Page 57 of Tacos & Toboggans
“It’s a date,” he whispered moments before his lips met mine with an urgency that spoke of our deep longing for one another. As though the spell had been broken and we no longer had to hold back, the kiss was electric, igniting sparks that danced along my skin while our hearts pounded in unison.
Leaning back, he pulled me close to him until we were chest to chest, and our mouths moved in a synchronized rhythm, exploring, tasting, and savoring every moment. The world outside his house faded, leaving only the intense connection between two broken souls as they learned to heal. He tangled his fingers in my hair, urging me closer, until there wasn’t a speck of space between us. His need for me grew, and I secretly reveled in the notion that I had raised such passion in him with just a kiss.
His hands roamed over my back, tracing my curves with a gentle yet possessive touch until his hands rested on my hips and tugged me even closer. A moan ripped from his throat when I ground against him, passion igniting in my soul to havefound someone who wanted all the broken pieces of me because he saw himself in them.
Music filled the room, and I lifted my head. “Is that the theme song from Doogie Howser?”
His groan this time had nothing to do with pleasure. “That’s the hospital. Where’s my phone?”
I sat up and found it on the coffee table, handing it over as I laughed at his chosen ringtone. I wasn’t even born when that show aired, but I watched all the seasons not too long ago and fell in love with it. A pit filled my stomach. That was when I realized Major was a bit like Doogie Howser in that he graduated from high school with a four-year college degree. He was an experienced orthopedic surgeon at the age of thirty-nine. I was lucky to have finished college. Sometimes I still forget to buy groceries.
Stop. Put that away. Remember what he said about strengths and weaknesses. Besides, how can you deny the passion when he kisses you like that?
I tuned back into the conversation when he sat up. “Sure. No, that’s understandable, but I don’t want to usurp your position, Nord,” he said, which told me he was talking to Dr. Russel. “That’s true, I guess, either way, I need to roll in for a bit. Yep, yep. I’ll be there in less than twenty.”
“It’s okay,” I assured him as he hung up with a sigh. “I understand you’re needed.”
“There’s been an accident, and Dr. Russel feels my expertise will be the best for the patient. He also has another surgery to do tonight, but this other patient can’t wait either.”
“Go,” I said. “Wait, will your leg be charged enough to do surgery?”
After checking his phone, he nodded. “It’s over eighty percent, so that will hold me through the surgery. You’re right, I need to contact Dawson tomorrow. You have his number?”
“I do,” I agreed. “But I also know where he lives, so we can always pop over sometime tomorrow. Then you can talk face to face.”
“We?” he asked, starting the process of putting on his leg, which was fascinating to watch. He rolled the liner on, slid hisleg down through the socket, and stood to snap it into place before he tightened the straps.
“I mean, I’ll never pass up a chance to play with Valor.”
“It’s a date then,” he said, just as my phone rang.
“It’s Ivy. Hang on.”
Usually, I’d let it go to voicemail, but there was no reason she should be calling me at nearly nine-thirty unless there was a problem.
“What’s up, Ives?”
“Have you heard?” she asked.
“About what?” I stood slowly and met Major’s gaze. Something told me our nights were about to collide again.
“Alan Violet fell and broke his hip. He’s at the hospital awaiting surgery.”
My gasp had Major stopping as he pulled on his pants. “Is someone with Audrey?”
“Honor drove her to the hospital and is staying with her for now.”
“I’m at Major’s, but he’s headed to the hospital. I’ll ride with him. Will I see you there?"
“After I make a few more calls,” she answered, and we said our goodbyes before hanging up.
“I heard you say Audrey,” he said, and I nodded.
“I think your patient is her husband, Alan. He broke his hip.”
A frown marred his handsome face. “I can neither confirm nor deny,” he said as he finished dressing.
“I know, I know. You drive, I’ll pray,” I said, tossing him the keys, and we headed into the night.
