In any ordinary life (In any oridnary Book 1) (3 page)

“Jea you’ve worked with him you should know him a little for goodness sake. You spent ten hours a day with him he’s not that much of a stranger. He’s seen me a couple of times today and yes we all remember him how can you not. Rosie nearly passed out cause she had no makeup on. He is a very handsome man and he speaks highly of you and mum can’t be pissed off about a doctor.”

“But it’s not normal!”

“Jeanie May Rutherford you’re a beautiful and talented woman any man should be grateful to have you in their life I am. I don’t know what I would do without you some days so stop being a damp squid and go and enjoy the doctor and that’s an order.” Ivy pointed to the door kissing her on the cheek Jeanie giggled. Jeanie knew her sister was right and there was no reason to hold back she had always been a good girl why not.

   As she reached the door of the ward Jeanie smirked, “He was arrogant you know.” Ivy pulled her face and pointed directly back to the corridor, “Go away and don’t forget to tell tomorrow.”

Disappearing back out of the hospital she hesitated still confused at the unknown prospects he offered. Jeanie had settled into a life of work and responsibility and this was just going to complicate matters further.    

  Placing her hands back in her pockets she hid back in her scarf and taking two steps forward and three steps back Jeanie couldn’t make up her mind what to do. Sitting in the bus shelter she started to reminisce about her previous relationship she had been hurt so badly by one man who had promised to love and respect her instead all he did was abuse any trust she had.

   Trying not to generalise Jeanie waited for sign and as the hour rolled past the only thing that greeted her was dirty washed up slush from the side of the road. By this time she knew fate wasn’t going to make this decision. Jumping off her seat she continued to walk to town.

What am I waiting for a sermon a burning bush? Not every man is the same but you never know. Ivy’s great words of wisdom with what’s the worse that could happen. I can tell you now I could be found dead at the bottom of a field with my knickers round my ankles and strangled by my boot laces!

Jeanie laughed under her breath knowing her self reasoning wasn’t going to help either. Walking past the old church the snow had started to gather around the graves and a still calmness had fallen over the village. The steps of The Old Cock pub beckoned and as she looked at the clock tower across from the grocery store the town seemed to be at peace unlike Jeanie. Everything had a calm serenity being spotlighted by a silvery moon but inside Jeanie stomach somersaulted and churned. The door to the pub was closed and a dim light from the corner room could be seen through the mock Tudor glass and as her mind flipped from yes to no she started to feel butterflies in her stomach. Turning quickly Jeanie felt she needed more time.

“Fucking hell Jeanie, you frightened me to death!”

“I’m sorry Jim,” Jeanie exclaimed sheepishly, “I was asked to meet someone here and I’m a little late.”

“I know who you’re meeting and he’s been like a hen on hot bricks all night!  Get in here or you will have the whole town talking.” Jim closed the door and started again.

“Right you I’m only going to say this once, and it’s about time. He’s a nice bloke you’re a lovely girl. No funny business in my pub and I’m going to bed. Night Doc!” As he disappeared up the staircase behind the bar he pulled the door shut behind him. Jeanie stood frozen stiff not knowing what was going to happen.

   She could see James sat at the side of the fire and the well assured demeanour of before seemed completely out of sight and with a bottle of beer and book overturned on the table reflecting his inability to concentrate Jeanie felt intrigued. As she peered around the corner wanting to see more she creped further. He looked like an expectant father and as he ran his hands through the thick dark hair into the back of his neck his dark eyes seem to pierce the night as if his answer lay in the cold outside. As he looked at his watched his anxiety increased with each passing second.

   Jeanie hid behind the main bar wall not knowing what to do and as she moved closer the floor creaked marking her position. Seeing him move Jeanie knew she had been heard and as his head rose from his hands he walked over quickly.

“I thought I’d frightened you away I didn’t think you were going to come I didn’t know what to think. Can I get you anything?”

Jeanie shook her head half anxious that she had been found.

“I’m sorry about before. I was too full on please forgive me?

Come and sit down.”  He seemed agitated and uncomfortably and as Jeanie shook his hand he found himself confused by her reaction.

   Finding a spot she sat in the corner next to the fire. James still unsure sat besides her trying to gage her thoughts. Looking at her in the glow of the fire Jeanie’s auburn hair shimmered and as he starred the flames that danced around her shoulders he couldn’t help but want her. She looked at him in silence wanting to look at the floor and feeling more out of place than usual walking closer to the fireplace she looked back wanting to run, “Maybe I should go.”

“Please don’t I’ve been rehearsing this for months and now that you’re here I’ve forgotten what to say.” He paused nervously grabbing her hand.” I’m sorry I meant what I said outside of the hospital and I’ve not been able to get you out of my head. I wanted to say something before your father died, but it didn’t seem appropriate I mean after everything that that happened.” Jeanie breathed deeply and let go of his hand.

“It was just a shock and I didn’t I didn’t know what to do and after dad died things where such a mess. I thought you where just being nice, supportive. Listen I’m not good with. Now I don’t know what too say.”

  James led her back to the table but this time he pulled her close before he began to speak, “Jeanie Rutherford, I spent nine months with you and I haven’t been able to think or breathe without you. I’ve missed you, and I know you like honesty so I’m going to tell you. I fell in love with you and if I’m truthful again I have pictured myself making love to you a thousand times? ”

  Jeanie winced “Okay, too much too soon, too quick! This is really a lot for me to take in and I’d really love to be swept of my feet but back off one minute!” Jeanie looked intently at James

” I’m sorry you usually. I’m sorry I wanted to tell you eighteen months ago, I thought you felt the same,”

” I don’t know what you want me to say James you have waltzed in after all this time and just expected me to jump into bed with you. How do you think I feel?”

   James sat at the table taking another cigarette he rubbed his face with his hands,” I understand how this looks but it isn’t the same. I want to love you, look after you I want to make you happy Jeanie.

   In the time that I have known you…you changed me you changed me for the better and listen for what it’s worth I have this,” Bending down on knee he produced a ring.

“I love you marry me Jeanie.” Jeanie had never seen a ring like it in her life. The deep blue sapphire sparkled in the dim light of the bar and even after this Jeanie still did not know whether to stay or go. Excusing herself she moved towards the bar and as she put on her jacket she spun on the spot trying to make a decision

“You’re asking me to marry you,” James nodded not wanting to say anything else just in case she left.

” Please don’t go I beg you just give me a chance.” James stood at the door desperate for her to stay. Jeanie looked back at him as he pleaded for her return. She was the girl who never took risks and always calculated caution, she was always the good one the loyal the one that was always devoted her time to her family. Jeanie was either going to take a chance experiencing life or walk away.

“You love me” James held out his hand trying to reassure her.

” Please come back inside lets talk work things out….please Jeanie” Standing in the cold she tried to sum up her next move. Her deliberation and insecurity seemed to pain him deeply. Taking his hand Jeanie knew she was taking a chance and as she took off her jacket Jeanie felt the little electric tingles again in her spine.

  He wrapped himself around her running his cool hand down her face and neck. This time Jeanie leant into him placing one hand on his chest she kissed him and as he pulled her close she felt him run his fingers down her back.

” James I know what I did and I did remember you…” James kissed her neck and as she closed her eyes he ran his thumb over her lips.

” I want you to be my wife Jeanie I want you. I always have done all I want you to do now is say yes,” Jeanie placed her fingers into his.

“I’m scared James. I’m scared because I’ve been here before and I remember what happened that day. I remember how you held me.”

“Jeanie whatever you want I will give it to you. I left everything just to be with you and all I could think about during my residency was getting back to you. I’ve never been in love like this before and just the fact that you’re here now makes my heart skip a beat. I don’t want a night Jea I want you forever and I will do whatever you want me to do just to make that happen.” James played with the top button of her cardigan wondering what he could do to change her mind and as each one slipped through his fingers he brought her hands to his face.

“Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“James why me? Why now?” Closing his fingers around hers he could feel her shake.

“Please don’t be scared of me. You want to know why and now. I can tell you that quite easy. I can’t live without you near me any longer. The thought of coming back to you is what’s kept me going for months and now I can feel you I never want to let you go.” His eyes sparkled wildly flickering dark in the burning embers of the fire.

“I’ve never took a chance before James. I’ve always calculated my decisions and weighed up every option. With you I feel it’s not possible. I saw the sunrise with you more than once but always as friends not like this. What I am trying to say is that I have one condition. If this is going to happen you have to give me six month’s before any wedding plans.”

She couldn’t believe what had just come out of her mouth. Dragging his fingers over her lips he couldn’t believe what had been said.

“I won’t let you down Jeanie. That I can promise!”

   The fire had begun to burn itself out and as the darkness crept in neither noticed the impending gloom. Drunk on confusion Jeanie starred directly at James, “I said yes didn’t I?” Questioning herself James kissed her on her cheek and held her tightly, “I’m glad you did.” Worrying whether this was a reaction to how lonely she had felt she took James by the hand.

“In that case I think you better show me your room.” Grabbing his belongings from the fireside table he led Jeanie up the narrow staircase and as they reached the roof of the pub he opened the door to a huge room.

  An arched window looked out into the snow covered street and the big double bed filled the middle of the room. James kissed her again and she had never felt as alive in a long time. It also beat going home feeling helpless and lonely.

  He wanted her and he’d been dreaming about this day for months however feeling her tremble again he stepped back not wanting to frighten her away again. “James I’m dirty, full of oil. I need a bath and also I need to tell you something.”

“You can tell me anything?” he walked back over to the fireplace and took her hand softly, “You don’t have to do anything tonight if you’re uncomfortable; I just want you with me that’s all I’ve ever wanted. Listen let me run you bath.” Jeanie sat in the bath with her head on her knee’s she wasn’t nervous anymore in fact she felt the opposite she was quite content for the first time in a while and taking a chance and the doctor was surpassing expectations.

   Stepping out of the bath she noticed that he had left his shirt on the rail and having nothing else available she put it on. Beautiful butterflies started to emerge in her stomach and thoughts of him holding her and touching her sent sparks around Jeanie’s body. Checking the corridor she crept back towards the doctor’s bedroom and as she slipped through the door she turned to close it quietly. Standing with her back to the room she felt James’s hands on her. They were warm and smooth as he kissed her softly electric shocks seemed to emanate around every part of her body.

   Moving away Jeanie stood in front of the fire place her hair still dripped with water and as James brought a blanket he wrapped it around her shoulder,” I like your shirt.”

Sitting down in front of the fire she awaited his next move instead it wasn’t him. Unable to wait Jeanie kissed him feeling she was living in a fantasy. As the water dripped from her hair the white shirt became translucent and the shadow of her body silhouetted through the cloth.

“I’m sorry. It just felt and I don’t. I’m sorry this is a first for me and I’m just a little nervous.” James didn’t mutter a word he knelt in front of her and pulled her close. As they kissed she felt his hands on her breasts and his breath on her neck.

   Her body gave way to his touch far too easily and every stroke made her react more. Wrapped in his embrace she began to undo his buttons on his shirt and as it slipped off his body she could feel his heart beat. As her fingers rolled over his smooth chest she couldn’t help but admire how beautiful he was. Jeanie started to unbutton her shirt but before she reached the bottom James caught hold of her hand.