Page 42 of Christmas On Call
“What did Harrison say when you asked to meet?” Max asked, her fingers tracing patterns on Asha’s arm.
“Just that eight AM worked.” Asha leaned into the touch. “I imagine it’ll be straightforward. He’ll note the disclosure has been filed. Maybe there will be some logistical adjustments—different shift schedules sometimes, to avoid any appearance of impropriety. But Doctor Brown said most relationship disclosures don’t result in major changes as long as we remain professional.”
“We can do professional,” Max said. “We’ve been doing it for weeks.”
“Badly,” Asha said with a small laugh. “Apparently half the unit already suspected.”
“Martha told me.” Max grimaced. “She said we’re about as subtle as a car alarm.”
“God.” Asha buried her face in her hands. “I thought we were being so careful.”
“We were careful about the big things. We just forgot about all the small things—the looks, the body language, the way you watch me during codes like I’m the only person in the room. The chemistry between us that seeps out of every pore in our bodies.”
“You usually are,” Asha admitted. “The only person I see, I mean. Even when it’s chaos, even when there’s a room full of people—I always know exactly where you are.”
Max’s expression softened. “Yeah. Same.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of weeks of secrecy finally lifting.
“What about your parents?” Max asked carefully. “You don’t have to tell them right away, right?”
“Right. Doctor Brown reminded me I can take that at my own pace.” Asha sighed. “But I think I will tell them. Eventually. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week. But I can’t keep hiding this part of myself from them. It’s—” She searched for words. “It’s exhausting. And I’m tired of being exhausted.”
“I’ll be there,” Max said firmly. “When you’re ready. If you want me to be.”
“I want you there for it all,” Asha said, and she meant it.
Max kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her mouth—gentle touches that felt like promises. “You know what this means, right? Now that it’s official?”
“What?”
“I’m taking you to Disneyland.” Max grinned. “We’re getting those stupid Mickey ears, and eating churros, and taking a photo in front of the castle. Full-on, embarrassingly touristy couple things. I can’t believe you’ve never been!”
Asha laughed; the sound startled out of her. “That sounds absolutely awful, but I’m in.”
“That sounds perfect,” Max corrected. “And we’re doing it. No more hiding. No more pretending we’re just colleagues. We’re going to be disgustingly, obviously in love, and everyone is going to know it.”
“Disgustingly?” Asha raised an eyebrow.
“Absolutely disgusting,” Max confirmed. “Hand-holding in public. Pet names. The works. Filthy.”
“I draw the line at pet names.”
“We’ll see.” Max’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Give it time, Doctor Patel.”
Asha kissed her to shut her up, and it worked.
“I could do with more of that, please,” Max moaned.
“What about some of this too?” Asha said as her fingers moved down Max’s stomach and traced along the hem of her shorts.
“Don’t tease me,” Max purred. “I can’t handle it.”
“Who said I’m teasing?”
Asha slowly pushed her hands underneath Max’s shorts, maneuvering her fingers towards Max’s clit, before slowly massaging around her wet folds, exposing how excited she was. Max didn’t say anything. Her small moans told Asha all she needed to know. Her fingertips teased her opening, before delicately pushing her fingers deep inside.
“I love this feeling,” Max whispered.
