“I get it,” he says, raising his hands in surrender. “I know what you’re saying. But Hannah, we have five perfectly capable doctors in this clinic who can all deliver babies. It’s too much for you to work twenty-four, sometimes forty-eight hours in a row, and then show up here to take appointments as well. You’ll burn yourself out before you’re forty, and I won’t allow that.”
“I didn’t realize that being dedicated to my job was punishable,” I reply, feeling my whole body tighten defensively.
“I’m not punishing you, Hannah.” He sighs and watches me for a moment. “You’re a wonderful doctor, and having you on staff has only strengthened this clinic. I value your education and your knowledge. But you put in too many hours. One day, it won’t be safe. You’ll miss a step out of pure exhaustion, and I have to think about the welfare of you and our patients. I’m not telling you that you can’t work. I’m telling you that you can’t work on your days off.”
“Which is kind of the same thing,” I reply. “I love this job. This is who I am.”
“No. This is what you do.” He smiles kindly and leans back in his chair. “In fact, I’ve been looking back over your schedule, and it’s come to my attention that you haven’t taken vacation time in two years.”
“I was going to last summer, but Dr. Preston had her car accident and I had to fill in for her.”
“I remember.” He nods. “And it was appreciated. I want you to make up for it this year.”
“Okay.”
“Today.”
“Excuse me?”
“Beginning today, I want you to take that week’s vacation, paid. In addition to the other vacation time you have coming this year.”
I frown. “Jim, I have two patients ready to have babies in the next few weeks.”
“And if they go into labor, there are doctors here to do that, Hannah.”
“So, I have to take a week off of work.”
He laughs. “No, you get to take a week. Starting now.”
“I have a patient in a room.”
“Already been taken care of,” he says. “We help each other around here. We’re cool like that.”
“I’m sorry, are you sure I haven’t done something wrong?”
“No.” He shakes his head and holds my gaze with wise grey eyes. “You’re an excellent doctor, and I want you to be here for many years. The rest of your career, if I can manage it. And to do that, I need to protect you from burning yourself out.”
“What am I supposed to do with all of this time?” I ask.
“That’s up to you,” he says and laughs when I just stare at him, dumbfounded. “Hannah, this is a good thing. You’ll have more time to live your life.”
“Huh.” I narrow my eyes on him. “If you’re really trying to squeeze me out of here, I’ll put up a fight.”
“I hope so. Now, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. Not until next Wednesday.”
“But it’s Tuesday.”
“Exactly. You’ll be off from this Tuesday until next Wednesday. A whole week.”
“I guess I could hike,” I reply, thinking out loud.
“Yes, that sounds great. Take a trip. Go hike. Go camping. Hell, go to Europe, I don’t care. Just don’t come here.”
“You’re going to miss me,” I promise him, and he rolls his eyes.
“It’s a week, Hannah.”
Might as well be a month.
Chapter Eleven
~Hannah~
“I’M SORRY TO BUG you at work,” Abby says on the phone twenty minutes later just as I walk in my house, “but I have a question.”
“I’m not at work.”
“What? Why?”
“What’s your question?”
“Right.” She clears her throat. “I have an extra pair of concert tickets to see Maroon5 next month, and I’m wondering if you’d like to go?”
“Is this really a question? Of course I want to go.”
“Cool. Now, why are you not at work?”
I sigh and pull a bottle of water out of the fridge. “Because I was sent home.” I sit and tell her everything that Jim just said. “I mean, what am I supposed to do for a whole week?”
“Are you kidding me?”
I frown at the phone. “No, I’m not kidding. A whole week? What the hell?”
“Hannah, you’re supposed to relax. Have fun. I’ve wanted you to do this for years. I can hear how tired you always are. I think it’s awesome that Jim wants you to have a normal life.”
“I’m a doctor,” I remind her. “We don’t have normal lives.”
“Well, now you can.”
“It’s a lot of time to fill. I don’t know what to do.”
“I can think of a dozen things. Go to the movies, a short road trip, get a massage. Get your nails done. Schedule happy hours with your friends. But first, I think you should go buy lunch for that sexy police chief of yours and take it to him. That would be fun.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” I turn the idea over in my head, and feel a grin spread over my face. “I’m actually kind of hungry.”
“See? You’ll find things to do. If you can’t think of anything, text me and I’ll help.”
“Okay.” I laugh, and grab my handbag. “Thanks for inviting me to the concert. Send me the details.”
“Will do. Now, go feed your cop, and then maybe have sexy time in his office.”
She hangs up, and I’m suddenly excited to be off of work for the day. I swing into Little Deli and chat with Mrs. Blakely while I wait for our sandwiches to be made, and then drive over to the station.
As I’m walking inside, a moment of doubt creeps in. I didn’t call ahead. What if he’s not available? Or not here at all.
I should have called.
But when I walk inside, I see Brad standing by his assistant, giving her a folder, and he glances up, smiling when he sees me.
“Hey,” he says as I approach.
“Hi. I brought lunch.”
“Really? I’m starving. No calls, please.”
He shows me into his office, closes the door behind us, and pulls me in for a long, hot kiss. The kind of kiss that makes me forget about everything else.
The kind of kiss that makes a girl’s panties wet.
“What was that for?” I whisper when he pulls away.
“Lunch.” He winks, then takes the bag from my hands and leads me to a sitting area in the corner of his office. There’s a loveseat, a chair, and a coffee table. “I thought you worked today.”
“I thought so too.”
For the second time in less than an hour, I relay the conversation with Jim and then bite into my turkey on rye, moody all over again.
“I think it’s fantastic.”
“Everyone thinks it’s fantastic except me. I don’t need a week off.”
“Maybe it’ll feel good,” he suggests and pulls the tomatoes off of his sandwich. No tomatoes. This whole learning someone else thing is way more complex than I ever imagined.
“I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do with so much down time,” I reply and then shrug. “I guess I can repaint my bathroom or something.”
“You’ll fill the time,” he says with more confidence than I feel. “And you can spend this evening with me.”
“I can’t.” I shrug when his eyes whip up to mine. “It’s grand opening night at the new dress shop downtown, and we’re making a girls’night out of it.”
“Grace and Jenna?” he asks.
“Yep, and I’m actually excited for it. We don’t do it often.”
“Cool,” he says and keeps eating his sandwich. When he’s finished, I straddle his lap and kiss him hard, wrapping my arms around his neck. His big hands slide over my sides and to my ass. “I’m not fucking you twenty feet from my guys,” he says, breathing hard.
“I just want to cuddle,” I reply. “Get your head out of the gutter.”
“Sweetheart, you’ve pressed that sweet pussy of yours against m
y cock. My head is squarely planted in the gutter until you move. Not that I want you to do that.”
“I just wanted to feel you,” I say and hug him close. “And to thank you for being so laid back. So calm. So steady.”
“That’s sexy.” I can hear the smile in his voice.
“Actually, it is sexy.” I pull back to look in his eyes. “You always keep it together, and you don’t get angry over silly things like girls’ night out.”
“I would be an asshole if I did that.”
“I’ve known some assholes,” I reply. “And I’m just glad that you’re not. So thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Also, I’d like to come to your house later after time with the girls, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind,” he replies and pulls me down for a long, sweet kiss. His lips are soft, but they know exactly what they’re doing as they take command of mine in a lazy, sexy dance. “In fact, I’d very much enjoy your company tonight.”
“It’s settled then.” I grin and climb off of him, then gaze around his office, looking for something specific.
“What are you looking for?”
“Handcuffs.”
I glance down at him, catching the raised eyebrow.
“I think you should bring some of those home with you.”
“Do you?”
“Oh yeah. That would be fun.”
A smile spreads over his sexy lips, and I can’t help but lean in to kiss him again, enjoying the smell of him, and the way his face feels in my hands.
But if I keep this up, we really will fuck twenty feet away from his guys.
So I back away and gather the mess from lunch, toss it away, and retrieve my handbag. “I’ll see you later, then. I guess I’ll go clean my closet.”
“See? You’re already getting projects done.”
“I’d rather be delivering babies.”
I shrug and wave, then leave his office. Maybe he’s right. Maybe it’ll be a good week. It sure was nice to be able to bring Brad lunch in the middle of the day.
And I have girls’ night out tonight, without being on call, so that’s a bonus. I can relax and enjoy without worrying about being called in for a delivery or an emergency.
I don’t remember the last time that happened.
And, just for shits and giggles, I’m going to take Abby’s advice and schedule a massage for this week.
Maybe everyone’s right. Maybe this week won’t be so boring after all.
***
“This place is so great,” Jenna says shortly after we walk into Dress It Up, the new clothing boutique owned by her friend, Willa. Jenna is perfectly dressed today in a short sun dress with a fun hat and strappy heeled sandals. She looks like she walked out of a freaking magazine.
“She has beautiful things,” I agree and smile when a beautiful, tall brunette comes walking toward us. She pulls Jenna in for a big hug.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” Willa says. “I was afraid no one would come.”
“Why? This is the best,” Grace says, also hugging Willa. “And this is our friend, Hannah Malone, who is also the best.”
“I’ve heard your name around town,” Willa says, shaking my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“You as well,” I reply. “Your shop is lovely.”
And I’m not just being polite. The place is magical. She’s gone with a grey, white, black, and pink theme. The floors are reclaimed barn wood. Chandeliers dripping with crystal hang above us. It’s the epitome of fancy, stylish, and just flat out pretty.
“Thanks,” she says with a smile and glances around. “It’s been one big project, but I’m happy with it. I have clothing lines from New York and London, as well as some smaller labels that I love. And let’s not forget the shoes.”
“No, let’s not,” Jenna says with a laugh. “Shoes are my love language.”
“Do you have flats for those of us who might kill ourselves otherwise?” Grace asks hopefully.
“Of course,” Willa replies. “There’s something in this store for everyone. There’s wine floating around, along with some light appetizers. Help yourselves, and have fun. That’s the most important thing. And let me know if you have any questions.” Willa waves at another group of women who just walked in. “Excuse me, ladies.”
“She’s nice,” I say as I watch her walk away. “Why did Max dump her?”
“Because he’s stupid,” Jenna says, handing me a can of Coke. But I surprise her by shaking my head and reaching for the wine. “You never drink.”
“I do tonight. I’m not on call, so guess what? I can.” I take a sip and enjoy not feeling guilty about having fun. “Let’s browse, ladies.”
“Let’s spend some money,” Grace corrects me, and we begin to wander through the shop, enjoying the beautiful things Willa has for sale.
“I love living in a small town, but it’s so hard to shop,” I say and pull a summer dress off the rack. “It’s nice to have a trendy place in town.”
“You’re so right,” Jenna replies and points to the garment in my hand. “That dress is a must buy.”
I nod and drape it over my arm.
Over the next hour, we drink more glasses of wine, and make piles of clothes that we’re going to buy.
It’s fucking amazing, and so damn fun.
“This bikini is everything,” Jenna says, showing me a turquoise two-piece.
“It will look amazing with your hair,” I agree, then show her a T-shirt that says Coffee Before Talkie. “I need this.”
“Oh yes, that’s completely you,” Jenna replies with a laugh. “And look at this one!”
I Don’t Trip, I Do Random Gravity Checks.
“That’s Grace,” I say, adding it to my pile. She has to have it.
“She needs this one too,” Jenna says, showing me a T-shirt that says Rocking The Spoiled Wife Life.
“Yes, perfect.”
“Hannah,” Grace says loudly, rushing from across the store, holding something in her hand. “You have to smell this.”
But before I can, Grace trips on her feet, falling right into me, and knocking her head against my cheek, making me see stars. On my way down, she grabs my arm, trying to keep me up, but we both end up on the floor, a tangle of arms and legs, and glitter falling from the air.
“Oh shit,” she says, snorting. “I hope I didn’t ruin any clothes.”
“You just ruined me,” I reply. We’re both giggling like crazy.
“Did I hurt your face?”
“I don’t think so.” I touch around my eye with my fingertips. It’s a little sore, but not bad. “Are you hurt?”
“Nah.” She shakes her head, and glitter falls out of her hair. “That was a bath bomb, by the way.”
“It exploded.”
We look at each other and dissolve into giggles again.
“Willa’s going to be pissed,” Grace says.
“No, I’m not,” Willa says from behind us. “Just don’t touch anything else with all of that glitter all over you.”
We look at each other and laugh some more. We laugh so hard that I can’t catch my breath. My sides ache, I can barely breathe, but I can’t stop laughing.
We look ridiculous.
Finally, once we’ve all paid for our things, and left Dress It Up, we stand on the sidewalk, wiping the tears from under our eyes.
“That wine was strong,” I say, once I catch my breath.
“And you never drink, so your tolerance is low,” Jenna replies. “You probably shouldn’t drive.”
I stare at her for a moment, and realize there are two of her.
“No, definitely no driving for me. I’ll walk.”
“It’s raining,” Grace says. I glance around and then rush out from under the awning, letting the rain fall on me.
“Oh, it’s nice.”
“She’s so drunk,” Jenna says to Grace, making me laugh.
“I’m not that drunk.”
&n
bsp; Okay. I am.
“We can take you home.”
“I’m not going home.” I shake my head and turn a circle in the rain, but then I’m dizzy so I stop and just let the water fall on me.
“Where are you going?”
“To Brad’s.” I smile at Jenna. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m going to have some seriously hot sex with him tonight.”
“Good for you,” Jenna says and then wrinkles her nose. “Ew.”
“Nope, it’s not ew. It’s wow. It’s holy shit, I didn’t even know my pussy did that.”
“Holy shit, she’s funny drunk,” Grace says, laughing. “Come on, drunk girl. We’ll drive you to Brad’s.”
“Actually, I really do want to walk,” I reply. “Don’t look at me like that. I’ll be fine. I’m really not that drunk, and it’s not cold.”
“I don’t know,” Jenna says. “Brad would kill me if he knew I let you walk to his place when you’re like this.”
“I won’t let him kill you. I swear.” I hug them both, then wave as I begin my walk to Brad’s house. It’s only about a mile from downtown. I can certainly walk a mile.
But when I get about halfway there, the sun decides to go down. So now I’m walking in the rain and the dark.
But I don’t care.
I love it here. I love my friends, and I love my boyfriend.
And I love the rain.
The rain that is currently falling even harder. So hard that it’s difficult to see in front of me, so I duck under the branches of a big maple tree and wait for a few minutes, hoping it’ll die down a bit.
It doesn’t rain a whole lot in the summer in Montana, so when it does, it’s warm and fast. This will pass.
“Are you okay out there?” Someone yells out from their house.
“I’m fine, just waiting for a break in the rain,” I call out in return. This must be a good answer because they don’t say anything more.
Finally, the rain calms to a heavy sprinkle, so I set out to Brad’s house again. Rather than just dusk, it’s pitch dark when I make it to his house. The front windows are lit from inside, with the shades pulled. His porch light is on.
I wander up the sidewalk, climb the two steps to his porch, and then sit in his porch chair, breathing deeply.