Chris needed to be careful, I’d heard stories of what Kaden was capable of and even in a battle worn state, I didn’t like the doctor’s chances of walking away unscathed. I can’t understand why Chris has acted the way he has.
When Kaden spoke, it was with a soft, threatening tone. “I know this and I'm thankful. What happened was devastating, I know how raw and damaged I was and I also know I’m only here now because of you and your staff.” Kaden glanced at me. “But you know what? I was the one caught in the dark, balancing on the edge of a sharp knife, fighting to return from a place so unimaginable and brutal. It was this nurse’s voice which pulled me back from the brink and I’m here because she really cared. She never gave up and she spoke to me like I was going to live and I fucking mattered. So, don’t tell me what I can and can’t do, because with her help, I can do fucking anything.”
My cheeks flushed hot and the heat crept up my neck. Butterflies of passion danced in my stomach for the first time since I could remember. I felt alive, wanted, needed, but above all, Kaden made me feel desired and appreciated.
I flicked through the pages, looking over the notes and comments I’d recorded since Kaden had arrived. From when his situation was dire and he was barely holding on to now – he was witty, passionate, raw, real, brash and upfront and just plain truthful. He was stunningly sexy and so alluring, I wanted to kiss the ever-loving hell out of him.
I felt Kaden's eyes boring into me and Chris’s were doing the same, was this some type of pissing contest?
“Gracie-May, would you be kind enough to leave while I speak with Kaden, I feel your presence is rather distracting.”
Shock hit me and not far behind it, embarrassment washed over my body. I felt myself stiffen and I glared at the doctor.
“Really?” I questioned him. I knew I shouldn’t have, but his comment was unnecessary and I was shocked.
“Yes, Gracie, really. I feel you and Mr. James are stepping over the line of patient and nurse. It’s uncomfortable for me and distracting for Mr. James.”
“Hold up a minute, Doc.I’llbe the one to say who is stepping over lines here and I feel that it ain’t Gracie.”
“Mr. James, it’s Nurse Reynolds and it may seem that way to you, but I feel this would be better discussed later when I’m not so pushed for time. Right now, I have work to do which includes carrying out an examination on you.” Chris turned to me. “Gracie, if you don’t mind.” He gestured towards the door, my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I glanced at Kaden, a weak smile crossed my lips.
Kaden mouthed he was sorry. I nodded, picked up my files, the notes and headed from the room. I closed the door with a soft click, stood outside with my back against the wall and allowed my head to fall back onto the hard wood.
Closing my eyes, I questioned myself. What the fuck was I doing? What was it about him? Was I being foolish, thinking he could love me and why did I want him to? And, how dare Chris behave the way he had to me and Kaden, he didn’t deserve to be treated that way.
˜*˜
I brushed my skirt down as I stood to do another of my rounds. Handover was in thirty minutes and there were a few patients I wanted to check on before leaving.
As I approached Kaden’s room, I found three of the day nurses giggling and peering through the window. The rooms of ICU were all fitted with glass panels so staff were able to observe as they passed by. It prevented the patient from being constantly disturbed. When a doctor or physio were in the room, curtains were drawn to prevent prying eyes from invading the patient’s privacy. In this case, that hadn’t been done and Kaden was exposed for anyone walking past to see.
Chris was in the room with a physiotherapist called Emily.
The therapist was working on Kaden's body, massaging his muscles and working on the chest congestion, a result of being in a coma.
I felt my anger rising. Chris and Emily were following a plan which Trisha and I had written up specifically for us to carry out. It was common knowledge Emily had a huge crush on the doctor, a fact he would have loved – Chris loved the attention. The therapy would have been a great excuse for Chris to work alongside her and work his way into her pants.
Kaden’s chest was bare, the sheet folded down to his hips, his injuries on full display. The light sprinkling of hair which ran from his belly button to under the sheet, caught my eye along with a glimpse of his V muscles. The man was something else. I could understand why the nurses were staring, but I couldn’t understand the level of jealousy which gripped me. They wouldn’t appreciate his raw masculinity in the way I would. I wanted him so badly, desire for him burned deep in my core.
I trailed my eyes over every inch of his exposed body. He was marked with a road map of scars, each one hiding a story. Each with a reason for being there, I found each one alluring and captivating.
I stood behind the nurses and watched the therapist lift Kaden’s leg from under the sheet. She moved her hands over the bulging muscles of his thighs, manipulating and massaging the atrophied muscles. I slammed my hands on my hips when the nurses sucked in a deep breathe at the sight of his impressive body.
“Oh my God! Look at him, he’s perfect,” Emma stated.
“What I wouldn’t do to lick him,” Jane added.
“Swoon worthy.” Kerry was the third nurse and the one I had spoken to previously regarding her behavior.
Even though this area was not open to the public, their public display of unprofessionalism was not acceptable at all. I cleared my throat on a growl to capture their attention.
“Nurses, that will be quite enough.” My voice had a cold tone.
The girls were startled by the sound of my voice and jumped, as they spun around, the heels of their shoes squeaked on the tiled floor. The palms of their hands were fixed over their hearts on their chests.
I was beyond pissed with them and the behavior which had been exhibited, but I would maintain my professional manner while I dealt with the situation.
“Do you think the lieutenant would be comfortable with you three gawking at him?” The question hung in the air between us.
