Page 39 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“Good.” Thor nods in Nathan’s direction. “Your friend here has been taking exceptional care of you.”

Jamie catches a brief flush of pink over Nathan’s good cheek.

“He won’t let the other nurses near.” The doctor’s smile is impossibly perfect. “You’ve been out for a few hours, but we’re going to let you go home. I’m sending some meds with you. We’ll have to send a prescription to the pharmacy. Who do you use?”

Jamie hasn’t ever used a pharmacy in the city. “I’m not sure. Whatever is nearby I guess?” He props up onto his elbows, trying to relieve the pain in his lower back caused by metal rods the so-called mattress is no guard against. .

Nathan presses a button on the side of the bed, and it slowly folds, so Jamie is upright. That’s better.

“Can we call someone to come get you? A cab maybe?”

“I’m taking him home. I have a lunch break I need to use.” Nathan answers for him.

Jamie looks to Nathan. His eyes dart away. He isn’t sure how comfortable he is with that. Alone in a car with him? There’s much to be said and he’s not in any shape to be having that conversation. Realizing his phone and wallet are still at the restaurant, without them, he has no idea what Andrew’s number is or any way to pay for a ride. There isn’t another choice. Damn tech companies make our lives easier while ensuring we’re bound to their products.

“Perfect.” Dreamy Doctor Kline taps his fingers on the screen of a tablet cradled in his sun bronzed arm. “I’m sending your script to the pharmacy around the corner. It should be ready tomorrow, but I’ll send a few extra pills home with you today, just in case.” He looks in Nathan’s direction. “Prepare some Medi-Spray and a handful of pills.” He looks back at Jamie. “We’ll schedule you a checkup visit. Come back and see me in two or three days. We’ll make sure the skin is healing properly and clean things up, if it isn’t. I don’t expect any long-term damage, but you’ll need several days of downtime. There will likely be blistering. You’ll want to keep it clean and change the bandages once a day at least.” He looks back to Nathan, as if he’s the certified caretaker. “Change the dressing once more before you leave.”

“Will do.” Nathan lays a hand on Jamie’s ankle. Giving it a gentle squeeze.

The electricity from his touch penetrates the blankets. Tingles flutter up the good leg, through his nether region and settle in his belly. Jamie chews his lip.

The Doctor slips away, closing the curtain.

Nathan moves back around the bed and starts fumbling with tools and products on a nurse’s cart. Gauze, tape, pads and a can of magic spray.

“You don’t need to drive me home. I can have someone at the restaurant bring me my things.”

“I’m happy to.” He peels back the blankets. “I owe you.”

“You don’t owe me anything.” Except an explanation.

“I do.” He pulls at strips of gauze wrapped around Jamie’s thigh. “I’m really sorry that I hurt your feelings.”

“You blocked me.” Jamie spat the words.

“That had nothing to do with you.”

“I never do things like that. Just so you know. Never.” Jamie makes it clear. “I don’t know why I did that day. But I’ve never done that before. With a stranger.” He doesn't want to seem a complete prude.

Nathan’s milk cocoa skin blushes pink. He pushes a dark curl away from tickling his brow with the back of his wrist. “You should have said something. I just assumed we were both there for the same thing.”

Jamie doesn’t have words. It is a hookup spot after all.

“I knew I’d be tempted to see you again.” He avoids eye contact. “I like to keep things casual.” He squeezes clear jelly onto his gloved hand. “This is cold.” He warns before gently spreading it onto the boiled thigh with gloved hands. The rubber doesn’t block the electricity flowing in his touch.

Jamie winces, from the icy chill or maybe his static touch. “You could just tell me that.” He sucks his lip. Watching Nathan’s hand work his leg. The nurse gnaws his cheek as he works. The electricity surges up his thigh, to his dick. Shit. He tries to discreetly pull the blanket up and cover the swelling happening in his briefs.

Nathan’s eyes glance and dart back to the task at hand. He smirks.

Jamie feels his face go as red as his leg.

Nathan turns back to the cart. Fumbling with bandages.

Jamie adjusts his swollen dick. Laying it under the waistband of his underwear and positioning the blankets so it’s well camouflaged.

Nathan turns back. Glancing again. He looks Jamie in the eye and winks.

Fuck. Jamie’s eyes fall down to his thigh. Squinting to focus.

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