Page 85 of Doctor One Night

The heat of our bodies creates a steam that seems to rise into the night air. It is quick and urgent, both of us obviously turned on by the danger of it all. I’m like a teenager, sneaking it in before someone might catch us.

It’s invigorating.

We both come, quietly, but wantonly. Her lace bra presses into my skin. When I pull myself out I’m not done yet. I trace a path down her stomach with my tongue, my fingers teasing the edge of her shorts before pulling them down just enough to lick the top of her opening.

She's panting now, her fingers threading through my hair as I explore her with my mouth, her taste as addictive as the way she quietly moans my name, the sound echoing in the quiet of the park. Her legs wrap around me, pulling me closer, urging me on until she's shuddering beneath me, her cries of pleasure swallowed by our kisses.

Once she shudders, I know I’ve done my job. I’m growing again, but I don’t want to be greedy. We’ve had our naughty sex without getting caught, foreplay for later. I scoot up to join her, face-to-face.

For a moment, we lay there, our bodies connected, the world around us nothing but a distant memory. The only thing that exists is the two of us, the beating of our hearts slowly returning to normal, the gentle caress of the night breeze cooling our heated skin.

I roll off her and slide one arm under her head, holding her close. We're quiet now, lost in our own thoughts, the adrenaline of our lovemaking still coursing through my veins.

In the distance, the city continues on, oblivious to the intimacy we've shared in its shadow. Here, in this hidden corner of the park, we found another way to make this park a part of us.

Thursday, June 13

UAB Hospital

10:14 am

As I sit down at the conference table with Dr. Tim Calloway, Jonah Bellinger, and the PA who received training on the new pacemaker, I feel the significance of what we are about to do settling over me.

This isn’t just another patient, this is Grace Petit, someone we all care personally about. This is the first time we’ll be using the new pacemaker, even before we’ve conducted the trial. Stressful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thankfully, there’s also an undercurrent of excitement humming in the room. We’re on the brink of something big, something that will change lives.

Calloway, ever the calm professional, opens the meeting. “I’ve reviewed Grace’s latest scans and blood work. Her condition has stabilized somewhat, but we’re still seeing those intermittent arrhythmias. I’m concerned about her ability to tolerate another episode, which is why I’m glad we’re moving forward with this.”

Jonah, sitting across from me, nods, his expression a mix of determination and worry. “We all know Grace. She’s tough, but she’s been through the wringer. I want to make sure we’re doing everything possible to give her the best shot at a good outcome here.”

“Agreed,” I say, leaning forward. “The new pacemaker has shown promising results in simulations and preliminary trials, but this is uncharted territory. We need to have a solid plan in place, not just for the surgery, but for the post-op care and monitoring.”

The PA, a young guy who’s been training with us for weeks, speaks up. “I’ve reviewed the protocols we established for the trial, and I think we can adapt them for Grace’s situation. The main concern will be how her body reacts to the device initially. We’ll need to monitor her closely for the first forty-eight hours, especially for any signs of rejection or complications.”

Calloway nods, tapping his pen on the table thoughtfully. “We’ll need to ensure round-the-clock monitoring, with someone on standby to address any issues immediately. Jonah, I assume you want to stay updated on everything?

“Absolutely,” Jonah replies. “Grace may not be my biological mother, but she’s been like one to me. I want to know every step of the way how she’s doing.”

I glance at the clock on the wall, noting the time. We’ve been discussing the logistics for a while now, and it’s clear we’re all on the same page. “I think we’re ready to schedule the surgery for tomorrow. Calloway, you’ll handle the pre-op checks?”

“Of course,” he says. “I’ll start her on the necessary medications tonight to prep her for the procedure.”

“Good,” I reply, relieved that he is on top of it. “I’ll be in early to go over everything one last time and scrub in. Let’s make sure we’re all set before we go in tomorrow. This has to be perfect.”

The disquiet in the room is thick, but there’s also a shared sense of purpose. We’re doing this for Grace, for the chance to give her a better quality of life, and maybe even save it. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s what we do, and I trust this team to handle it.

As the meeting wraps up, I stand, shaking hands with Calloway, Jonah, and the PA. “Thanks, everyone. Let’s get some rest tonight and come back early tomorrow ready to make history.”

Jonah claps me on the back as we head out of the room. “I’m glad we’re doing this, Hunter. Grace is lucky to have you on her side. I only feel bad she will have to see that ugly mug of yours when she wakes up.”

“The only uglier mug she has to put up with is yours,” I give it right back to him, knowing humor is his way to get through this. Grace has always been a fighter, and tomorrow, we’re giving her the best shot we can. But until then, all we can do is prepare and hope for the best.

As I leave the hospital, I can’t help but think about Frankie. I’ll need to update her on the plan and let her know that we’re moving forward. Tomorrow is going to be one hell of a day, and I want her to be in the loop every step of the way.

Friday, June 14

10:24 am

The room buzzes with the usual symphony of beeps, each one tracking Grace’s vitals with precision. The stakes are higher today. This isn’t just any surgery. This is the first time we’re implanting Frankie’s pacemaker into a human being. The thought sharpens my focus even more, knowing that years of her work and passion have culminated in this moment. And I’m the one bringing it to life.

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