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~K~
I open my apartment door,the smell of food hitting my nose. Ron and Jim stand there with grins plastered on their faces, and Chinese takeout and beer in their hands.
I grin back, holding the door wide open for them to enter. Man, I love guys' night. We hang out, eat and drink, while we shoot the shit and watch whatever the hell is on.
"Hey, guys, how's it going?" I pat their backs as they walk past me, shutting the door behind them.
Jim speaks first, ever the talkative one. "Good, man, married life is still the same, how about you?"
I nod, as I help them unload the goodies. "Same here man, working and shit. Getting the new practice going." Ron passes each of us a beer, as he cracks them open with his bottle opener.
"Ah, that's right," Jim says, "How's it going?"
I shrug, not caring to rehash the past week. Stressful and mind-numbing, quickly come to mind. "It's going. It's a lot of work right now, but as soon as I'm up and running better, I'm sure things will flow much smoother."
"Beats the community work, though, right?" I nod in response as Ron continues, "I've actually started a new job," he announces before he takes a swig of his beer. I grab plates and forks, and place them on the coffee table. We crowd around, as we park our asses on my couch, each of us ready to dive in.
"Really, where?" I ask, happy for Ron. I know he hated his last job as a delivery driver.
"I'm driving still, but it's longer distance now, without all of the stops. I only have to make two or three stops now."
I take a pull of beer, as the other two load their plates with food. "That's awesome, man, I'm happy for you." Jim nods in agreement, as he fills his mouth with lo mien.
"Yeah, I enjoy the driving bit. The deliveries and stops are what sucked." We laugh, and I load my plate up with food now. My stomach shouts its misery.
"You never were a people person, dude." Jim says, his own self being a social butterfly.
I've known Jim since high school, and Jim met Ron in college, eventually bringing all three of us together. Jim has been the partier of the bunch. He socialized with everyone and dragged us along. He was fun to be around and the life of the party; he still is. Ron is quieter but once he opens up, he's a funny guy. Plus, he'll always have your back. Loyalty is key in a good friendship.
"Did all of your patients follow you?" Ron asks me in between bites of general Tso's chicken. The Chinese fare is delicious tonight, each bite tastier than the last. I wipe my mouth with a napkin before swallowing my food with a drink of beer.
"Most of them did, but not all. Some are a better fit for the community service center, due to transportation or living situations. I helped them find new placement before I left."
"Any hot new coworkers?" Jim asks, ever the curious one. He knows I'm on a break from women right now... indefinitely. Hell, I haven't gotten laid in almost six months, and I'm chomping at the bit.
I chuckle, filling my mouth with more noodles to avoid the question. Yeah, there's a hot one all right. One who will make you fall to your knees and beg. A mind fuck is what she is. I need to stay far, far away.
Jim slaps my back playfully. I want to wipe that smirk off his face. "There is, huh? Are you staying away from women still?"
Ron shakes his head as he throws me a look of sympathy. He knows damned well how a woman can fuck up your entire life. Royally. It takes a long time to heal from love wounds. Time heals all, they say, but does it? Can it? Some scars are too deep, I think. "Sharon was a royal bitch, man. And I know, it's hard to get past it or to even want to try again. Take your time; you'll know when you're ready, again."
"I appreciate that." I nod at Ron, grateful for someone who understands. Jim pats my back again, this time with sympathy. He's married to his high school sweetheart and didn't experience a deep heart break. I hope he doesn't.
"I can only imagine the pain. Keep your head up man." Jim says and I murmur my thanks, as I stand and stretch.
"Another beer, guys?" I ask, the conversation over.
* * *
The guys leftten minutes ago, after a few hours of shooting the shit. The usual topic of conversations flowed, with sports and jobs being the top two. They didn't ask about Emma again and I offered no additional details.
Steam from the running shower fills the bathroom. When I step in, the scalding water cascades down my back and lights my skin on fire. There's nothing quite like washing away the day's dirt and insecurities. Soap slides over my body, and Emma finds her way back into my mind. My cock thickens and I groan, imagining her here with me, her hot tiny hands running all over my body. I close my eyes, moving my head under the steady stream of water.
My body hums, my heart picking up speed, a full grown erection taking hold. I squeeze my eyes shut, balling my fists. You can't be daydreaming about this woman, she's your coworker. How will it look to your patients, your business?
I slam my hand against the tile wall, my frustration boiling over. This woman... she's driving me crazy. Invading my every thought. Since our lunch, I haven't been able to push her out of my head. I barely saw her the rest of the week in the office, both of us busy with patients. I tried to catch her on lunch, but she wasn't around and I couldn't ask questions.
Faye kept throwing me flirty eyes, and while it's flattering, my mind pulls me back to Emma. Every time. My body, my heart—both scream at me to make a move. There's something there. Something more. But, my mind holds me in place, keeping me at a distance. Watching her, only to want her more. How long can I hold back before I give in? Until I'm drowning in everything that is her. Until I'm so far under, I won't know what's happening around me. Deeper and deeper I'll go. Then, without warning, I'm shattered and left with broken pieces. Who will fix me when there are too many pieces scattered?
I'm deflated now, the moment gone, my desire gone. I yearn for Emma. But, it's not the right time, nor place. I doubt it'll ever be the right time.
Dry and exhausted, it's time to call it a night. The full calendar of patients for tomorrow means my day will be non-stop. At least I'll probably be there alone since most of the other doctors don't see patients on Friday. Maybe I'll finally catch up.
My phone buzzes on the kitchen counter where I left it charging. Ethan's name flashes, several messages beginning to pour in. I blow out a breath, my stomach sinking. Looks like it won't be an early night after all.
