Page 76 of Dr. Stone
“I haven’t been to the enchanting part, I guess. I’ve only been to the ER in pediatrics on our first date, remember?”
He smirked, pulling out the two turkey and avocado sandwiches I’d bought from the bakery where Ash and I frequently ate lunch.
“Well, you’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg in the pediatric ward,” he said, taking a huge bite of the sandwich like he hadn’t eaten all day.
“What I saw was nothing like this, but that could be because we snuck my kid in through the back doors to be seen by Dr. Brandt.”
“I need to take you over there when I’m not stacked with patients next time,” he said, devouring his sandwich.
“That amazing, huh?” I said, finally getting to my sandwich.
“Oh, my God, yes. You wouldn’t believe it,” he said, bringing a napkin to his lips. “Sometimes when it gets slow, or we’re cross-referencing charts with Brandt and his staff, we’ll play football in the holographic arena with Brandt’s residential patients who are undergoing treatments.”
“Football?” I laughed.
“Not just football, gorgeous,” he said with a smile, leaning in to press a quick kiss to my cheek. “Holographicfootball.” He arched a playful, challenging eyebrow. “There’s a kid over there—twelve years old, fighting leukemia like a total champ. His name’s Travis, and his favorite thing is when we chumps try to get out there and play with the kids.” He chuckled at the memory. “The kid kicks our asses every time, even Brandt, who used to be a goddamn star quarterback in college.”
“That’s something I’d like to see,” I teased.
“I wish I didn’t have a jam-packed schedule today. I would’ve gladly shown you Travis handing us our asses,” he grinned.
“It’s sad to hear about his condition, though. It’s got to be pretty rough to be a hospital resident,” I said, my heart bleeding for the child and his parents.
“He’s got the best pediatric doc in the world with Cameron Brandt,” Jace said, becoming more serious. “And that kid is a fucking fighter. There’s no way his disease is going to beat him.”
“Look at you, Dr. Stone,” I said with a smile. “Reading medical breakthroughs to Brandon like bedtime stories one night, playing football with kids the next? I’ve got to admit, I didn’t have you pegged as the kid type.”
His cheeks blushed. “Quite honestly, I didn’t either,” he shrugged his shoulders. “Before your cute ass came along and wrecked my plans in life, I was a book nerd, science geek, and sailboat enthusiast. And now look at me? Reading to little ones in a rocking chair after nearly having my dick bitten off by a two-pound rat disguised as a fucking dog,” he said, popping the last of the sandwich in his mouth.
“Well, if it means anything, I am impressed with your astonishing adaptability,” I smiled, closing my sandwich up in its wrapper.
“You going to eat that, gorgeous?” Jace’s eyes went to the half of the sandwich I was too full to finish.
“It’s yours. You’ve earned it,” I said, handing it to him.
“This shit is delicious,” he said. “Did you make it yourself? Because if so, I might be down to move this relationship swiftly to marriage,” he winked and took another bite.
“It’s from a bakery where Ash and I usually get lunch and coffee. Their croissants are made fresh every morning. I think that’s what makes the difference.”
“That and the opium they sprinkle on top,” he said, devouring the last bite and standing up.
He extended a hand down toward mine. “I’d love to show you what I fantasize about with you in this office on my slow days, but sadly, my next appointment is in fifteen minutes,” he pulled me in, his lips covering my neck, then running up to my jaw.
“I’d love that,” I said, running my fingers through his soft hair and allowing his rich cologne to assault my senses, “but I need to get out of here and finish picking up supplies for the gallery before getting Brandon and Duke from the sitter’s house.”
“The sitter watches that little shithead now?”
“She loves him, and he loves her and all the kids,” I laughed.
“Perfect fucking dog to everyone but me and Jake,” he rolled his eyes, then pulled me in tighter. “Let me walk you to your car before my next appointment.”
“That’s not necessary,” I said. “Stay here and prep yourself. I just wanted to sneak in a little lunch since we didn’t get to the other day.” I stepped back and eyed him up and down, “You know, you look hot as hell dressed up as Dr. Stone.”
“You’re about to get fucked on that desk, and this time I’ll ensure we both finish without interruptions,” he eyed me. “How about this?” he said as if a thought just hit him. “Tonight, I’m off at eight, so it may be too late to come over, but how about I get out of work early tomorrow so we can take out my sailboat? Are you comfortable with Brandon out on the boat?”
“That depends on what kind of sailor you are, doctor?”
“I’ve been doing it since I was a kid,” he shrugged. “I don’t mean to brag, but all the other rich little white boys in the Hamptons were jealous of my skills.”
