The next evening, Callie was rushing around trying to get everything ready for her night shift. She had food, water, spare scrubs and deodorant packed, but was running out of time to make her usual cup of tea to take with her. Night shifts were hard without being well caffeinated, but today she would just have to make do. Being out the previous night had caused her to sleep in, throwing off her usual routine for swing shift days. By the time she had dressed, gone for a run and then had lunch with Reagan to tease her about her reaction to Chase, Callie barely had time to come home, do laundry and clean up.
Callie found herself rushing to shower and get dressed for work, but without an ounce of regret over her choice to stay out late the night before. Being able to see Jake had been worth sacrificing her usual routine.
As Callie pulled into the parking lot of Oakville Memorial Hospital, she stifled a yawn.Not a good idea to start a shift tired, she thought to herself, missing that hot mug of tea that would perk her up. As she walked up to the front door of the hospital, she noticed a familiar face sitting on a bench outside, holding a travel mug.
Jake stood up and smiled at Callie. He held out the mug to her. “I figured what better way to start a night shift than with caffeine. Black tea, strong, with milk. Hopefully that will keep you going for a while tonight.”
Callie’s heart filled with emotion as she realized he had paid attention during their morning date and knew exactly how she liked her tea.
“That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you so much.”
She stood up on her toes to press a grateful kiss to his lips. As he wrapped his arms around her, Callie felt a rush of warmth in her heart, and couldn’t deny the tingle of sensation that she felt zapping through her body as his hard muscles pressed against her.
“I’m glad you like the surprise. I’m sorry that I can only stay for a minute, but if I don’t get back to the pub soon, Ryan might quit on me. We’re packed tonight after the review of Chase’s band came out. Everyone is asking when he will be back.” Jake grinned with obvious pride at how successful the previous night had been.
For the first time in her career Callie found herself resenting the fact that she had to go to work. Her rotating schedule combined with his hours at the pub would certainly not make it easy for them to be together. Short windows of time with each other would be their norm and Callie bristled with displeasure at that thought. She did not want to be rushed with Jake, for once she wanted to spend time with a man, and revel in their relationship.
“I hate that I have to work and I’m sorry my schedule is so hectic. Are you sure you really want to date a doctor? Haven’t you heard we are all workaholics with no social life?” She tried to keep her tone light, but the sentiment was real. She had heard from her colleagues that it was not easy to be in a relationship with a physician, what with the crazy shifts and emotional toll. And the challenges were especially difficult for new relationships, such as the one Jake and Callie were attempting to build.
A brief frown flitted across Jake’s face, making Callie wonder if he was just now realizing all the implications of their busy and conflicting schedules. But he seemed to brush it off quickly as he shook his head, smiled and rubbed her arms comfortingly. “Callie, your dedication to your career is such a huge part of why I am attracted to you. And if anyone can understand the pressure of a job that doesn’t follow normal hours it’s going to be me. Sure, it might be frustrating if we don’t get to see each other often, but I’ll take whatever I can get Gorgeous.”
Callie breathed a sigh of relief, as once again Jake’s words were exactly what she needed to hear.
Right here, in this moment, there was an incredible man standing in front of her, offering everything she had ever dreamed of. Connection, affection, and a chance at a real relationship. With a smile on her face, Callie wound her arms around Jake’s neck, trying to convey with her actions what she was not ready to say in words.
“You’re right, we’ve both got crazy schedules, but I know I want to see you – every chance I can. Thank you again for my tea. If you keep on spoiling me like this, I might just have to keep you around.”
“That’s the plan, babe.”
Jake quickly kissed Callie one more time and then headed back to his car. Callie watched him walk away, admiring the line of his strong back that led down to faded jeans covering the tightest ass Callie had ever seen. Callie could only hope she’d get to see him out of those jeans again soon.
Chapter 9
As Callie walked back to her car early the next morning, her phone beeped with a new text message. Pulling it out of her pocket, she saw a picture from Jake that took her breath away. He was in bed, shirtless, with his arm open over the empty space beside him. His pecs and abs looked as if they were carved from granite, and his pajama pants sat just low enough to show that seductive trail of hair that led to what Callie knew was a very pleasurable place. He had an exaggerated sad look on his face, and Callie giggled at the suggestive note that accompanied the picture.
Hot Bartender: My bed is lonely. Why don’t you come here to sleep? I promise to let you get some rest, after I make sure we’re both really tired…
The next message that came through contained his address. Callie took a quick minute to think about what she would need for her next shift and what she had with her. Spare scrubs, a toothbrush and deodorant were still packed in her bag, so with a grin she jumped in her car. She shivered at the thought of going to bed with Jake again, and had to hold herself back from speeding to get to him. She was positive they would prove to each other that clashing schedules meant nothing when the heat was as strong as it was between them.
When Callie pulled up at Jake’s house, she sat in her car for a few moments, suddenly overcome with a wave of nerves. She found herself questioning how fast her relationship with Jake was growing. Callie knew she was developing very strong feelings for Jake, but did he feel the same? And could they truly fit into each other’s lives? Fighting against her emotions and doubts, Callie brought herself back to the present reality. There was a hot man waiting in his bed for her inside that house, and even though she was exhausted from her long night shift, her body shivered in anticipation of what would happen before sleep finally took over.
Walking up to the front door of Jake’s house, Callie admired the tidy front lawn, with splashes of colorful fall flowers bordering a big picture window. The craftsman style house was exactly what Callie had always envisioned as her dream home.
When Callie knocked on Jake’s door, she was curious as to what the inside would be like. Would it be all masculine and warm like him, or a typical messy bachelor pad. However, when Jake opened the door, shirtless and wearing the same plaid pajama pants from the photo, with his hair mussed up and a shadow of a beard on his face, Callie immediately forgot about checking out the decor. She found herself in his arms, locked in a passionate embrace, pressed against the door that he managed to close behind her with his foot.
“Why has it been so long since I had you to myself?” Jake’s low voice murmured in her ear.
“It’s only been five days, and you did see me yesterday,” Callie laughed. But secretly she agreed, it felt like forever had passed since the magical day she and Jake had spent together.
“That’s four days too long without having you naked and in my arms. I don’t know what you’re doing to me, but I can’t stop thinking about you, craving you. I hope you’re not too tired because there is so much that I want to do to you before I let you sleep.”
With that, Jake placed Callie back on her feet, and dropped down to his knees. He slowly unzipped her jeans, pulled them down her body and helped her step out of them. Callie thanked the universe that she had taken a quick shower at work and put on clean underwear as Jake placed his forehead on her lower stomach in an almost reverent way, breathing deeply.
“God you smell so good.”
Then he pulled down her panties and began placing open mouthed kisses all up and down her inner thighs, circling closer to her core where she pulsed with need.
“I love how wet and ready you are for me, Gorgeous.”
