Page 28 of Phoenix

“Honestly, it’s shitty and awful, but I get more of the buzz from it without all the extras.”

“That doesn’t make any sense. It has to be in your head. Placebo effect or something.”

“Oh, yeah? What makes you so smart, huh?” I ask, clearly teasing.

“Well, the many years of college and nursing school didn’t exactly hurt.” She places her mug down and folds her hands around it to keep them warm.

“You told me last time you were here, you became a nurse for many reasons, but you never really shared them. I’d like to know. I’m fascinated by you,” I admit.

“By me? I’m just an ordinary woman with an ordinary job. My mom was a nurse, so it’s what I’ve always been around. When my parents died, it felt like I should continue her passion. Follow in her footsteps.”

I nod in understanding. “And the tattoo on your wrist? That’s a tribute to them, correct?”

She looks down at the red tattoo and slides her thumb over it. “Sort of. It’s a phoenix. It represents them, and well...me, I suppose.”

“A phoenix rising from the ashes. That’s you?”

“That’s me.”

“I like it. It suits you. May I?” I reach across to take her wrist when she agrees, pulling it to the middle of the table so I can see it better.

It’s a simple design, just a silhouette of the creature, but it’s beautiful and it fits her wrist perfectly.

“It’s beautiful.” I slide my thumb across the ink, and I can feel goosebumps erupt on her skin at my touch.

“Thank you.”

I don’t release my hold on her wrist or move my touch from her skin until I’m forced to when the food arrives.

She pulls her hand away quickly and settles it in her lap so her plate can be placed in front of her.

“Oh...” she says. “This is going to be so good.”

Nora

Can you have an orgasm from food? No other physical stimulation, just the rich, buttery maple taste of perfect waffles in your mouth?

After taking the last bite of my food, I’m convinced you can.

“Mmmmm. Oh my God,” I say with my mouth still full of food. Not my most attractive moment, but this needed to be said. “This is the most incredible thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”

Case just grins from ear to ear like he has a smart-ass retort, and boy does he ever.

“Perhaps we can work on taking that title away one day.”

I roll my eyes in response. “In your dreams, Officer Carmichael.”

“You can’t say things like that to me and expect me to keep my mind out of the gutter. Now I’m thinking about handcuffs and you in the back of my cruiser...” He leans in closer to me as he speaks.

“I bet you use that line on all the girls.” I slip my tongue out and lick a little smear of syrup from my bottom lip.

“I’ve never had to use many lines. They just line up.”

I can tell from the smile on his face he’s kidding, or at least, I think so. He does give me major player vibes. Thus, my need to keep my vagina to myself.

“I’m sure.” I place my silverware down and lean back in my seat. “I’m stuffed.”

“I could take that statement straight to the gutter, but I’ll spare you.” He leans over to one side to pull his wallet from his back pocket.

---