And just like that, I come down on the bed, spread those pretty legs, and push up into her until we’re both seeing stars and the sun is creeping through her bedroom window.
CHAPTER 16
AUTUMN
God, I’m so freaking jealous.
Thorne stands across the OR with his hands shoved up some pregnant woman’s coochie as he helps one of his other students deliver her first breech baby.
My jaw clenches. I hate this.
I haven’t had a chance to deliver a breech baby yet, but I can hardly expect Thorne to always pick favorites. It wouldn’t be fair. We’ve been together for nearly a month now, and it has honestly been the best month of my life, but we’ve been adamant that we keep our work-life professional. After all, it’s in both of our best interests to do so.
That doesn’t mean that the rumor mill hasn’t been spinning, though, because it damn well has. Thorne and I were seen out at a restaurant two nights ago, and the news is spreading far and wide. It’s only a matter of time before someone important hears about this and our asses are busted.
I watch on from the worst spot in the room, wishing that I could be right up there with the action, and judging by the way Thorne glances up and smirks at me, he knows exactly what I’m thinking. But I can’t deny that no matter where I stand in the room, watching Thorne work is the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen.
He’s just so good at what he does. His knowledge and confidence are boundless. The way he comes through one hundred percent of the time is the most impressive thing I’ve ever witnessed. I’m so lucky to have him in my life and to have him willing to share all that information with me to ensure that I become the best midwife I can be.
Once I get through my training program, Thorne and I will be an unstoppable team.
I shuffle around, desperate to get a better view as the baby’s body is delivered. Then listening to every precise instruction that Thorne gives her, the other student works quickly to get the shoulders through the birth canal.
A smile stretches across my face, despite my raging jealousy that I don’t get to do this. No one can deny how freaking awesome it is.
With some assistance from Thorne, the shoulders come out, but when the student begins to panic and fumble with the baby’s head, Thorne has no choice but to step in and take over.
It shouldn’t make me feel so good, but it does. I love that Thorne gets to be the hero, and I love it even more that I’m the one he’s going to seek out afterward with a grin the size of Texas stretching across his face.
For so long, Thorne has had to silently celebrate his victories by himself. Even when he explained it to his family and friends, they never quite understood—but me? I get to see him in action. I understand that when he says it was the hardest thing he’s ever done, he truly means it, and when he grins that goofy grin, I know just how damn proud he is, which makes me the happiest woman on earth for being the one who gets to stand by his side.
Thorne doesn’t look up, but I don’t expect him to. Breech deliveries come with a whole list of possible complications and he needs to work quickly and efficiently.
No distractions are acceptable.
Everyone watches with bated breath as the mother pushes with everything she has, in a world of pain while also fearing for her baby’s life. Breech deliveries … fuck. I don’t envy women who are put into that position, but she has the best doctor in the state, which only serves to give her and her baby the best possible chance.
The head is just about out, and my eyes remain locked on the procedure, waiting anxiously to see this precious baby boy delivered safely. Not to mention, be there to receive the smile from Thorne when he finally delivers it.
Fingers curl around my elbow, and my brows furrow as I’m pulled away. Anger pulses through me as my head whips around to find my supervisor, Patricia, pulling me toward the door. “What’s going on?” I question, keeping my voice low as to not disturb or distract Thorne. “I was watching that. It’s the first breech delivery I’ve had the chance to witness.”
Patricia’s head whips back and her eyes narrow on mine with fury. “There will be others,” she snaps as the door closes between us and the delivery. “That’s assuming you’re lucky enough to get back inside a birthing suite.”
“Excuse me?” I question, pulling my arm free of her grip, finding it far too difficult to show any form of professionalism or respect right now.
“You heard me,” the older woman snaps, trying to keep her voice low. “Is it or is it not true that you have been in a sexual relationship with Dr. Mayson?”
My mouth drops and I quickly try to right myself before giving it all away. “I …”
“Yes or no, Autumn?”
I let out a sigh. “Yes, Dr. Mayson and I are in a relationship,” I tell her, realizing that lying about it is only going to make things worse. “But we keep it strictly professional at work. He doesn’t favor me over the other students and he won’t be taking my assessments.”
Patricia puts her hands to her temples and turns around as though seeing my face is far too much effort for her right now. She takes a few slow breaths before turning back to me. “What was the one thing I said on your very first day that I will not tolerate?”
I think back to my first meeting with her, and all I seem to remember was that I was running late and needed to get through a whole bunch of paperwork before meeting with Thorne to be on his service, only the dick gave me the Policy and Procedures folders to read through.
I shake my head, realizing far too late that admitting that I can’t remember isn’t going to help my case. “I’m sorry, I … I’m not sure.”
“DRAMA,” she spits. “I will not tolerate drama on my ward, and dating your assessing doctor is a prime example of that. You will end things right away.”
I shake my head, fury rippling through me. How dare she ask me to end it with him. I know it’s only been a month, but when it comes to Thorne Mayson, I see the rest of my life, not just some ridiculous work fling. “I will do no such thing,” I tell her, refusing to revolve my love life around her need for peace and order on the ward. Besides, there is no drama when it comes to me and Thorne, it’s a simple case of boy meets girl, and they quickly become each other’s everything. There are no secrets, no crazy exes, no bullshit drama that’s coming in to ruin everything.
Patricia’s eyes seem to bulge out of her head. “Then I will have no choice but to go to the ethics board and discuss this with them.”
“Go right ahead,” I tell her. “But before you do, keep in mind that this isn’t just me you’re messing with. You’re not just flexing to prove that you have authority over me. This is Dr. Mayson’s career as the best obstetrician in the state. Screw with us, and you’re screwing with his career, and I can assure you that he will not take lightly to a threat like that. You may be able to railroad me and destroy any chances I have of a career as a midwife, but you can’t touch him.”