As much as I want her to stay, I need her to go. My mom would kill me for pissing in front of a lady, and if I don’t take care of business soon, my bladder’s going to explode.
“Hey,” I say, an idea taking hold. “Do you think you could get me a Popsicle?”
“Yeah,” she says, nodding thoughtfully. “I think we have some in the freezer. Any particular flavor?”
“Cherry.” I wink at her. “It’s my favorite.”
And just like that, Nurse Payne is blushing again, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson as she backs out of the room.
I quickly take care of business and settle back into my bed, waiting for her return. The clock moves impossibly slow and while she’s only gone five minutes, it feels like an eternity. It’s even worse than watching the play clock count down when the game’s on the line.
“It must be your lucky day,” she says when she finally returns, brandishing the frozen treat like a prize. “You got the last cherry one.”
Our fingers brush as she hands it to me and a jolt of awareness shoots up my arm at the skin-to-skin contact. Our eyes meet and once again, I have the feeling we’ve met before. Or maybe she’s just one of those people you feel like you’ve always known. Whatever the case, there’s a connection between us, a pull that defies logic. She must feel it too because she doesn’t move her hand away, not immediately anyway.
But then, reality comes crashing in and she steps back, shattering the connection.
I should let her get back to work, but I’m enjoying her company too damn much to let her go. Hell, I don’t even know her first name. And as sexy as the whole nurse fantasy is, I actually want to know this girl on a personal level.
“So, are you ever going to tell me your name?” I ask, tearing the Popsicle wrapper open to reveal the bright red prize inside.
“Nurse Payne.”
She says it so primly I roll my eyes. “Your real name? It’s only fair now that we’re friends.”
“We’re not friends.” She huffs out a breath, blowing a strand of dark hair out of her face. “But it’s Harper.”
“It’s nice to officially meet you,Harper,” I say, testing it out. Her name rolls off my tongue like second nature. “So, Harper, you must be smart as hell if you’re a nurse and a Ravenclaw.”
Confusion clouds her eyes and she tilts her head thoughtfully.
I point to her scrubs—which have a Ravenclaw crest embroidered over her left breast—with my Popsicle.
“Oh, right,” she says, giving herself a facepalm. “Tell it to Nurse Ratched.”
I laugh at the reference, which is spot on, but this time I’m careful not to move my leg, even if it might earn me another of Harper’s gentle touches.
“Honestly?” She tucks the loose curl back into her ponytail. “I’m starting to completely question all my life choices, including nursing.”
Something about the wording tugs at a memory, but it’s elusive and I’m not trying to bring on another concussion-induced headache. Not when I’ve got the undivided attention of a beautiful woman. “Why is that?” I ask, focusing instead on her admission. From what I’ve seen, Harper is a natural.
“It just feels like no matter how much I study—and trust me, it’s a lot—I can’t get ahead.” She sighs and tucks her hands in her pockets. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is help people, but I’m not so sure I’m cut out for it.”
Is she for real?
“Bullshit. You’re taking excellent care of me.”
She makes that sassy little snort and I swear to God it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. A lot of guys on the team enjoy spending time with cleat chasers who just want to worship their bodies, but not me. I’ll take a woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to showcase it every day of the week. As far as I’m concerned, smart is the new sexy.
I should put that shit on a T-shirt.
“No offense, but getting you a urinal and a Popsicle don’t exactly require a lot of skill.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Honestly, a well-trained Labrador could handle it.”
Ouch. “I’ll try to be a little more demanding moving forward.”
Harper’s not giving herself nearly enough credit. As much as I want to point it out, she doesn’t need a bunch of well-meaning platitudes from me. Besides, if I admit her presence alone has improved my mood tenfold, she’ll no doubt point out that a dog could do that too.
“Don’t go to any trouble on my account.” She flashes me a wicked grin. “Unless of course you want to let me practice starting an IV on you?”
