“Yeah. I got it,” I lie.
“Okay, good. Just your upper half and shoes. Everything else can stay on. Someone will be in soon for your vital signs and IV in a few minutes. Then I’ll see you in about thirty minutes,” she says, smiling the entire time.
After she stands and leaves, I try hard as hell to recall her words. I fail at piecing it all together but at least I heard the last part. Still in shock, I stand, remove my shirt and shoes then put on the medical gown.
Ten minutes later, a short woman in the same color scrubs enters. I can’t lie; I’m disappointed as fuck that it’s not Adora but I still nod as she introduces herself. Next, she takes my blood pressure, checks my heart rate and oxygen level, draws blood, then attaches the IV.
“This is going to start to relax you. Dr. Denim will be here in a moment to check on you and answer any questions before we take you to the procedure room. Is your ride here for after the procedure?”
“Yes,” I lie. “They are waiting.”
She nods then leaves. About five minutes later, the surgeon walks in with Adora. She’s pushing a wheelchair.I hope that shit isn’t for me.
The doctor introduces himself and starts talking about my procedure. I don’t even know what he’s saying because my entire focus is on Adora. The same smile is on her face. She’s been smiling since I walked in here and I can’t help but wonder if it’s genuine. I don’t know if the meds in this IV are working or what, but my mind is swimming and one thought is at the forefront.With her recent loss and the grief I hear in her messages, how can she smile like this?
“Any questions or concerns?” I think I hear him ask.
“Nah,” I answer, to be on the safe side.
“Okay. Let’s get these troublemakers out,” he says.
When he turns to walk out, I start easing off the large recliner chair. “Oh no, Mr. Watts. Let me help you,” she says while rushing closer to me.
“It’s Xai and I got this,” I insist, still trying to get up.
“Mr. Watts, you d?—”
“Xai,” I correct her again. “And I can walk.”
“But I can’t let you. Clinic policy. Please let me do my job,” she pleads and I concede because damn…her smile and those eyes have me.She reaches to help me up after grabbing my IV bag but I don’t let her help me. I have to preserve some of my damn manhood. Instead, I stand but have to grab the sides of the wheelchair. I’m a little dizzy. “Right here,” she says while holding my arm.
I get into the chair reluctantly. She adjusts my feet against the pads then unlocks the wheels. Against everything in my nature, I let her take me to the room. Real shit, I hate the entire trek because she’s pushing me.
Chapter 6
Adora
“He’s sexy,” Kera says as soon as she walks into the operatory.
“Who?” I ask.
“Who? What do you mean who? That fine ass man I just rolled into recovery. Mr. Xai-sexy ass-Watts. I know you have eyes,” she says.
“Girl, I did not notice,” I lie because,shit.
Of course, I have eyes and hate how they were being unprofessional as hell as I kept staring at him. Xai Watts is the first man in a long ass time who has warranted a second glance and I’ve given him several. His deep rich chocolate skin, thick eyebrows, soul stirring dark brown eyes with lashes curlierthan mine, perfectly cut low-Caesar with enough waves for two oceans, and trimmed beard and mustache all had me taking more looks than I should have.
“Please,” she huffs. “Even Miss Lechelle looked and she’s married,” Kera says, referring to the office manager.
“Did you come in here to help or talk?” I ask playfully.
“Both, ’cause he’s fine,” she says and we both laugh.
Xai’s surgery was over twenty minutes ago and I’m breaking down the operatory. Kera is a dental assistant and I’m an oral surgery assistant. Our roles are somewhat similar. We both completed dental assistant training. I’ve just taken my education a step further and specialized in oral surgery. I work more closely with Dr. Denim. I prepare the operatory before surgeries, assist during the procedure, administer anesthesia and monitor IVs during surgery, and break down the room afterward. Kera usually assists with breakdown.
When the room is broken down and instruments disposed, Kera leaves to check on Mr. Watts and I sterilize the room. We have another extraction at two. Because I leave at three, I won’t be assisting on this one; the other surgery assistant, Levy, will be assisting Dr. Denim. I’m responsible for post-operative care and discharge of Mr. Watts before I leave.
Since he’s less than an hour pre-op, he’s pretty groggy and Kera is monitoring until I relieve her. I have time for a quick energy boost. Between my sleepless nights courtesy of Rush’s goofy ass and my nonstop day, I need something to push me through these last two hours. I made the girls’ favorite—mini chicken salad croissants—for lunch and packed two for myself.
