Page 29 of Physical Connection
Eli’s animated voice surrounds me. It’s gracious and hopeful, forgiving me for acting like a prick. For being unable to give him what he needs.
“Morning, doc. How was your weekend?” His question is innocuous, but the meaning behind it is heavy with implication. The wink he gives me is just down right gratuitous.
I cough out a mumbled response. “Fine. Yours?”
My skin tingles everywhere as if every limb on my body has gone numb and is just now returning to life. How the hell am I going to work side-by-side with this man when I can’t even speak in complete sentences when he’s around?
I begin to turn toward the sterilization center to prep, but he catches my elbow.
“Doctor, I believe we have scheduled time later today to discuss my performance feedback. I confirmed with your admin that we’re still on.”
“Shit,” I immediately respond, but then apologize. “Of course. I’m sorry. You’re right, we do. I’ll be ready to meet you in my office at four today. Now let’s get ready for this procedure.”
****
IT’S A MYSTERY TO MEhow – and somewhat of a blur - I made it through all three surgeries today when my head was clearly not in them. Always vigilant and focused on the patient during the operations, of course, but before and afterward, my thoughts were only on Eli.
His scent. His laughter. His physical presence. The way he gave me knowing glances, our eyes meeting across the operating table, or our fingers grazing one another as he would hand me the surgical instruments. I nearly dropped them twice, my hands quickly fumbling to keep ahold of them.
It was too much for me to handle. He needs to go.
I consider this for all of two seconds when he knocks on my door. The moment he steps in and closes my office door, I curse myself for even considering it. I have no grounds to fire Eli, he’s done nothing to deserve that.
Plus, I need him here. My mind is firmly made up about Elijah Morrell.
There’s no denying that the connection we have between us is too great to ignore. I’d be a fool to try. And I’d be a foolnotto try to see where it goes. To not take the chance when it’s presented and right there in front of me.
“Have a seat,” I command, but he doesn’t appear to hear me. Or he chooses not to listen, which is part and parcel for Eli.
Instead, Eli walks toward me with confident strides, rounding my desk and coming to stand in front of my seated position.
I’m about to say something...I don’t know what, exactly, because the thought is suddenly silenced when he cups my cheeks, bends down and kisses me.
He. Fucking. Kisses. Me.
And for a split second, I worry that someone is going to come barging into my office and we’ll be caught.
But that worry quickly dissipates the minute he kneels and begins working my belt.
