Page 5 of Joshua
Please be shorts… I’m a fucking bastard.
“Leggings.”
I nod. “Okay. Do you have any other symptoms?” I ask, searching her face and neck for hives or discoloration.
Hazel shakes her head, and a tendril of hair falls free. My hands itch with the need to tuck it behind her ear. I’m really not sure why I’ve become slightly obsessed with the need to touch her. She’s not the first nor do I expect the last attractive woman to come through the ER. My head cocks to the side, and I blatantly stare. What is it about her?
Her eyes meet mine before dropping to my lips. “No.” She drops her head back, eyes to the ceiling, before she mutters, “I should’ve frozen my dildo to cool off.”
A vibrator and a dildo? My dick twitches, and I wonder what other toys she has in her arsenal. Sex with Hazel sounds like it could be rather adventurous. “Coming to the ER was the right thing to do.”
A hand slaps over her mouth, and she stares at me. “I said that aloud too, didn’t I?”
I chuckle and nod, afraid of what will come out of my mouth if I respond. We stare at each other for a moment longer than acceptable, and my chest fills with satisfaction. I swear I’m not the only one feeling the attraction. Too bad I avoid dating patients.
“I’m going to check on the doctor. Do you need any water before I leave?”
She shakes her head and tucks the errant strand behind her ear. I imagine nibbling her flesh and force myself to turn toward the door. One step, two, three… I continue counting until I walk out of the room and don’t stop moving until I reach the bathroom. There are more women than men on staff, and in this moment, I’m relieved to have a second alone to gather my wits.
After a quick piss, I wash my hands and go in search of Dr. Rollins. I love my job most days. Those days include Dr. Rollins. If not for Sabrina and a few asshole patients tonight, my night would have been going just fine.
I stop at the nurse’s desk and jot down a few notes in Hazel’s file for the doctor. Becoming lost in my thoughts, I’m unable to evade Sabrina. I should have never agreed to drinks with her. It’d been a long shift, similar to one like tonight, and I’d broken my rule. No dating anyone from work. It hadn’t even been a real date—at least I hadn’t viewed it like one, something I later learned I hadn’t been clear about.
“Bradley. You were in room five an awful long time,” Sabrina hisses.
When I look up, I’m relieved when I see Dr. Rollins approaching. “Room five is ready for you. I suspect the patient may be experiencing an allergic reaction.”
She nods and accepts the file I offer. “Thank you, Josh. The patient in three needs chest X-rays, and I’ve signed the discharge papers for two.”
“I’ll put in the request,” Sabrina tells Dr. Rollins.
I slip past, happy to avoid any more unnecessary time with Sabrina, and head to room two. The patient is antsy and ready to leave. I’m happy to bring them the good news. After only a few minutes, I hurry back down the hall to room five. Her green eyes find mine immediately, and my stomach rolls with excitement.
Dr. Rollins looks up when I enter. “Perfect timing… I’d like to examine Ms. Rivera.” She turns toward her as a thought occurs to her, one we encounter frequently with female patients. “Do you mind if he stays for your exam? If you’d prefer, we can have a female nurse take his place.”
She looks between us and her gaze lands on me. “It’s fine,” she says, and we excuse ourselves so she can undress from the waist down.
When she’s ready, we close the door to offer her privacy, and I gather varying instruments on a tray. Dr. Rollins washes her hands and pulls on a pair of gloves as I set the tray on a table. After washing my own hands, I snap on a pair of gloves and observe her. “Are you comfortable? If you’ve changed your mind, I can switch with another nurse.”
She shakes her head. “You’re fine. It’s the burn…”
I nod and angle my body so I can help Dr. Rollins if necessary, but I don’t see what she sees. My position here is to be a witness for patient advocacy and to assist the doctor.
“Ah, yes…” Dr. Rollins mumbles to herself. She lifts her head and looks at her. “I’m surprised you’re as still as you are. There are hives covering your vulva, and the tissue of your vaginal cavity is inflamed. I expect you’re very uncomfortable right now?”
Hazel nods, and her lips pull into a hard line. “It feels like my vagina is going to melt.”
Dr. Rollins nods and presses on her patient’s knees, and Hazel lowers them, ensuring the paper still covers her. “You said this was a new lubricant you used?” Dr. Rollins asks and stands. She removes one glove and then the next and tosses them in the garbage.
“Yes.”
“Your file doesn’t mention any allergies. How does your body handle spices? Jalapeños, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, and the like? Do you eat spicy food?”
Before she finishes her question, I notice Hazel shaking her head. “No. My stomach can’t handle that. Too much black pepper will upset it too.”
Dr. Rollins nods her head. “Something most people don’t realize is warming lubricants contain capsaicin. Based on what I’ve seen and what you’ve told me, what you’re experiencing is a severe allergic reaction to the lubricant. You have some light swelling on one hand, the one you applied it with I presume. Nurse Bradley will set you up with some Benadryl, and we’ll hold you for a little while to make sure it’s doing its job. I don’t think I need to advise you to toss that particular lubricant?”
“Hell no. I mean—”
Dr. Rollins’s laugh booms, cutting her off. I smile, enjoying the blush on Hazel’s cheeks. “Do you have any questions?”
She bites her lip, drawing my attention to the flesh, and my dick reacts immediately. “Umm… will this cause any permanent damage?” she asks, her voice shaky and low.
“One application shouldn’t leave any lasting effects. The Benadryl should clear it up, and if it doesn’t, I suggest you make an appointment with your gynecologist.”
“Okay thanks, Doctor.”
“Have a good night. Nurse Bradley will see to you and have you feeling better in no time,” Dr. Rollins says and shakes her hand before slipping out of the room.
I’d love to make her feel better. So good she’ll forget all about her vibrator until I get to use it on her. I shake my head free of my inner desires and move toward the door. “I’m going to grab some things. Go ahead and dress while I’m gone,” I say and hurry out.
