You Are My Air: Breathless Book 1 (7 page)

"This isn't a fast-food restaurant, Mom," I blurted out in irritation. "You can't expect them to fix a broken foot that fast. It will take how long it takes."

"Natalie," she said with disapproval and a hint of hurt in her eyes. "There is no reason for you to talk to me that way. I'm just worried about your brother."

"I'm sorry, Mom," I apologized. "I'm worried too." No matter the reason, surgery was always a big deal. Anything could happen, and people had died having minor surgery before. Of course, Ford was a strong healthy man, and the chances were slim, but it was hard not to worry.

Mom looked mollified, and she was quiet for a few minutes. I was beginning to think that she was done complaining until she started in again about how cold it was in here.

"I'm going to get some coffee," I interrupted her and stood. "Do you want any?" I didn't even give her the option of coming with me. I needed a break from her.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to leave?" she asked. "What if something happens?"

"I have my phone, Mom," I told her, trying to keep my exasperation out of my voice. "You can call me if you need to. I need to move around and get some caffeine in me."

"Alright," she said with a look of disapproval. "Do whatever you want." I guess I was getting a side dish of guilt to go with my coffee. I wondered if there was a liquor store down there because I was thinking I needed something stronger to get through this now.

"I'll be back, Mom." I walked out, and waited to sigh until I was out of earshot of my mother. Don't get me wrong. I loved my mother and she had always been there for me, but she was a nightmare to be around in a stressful situation. I needed to get away for a little while, before I said something that I would really regret.

I got in the elevator and hit the button for the first floor. The elevator car was empty for a change, and I tried to enjoy the solitude while I had it. I was a lot calmer by the time the doors opened, and I stepped out. I found the cafeteria, and got some coffee. I got a piece of apple pie too, since I realized I was starving and in need of a reward for putting up with Mom all morning.

I took my coffee and pie to a nearby table, and sat down. The coffee was decent, and the pie was amazingly good. I was just taking the last bite of the pie when I noticed a familiar face near a back corner of the room. I froze with the bite halfway to my mouth, my fork hovering in midair in front of me. He was sitting in profile, his face tilted down toward the book sitting open on the table in front of him. Those same short dark curls on his head made me want to touch them. I could see his strong nose and furrowed brow as he concentrated on his book. He was just as gorgeous as I remembered from yesterday. I was up out of my chair and crossing the room before I realized it. I stopped next to his chair, wondering what the hell I was doing, but unable to stop myself.

"Excuse me," I said and he looked up at me with a smile that slipped away into shock as he looked at me. "Hi." I wondered if I had made a mistake coming over here. "Remember me?"

"Natalie," he said quietly as his eyes traveled up and down my body. I felt elation that he remembered my name. "W...what are you doing here?" His confusion was obvious.

"My brother is having surgery," I told him, feeling uncertain if my presence was even wanted right now. "Can I sit down?" I asked as I motioned toward the empty chair next to him.

"Yeah, sure," he answered as he stood abruptly. Damn, he looked gorgeous in his khaki slacks and a slim fitting navy button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I noticed his badge said David on it. I finally had a name to go with his handsome face, and I knew that he worked here.

"Just let me get my coffee." I hurried over to grab it. I returned and took the seat next to him as he sat back down. He watched me closely with what I could swear was a bit of fear in his gorgeous blue eyes.

"What kind of surgery is your brother having?" he finally asked me, his voice smooth and deep. I loved the way it sounded comforting and calming, yet somehow sensual.

"He's having a broken foot fixed," I answered him. "He wrecked his motorcycle yesterday."

"I take it that he's okay otherwise."

"Yeah, he has some road rash, but he'll be fine."

"Good." He nodded and smiled again. I could watch him smile all day. The way it lit up his face was mesmerizing. "I'm David, by the way." He reached his hand out to me, and I took it. An electric surge, identical to the one from yesterday, fired through me and made me very aware of his body's close proximity to mine. He pulled his hand away quickly as if it had affected him the same way. I met his eyes and saw them darken with arousal. I felt a throbbing between my legs in response.

"I know." I grinned as I pointed at his chest. "It's on your badge."

He snorted out a laugh as he glanced down at his badge. "So it is. I guess that means you know I work here too."

"Well, that will definitely make it easier when I stalk you," I said with a smirk. His smile widened, making him even hotter. "What do you do here?"

"I'm a psych nurse."

"Then I guess I should clarify that I was kidding about stalking you." I gave him a wry smile. "I wouldn't want to get committed for mental instability." I couldn't believe how comfortable I was talking to this guy.

"I guess that would depend on whether I minded you stalking me or not." His eyes lit up with amusement.

"
Do
you mind?" I asked suggestively.

"I don't think I'd mind anything you did to me," he answered, his voice lowering and his eyes darkening with desire. Good God this man just kept getting hotter. I was glad I wasn't the only one feeling this strong attraction between us.

"What if I preferred that you did things to me?" I asked as I leaned closer to him. I couldn't believe how brazen I was being, but I wanted this man, wanted him badly, and I couldn't seem to help myself from flirting.

His eyes moved down my body again, then narrowed as they came back up to mine. "I think I might prefer that too," he answered as he ran a hand through his short beard.

"Then maybe you should take me out to dinner, and we can see where this goes. We could try both ways to help you decide," I said seductively as he leaned in closer. He gave me a look that said he wanted to eat me alive, and bit his lower lip. I wondered what it would be like if he bit me instead.

"What are you doing tonight?" he finally asked me, his voice heavy with desire now.

"Wow, you're in a hurry aren't you?"

"I am when I know what I want." He nodded his head toward me.

"And what exactly is it that you want?" I asked him as I cocked my head.

He leaned even closer, his mouth only a few inches from mine. "You," he growled as he stared at my mouth. The raw desire on his face was intense and irresistible. A hot rush of desire flooded my body, and I leaned toward him, bringing my lips closer to his. I watched his eyes dilate, and his breathing quickened as he spoke. "You haven't answered my question yet? Can I take you out tonight?"

"Yes," I answered breathlessly. "I'd like that."

"Can I pick you up at seven?" he asked as he leaned back into his chair, his eyes still dark and filled with lust.

"Yes." I was elated that I'd get to see him again. That, and I hadn't gotten laid in over a month. He seemed like he'd know his way around a woman's body, if his confidence was any indicator.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket, grabbed my hand, and placed it in my palm. Sizzling crackling energy seemed to flow between us from the contact. "Text yourself so you have my number, and I'll have yours." I did as he said. I watched him take his phone back and slip it into his pants pocket, my eyes sliding sideways until I was looking at his groin. He was smirking when my gaze came up to meet his. He pulled his eyes away to look at his watch. "Damn, I've got to get back up to the unit," he said regretfully. He stood to leave, and I rose from my chair. "Text me your address, and I'll see you at seven."

"Okay." I nodded happily. He paused just before leaving, and leaned in close to press a gentle kiss to my cheek. His lips were just as soft as they looked, and I was looking forward to them kissing me in other places. He straightened and gave me a wide grin.

"I'll see you tonight, Natalie." My name fell from his lips like a caress and practically gave me the shivers.

"Bye, David." I watched him walk away so I could admire his perfect ass. He turned back and gave me one more smile before he disappeared out of the room. Hot damn, I couldn't wait for seven o'clock. I stood there smiling like an idiot for a long moment that was interrupted by an incoming text notification. I pulled my phone out of my pocket. "Shit," I mumbled. It was from my mother.

Where are you? I'm up here waiting all alone, wondering if Ford is okay?
I sighed. I hoped to God the surgery was almost over. I couldn't wait to get home. Especially now that I had something to look forward to.

I'm coming back right now.
I replied as I hurried upstairs. Even if it was just an accident, I decided that Ford owed me big time for this. I was only angry until I got on the elevator again. My mind turned to thoughts of David, and his lips and eyes. I couldn't wait to see him again. I couldn't wait to find out if the fantasy matched the actual man. I had a feeling that he might even surpass it. Either way, I was in for a good time tonight.

**********

"Absolutely not," Ford said vehemently from the hospital bed, with his foot in a gray plastic support boot and elevated on a pillow. "I am
not
going home with you, Mom. I can take care of my damn self."

"But what if you need help getting into the shower or going to the bathroom," Mom continued as she stood next to his bed.

"Oh,
hell
no!" He shook his head adamantly, his voice rising. "You are not helping me with that. I'm going home to my own place."

"Ford," she said in placating tone. "How are you going to get around by yourself?"

"With my damn crutches," he grumbled. "I'll fucking crawl if I have to."

"Ford," she scolded him with a glare. "Don't you use the F-word in front of me. I'm just trying to help you."

"You could stay with me," I suggested from where I stood on the other side of Ford's bed, thinking it was a good compromise.

"No," he said in a calmer voice as he looked at me. "You don't want my grumpy ass at your apartment. I'm going home, and that's all there is to it." Mom opened her mouth to speak again. "No, Mom. I'm done arguing with you." He turned to look at me. "Will you drive me home, Natie?"

"I can do that." I nodded, noticing the hurt look on our mother's face.

"Ford," she pleaded, her voice sounding pained.

"I want Natie to take me home," he told her in an uncompromising tone. "Then I'm going to take my pain pills and go to sleep, so you might as well wait until tomorrow to visit. Okay?"

"Alright," Mom finally agreed reluctantly. "But I'm coming to see you first thing in the morning."

"That's fine." I could see the tightening around Ford's eyes. I could tell he didn't want her there at all, but he was trying to be a good son by compromising. It was a tactic we both had learned when managing our mother's drama. Sometimes we had to give a little to get our way without risking her having an emotional breakdown. Neither of us wanted to be the bad son nor daughter who made our mother cry.

The door to Ford's small room in outpatient surgery opened and a young dark haired, olive skinned nurse walked in pushing a wheelchair. "I'm going to get you out of here, Mr. Spencer."

"You are officially my favorite person today." Ford gave her a huge flirtatious grin. She looked away with a shy smile on her face as she pulled the wheelchair up close to the bed. Ford put his legs over the side and let the nurse help him into the chair. He had already changed into the sweats and T-shirt I had brought for him. He grabbed the hoodie lying on the foot of the bed and pulled it over his head. I noticed the nurse staring appreciatively at my brother's muscular tattooed arms and rolled my eyes. He winked at her as he pulled the hem down over his chiseled torso, and she actually blushed. He looked over at me with an amused smile, and I rolled my eyes, so he could see it this time. My brother, being the flirt that he was, merely shrugged and smiled wider at me. He was incorrigible.

The nurse gave Ford a set of crutches to carry, and Mom and I followed as she wheeled Ford out into the hall and into the elevator. Within moments, were walking out the main entrance doors into a cool sunny autumn day. Mom waited with Ford on the sidewalk while I went to get my car. I pulled up next to them, and Mom opened the passenger-side door. Ford humored her by letting her help him into the car. She started fussing over him as he put his seat belt on, and I realized I had to get him out of here before she started blubbering all over him. I know he hated it when Mom did that.

I climbed out of the car and went around to my mom. "I'll call you when he's home and settled, Mom." I grabbed her arm and pulled her gently away from Ford. He gave me a grateful look.

"Bye, baby. I love you," she told Ford. I almost laughed that this imposing tattooed man was still called "baby" by his mother.

"Bye, Mom," he answered with a tight voice and an eye roll that only I saw. "Love you too."

I shut the door before she could embarrass him even more. "I'll call you in a little while." I pulled her into a hug. "I love you, Mom," I told her sincerely. Even at her worst I knew Mom loved us, and I was grateful for it. Some people didn't even have that from their mothers.

"I love you too, baby girl." She hugged me tight then kissed my cheek. I pulled away with a smile and extricated myself from her arms.

"Bye." I took the crutches from the nurse, and walked to the driver's side. I threw them into the back seat then climbed in and drove away before Mom tried to get in the car with us. I wouldn't have put it past her.

Ford and I drove in silence for a while as he leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. I thought he had fallen asleep until he started speaking.