Page 42 of Scrubbing In
I scoot around a group waiting to be seated and head for the stairs. As soon as I hit the landing, my eyes zero in on the bar, and Julian seated at the very end.
Still alone.Thank god.
His shirt strains over his shoulders when he runs a hand through his hair. That silky hair I grabbed hold of last night. His Adam’s apple bobs as he takes a swallow of his drink. My tongue unconsciously mimics the way he licks across his lip.
Quickly glancing around the lounge, I slightly sag in relief when I do not immediately recognize anyone.
“About time!” Sylvie whisper-hisses as she comes from the bathroom hallway.
I turn to her, slightly grateful for the delay because I have no idea what I’m going to say to Julian.
Hooking her elbow through mine, she says, “Babes, I’ll be expecting a full explanation for whatever is going on with that man. You have obviously been holding out on us.”
“Why didn’t you say something about the hallway before today?”
“I figured you had your reasons. And you better be thankful it was me and not your brother or sister who saw what I did.”
“Oh, believe me, I am.” My eyes cut back over to Julian. “How long has he been here?”
“The bartender just served him his second drink. But I didn’t look up what time the first one was put in.”
“Thanks, Sylvie,” I whisper. “It’s complicated, and I’m not really sure what this is . . . I’m going to go over there.”
“Get it, girl!”
Chest expanding with a deep inhale, I wipe my sweaty palms against my thighs, then shake out my wrists. Giving my sister-in-law a wobbly smile, I move toward the bar.
“Hey, Doctor.” Stopping behind the seat next to him, my voice shakes. “Is this seat taken?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Julian
I should have chosen literally anywhere elseto go tonight, but I made the decision that coming to Nonna’s Upstairs was a good idea.
Sitting here at the bar now, I’m regretting even coming out. I could be wallowing back at the condo rather than reliving the stolen moments I had with Leena in the darkened hallway I am once again forcing myself to stop looking at.
I’ve been in a foul mood since she drove off last night. One moment it was complete bliss with her in my arms, her legs wrapped around my waist, grinding on my hard cock. The next, she was pushing me away and telling me it was a mistake.
I was ecstatic, thinking we were finally on the same page when Leena shook her head after I told her to tell me to stop. Instead, I was left with a crushing ache in my chest. I’ve been fighting with myself ever since, trying to be optimistic about the situation and not believing this may be a losing battle.
Each time she leaves me behind, panting after her, it feels like I have to start at the beginning. Yes, each time it’s easier and faster making progress at breaking down those barriers, but it’s frustrating as hell. This girl owns me, and I would settle for a small piece of her heart in return.
Dragging my fingers through my hair, I take a sip of my whiskey. Contemplating not even finishing the drink, knowing it’s not going to make me feel better. Only one thing can improve my mood.
Whatever spell she’s cast over me, I’m not ready to give up on Leena. Trying to tell myself I need to give her a little space, at least until I’m next on duty, might be what we need. Even if all I want to do is double down. Because, despite the raging case of blueballs—yes, I was also left with a rapidly deflating and disappointed dick when Leena left—I’m confident I’m making progress with her, showing her how serious I am about her.
Lost in the aimless swirling amber liquid in my tumbler, I’ve never wanted a shift to start so bad.
“Hey, Doctor. Is this seat taken?”
Startled out of my brooding by the only voice I long to hear, I spin around. Completely taken by surprise to see Leena standing behind the empty seat next to me.
Fuck! Am I hallucinating?But not even in my most vivid fantasies could I make her any more fucking gorgeous then she is right now. My eyes greedily take her in. Her bouncy curls are pulled away from her face, cascading down her back, highlighting her high cheekbones and those damn green eyes that I could happily get lost in. The normal hoop in her nose has been replaced by a stud that winks in the soft light. Nibbling nervously at her bottom lip, I find myself completely out of my depth, unsure how to proceed. The wrong move could send her fleeing, and this time I don’t think I can stand to watch it.
Gesturing to the empty seat, I turn back to the bar and take a large gulp of my drink. Unable to keep my eyes away from her, I watch as she steps onto the foot bar and pulls herself onto the seat.
“Hey, Leena.”
