Page 18 of Just Breathe

“They are delicious.” I felt a little less nervous.

“Are you a doctor?” she asked as she pointed to my scrubs.

“Oh no, I’m a nurse. I’m helping at St Mary’s while I’m here.” She gave me back my credit card, and I put in back in my little wallet.

“Oh, that’s great! I’ll have your coffee and food right out. You need everything to go, right?” I nodded, and Darcy started on my latte as I stepped back to wait.

The door chimed, and I stole a look over my shoulder. My eyes instantly locked with Callum. I knew he wasn’t alone because it was like I felt the other two before I even saw them.

“Good morning, boys,” Darcy yelled from behind the counter.

I smiled at the fact that she called them boys when, in fact, they were far from it. Callum nodded his head at me and made his way to the counter. Nathan was already looking at me when I turned my attention to him.

“Good morning, Jane.” He gave me a small smile, and I felt my face get hot. Jesus, I felt like a horny teenage girl all over again. I don’t think I’ve ever had this feeling with any man.

“Good morning, Jane.” Aiden’s deep voice made me feel even hotter.

“Morning y’all.” I tried to keep my voice even.

They headed to the counter and placed their order with Darcy. I took my phone out to preoccupy myself and to keep my wandering eyes from checking them out again.

“You’re up early.” Aiden’s voice took my attention from my phone.

“Not by choice.” I shrugged. “I was called for a shift at St. Mary’s.”

“Are you a doctor or a nurse?” Nathan asked, passing a coffee to Aiden and handing one to me too. “Darcy said this was yours.”

“Thanks.” I felt a spark of electricity as his hand brushed mine. “Oh, I’m a nurse. I figured while I was here, I might as well help if I’m needed, and sure enough, their ER department is short staffed.” I took a sip of my coffee, hiding my quick breathing.

“That’s awesome. I hear traveling nurses make good money,” Aiden said, blowing on his coffee and taking a sip.

“Yeah, it’s great money and very versatile. I’m lucky enough to do this without a contract, but in the future, who knows what might change.” I looked at Aiden while I spoke.

“So, for dinner tonight we were thinking…”

“Oh shit, I won’t be able to make it tonight,” I interrupted Aiden. “The nurse said the shift is seven to seven and I’m sure tonight is going to be a late since it’s my first shift. I’m so sorry.” I felt guilty for forgetting about dinner.

“Don’t worry, we can do it another day.” He smiled at me, easing my guilt.

“Actually, I know this might sound weird, but instead of dinner, do you guys have any great hiking spots you can show me? I’ve been itching to hike, but I’m unfamiliar with a lot of this area.” The door chimed as more people walked into the cafe.

“We can take her to the falls,” Callum suggested. He handed me a bag of what I assumed was my food. “Sunday will be a warmer day.”

“Thanks.” I gave him a smile. I knew he was a man of few words, but hearing his deep, calm voice gave me chills. “The falls sound great!”

“Then let’s hike on Sunday,” Aiden agreed. “It might be better to get started early. Are you ok with that?”

“Mmmm, not really, but for hiking, I might make an exception.” I made a face to show I wasn’t happy with waking up early. “Call me or text me the details, but I got to go. I’ll also have to make sure I don’t have to work that day.” I was about to give Callum a kiss on the cheek to say goodbye but stopped myself before I could actually do it. My southern hospitality was really looking to get me in trouble. “Bye guys.”

“Good luck today.” Nathan gave me another one of his small smiles.

“Thanks, see y’all soon.” Aiden and Callum nodded as I left.

I checked my phone as I walked towards my car and it said six thirty-two. Looks like I might make it on time. I got into my car and started the ignition, taking my burrito out so I could eat it as I drove. I took off for the hospital, hoping I wasn’t making a mistake going back to the ER.

* * *

I finished inputting information on the last patient I saw on the computer. I was glad that this hospital had enough resources to go digital. Writing everything was a pain in the ass, and I hated writing everything down, making more mess for charts. I looked up from the desk, seeing the large digital clock that it was ten thirty at night. I don’t think I’ve ever had a shift go by so fast in my life. When Michelle said they were short staffed, she wasn’t kidding. It was absolute chaos, so unorganized that I think I spent half the time just looking for supplies.

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