Page 11 of Love for the Holiday

I sat on the edge of my chair waiting for him to tell me about the turn of events he was thinking about. However, he just chuckled a bit more then took a sip of his coffee.

"And…," I prompted, making him laugh.

"Curious about the turn of events that happened to me yesterday?"

"Just a little," I laughed holding up two fingers gesturinga little.

"It's hard to saynoto you, when you give me that innocent look," he smiled. "Since you're curious… just a little bit, I will tell you."

Jacob told me about how his yesterday was almost as crappy as mine. Most of his patients had been extremely grumpy or severe hypochondriacs. He’d spent an hour trying to explain to a woman that she didn't have the measles and that it was just acne. Another hour was spent on the phone arguing with an insurance company. Somewhere in the afternoon, he’d spilled coffee all over him when the bottom of the cup gave out.

"You were like a fallen angel." Jacob flapped his arms like they were wings then laughed. "Literally. I've never ran so fast across the street before."

"Could have left me there for someone else so help me or was it your doctor duty?" I was teasing but he wasn't laughing. I looked up from my cup at him. His cheeks were red.

"So… about that…" He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Go on, Doctor Holiday."

He rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Okay,Love."

I loved the way my name rolled off his tongue. Growing up I had hated my name. It wasn't until my college years that I accepted my name being weird.

"I had seen you and may or may not have been looking at you. Then as I was about to go about my business, you fell." He cleared his throat, rubbed his neck with one hand and brought his cup up to his lips with his other hand.

"Oh," I whispered. "You were already looking at me?"

He spit his coffee out. Some sprayed me. Jacob started coughing hard.

"I wasn't being a stalker. I swear," he said between harsh coughs.

"Relax, doctor." I pressed my lips together in an attempt to contain my smile and laughter. The poor man thought I was calling him a creep. In fact, it was the complete opposite. I felt flattered he’d noticed me.

"Just don't want you to think I'm some creep."

"I don't," I shook my head.

We both reached for a napkin at the same time. My heart skipped a beat. The butterfly feeling came next.

"Sorry," I managed to breathe and began to move my hand. Jacob caught my hand before it could make its great escape.

My gaze fell down to our hands. His fingers were now intertwined with mine. I should be pulling my hand away, because he was still a stranger. However, every ounce of my being wanted to feel his warm touch.

"What kind of movies do you like?” he asked which led us into an hour-long conversation about our favorite movies, food, and hobbies. The entire time he held my hand.

Before we knew it, time had slipped by. We said our goodbyes a little after eleven, but I made him promise to message me when he made it home safe. He kissed me swiftly and then left, leaving the biggest smile plastered on my face.

I readied for bed and set my alarm before lying down. Despite being in pain, today was an amazing day.

Ding!

I moved so fast to reach for my phone on the nightstand I nearly fell off the bed. My muscles ached from the sudden movement.

After a few grumbles, whimpers, and swearing, I read the message from Jacob, "Made it home. Can't wait to see you again."

I quickly replied,Glad you made it home. I hope to see you soon. Sweet dreams.

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