Sleeping with the Intern Pt. 01

Chapter 1

I sat in the back seat of the small red sedan driven by the Uber driver, staring at the headrest in front of me. The music was so loud I could hardly hear Annalise going on about the club and how much fun it would be. It didn't matter how much I protested, she insisted that since it was my birthday we had to celebrate. My idea of celebrating was a nice book and a glass of wine, followed by a hot bubble bath and another glass of wine. Just the anxiety sweat from going to this club was enough to reconfirm in my mind that I was missing nothing if I skipped clubbing with her.

"You're such a sour puss! I swear, we'll just stay like an hour." She nudged my ribs with her elbows and I shifted. The scratchy texture of the rayon dress she forced me to buy yesterday irritated my chest--what little was covered anyway.

Annalise was outgoing and flirtatious. She had no trouble picking up guys. She also had the body to rock a dress like this, while I spent most days in professional slacks and tops covered by a white lab coat. My pasty-white skin never saw the light of day, so I looked dreadful in dark colors--which is why she chose bright yellow. What a horrible color.

"We could just watch a chick flick and get plastered?" I whimpered, still hoping she would turn this Uber around and take me home where I was more comfortable. Clubbing wasn't something I did--ever. My time was spent working and going over patient files, cleaning my apartment, hanging out with my cat Boots, and once in a while grabbing coffee with a colleague before, during, or after work.

"You're going to have fun. That's an order!" She didn't even wait until the car was fully stopped before opening the door. "Thank you!" she shouted over her shoulder to the Uber driver. He looked in his rearview mirror at me and I offered a reluctant and unenthusiastic smile before climbing out too.

Instantly I could hear again, horns honking at me because I was street side. I stutter stepped and hurried to the curb, staring up at the towering building. An hour out from NYC and the buildings weren't nearly skyscrapers, but when she said "club" I expected something totally different, not a five-story office building.

"What the hell is this?" I tugged on the hem of the tight-fitting dress as my eyes drew upward over the mirrored building.

"Not there, silly." Annalise took me by the shoulders and physically turned me so I could see across the street, then she pointed. "There."

The two-story building was all black, darkened windows, neon graffiti painted on its front. When traffic stopped for the red light, I could faintly hear the din of music vibrating within its dark walls. She wanted me to go into that building? The few people in line waiting to get in did not look like my sort of people, women scantily clad, men wearing gold chains and lots of rings with tattoos covering their necks and forearms. Maybe this was what she was used to since she hailed from Chicago now, but my crowd wore scrubs and glasses.

"Don't look so surprised. You're never going to cut loose and have some fun unless I force you to." She hooked her arm around mine and paraded me to the street, then proceeded to cross three feet outside the cross walk while the do not walk hand was already flashing. A few horns honked at us and she smiled and waved, wiggling her fingers like she really was in a parade.

"Are you insane? They could have run us over." I clung to her arm, accidentally pulling a strand of her long blonde hair.

"Hush, they would never. Pedestrians have the right of way."

I rolled my eyes and tried to keep up with her. Even the pace she walked at was different than mine, probably because sensible footwear was all I owned until yesterday when I was forced into a department store to buy shoes and a dress--I didn't own any of those either. In fact, everything about my appearance changed yesterday thanks to Annalise's incessant nagging and the barrage of appointments she scheduled. Hair, nails, makeup, shopping, you'd have thought a three-day trip to town would have included some down time but not with Annalise. She became the makeover queen.

Tugging at the dress again, I tried not to lose a heel as we staggered up to the bouncer. She batted her eyelashes and reached into her strapless minidress and pulled out a ten-dollar bill. "Got room for a few cuties?" she asked, tilting her head. He glanced down the line of people waiting to get in and nodded, then took the chain and unhooked it and held it open for us. How on earth did she get guys to respond to her like that?

"Come on," she hissed at me as I struggled not to lose a shoe.

"It's hard to walk in these." My ankle felt like it would give out any second.

"You really never wore heels?"

Just inside the club I stopped and stared up at her. It felt awkward with nothing on my shoulders. I always had my lab coat on. The cool air in the club made me shiver already.

"Do you even know me?" I planted my hands on my yellow rayon hips and shook my head.

"I know my best friend doesn't get promoted to Chief Resident on the same day she turns thirty very often."

"Day before," I corrected her.

"Whatever. We have to celebrate. Come on! Don't kill my joy. The closest thing I'm going to get to this honor is if I get promoted to principal." She hooked her arm around mine again and led me into the depths of the pulsing vibration that was the club. Strobe lights threatened to set off epilepsy, and the music was so loud it shook my chest. We squeezed through the masses until we were seated at the bar, which acoustically seemed like a dead spot. The music was quieter and I heard perfectly as the cute older guy next to me ordered a drink.

Annalise parked next to me on a stool, but all I could think about was how my dress was riding up. And I had no purse. Annalise insisted that we didn't have to bring a single cent with us, that cute guys would buy our drinks. I felt like that was a little sketchy so when she wasn't looking I shoved a twenty in my top--no bra because apparently my sports bras would look horrible with this dress and I had no strapless. So here I was free boobing it with tits the size of melons. Half a dozen guys were already ogling me, including the bartender as he approached.

He slung a towel over his shoulder and pried his eyes off my chest long enough to ask, "What can I get you beautiful ladies?"

"Give her a sex on the beach, my friend. She's turning thirty!" Annalise was such a friggin' flirt. I shook my head and blushed, looking down. He smiled at me and I felt like running away.

"Look woman, he was checking you out." The death grip she took on my arm hurt and I pried her fingers off me while I chuckled.

"You mean, he looked at my tits. Who doesn't? Even women check these honkers out. That's why I wear a sports bra to keep them contained." I pulled the top of the dress up again uncomfortably.

Annalise scoffed and stood behind me, gripping the fabric of the dress on my sides, just below my tits. She pulled gently until my boobs came pillowing out again.

"Stop it!"

"You'll never get a guy with those babies tucked away," she said directly into my ear as the bartender walked up to us with our drinks. He slid them over the polished wood and leaned there, both hands gripping the edge of the bar.

"Excuse me, Piper," she said, emphasizing my name, "I'm going to go see if I can get one of those hot guys to dance."

And with that she was gone, and I was curling into myself. I stared at the drink, wishing I'd brough my glasses. I had contacts, but I felt safer with the glasses, as if somehow they were a shield of defense. The bartender stood there grinning at me and I felt my shoulders hunch over, my arms hugging my stomach. I just wanted him to stop looking at me.

"Nice dress."

I looked up at him awkwardly and smiled as much as grimaced. He was talking to me--oh my god. I wanted to disappear. "Thanks.... My friend that I came with, Annalise... she picked it out. It's not something I normally wear." My god I felt like a grade school child unable to sling sentences together not a woman with a doctorates degree.

He snickered and leaned forward, bracing his elbows on the bar and folding his fingers together. "Well you look fantastic in it, so I think you should wear it more often."

I swallowed hard and turned on the spinning stool so that I could see Annalise already on the dance floor with a man. "Thanks?" I said, not meaning it to sound like a question but my voice squeaked. Why was I so fucking awkward?

"It seems like Annalise is having a good time." I glanced at him and he said, "Why aren't you dancing?"

Still hugging my own stomach, I slouched more and felt my face screw up into a scowl. "In case you didn't notice, we just got here, and I haven't exactly been asked." I shrugged a shoulder and stared out at the mass of gyrating bodies, all grinding in rhythm to the bass in the song. Nope, I didn't do that.

"Yeah right..." He lingered there even after I turned my body away from him making it--in my opinion--obvious that I didn't want his attention. "Maybe its' because you're giving of a 'don't bother me' vibe."

I turned around so quick I almost fell off the stool. "I am not!"

He laughed as if that was the most hysterical thing he'd ever heard. "Yes, you are. You're facing way from the dance floor, hunched over with your arms crossed, and you aren't exactly smiling."

"So that makes you an expert in body language or something?" I scowled and picked up the drink and took a gulp. Anything to drown out this entire experience. I told Annalise this wasn't my scene, and it is obvious to people around me that I don't' fit in.

"When you're a bartender you have to be." He sighed and stood straight, taking the white towel from his shoulder. "I could help if you want. Or you can just sit there all night and you are certainly welcome to."

I tried to sit straighter, already very conscious of how maybe my body language was off-putting. I wasn't trying to be. I just wasn't comfortable here, or in this dress. "Okay, well, what should I do then..."

"Cash. My name is Cash." He grinned again and tossed the towel onto the counter below the bar where bottles of whiskey sat.

"Ok, Cash, so how do I get guys to notice me?" Cash was a cool name. I'd never heard anyone named that. It had to be a nickname or something. Maybe it was his bartender name like a pen name or alias.

He smirked. "I'm pretty certain every man in this bar as noticed you." His eyes dropped to my tits again and I swallowed hard again. I wanted to cover them and run out, but Annalise would only chase me down and make me come back.

"I mean, how do I get them to ask me to dance?" When I called Mom yesterday to tell her about the promotion and that Annalise was here dragging me through a Cinderella story, she encouraged me to have fun. This was hardly what she was talking about, but at least I'd have a good story to tell her. She'd be happy I was out and enjoying life instead of holding my cat and reading.

"Alright, listen. Just pick up your drink with one hand. Hold it casually, like you don't care if it's there or not."

I followed his instruction, though the drink was covered in condensation and made my hand wet.

"Next, turn to face the dance floor. Sit a bit straighter."

"But my boobs just pop out...." I shook my head and looked at him in horror. He raised a single eyebrow and shook his head.

"You want to dance?" he asked and I sighed hard. "Face the dance floor, and rest one arm on the bar. Then smile. When someone looks at you, tip your chin up a little if you are interested. That's it."

"That's it?" I asked. I was certain I sounded foolish. This was too easy.

"Yes, okay, I gotta make drinks..." He was gone before he answered his sentence, but I tried to do what he said.

A few guys checked me out, but neither of them appealed to me, let alone the one who had a wedding ring on. When a guy who looked about my age with black hair checked me out, I tipped my chin up at him, just like Cash instructed. The guy smiled, said something to a buddy next to him and walked my way.

It worked. The guy--Baxter or something; I couldn't hear--asked me to dance and I set my drink on the bar and followed him out. I looked back at Cash who made love to a shot glass with his towel. He was staring at me, not smiling, just a hungry gaze like he wanted to eat me alive. I giggled and moved my body to the rhythm of the music. I was a horrible dancer but I had fun, and smiled at Cash the entire time. What he told me to do worked, even if this guy wasn't right for me. When the song was over, he thanked me for the dance and I walked away, returning to my seat, where Cash instantly appeared.

"And never leave your drink unattended," he said, pushing it toward me. "Don't worry, I watched it."

I felt like a buffoon, my cheeks warming. "Yeah, oops." I laughed and had a drink and Cash stood there watching me. "So I guess you really are an expert on body language."

"Would you like another sex on the beach?" he asked, emphasizing the word sex.

He nodded at me and moved down the bar. I sat there catching my breath, watching the ladies fawn over him as he made my drink. He smiled and acted polite with them, but not like he was with me when he was coaching me. I had to admit, he was definitely a very attractive man, but I hardly thought a bartender and a doctor would be a good fit. I didn't think for a second I'd even find Mr. Right in a club.

Cash slid the drink to me and I grabbed it. Our fingers brushed lightly, and I blushed again. "What do I owe you?"

"For the drink or the advice?" he asked, the same cheeky smirk returning to his face. He had a dozen women flirting with him just now and that smirk came out for me. Why?

"For the drink..." I said, feeling like I was drawing back into myself again.

"Ah, nothing then. It's on the house." When he turned the full force of that smile on me, I almost melted. "Happy birthday."

Cash tapped his finger on the bar before walking away, and I never got a chance to actually thank him, though I did watch him for a while, making drinks for all those ladies who never got that smirk. With the straw clamped between my teeth, I turned to see Annalise still having a ball on the dance floor. What did she drag me into?

Chapter 2

"What's with the hottie?" Jace--"Ace," my brother-in-law--asked, nudging me. The Long Island he was making stood next to the glasses of beer I had just trayed up.

"What do you mean?" I busied myself filling another glass from the tap while he pried into my personal life. His bar, his rules--at least that was the lecture I got every time I told him to mind his own business. It irritated me at times, but he was family so I put up with it.

"Green eyes over there, the one you flirted with." Jace had been nice enough to let me crash at his place and even work a few shifts around the bar to make some cash while I waited for my internship to start at Hudson Medical. But even ten years in the service and I wasn't able to keep a damn poker face sometimes.

"There are thirty women here hanging on every word I say." I chuckled, and set the full glass on the tray next to the ones already there, then picked it up and pivoted to slide it across the bar toward the waitress who would deliver them. "Order up! Table twelve."

"You know which one," Jace said. His voice was playful--annoying. "The only one you've flirted back with. Yeah, these women fawn over you. But that one," he said, nodding at Piper, "she got the smirk."

She was dancing again, this time an older guy who stood no chance, honestly, but she was happy. We made eye contact and she smiled at me, holding her drink over her head as she danced horribly. I snickered at how awful she was at keeping the beat, and Jace nudged me again.

"See... there."

"Fuck, you," I mumbled jokingly and tugged my chin upward at yet another bimbo with her tits halfway out. "What are you having?"

"Oh something fruity." She giggled and plumped her chest. The only thing faker than those tits was her eyelashes.

"Gonna have to be more specific." I waited, watching Piper the entire time. She had her back to me now, but my eyes were glued to her. Damn she had a nice ass.

"Uh, I'll have that... What she's having." Turning my attention back to Fake-Makeup Barbie over here, I noticed she was pointing at the woman who came in with Piper.

"Sex on the beach it is."

Happy to escape from her, I turned toward the liquor shelf and grabbed a cocktail glass and started mixing the drink, and Jace returned to my side with a vengeance. For once I was grateful that the sound level in the club prevented me from hearing things properly. I spent ten years sleeping on top of a power generator, so my right ear had gone half deaf. Since he stood to my right, I was able to avoid his most annoying jibes.

"What?" I asked loudly, turning my left ear toward him as he chuckled.

"I said, it's good to see you interested in someone again."

"Mmm..." The magic words "interested again" came up. It had been six years since Mackenzie left me; four years of pain and anger and I wasn't "interested in someone again." I was a man with hormones, and now and again I got horny. Why did he think I was "interested again?" I changed the subject. "You like being married?"

Measuring the volumes of the vodka and Schnapps carefully, I worked and kept my focus on the drink so I didn't get upset with him. He meant well, but he didn't know what he was talking about.

"It has its ups and downs, man. But it's worth it."

"Yeah, but it's tough right? I mean, I heard you two fighting the other day. That's gotta suck." Turning his prying back on him, I pick up the drink and wait for his response. It'd be rude of me to make a comment like that and then walk away. I knew exactly how that felt--arguing and watching a relationship deteriorate.

"It would suck if Liv didn't have my back. Sure we argue; every couple does. But we work it out, because we are both in this. Both partners in a relationship have to be committed for it to work." He picked up a towel and wiped his hand then nodded at Eye-Lash Barbie who waited for her drink.

My chest tightened and I turned to deliver the drink. She left a ten on the bar and sauntered off with her drink, and I pocketed the cash. He frustrated the hell out of me sometimes, or maybe it was because he just hadn't woken up to realize relationships were pointless. Either way, it was Pandora's box--never to be opened, though he pried at it every day. I walked away the instant I saw the brunette's hand wave.

Leaving Jace to stew over me ignoring him, I approached the far end of the bar. The brunette had an empty cup in hand and a grin on her face. She flagged a few fingers around in the air and waved at me.

"What are you having?" I asked, my usual question for patrons.

"Oh, gosh, that guy over there is buying my drinks now," she said pointing. I glanced over and saw the man she'd been dancing with earlier, then turned back to her.

"So what can I do for you then?"

"How the hell did you get her to do that? I've been trying for years." She laughed and snorted, then thrust her hand out at me. "Annalise."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Cash Keller." Her hand was soft and cool, a little sweaty too, but like her friend, she wasn't throwing herself at me. I respected that. "And I just told her how to not look so socially awkward, her looks did the rest for her."

"Well, you're a friggin' genius." She laughed and snorted again, and I got the feeling she was a little tipsy. The music changed and I watched Piper speak to her dancing partner, then she walked off the dance floor in the direction of the bathroom.

She was hot, hot enough to actually gain my attention, but it was the way that she was so aloof, not hanging all over me that really made me notice her. Desperate women were a total turn off, and it wasn't like I loved the ones who played hard to get, but there was something about her that made me interested.

"Is Piper single?" I asked, planting both my hands on the bar and leaning forward. I'd seen Jace do it a thousand times. It had become a habit for me too.

"Yes, yes she is." Annalise smiled so brightly I thought her teeth would fall out of her head. I had to chuckle at that too.

"How is someone that hot still single?" I whistled and shook my head. I might just get lucky.

Annalise slid onto the barstool in front of her and leaned on the bar with both elbows in a conspiratorial gesture. She even lowered her voice as she said, "I know right! Not only that, but she's super smart. She is a doctor. She just got named chief resident at Hudson Medical."

At the mention of the hospital, I grew even more interested in this woman. Hot, smart, and hitting so close to home. "Really? What's her specialty?" Now it really did feel like a conspiracy, or at least nothing short of a secret.

"Trauma surgery."

"Wow, you don't say." Chief resident of trauma surgery? If what Annalise was saying was correct, Piper would be the doctor to whom I would report when my internship started on Tuesday after this long weekend. That was very interesting, indeed.

" I do say and she never gets out. Do not tell her I told you she is a doctor, she hates it when I do that. She says it is hard enough to meet guys as it is without them being intimidated by her profession."

"Mum's the word." I held a finger in front of my lips as Piper exited the bathroom and returned to her spot next to Annalise.

I backed away, giving them their privacy as I filled a few more orders, but I heard bits of their conversation, choosing to serve people who sat at this end. It was good--kept me far away from Jace and within earshot.

"Thanks for making do this, Anna. I needed it."

"You said only an hour. It's been an hour. You ready to go?" Annalise smirked as another guy walked up to Piper. She turned to speak to him and I didn't hear what he said to her, but she sashayed out onto the dancefloor with him and Annalise winked at me as she, herself, went back to gyrating and grinding to the music.

They stayed a few more hours taking free drinks from men and exhausting themselves in dance moves. Each time Piper's gaze met mine, she batted her eyelashes at me. The more she drank the less socially awkward she seemed. She even licked and bit her bottom lip while looking at me once, which I couldn't lie, I found very hot. I had to avoid Jace too, his prying eyes seemed to notice every flirty interaction. When Annalise returned and requested two waters, I knew their night was finished. I prepared the water and delivered it just as Piper sat down.

I noticed they seemed to be bickering a little, over what I wasn't sure, but I found out as soon as Annalise said, "Piper, I've worked up an appetite. Want to go get some food?"

Piper's head dipped and she glared at Annalise but didn't answer. "Cash, what time do you get off work?"

"Hmmm," I said under my breath. I knew exactly what was going on here. "Uh, now I think. I'm just helping out for a few weeks. It's slowing down. Ace will let me leave, I'm certain, but I can check."

"Anna! I'm sure he's tired and when he gets off he will just go home and sleep." Piper grabbed her friend's arm and tugged it down under the bar and I hid my amusement.

"No, really. I'll go double check." I walked away and as I did I heard more bickering. I didn't really need to check. I knew Jace wouldn't care. But they had a bit to sort out, so I gave them space. Jace was more than ready to hear my request. It was like he was waiting for it all night. "Look, Ace, I'm gonna check out."

"I knew it," he said, gloating. "Go get 'em, tiger."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Screw you."

We bumped fists and I walked away shaking my head. Yeah, he got me this time, but it was just fast sex right? Though, it would be good to get to know Piper outside of this environment and even outside of work, since that was where we'd see each other again. Nothing would ever come of this because me and relationships just weren't ever going to be a thing. Still, if she was open to it, I wouldn't mind tapping that.

"Good to go. Should I drive?" I asked, reaching into my pocket and dangling my keys from my finger. Annalise grinned and nodded but Piper--sweet Piper--sank into her introverted self and looked mortified.

"We'll follow you," Annalise said, hooking her arm through Pipers.

This should be interesting....

Chapter 3

"Annalise! What are you doing?" I jabbed my elbow into her side, embarrassed and a little panicked. She was trying to set me up with him and it wasn't going to work. Clubbing was one thing. I could handle a few hours out of my comfort zone, but this? No.

"What? Nothing." She smirked at me with a cheeky grin and batted her eyelashes. "Maybe if you don't want to do him I do."

"Really?" I asked, deadpanning. She had no interest in this guy. She'd been dancing and flirting with someone else all evening, and when he left with another girl on his arm I was shocked. Still, I didn't believe Annalise was interested in Cash. I wasn't interested--much. I glanced at him and saw him talking to another man at the other end of the bar. He was cute, but I didn't bring guys home--or go to their houses for that matter.

"Yeah, well, he is clearly into you."

I turned back to look at her. She was staring at him too, but she saw something I didn't. That guy wasn't "in" to me. He had given me advice on how to get other guys' attention. Why would he do that if he wanted me? And how did he keep a straight face when I was dancing with them? Annalise frustrated me. I slugged her arm and sighed.

"Brat," I said, resigning myself to the fact that she had instigated this.

"It's just food." Annalise's shoulder bobbed and she nodded and smiled brightly as Cash returned.

"So what are you ladies in the mood for?" He dangled his keys from his finger.

"Pizza," I blurted out. We didn't need to get caught eating something awkward that made me look stupid. Spagetti and salad were the two worst things to eat on a date. Pizza was easy and safe--and fast. I just wanted this over.

"I know just the place. You two might be overdressed, but if it's good food you're looking for--"

"We're in!" Annalise cut in and my self-confidence shriveled a little more.

In minutes we were in his Jeep and darting across town. My head still swam with alcohol right up until we dived into a booth at the pizza joint. The red leather clung to the backs of my thighs as I sat down. Annalise slid in next to me and Cash sat facing us. He opened his menu right away, saving me from awkward eye contact.

"So Cash I haven't seen you around here before." Annalise, of course, had no intention of eating. She didn't even pick up her menu to look at it. She sat with her arms crossed over the table, leaning forward so her boobs were mashed against them.

"Uh, yeah," he said, looking up at her. God his smile was gorgeous, dimpled chin and cheeks. Why was I look at him like he was on the menu? My eyes darted back to the plastic-sheathed cardboard. "I'm helping Ace out at the bar for a few weeks. Just returned from active duty."

"Oh, a marine?" she asked, nudging me.

"Nah, I was army. Never much for boats... What about you?"

So he wasn't just a bartender. I wasn't sure whether that was good or bad. I probably would never date a bartender; not that I thought them beneath me. I just wanted someone who understood medicine and my passion for helping others. I would more than likely end up marrying a doctor or nurse, maybe a pharmacy rep or something.

"I'm a high-school geometry teacher. So sort of like the army." Allie leaned back as the waitress approached and set drinks in front of us, and Cash laughed at her stupid joke. I cringed. What she thought was funny was mortifying to me. Why couldn't I just be relaxed like that?

"What are we havin', folks?" The busty, redheaded waitress held her pen at the ready and Cash rambled off an order for pizza. I wasn't actually hungry, so I ordered a beer and a thing of breadsticks. Annalise just got a beer, and the waitress retreated with the menus.

"So it's your birthday?" He focused his full attention on me and I shrank back against the booth.

"Uh--" I cleared my throat "--technically it was yesterday." I tapped my straw on the table until it popped out of the end of the paper sheath and slid the paper off. Without even thinking, I set the straw in the cup of water and tied the paper into a knot. When it sprang open and tore I smiled.

"God, you still do that?" Annalise snickered and Cash grinned at me when I looked up, embarrassed.

"Uh..." I cleared my throat again, eyes nervously flicking back and forth from Cash to Annalise.

"You do it like this," Cash said. He picked up his straw and tapped it on the table. Little by little he crushed the paper all the way to one end of the straw until it was bunched up like a slinky ready to spill down a set of stairs. Then he slid it off, used the straw to collect one drop of water from his cup, and dropped it on the straw paper lying next to his cup. The paper unfurled like a snake growing.

"You two are exactly alike." Annalise opened her straw like a normal person and had a sip of her water while Cash and I exchanged furtive glances. So maybe he was a little like me, but that didn't mean anything.

"You mean to tell me you don't see your high school students do stuff like this?" Cash asked, now sipping his water.

"That's the point. They're in high school." Annalise snickered again and I felt a little more at ease. Maybe Cash met me at my goofy awkward level, or maybe he was just a dork like me.

Once the ice was broken we fell into a natural conversation about the entire Yellow Springs area, Cash's sister and brother-in-law, who graciously allowed him to stay with them for a while as he settled back into normal, post-army life, and of all things, education reform. Cash was smart--very smart, which I didn't foresee. It made him that much more attractive to me.

We devoured the pizza and breadsticks, and I got another beer after my first one. I had to keep the buzz going or I'd definitely check out and make Annalise regret even knowing me. A bit of alcohol in my system was magic. I was actually enjoying myself. Until Cash offered to give us a ride home.

"No we can Uber--"

"Sure that'd be great." Annalise and I spoke at the same time, and I glared at her.

"What Piper is trying to say is, yes, we'd like a ride." She kicked me under the table and I forced a smile.

"Sure, Cash."

I would have expected a smile or any friendly gesture, but as Annalise stood, Cash only stared at me through veiled eyes, as if I were dessert. I swallowed hard as I scooted out of the booth, thighs sticking to the leather again, and followed them to the Jeep. Once again Annalise made me ride up front, but this time the conversation was less awkward. When he pulled to a stop in front of my half-double I hastily opened the door and stood next to it.

I hoped he was just going to say goodnight, and I could just thank him for the nice evening, but he was already out his door too, rounding the back of the Jeep. He opened the door for Annalise, and she slid out, heading straight for the house while I slowly shut the front door and tugged at the hem of the dress.

"Uh, you don't have to walk us to the door." I wobbled on the heels a little, more so because I was a klutz than too drunk, and Cash put his hand in the small of my back to steady me.

"I don't mind."

I averted my eyes, staring at my feet as we walked up the drive to the front door. Annalise had my spare key out already, jiggling it in the lock. "Uh, I'm just going to..." She fumbled with the lock a bit. I stopped on the step behind her and watched. I could have done it faster, but she seemed to be rushing for some reason.

"Well thank you for a good evening," I told Cash, turning slightly to look him in the eye.

"There, I'll just get off to bed now. Thanks for the pizza..." Before I even turned to see what Annalise was doing, the door was shut and she was gone.

Oh god.

She didn't.

I turned to face him and took a step back. My shoulders pressed against the brick exterior of the house and Cash stepped up onto the porch in front of me.

"Yes, thank you for the pizza." The air was magnetic, sucking him toward me. For all her sneaky scheming, Annalise might have actually gotten this one right. In a split second I took account of the whole night--the way Cash selflessly helped me out of my shell, the free drinks, dinner and good conversation. I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or how his cologne made me swoon, but suddenly I didn't want the night to end.

"It's okay..." He stepped closer. "I had a nice time, Piper." Cash used the tip of his pinky to brush a few hairs out of my eyes. His touch was electric. I crossed my hands behind my back, resting my hips on them as I leaned on the brick.

"You worked most of the time." I looked into his eyes, dazzling baby blues--why didn't I really notice them earlier? My tongue swiped across my lower lip unconsciously, but I felt the chill of the night air on the moisture it left behind. Why was I so bad at this?

"You're cute," he said, standing so close to me I could feel the heat off of his body warming me and that was when I realized it was cold out and I really wanted to be warm.

"Puppies and babies are cute." I could have smacked myself. Why did I say that? Why did I even talk at all? Put me in a lab with blood samples or an ER with a trauma victim and I'd be a well-oiled machine. But this?

"I'm going to kiss you now." Cash leaned in close and I kept my eyes locked on his as he moved in. His hand slid around my hip, his body pressing against mine from shoulders to knees as he brushed his lips lightly over mine. With eyes wide open, like he was hunting me, he bit my bottom lip.

Energy sizzled and popped in my body as a rush of blood to my groin made me feel like my pussy was on fire. He parted his lips, sliding his tongue into my mouth and my eyes fluttered shut. He might have been watching me still, but I was in the moment. I squirmed to get my hands out from behind my back and rested them on his biceps. God was he a good kisser too.

"Should we take this inside?" he asked in a breathy voice, the low rumble of his baritone vibrating my chest.

Judging by that kiss, Cash knew what he was doing. He wasn't just some college frat boy, and I had a few experiences with that sort so I would know. I'd never been with someone who knew what they were doing, someone who'd get me off and not make me do it myself. My body thrummed with energy and arousal. I knew if I sent him away I'd end up self-pleasuring tonight and have to explain to Annalise why I wasted a perfectly good opportunity to get laid.

"I mean, I can go if you want, but I really don't want to." He leaned closer, if that was possible, and whispered into my ear, "I kept thinking of all the things I'd like to do to you all night."

I couldn't tell if he meant things he'd do to me all night, or if he was thinking those things the entire night, and that was exactly why I was always going to be single. I got stuck in my head at the worst times. So, forcing myself out of it, I asked, "What kind of things?"

He nestled his face into the crook of my neck and licked me, starting right at my collar bone and ending at my ear where he nipped my earlobe. "Taste you..."

I shuddered at his hot breath in my ear and at the words he said, and I grabbed two handfuls of his shirt and forced his lips to mine. My pussy was throbbing now, aching for him to do whatever it was he wanted to do with it. I moved toward the door and fumbled up the single step inside as the door swung open--shut but not latched when Annalise scurried off.

Cash had his hands all over me, searching my curves like they were a backroad he'd driven a hundred times. The buttons on his shirt were tricky to navigate while walking backward and kissing him so hard our teeth knocked together, but I managed to get the top few done before he pulled away to tug the shirt over his head.

"Which way to the bedroom?" His hasty question came in one breath before he covered my mouth with his again.

"Mmmm," I mumbled, pulling him down the hallway. I heard his shoes drop, and his hands left my sides again before his belt buckle jingled then hit the ground.

At my bedroom door, he pinned me against the wall, grabbing my right boob and kneading it in his hand. I reached for the knob and opened the door just as Cash tugged the zipper clasp down the back of the dress and yanked it off me. My nipples were hard, both from arousal and the slight chill in the air, and I stood in front of him in just the heel and my thong.

"Fuck..." he grunted. He slid his hand down the side of my body until it rested at the back of my thigh; then he lifted it until my leg was wrapped around his waist. Without any effort at all he picked me up and pinned me against the wall, taking a nipple in his mouth. His tongue swirled around it and he sucked gently as he wrapped his arms around me and carried me into the bedroom, shutting the door with his foot.

"Oh god... Mmmm." I pulled his face against my chest and enjoyed the way his mouth pleasured me, until he dropped me on the bed. I reached for my heel to take it off but he growled.

"Leave them." Cash knelt at the side of the bed and pulled me toward him so hard I fell backward. He spread my legs and bit the inside of my thigh. My pussy clenched, ready to be pleasured. I'd never had oral from a man who knew what the hell he was doing and I was willing to bet Cash did.

First with his thumb then with his tongue he pressed against my clit. I could tell my panties were soaked with moisture. "These are in the way." Cash hooked a finger through the waistband of my thong and pulled them right off, careful to leave my stilettos in place. Then kissed his way up the inside of my leg until his hot breath teased my moisture.

The first time he licked me I thought I might come. I bit my lip to keep from moaning. I'd never been so aroused in my life. When he licked me again, he bit me gently with his teeth. I arched my back and spread my legs wider. Moisture pooled between my legs. My nipples hardened and a tingling sensation raced across my body, from the tip of my toes to the top of my head.

He licked me again, this time gently drawing my clit between his lips. I felt a gush of moisture as he put a finger into me, then another. "Mmm..." God it felt amazing. I couldn't believe how my body reacted to his touch.

Cash thrust Jos fingers into me and rubbed against my g-spot. I gasped and writhed. I wasn't used to men going down on me. He held onto my hip and continued his tongue assault on my clit. I began to rock against him. I could feel the heat building inside of me. I was on the edge.

I arched my back and cried out as my orgasm overtook me. Cash continued to lick me through my orgasm until I shook and shivered. Finally I lay there panting. He kissed my thigh and stood. My eyes were on the bulge in his pants. I wanted to feel it inside of me.

Without speaking, Cash reached into his back pocket and pulled out a couple condoms from his wallet. He pinched one between his teeth and tossed the other one onto the bed while he undid his pants and pushed them down. Oh fuck, he went commando. God, my pussy ached to have him. I couldn't believe how horny I was after just having an orgasm.

He stroked himself and my eyes roamed his body. He was all man--muscular and toned, perfect treasure trail leading to his rock-hard dick, tattooed chest and arm.

Smirking, he rolled the condom onto his dick and struggled a little with it. He was huge, the thing barely fit. I touched myself watching him, waiting patiently, and when it was on, he crawled over me, holding himself up with his arm as he slid the tip of his cock agaisnt my slit.

"Mmmm," I groaned, rocking my hips up to meet him.

"God what I wouldn't do to feel your raw pussy on my dick." He pushed in slightly and I tensed, waiting for the fullness of his girth to enter.

"Ssss," I hissed, sucking in a breath and gripping his biceps as he slowly sank into me.

"Fuuuck," he groaned, his eyes closing as he bottomed out in me.

"Mmmm," I moaned, biting my lip and grinding my hips against him. "God, I want you to make me come again." I couldn't believe how ready I was again so quickly.

"Oh, don't worry about that." Cash slid a hand under me and wrapped his arm around me as he rolled, placing me firmly on top of him in the bed. My tits bounced as he started thrusting. I splayed my hands on his chest for balance and he pushed a thumb agianst my clit. "Make sure you tell me when you're going to go."

"Ahh..." I couldn't speak. The way he filled me was exquisite. It made all three of my previous partners seem like amatures. I rocked my hips forward, grinding my clit against his thumb as it slid around in my juices. "Ohhh," I moaned, my eyes rolling back.

"Yeah, just like that," Cash growled. "You're so wet and tight. God it's amazing." His hands slid up and down my back as his cock thrust in and out of me and my tits bounced. "Fuck, you're so hot."

"Mmmm," I moaned, unable to form coherent words. The way he moved inside me, the way he touched my clit... every sensation was heightened. I lowered my head to his shoulder, my hair falling around me to shield my face from view. I felt another orgasm building low in my pelvic floor, tensing and pulsing up into my groin. "Oh god, I'm close..."

"Say it, say when," he urged me, rubbing my clit faster.

"Shit... now..." I hissed and my pussy clamped down around him.

"That's it," he growled and his cock swelled up inside me, throbbing as I came. His hands grabbed my ass tight and he drove his cock as deep into me as he could. A low guttural grunt rumbled up out of his throat and I collapsed on top of him, sweaty and out of breath.

His hands smoothed across my sweat-slicked skin for a few moments, then he rolled me to the side and pulled out. I lay on my side watching him deal with the condom. He tied it into a knot and put the wrapper and the full sheath into the bin next to my nightstand before climbing back into my bed.

"God, I feel like I can't move. That was incredible..." I yawned and turned away from him as he curled around me.

Cash said nothing as he worked to untangle the hair clinging to my shoulder and neck. His hard body pressed against mine felt good. It made me wonder why I'd focused so hard on only my career and never stopped to consider needing or wanting a man in my life. His stubbled face nestled into the crook of my neck again and he bit down. As he did, he thrust his groin forward and I noticed his cock was hard again. Already? But how.

God this could be a long night.

Chapter 4

The social awkwardness that Piper exhibited at the bar did not in any way translate to this bed, and my god was she hot. I draped myself around her like a glove and slid my hand down between her legs where her moisture still pooled.

"God what are you doing?" she asked, and I could tell she was smiling. It was dark, but I could see her glance over her shoulder with a glint in her eye as she arched her hips back into me. I forced mine forward, grinding my dick against her. I was hard again already and it wasn't because the first orgasm wasn't good enough. She was just that fucking attractive.

"Have you ever had anal, Piper?" I bit the top of her shoulder and she moaned, putting her hand over top of mine as I massaged her.

"No... but you are way too big!" Internally I deflated a little but the way she squirmed under my touch was hot. It made me want to tap her virgin ass so bad.

"Have you ever had anything in your ass?" I rubbed harder, and her fingers clawed at the back of my hand. She wanted it again, and I wanted to give it to her.

"What do you mean?" Her voice was just a whimper, her breathing heavy.

"Finger? Dildo?" It was so tempting to just slide my finger a little lower, push into her there and take it as mine, but I'd never do anything she didn't consent to. So I rubbed her clit a little faster, stirring her up. I felt her hand slide over mine and squeeze, like she was fingering herself while I masturbated her.

"Mmmm... No, I don't think I'd like it." Her hips started rocking in a rhythm against my hand. I bit down on her shoulder again then kissed it. My cock throbbed, screaming to be in her again. I'd never been more turned on in my life.

"Oh but I think you would. It's a different kind of fullness than having a cock in you."

Piper's fingers pulled out of her pussy, drenched in her juices, and she rubbed against het back of my fingers. "Oh fuck that feels so good," she moaned, then slid her fingers back into her pussy. Her hips gyrated, rubbing her ass against my dick. She had no clue how she was stirring me up.

"I'm going to put a finger in your ass, and if you don't like how it feels, tell me."

Her whimpers and moans told me she was close to an orgasm again, frantic to feel that sweet release. She moaned and nodded, then said, "Yeah... okay," but the high pitch of her voice told me she'd rather I finish her right then.

"Get on your knees," I told her, pulling my hand away. Piper obeyed like a good girl, clambering to her knees on the bed while I scrambled for the second condom. It nearly got lost in the mess of comforter and sheets wrinkled by our first encounter. I tore it open and rolled it on, and she moaned. I knew her hand was on her clit now, her hips dipping and rocking still. Just watching her hips in the air was so fucking hot I could nut without penetrating her, but I resisted touching myself.

Instead, I slid a finger into her pussy, swirling it around to coat it in her moisture. Then I smeared it up her crack to the tight ring of muscles I wanted to claim and gently pushed it into her. She moaned into the comforter and I felt her clench around me. "How does it feel?"

"Ohh... mmm.... Different, but good."

"Can you play with your pussy like this and make yourself come?" I slowly thrusted my finger into her ass.

"I think so... yes..."

"Do it then."

I kept fingering her ass as she played with her pussy. As she got more excited, I stroked myself lightly. My finger slid in and out of her as she began making small, whimpering noises. "Good girl," I whispered. "Make yourself come." I felt her muscles tighten around my fingers and she moaned as she rubbed herself into a frenzy.

Watching my finger penetrate her was all I'd get for tonight, but it was enough. I was so worked up I almost put my cock in her pussy, but I wanted to watch her openings pulse as she exploded. Her fingers moved faster, and I kissed her ass cheek. "Good girl..." I growled and that was it.

Piper's body lurched forward, and her holes clamped down. Shit, it was the hottest thing I'd ever seen. "Fuck you are so sexy."

"Fuck, fuck, fuck... Oh god, it's amazing." Her words were mixed with grunts and panting. Her ass tightened around my finger so hard I almost couldn't thrust in, and the instant her body started to calm down, I knew I needed in her.

"I need to fuck you hard, Piper. Is that okay?"

"Ahh...." she sighed, "yes, okay..."

I knew her orgasm wasn't fully over, but I didn't care. I stuck my cock into her pussy and gripped her hips as she continued to pulse and twitch. "God, I want to come again so bad." I squeezed her hips hard and fucked her even harder. Her body wilted, weak from orgasm, and she acted like she wanted to collapse on the bed. "Oh no you don't," I told her, holding her up. The way I squeezed her hips had her cheeks spreading, putting her tight little asshole on display for me.

Piper looked up at me over her shoulder, eyes wide. Her mouth hung open, and she whimpered again. "Oh god, oh god," she moaned, and I knew she was going to come again already. "Oh god..."

"God your asshole is so fucking hot." I brushed my thumb over it, lightly pushing against it and she clamped down on my dick again, milking me. "God, I want to tap your ass one day. Claim it as mine."

Her body exploded into a fit of convulsions which pushed me over the edge. My balls were so tight I couldn't hold on any longer. "Fuck," I grunted and shot ropes of cum into that sleeve wishing I could watch it drip from her flesh when I pulled out.

"Oh my god." Piper collapsed onto the bed while I continued to pump my cock into her. When I was finally done, I pushed her thighs apart to watch her pussy contracting and opening. Each wave of orgasm brought another tiny pulse until she was limp and sprawled face down. I felt spent too, ready to pass out from afterglow.

Yawning, I rolled off the bed and removed the condom, discarding it the same way I had the first, then I climbed back into bed and helped Piper get under the covers. Her body glistened with sweat, her heart hammering as I spooned her with one hand gripping her tit. She said nothing, which was the perfect end to incredible sex. I checked the alarm on my watch to make sure I'd wake up on time and then I fell asleep, but fuck if I didn't dream some amazing things about her all night long.

Chapter 5

Oh my god, that was the most incredible sex I'd ever had and he wasn't even jumping up to leave. I tried to lay perfectly still, let him fall asleep, but my heart was hammering. Annalise had no idea what she was getting me into when she pushed us both toward each other. Though, I felt like she barely had to nudge Cash. The question was, why? I was the most awkward person in the world, and he was ridiculously hot. Every woman in that bar hit on him tonight.

Slowly turning in his embrace, I rolled to my back to look at him. His light snoring was cute. He exhausted himself fucking me and I had all this energy left once the post-orgasmic warmth faded. I didn't have any expectations for Cash--this was just sex--but holy fuck was it incredible. And despite my first impressions of him, he'd shown me over pizza that there was a whole lot about him I didn't know.

His nose wriggled in his sleep and he sighed, then pulled me against his body harder. He was used to sleeping with someone; I could tell by the way he had no issue being in my personal space. But there was no ring on his finger, not even a tan line from where one used to be. I really hoped Annalise didn't get me into bed with a man who was already in a serious relationship; that would suck.

I studied his tattoos, most of them appearing to be military tats of one sort or another. The US Army symbol on his chest confirmed his story that he was ex-military, as if the corded muscles everywhere weren't enough to back that up. And his stubbled, dimpled chin was chiseled too. Everything about this guy was perfect, right down to the way his fingers worked my body and made the magic happen.

I thought about my life, how my father leaving us had driven me, made me a staunchly independent woman. So independent in fact, that I had kept all men at arm's length so I could make sure my career was in place. There was no way in hell I would ever put myself in a position where I was dependent on a man, not after watching my single mother raise me in near poverty. If I couldn't provide for myself, I'd end up that way too.

This thing with Cash might only be a one-night thing, but it had opened my mind to the possibility that it might be time to date. Cash would wake up in the morning, maybe even before I woke up, and be gone out of my life unless I went back to that bar to search for him. But the next guy would come along--hell, I got hit on once a week at work. So maybe it was time to take myself a little less seriously and find someone.

"What are you thinking?" Cash's voice startled me. I was so focused on his tattoos I didn't know he was awake.

"You're still here."

"Yeah... Worn out after that. But I can't stay in the morning. My nephew has a soccer game. I promised I'd take him."

Personal details? I wasn't sure that was a normal thing for one-night stands, but he piqued my interest. "You're close with your family?" I had no nieces or nephews, just me and Mom, and we didn't speak that often anymore. I wanted a family, someday. The clock was ticking too. At thirty I didn't have long to pump a few babies out before my reproductive system decided to hate me.

"Uh, well, my sister Liv and her husband took me in when I came home. Their boy is like a kid to me since I have none of my own." His thumb toyed with my hip bone. I got the feeling there was more to the story, but I didn't pry. I was certain that wasn't a topic for discussion tonight.

"That's good of them."

Cash yawned and snuggled against me. It felt like he was breathing my hair in, like he liked the scent. "Yeah..." His drowsy voice was cute too, and the way he held me felt intimate, not like we'd just had wicked sex and barely knew each other. I liked it a little.

"Mom and Dad don't live around here?" I wasn't trying to pry, but I did wonder why he'd stay with a sibling. If I'd just returned from overseas, I'd be with my mom.

He sighed and blinked a few times and I looked up into his eyes. There was sadness there, scrawled across his wrinkled brow. "They both died a few years ago in that big jetliner crash over the gulf. On their way to vacation."

Shame washed over me that I had asked such a personal question. Cash didn't have to answer that. I felt so horrible. "I'm sorry to hear that." I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. It was time to let him sleep before I put my foot into my mouth again.

"It happens."

I pressed my lips together, trying to think of anything to say but the only thing that came to mind were more questions. "So what time is the game? Need me to set an alarm?" This time I yawned, and I was grateful that my body was starting to feel tired now.

"Nah, I'm an early riser. I'll be up on time." Cash pulled me against his body again and I rolled to my side facing away from him. It was mere seconds later when his light snoring returned, and only a few minutes after that, I joined him in dreamland.

***

The sound of water running awakened me. I pried my eyes open, shielding them from the light streaming in my window. Cash wasn't in bed with me anymore; I sensed the absence of his body next to mine. I turned to my side and propped myself on one elbow. He stood my private bathroom with the door open washing his hands. He was so comfortable with himself, he wasn't even dressed. A proud, limp dick hung between his legs, yet another tattoo on his upper left thigh staring back at me.

He was completely uninhibited and it made me a bit embarrassed that I had so many hang ups. I would never stand around totally naked in the same room with him, not even if we were dating. Maybe after months of dating, but who was I kidding? There was no way this man or any man as hot as him was ever going to actually date me.

"See something you like?" he asked, not even looking at me, and I felt my cheeks burn. Still, I couldn't tear my eyes away from his toned body.

"Sorry my hand soap smells like flowers," I blurted out nervously and he chuckled. God, why did I always embarrass myself by being so weird?

Cash dried his hands on the towel draped over the shower rod and walked back to the bedroom. His muscles flexed as he moved, and it didn't matter from which angle I viewed him he was exquisite. Why did he have to be so damn hot?

"Look," I mumbled as he bent to pick up his jeans, "about last night. It was great, but I'm not really looking for anything right now..."

Half of me shouted at the other half of me. I was looking, just not to have my heart broken by a player. Guys like Cash weren't relationship material. I saw myself with the nerdy lab assistant or the successful professional who just hadn't taken time to find a partner yet. Not a sex god of a man who picked up ladies at a bar. It screamed dangerous with giant red flags everywhere.

"That's okay." He grinned and that unnerved me. As he buttoned his jeans he said, "Maybe we'll see each other around sometime." I watched him find his shirt and belt, which was still lying on the floor outside my door. For a second I thought he would leave without saying goodbye, but he came back in and leaned over me in bed. With all the confidence in the world, like it was the most natural thing he could ever do, he stooped to kiss me. And it wasn't a peck either. His firm lips parted mine and his tongue swirled around in my mouth as I was overcome by the passion he placed behind his goodbye.

Except, he smelled like me--a lot. "Uh," I muttered as he pulled away. I scrunched my nose at him. "You should wash your face too. You smell like pussy." I snickered and he leaned back down to capture my lip between his teeth.

He whispered, "Not a chance. I want to smell your pussy all day."

Then, without any fanfare, no goodbye, and not even a single wave of the hand, he stood and walked out, leaving me breathless. "Ughhhh," I groaned, covering my face with my blanket, but I grinned like an idiot. Cash might just have been that magical moment I read about in love stories, but no chance in hell this Cinderella was ever scoring Prince Charming.

Back to reality...

Chapter 6

I shut the door behind myself as I made a graceful exit. The grin on my face was met with a smirk on the face of Piper's friend, though I forgot her name already. She stood at the kitchen counter stacking pancakes onto a plate as I moved toward the door. "Good morning," I said, nodding at her, and she said nothing, but her expression said a lot. It might have bolstered my ego a little.

By the time I got to the game I was a few minutes late and there was a permanent smile etched on my face. I scanned the field; kick off was over and Leo was on the field running around with his teammates. Games for kids his age were more like a bumble bee hoard swarming around a single flower than an actual soccer game but he was proud to wear the school uniform, and I was proud ot watch him play.

"There you are!" Liv waved at me from the bleachers and I waved back. I climbed up the steps and she scooted over as I approached. "He was upset you didn't pick him up. They already scored two goals."

I sat down and patted her knee. "Sorry, I got caught up in something. I'll make it up to him later." Still the damn grin stayed plastered to my face and she nudged me with her shoulder.

"In something? Or someone? What's that grin about?" She turned to watch the game and I had no response for her. Leo had the ball so that was a good distraction to her prying.

"Go Leo!" I cheered, hands cupping my mouth. He dribbled in between two of the opposing team's players and kicked it toward the goal, but the goalie captured it. "Darn, he was so close."

Liv didn't ask any more about why I was so happy, so I relaxed into the game and hollered at the players to encourage them. Their tiny legs were all but completely covered by the shin gaurds. It reminded me of some of the gear I had to wear out in the field. Part of that was bittersweet, that my military life was over. But part of it was relieving. Having roots and being around family like Liv, Ace, and Leo meant something to me.

At halftime, Liv finally took her attention off the field and angled her body toward mine. "So are you excited to start the residency?" Her bright blue eyes glimmered with emotion. I knew she was proud of her big brother taking a new course in life. It had been her idea to try something new when Sara left me. She said it would help me regulate my emotions by getting a new routine. I hoped it worked as well as she believed it would.

"Yeah, I'm actually really excited about it." And excited to see the look on Piper's face when I walked in tomorrow morning and she saw me. I told myself it was because it would come as a shock to her while I knew the whole thing, but if I were honest with myself, I knew I kinda wanted to see her again. That woman was like cocaine--one hit and I was addicted. How else would I tap that ass if I didn't see her again?

"It's a huge step for you. You can transition what you learned in the service to make a career out of it. And no college debt." She readjusted her ponytail and winked at me. "And you get to live around here close to family. Leo loves that part."

"Not sure he's going to love the part where I move into my own apartment though." I couldn't live with them forever.

"Yeah, next weekend is going to suck." She chuckled. "Mostly because I have to help you move your crap."

"Can't wait to get rid of me then?"

"You know I love you." She nodded at the field where the boys were taking position again, and I let the conversation fade. We cheered and rooted for the team who inevitably won the game and when it was over, Liv rushed off to offer snacks and drinks to the boys.

I ambled across the field to where Jace stood with a few other dads talking. They excused themselves and Ace said, "So... how'd last night go?" He cheesed like a fool and I kicked a tuft of grass and chuckled.

"I don't kiss and tell."

"Since when?" he asked, giving me a light shove. I followed him to the bench where he collected his clipboard and whistle. The kids were just out of earshot so I decided to let him in on the secret.

"She was incredible, man. Sexy, adventurous and by far the hottest woman I've met in a while."

"That wilting flower? The one you had to coach onto the dance floor? Or her friend..." Jace strung the whistle around his neck and snickered.

"You know that woman wasn't my type." I shook my head. Piper's friend was pretty, but had it not been for her wanting to set me up with Piper, she'd have been drooling over me too. Probably was at some point anyway.

"Well, I'm just glad to see you interested in someone again. It's been a long time."

Leo raced up with his juice box and snack cake in hand and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Cash, you came. I thought you weren't coming."

"Hey, buddy." I squeezed him back and pulled his chin up so he would look at me. "No way I'd miss this. I was just a minute late."

"Did you see my goal? I kicked it right in." Leo was so proud of himself and I couldn't help but catch the feeling.

"You were amazing. I think there was a girl in the stands talking about you. She couldn't say enough about how incredible you are. She was pretty cute too." I ruffled his hair and he let me go.

"A girl? Was it Becca Summers?" He blushed and I shook my head.

"I don't know her name but she thougth you were the best player on the field."

"Stop picking on him," Liv said, chastising me. "He's talking about me, baby. Go eat your snack with your friends."

"Cash!" Leo drawled out. "Not funny." He rolled his eyes and walked away and part of me left with him. He felt like my own little guy and I loved hanging with him. Part of me felt like that was as close as I would get to having a kid of my own because balancing a career and a serious relationship was clearly not my strength.

"Plans later?" Liv asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Uh... just prep stuff for tomorrow."

"Dinner then? My treat." She held up her pocketbook and I nodded.

"Sure."

Things would get intense as soon as the residency started, and I looked forward to enjoying one more night with the family before my life was consumed with work again. Then, on to bigger and better things--alone.

I didn't like that last part too much.

Chapter 7

I relieved my bladder and threw on a t-shirt and panties, and before I even found a pair of shorts to put on, Annalise was in my room with a stack of pancakes the size of Mt Everest. "Dish!" she announced happily as she plopped on the foot of my bed and thrust the pancakes out toward me.

"God, I'm barely awake." I slunk back to bed and took the plate. I wasn't much for breakfast usually, but between the drinking and the workout I got last night my stomach growled for sustenance.

"Don't care. How was it?" She turned on the bed and crossed her legs, leaning in for the juicy details.

I felt a grin stretching across my face as I recounted every single second of the night. Cash was incredible in every way. Not only was the sex amazing but he was. The way he treated me, talked to me, held me, and then the way he left me speechless when he said goodbye.

"Uh, it was alright." I used the fork to carefully cut a bite of syrup-slathered pancakes and Annalise cast me a glare.

"Liar. You realize I heard half of that sex before I put my headphones on and drown you out, right?"

I blanched at the thought of my best friend hearing my every sound. "You did?" I swallowed the pancakes and licked my lips.

"Yes, I did, now dish." She crossed her arms over her chest and her smirk returned. It made sense that she heard us coming in. The guest bedroom was off the hallway to the right of the kitchen, while my bedroom was to the left of the open-concept living room. But unless she was standing outside my door, she'd never have heard the actual sex.

"Were you trying to listen?" I laughed at her and she shrugged.

"Wanted to make sure you actually followed through." Annalise winked and said, "Dish already."

I grunted and set the plate down on my comforter. "So obviously it was incredible. Cash knew what he was doing and just took charge."

"Eeeeek! I knew it." She clapped her hands and bounced, jostling the fork off the plate onto the bed. "Oh, god sorry." She picked it up hastily and held it out to me.

"That's okay. After last night the bedding needs washed anyway." I took the fork with a grin and had another bite.

"So... like? Is he a good kisser? Did he make you come?"

I felt like I was divulging the details of losing my virginity all over again. We were way too old for this. "Uh, yes, like three or four times. And god is he a good kisser..." I peered at her through my lashes. "Good at oral too."

"Oh god!" Annalise shook her head. "Nasty girl. I bet you ten bucks he's going to tell all his friends how amazing you were too."

I thought about the man at the bar. Cash said it was his brother-in-law. I wondered if he told the man yet, about me and our night. If Cash was the kiss and tell type. Then I thought of his nephew and the soccer game and wondered if he made it on time.

"Yes, well that's over. I need to focus on my new job now." I took another bite of pancakes and moaned talking while I chewed. "These are delicious, Anna."

"You're going to get his number, right? I mean, you can go to that bar and see him again." She stared at me as I shoveled another bite of pancakes into my mouth to avoid talking to her.

There is no way in hell I was going to get his number. Last night was so perfect, if I tried to make something of it, rekindle that magic, it would only leave me feeling disillusioned. No man was that perfect; it was just a mirage. But the memory of that perfection--that I could relive day in and day out for eternity.

"You know, I have a huge day ahead tomorrow. I can't decide what I'm going to wear." I set the fork on the half-empty plate and climbed out of bed, struggling to my closet. I heard the fork clink on the plate and knew she was picking up where I left off with the food, and I opened the door and pulled out the few outfits I had narrowed it down to.

"Why is the first day any different than any other day? Just wear something nice." The way she spoke with food in her mouth was totally Annalise. She was unabashedly herself at all times.

"I want to make a good first impression. People are influenced by what you wear and they remember things like that." I held up the red pantsuit with black buttons and weighed it against the cream slacks and silk blouse. I'd be wearing a lab coat and some sensible shoes, but I didn't know what I wanted underneath. Did I want to make a bold statement or just come across as laid back?

"Cream says you're safe. So that could be good." She waved the fork in the air as she spoke. "But red says you're a boss and you're confident in your position of authority. That's a great first impression. Plus your ass looks good in the pants." The fork plunged into what was left of the pancakes but I still didn't know.

I juggled the outfits, grabbing one more--a pair of light blue slacks with a yellow top. I looked great in yellow, so I thought it was a good ensemble, but Annalise turned her nose up. "I say red, woman. Last night you took a huge step toward coming out of that weird hole you buried yourself in years ago. Don't climb back in on account of a job."

She was right and I hated that she was. Burying myself in work had led to frumpy outfits, lots of ponytails, glasses that didn't exactly complement my bone structure, and too many late nights going over notes. If I did want to find a guy--more my type than the hot bartender--I needed to put myself out there more. The red pants really did make my butt look good.

"Fine, red..." I hung both of the other outfits up and shut the door, carrying the red pantsuit to the bathroom where I hung it on the hook next to my house coat. "But I refuse to wear heels."

"Just no sneakers," she chided.

Annalise and I spent the rest of the day hanging out and she helped me prepare for everything I could imagine needing as chief resident. After dinner I dropped her at the airport in a teary goodbye with a promise to visit her soon, and she went back to life in Chicago where high-school students were the bane of her existence.

I came home to a slightly mess and empty half-double and it didn't feel right. It wasn't because Cash had spent the night with me; it was because something inside of me had changed and I realized I didn't like being alone as much as I told everyone. Having someone with me for a few days made me realize how much I missed my mom and having someone to talk to over breakfast and dinner. It made part of my heart really wish I had a partner. Only time would tell if Mr. Right would show his face, and I wasn't holding my breath.

I sulked to the bathroom and stripped off, turning the hot water on in the shower. When the glass was steamed and my hair was brushed, I stepped into the flow. Thinking of how much I actually wanted to date a nice man made me think of Cash again. He knew what he was doing, and that only happened when someone was experienced. I wondered if I was just a notch in his belt because he played the field, or if there was something more.

My hair drenched I stepped out of the water long enough to suds up, then returned to the welcome warmth to rinse off. Cash was a mystery to me, but the way he could make me feel was not. I'd never forget the way his fingers felt sliding into me, his dick either for that matter. And how he disarmed me, had me eating out of his hand for Christ's sake. He opened me like a morning glory at dawn, had me doing things I'd never thought I'd ever do.

As I thought about him, my hand snaked lower on my body, following the flow of water across my chest to my mound. I touched myself lightly, remembering the way his lips pinched my sensitive nub and sent shockwaves through me. I pinched myself gently, closing my eyes to picture his mouth there, and the same shockwave jolted across my skin.

I remembered the way he fucked me, the way he held me in his arms when we were done. It was as if I could feel his long fingers on my back, drawing me closer as I leaned into him, my body begging for his touch.

I slid my finger in farther and began to work my clit, imagining the way his cock would fill me. I didn't care that it was just wet fingers and a shower anymore. I wanted him to be there, wanted to feel his pulsing cock fill my aching pussy. I wanted to feel him push in as my pussy spasmed around him, as I cried out for more. My mind was flooded with images of Cash and I frantically chased them away, focusing on the feeling of my finger in my pussy. I was spent. It didn't take much to remember the feel of his body against mine, the way he'd held me, the way he'd kissed me.

I slipped a second finger in, and groaned. I remembered the way he'd fucked me two fingers deep, pushing up into my ass like that. I remembered the way my body had reacted to that, how I'd begged him for more. My hips moved against him and he growled out how amazing I was. I remembered the way my hands had gripped his shoulders, digging my nails into his skin.

I moved my fingers faster, my other hand pinching my nipples as I remembered him pinching me. He'd squeezed and I'd whimpered, begging him for more. Cash had been perfect. Perfect enough to send my body deep into an orgasm hours after he was gone, my fingers plunging into my pussy, the heel of my palm rubbing my clit.

"Fuck..." I panted, nearly collapsing as I came. I gripped the shower wall as my body shook with pleasure, my pussy spasming around my fingers. I groaned as the orgasm faded away, leaving my body weak and shaking. Moviing my hand back to my pussy, I rubbed my clit gently, trying to prolong the afterglow.

After I rinsed myself clean, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in a towel. I walked to my bed and flopped down on it. Eventually I would get Cash out of my system and go back to being boring Piper again, but as long as the memory was this vivid I would enjoy it. I just had to keep my mind off him tomorrow morning because it was a huge day and I needed to focus. For now, I'd ride the wave of relaxation until I was sleeping peacefully, hopefully dreaming of naughty things.

Chapter 8

Tuesday morning I showed up early, ready to take on the world. But mostly I showed up early because I couldn't wait to see the look on Piper's face when she recognized me and realized she'd fucked one of her students. The thought made me chuckle to myself. I wasn't a sadist or anything, just a little spoon-shaped--I liked to stir the pot at times. But I also liked her too, which was why I'd already planned to talk it out in a calm manner after the fact when she was upset with her friend for letting me in on the secret about her job.

Parked in the second row, I backed into the space and shut off my Jeep so I could watch as people filed into the front doors. I had no clue who would be in the rotation with me other than Piper, but I took time people watching, analyzing each one and imagining their purpose for coming to the hospital today. I saw a stout man with a lab coat and stethoscope, but he looked too old to be in a residency--then again, I probably looked too old to be in a residency too. Most new doctors did this in their twenties, not at thirty-six after a fifteen-year stint in the service.

A spindly woman with a brisk stride headed toward the door next. Her black hair swayed across the back of her shoulders, and I noticed the curves in her calves with each step. The lab coat she wore masked her features, but I could still make out the curve of her hips. She was cute, but not my type--her shoulders were squared a little too much. And the way she carried her leatherbound portfolio said "power and reputation" not "I'm here to help."

I sat there for nearly twenty minutes before a small red sedan pulled into the parking lot. I'd recognize those chestnut waves anywhere. Piper drove right past where I was parked and didn't even look up at me. The advantages of people watching I supposed. She wore a pair of thick-framed black glasses. They made her look smart--and just as awkward as she came across in the club. It made my cock tingle a little seeing them perched on her nose. And then she was gone as her car vanished down another row.

Waiting, I readjusted my dick in my pants as it swelled a little. She'd really gotten under my skin, or maybe it was the idea of her wearing those glasses while I claimed her virgin asshole. Both seemed a reasonable excuse as to why my cock was throbbing and begging for release--even after I self-pleasured this morning just to ensure this didn't happen at the first sight of her. It was a good thing I did come early to watch her. I needed to adjust myself to the reality that I had to work with her now, which meant controlling my urges and focusing on medicine. That would be difficult.

When she walked past where I was parked, her nose was buried in her phone. She wore a red pantsuit and had her hair down around her shoulders. A large, black leather messenger bag hung from her shoulder, and damn her ass in those slacks did not say "I'm a professional" at all. It screamed, "Come tap me, Cash. I want it." Again, I had to readjust my cock because as it hardened to full mast it squeezed my nuts in the slacks I wore, pinching and causing a bit of discomfort.

I climbed out of the Jeep and grabbed my satchel. Slinging it across my chest, I grabbed my lab coat and donned it, hoping to mask the bulge in my pants as I headed in. I locked up and as I moved toward the door, careful to keep a distance from her, I thought about anything and everything that would make my cock go limp--remembering walking in on my parents having sex, the time Mom caught me beating off, and Sara... Yep, that did it. Even the faintest thought of my ex was enough to deflate me for hours.

The ding of the elevator indicated there was space in the carriage, but I stayed just out of sight as the doors inched shut. The hospital made it easy to follow someone and stay hidden with the ridiculous indoor palms and ferns. They were there for aesthetics, but they also made good camo, specially for someone trained in military tactics. Piper had no clue I was here or that I was following her, which was exactly the way I wanted it.

I grabbed the next elevator up to the third floor and made sure she wasn't in sight as I stepped through the door. I was here one day last week to receive my orientation packet and lab coat, but if I had seen Piper then, I didn't remember. Hell, if I didn't know she was my boss when I fucked her the other night, I'd have never recognized the woman in the red pantsuit with the glasses as being the same woman in the neon dress from the club.

A group of people hovered around the entrance to the conference room where we would receive instruction and assignments. I moved that direction to join them. There were seven in all, including me. Three guys and four gals. I could tell instantly one of the guys was the average genius; his hair, glasses, and attire were literally stereotype. I wouldn't have been surprised to find out he was gay too. Guys with that much fashion sense usually were. Good on him.

I nodded as a cute blonde grinned at me when I approached. "Are you an intern too?" she asked. Her voice was a bit nasally, but not altogether annoying.

"That I am." I could tell already this one would be trouble. The way her eyelashes batted at me you'd have thought I was a king getting fanned with palm leaves. "Cash Keller," I told her, thrusting my hand out.

"Kira Holder." Her hand slipped into mine, limp and weak. She probably expected me to swoon and kiss the back of her hand but it wasn't going to happen. I was here to work and learn, not to hook up. I shook her hand and smiled, and when she pulled back she looked a little miffed.

"Tony Rivero," one of the guys said, offering his hand. "Nice to meet you Cash. Is that your real name?"

"I get that a lot. Yeah, name assigned at birth." I chuckled and shook his hand, adding, "You'd be amazed at all the Johnny Cash jokes I've heard over the years."

We fell into a natural conversation, each of the interns introducing themselves. I seriously misjudged Shana, the tall woman with black hair I'd seen entering the hospital earlier. Her appearance did not match her personality, and I was surprised to know at thirty, she had returned to school to get into medicine after being a teacher for a few years and learning she'd rather help those suffering. I was impressed.

I was also on edge, even as Kira continued to bat her eyelashes, laugh at every joke I cracked, and hang off every word I said. The attention was definitely nice, but I refused to get swept up in it. Not only did I really want to focus on work, but I wasn't about to miss the look on Piper's face when she walked in.

A janitor walked past and unlocked the door for us, and we filed into the room. Everyone took their seat, along with me. I sat on the end of the table with my back to the door, where Piper's eyes would eventually land after viewing every other face. Unburdening myself from my bag, I leaned back in the chair and waited, tipping and rocking the seat with nervous anticipation.

When the door swung open, I heard the whine of the hinges before I heard her voice. "Good morning everyone." I could tell she was smiling as she spoke. This had to be a huge day for her, promoted to the position less than seventy-two hours ago. She was most likely feeling chuffed and ready to take on the world.

Until I turned, and her eyes met mine.

"Hey, Doc." I grinned at her and winked and her face blanched, all the color draining as her bottom lip fell, her mouth hanging open slightly. Her eyebrows rose and it appeared she held her breath. The moment was priceless. All I could do was grin at her and bounce the springs on the chair as I rocked backward. "Good morning."

Chapter 9

As I parked and walked toward the hospital, my phone went off. I was used to the alert, a notification sound I set particularly for my boss, Dr. Jones, so I'd know when it was personal and when work needed me. In this case, Jones wanted me to meet him for a pep talk before my first day. I was a bit jittery anyway, second guessing everything from my hairdo to my outfit and even my decision to practice medicine. As chief resident the pressure was on.

I clipped my phone to my hip in the phone holder and shifted my messenger bag containing my laptop on my hip and headed straight for the elevators. One of my biggest pet peeves was being late. Time is the only commodity that can never be given back, so to waste someone's time was to take precious seconds of their life they never get to live over. I made it my primary goal in life to never waste time, at least when it pertained to work.

Dr. Jones was waiting on me when I got off the elevator on the second floor. He had a coffee in hand sipping it, and a bright smile on his face. "How is our all-star today?" His balding head reflected the light overhead and his combover did little to disguise it.

"I'm good." I gripped the strap of my bag and tried to relieve the pressure on my shoulder as it dug into my flesh. Today was the only day I had to worry about crating this thing around. After today I'd have it locked in my desk and I could leave it here round the clock. "Got a big day planned." I glanced at the clock. I still had ten minutes to get to the conference room.

"Good, good," he drawled, sipping his coffee. "I'm really proud of you for being nominated for this position. You know it's not just about how smart you are. The board and even the doctors on staff chose you almost unanimously because of your drive and your compassion. I think you will be an excellent example for our new residents."

"They're not exactly new. This is year four for some of them; they're coming out of surgery residency, you know."

"Ah, but stepping up to trauma surgery is a huge thing, and you've been the leader of the pack, Dr. Ellis. Keep that in mind as you guide them through things here." He tipped his coffee cup my direction. "Oh, I have your roster ready. I had Sheila send it to your email. We had a few changes at the last minute, so I apologize that you didn't have this last Friday."

A nurse walked past and smiled at us. I shifted the heavy bag again and nodded at him. "That's okay. It doesn't matter who is in my rotation. They're all hear to work and learn, right?" I was eager to see the list though, because I knew the fresh meat coming up from surgery and I wanted to make sure I didn't get paired with Jerry Manns. That man had hit on me more times than I could count, and it would be far too awkward for me to be his boss.

"Good, well you get down to your group. Check in with me if you have any questions or concerns. I can't wait to see you in action."

"Thanks, Dr. Jones." I ducked back into the elevator and pulled my phone from my hip. There was no service in the carriage, but as the bell dinged and the doors opened on the third floor, my phone lit up, checking for email.

My Clarks squeaked on the floor as I headed toward the conference room just down the hallway. I could hear voices and laughter, and I was glad the group was already getting along in a lighthearted way. It was so much better when colleagues clicked and kept drama out of the mix. I opened the door, face buried in my phone as I thumbed through the freshly downloaded emails. The room grew silent and I said, "Good morning everyone." My thumb flicked across the screen and I saw the email from Sheila, so I opened it.

"Hey, Doc," a distinctly familiar voice said, and my blood ran cold. I felt my heartbeat go from anxiously expectant to death-ready racing in a split second as I looked up into the bluest, most piercing eyes I'd seen in twenty-four hours. I swallowed hard and felt the color drain from my face before my cheeks got very hot, very quickly. "Good morning."

Cash?

What the fuck?

I froze, staring at his ruggedly handsome face as ghost sensations of his hands doing what they did to me fluttered across my skin making goosebumps spread like wildfire on my skin. I licked my lips, blinking a few times to make sure I was seeing and hearing correctly, then in a moment of panic, looked back to my phone. There at the top of the list was his name: Cash Keller, fourth year resident. But what the heck qualified him and why my rotation?

"You okay, doc?"

Another voice had my head turning back up. A black-haired woman I recognized from surgery a few years back looked concerned. Her brow was furrowed and her head tilted slightly. Cash sat there grinning at me like an utter fool and I still had no words. This was totally unprofessional of me. So why was I frozen?

"I, uh..." Clearing my throat, I forced myself to look away from his dazzling dimple and stared into the eyes of a perky blonde. Her hair--tied back in a ponytail--swayed as she adjusted herself in her chair. Her tits were so big they bulged out the front of her top and parted her lab coat in an exaggerated manner. It was enough to snap me out of it, and I shut the door behind me before standing behind my desk.

"My name is Dr. Ellis. I'm chief resident in charge of your rotation." The words came slowly. I had to force my brain to focus and sling sentences together. The hair on the back of my neck still stood on end, and Cash continued to beam his pearly whites at me. "I'm seventh year here; this is my second year in trauma. I chose it because I saw a need for trauma surgeons in this area and I intend to make Hudson my home permanently. I'd like each of you to introduce yourself and tell me why you selected trauma surgery as your specialty."

I sat down before my wobbly legs gave me away, and one by one they introduced themselves. Shana--ex elementary teacher who chose to pursue a license to practice medicine when she realized teaching wasn't her thing. Kip--always wanted to be a surgeon and after a sting in the ER rotation decided trauma was more exciting. Kira--a. k. a. Barbie doll--Tony, Becky, and Kelly all decidedly trauma qualified by their fast thinking, ability under pressure, and desire to be boots on the ground in saving lives as a first responder. I couldn't discount any of those reasons.

My attention turned on Cash, who had been listening intently but holding his peace. I didn't know if he chose to go last on purpose, or if he was pretending to be the silent type. Based on our interaction the other night, he definitely wasn't the silent type outside of work. My heart fluttered as he cleared his throat and began his introduction.

"Name's Captain Cash Keller, United States Army combat medic. Got all my schooling through the Corps and spent eleven years in the field doing the work. Fifteen years total until I decided to come home where my family was." He cleared his throat and a stormy look came over him as he took a deep breath. I noticed the blonde--Kira--hung on his every word, just like those women at the bar. Then just as quickly, it was gone and he said, "I chose trauma surgery because it most closely resembles what I did in the field and my qualifications place me here with only the need for the final few years of residency before being licensed. I hope I can save a few lives."

Oh my god, Cash really was perfect. I knew when seated across from him at that tiny pizza dive that there was more than met the eye, but this? My heart was literally swooning and so was my pussy, but for fuck's sake why now? Why my residency? Why him? My stomach was in knots just hearing him speak. Annalise would be squealing her little heart out and I was stuck wrestling with the major impropriety of what had already happened between me and Cash.

"Thank you, doctors, for those introductions." I had to focus. I pinched my own leg hard to stay fixed on the agenda, rattling off the schedule for them, lectures, procedures, hours and admin duties. It took everything I had not to stare at him and let my hormones take control. I could have sworn I smelled his cologne even from ten feet away, but I told myself it was my mind playing tricks on me.

I continued talking, but the stubble on his face reminded me of how he smelled like my juices when he kissed me goodbye. I wondered how long he'd walked around smelling like that... if he liked it. It made my breath hitch and I fumbled over my words a little, which drew a chuckle from the group but I covered it up with a cough.

"And lastly," I said, realizing this was going to be sheer torture for months, "I'll have a second year intern give you the tour of the place so you can get a feel for your surroundings. When he's finished you will return here for our first lecture. Probably around one o'clock." I glanced at the door to see my intern waiting and motioned for him to come in. "This is Guy. He'll show you around. Remember not to be late. One p. m. folks." I stood and walked to the end of my desk and waited as they filed out one by one, following Guy into the hallway. Cash lingered, waiting until everyone else was headed out the door before he walked past me.

His scent wafted up to my nostrils and I breathed him in deeply. And when his arm brushed mine and I heard him say, "Later, Piper," I could have melted into a puddle on the floor right there. My skin was set on fire. I barely made it back to my chair before I collapsed on weak knees again. This was the strangest coincidence of my life.

Did he know? But then, if he'd have known he would report to me, it would have meant Annalise had told him I was chief resident of trauma surgery. She'd never have done that because I specifically asked her not to tell people what I did for a living. Not his had to be just a freak thing. Neither of us knew this was going to happen, and we would just have to navigate it like professionals.

So why was he grinning the entire time?

Chapter 10

We followed Guy around for the majority of the day, and as we did I mentally mapped every single square inch of this place. My military training was put to good use. Knowing my surroundings, where to find supplies, patients, and personnel was essential to success, especially in the field. He showed us the operating theaters where the magic happened.

It didn't make sense to me to have such a massive trauma unit boasting six beds--the largest in the region--and having the theaters on the fifth floor. When a life is at stake, time is essential. I'd have thought the people who planned this out would have more brains than to make a bleeding patient wait for an elevator, then ride up five stories to the operating rooms. I had to remind myself that this wasn't the army, and I was no longer Captain Keller. I was just Cash, the trauma surgery resident learning the ropes from the bottom up. Still, if they reorganized things a little bit, they'd have an even better department with higher stats on saving lives.

"What are you thinking?" Kira asked me, shouldering in as Guy droned on about the nurses in the trauma unit and how dedicated they were. Had he been speaking about anything more important I'd never have engaged in conversation, but I was bored.

"Nothing." I breathed in deep and smelled her flowery perfume. It was nice, but not nice like the scent of Piper's pussy on my stubble all day yesterday. I only showered to remove the stench of sweat after having run around the soccer field with Leo for an hour after his game. Otherwise, I'd have left that smell on me as long as I could stand not feeling clean.

"That guy is so boring," she whined and leaned against me. Her "that guy" jokes, making a play on words because of his name, were starting to get old. And so was her need to touch me. Any other day I might have took her out back at lunch and bent her over the hood of my Jeep for a good time, but in my opinion, that was all she was good for. Women who threw themselves at me like this were not on my radar.

Piper, however, aloof, awkward, sexy as hell, was totally on my radar. In fact, she was the only thing I saw on the screen. "Yeah."

"Hey, do you want to grab lunch after this? He said we'd have a thirty-minute break before we have to be at the conference room at one." She walked her fingers up my arm and smiled as she hooked her hand in the crook of my elbow. I politely removed her hand and sighed.

"He's watching," I told her nodding at Guy. I lied. He wasn't watching, but it got her attention and she squared her shoulders just as he glanced at us. Kira was pretty, but her desperate personality ruined it. She was probably one of those women who found the attractive doctors irresistible and when she realized they had warts like everyone else, she dumped them. Why else was a woman like her single?

Besides, Piper's complete ineptitude at gaining the attention of men just had me hooked. She had no clue what an amazing catch she was. Not at all like Barbie here, who knew she was pretty and flaunted it with a low-cut top.

"So? Lunch?" She stared at Guy as he shifted the topic to the supplies and where the supply close was. We followed him down the hall slowly.

"Is anyone else coming?" I asked, not sure I'd say yes even if everyone was there.

"Nope. Three's a crowd, don't you think?" Kira stood a little too close for a little too long. I raised my hand as if I had a question.

"Yes, Cash," Guy said, pointing at me.

"Can you tell me why the sutures and other first-aid supplies aren't next to each other? And why do you have pulse oximeters beside the video laryngoscope? Seems like this is all very disorganized." My question made Gus look puckish and he fumbled around with a long-winded answer indicating that he had no clue. Then he dismissed us for lunch.

"That was genius," Kira giggled hooking her arm around mine again. "You're so funny, Cash."

"Thanks?" I started to walk away and she clung to my side. I figured there was only a slight chance of Piper being in the conference room over lunch, so instead, I headed toward the front where my lunch was safely tucked away in my Jeep. "I, uh... I'm going to eat lunch alone today, but maybe later on we can eat lunch with the group."

I wasn't the best at letting girls down easy. Most of the time I had to shut them down rudely, but that wasn't an option here. I had to work with Kira for at least a year, so this was a delicate situation. I was trying to squirm out of her grasp when Piper rounded the corner. Her eyes met mine, then looked to where Kira was clawing at my bicep. If I wasn't mistaken, there was a flash of jealousy in her eyes, then she smiled, nodded and walked past.

"Next time then," Kira mewled before walking away, and I skulked to my Jeep and buried my frustration in a hand sandwich on rye.

I ate my lunch in peace and made my way back into the hospital, finding my spot at the head of the table taken by Shana. The only spot open at the table was next to Kira, so I sank into the chair with a fair amount of irritation. Piper stood behind her desk wearing a nervous expression. I loved the way the suit she wore fit her. I doubted I'd get to see her dolled up like this very often because we would spend the majority of our time in scrubs and lab coats, so I soaked in the view. She was even sexier fully clothed and looking like the badass doctor she was than in that dress. And that was incredibly sexy.

She went over hospital policies on attendance, sick days, vacations, rounds, and even clock in and out procedures. She covered how to find a sub for things when we missed, how to do our paperwork, and even how to address patients' concerns. And when she got to the part about the hospital non-fraternization policy I was all ears.

"So the final thing we need to go over today is our non-frat policy." She looked me directly in the eye for a split second but it didn't get past me. I knew she was indicating that I needed to listen and heed her warning. It was a warning well taken but somewhat ignored by my brain. "Residents are discouraged from dating doctors, administrators, and other hospital staff. It is in bad taste and can lead to mistakes, lack of good judgment, and improper behavior during work hours. This includes time on the clock as well as off duty and even off the hospital campus."

"She didn't say anything about residents dating residents," Kira whispered in my ear, her mouth so close to me I could feel her lip brush against my skin. It sent a chill down my spine as I watched Piper struggle to not look at me. She wanted me; I could see that glimmer of disappointment in her eyes as she finished her lecture. It physically pained her to announce the policy, likely because I'd gotten under her skin the way she had mine.

While I would have liked to think I could be completely professional and keep the rules, some rules were made to be broken, and it was only a matter of time before my fantasy came true. Maybe that was half of Piper's reason for avoiding me when the lecture was over and we headed out to meet the few patients under her care currently. She knew as well as I did that there was some insane magnetism happening between us and that we'd never be able to follow that rule.

Not a chance...