Split (1)

train · 2.39M rows

text stringlengths 20 462k
`` you can not seriously be sitting there saying that . '' aidan stared at pesh for a moment before he groaned . `` oh man , i 'm being a giant , selfish tool about this , are n't i ? '' `` pretty much . '' aidan rubbed his hand over his eyes . `` it 's just ... being a father is f**king scary sometimes . i worry about noah constantly , and now there 's another baby in the mix . plus , another baby means more time taken away from emma . '' he gave a weak smile . `` i love her so much . sometimes ... i just ca n't get enough of her , and i do n't want to share . '' `` i think that 's a perfectly normal feeling . '' aidan shook his head . `` it makes me sound like a selfish bastard . i mean , who is jealous of their kid for taking their wife 's time ? '' `` a lot of men . so stop beating yourself up over what you 're feeling . most of all , do n't bottle it up . talk to emma . '' aidan 's blue eyes widened as he shook his head furiously back and forth . `` oh hell no , i do n't want her thinking badly of me . '' `` she wo n't .
emma always appreciates honesty . '' `` about me being jealous of her time with our kids ? i 'm pretty sure she would not want me being honest about that . '' `` what has emma always said is the most important thing in a relationship ? '' `` trust . '' `` so how are you building her trust by lying to her about your feelings ? '' aidan 's blonde brows furrowed . `` so i should just tell her i 'm afraid of losing her and that i want us to maximize our time together ? '' `` i would think so . i do n't think any woman could get angry hearing her husband say how much he loves her and wants to be with her . '' aidan appeared thoughtful . `` i guess you 're right . '' pesh smiled as he patted aidan 's shoulder reassuringly . `` you 're doing a wonderful job being a father . i 'm sure you 'll do just as well with a second and maybe even a third child . '' at the mention of a third child , aidan swallowed hard , his adam 's apple bobbing up and down . `` i do n't mind a third kid ... just not now . maybe in a couple of years . '' he glanced up and smiled at pesh .
`` but thanks for the vote of confidence on me being a father . '' `` i just call it as i see it . '' `` i appreciate that . '' `` how about i check on your head now ? '' aidan nodded . pesh started feeling for unusual lumps and bumps on aidan 's head . `` hmm , i do n't feel anything abnormal . but just to be on the safe side , i want you to have a ct scan to rule out concussion or any brain bleeds . '' `` jesus , i could have all of that from just hitting my head ? '' `` you would be surprised . let me go call in the order , and they 'll come take you back . hopefully you wo n't have too long a wait . we 're usually slower during the afternoons when the doctors ' offices and imaging centers are open . '' as he started for the door , aidan stopped him . `` hey , man , with all the craziness , i almost forgot to ask how is megan doing with her placement ? '' pesh did n't have to think twice before responding , `` she is going to make an incredible nurse . '' aidan grinned . `` i 'm glad to hear it . not that i ever doubted her abilities .
it 's just good to hear her praises sung by a doctor . '' popping pesh on the chest teasingly with his hand , aidan asked , `` how 's it going between you and megan ? '' pesh almost laughed out loud at aidan 's forthrightness . it was not in his nature to be so blunt , and after megan turning him down yet again , he was n't really sure how to answer . `` i truly respect and admire megan . '' he considered that the most diplomatic way to answer her uncle 's enquiry . despite feeling glad that he obviously had earned his friend 's respect , he would n't say anything untoward about megan in front of him . it is her business who she did or did n't date . `` that 's not what i meant . '' `` i did n't imagine it was . '' aidan eyed him before saying , `` look i know you got off to a rocky start , but it 's not hopeless . are you planning on asking her out ? '' `` you 're not letting this go , are you ? '' `` nope . not a chance . '' pesh shoved his hands into his lab coat .
`` i have asked megan to accompany me on a date , but at this point , we are at a stalemate . but , i am not planning on giving up anytime soon . does that satisfy your inquisition ? '' aidan laughed , but then his brows furrowed . `` what do you mean ? you two looked pretty cozy and comfortable together when we walked up . '' with a regretful shake of his head , pesh replied , `` she does n't want to date me . '' `` i call bullshit . i may have been bonked in the head , but no one could deny the way she was looking at you . maybe if you- '' although it was against his character , he let his anger override his better judgment . `` she wants me for sex but not for a relationship , okay ? '' aidan 's mouth gaped open . `` you mean , she 's acting like ... a dude ? '' `` if you mean that she has pretty much refused to go to dinner with me or any other honorable event that a man and woman can partake in on a date , and instead , she would rather pursue a strictly physical relationship , then the answer is yes . '' `` my god , it 's like she 's turned into the old me , '' aidan muttered . he ran his hand over his face before he looked at pesh again .
with a shrug , pesh replied , `` she 's still very young . i suppose in her eyes , she 's been deprived of fun the last two years . this is a way for her to make up for that . regardless if we agree or understand it . '' `` well , i still call bullshit on the whole thing . '' he gave pesh a long , hard stare . `` you have to keep trying , no matter what . '' `` i did n't say i was giving up , did i ? '' `` no , but i know from personal experience how hard it is to keep trying when it feels like you are n't winning . '' `` what occurred with you and emma is totally different than with megan and me . '' `` you still have to try . '' aidan hopped off the examining table and wobbled for a moment on unsteady legs . `` megan has been hurt before , and i do n't think she really knows what it is to be loved . not deeply where her needs were considered . hell , she was only twenty-three when she got knocked up . i want her to find someone who will cherish her , man . i want my girl cared for . '' he patted pesh 's shoulder . `` i think that someone could be you . ''
`` we 'll see . '' when aidan started to argue , pesh shook his head . `` time to see about your head . '' `` whatever , '' aidan mumbled . when pesh opened the door for aidan , emma and megan stared expectantly at them . `` so what 's the verdict ? '' `` i think he 's going to be just fine , but to be on the safe side , i 've ordered him a ct scan . '' emma 's eyes widened in fear . `` you think he has some brain injury from the fall ? '' she asked in a panicky voice . pesh smiled to try and put her at ease . `` i do n't think there 's anything wrong besides a slight bump on the head , but i want to make sure there is nothing wrong with him . '' `` okay then , '' emma replied . an orderly appeared with a wheelchair to escort aidan to his scan . before he sat down , aidan leaned over to kiss emma . `` i 'm fine , babe . stop worrying . it is n't good for you or the baby . '' she gave him a weak smile . `` i 'll try hard not to . '' he winked at her before collapsing down in the wheelchair .
`` nothing can keep me down-you should know that by now . '' megan snorted . `` at least we know the bump did n't do anything to your ego . '' `` of course not , '' emma agreed . kristi poked her head out of one of the examining rooms . `` dr. nadeen , i need you . '' he nodded before turning to megan . `` why do n't you show emma to one of the family waiting rooms ? '' `` sure , '' megan replied . emma reached up to hug him . `` thanks for taking care of aidan . '' `` it was my pleasure . '' he gave them a final wave before disappearing into the waiting patient 's room . but after talking to aidan , he definitely had a little more determined bounce in his step . chapter nine two days later when megan came in for a later shift , she found the emergency room in a state of chaos . `` whoa , what happened ? '' she asked kristi , after she 'd clocked in and put away her things . kristi rolled her eyes . `` every month or so we seem to have a day where everything is madness from start to finish . you can never anticipate it-you kinda just have to go with the flow . '' she grinned at megan .
`` so get ready to be on your toes today . '' `` okay , sounds good . '' as they started working their way through patients , things continued to escalate into overwhelming territory for megan . kristi seemed to be experiencing the same feeling since the tops of her cheeks had a shine of perspiration beads on them . the moment they finished with one patient and disinfected the room , another patient was waiting to enter it . megan followed behind kristi as she went to poke her head in to the registration area . `` hey janet , could you not call anyone else back ? we 're getting swamped . '' janet shook her head . `` it 's just as crazy out in the waiting room . like we 're almost overflowing . '' `` fabulous . it 's probably another full moon , which makes things absolutely insane . '' she turned back to megan . `` listen , since we 're so swamped , can you take the man in exam b ? '' megan could n't help her eyes from widening . `` really ? on my own ? '' kristi smiled before patting megan 's hand . `` i 've seen you in action the last week . i have faith in you . '' `` okay , if you 're sure . ''
`` i 'm positive . '' megan could n't contain her smile . taking her ipad , she flipped open the registration details on the patient awaiting her . when she pushed open the door , she eyed the man on the examining table . `` good evening mr. robertson , i 'm megan . what- '' before she could even get out the standard `` what seems to be the problem ? '' question , the man started shaking his head furiously . `` no , no . i wo n't let you examine me . i want a doctor . a male doctor . you understand ? '' `` sir , i understand , but i have to follow protocol , which is to ascertain your issues before the doctor comes in . i see on the chart that you 're experiencing some abdominal swelling ? '' he refused to meet her eye . instead , he gazed over at the wall before holding up one finger to her . `` i meant what i said . i demand to see a male doctor . '' `` yes , but we 're very backed up this afternoon . i 'm not sure how long it will be before you are able to see a doctor , least of all a male doctor . ''
when it appeared the man 's resolve was fading a little , megan took a tentative step forward . `` please , if you would just let me take a look at your abdomen . '' `` it is n't my stomach , '' he mumbled . `` then what is it ? '' when he did n't respond , she sighed with frustration . `` mr. robertson , you can not ignore abdominal swelling . it can stem from many issues and have many repercussions . '' he shifted uncomfortably on the table . just when she thought she was making headway with him , he threw his head back and began screaming at the top of his lungs . `` get me a male doctor ! '' megan rolled her eyes . the first time she had the chance to see a patient on her own , and he had to be a stark raving lunatic . refusing to give into him or accept defeat , she stalked over to him . she was going to exam his sexist ass if it was the last thing she did . `` keep screaming , and i 'll call security , '' she warned before snatching the sheet off him . his screams cut off to a shriek as he clawed for the sheet , but the damage was done . she had seen more than enough . `` oh . my . god , '' she murmured .
she gazed wide-eyed and open-mouthed at what had to be the poster child picture to go along with the warning labels on viagra and cialis for four-hour erections . `` that 's going to have to be aspirated . '' he demanded . she cocked her head at him . `` the excessive blood in your penis ? '' `` it 's not just going to go away on its own . it has to be aspirated , which means drained out . '' mr. robertson swallowed hard . `` like with a needle ? '' `` yes , with a very large needle . '' when he started to protest , she brought her hand up . `` lucky for you , i can not do the procedure-it is to be handled strictly by a doctor . '' `` a male ? '' `` if it came to your penis exploding from the pressure by waiting for a male doctor , would you seriously be that picky ? '' his blue eyes widened in horror . `` yeah , i thought so . i 'll be back . '' when she whirled out of the room , she ran right into the last person she wanted to have to deal with at the moment . `` i 'm so sorry . are you all right ? '' `` i 'm fine . '' he smiled down at her . `` doing some patient evaluations on your own ? that 's wonderful . '' `` um , well , yes and no . ''
his brows knitted in concern . `` what 's wrong ? '' she could n't imagine telling pesh about mr. robertson 's condition . the last thing she was going to do was refer the case to him . draining an engorged penis should be left to the interns , not an attending physician . `` oh , it 's nothing . he 's just a little demanding . '' at that moment , the door to the exam room flew open . mr. robertson stood hunched over , his legs an almost painful distance apart . he took one look at pesh and his white coat , and he lunged at him . `` help me . please ! '' although it was strictly against the nursing code , she would have loved nothing more than to have throttled mr. robertson right then and there . pesh grasped mr. robertson 's hands on his coat and pulled them down . `` sir , you need to get back inside . as unsteady as you are , you certainly do not need to be on your feet . '' as pesh led mr. robertson back to the examining table , megan reluctantly followed them inside the room and closed the door .
`` what seems to be the problem ? '' mr. robertson glanced from pesh to megan and then back to pesh . with a sheepish expression , he replied . `` um , i seem to be having some lower abdominal swelling . '' megan had to fight from rolling her eyes . she stepped between pesh and mr. robertson and looked pesh full on in the eye . `` while the patient refuses to acknowledge his condition , it appears after examination that he has an extreme priapism . '' at the word , color flooded into pesh 's tan cheeks , and he broke eye contact to momentarily stare down at the floor . his reaction was exactly what megan had feared she would experience in the moment . she had hardly imagined his level of professionalism would allow him to be embarrassed about a medical condition . but of course , their past interactions made anything of the sexual kind a little more mortifying than if she was dealing with one of the male interns . it took pesh only a few seconds to recover , and then he immediately turned his attention to mr. robertson . `` did you take any erectile dysfunction medication in the last four to six hours ? ''
when mr. robertson started to look at megan , pesh shook his head . `` my nurse will stay with me through the duration of your care . so i will repeat once again , did you take any medication ? '' `` cialis . '' `` how many milligrams ? '' when mr. robertson shrugged , pesh demanded , `` are you being purposefully evasive , or do you not know ? '' `` i do n't know , okay ? i got it off a buddy of mine . '' `` do you normally take medication that is n't prescribed to you ? '' `` i just wanted to try it out . '' pesh glanced over at megan . `` i 'm going to ask for a full blood work-up . who knows what else he might 've taken . '' megan nodded and punched in the code on the electronic chart to get a member of the phlebotomy team up to draw the blood . after going over to the dispenser , pesh slid a pair of rubber gloves on . `` i 'm going to have to examine you now . '' with a resigned huff , mr. robertson threw the sheet back . megan bit down on her lip to keep from laughing at the expression on pesh 's face .
she was pretty sure he had n't had to deal with a lot of penises that resembled enormous eggplants in his career . of course , her amusement quickly faded when she realized how awkward it was being in the room with him while he held another man 's penis in his hand . she tried busying herself with the electronic chart in front of her . she wanted to do anything but look at the scene unfolding before her . once pesh finished that part of the exam , mr. robertson eased back down on the examining table , and pesh once again eyed the eggplant-colored penis . `` precisely how long have you had the erection ? '' `` five and a half hours . '' `` there does n't appear to be any artery rupture , so we wo n't need to perform surgery . i think the quickest form of treatment , as well as the least invasive , would be to try an injection to narrow the veins and reduce the blood flow to your penis . that should reduce the swelling . '' mr. robertson 's eyes narrowed suspiciously . `` and where do you have to give me the shot ? '' `` in the penis , of course . '' with a gulp , mr. robertson replied , `` fine . do it . '' `` can you grab a syringe of alpha-agonist please ? ''
she gladly retreated from the room to head to the medicine closet . after checking the syringe dosage , she reluctantly returned to mr. robertson 's room . `` thank you , '' pesh said , as he took the medication from her . she watched with mild disgust , as well as fascination , as he took mr. robertson 's penis in his hand . `` take a deep breath , '' he instructed . the moment the needle pricked the skin , mr. robertson howled uncontrollably . megan could n't help rolling her eyes at what a complete pansy he was being about the pain . once pesh finished , he dropped the empty syringe in the biohazard container and then glanced back at mr. robertson . `` if the swelling has n't begun to dissipate in the next ten to fifteen minutes , we 're going to have to take another course of action . '' `` what 's that ? '' mr. robertson questioned , with a grimace . `` aspirating the penis of the blood . '' mr. robertson paled considerably . `` oh god , she mentioned that . '' he said the word she like megan was a swarm of locust . pesh turned to smile at megan .
`` then she made a good call . '' he then eyed his pager that was going off . `` keep an eye on him . i 'll be back in fifteen . '' `` okay , i will . '' time ticked by agonizingly slow as she worked on charts and kept an eye on mr. robertson . every few minutes , he was lifting up the sheet to eye his erection . each time he grimaced , megan imagined that the shot was n't working and the swelling had n't gone down . when pesh entered the room again , he glanced from her to mr. robertson . `` so how are we doing ? '' `` no change . '' he went over to a drawer and searched through it before producing a very large syringe with a very thick needle . `` i 'm sorry , mr. robertson , but it looks like this is our only choice . '' mr. robertson seemed speechless for the first time all night . `` ms. mckenzie , can i get you to assist me ? '' `` i need you to help restrain him . i need him to be as still as possible . '' megan fought the urge to roll her eyes at his suggestion .
mr. robertson had to outweigh her by a hundred pounds , not to mention that when pain got your adrenaline pumping , you were even stronger . but she did as she was told . as pesh brought the needle to mr. robertson 's penis , she gripped her hands tight into his shoulders . when the needle pierced the skin , it took everything within her to keep him on the table . gritting her teeth , she held her ground . finally , when the last of the blood had been withdrawn , she was able to loosen her grip . pesh tossed the syringe into the biohazard container and then turned around . `` i advise you take some ibuprofen for both the pain and for the anti-inflammatory benefits . i would also do a round or two of using an ice pack on your crotch . it would be my strongest advice that you never take anymore erectile dysfunction medication until you actually need it . '' `` whatever , '' mr. robertson croaked , collapsing back onto the table . `` give him about thirty minutes , and then he needs to head on home . we 'll need the exam room , '' pesh instructed . he gave her a quick smile before exiting the room . after thirty minutes , she saw mr. robertson to the door of the er . as he staggered into the waiting room , she shook her head .
`` megan , '' kristi called . `` yes ? '' `` go ahead and take your dinner break now . '' `` are you sure ? i mean , i can work through it since we 're so busy . '' kristi shook her head . `` we 're fine . besides , you 're going to need all your strength . things are probably going to get even crazier after the sun goes down . '' megan tried not to appear horrified at the prospect . instead , she ducked into the break room to grab her purse . when she came out , pesh was waiting for her . `` where are you going ? '' `` oh , it 's my dinner break . '' pesh gave an impish smile . `` how fortunate . it 's mine as well . '' realizing what he was intending , she slowly shook her head back and forth . `` no dates . '' after crossing his arms over his chest , pesh asked , `` and how would it be a date if we happened to go to the cafeteria at the same time and sit at the same table ? '' `` you 're pushing it , and you know it . '' `` after what we both just endured , how can you deny me the pleasure of buying your dinner ? ''
a teasing twinkle flashed in his dark eyes-one she was n't used to seeing on him . for some reason , she found it completely irresistible . `` besides , how can i possibly have romance on my mind when i just held another man 's penis in my hands ? '' her eyes widened in shock at his words . `` d-did you actually just say that ? '' `` yes , i believe i did . '' `` i ca n't believe you sometimes . '' `` do n't try to pin me as one thing or the other . just take me as i am , '' pesh suggested . `` i 'll try . '' as they started to the elevator , megan chewed her lip with unease . turning to pesh she asked , `` what will people say if they see the two of us together ? '' `` that we 're two single people having dinner , '' he replied . `` you 're a physician , and i 'm a clinical student . could n't i get in trouble ? '' `` doctors and nurses often have dinner together on their breaks . the cafeteria is a pretty inconspicuous place for us to be alone together . if someone came upon us in one of the medicine rooms or an empty patient room , then we might have a problem . ''
`` if you say so , '' she mumbled , as he punched the down button on the elevator . after they stepped on the car , pesh eyed her . `` you really are worried , are n't you ? '' `` my career means everything to me . i do n't want to do anything to jeopardize it . '' `` then i 'll make sure we do n't sit by ourselves . '' i really appreciate that . '' as the car started its decent down , pesh threw his head back and exhaled a long breath . `` well , that was ... '' megan grinned at him . `` the good doctor seems speechless . surely in all your years in the er , you 've seen crazier or more mortifying cases . '' he cocked his head , appearing thoughtful . `` a screwdriver lodged in a rectum is probably the tamest . '' `` the tamest ? '' megan questioned incredulously , as the elevator door dinged open . pesh laughed . `` a man high on meth walking into the er with his penis in his hand is probably the craziest . '' megan 's hand swept over her mouth . `` he actually cut off his ... '' she gazed around to make sure no one was listening to their conversation . `` is the good nurse speechless ? '' he teased .
she rolled her eyes at him . `` so what happened ? '' `` we got him sedated and into surgery as soon as we could . i heard they were able to sew it back on . i 'm not aware of whether or not it was ever ... fully functional again . '' `` that is crazy . '' `` i know . '' pesh handed her a food tray . as they surmised their choices , megan asked , `` was that your standard line of questioning in a situation like that ? '' `` i think we 've established that i have n't been privy to many priapism cases , but yes , any time there is an issue with the penis that is not related to the urethra or bladder , you would ask those questions . '' after the food service worker gave them both an odd look , pesh looked pointedly at her . `` why do you ask ? '' `` just to be prepared for the next time . '' `` do you want to practice your line of questioning ? you know , show me what you 've learned ? '' `` let 's get our food first , shall we ? '' after deciding that the grilled chicken salad was about the most appealing item in the food line , she grabbed a drink and some of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies .
just as she inched up to pay , pesh put his tray next to hers . he had chosen some kind of stir-fry that did n't look appetizing to megan . when she dug in her purse for her wallet , he handed a twenty to the cashier . as he took his change , she shot him a look . `` you buying my dinner does n't look very innocent , '' she hissed , as they started toward the tables . pesh shook his head with a smile . `` i highly doubt she 's keeping the gossip mill going on how dr. nadeen bought the lovely new clinical student a salad . '' `` you never know , '' megan countered . trailing pesh , she watched as he made his way over to a table filled with doctors and nurses . while the bottom half was filled with people , the top was practically empty . `` mind if we take these seats ? '' `` go right ahead , nadeen , '' a bushy haired doctor replied . `` we 're expecting a few more to join us , '' he said , before covertly winking at megan . `` you play a good game , '' she said , softly . she 'd just finished drizzling dressing over her salad when pesh said , `` ready to prove yourself ? ''
`` are we really going to talk about this while we eat ? '' `` you 'll learn that most lunches and dinners are spent either reviewing cases or getting input on cases . '' `` fine then . '' putting on a professional air , she asked , `` have you taken any erectile dysfunction medication ? '' after swallowing a bite of stir-fry , he replied , `` no , never . '' `` do you have trouble obtaining an erection ? '' the twinkle returned to his eyes . `` i would think you would n't need to ask that question after our previous encounter . '' a shiver went down her spine as she remembered her core rubbing against the hardened ridge in his pants . `` considering it is unlikely that i would have any previous knowledge of the patient , just answer the question . '' he gave her a sly smile . `` no , never . '' `` do you have trouble maintaining an erection ? '' `` i could once again point out that you had personal knowledge of how well i was able to maintain myself once aroused , but i 'll refrain . instead , i 'll say no . '' `` ha , ha , nice way to get your point in . '' `` i had to try . '' she cocked her head at him , giving him a teasing smile .
`` if a patient was trying to flirt as much as you are during my questioning , then i would have to remind him that i am a professional . '' then forgive me for trying to undermine your professionalism . '' `` you 're forgiven ... for now . '' he took a long swig of his iced tea . `` you did really well back there . '' `` yes , you did . for that to be your first case on your own , you managed to keep yourself together and to give the patient the best level of diagnosis and care you could . '' she could n't help the warmth rushing to her cheeks that his compliments caused . i appreciate your confidence . '' `` i think you 're going to make an amazing nurse . i know that there will be many hospitals vying to hire you . '' `` i do n't know about that . '' `` do n't underestimate your talents . '' `` you think they would want to hire me here ? '' his brows rose in surprise . `` you would n't mind a permanent placement here ? '' `` it has n't been long , but i have been happy here . i like the people i work with . i guess i would n't want to go into the unknown when i know what i have here . '' he swallowed a bite of his rice . `` that 's understandable . '' after wiping his mouth , he smiled at her .
`` i think they would be crazy not to make you an offer . '' `` i hope so . '' leaning in over his plate , he held her gaze . the intensity in which he stared at her caused her to shudder . she did n't like the effect he was having on her in the middle of the hospital cafeteria . a mixture of emotions coursed through her-warmth , safety , lust , happiness . she had n't experienced that range of feelings with a man in a long , long time . finally , he spoke . `` i know it would make me very happy to have you here , and i would do everything within my power to ensure you stayed . '' before she could reply , a tray smacked down onto the table next to her . one of the residents , a young male named dr. morris , grinned at the two of them . `` so , i hear you two just handled a priapism case . '' `` yeah , we did , '' megan replied . she did n't dare look back at pesh to gage his expression on being interrupted . dr. morris groaned . `` oh come on . give me the juicy details . i have n't gotten to see one of those yet .
the best groin swelling i 've had is when some idiot tried to pierce his balls , and they got infected . '' when megan wrinkled her nose , pesh 's laughter surprised her . her gaze flew to him , and he winked . `` i told you that the conversations we had over dinner were not exactly appetizing . '' `` i 'm starting to believe you , '' she replied , with a smile . somehow she managed to devour the rest of her salad while pesh told dr. morris the ins and outs of the case . after she finished , she rose out of her chair . `` i guess i better head back . you know , with everything being so crazy . '' surprisingly , pesh did n't get up nor did he offer to walk her back . instead , she saw an acceptance on his face that told her he was letting her go so there would be no suspicion raised about the two of them . `` thank you for dinner , '' she said . `` you 're welcome , '' he replied , with a smile . his smiles were starting to do something to her that she did n't like . they were no longer igniting her panties on fire ; instead , they were making her long to spend time with him . she quickly slung her purse over her shoulder and strode out of the cafeteria .
with the chaos surrounding her , she thankfully put pesh out of her mind for the rest of the evening . chapter ten after two exhausting weeks in her clinicals , megan was ready for a little randr . so she was thrilled when emma called her asking if she wanted to join her for a girl 's day . she was even more stoked when emma said that aidan was willing to keep mason , so he and noah could play together . even though she was sure her parents would have watched him , she hated imposing on them so much . an hour after the call , she was pulling into aidan and emma 's driveway . when she opened the backseat to get mason out , he was already bopping up and down in his car seat with excitement . he loved aidan and emma 's house , and he especially loved playing with noah , even though they were eleven months apart . she grabbed him and his diaper bag and then made her way up the front walk . emma answered the door with noah on her hip . `` hey , i 'm so excited you could make it . '' megan grinned . `` you should know by now i have no life except for mason and work . '' `` i feel the same way sometimes , '' emma replied , as megan stepped through the doorway .
as she walked through the foyer and down the hall to the kitchen , mason squirmed to get down . once she set him on his feet , he ran into the living room . that 's where aidan was lounging on the couch with beau on the floor next to him . `` beau ! '' mason cried . he leaned in to hug the massive lab . megan never had to worry about beau and mason ; he was truly a gentle giant when it came to infants and kids . beau thumped his tail heartily at the attention . aidan glanced up from the tv and smiled . `` hey , how are you ? '' she grinned as she reached down to kiss his cheek . `` good thanks . and you ? '' `` great . looking forward to having a man 's day with the boys . '' `` yeah , with two kids under two , let 's see how much fun you 'll have . '' aidan shrugged . `` it 's good practice for me when the new baby gets here . '' `` baby or babies ? '' she teased . with his eyes widening , he quickly replied , `` baby singular . that was confirmed , thank god . '' cocking her head , she teasingly asked , `` and when is the ultrasound to confirm the youngest fitzgerald granddaughter is on her way ? ''
aidan huffed exasperatedly . `` not for a few more months , smart-ass . '' she brought her hand to her chest in mock outrage . `` it was just a question . '' `` yeah and considering you 've had a kid yourself , i 'm sure you know all too well at what month the gender ultrasound is . '' `` i just think it 's cool that i 'll be the oldest granddaughter , and she 'll be the youngest . '' with a pained expression , aidan groaned , `` whatever . '' she ruffled his still unkempt bed hair playfully . `` relax , ankle . you 're going to be an amazing father to that little girl . she 'll undoubtedly have you wrapped around her finger before she 's even out of the womb . '' `` a man like me , or i guess i should say , a man like i used to be , does not want to bring forth daughters into the world . '' `` payback is a bitch , '' she mused . `` do n't i know it , '' he grumbled . emma came into the living room then . she handed noah to aidan along with a bottle . `` you sure you 'll be all right today ? ''
`` i 'll be fine-we 'll be fine . wo n't we mason ? '' mason glanced up from lumbering around the room on beau 's back . `` yeah ! '' `` see . stop worrying . '' he gave emma a very pointed look before adding , `` a promise is a promise after all . '' she flushed a little at his words , but then gave him a shy smile . when he winked playfully at her , megan could n't help feeling her chest tighten at the exchange . seeing her once man-whore uncle now a loving , devoted husband and father was always surprisingly unnerving . but deep down , it was how much she truly wanted what aidan and emma had . love , companionship , and devotion within marriage while having someone else to parent with you . if you were n't so stubborn you could probably have something just like aidan and emma have with pesh ! but no , you have to keep believing that you 're too young to get married . you 're probably throwing away happiness with both hands just because you 're afraid . emma brought her out of her self-deprecating tirade . `` so what should we do first ? '' she asked , as they walked into the garage . `` nails and toes ? ''
megan suggested . `` mmm , that sounds good . '' they both slid into emma 's suv . as megan buckled up , emma turned to her . `` i hope you do n't mind that casey is meeting us for lunch ? '' `` of course not . the more the merrier . besides , casey is a hoot . '' emma smiled and cranked up the car . `` that she is . '' before long , they were pulling into starbucks to grab some coffee for megan and tea for emma . then they walked around the corner to the nail salon . after relaxing manicures and pedicures , they drove about twenty minutes to meet casey at their favorite little local restaurant that was housed in an old train depot . as they walked up , they saw casey sitting outside in the sunshine texting . `` hey girl ! '' emma called . casey waved to them before rising off the bench . `` hello , hello . '' a round of hugs was exchanged between the three women . `` i thought you two would never get here . i 'm starving . '' they were a little behind at the nail salon . '' they pushed through the front door and were quickly seated by the hostess who knew them well .
once they eased into a familiar , comfortable booth , they took stock of the menus . `` you have to order alcohol on our behalf since we 're both two knocked-up ladies now , '' casey insisted . `` i did n't know you were pregnant . '' casey grinned . `` yeah , nate finally wore me down . '' she then shook her head . `` sometimes i think he 's the chick in this relationship . '' `` he must 've done some heavy convincing , '' megan said . with a nod , casey replied , `` he comes from such a large immediate and extended family that he 's been itching to have a child . we 've been married a year and together eight , so i guess it was just time . and while i was n't thrilled with the idea of having a baby when his internship was so crazy , his hours will be better by the time the baby gets here . '' `` when are you due ? '' `` around the same time as emma . '' that statement made emma beam . `` our babies are going to be best friends , too . i just know it . '' casey grinned at the sentiment . `` or boyfriend and girlfriend ... '' `` that 's a thought . '' emma jerked her chin up .
`` i 'm not sure i want your son corrupting my little girl . '' with her dark eyes widening , casey huffed , `` and what if it 's my daughter that your son is corrupting ? '' emma giggled . `` if my son takes after his father , then that would be the case . but i think we also have to consider that if your daughter is anything like you , she 'll be the one doing the corrupting . '' `` guess i should keep mason clear of her too , huh ? '' megan asked , with a smile . `` probably , '' emma replied . after the waitress appeared to take their drink and food orders , casey pinned megan with an intense stare . `` so , '' she began , quirking her brow at megan . `` i hear your doing your clinicals under dr. mcdreamy bollywood . '' megan could n't help but laugh . `` if you mean i 'm doing them under dr. nadeen , then the answer is yes . '' emma nibbled on her bottom lip before speaking . `` have things been awkward considering what happened the night of noah 's baptism ? '' before megan could reply , casey 's eyes bulged . `` whoa , whoa . hold the phone .
something happened between you two ? '' megan felt heat rising in her cheeks . it was almost too mortifying to repeat , but finally , she filled casey in on each and every embarrassing detail that had happened . `` man , he 's so freakin ' honorable , is n't he ? '' casey mused . `` yes , he is , '' megan replied , glumly . `` there 's nothing wrong with his honor . it 's what attracted me to him in the first place . there are so few gentlemen left on the planet . '' before she could stop herself , megan blurted , `` but i did n't want a gentleman . i wanted to get laid . '' `` do n't we all ? '' `` just when i think your pregnancy hormones have n't made you even more sex crazed , you go and say something like that , '' she grumbled . megan twirled the straw in her diet coke thoughtfully . `` what 's bizarre is even though he should have been completely and totally turned off by what happened that night , he 's still interested in me . i mean , the man is gorgeous and has half of the women in the hospital panting over him , and he still wants me . ''
`` then what 's the problem ? '' `` he 's interested in dating , not sex . '' emma 's brows furrowed . `` but would n't you have sex eventually if you were dating ? '' megan sighed . `` we 're at a stalemate-i just want straight sex without dinner and a movie , and to quote him , he wants to show me a whole new world through a date . '' `` how aladdin of him , '' casey quipped to which emma shot her an exasperated look . with a shrug , megan replied , `` basically we 're going to stay forever in the friend zone because neither one of us is willing to give in . '' `` would it really kill you to go out with the guy ? '' casey asked . megan widened her eyes in surprise . `` you mean , you of all people are actually advocating me giving in to him ? '' she jerked her thumb over at emma . `` i 'd expect that out of her but not you . '' casey dabbed the corners of her lips with her napkin . `` it 's just a date . i do n't think he 's going to drug you and drag you to a wedding chapel . ''
`` i 'd certainly hope not . '' `` so what 's wrong with having an innocent dinner and maybe a movie ? '' `` because that 's not fair to him . i 'd just be leading him on , and i think we can all agree that he does n't need that . '' `` exactly , '' emma agreed . cocking her head , casey eyed megan thoughtfully . `` deep down , you like him , do n't you ? '' `` of course i do . everyone likes him . '' `` no , you really like him . you find yourself thinking about him more than you should . and you 're kinda wishing you were n't such a stubborn ass about dating him . because even though you 'd kill to know how well he uses his wang , you 're even more intrigued about what being loved by him would be like . '' dumbfounded , megan could only stare at casey . she 'd certainly hit the nail on the head about her feelings . finally , she sighed . `` look , it 's a no-win situation . i 'm a nursing student . i ca n't get involved with a physician . it just would n't look good on my record .
that 's just one of the many reasons it would n't work between us . '' you just keep telling yourself that . '' `` why do n't we talk about something else ? '' `` who 's up for a movie after we hit the mall ? '' megan chewed her lip . `` oh , i do n't know if i should be gone that long . i do n't want to take advantage of ankle 's kindness for watching mason . '' `` he wo n't mind . he 's happy to do it . '' as megan raised her brows skeptically , casey snorted . `` lem me guess , you bribed him sexually to get him to give up a perfectly good saturday watching two kids who are under two . '' a red flush entered emma 's cheeks . `` i do n't know what you 're talking about . '' `` oh em , you are so busted ! '' leaning forward , she put her elbows on the table and stared straight at emma . `` so what was it ? green lingerie ? a blow job ? maybe a b*w jb while wearing green lingerie ? ''
refusing to meet casey 's inquisitive gaze , emma finally murmured , `` it was a b*w jb in the shower this morning , okay ? '' casey snickered . `` i knew you had done something . hmm , that was fun . it was like solving a sexual game of clue-it was emma in the shower with a blow job . '' megan brought her hands up to cover her eyes . `` umm , hello ? that 's my uncle you 're talking about . '' `` sorry , sorry . i 'll refrain from making any more comments about aidan and emma 's sex life . '' `` thank you , '' megan and emma replied in unison . `` shopping and a movie then ? '' megan reluctantly agreed . `` i 'll just blame you two if ankle gets all pissy . '' casey winked . `` just blame emma . then he can take it out on her later ... in the bedroom . '' `` i seriously hate you , '' emma grumbled . thankfully , the food arrived then and all sex-based conversation was forgotten . at least for the moment . chapter eleven brushing his hand across his sweaty brow , pesh leaned back against the glass door of the trauma area . as the adrenaline began depleting from his system , he needed to prop against something hard for support .
regardless of how physically drained he felt , he was emotionally on cloud nine . a beaming smile lit up his face as he stared across the room at the gurney . on it , a young woman was getting acquainted with her newborn son . she had been brought in just twenty minutes before after a car accident sent her into early labor . the paramedics had gotten her through the roughest patches , but thankfully , they had made it to the hospital in time . because her labor was so advanced , they had n't risked getting her up to the labor and delivery floor . instead , they 'd wheeled her in , and pesh had gone to work . it really was an amazing moment considering he 'd only delivered three other babies in the history of his medical career . each one was an experience he treasured . the woman glanced up at him and smiled . `` thank you so much , dr . `` you 're very welcome . they will be taking you up to maternity in just a few minutes . '' as he stepped out of the room , he found himself ambushed by kara , one of the shift nurses . `` hey there . how 's the good doctor doing today ? ''
the way she spoke was more of a purr , which was a pretty apt summation since she basically acted like she was a cat in heat anytime he was around . he cringed as she ran her hand up his arm . `` it 's fine , thank you . how are you ? '' he questioned politely . `` i 'm better now that i 've seen you , '' she replied . `` yes , well , i need to go see about my next case . '' her heavily painted lips turned down in a pout . `` are n't you ever going to want to get a drink again ? '' in a moment of weakness when he was still reeling after what had happened with megan , he had allowed her to talk him into getting a drink after work . once turned into several times , and then he did the unthinkable . he had made out with her in his car under the faded lights of the bar 's neon sign . well , making out did n't quite sum up the fact that she had given him a blow job . although he had vowed to never let anything like that happen again , he found himself walking a fine line around her whenever they were at work . maybe . things have been really busy . '' `` i hope that you 'll free up some time . i really , really need a night out with you again . '' reaching around him , kara did the unthinkable .
she squeezed one of his ass cheeks . a gasp of shock behind him caused him to whirl around . of all the people in the world that could have been standing there , it had to be megan . pesh quickly jerked out from kara 's reach . megan 's eyes bulged at the two of them before she quickly looked away . with her head ducked , she started past them . the last thing in the world he needed was for something to be awkward between them . without another word to kara , pesh turned and fell in step beside megan . `` what are you doing ? '' he shrugged . just walking with you . is that a problem ? '' glancing over her shoulder at kara , megan said , `` it looked like you were a little busy back there . '' with a grimace , he said , `` the conversation and the contact were unwanted by me . '' megan stared up at him . `` why am i not surprised by that ? '' he eyed her curiously . `` just what do you mean ? '' `` you are not the type of man who does public displays of affection ... or i should say lust . '' `` have n't we already established that you should n't try to typecast me ?
i do n't fit into any of the preconceived holes you have tried to put me in . '' `` there is one hole that you remain firmly lodged in , and that is being a gentleman when it comes to women and sex . '' as much as he hated to admit it , she had a point about him being a gentleman . he touched her arm , urging her to stop . `` yes , i am a gentleman both in public and private . but let me address part of your assumption . when i am committed to a woman and she is committed to me , there is never a time i would reject public displays of affection or lust . '' megan 's lips curved up in a smile . `` so what you 're saying is you would actually grab your girlfriend 's ass in public ? '' `` yes , i would . '' glancing around , he found them happily out of anyone 's earshot . `` when i am truly committed to a woman , i have trouble keeping my hands off her regardless of where we are . '' `` that 's good to know , '' she replied , with a wink . he could n't help the silly grin that filled his face as she hurried down the hall to join up with kristi . he was making progress with her , was n't he ?
surely megan had to be seeing how much she enjoyed spending time with him in the hospital and would soon decide that she wanted more . his smile started to fade as he wondered if he was deluding himself . with a resigned sigh , he made his way over to the reception bay to sign off on some charts . he eased down on a stool and immersed himself in the paperwork , so he did n't have to think about megan . `` alpesh ! '' a voice across the room shouted . he snapped his head up . without even looking over his shoulder , pesh knew who the voice belonged to . few people in his life addressed him by his full name , and no one in the hospital ever called him by his first name . slowly , he rose off his stool and turned around . his youngest brother , dev , stalked toward him with a stormy expression plastered on his face . as the oldest of his three siblings , he had always felt a responsibility to look out for his two brothers and sister . while arjan and shveta had never given him any trouble , dev , as the spoiled baby of the family , had been a challenge for both pesh and his parents . after experiencing teenage rebellion and a wayward early adult life , he had managed to get his wild ways under control when he was twenty-five .
dev had set his sights on a beautiful nurse pesh had befriended when he was still a resident . mia martinelli had been through hell with an abusive boyfriend , so pesh was reluctant to pair the two together . but at dev 's continued insistence , pesh fixed the two of them up . what followed was a three-year courtship and then engagement . mia was accepted and loved by all of pesh 's family . and then dev had gone and thrown it all away by cheating on mia . in her heartbreak , mia had stayed close to pesh , and he wanted her to be happy more than anything else in the world . pesh would have liked to have been surprised by his brother 's visit , but ever since he had been summoned to console mia a few days before , he had been anticipating it . truthfully , he had been bracing himself for his brother 's wrath . `` hello dev , '' he said , in a calm voice . shaking his head furiously , dev said , `` i just got a f**king blow off text from mia . when i tried calling her back to demand she explain herself , she could n't talk because she was in mexico . with aj . '' `` yes , i 'm aware of that . ''
dev 's dark eyes narrowed at pesh 's confirmation . `` so it 's true that you went to talk to her ? '' `` yes , it is . '' `` i ca n't believe it . '' he threw up his hands in frustration . `` i did n't want to believe anything mia said , especially that it was you who helped her see that she should n't give me a second chance and take me back-that she should make things work with aj . '' `` it 's all true . you and i both know mia would never lie . '' `` but how could you ? '' dev demanded , in a strangled voice . `` i 'm sorry , but i had to do what was best for mia . '' dev 's brows shot up . `` and what about me ? i 'm your f**king blood . '' with a sigh , pesh replied , `` i 'm sorry , my brother , but blood or not , i could n't stand by and let you hurt her again-she 's been through too much . '' `` i love her ! '' dev shouted , which caused several of the nurses to spin around in shock . `` this is not the time nor the place to be having this discussion , '' pesh growled .
`` i 'm not going anywhere , so you better start explaining yourself before i really start a scene . '' you want the truth ? here is it . you only think you love mia . you and i both know you can not be faithful to a woman . '' `` i could have for mia . '' `` you already failed her once . she deserved better . '' dev narrowed his eyes . `` what , are you fking her now ? '' he grimaced at his brother 's choice of harsh words . `` of course i 'm not . there 's never been anything amorous between mia and myself . thankfully , she 's back with the man she loves-the father of her unborn child . '' `` but i need her , '' dev insisted , his voice taking on a plaintive tone . `` i 'm sorry , but i think it 's best if you moved on . most of all , baby brother , i think you need to do a lot of soul searching and maturing before you even think about getting in another relationship . '' dev 's eyes widened . `` you ... you fking bastard ! '' he shouted . pesh was debating calling security to remove his unruly brother when he was knocked off his stool by dev 's right hook to his jaw . he tumbled backward and crashed onto the floor .
before dev could do something like kick him when he was down , megan appeared and wedged herself between them . `` i think you better leave before i call security , '' she demanded . pesh struggled to his feet as megan came into dev 's line of fire . he could n't bear if dev hurt her in his anger just because she had taken up for him . dev stared down at megan with a smirk . `` so my brother needs some pint-sized pu**y defending him now ? word to the wise , sweetheart , do n't waste your time on him . he 's only got a boner for his dead wife . '' a deep growl erupted in pesh 's throat as he lunged for his brother . but he never made it . instead , megan 's fist cracked into dev 's jaw . the impact did n't take him off his feet , but he did stagger backwards . even as she flailed her wrist back and forth from the obvious pain , megan still managed to bellow , `` get the hell out of here . now . '' dev stared at her in shock as he rubbed his jaw . `` crazy bitch , '' he muttered , before stalking off . when megan turned to him , her glowering expression faded to one of concern . `` you 're bleeding ! ''
she cried , rushing for him . his hand came up to grip his cheek . surprise flooded him when he felt wetness . dev must 've hit him harder than he thought . he slid his jaw back and forth , causing him to grimace at the popping sound . `` come here , '' megan said , grabbing his hand . she started leading him over to one of the examining rooms , but he jerked back . `` i do n't need all this fuss . '' `` we need to get you cleaned up . '' resignedly , he followed her into the room . for the first time in a long time , he found himself on the opposite line of care . he eased down onto the examining table . `` really , megan , this is n't necessary . '' as she busied herself taking out gauze , cotton balls , and antiseptic , she replied , `` quit your bitchin ' . '' she glanced over her shoulder at him . at what must have been his incredulous expression at her word choice , she grinned . `` that 's right . just shut up and let me take care of you . '' `` when you put it like that , how can i not ? '' her laughter warmed his heart .
deep down , he was pleased to find her so attentive to him . she obviously really cared about him if she insisted on cleaning him up . or was she just attentive because she was a great nurse ? but then there was the fact she punched dev for insulting him . of course , that was also mortifying . did that mean she questioned his manhood since he did n't go toe-to-toe with his brother ? god , what she must think of him now . as he allowed megan to treat his cuts , his thoughts turned to dev 's last verbal punch . he grimaced about dev 's alluding to the fact he was in love with a ghost . was that what stopped megan from believing his attraction to her ? was she really hiding her commitment phobia behind a belief that he was still completely in love with his wife ? his feelings gave him away when megan asked , `` are you hurting ? '' `` no , i 'm fine . '' when she gave him a skeptical look , he replied , `` it 's more the fact that i 'm angry than i am physically hurt . '' `` so what exactly was all that about ? '' she asked , as she dabbed some antiseptic along his jawline . he winced when the medication hit the broken skin .
`` my brother is angry with me . '' `` no shit . '' she held the cotton ball frozen as she eyed him curiously . `` what i 'm wondering is what got him so fired up that he would stomp into a hospital , call you out , and then punch you ? you are the last person on earth i would imagine being in a fight . '' `` the reason is so cliche , '' he murmured . `` enlighten me , '' she urged . `` he 's a petulant child who did n't get his way-he 's lashing out at me because he thinks it 's all my fault . '' `` i heard the name mia . was it all about a woman ? '' `` yes , that 's why i called it cliche . '' he sucked in a harsh breath before filling megan in about what all had transpired between him , dev , and mia . `` wow , '' she murmured , when he finished . `` i suppose that is all one can say about the situation . '' `` you were awfully kind to take care of her like you did-i mean , with both her abusive ex-boyfriend and dev . '' `` what else was i supposed to do ? i cared for her , and i wanted to see her happy . ''
at the look that flashed in megan 's eyes , he quickly added , `` there was no amorous love between us . i was happily married at the time , and she desperately needed someone to be strong for her . '' megan cupped his unhurt cheek in her hand . `` you really are the most decent man i 've ever known . '' `` i do n't know about that , '' he murmured . `` you truly are . '' `` no wonder women are so crazy about you . it 's one thing for you to be so good-looking and a smart doctor , but then when you add in the fact of how sweet , caring , and compassionate you are , it 's like you 're a triple threat . '' she turned to throw the cotton ball into the trash can . his heartbeat thrummed louder and louder at her words while he sat unblinking and unmoving . part of him wanted to rail at her for not seeing him like all the other women did . if she truly saw what others did , then she would want to date him , would n't she ? why could n't she see how good he could be for her ? when megan met his tense gaze , she jerked back and momentarily faltered by dropping the piece of gauze in her hand .
she quickly deposited the soiled one in the trash and then got another one . `` so this mia chick , she 's run off with some drummer , huh ? '' she asked , clearly trying to change the subject and lighten the mood in the room . `` not just any drummer . a famous one at that . '' what band ? '' pesh 's cocked his head as he tried remembering . `` something train . '' megan gasped . `` not runaway train ? '' he snapped his fingers . `` that 's it . '' clapping her hand to her chest , megan 's eyes widened . `` you know someone who knows aj resendiz ? '' `` i suppose i do if you consider that 's mia 's fiance . '' `` that is so wild . i love that band . '' `` i 'll see if i can get you an autograph . '' with a squeal , megan said , `` really ? that would be amazing . '' `` anything for the woman who is willing to risk her life for me . '' `` it was nothing . '' `` what about your hand ? '' `` i 'm not going to lie . it hurts . i kinda forgot what punching someone felt like . '' pesh could n't help his brows from rising in surprise .
`` have you done a lot of fighting ? '' she grinned . `` not exactly mma material , am i ? '' when he merely shook his head , she replied , `` i may have thrown a few punches in my early college partying days when a guy overstepped his bounds . '' with a smile , pesh said , `` good for you . '' `` yeah , my dad was really big on teaching me self-defense moves . you know , with him being ex-military . '' pesh could n't help liking megan 's strength and spunk . he had n't known a lot of women like her . in his world , women were bred to be demure and obedient . even though jade was n't indian , she would 've never dreamed of throwing a punch to defend him against dev . but megan , she was so refreshing with her ability to stand up for herself and others-to voice her mind whether it was good or bad . `` you would have made your father very proud today . '' i 'm sure later on today when my knuckles are bruising , he 'll want to know why . '' `` i 'm very sorry . '' he took her hand in his before bringing it to his lips .
`` here 's a kiss to make any bruises go away . '' she gave him a teasing smile . `` is that the best medicine you can do , dr . his mind went wild with illicit images of all the `` medicine '' and `` healing '' he could give her . a chaste kiss to alleviate her pain was all he could really offer . his pager went off before he could reply . `` i better go . '' he hopped off the table and started for the door . as his hand hovered over the doorknob , there were so many things he wanted to say to her . but finally , he just said , `` thanks again for taking care of me . '' `` and you should probably ice your hand during your break tonight . '' `` yes sir , '' she replied , with a mock salute . he shook his head at her with a smile before heading out the door . chapter twelve days melted into weeks as megan immersed herself in her clinicals . every day she found a new challenge to conquer . she had n't imagined how hard it would be , or how exhausted she would be most nights when she crawled into bed . but it was a thrilling exhaustion because she was doing what she felt like she was called to do . each day , she spent more and more time with pesh .
she loved working beside him on cases . he had the best bedside manner of all the residents and interns . patients , both young and old , adored him . and the more she was with him , the more megan began to adore him as well . she had just left an examining room where he had charmed a little boy into finally letting them run the tests they needed when kristi beckoned her from down the hall . after hustling to join kristi , megan was quickly ushered inside one of the trauma rooms . immediately , her entire body switched gears as she prepared herself for what she might face . `` female , thirty , car accident , '' the paramedic began before rattling off her vitals and other information . after megan had absorbed the information , she turned to the patient . `` hi , i 'm megan . i 'm going to get your iv started . '' the woman gave megan a weak smile . `` i 'm mary . '' `` i guess it would be wrong to say it 's nice to meet you , huh ? '' megan said , trying to talk as normally as she could to put the patient at ease . `` yeah , i guess so , '' mary replied .
when megan reached for mary 's arm to find a place for the needle , mary winced . `` ouch . '' as megan surveyed the forearm , she shook her head . `` looks like you 've got a break there . '' `` my arm is broken ? '' mary asked in a panic . `` we wo n't know until we get you into x-ray . i 'm going to try this vein here in your wrist . '' the needle slipped easily into the vein , and megan started the iv . pesh appeared in the doorway then . he smiled at mary on the gurney . `` hello , mary , i 'm dr. nadeen . i understand you had a little accident today ? '' `` this car came out of nowhere and hit me head on . '' why do n't we start by you telling me where it hurts ? '' `` my chest , '' she said , with a grimace . pesh pulled back the hospital gown . `` were you wearing your seat belt ? '' `` yes , i always do . '' `` from the dust in your hair , can i assume the airbag deployed ? '' `` yeah , it did . '' `` is this where it hurts ? '' he asked , running his fingers down an angry red whelp . it started at her neck and crossed over her chest .
some of it was hidden by the many leads coming from the heart monitor . `` it looks like the seat belt and the airbag did a number on you . '' mary winced . `` i thought they were supposed to help you , not hurt you . '' `` trust me . you 're much better off with a little burn than if you had n't been wearing it . '' after eyeing the monitors mary was hooked up to , he turned to megan . `` blood pressure is low . let 's administer some blood products to raise it . '' after checking mary 's chart for her blood type , she grabbed a bag of blood from the coolers . trading places with pesh , she started another iv in the crook of mary 's right elbow . `` besides your chest , are you hurting anywhere else ? '' pesh asked , after he finished listening to her heart and lungs . `` my stomach . '' megan 's breath hitched . it was never good for a car accident patient to have stomach pains . that usually meant hemorrhaging , which could also attribute the low blood pressure . pressing on mary 's abdomen , pesh asked , `` does this hurt ? '' `` no . '' `` here ? '' `` what about here ? '' a screech came from the bed .
pesh 's brows drew with worry . `` i 'm going to do a quick ultrasound , mary . i want to see what 's causing the pain . '' megan pulled the machine over to the bedside . she squirted the jelly onto mary 's stomach , and then pesh began running the wand over the skin . `` i 'm feeling a little dizzy , too , '' mary said , in a low voice . pesh and megan exchanged a quick look before he shoved the ultrasound machine back . turning to kristi , he said , `` call the or . she 's got a ruptured spleen . '' after depressing the break on the gurney , pesh swung it out of the trauma room and started down the hall . `` go with him , '' kristi instructed , as she held onto the phone . megan jogged down the hall to catch up with pesh . he smacked the buttons on the elevator before glancing down at mary . `` stay with me , okay ? we 're going to get you into surgery , and then you 'll be good as new . '' without hesitation , pesh replied , `` yes , but you have to stay with me . '' the elevator 's doors slid open .
as megan helped pesh push the gurney inside , mary asked , `` did you turn on more lights ? '' megan creased her brows in worry as she glanced over to pesh . `` we 're getting in the elevator to take you to the or for surgery , '' she replied . `` but it 's so bright , '' mary whispered before closing her eyes . her head lolled to the side just as the alarms on the monitors began screeching in megan 's ears . `` dammit , she 's crashing ! '' pesh cried . ice-cold fear pricked its way from the top of megan 's head all the way down her body . a patient was crashing in the elevator without the crash cart . what the hell were they supposed to do ? `` lower the gurney , '' pesh ordered . megan 's jerky hands fumbled with the lever . once it was flat , pesh brought his hands to mary 's chest and began compressions . without having to be told , megan leaned down , pinched mary 's nose , and began breathing into her mouth . they worked in perfect synchronization . `` stay with me , mary ! '' pesh barked , as his hands pumped in a manic pace up and down on mary 's chest .
glancing up from her breathing , megan eyed the monitors . `` no pulse . '' when pesh did n't respond , she continued doing breathing cycles . at the taste of something warm meeting her lips , she jerked back . blood oozed out of mary 's mouth . `` there 's more damage than the spleen . she 's bleeding from the mouth . '' pesh did n't even acknowledge her comment . `` the seat belt and airbag could have caused an aortic tear as well . there 's nothing we can do . '' instead , he kept right on with his compressions . the elevator doors opened , and megan met the expectant faces of the surgical team . when one doctor stepped forward , she shook her head . `` she 's gone . '' pesh growled across from her . `` no , she is n't . we have to keep trying . get a cart in here . '' the doctor eyed the stats on the monitors . `` i do n't think it will help . '' jerking his head up from mary , pesh snarled , `` get the f**king cart ! '' as one of the nurses scrambled away , two others pulled the gurney from the elevator . megan stood back , feeling helpless as to what to do .
once the cart arrived , pesh ripped open mary 's gown . `` charging 260 joules . '' he rubbed the paddles together . `` clear ! '' mary 's chest jolted off the gurney with the force of the electricity . megan did n't need to look at the monitors . the heart stayed in a flat line . `` charging 360 joules . '' megan closed her eyes when pesh administered the second shock . `` dammit , jade , do n't do this ! try for me ! '' megan could n't hold back the gasp that escaped her at pesh calling mary by his late wife 's name . before pesh could do another charge , one of the surgeon 's stepped forward . after he removed his mask , he put his hand on pesh 's back . `` calling time of death . '' defeated , pesh dropped his head . slowly , he eased back from the gurney . a nurse took the paddles from him and put them back on the cart . `` i 'll go notify the family , '' pesh murmured . the surgeon shook his head and stared pointedly at megan . `` get a resident to do that . nadeen , you go take a breather , buddy . ''
`` they deserve to speak to the doctor who was with her when she died . '' `` you do n't need to do this . '' pesh slung away from the surgeon and started for the elevator . megan knew there was no point in arguing with him or trying to get one of the residents to take his place . she did n't know if she should try to go to him or not . she regretted her decision when he turned to face her in the elevator . his expression was agonizingly broken . as the doors closed , her heart ached for him . she knew any doctor hated to lose a patient , especially a young one , but this went far deeper than that . from his behavior , megan knew that mary 's death had exposed a raw nerve in pesh-one that after two years still had n't healed . somehow he had seen his wife in mary , and once again , he was n't able to save her . after she had escorted mary 's body back upstairs to wait on the funeral home , megan went in search of pesh . she could n't find him in any of the exam rooms , nor was he in the doctors ' lounge or break room . finally , she went to kristi for answers .
`` did you see where dr. nadeen went ? '' kristi gave her a sad smile . `` you 'll probably find him on the roof . '' megan 's brows shot up in surprise . `` the roof ? '' kristi nodded . `` whenever he has a really bad day about his wife- '' she sucked in a breath when she realized she might have said too much . at the thought of pesh 's grief , megan 's chest tightened in agony . he was too good of a man to have to suffer like he did . `` so he goes up to the roof ? '' megan finished for kristi . `` he likes to be alone to clear his head . although none of us would say anything , he usually ends up pulling another shift to make up for the time he was gone . '' of course pesh would do something like that . he was honorable every moment of his life , even after those of immense grief . even though she knew he probably wanted and needed to be alone , megan wanted to check on him . she could n't bear the thoughts of him suffering so much . `` um , if it 's okay , i think i 'll go ahead and take my dinner break . '' kristi gave her a knowing look before nodding .
`` sure , honey . go right ahead . '' megan smiled before brushing past kristi . she bypassed the break room where her purse was . instead , she kept going . after a brisk walk down the hall , she got to the authorized personnel only stairwell . she did n't dare use the elevator shaft where trauma patients were brought in from being airlifted . without hesitation , megan swiped her access card . when the lock clicked , she flung the door open and started up the flights of stairs . she was winded when she reached the top . cautiously , her hand hovered over the doorknob . she could n't help wondering what she might find on the other side . would pesh be an emotional mess ? would he be angry that she had interrupted his private grieving ? shaking the thoughts from her head , she flung open the door . as she stepped onto the roof , the air grew cooler . a breeze rippled her scrubs . her gaze spun around frantically until she found him . pesh stood at the edge of the roof . his usual ramrod straight posture was slumped , his broad shoulders drawn in . although she could n't see his face , his gaze seemed fixed straight ahead into the night sky .
to add insult to injury , clouds blotted out the stars , cloaking everything in darkness . tentatively , she started over to him . `` hey , '' she said softly . he whirled around in surprise . her heart clenched at the sight of the tears sparkling in his eyes . even in the darkness , she could see a blood-red flush entering his cheeks . his hands quickly came up to swipe away the moisture from his eyes . `` hello , '' he finally replied in a hoarse whisper . they stood in an awkward silence , staring each other down . finally , megan took a step forward to close the gap between them . `` how did you know i was up here ? '' `` kristi told me . '' `` hmm . '' unable to stop herself , she reached out to touch his arm . `` i 'm so sorry , pesh . '' `` it is n't necessary . '' `` yes , it is . you 're in pain ... you 've been in pain . i ca n't help but feel sorry for what you 're going through . '' his usually warm eyes took on a cold look . `` you were in that elevator , too . you have every right to be emotional . maybe you should be more concerned with why you are n't weeping . ''
`` do n't , '' she murmured . `` do n't what ? '' `` do n't try to mask your pain by being someone you 're not or by pointing fingers at others . that is n't you , and you ca n't fool me . '' with a ragged sigh , pesh jerked his hand through his dark , wavy hair . that was completely uncalled for . '' `` it 's okay . '' `` no , it's- '' she silenced him by bringing her hand up to cover his lips . when she pulled her hand away , he sighed . `` talk to me , '' megan pleaded . the clouds above them opened up , causing a slight drizzle to fall . `` the death of a patient is never easy . any doctor of worth , or nurse for that matter , must possess compassion . then it is inevitable that the same compassion you possess will come back to haunt you-it may even cripple you . when death comes , you ca n't help feeling for the life that has been lost and for the family members left behind . '' his voice choked off , and megan drew herself even closer to him . she knew that his last statement held personal meaning for him . `` what exactly happened to your wife ? '' she questioned softly .
pesh 's eyes closed . `` jade had an undiagnosed clotting condition . she was adopted , so she did n't know anything really about her family history . she 'd always been in perfect health-she rarely even went to the doctor with the sniffles . and after we 'd been married for three years , we decided it was time to have a baby . '' when pesh remained silent , megan tentatively asked , `` did she die in childbirth ? '' `` no , we never got that far . we tried for over a year to get pregnant on our own , and it did n't happen . so we were recommended to a fertility clinic . once the iui process did n't work , we started ivf . '' a ragged sigh came from deep in his chest . `` the whole process was physically trying and then emotionally gutting for both of us , but especially for jade . '' he met her gaze . `` she blamed herself since the testing revealed that everything was fine with me . although we were labeled as 'non-specific infertility , ' she felt that it was all her fault . '' `` bless her heart , '' megan murmured , as her heart went out to a woman she 'd never met .
getting pregnant had been so easy for her . although mason was n't necessarily expected , he had never been unwanted in her eyes . but she knew what infertility did to a woman when she saw it ravage her father 's sister . although her aunt was now the happy and doting mother of two adopted girls , she knew the emotional toil not getting pregnant had taken . megan , herself , had once been the recipient of her aunt 's childless pain when she had announced her pregnancy with mason . still without answers as to how jade had died , megan pressed pesh for more . `` so what happened with the ivf ? '' `` she got pregnant on the first transfer only to miscarry three weeks later . we had just been through another transfer when she died . '' pesh 's adam 's apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed hard . megan could only imagine he was trying to keep his emotions in check . finally , he spoke again . `` she had an embolism most likely brought on by the fertility medication . i was in the kitchen making breakfast when i heard a crash in the bedroom . '' tears pooled in his eyes . `` when i called her name and she did n't answer , i ran back to her .
she was crumpled on the bedroom floor . after calling 911 , i did cpr over and over again , but i could never revive her . '' `` oh pesh , '' megan murmured . the weight of his pain was so heavy that even she found it hard to breathe . without looking at her , he continued staring straight ahead . `` from what the medical examiner said , i have some peace in knowing she did n't suffer-that she went quickly without any fear or pain . one minute she was getting ready for work , and the next she was gone . '' `` it 's true that there is some peace , especially the fact she did n't know she was going to die . sometimes i ca n't imagine what it must be like for terminal patients . '' she shuddered . `` when you wonder if every day is your last , when you have to think about all you 're going to miss . '' `` yes , that is true , '' he said , in a hushed whisper . when he finally turned to look at her , he gave her a sad smile . `` it 's been two years . every time i think i 've moved on , that i 've been able to compartmentalize my grief , a case comes through that brings me to my knees . ''
`` i 'm so sorry , '' megan murmured , bringing her hand up to cup his cheek . he leaned his face into her hand . his head bowed until their foreheads met . `` you have to remember that no matter what happened to your wife , and to mary , it was n't your fault . you were n't responsible . you need to keep living . you 're alive . '' tilting her head up , she gazed into his dark brown eyes . `` you 're alive , '' she repeated . the rain began to fall harder . her eyelids fluttered to keep the moisture out of her eyes as she gazed up at him . his mouth hovered next to hers , his breath warming her cheek . she could barely breathe in that moment . it was like every molecule in her body was pulsing with need . silently , she pleaded with her eyes for him to kiss her . and then , after what felt like an eternity , he slid his lips over hers . it was n't the first time she had kissed him-it was just the first time she was sober and had kissed him . now her senses were heightened , and she could experience exactly what she was feeling . his lips were tender and soft at first , and then they switched over to desperate and demanding .
it was like he was breathing her in with every brush of his lips and stroke of his tongue as if to prove to himself that he truly was alive . his tongue danced along hers , causing her to moan . he brought his hands up to cup her face while her arms went around his chest , pulling him closer to her . drops of rain pelted her head and ran down her cheeks while pesh 's white coat grew moist as she ran her hands up and down his back . she realized , in a dizzying flurry , that no man had ever kissed her like this before . this was like lovemaking with their mouths , and she never wanted it to end . when pesh finally tore his lips from hers , megan 's breaths came in heaving pants . her eyes opened to stare up at him . his expression turned from lust to anguish . `` i 'm sorry . '' `` pesh , you don't- '' he held up his hand . `` please , just go . '' he turned away from her , wrapping his arms around his chest . torn , megan did n't know if she should argue with him and stay or leave . `` please , '' he whispered . with her heart still beating wildly from their passionate lip-lock , she turned and fled . as she pounded back down the stairs , her emotions yo-yoed to where she felt like a watch that had been wound too tight .
after bursting back through the door , kristi met her in the hallway . her eyes widened at megan 's appearance . `` i , uh , i went outside on my dinner break , and it started raining , '' megan lied . `` next time you 'll have to remember your umbrella , '' kristi replied . `` yeah , i will . '' `` why do n't you go to the break room ? there 's a hair dryer under the sink . when you finish drying off , i could really use you in the supply closet doing inventory . seems like we always almost run out of everything at once . '' i can do that . '' as megan turned to go down the hallway , kristi reached out and grabbed her arm . `` is he okay ? '' megan bit down on her lip to keep a hysterical laugh from escaping . was pesh okay ? was she okay ? who the hell knew ? one minute he 'd been weeping about his wife and losing a patient , and the next he 'd been liquid passion dripping on her lips . regardless of his emotional whiplash , she 'd experienced the same . she now found herself wanting more of his kisses when she should n't .
but it was n't just the kiss she wanted-she wanted all of him and not just for sex . `` no , he 's not . i guess he 's just trying to accept the loss , both past and present , as best he can , '' she finally replied . kristi nodded in acknowledgement . when megan felt she was free from any more questioning , she hurried down the hall to the break room . thankfully , she found it empty . after grabbing a brush from her purse , she went to the sink to grab the hair dryer . gazing at her reflection in the mirror , she looked a bedraggled mess . she was practically washed out except for her lips . they were swollen and bright red from pesh 's kisses . her finger came up to trace her bottom lip . as memories of his kisses filled her mind , she tried desperately to think of anything else . in the end , she had gone up to the roof to somehow save pesh , and instead , she had lost herself to him and his emotions . chapter thirteen pesh regretfully watched megan 's retreating form . he cursed under his breath as she disappeared into the stairwell . what was his problem ? the woman had been merely comforting him , and he had allowed his libido to take over . he had promised her he would keep his distance .
regardless of the flirting and easy banter between them , he had kept things professional . now she probably felt trapped and harassed by him . she tried to talk to him about it , and he 'd dismissed her . he paced around the rooftop as the rain that had soaked him to the bone began to dissipate . his mind was a jangled mess of thoughts and emotions . one voice argued over and over that megan had wanted him to kiss her-that the look in her eyes told the truth . but pesh worried that in his agony he had misread the signals she may or may not have been giving . in the end , he 'd made a terrible situation even worse by not being able to control his feelings for megan . with a frustrated grunt , he realized he had to make things right with her . he needed to apologize . casting one last look out over the horizon , he then turned and started for the stairwell . after pounding downstairs , he searched the hallway for any signs of megan . when he spotted kristi , he was surprised not to see megan with her . `` where 's megan ? '' `` oh , since we 're kinda slow tonight , i asked her to go work in the storage closet . we 're behind on inventory and cataloguing . ''
kristi eyed him up and down before shaking her head . `` you 're drenched . '' `` it 's raining outside . '' `` so i 've heard , '' she said knowingly . `` what does that mean ? '' she waved her hand . why do n't you do us both a favor and go get out of those wet clothes ? the last thing we need is you coming down with something . '' pesh knew it was fruitless to argue with her . instead , he tucked his tail between his legs and made his way to the doctors ' lounge . he took a clean pair of pants and shirt out of his locker . after he slid on a new white coat , he strode down the hall to the medicine closet . after swiping his key card , he entered the room . when he closed the door behind him , megan turned around , gazing expectantly at him . now that he was in front of her , he did n't know exactly what to say . he had been on an emotional overload on the roof , and things had escalated far too quickly . `` look , i just want to say how very sorry i am about kissing you . '' `` well i 'm not , '' she replied matter-of-factly . pesh 's neck snapped back in shock .
her response was n't what he was expecting at all . he had imagined she might be relieved or even embarrassed , but he had n't imagined that she would be unregretful . he cleared his throat . `` regardless , i should n't have done it . i was in an emotionally vulnerable position , and you were merely trying to comfort me . nothing more . '' his words were more for his own good than hers . `` just because i was comforting you , does n't mean i did n't want you to kiss me . that i still do n't want to kiss you again . '' his brows furrowed in confusion . `` but you- '' `` pesh , i 've wanted you since the night of noah 's baptism . but you shot me down then , and you still do . '' although his heart wanted to soar at her admission of wanting him , the reality of her words caused his chest to clench instead . `` sexually . you only want me sexually . '' he should have been flattered that a young , sexy woman like megan desired him . but he was n't . half of the women in the hospital would be willing for him to drag them to an empty patient 's room for a quick and dirty screw . but that 's not who he was .
he had never been that way with women , and he did n't see how it could be possible to change . all he wanted was for her to really see him and how good he could be for her . how good they would be for each other . he thought that was what she was feeling in the moments before and after he kissed her . but now it seemed it was once again only lust . although it was probably pointless , he could n't help putting everything out there once again . `` but when we were up on the roof , there was n't a moment where you wanted more from me than just sex ? '' he licked his lips and took a step toward her . `` just a second where you could imagine your life with me in it ? '' megan stared at him , her expression contemplative . for a brief moment , pesh thought by her hesitation that she had changed her mind about him . but then she shook her head . `` how many times are you going to make me hurt you with this ? you 're too good for me , pesh . we both know that . i 'll remind you again of some of the reasons i 'm not the one for you . i 'm twenty-five , and you 're thirty-seven . you want a wife , and i 'm not ready to be married . ''
her words cut into his chest the same as if she had taken a sharp blade to him . she may have had to repeat herself this time , but he realized the finality of her words . and then an idea hit him so hard that he shuddered-a true light bulb moment and epiphany . there was only one way he was going to get to have his sweet megan , and that was if he gave in to her . he would have to become someone else for her , even if it was just for a little while . he could distract her with sex that she both desired and demanded , but at the same time , he would make her fall in love with him . it could work . it had to . cocking his head at her , he questioned , `` so let me get this straight once and for all . you would let me ... '' he paused , fighting the conflict within himself to say what he needed to . he drew in a ragged breath . `` you would let me f**k you but not love you ? '' her eyes widened at his word choice . `` what 's gotten into you ? '' he shrugged nonchalantly , feeling slightly empowered in the dr. jekyll and mr. hyde moment . `` i merely asked a simple question . '' she snorted exasperatedly .
`` yeah , about ... '' she swallowed hard . `` fucking , of all things . '' megan shook her head wildly back and forth . `` i can barely acknowledge hearing you say the word , least of all you doing that . '' `` you ca n't imagine me- '' she held up her hand . `` you 're not the type of man to fk , '' she countered . crossing his arms over his chest , he countered , `` oh really ? i 'm too nice of a guy ? '' `` something like that . '' `` i am a man , megan . we all have needs . is n't fking one of them ? '' her body trembled slightly at his words . she licked her lips before replying , `` s-stop saying that word-it is n't you . '' `` so , fking is n't me ? do n't tell me you think i 'm totally asexual-that you ca n't imagine me fking a woman ... fucking you . '' he eased in closer to her . `` we both know for a fact that you wanted nothing more than to f**k me the night of noah 's baptism .
given the chance right now , you 'd let me strip off your scrubs and fk you up against the medicine cabinet . '' as her chest heaved up and down , she took a step back from him , bumping against the counter . `` but you do n't say things like that . you 're refined . you 're a gentleman , '' she whispered . `` it may have been a while , but even a gentleman like me enjoys fking . '' she whispered . `` i 'm giving you what you want . '' `` you 're giving in ? '' `` yeah , why not ? '' as he dipped his head , his mouth hovered over hers . `` if you really want me to take you , then kiss me . '' without a moment 's hesitation , megan crashed her lips against his . the kiss was hard and desperately seeking more . as his tongue thrust into her mouth , his hand came to her breast . tenderly , he cupped the flesh , feeling the weight fill his hand . unsatisfied with the lack of contact , he pulled his hand away and slid it underneath megan 's top . over her bra , he kneaded her breast again , feeling her nipple harden under his touch . he felt his erection grow at the sound of her whimper .
he wanted nothing more than to strip off all her clothes and kiss every inch of her body . megan 's mouth popped off of his , and she stared up at him with hooded eyes . `` what about someone finding us ? '' `` i 'll lock the door , '' he replied . reluctantly , he pulled away from her to walk back over to the door . after he turned the lock , he made sure to push a box in front of it as well . they would have enough warning if someone were to try to use their card to come in . with his hands on her shoulders , he steered her behind one of the floor-to-ceiling shelves , concealing them even further from potential prying eyes . `` now where were we ? '' he asked , with a smile . she grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck . `` i think you were getting acquainted with second base . '' `` yes , i remember now . '' instead of his hands going back to her br**sts , he pulled her flush against him . as his lips met hers , he slipped his arms around her waist . he grabbed the globes of her ass and squeezed , causing megan to moan into his mouth . his hands gripped her flesh , urging her upward . rising on her tiptoes , she allowed him to hoist her up .
her legs wrapped around his waist . once he had secured her to him , he rammed them back , until they bumped into the wall . he ground his pelvis into her core , letting her feel how much he truly wanted her . `` mmm , '' she murmured , as he continued rubbing against her . one of her hands abandoned his shoulder and slid down his back to squeeze his ass . his fingers jerked her hair back , pulling her lips back from his . he gazed into her heavy lidded eyes before his mouth dipped to her neck . his tongue slid up her jugular , feeling her racing pulse . `` so you 'll let me inside your body but not your heart ? '' please pesh . '' now that he had her right where he wanted her , it was time to put his plan into motion . `` if i give you an orgasm , you 'll have to go on a date with me . '' her eyes widened through her panting . `` oh , but i am . give and take , megan . i give you what you want- '' he paused in his thrusts to let his fingers dip into the waist band of her scrubs . through the thin scrap of her thong , his hand caressed her , causing her to whimper .
`` which is to explode in bliss . '' as he continued stroking her , she hissed in a breath as she glared at him . `` you want me pretty bad , do n't you , megan ? '' he asked , as his fingertips felt of her growing moisture . her fingernails dug into his shoulders . god , yes , i do . '' `` so let me give you this pleasure . i want nothing more than to see you come apart . '' he licked his lips . `` then you 'll let me take you out . '' her eyelids fluttered , and she bit down on her lip . he could tell she was internally raging war with herself about what to do . as his fingers sped up their tempo against her clit , her head fell back against the wall . `` you do n't play fair , '' she groaned . he momentarily eased his hand off of her . `` i do n't want to play games with you at all , but you leave me no choice . '' he lowered his head to kiss her again . `` all i want is you , '' he murmured . `` fine , fine . '' `` fine what ? '' he questioned , as he looked her in the eye .
`` make me come , and i 'll go out on a date with you . '' he smiled before easing her back onto her feet . when he sank to his knees before her , megan 's brows furrowed in confusion . he then gripped the waistband of her scrubs . he eased them down , along with her panties , never taking his eyes off hers . when he had them down to her ankles , he rose back up . grabbing her by the waist , he shifted her to the side where she bumped into the counter . he gripped her h*ps once again and raised her up to where her butt rested on the cool formica . he slid her pants and thong over her shoes , letting the drop into floor below him . he was so far gone with desire that he did n't stop to think how long it had been since he had gone down on a woman . he pushed the voices out of his head when they reminded him of how jade had teasingly called his tongue a master of orgasms . instead , he focused on the beautiful , panting woman before him as she widened her legs invitingly for him . when he slid his tongue slowly up megan 's wet slit , they both shuddered .
he took one of her legs and propped her foot on his shoulder , so he could get better access to her while he pushed her other thigh further open . her pink , glistening center was laid out beautifully before him . as his tongue flicked and teased her swollen clit , megan threw her head back and moaned . his lips closed over her clit , sucking it hard . her h*ps began to rock back and forth . he knew it was n't going to take him long to make her come-she was too ready for this . it had been a long time for her as well . he resisted using his fingers . instead , he spread her apart and then thrust his tongue rhythmically inside her . megan 's cries grew louder to where he brought his hand up and clamped it over her lips . the last thing they needed was someone banging on the door . as he felt her walls tensing , she reached out to twist her fingers in his hair . he welcomed the pain as she went over the edge , convulsing and screaming against his hand . when megan 's walls finishing clenching and pulsing , pesh removed his tongue from inside her . he placed butterfly kisses against her core and then on the insides of her thighs . when he finally glanced up , he found megan staring at him , a combustive mix of emotions swirling in her blue eyes .
`` that was ... '' smiling , he rose up from the floor . his hands gently came to her waist . he was just about to pull her down when she stopped him . `` do n't . i ca n't even feel my legs right now . '' he brushed her hair back from her face . `` it has been a long time , has n't it ? '' `` how about never has it been like that . '' he could n't help staring at her incredulously . `` i mean , that i 've never gotten off like that . '' she gave him a sheepish grin . `` at least not with a man . '' at her insinuation , he felt warmth enter his face . `` are you blushing about me mentioning masturbating ? '' `` no , i 'm not , '' he protested feebly . `` you really are something else , you know that ? '' `` i am ? '' `` hell yes . one minute you 've got your tongue buried inside me , giving me the most intense orgasm of my life , and then the next you 're blushing . it 's like you became another person a few minutes ago . you were forceful and domineering . '' a shudder rippled through her as she raised her brows .
`` do you always get like that when it comes to sex ? '' pesh felt even more warmth creeping into his cheeks . how she could talk so frankly without any pants on , he had no idea . `` we should cover you up . '' `` you were enjoying the view a few minutes ago . '' she leaned over and winked at him . `` a very up-close and personal view . '' he rubbed his hands over his face . `` honestly , i do n't know what came over me . i came in here to tell you i was sorry and that you would n't have to worry about me coming on to you again . '' and then all hell had broken loose . it was like he had been fried with the electrical current from the paddles on the crash cart . he 'd decided to become another person to win her and damned if he had . almost too easily for his liking . what had he said to her in the heat of the moment ? he stared intently at her . `` all i could think of was how much i wanted you and what it would take to have you . '' `` you really wanted me that much ? '' she asked , her brows rising in surprise . `` yes , i did . '' with a coy smile , she scooted to the edge of the counter .
she wrapped her legs around his waist and drew him closer to her . `` what about you ? '' she asked , as her hand cupped his erection through his pants . his h*ps bucked involuntarily , and he closed his eyes , trying to steady himself . `` this was n't about me , '' he murmured . `` i ca n't let you go back on the floor with a hard-on . '' she licked up the side of his face , causing him to shudder . `` i owe you at least a happy ending after those multiple orgasms you just gave me . '' his closed eyes popped open . `` multiple did you say ? '' she giggled . `` then that means you owe me multiple dates , right ? '' megan reached around to smack his ass . `` you 're a bad boy trying to trick me . '' i play dirty when i have to . '' without another word , megan unbuttoned and unzipped him . she eased his pants and boxer shorts off his hips . when his erection was freed , she glanced between them . `` hmm , pretty impressive . '' he started to laugh at her remark , but when she gripped him in her hand , he gasped .
all coherent thoughts flew out of his mind as she stroked his length up and down , alternating from smooth slides to hard tugs . `` would you rather it was my mouth on you than my hand ? '' `` feels good no matter what , '' he muttered , his head dipping to rest against her shoulder . her breath scorched against his ear . `` mmm , i love that you 're so hard . just for me , right ? '' `` yes , '' he panted . `` just for you . only you . '' flicking her tongue out , she encircled his lobe and the shell of his ear . `` can you imagine what it would be like to bury yourself deep inside me ? '' her words were having too much of an effect on him . the dirty talk , coupled with the way she had her hand on him , caused him to tighten up . he tried to pull away , but she kept hold of him . and then he was coming undone . when he finally came back to himself , he opened his eyes to see that he 'd come on megan 's exposed thighs . `` i 'm sorry , '' he said . it was worth it to see your o face . '' she smiled dreamily at him . `` god , you were beautiful . '' since he 'd never had a woman tell him that , he could n't help flushing .
he pulled away from her to search for something to clean her up with . finally , he found a roll of paper towels . when he returned to her , he gently wiped himself off her skin . after he finished , he helped her down off the counter . `` i 'll go out first . i need to clean up . and so do you . '' he gave a brief nod . he was having trouble processing all the emotions swirling through his mind . `` so when it is ? '' `` when is what ? '' he asked dumbly . he was still far too obliterated by a simple hand job to be processing coherent thoughts . `` our date . '' he had almost forgotten what he asked of her . out of the heat of the moment , he felt guilty for what he had done . `` no , i was n't being fair . you do n't owe me a date . '' `` yes , i do . i always keep my promises . '' `` you 're really going to go out with me ? '' `` of course i am . '' his heartbeat sped up . `` are you off this saturday ? '' `` you do n't have plans ? '' `` no , i do n't . '' `` and you can get someone to watch your son ? '' `` yessss , '' she replied , with a smile .
`` okay , then let 's do it saturday . '' `` do what exactly ? '' `` the date . '' `` yes , but what are we doing ? '' `` it 's a surprise . '' tilting her head , she eyed him suspiciously . `` i 'm not sure i like the sound of that . '' `` i promise you 'll like it . '' `` what should i wear for this surprise date ? '' already the wheels had been turning in his head . since it might be his only chance , he knew he wanted to make the date as special as he could . `` wear something dressy . we might be going somewhere that requires more formal wear than jeans . '' `` okay , i think i can do that . '' at the sound of his pager , he grimaced . `` guess i 'll be the one leaving first . '' without hesitating , he bowed his head to kiss her . just like before , the feel of her mouth against his lit him on fire . reluctantly , he pulled away . `` go wash up first . '' her breath warmed his cheek before she glanced up into his eyes . `` i can taste myself on you . '' he closed his eyes as a shudder went through his body . `` you 're trying to kill me . ''
she flashed him a wicked grin . it 's the truth . '' `` behave yourself , '' he replied , before he headed to the door . chapter fourteen with less than ten minutes before pesh was set to arrive for their date , megan found herself a neurotic mess still holed in the bathroom . she 'd changed outfits at least three times before deciding on a black and white lace dress that came just to her knees . it had actually come out of the back of her closet-one of the tamer remnants of her wilder days . pesh had told her to wear something dressy , and it did fall into the dressy category , although it was probably a little sexier than she would have liked . while she 'd pulled her long hair back into a loose knot at the back of her neck , she was now rethinking her strategy . if she 'd left her hair down , it would cover more of the exposed skin that the spaghetti straps and neck of the dress showed . glancing at her phone one more time , she cringed . `` fuck it , '' she muttered , before spritzing on some perfume . after the fragrant cloud faded , she headed out of the bathroom . she grabbed her purse and headed upstairs .
when she came into the kitchen , a loud , cat-calling whistle pierced her ear . she scowled at sean . `` seriously ? '' `` you look hot , sis . '' gavin , who stood beside sean at the counter , nodded . `` we never see you in anything but scrubs . '' megan could n't help smiling at her brothers . wagging his brows , gavin asked , `` got a hot date , huh ? '' `` not exactly , '' she replied , as she went to grab her purse . `` yeah right , '' he mumbled under his breath . after slinging her purse on her shoulder , she whirled around to pin him with her stare . `` and what 's that supposed to mean ? '' `` it means that chicks do n't get dressed up like that for nothing . you obviously want to impress this guy . so , it 's obviously a hot date . '' `` since when did you become the love guru ? '' she questioned . sean grinned as he elbowed gavin . `` she 's getting riled , man . being irrational about little things usually means love . '' megan opened her mouth to lay into her brothers , but then found herself speechless , so she closed it back up . without another word to her brothers , she went into the living room .
she found her dad lounging in his chair with mason snuggled to his side . when her dad looked up , he did a double take . `` do n't you look beautiful , sweetheart , '' he said . she bent down and kissed his cheek . `` thanks , daddy . '' mason tore his gaze away from the television to look at her . `` mommy , bye-bye ? '' this was one question she had n't anticipated explaining . `` yes , mommy is going to go see a friend today , and you 're going to stay here with grammy and granddad . '' his tiny brows furrowed . `` mace no go ? '' guilt rocketed through her . how could she spend one of her few off days away from her son ? the doorbell rang , and she was forced out of her self-loathing to answer the door . taking a deep breath , she opened it . her heart did a funny little flip-flop at the sight of pesh on the porch . it was n't just how handsome he looked in his khaki pants , red button-down polo shirt , and black blazer . it was also the fact he held a dozen red roses in his hand .
`` hi , '' she said shyly , after they had stared at each other for a few seconds . `` hello . '' `` would you like to come in ? '' as he nodded , she stepped aside to give him room to come in the door . he turned back to her and held out the roses . `` these are for you . '' after the words left his lips , he grimaced , as if what he had said offended him . `` they 're beautiful . thank you . '' `` bye-bye kiss , mommy ! '' mason called from the living room . she smiled apologetically at pesh . i 'll just be one minute . '' `` take your time . '' she hurried across the foyer and into the living room . she deposited the roses onto one of the tables . `` i 'll be back tonight . you be a good boy , okay ? '' she said , when she got to her father 's chair . she leaned over and kissed both of mason 's cheeks . `` give mommy a kiss . '' he gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek . `` bye , my love , '' megan said , before turning and heading out of the room . she 'd just reached pesh 's side when he glanced past her .
`` i think we have a potential stowaway , '' he replied , with a smile . she whirled around to see mason standing in the foyer . `` what 's wrong , baby ? '' `` no go , '' he whimpered . she glanced up at pesh . he usually is fine about me leaving him . '' she knelt down beside mason . `` i wo n't be gone long , and you 'll have much more fun here with grammy and granddad . pesh and i are doing boring , big people stuff . '' `` no go ! '' he cried , as big tears pooled in his eyes . pesh knelt down beside her . `` hey buddy , do n't cry . i 'm not going to take your mommy away from you . '' `` mace go ? '' he asked hopefully . `` no , sweetheart , i told you that we were going to do big people things today . '' `` that 's true , '' pesh said . then he smiled at mason . `` but that does n't mean we ca n't take a little detour first . '' megan 's widened her eyes in surprise . `` why do n't we take mason to lunch at his favorite place ? '' `` you do n't mean that , '' megan argued .
pesh cut his gaze over to her . `` sure , i do . i can adjust our reservations . '' she could n't help staring at him in shock . how was it possible he was so willing to change his plans simply because mason did n't want her to leave ? she fought the urge to reach out and touch his shoulder to make sure he was real-he was far too good to be true at times . `` is that okay with you ? '' pesh asked her . `` of course it 's all right with me . i was worried about it not being okay with you . '' `` i would n't have suggested it if i did n't mean it . '' he reached out and ruffled mason 's hair . `` all right , buddy , where do you want to go for lunch ? '' `` cheese ! cheese ! '' he cried , as he bobbed up and down . megan groaned as pesh 's expression grew confused . `` he wants to eat cheese ? '' `` no , he wants to go to chuck e. cheese-every parent 's worst nightmare . '' pesh chuckled as he rose up from the floor . `` all right then . chuck e. cheese it is . '' `` go get your shoes , '' megan instructed .
as mason raced back into the living room , megan stood up . `` you really do n't have to do this . '' `` honestly , i do n't mind . we can go have lunch with mason , and then we can start our date . i 'm sure he 'll be worn out and ready for a nap when we get back , right ? '' `` yes , he will . '' then he wo n't have any reason to miss you if he 's asleep . '' she smiled at his thoughtfulness . i really mean that . '' he reached out and brushed her cheek . when he started to lean in to kiss her , mason ran back into the foyer with his shoes . pesh quickly jerked back . to combat the awkwardness , megan busied herself with getting mason 's shoes on . when she finished , mason bounded over to pesh and grabbed his hand . `` go ! go ! '' pesh laughed at mason 's enthusiasm . he held his other hand out for megan . she slid her hand into his and then they started to the car . as megan walked through the doors of their local chuck e. cheese , she recoiled slightly at both the ear- splintering noise and the stomach-turning smells .

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.