to my feet, reached his hand around my waist, spinning me, so my back against his chest.

  I slipped my thong down my thighs and to the floor to join his boxers. I leaned over a plastic tote against the wall to brace myself as he guided himself into me, slowly. I felt him growing harder inside me with each gradual thrust. He gripped my waist with both hands and drove into me further and deeper than I'd ever before. The sound of Zac's breathing grew heavy as our sweat-laden skin slapped against one another. Each thrust was faster and harder. He reached his hand between my thighs and rubbed tiny, tantalizing circles over my overly sensitive clit.

  He gained momentum and I knew he was close. With one last drive, he came, filling me with his hot seed before collapsing against my back.

  We lay there, still connected for a few minutes, listening to each other breathe. It was the one moment I'd missed the most not having Zac around. No words needed to be said, we could just lay there quietly and listen to each other's heartbeat. The cool air chilled my bare skin and I shivered against him. He released me and gathered our clothes from the store room floor. Through the darkness, I found his naked body, stroked his chiseled stomach and over his chest with my fingertips before wrapping my arms around his neck.

  "I missed you," I said, because I really did miss the connection we shared.

  He leaned down and kissed me again. "I missed you, too."

  Chapter 12

  Kennedy

  As morning neared, the sun shone brightly into the window of the waiting room. My back ached and my legs were cramped from laying across the hard chair all night. I moved Zac's arm from around my chest and dropped it against his sleeping body. I stood up, stretched my arms over my head and let out a yawn. Sleeping in a hospital was now at the top of my list of places I would never spend the night in again. Right along with airports.

  The nurse's station was deserted and I made my way into the private restroom at the end of the hallway. After splashing some water on my face, running my fingers through my short hair and peeing, I figured I was bit more suitable for a public appearance. I decided to grab some coffee from the cafeteria for the three of us. Once I reached the main lobby, I spotted the bustling cafeteria. Nurses, doctors and other hospital staff filled the area. The smell of freshly brewed coffee was like a beacon and I followed my nose until I reached the coffee station.

  I filled two cups with the hot liquid and made a cup of tea for Ally. After arranging them in a cup holder, I grabbed a blueberry muffin and headed back to the elevators.

  "Kennedy! Hey, wait up!" a voice I recognized very well, called from the reception desk. It was Deacon.

  I nodded because my hands were full and he jogged over to me, gave me a quick peck on the cheek and pushed the elevator button.

  "Thanks," I said as I yawned again. I was exhausted and I knew co
ffee would only be a temporary band-aid until I could get a full night's sleep at home.

  The doors slid open and we both stepped inside.

  "Six," I offered and he tapped the number on the panel.

  "Is Brody alright?" he asked.

  "Yeah. He looks like hell, though," I began and I glanced up to look him in the eyes.

  His chocolate colored eyes were clear and brighter than I'd remembered. I wondered if he could sense something was off between us. Like the proverbial elephant in the room. It wasn't enough that I'd spent the night with Zac, I'd slept with him...again, when I swore I wouldn't and I was completely guilt ridden. Although, I wasn't actually dating Deacon, I still felt like the walls of the elevator were closing in on me.

  "Did you sleep here last night? You look tired...uh...I mean, not tired...um..."

  I laughed. I knew I looked like shit. "It's okay. I am tired, you can say it."

  "I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you. It just looks like you didn't get much rest after I left last night."

  Oh, you have no idea, buddy.

  Suddenly, I knew I needed to change the subject, so instead of small talk, I went into autopilot.

  "Brody's leg is broken, he tore his MCL and suffered a minor concussion. But overall, I think he'll recover quickly and be back on his feet in no time," I rambled. Jesus, if the guy couldn't see right through me now, I wasn't sure he ever would.

  The elevator chimed and the doors opened.

  "Can I help you with that?" Deacon offered as he held his hand out to steady the tray of hot drinks.

  "Sure. Thanks," I smiled and handed it to him to carry.

  No sleep really did a number on one's motor skills. I felt like a walking, talking zombie.

  We reached the waiting room, and I spotted Zac leaning over with his elbows on his knees and hands twisted in his hair. I cleared my throat and he eyed me wildly. Yeah, this was not gonna go over well.

  Deacon set the tray on the table and took one of the coffees and handed it to him. I sensed it was sort of like a peace offering, even though I'd been the one to buy them.

  When Zac eyed me again, I nodded and he took the drink from Deacon. "Thanks," he said in a raspy voice.

  "I'm gonna go give this to Ally, okay? You boys play nice while I'm gone," I teased, but I knew the reality behind those words. It would be hard for Zac to keep his mouth shut and not brag about our supply room rendezvous. I shot him a dirty look, picked up Ally's tea and my coffee before heading down the hallway towards Brody's room.

  I knocked quietly and when I didn't hear anything, I let myself in. It wasn't like I was gonna find the two going at it, the guy had a broken leg for Pete's sake. But it seemed logical to knock first, just in case. The room was dimly lit and the sun peeked through the small space between the parted curtain.

  "Ally?" I whispered as I rounded the corner.

  Her eyes were closed and her head rested on Brody's chest. He put a finger to his lips as if to not wake her.

  Thank God, he was awake! Nothing short of a miracle.

  I came around to the other side of his bed, sat on the small wooden chair and set our drinks down.

  "I'm so happy to see you awake," I said softly, trying not to wake Ally, even though I was sure she hadn't slept all night.

  "Good seeing you, too, Kennedy." His voice was dry and gravely.

  "Has she been out long?" I asked, eyeing Ally.

  He shook his head slowly and cringed. Oh God, he was in pain. I could see it in his eyes.

  "Should I get a nurse? Does it hurt?" I spouted off the questions. Not realizing he probably had one of those morphine drips at the push of a button.

  "Nah. I'm good," he said roughly as he stroked Ally's cheek with his free hand. "She's been out for about an hour, now. I really wish I could talk her into going home, she hasn't slept all night."

  Ally had been by his side from the moment we arrived on the sixth floor. She waited for him to wake up, talking to him, telling him stories and praying he'd be alright. Brody woke up around three in the morning and to his surprise, Ally was there, holding his hand, mumbling incoherencies as she struggled to stay awake.

  Seriously, the most romantic thing I'd heard in a long time. Just hearing Brody's voice melted away the stress from the pervious night's events. He was going to be okay. Not one hundred percent, but after physical therapy and rehab, he would eventually be able to walk and maybe even skate again.

  As we sat quietly watching the TV on mute, the door opened and in came the hottest doctor I'd ever laid eyes on, unless you counted soap opera doctors. He was tall, handsome, clean-shaven with dark hair and light amber eyes. I was almost positive my jaw was hanging open when he came into the room to check on Brody's leg.

  "How are you feeling, McCabe?" he asked and I wondered if that was just a rule for all sports players to be called by their last name.

  Ally wiggled a little in her seat and Doctor McHottie noticed and began whispering. "I have your MRI results back and it looks like everything went well. You should have full mobility in your leg within six to eight weeks. Depending on therapy, I'd say the prognosis is looking well for you, son."

  Son? What the hell? The guy couldn't be over thirty, could he? I watched the doc as he checked Brody's reflexes, asking him if he felt pin-pricks on the bottom of his feet. He would say 'yes' or nod his head and I couldn't tear my gaze from the doctor to save my life.

  His name badge read: T. Stevens, M.D.

  "Doctor Stevens?" I asked as he continued to check the metal screws that stuck out of Brody's leg.

  He turned to me and his eyes widened, "Yes?"

  "Kennedy," I offered.

  "What's your question, Kennedy?" he asked. Apparently, I had no effect on this man and I knew I'd have to step up my game.

  "What kind of doctor are you really?"

  Brody laughed and winced. "Are you flirting with the doc?"

  Shit! Yes, why thank you, Mr. McCabe. I was flirting and obviously failing miserably, it was so awesome of you to notice.

  "No, just curious," I said quickly and shot Brody an evil look.

  "Orthopedic surgeon. I'm on staff here three days a week and work at my private practice the other two...well, sometimes three," he chuckled and scribbled something down on his clipboard.

  Doctor McHottie was left-handed and of course, being a lefty, the world had no trouble seeing your wedding ring. If it was possible, I saw myself crash and burn right there in the middle of the hospital room.

  Jesus, Kennedy. What the hell were you doing to yourself? Didn't you have enough guy-drama in your life? Yeah, more than I could handle.

  "As you were," I said, waving the doctor off as he continued his checks.

  Brody laughed again and squeezed my arm. "Way to go, Casanova."

  "Har-har. Real funny. It's a good thing you're injured or I'd kick your ass," I shot back.

  It was good to hear him laugh and equally funny when Ally finally woke up over all the commotion and said she'd dreamed she was in an episode of Grey's Anatomy. I guess we weren't that quiet, after all. As soon as Doctor Stevens was finished, he left us alone. Brody recapped my embarrassing moment and Ally just stared at me blankly, like I had a few screws loose.

  After a few minutes of giggling and chatting, I left the room and returned to the waiting room. Sitting on opposite sides of the room with their backs facing one another, were Zac and Deacon. I shook my head and walked over to Deacon first. Zac shot up and took off down the hallway toward Brody's room.

  "What's his deal?" he asked.

  "I dunno. I think he's just tired. He gets grouchy when he hasn't had a full twelve hours of sleep," I scoffed. Of course, Zac was acting like an immature teenaged boy after seeing Deacon, but I didn't really blame him.

  "I see," he said shaking his head. "Have you spoken to his doctor, yet?"

  "Huh?" I asked.

  "Brody's doctor?"

  "Oh...right. Uh, yeah. The MRI came back and it looks promising. He said
six to eight weeks."

  Deacon was interested in Brody's condition and I had to admit, it was pretty sexy watching his wheels turn.

  "I'd love to see his charts," he said, wide-eyed and grinning.

  In some sort of sick and twisted way, I understood Deacon's fascination with medicine, and after he explained that he'd only gone to medical school for a short time. I realized I was way out of my league being around someone like Deacon. He had a way of explaining things to someone who didn't have a damn clue what he was talking about, but his voice was soothing and made it easy to listen to. In reality, most of what I caught had little or no meaning to me, but I sat patiently as he explained Brody's injuries.

  Without noticing it, I'd yawned three times in a row. I was really beginning to feel the lack of sleep hit me.

  "Am I boring you? I'm sorry, I just think it's amazing what modern medicine can do for someone with injuries like that. It's fascinating, really," he said and again, I yawned.

  Shit! Was I really that shallow or just that much of a bitch? I couldn't focus on Deacon without zoning off into la-la land and thinking about Zac. I was a horrible person who definitely didn't deserve his affection.

  "I'm sorry, I'm just exhausted. It's been a long night."

  "I understand. Do you want me to take you home?"

  I shook my head. I didn't want to leave Ally and I desperately needed to talk to Zac, but my eyelids were heavy and my body was weak.

  "Uh...on second thought," I began, "maybe I'll take you up on that. I can't seem to keep my eyes open." I yawned again and my eyes watered.

  "Of course. It would be the least I could do." Here I was, being an asshole to the one guy who was actually nice to me.

  "Lemme go tell Zac and Ally," I said and he smiled.

  I stood up and made my way back to Brody's room. The door was wide open and apparently, the nurses didn't mind having us all hanging around because not one of them said a word to me.

  I peeked my head into the room. Ally smiled and walked over to me. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and pulled me in for a tight hug.