“May I?” she asked pointing to the door.
“You’re always welcome in my home. No need to ask.” He watched as she opened the door and a few minutes later emerged with her own cup of coffee.
“Your home is beautiful,” she said. “I didn’t expect it to be so neat and tidy.”
“It’s something we all possess. The need to keep things neat and tidy. It’s taught in the military and it makes good sense. Have things where you need them when you need them.”
“Well, it’s a good habit to have. In the ER, we feel the same way. Things move quicky and if what you need isn’t readily available someone could die.”
“You love what you do,” he said as a statement. “It shows.”
“I do love it,” she nodded. “When Hal died, I wasn’t there and always felt like maybe I could have done something for him, seen it sooner. I don’t know.”
“It’s hard when you lose someone you love so much. I’ve been very lucky that I still have my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. Plus all my siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles.”
“That is lucky,” she smiled. They sat rocking in silence for a long while. Mitch couldn’t help but think how normal this should be, could be, for him. They seemed content in one another’s company, not saying anything.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she said breathing in deeply. “I’ve never been somewhere that I could relax so easily. It’s also strange that your ER docs all work day shifts and the nurses and PA’s cover nighttime emergencies unless they’re critical. It’s a good thing for me. I like my sleep.” Mitch laughed, nodding at her.
“Same. I’m a very grumpy guy without a solid seven or eight hours.”
“That’s me too,” she grinned.
“Are you ready to walk to breakfast?” he asked. “Some of my favorites are today. Grits and waffles.”
“Oh, wow. Yes, I’d love that. Although I have to say, I’m shocked that in the last six weeks I haven’t gained one pound with all this great food. No lectures. No self-deprecating talk,” she grinned raising a hand in defense. “I’m just curious what they put in the food that makes it so delicious but no caloric detriment to my body.”
“That’s classified,” he grinned.
He held out a hand and she slid hers in it. When she stood, she wobbled a bit at first, catching her sandal on the rocker. They both laughed as he steadied her, the pretty pink blush on her cheeks making him rock hard.
Mitch gripped the back of her neck and pulled her closer, his lips just a breath away from her own.
“Mitch,” she whispered.
“I just need one kiss, Marnie. Please.”
She gave a soft nod and he gently lowered his mouth to her own. The heat between them was at a combustible height. His whole body seemed as if it were on fire. His fingers brushed the flesh exposed just above the waistline of her skirt and he honestly believed that if he pulled them away, they would be burned, seared from the heat.
Marnie had never, ever in her entire life been kissed like this by a man. This was someone who knew how to please a woman and that alone scared her to death. He wasn’t aggressive, he wasn’t invasive, but he damn sure was making a statement with just a kiss.
He pulled back, brushing the long strands of brown hair from her face. His thumb gently rolled over her swollen lips and he kissed her nose.
“That was the most perfect kiss in the whole world,” he said.
“It definitely was in my world,” she smiled. “Are you sure, Mitch? I can’t start this and work here, seeing you every day if you’re going to start it and walk away.”
“I swear to you, on my life, I won’t be walking away from you or this life we will have.”
“Life? Mitch, I’m just talking about dating.”
“Well, I’m not.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Honey, you look confused this morning,” said Lennon. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. No. I’m not sure,” she laughed, shaking her head. “Are all the men here so sure of themselves?”
