As soon as I lift his arm at the elbow, he flinches. It seems the shoulder has taken most of the fall from the way he cowers when I move it.
“Okay, little man, we’re going to do an X-ray and then we’ll fix you up. You may need a cast, and no more climbing trees. You got that?” I ruffle his hair, and he nods in response with a sad pout on his chubby face.
I turn to set up the X-ray machine. This will ensure that I know nothing is broken or fractured. Offering a smile to his mom, who looks like she’s about to pass out from stress, I ensure everything is ready before turning back to her.
“He’ll be fine,” I assure her.
Boys can be hard work. I remember myself as a child. I was a handful. The thought makes me wonder if I’d ever have another child. Perhaps a son. The image brings Lily to mind and I can’t help smiling at that. I’d love to see her pregnant with my baby.
“Let’s go, little man, I need you to stand really still. Can you do that?”
He nods at my question. A challenge for him because I can tell he’s ready to head back up that tree. One thing about boys, they tend to be stubborn.
“Thank you, Doctor,” his mom murmurs behind me, and I cast a glance toward her, relief painting her features.
This is what I love about my job, making people smile, treating them so they feel better, heal, and stay healthy. It’s always been a passion of mine to make someone smile. Whether it’s from relief that you’re giving them good news, or just from the fact that you were there for them in their time of need.
“It’s a pleasure. That’s why I’m here.” I focus on getting the X-rays done and ready for examination while she waits for her little boy to get his arm in a sling. And my mind is once again on Lily.
The hours pass quickly and when I glance up at the clock, I note it’s been four hours since I rushed out of the house this morning. Guilt settles in my chest when I realize I left in such a rush, that I didn’t tell Lily I’d be this long. I know she’s finished with her studies, and even though she’s on vacation for the holidays, leaving her and Chelsea alone so close to Christmas causes me to worry. She might think I’m taking advantage of her, or perhaps she has plans with someone. That thought has jealousy skating through my veins. I don’t want her to have anyone else but me.
Also, I haven’t had the courage to call her since I arrived. Even though I had a few moments to spare, I wasn’t sure a phone call would suffice what I want to say. Also, to be honest, I’m fearful of her telling me to go to hell.
This morning when I left, it was the most natural thing to plant a kiss on her full lips as I headed to work, and I didn’t miss my daughter’s little rhyme. Cringing, I sigh as I rise from my chair and shrug my coat on. For Chelsea, this isn’t something trivial. Having another woman replace her mother in that way is not something I wanted to put her through till I was ready to move on. At least, till I was sure there was a chance for me and Lily.
Making my way out the door, I head to the parking lot and unlock the car. When I slip into the driver’s seat, I inhale deeply before starting the engine and making my way home. The town is quiet since it’s two days before Christmas and we haven’t had a snowfall yet.
My mind is replaying what to say to her when I see her in a few moments. The girl I want more than I ever thought I would, and also, there’s something I want to talk to her about before I chicken out.
Even being away from her for a few hours, busying myself with work and patients, hasn’t diminished the image of her on my bed, spread open to my hungry gaze.
The drive home is a few minutes longer than normal because I’m stalling, but not near enough time for me to figure out what I’m going to say to Lily when I finally see her.
Pulling into the garage, I shut off the engine and exit the car. A small body bounds into me as soon as I step into the laundry room, which is just off the kitchen.
“Daddy! Lily made me lunch! And she made shortcake!” Chelsea screeches loudly and excitedly as I lift her up.
The aromas coming from the kitchen would bring a grown man to his knees and I’m almost there. I’m tempted to keep Lily here with me and my little girl forever.
The thought stills me for a moment before I manage a response to Chelsea. “Did she, now?” I question as I step into the kitchen and find the beautiful woman sitting at the table about to devour a piece of sweet dessert. Her long, wavy hair is tied in a messy knot on top of her head, thin tendrils of strawberry-blond hanging around her face making her look angelic. Her large doe eyes peek up at me under long lashes.
“Mr.—”
“Austin,” I interrupt her, causing a gorgeous blush to warm her cheeks.
A swift nod of understanding, and she smiles. “Hello, Austin.” Her voice is timid, with a slight tremble.
There’s emotion rolling off her in waves and it matches the way I’m feeling about her. Nervous, excited, and enamored. I can see it in her eyes, affection so deep and pure it steals my breath.
“Daddy,” my little girl murmurs in my ear conspiratorially. “Are you going to kiss Lily again?”
Darting my surprised gaze to my daughter, I open my mouth to respond, but I can’t find the words. Setting her down, I straighten and glance at my babysitter, who is now blushing furiously. Chelsea may be young, but she’s picked up on the tension between the two adults in her life. And that’s what Lily is, an adult.
“Munchkin, can you give me a minute to talk to Lily about something? I’ll come find you after, okay?” I say, giving her a kiss on the top of her head.
“Okay, Daddy.” She nods, her pigtails bouncing as she races into the living room.
Now that we’re alone, the air shifts and there’s evident desire hanging between me and the beauty at my table.
“I’m… I made something to eat. I don’t know if—”
Closing the distance between us, I grip her face in my hands and crash my mouth to hers. I don’t care what I’m doing. Every risk and rule flies out the window when my lips touch hers. A soft whimper falls from her lips and I swallow it. I want all her sweet sounds. I want to taste her essence. Everything this woman is, I want it all.
She rises, her hands snaking their way around my neck, and her body molds to mine. Her mouth is warm, sweet, and so fucking delicious. Her arms twine around my waist, holding on to me as if I’m her lifeline, but I don’t think I am, because in this stormy ocean, she is mine.
Each day I watched her grow closer to my daughter. And every moment she spent in my house as my babysitter, she burrowed her way into my heart. Nothing is going to stop me having her now. She feels perfect, utterly perfect in my arms.
“Austin,” she mumbles against my lips. “My parents.”
Two words and I’m stepping back. I know we need to tell them, to let them get to know me and Chelsea. And what better time to do it than Christmas.
“I’ll go with you. I want you, Lily. Nothing is going to stop this.” I’m earnest in my words. She needs to know this isn’t a one-night stand. I’m here, and if she’ll have me, I’d like to keep her for far longer than just a night.
“Let me talk to them first,” she pleads and I know why. Her father, the sheriff, is not an easy man to please, and I don’t blame him. I’d be the same with Chelsea.