“I get it. I’m still not used to a normal schedule either. I think it’ll take a while to get out of residency-mode. Anyway, we’re glad to have you with us.”
“Thanks.”
The door clicks shut, and I straighten my things up and close charts as I wonder what kind of virus my girl has managed to catch. She works with enough little gremlins to bring an army down with a sneeze, so it’s anyone’s guess. I’m hoping my month off didn’t cause my immunity levels to tank. I’d really rather not have to call in sick yet, but it’ll be what it’ll be. Tugging at my tieto straighten it, I step out of the office while glancing at the chart she handed me.Only a few more patients.
???
A little past five-thirty, I pull up to Holly’s seaside home with some hot chicken and gnocchi soup from Marcketti’s. Mark’s mom really is a gem, and I can totally see her in both him and Brynleigh. I snort to myself. Okay, mostly Brynleigh. Mark’s a pretty great guy though, once you get past the cocky exterior. From what I’ve gathered, he’s toned it down quite a bit over the past year or so. Holly left the door unlocked for me, so I let myself in.
“Hol, I come bearing soup!” I announce, listening to the house for any sign of life. Wandering down the hall to the back bedrooms, I find her curled up in bed, sleeping. I walk back to the kitchen to grab a spoon and a Sprite from the fridge. Hopefully it’ll help settle her stomach if she’s still feeling queasy. Sitting on the bed softly, I pull some hair from her forehead and rub a cheek. She doesn’t feel feverish, so that’s good.
“Hey, sleepyhead. You up for some food?” I say quietly enough not to startle her, but loud enough to help wake her up. She takes in a deep breath, rousing at the sound of my voice.
“What did you bring?”
“Sprite along with some chicken and gnocchi soup from Mark’s mom.”
“Bless your soul, that sounds amazeballs right now.”
I chuckle because that is just soooo Holly.
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Just occasional queasiness. No more throwing up, no fevers, no snot. I expected more of the latter considering who I work with. I still wouldn’t kiss me, just in case.”
That earns another laugh from me.
“Noted. I’m glad it’s not worse either.”
“Yeah,” she trails off, reaching over to the bedside to grab her to-go container of soup. I hand her the spoon, watching those pretty golden brown waves bounce around her shoulders as she breathes in the aroma. “Thank you, Jax.”
“Welcome, hun. Want me to stay in case you need me later?”
Holly shakes her head no as she slides the first spoonful into her mouth.
“Uh-uh. Nope. You have patients, and if this is something gnarly, I will not be responsible for you taking it to them. I’ve probably already exposed you enough.”
“It will be the first time, but it won’t be the last time you get me sick.”
“I really don’t want you to see me throw up.”
“Do you forget how we met?”
“No, I doubt I will ever forget one of my besties telling you about my monster cock toy on the dresser.”
“Hmm, yes.” I chuckle. “That was hands down the best meet cute I’ve ever participated in. I remember wondering how monsterish this cock was and how tightly it fit. Had me struggling for a good minute, that’s for sure.”
Holly looks to the ceiling, reminiscing about her mortification. Her face that day had been absolutely priceless. She hadn’t been able to catch a break, and when I’d overheard them calling me Dr. Sexy… Icing on the cake.
“You will never let me live it down.”
“I’m still just waiting for that bad boy to make a shower appearance.”
“That one did have a suction cup on the bottom, didn’t it?” She looks up all doe-eyed at me, and I have to remind myself she’s sick. I gulp.
“Uh-huh,” I answer, inwardly counting to twenty.
“Maybe soon.”
