Page 27 of Rookie Days

“Well, it’s 2024 now. Nothing’s like it used to be.”

“Yeah,” Bryn grumbled. “But not every good thing has to end, does it?”

Janet finished lacing up her shoes. She gathered her pager and phone and paused briefly at the door to cup the woman’s cheek in her hand.

“I hear the new radiologist downstairs is very hot and very single.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yep.”

Just like that, Bryn recovered her smile and good mood.

“Okay then. Thanks for the tip.”

“Sure thing. Have fun, darling.”

“Will do. See you later!”

Janet watched her go with an amused smile. No doubt Bryn would quickly find consolation elsewhere. But for her, steamy interludes with like-minded colleagues on their lunch breaks no longer did it. And if even the lovely Bryn could not tempt her back to it, probably no one would.Shit, I must be getting old!Still, when she thought of Ellie again, Janet could not find it in her to regret the good old days of casual sex.I wonder how she’s doing…It was over a week since she’d bumped into her at the beach, and the handsome, emotionally-controlled police officer had been on her mind a lot since then. Sometimes, just pleasantly, in passing. At other times, when in bed or in the shower, more insistently. Janet’s thoughts of Ellie invariably turned erotically charged. She was not sorry about that.

“Actually wouldn’t mind draggingherinto an empty room on my lunch break…”

The idea of sex was just as appealing as ever, but now the choice of partner seemed a little more important. So be it. And all she had to do if she wanted to see Ellie again was dig up her phone number from her patient file, and give her a call. Ask herout to dinner... On a date.Why the hell not?For once, Janet found herself unsure and hesitant. The cool-headed woman who could slice into a brain with the steadiest of hands when a life was on the line, the experienced lover who never had to spend the night alone unless it was her choice, was nervous at the thought of rejection. Irritated, and muttering under her breath, she headed toward the exit.

“For sure, things aren’t the same way they—Umph!”

Funny, she did not remember a wall being there… But it felt like slamming into one when she rounded the corner. Before she could lose her balance, a strong arm laced around her waist and she felt the press of muscular thighs against her own. Not a brick wall then, but a person. Definitely of the female variety. She was surprised to find herself staring into the eyes of the woman she’d been fantasizing about.

“Sorry,” Ellie smiled. “My fault, I wasn’t looking.”

Janet very carefully avoided touching her. It would have been easy, and the most natural thing in the world in fact, to slip her arms around her neck. But just being this close was enough. And a powerful trigger, for sure. In the split-second it took Janet to register the other ones, tingling activation points everywhere that Ellie’s body was in contact with hers, she watched it happen in her face too. Ellie James pressed her sensuous lips together, a muscle in her jaw bunched, and her clear grey eyes went dark. Yes, something was definitely happening. Janet did not grab her face and pull her into the sort of kiss that would leave scorch marks on both of them… But hell, she really wanted to! The fact that she held back was another sure sign of potent change in her. Another doctor walking past shot them both a curious glance. Ellie noticed it too and suddenly seemed to remember where she was. She released her and took a safe step back. A second ago, intent had been written all over her handsome face. Janet had seen hunger in her eyes, and flaming desire. Now it looked morelike confusion. Reluctance. She still looked gorgeous, mind you. How was it possible, Janet wondered, for a woman to appear so focused and strong? So young and vulnerable? And to go from one to the other in the blink of an eye? Well. Whatever it was, she liked it. Janet allowed herself to touch her arm, if only briefly.

“Hi, Ellie,” she said with a smile. “It’s good to see you.”

“Yes, you too.”

“What brings you to my kingdom?”

Ellie appeared grateful for the question and for a chance to re-focus.

“I was hoping someone could remove my staples today. I don’t have an appointment.”

“Oh, I see.” Janet nodded, almost sniggered at her own self.But of course, you idiot!The woman was not here for a social call. “Come with me, I can do it for you.”

chapter 9

After another couple of days off, Ellie had gone in begging to her lieutenant to at least be allowed back on desk duty. The request was swiftly granted. Now, Ellie was convinced that she’d rather face the firing squad than the mountain of paperwork on said desk. She needed the damn staples removed and to get back to regular work. She should have called her doctor and made an appointment, not just wandered in like this… But while being reluctant to admit it to herself, she’d also been hoping to bump into Janet. When it happened, like a wink from the universe, Ellie found herself torn between satisfaction and apprehension. It was very unlike her to get a woman on the brain and not be able to shake her off… But Janet had taken residence at the back of her mind. Ellie followed her to a free exam room, sat down where she told her, and took off her jacket. When Janet flashed a gentle smile, Ellie forgot to be frightened.

“Slumming it in the cuts and bruises department again?” she prompted as the surgeon set up an instrument tray.

“Seems to be a pattern, right?” Janet chuckled. “I should be on my lunch break right now too.”

“Oh, well, I don’t want to—”

“Don’t worry, it’s okay.” Ellie went still and silent as Janet laid a calming hand over her shoulder. And left it there. “I want to do this. I can eat later.”

“Okay… Thanks.”

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