I came straight from the hospital after a thirty-six-hour shift.Even though I’m exhausted, I rushed to him because I don’t want him to be on his own any longer than he has to be.
“You could use some air, Doctor.”
“Mmm?”
“You always have that pale complexion of someone who stays indoors too long.I remember thinking that in the past, wishing I could bring you here, to the sea, and let the sunlight give you some colour.”
“So you had it all planned?”
He smiles.“Not really.Let’s just say it was one of my many fantasies.”
“I didn’t think I was one to inspire fantasies.”
“You see many things, Doctor, but you don’t see yourself.”
I stop and look at him.“Like you.”
“A nice pair of idiots.”
“Some would think so.”
“And you care what others think?”
“I only care what you think.”
Jamie sighs, takes my hand, and laces his fingers through mine, gently pulling me to walk with him.The beach is almost empty, except for a few distracted athletes and a couple walking their dog.
“I think I am in love with you.”
I stop in my tracks again.
“And don’t make that face, you know I am.”
“Hearing it has a different effect.”
He moves closer and takes my other hand, holding both of mine tightly between us.
“I am in love with you.”
“That’s even better.”
“I don’t want there to be any doubt.”
“There is none.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m capable of it.Loving you.”
“There is no right or wrong way to love.”
“I’m afraid mine is all wrong and that I’ll end up hurting you.”
“The fact that you’re afraid of that already says a lot about your love, Captain.”
He pulls me closer, wraps one arm around me, and I feel his breath brush my lips.
“What planet are you from, Dr Kane?”
“I don’t know which planet I’m from, but I know which one I want to stay on.”
